February 2011
Verraes takes chamber helm
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!
Feb. 7 – John MacElwee John MacElwee, Executive Director of Centrum, will speak about Centrum, plans, and outline the hopes and challenges of the arts and education organization. MacElwee
Feb. 14 – Philip Morley Jefferson County Administrator Philip Morley will give us the current state of the county affairs, including an outlook on the county budget and beyond.
Feb. 21 – No meeting, President’s Day
Teresa Verraes is coming home to lead the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in Jefferson County, Verraes helped found the Boiler Room young people’s coffeehouse in 1993 and since then has led a variety of entrepreneurial enterprises. She was the owner of the Artisans on Taylor Gallery from 2004 to 2009 and has wide experience in leadership, program development, marketing and sales. “I am very excited about the opportunity to come back to Port Townsend and work with our local business owners in a position that will grow the local business community, engage new members to work with the Chamber and bring almost 20 years of entrepreneurial and management experience to what is my dream job in my home community,” Verraes said. Currently a resident of
“I am very excited about the opportunity to come back to Port Townsend and work with our local business owners.” Teresa Verraes
Portland, Verraes will begin serving as executive director on a part-time basis immediately. She expects to assume the job on a full-time basis sometime in mid-February. She replaces Jennifer MacGillonie, who resigned to become a chamber director in California. Verraes was chosen after a hiring committee from the chamber reviewed nearly 30 resumes. The job was advertised in local newspapers, on the Jefferson County Chamber website and with a network of chambers around the nation. Committee members first winnowed candidates to about
a dozen using a matrix of skills the chamber board identified as important. Finalists were interviewed, the field was narrowed again and final interviews were conducted. “It was a very difficult decision,” said Past President Kris Nelson, who chaired the committee. “Our finalists all were well qualified. Any of them would have served us well.” The executive director is responsible for the chamber’s day-to-day operations and for the overall development and administration of member programs and services in accordance with the board’s strategic vision, by-laws, mission and
policies. Verraes becomes the chamber’s principal advocate and spokesperson, and manages chamber operations, including fiscally sound internal controls. Candidates were sought who had excellent skills in communication, problem-solving, community-building and budgeting. Verraes replaces Jennifer MacGillonie, a former chamber president who served as interim executive director on two occasions, and became permanent director in 2009. She resigned in December to move to California to be closer to family, and is now CEO of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce in Ventura County. Last year, the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce became the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, merging with businesses from the Tri-Area and Port Ludlow.
New board retreats, adopts plan, sets priorities Morley
Feb. 28 – Michelle Sandoval Port Townsend’s Mayor will give an update on the state of the city and the 2011 council goals and work plans. Sandoval
A board of directors with almost half its number new members met Jan. 22 for the annual Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce retreat. On the agenda was adoption of a strategic plan that lays a foundation for chamber operations in 2011. On hand for the first time was new executive Director Teresa Verraes, who shared her hopes
and ambitions. In addition, President Kim Aldrich welcomed board members and explained a key theme for the chamber in 2011 will be “building on a solid foundation.” The chamber accomplished much last year, with merging Port Townsend, Port Hadlock and Port Ludlow chambers, adoption of a strategic plan and making the transition
to a new Executive Director. The challenge this year will be knitting all of that together to better and more effectively serve member businesses. Some goals laid out for the chamber this year include retooling the organization so its first priority is always serving its members, establishing a constant feedback loop so member concerns are shaping
chamber programs and seeking more community partnerships to enhance opportunities for chamber members. Other goals include rebranding the chamber to reflect its new reach and mission, establishing new committees, traveling new paths for generating revenue and raising the profile of the chamber as a community leader.
We’re here to make things happen Strange Brewfest moves to Legion By Kim Aldrich President
Thank you all for the wonderful words of support I have received this past couple of weeks. I really appreciate your good will. As most of you know, we have selected our new Executive Director, Teresa Verraes. I look forward to working with her and working with all of you to make your Chamber an exciting and helpful organization. This coming year will be all out about making connections – connecting with your fellow business owners throughout the county, connecting with your customers and connecting with the resources you want and need. Teresa, the Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Chamber, and I are
here to help you make that happen. I am committed to bringing people together, finding the Aldrich resources within our community and using them. Once again I go back to why I live here, and the answer is always connection. I want to know the people I do business with; I want to look them in the eye and know that I am supporting them and they are supporting me. If I lived elsewhere, if I lived in a city, life would be different. Maybe I wouldn’t care so much who I am buying bread from, whose farm I am supporting or where the
Make it grow.
