Chamber Newsletter: March 2015

Luncheon Speakers

March 2015

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!

March 2 Marsha Massey

Interim Executive Director of the Olympic Peninsula Visitors Bureau, talks about “Tourism: Front Door to Economic Development.

Sponsor: Home Owner Helper

March 9 - Rhody candidates

This year’s crop of candidates for the Rhody court will talk about the value of local businesses and field questions.

March 16 - Carl Smith

Jefferson County’s C o m m u n i t y Development Director, will present the department’s annual report for 2014.

March 23 - Virginie Bourgue

Virginie Bourgue, owner of Virginie Bourgue Consulting\ and founder of Lullaby Winery in Port Townsend, will share how she runs her business after moving from Walla Walla to Port Townsend. Sponsor PT Marathon Association

March 30 - Betsy Davis

The Executive Director of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding talks about how the school provides an outstanding education in boatbuilding to an international student body. Sponsor Elks Lodge

Supplement to the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader.

Jefferson County made a strong showing at the Washington Tourism Alliance’s Tourism Summit in Olympia. The group, including Chamber members and staff, were there to advocate for legislation that would help fund tourism efforts around the state. Photo by Steve Mullensky

Tourism Summit shows why tourism matters

By Christina Pivarnik On Feb. 12, nearly 170 tourism professionals from across the state gathered in Olympia for the Washington Tourism Alliance’s (WTA) 5th Annual Tourism Summit to garner support from our legislators for HB 1938/SB 5916. This is legislation being

proposed by the WTA for an industry funded and industry implemented statewide tourism marketing program to bring more visitors to Washington.

When the state tourism office closed in June 2011, the funds to market Washington to potential visitors disappeared,

leaving us as the only state in the country without a tourism marketing program. Although travel and tourism spending has grown nationally, Washington State has been steadily losing market share.

Over the past four years, WTA, a tourism industry coalition, has been working

diligently to develop a plan for an industry-funded program. The Tourism Summit in Olympia outlined the legislation, building momentum from previous years to bring us to a place where a solution is being proposed for long-term Continued on Page 3

After 15 years, Far Reaches Farm going strong Martha Stewart dropped in last summer, liked what she saw, and magazine called

By Kelly Dodson It seemed like a stretch for the two of us to start a nursery in Port Townsend.

We had met on a seed collecting expedition to Yunnan in 1997 and while we both had separate lives and nurseries, our kindred nature was undeniable and we resolved to remake our lives together.

For individual yet similar reasons. Port Townsend beckoned to both of us, and we opted to take a chance on making a living in a town we loved despite it being far from market.

Fifteen years later, we are happy to say that our choice for quality of life in a community that embraces values we deem important has outweighed the negatives of making a living out in the far reaches. We chose the name Far Reaches Farm because no one in their right mind would start another nursery after already having built one up from scratch. We did meet in the far reaches of China so that seemed appropriate. Later, someone said “How clever to use a sailing term in your name when you are in a wooden boat town.” We had to ask someone what a “reach” was because we’re earth people farming the land with no idea whatsoever about sailing, but we will accept that bit of serendipity as if it were intentional.

We have spent our lives learning about plants and it is this learning that drives the nursery despite it being often at odds with profit. We might be better suited as a not for

profit entity as our primary motivation is to introduce new plants to horticulture.

We undertake plant hunting expeditions to remote areas in Asia as well as importing little-known rarities from around the world. We not only are striving to expand the plant palette locally of regionally appropriate plants but thanks to our growing mail order business, we also introduce plants suitable to customers across the US. Our mail order business is starting its fourth year and is the segment of the nursery that is showing the most growth. We have gained a devoted customer base across the country for our plant offerings which are frequently unavailable anywhere else. Our customers run the gamut from avid plant collectors to beginning gardeners to botanic and public gardens to university research botanists. We often wryly joke that we grow more unprofitable plants than anyone else in our drive to introduce new plants.

The personal fulfillment in this pursuit is immense and it is our belief that this might actually prove to be a savvy business strategy as time goes on.

We are honored this February to be hosting the delegates of the first international Mahonia Summit during the final day of the conference. This is a unique forum bringing together experts from Japan, Europe, Canada and the US to discuss the latest advances and research on this poorly understood genus. In our world, this is

2 March 2015 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter

a pretty heady assemblage and we’re excited they are coming to the nursery.

Speaking of excitement, Far Reaches Farm is featured in the current March issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine.

We were staggered last summer to have a brief visit from Martha who apparently liked what she saw because next thing we knew we were getting a call from the magazine.

