December 2013
Luncheon Speakers Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon meetings are held at the Port Townsend Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St., at noon each Monday, federal holidays excluded. Everyone is welcome!
Dec. 2 - Erin Fristad, Marc Gordon
Goddard College leaders tell us what Goddard College offers the Port Townsend community and explain the school’s philosophy of education. Sponsor Wave
Broadband
Our congressman from the 6th District gives an update on his first term in office and the issues facing our district and our nation.
Dec.16 - Rich Stewart
The Chimacum School District Superintendent reviews what’s going on in the Chimacum School District and the direction for the future. Sponsor Uptown Nutrition
No Meeting – Have a happy holiday season!
Ready to help you succeed in 2014!
Dominic Svornich
Dec. 9 - Rep. Derek Kilmer
December 23 & 30
2013 ANNUAL REPORT
By Teresa Verraes In an expanded effort to keep our finger on the pulse of countywide business this last year, we hosted a series of round table conversations that engaged our members in talking about the challenges and opportunities their businesses face each day. These conversations not only help us focus on new content for our newsletter, select speakers for our lunch forum and rethink our offerings, but they help us see that one of our greatest challenges is sharing all of the “magic” that’s going on behind the scenes of the Chamber. This was a real “ah ha” moment! One of the most frequently asked questions we get about the Chamber…“What can the Chamber do for my business and me?” Well, here are a few highlights from 2013 that may help you answer that question for yourself! Collaboration: The
Chamber is a hub of conversation between community stakeholders. We are actively exploring LEAN practices and have partnered with Jefferson Healthcare, Team Jefferson, Jefferson County Community Foundation and Citizen of the Year nominee Earll Murman to introduce individual businesses and organizations to these incredible performance enhancement tools. The Chamber has also initiated a strategic planning process that has offered our countywide partners the opportunity to understand each other’s roles and work smarter toward common goals. Tourism: Thousands of people are finding out about Jefferson County and what our members have to offer through our websites: visitjeffersoncountywa.com and www.jeffcountychamber.org. You may have noticed our new kiosk located at the Chimacum Corner Farmstand (in partnership with Chimacum Corner Farmstand and Jefferson Land Trust). This 24-hour information center highlights the “The ExperiContinued on Page 2
Susan Whitmire
Jennifer Stanton Dianne Cranston
Kitsap Bank building lasting relationships Founded in 1908, Kitsap Bank is one of the longest-running locally owned and operated community banks in the State of Washington. From its humble beginnings in Port Orchard, WA, the bank has grown to serve customers in five Western Washington counties through 20 locations; including three Jefferson County branches (Port Townsend, Port Hadlock and Port Ludlow) and a dedicated loan office in Port Townsend. Through its Port Townsend Commercial Loan Office, Kitsap Bank has been pleased to provide numerous local businesses with the loans they need to take their businesses to the next level. Financing projects both large and small, the bank has helped grow our regional economy. Kitsap Bank has a variety of loan options and is always open to new ideas: Commercial Real Estate Financing, Construction Financing, Finance Equipment or Tenant Improvements, Business Lines of Credit, and more.
Additionally, Kitsap Bank offers the only dedicated SBA Department in the West Sound, and is proud to have been ranked the #1 Small Business Administration Lender among community banks in Washington. If you have a business or a practice, chances are you meet the requirements for an SBA loan. Established in 1953 to support American small businesses through loans, counseling and other forms of assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees loans through preferred lenders like Kitsap Bank. Building lasting relationships is the cornerstone of Kitsap Bank’s approach to delivering quality banking services. Your local team’s experience, dedication, and willingness to try new approaches gives Kitsap Bank the flexibility and expertise to forge hard-working relationships, helping you to achieve your unique financial objectives. Contact Susan Whitmire at 360379-0123.