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dollar I spend goes when it leaves my bank account. But I live here by design because I like it. Our job is to advocate for, connect with, and inform member businesses. To do that we will need to understand your needs and wants. Teresa and I will be spending quite a bit of time meeting with Chamber members and listening to their concerns and desires.
The first Tuesday of the month we meet at Pedro’s Fiesta Jalisco at 7:45 a.m. for a breakfast meeting. It is informal, and everyone gets a chance to network and share ideas. It’s pretty exciting and always a pleasure. If you can’t make that meeting, please call me or talk to one of the other board members you are acquainted with. We are here to make things happen for you.
RSVP today for Wine and Chocolate mixer A special evening of wonderful wines and sumptuous chocolates is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at the Northwest Maritime Center. Sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Wine and Chocolate mixer features some fine local wines, specialty chocolates, hors d’ouvres, door prizes and a raffle. Last year’s wine and chocolate event was extremely well attended and everyone had a great time. Don’t miss this premiere event. Cost is $20 per person or $30 for two. Attendees can pay at the door, but please RSVP to admin@jeffcountychamber.org by Feb. 4 so there will be ample supplies for all.
It’s official. The dynamic winter festival that Port Townsend is becoming famous for is just around the corner. This year, Strange Brewfest will be hosted by the American Legion, Jan. 28-30. This three-day event will feature 30 Northwest craft breweries, showcasing more than 60 uniquely “strange” styles, most of which will only be available during this event. On Friday, Jan. 28, we’ll kick off the festival with a Cask Conditioned Beer Garden, from 7 to 11 p.m. Along with the eight to 10 brews, local musicians LoWire (7 p.m.) and C-Pow (9 p.m.) will grace the stage for festivalgoers’ entertainment. On Saturday, Jan. 29, the festival roars into the hall with 30 breweries, four bands, belly dancers, and so much more. Doors open, beer starts flowin’, and
entertainment begins at 1 p.m. with a crescendo until midnight. On Sunday, Jan. 30, there is continued palate pleasure beginning at 1 p.m. Of course, there will be more music and entertainment, including an awards ceremony marking festivalgoers’ favorite brews and breweries. All weekend there is deliciously catered food from Culinary Renaissance Catering and Some Like It Hot. The American Legion will offer spirits, wine and non-alcoholic beverages for the non-beer drinkers that would like to enjoy this event. This event is 21 and over, and cash only. For more detailed information, such as advance purchase tickets, please visit strangebrewfestpt.com or “like” us on Facebook at Strange Brewfest 2011.
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Lots of perks go with membership Connecting with your community and getting to know fellow businesspeople is the most powerful benefit of belonging to your chamber of commerce. Here are a few of the ways you can benefit from chamber membership: Weekly Monday luncheon meetings at the Elks at noon are a perfect opportunity to mingle and bolster your business network. Monthly Chamber Mixers, the second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m., are a great place to socialize with community members, and you have the opportunity to showcase your business by hosting a mixer. Participate in the an-
nual Business Expo. Having a booth is a wonderful way to expand your network and increase exposure of your business to the community. Read the monthly Newsletter to keep abreast of pertinent topics facing our business community. Enjoy contributing your own business news to share with other chamber members by submitting an article. Weekly e-Letter updates are a quick and easy way to keep updated with chamber activities and business news. Use the online networking tools provided by the chamber, including Facebook and Twitter. Join the chamber’s Ambassador Program.