Yikes!

Port Townsend has been an asset to our nursery as we have numerous gardening and plant groups visit from across the state as well as Oregon and British Columbia with the universal comment being “We love Port Townsend!” It turns out that folks don’t mind an expedition to the Far Reaches when they know there is such a vibrant and eclectic business community here in town that adds layer after layer to their experience.

Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson (along with Canela and Callie) are the proprietors at Far Reaches Farm. Their mail order business, which features hard to find plants, is a growing part of their operation.

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Chamber celebrates leaders in business, community Jefferson County gathered last month at Fort Worden to honor the contributions of business leaders, young entrepreneurs and citizens who led by example.

Honored as the Tim Caldwell Business Leader of the Year was Heather Dudley Nollette, pictured at left in the center. Her fellow nomimees were Susan Jacob-Humiston and Malcom Dorn.

At bottom left, the Young Professional of the year was Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear, far right. Damian Wright and Wren Farris were finalists.

Citizen of the Year was Gee Heckscher, pictured below with plaque.

Also pictured, from left, are Chamber Executive Director Teresa Verraes, finalist Debbie Steele and finalist Ian Keith.

WTA: Tourism big part of our local economy

Continued from Page 1 funding for tourism marketing.

To add inspiration to the day, two prestigious speakers joined the Summit to offer their support and perspective. The opening keynote was Chris Thompson, President and CEO from Brand USA, based in Washington, DC. He spoke about the Power of Partnerships and voiced encouragement for the work WTA is doing.

The closing keynote was Todd Davidson, CEO from Travel Oregon.

He recounted the day our state closed its tourism office doors telling us the media flooded him with calls asking if he “was dancing in the streets.”

Quite the contrary he told us. Our lack of funding for marketing left a gaping hole. Visitors come to the Pacific Northwest first and when we have a partnership between our two states, we’re that much more effective in luring national and international visitors to the NW. Following the morning session, we headed out to meet with our legislators. There were 18 of us from the Olympic Peninsula (District 24), the largest representation from any district in the state! All three of our legislators voiced enthusiastic support for HB 1938/SB 5916, especially because the plan requires no investment of state general funds.

You may wonder why this is important to you, particularly if your business isn’t tourism-related. It’s important to note that tourism is Port Townsend’s second largest industry.

In Jefferson County visitor spending in 2013 generated $8.3 million in state and local tax receipts, and supported nearly 1,400 jobs in our county.

The tax revenue generated by tourism spending across the state saves each Washington household $400 annually in taxes we would otherwise have to cover. (Note: In Oregon, due to their robust tourism marketing efforts, $1,000 is generated for each Oregon household. So the tax-saving potential for Washington

residents could easily grow with our own statewide tourism marketing program.)

By telling our tourism story, we’ll be able to increase travel to Washington. Visitor spending will increase. Jobs will grow. Tax revenues will increase. HB 1938/SB 5916 makes good business sense and will benefit our businesses here in Jefferson County.

Christina Pivarnik is a member of the WTA Board of Directors, representing the Olympic Peninsula.

She also serves as the contracted Director of Marketing for the City of Port Townsend.

March 2015 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter 3

Volunteers take time for Lullaby wine, Harborside

By Lorna Mann With 63 rooms the Harborside Inn is the largest single accommodation in Jefferson County as volunteers from the Visitors Information Center found out when they took a tour of the different rooms on offer.

With a choice of two queen beds or one King sized bed in each spacious room, the Inn is a great choice for business travelers, sailors who have just docked at Boat Haven and families looking for a room large enough to sleep a family in clean and friendly surroundings.

A complimentary continental breakfast is available to guests in addition to the coffee maker, fridge and microwave that comes standard in each room.

Something that locals may not be aware of, but

definitely should be, is the meeting room facility that the Harborside has available to rent. The meeting room holds up to 70 people when it is set up theater style and 50 people with a classroom or banquet-style set up.

The meeting room rents for $150 for the day and room reservations are not required to book the space.

Discounts on the cost of renting the meeting room begin when you book more than five rooms. If you book 20 rooms or more, there is no charge for renting the meeting room. That makes the Harborside a great choice for seminars and meeting with guests from out of town.

The volunteers visited rooms on all three floors of the hotel and were consisPat, the front desk manager of the Harborside Inn, with Visitor Center volunteers, visit tently impressed with the cleanliness and space each one of Harborside’s sunny and spacious rooms.

room offered. The view over Boat Haven and across the Sound are impressive, and if there is a boat lover in your life sitting on a balcony watching the coming and goings from Boat Haven would be a vacation without ever leaving your room.

Pat, the front desk manager, lets us in on a secret as she walks us to the final room. When checking in, ask for the room on the third or second floor at the end of the building. Why? These rooms have windows on two sides, giving guests views not just across the water but also down the peninsula. But shh.. Don’t tell her we told you!

The Harborside Inn is located on 330 Benedict Street, Port Townsend.

Rooms range in price from $79-$169 depending on Continued on Page 5

New members Friendly small town, natural beauty attracted the Jolleys

Almost seven years ago, Mary and Jim Jolley moved to the Northwest to be closer to their daughters, and now six grandchildren.

After an extensive search, they chose the Hood Canal area to be home. The area offers small-town friendliness and unmatched natural beauty to be enjoyed while hiking, beachcombing or just watching the mountains.

A Master Gardener, Mary finds the end of tax season neatly corresponds with the start of the busy gardening season!

Mary Jolley started

Jolley Financial Services in 2006 while she and her husband Jim were living in their native Northern California.

Providing tax preparation services and bookkeeping services to individuals, Mary has always emphasized professional and knowledgeable work.

A UC Berkeley graduate, she draws from more than 20 years of experience in the accounting, employee benefits and tax fields to offer a full range of bookkeeping and payroll services. As a bonded CTEC certified tax preparer, she maintains a high level of tax proficiency in individual

4 March 2015 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter

and small business tax.

As the business grew, with clients from Poulsbo to California, opening an office to serve the local community was the next step. After a career in computer security, Jim had worked for a national tax firm, and he was excited to join Mary in the Port Hadlock office, making it a true family business.

The Chamber of Commerce will give Jim and Mary the opportunity to promote Jefferson County and encourage new businesses.

Jolley Financial Services would be happy to help you with your tax

Jim and Mary Jolley have opened Jolley Financial Services in Port Hadlock. or bookkeeping needs.

Setting up a new business? Books a mess?

Tax records in disarray?

Individuals and small businesses can all benefit

from Jim and Mary’s expertise. Call (360) 3859994 or stop by the office at 219A W. Patison St., Port Hadlock for a free consultation. They are in

the Business Park on the corner of Rhody Drive and W. Patison Street.

Check out their website at www.jolleyfs.com.

Tour: Volunteers see rooms, sample some Lullaby wines Continued from Page 4 the type of room and the season.

Contact the Harborside Inn on 360-385-7909 for more information about the different rooms and the meeting room.

ingly good wine. One of the main reasons that Virginine chose Port Townsend to set up shop was because of the close relationship it allowed her with the growers of the grapes she uses, something that she says is vital to crafting good wine. She is able to work closely with growers to get the best out of the land she uses and the grapes they produce. To give you an idea of the time and care she puts into her creations think about this: Large commercial wineries will produce about 300 cases of wine from one acre of vines. Virginie makes 77 cases of wine from 1 acre.

She has diversified her offerings into two lines.

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Business investors There is the Lullaby reserve line and the de Virginie line.

The Reserve line in- Port Ludlow Port Hadlock East Sims Breaker Lane 69 Oak Bay Road 2313 East Sims Way cludes a Cabernet Sauvi-Port74Ludlow, WA 98365 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Port Townsend, WA1923.

98368 Strengthening Our Communities Since 360-437-7863 360-344-3424 360-385-0123 gnon- Merlot blend, a Viognier, a Rose (which is great *New loan requests only. Single family owner-occupied homes only. 80% loan to value; subject to current appraisal from a Kitsap Bank appraiser. 5 year balloon with loan payment amortization not to exceed 20 years. Must have auto charge to Kitsap Bank deposit with Turkey, make plansapproved account. Other limitations may apply. Limited time only. **On all loans over $50,000. to get yourself a bottle for Thanksgiving now), a Syrah and lastly a sweet Viognier that makes an excellent desert wine. The Reserve line has been aged for longer and ranges in price from $22 - $70 for a normal sized bottle. Of this line Virginie says that the “wine tells me when it is ready’ and she is more than happy to wait for the right time before bottling a barrel.

The de Virgine wines are Continued on Page 6

LULLABY WINERY Out on Otto Street, and slightly off the beaten track, something amazing is happening.