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Become a cheerleader and promote the chamber in the community while socializing with likeminded and fun chamber members. Enhanced marketing Visitor Information Center volunteers can direct business your way! If you haven’t made a point to contact VIC manager Karen Anderson to schedule time to stop by the VIC to introduce yourself and your business to the VIC volunteers and sales force, you are missing out. Or, schedule a Familiarization Tour for the volunteers to come see your business. Participate in special promotional displays at the VIC for tourism-based members. Increase your online exposure on ptchamber. org, which lists a directory of chamber members. You can further improve your exposure online by having an expanded listing, which links to your business’s website and puts your listing on ptguide.com. An even better, improved website will be coming in 2010.
Sponsor a Monday Luncheon Meeting to increase publicity about your business and share with other chamber members what your business is all about. Enjoy cost-effective advertising by posting your ad or inserting a flier in the chamber newsletter. Market your message to the community on the Reader Board. Get chamber endorsement for special events – such as grand openings, open houses and anniversary events – from our Chamber Ambassadors. Access a broader marketing audience for your business mailings by using the chamber mailing list. Have the chamber represent your business at community events that we participate in, such as the Rhody Festival, Jefferson County Fair and Port Townsend Film Festival. Enjoy financial incentives Save money and decrease your medical premiums with the Chamber Health Insurance discount for you and your employ-
ees. Decrease your mailing costs by taking advantage of the chamber’s bulkmailing permit if you are sending a mailing of 200 pieces or more. Spice up your presentations by renting audiovisual and event equipment from the chamber, including a projector, tent, chairs and stage. Get healthy by signing up for the chamber’s health club membership. Perks Attend educational business seminars to get great information on ways to help your business thrive. As a member, you have the opportunity to be formally recognized by the chamber as a business leader in our community. Attend the Monday Luncheon Meetings, where you may win the raffle to receive a unique gift from the meeting sponsor. The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping member businesses succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask us how we can help.
Briefly... The Chamber Ambassadors The Ambassadors group meets on the third Thursday of the month to plan activities. Please contact the Chamber office to find out more about this fun program and how you can be involved, or to talk about having a ribbon-cutting or celebration at your business. All members are welcome to be a part of the Ambassador group. This is an ever-growing, fun, social group that is getting together once a month at various member restaurants. They spend some time talking about new businesses that we can welcome, or businesses that have something new going on that we can celebrate. We are planning upcoming open houses and ribbon-cuttings. The rest of the time is spent eating, drinking and laughing – and getting to know fellow Chamber members better. The Chamber would like to thank the following members for being part of this group: Sherry Kack – Professional Referrals (and organizer for the group); Carol Woodley – Hadlock Realty & Hadlock Motel; Heather Flanagan – Certified Life Coach and Chamber Membership Director; Marilyn St. Clair – Victoria House; Mark Cole – Upstage Restaurant; Melinda Short – Oasis Daycare & Preschool; Mickey Davis – Subway; Nina Dortch – Holly Hill House; Nancy Tocatlian – T’s Restaurant; Sandi Bird – Life Care Center; Vi Koenig – PT Laundromat & Car Wash; Viva Davis – Hadlock Realty; Riannan Clark – Jefferson Title Co.; and Pam Lampman – Wells Fargo.
Chamber contacts Chamber Staff
Executive Board
Executive Director President Teresa Verraes Kim Aldrich director@jeffcountychamber.org Cobalt Mortgage Event Coordinator Vice president Laura Breckenridge Fred Obee admin@jeffcountychamber.org The Leader 385-7869 Secretary VIC Manager Molly Force N.D. Karen Anderson Prosper Natural Health info@jeffcountychamber.org Past President Membership Director Kris Nelson Heather Flanagan Siren’s Pub membership@jeffcountychamber.org
379-5380
Treasurer Kerry Robinson Frontier Bank
Directors Jordan Eades Hope Roofing Chuck Russell Valley Tavern Ron Ramage Quimper Inn Katherine Brady Brady Chiropractic Linda Streisguth Puget Sound Energy
Judy Cavett FairWinds Winery Carol Woodley Hadlock Realty & Hadlock Hotel Debbie Wardrop Resort at Port Ludlow Vi Koenig PT Laundromat Terra Tosland Worldmark Club Piper Diehl Ludlow Bay Wellness Spa Nancy McConaghy Coldwell Banker
Newsletter Advertising Sara Radka The Leader 360-385-2900 We welcome your submissions. The Chamber newsletter is a great way to let other members know what’s going on with your business. If you have news to share, send articles and photos to director@ jeffcountychamber.org or mail to 220 12th St. Port Townsend, WA 98368.