Virginie Bourgue runs a one woman winery at 2740 Otto Street, in the space formally occupied

by Sorenson’s. A native of France, she has been active in the wine business for many years and brings with her an enthusiasm that is unmatched only by her experience. After studying viticulture in Avignon and earning a Master’s in Enology in Champagne she made the move stateside in 2002 to take up an internship at Chateau Ste. Michelle here in Washington State. One year later she became a winemaker for Bergevin Lane Winery and three years after that she became the executive winemaker for Cadaretta.

Did I mention that during her time as Executive Winemaker for Cadaretta she was also working on her very own winery- Lullaby?

Lullabies exist in every culture in the world and it was this shared experience and connectedness that inspire Virginie in her wine making.

In 2011 with the growing success of Lullaby’s wine, Virginie decided to concentrate all her efforts on her own blossoming wines and relocated Lullaby to Port Townsend, making it Lullaby Winery owner Virginie Bourgue put on a her full-time project. delicious spread of wine paired with Mt. Townsend Lullaby specializes in Creamery cheese and fresh fruit. small batches of exceed-

Business builders

• Port Townsend Paper Co. • Food Co-op • Gold Star Marine

• Homer Smith Insurance • Lullaby Winery • KSER 90.7 • WAVE Broadband

March 2015 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter 5

Lullaby: real passion goes into every bottle Continued from Page 5 an ‘instant pleasure’ range of wines and include a Rose, a Sauvignon Blanc and 2012 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

A very happy group of volunteers sampled all of the variety’s Lullaby offers, pairing the wines with a selection of cheese from Mt Townsend Creamery and fresh fruit. As we sampled the wines, Virgine told us more about her inspirations -- an eclectic mix of travel, other cultures, an artist named Yoshitomo Nara and of course, good food.

As Virgine took us through her tasting, the passion and incredible attention to detail that goes into each of her wines becomes abundantly clear. Each label has a fascinating story behind it that makes drinking the wines feel more like an adventure than just sipping on a drink made from grapes. Her attention to detail does not stop at the labels. A number of the reserve wines are sold in bottles that she has specially imported from

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France to get the right balance and amount of each wine. The sweet Voigner wine, for example, comes from the same people who make the bottles for Chanel perfume.

Not content with creating beautiful wine, Virginie is also an accomplished chef who is developing her own line of pantry goods to sell alongside her wines as well as being able to create and whip up meals that perfectly pair with wine.

As she settles into Lullaby Winery’s new home she has plans to expand the outdoor areas of the winery to include a dinner and event space where diners can enjoy the pairing of wine and food which is where Virginie’s true passion lies. As she told the volunteers, “Wine for wine’s sake is nice but it is when it is matched with good food that it becomes truly spectacular.” She has already curated and cooked a number of private events and dinners in the area and particularly enjoys using local and in season produce.

Her most recent venture was to join the Olympic Peninsula Wineries and take part in the Red Wine and Chocolate tour that took place over two weekends this past February. Wine tasters were treated to a new barrel sample and chocolates that came direct form France alongside her normal offerings.

Lullaby’s tasting room is open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for wine tastings, however as Virginie is a one women operation, it is suggested that you check out her Facebook page or call ahead at 509386-1324. Tastings by appointment are also available throughout the week.

Lullaby Winery is located at 2740 Otto Street, Port Townsend. Virigine can be contacted on 509-386-1324.

Tastings of the Reserve line are $15 for three wines while tastings for the de Virginie line are $10 for three wines. Lullaby can ship wine to Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Missouri. There is also a wine club that will give you 10 percent off all wines.

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6 March 2015 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter

Recognize the impact of influencers

By Richard Bechtel One of the things that organizational network analysis (ONA) has taught us is just how widely leadership is distributed within any organization - probably more so than we typically give credit for. It’s one of the main challenges posed by the invisibility of the informal communication network that every organization has.

There are, of course, the formally anointed leaders. Trouble is, the formal organization chart accounts for maybe 10-20 percent of what really goes on day to day. The rest happens through the informal network, of leaers who each influence the views of anywhere from a handful to a sizable number of others around them.

These are people wield influence not because of

their formal position but because of their knowledge, their skills or their interpersonal appeal.

The impact of these influencers is pervasive.

They critically affect how things get done. Generally, they tend to fall into several categories: Formal influencers - who also happen to occupy formal positions of authority. Their interpersonal influence enhances their authority and makes them especially effective leaders.

Key influencers - who hold no leadership title but wield the greatest ongoing informal influence.

Change-positive influencers - who wield positive influence by means of their support for proposed initiatives or changes, and help assure their success. Among them are the change agents - influencers

who are actively engaged in promoting and advancing new ideas.

Open-minded influencers - who tend to fall into the “undecided” category.

Their stance conveys a sense of consideration and neutrality, and that is the source of their influence.

They often play a key role in swaying the balance of opinion.

Change-negative influencers - the naysayers who tend to be broadly opposed to changes or initiatives, often because of some underlying posture. Their opposition is often hidden and their influence is wielded surreptitiously - which makes it all the more troublesome.

As tends to be true in politics, there are generally more open-minded influencers than there are either change-positive or changenegative influencers. Your

change agents are your early adopters, and they quickly garner support from the change-positive influencers. But the longterm success of failure of any initiative hinges on gaining the support and engagement of the openminded influencers.

One of the most powerful effects of organizational network analysis is its ability to reveal who occupies which influencer roles. From a network viewpoint, the degree of influence they wield - how many others they influence - is dictated by the position(s) they occupy.

Some wield influence within a particular group, others by linking two or more groups together, and others some of both. They may wield influence in regard to what gets done, how it gets done, or how others respond to what’s

being done.

Revealing the organization’s informal network - making the invisible visible - places the leadership in a position to act upon it selectively.

For these and other reasons, the better in touch you are with your informal network, the better control you have. Short of conducting a formal network analysis, you might start with your own short lists of the influencer types in your organization. Then ask around. Ask people to whom they turn for various types of advice or support, whom they take their cues from, etc. It won’t be perfect, but you’ll gain a glimpse into that informal, invisible network.

Richard Bechtel is the founder and president of Bechtel Consulting Group in Kenmore, WA.

Chamber contacts CHAMBER STAFF Executive Director Teresa Verraes director@jeffcountychamber.org Event Coordinator Laura Brackenridge admin@jeffcountychamber.org 385-7869 VIC Manager Lorna Mann info@jeffcountychamber.org (360) 385-2722

EXECUTIVE BOARD President Amanda Funaro NW Maritime Center

President Elect Jordan Eades Hope Roofing Past President Dominic Svornich Kitsap Bank Vice President Outreach Heather Bailey Jefferson Healthcare

Susan Windle Resort at Port Ludlow Jennefer Wood Maestrale Will O’Donnell Jefferson County Farmer’s Markets

Rebecca Benjamin North Olympic Salmon Coalition Adam Burns Ferino’s Pizzeria Casey Gribble The Local 101

Karen Ridings Gold Star Marine

Karen Ridings Gold Star Marine

DIRECTORS

Le Hornbeck AA Tax Service

David Faber Faber Feinson, PLLC

Katherine Baril Small Business Consultant

Shelli Cates Edward Jones

Kris Nelson Sirens, Alchemy

Rob Story Chimacum Corner Farmstand

Karen Best Coldwell Banker Best Homes

Austin Henry Altas Technologies

Briefly The following Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce meetings are scheduled in the month ahead: • March 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m. - Ambassador Meeting at Banana Leaf Thai Bistro, 609 Washington St., Port Townsend.

• March 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m. - After Hours Mixer at Commander’s Beach House, 400 Hudson St. Port Townsend.

• March 17, 4:30 to 6 p.m. - Board of Directors Meeting at The CoLab, 237 Taylor St. 2nd fl. Port Townsend.

• March 20, 4:30 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting at Dailey Computer Consulting, 2132 Lawrence St., Port Townsend.

• March 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m. - YPN Test Lab at The CoLab, 237 Taylor St. 2nd Fl., Port Townsend.

Advertising Catherine Brewer cbrewer@ptleader.com Jen Clark jclark@ptleader.com Ken Hulick khulick@ptleader.com The Leader 360-385-2900 The content of this publication is prepared by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce for its members. We welcome submissions. Send articles and photos to director@ jeffcountychamber.org or mail to 440 12th St. Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Rob Birman Centrum March 2015 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter 7

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce 440 12th St. Port Townsend, WA 98368

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORT TOWNSEND, WA PERMIT NO. 34

Place label here

Wren Farris, owner of Soak on the Sound, books some business with Teresa Verraes during a Chamber mixer at Soak on the Sound and Glow Natural Skin Care. Photo by Steve Mullensky

Testimonial “It is really fun being part of the Chamber and this fantastic community. I am feeling very supported by you, and as I become more deeply immersed into the fold of this blessed place, I become more and more comfortable in my own skin. I love being part of the business community!�

- Connie Segal, Glow Natural Skin Care

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8 March 2015 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter

Connie Segal, owner of Glow Natural Skin Care, talks to a guest at the Chamber After Hours Mixer Segal shared with Soak on the Sound. Photo by Steve Mullensky