February 2011 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter 3
Profile
Orca bones inspire new project By Patience Rogge Anne Murphy, executive director of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), invites the community to attend two open houses at the Center’s Natural History Exhibit, Building 502 at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, Feb. 4-6 or 11-13. The events will feature master mammal articulator Lee Post of Homer, Alaska, who will involve visitors in working with the skeleton of one of only five orcas on display in the United States. The open houses are the most recent steps in building community awareness of the Orca Project, designed to expand the focus of the organization on global ocean issues by building the Ocean Science Hall. The hall will tell the story of Hope, the orca who beached and died on Dungeness Spit in 2002. Her body was necropsied by scientists who discovered that she carried a
Anne Murphy, executive director of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, invites the community to attend two open houses at the Center’s Natural History Exhibit. tremendous load of toxins acquired from pollution in her aquatic environment. In 2008, after the skeleton was retrieved from a dairy farm in Sequim where it had been buried so that nature’s biodegraders could clean it, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) put the
Follow the Chamber on Twitter, Facebook If you are a member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and use Twitter or Facebook -- please follow us @ JeffCoChamber on Twitter and Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
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4 February 2011 Jefferson County Chamber Newsletter
bones on permanent loan to PTMSC. Volunteers took a year casting the teeth, bleaching the bones, and cataloging each bone to prepare a bone atlas, the first of its kind in the world. A group of scientists from the University of Idaho recently brought their portable scanner to Fort Worden to scan each of the 146 bones individually, which will make the atlas interactive and 3D. Since the PTMSC has been collecting and live streaming orca vocalizations as part of the Salish Sea hydrophone network for several years, the Ocean Science Hall’s exhibits will add sound as well as visual dimension to their educational efforts. “The health of the oceans directly affects the health of all species, including ours. That this whale died on our doorstep sends us a message – to be aware that what we do
impacts the whole planet,” Murphy said. “With this project, we intend to involve the whole community as citizen scientists.” Murphy brings a lifetime interest in nature to her 22-year career with the PTMSC. As a child growing up in Kentucky, she was fascinated by the natural world. Her academic background includes natural resource management, environmental education, forestry, fisheries and oceanography. Before joining the staff in 1989, Anne was active in Wild Olympic Salmon. She became involved with the PTMSC as a parent, bringing her children to its programs for school groups. In addition to its school programs, summer camps for children, Protection Island cruises, and teacher education courses, Murphy points out that the center has offered a very vibrant Citizen Science Program since 2005. It is open to adults who are interested in learning about the environment and participating in such activities as investigating algae blooms, dissolved oxygen and eel grass health. The program is based in the Foss Maritime Discovery Lab. “We plan to open the Ocean Science Hall in July 2012. Our fundraising goal is $1.25 million, and we are confident that the entire community will support this important effort,” Murphy said. For more information, contact the Port Townsend Marine Science Center at 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, phone 360-385-3932, email info@ptmsc or visit www.ptmsc.org.
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College offers Social Media Enhance your business and expand your personal and professional contacts with the tools of Social Media with Peninsula College’s instructor Renne Emiko Brock-Richmond. The Social Media courses will be offered in three distinct tracks: Twitter, Facebook and Website Engagement. Twitter will be offered Feb. 5 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Dungeness Design in Sequim. Cost for the course is $24. Facebook, the leading social networking site, will be offered in three locations on the peninsula. Cost is $24. The dates and locations are: Monday, Feb. 28, at Dungeness Design in Sequim from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 3, at Lewis Room in Port Hadlock from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Room B150, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The final course in the series, Web site Engagement, will show you how to effectively deliver your message through your Web site. The class will meet the first two Wednesdays in March, on March 2 and 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dungeness Design in Se-
quim. Students need basic computer and file saving skills to be successful. Cost for the course is $46. You may register for the classes through Peninsula College at pencol.edu or call 360-417-6340.
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