May 2011
Invite volunteers for a tour They use the knowledge to promote your business By Karen Anderson
Luncheon Speakers
March 30, the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center (VIC) took 20 volunteers to the Inn at Port Ludlow, where they were given a sublime tour by Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce lunSusan Windle, the catering coordinator cheon meetings are held at the Port Townsend for the inn. Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St., at noon each Monday, During an otherwise gloomy day, federal holidays excluded. Everyone is welcome! Susan brightened our tour with a view of the Port Ludlow Marina, which sits on the edge of the inn’s property, a Native May 2 – Bill Wise American totem pole where we were Chair of Team Jefferson, charged with economic development in the told the bald eagles roost in the morncounty, will give an update on Jefferson ings, luxurious rooms with fireplaces County business projects, including the and enormous bathtubs, and what the Port Townsend Paper Corp. cogeneration Fireside Restaurant looks like when it’s project. empty. This last bit will surely not be Wise your experience when you are there tastMay 9 – Rick Petrykowski ing their delicious mushroom tapenade From wooden boats to diesel or savory meatballs with your floor to engine repair, Port Townsend Marine ceiling window view of the Marina. Trades Association’s Petrykowski talks about the many ways our active marine The full Fireside dinner menu changes trades industry has an impact on our frequently, so you’re always apt to find community. something new. Things are quiet at the inn, but not Petrykowski May 16 – Pam Roberts because of lack of activity. Carpets are Washington State University’s thick as you pad your way down the hall interim director will discuss WSU to your room with a view of the marina. Extension and the role WSU plays in Warm and woody conference spaces are promoting entrepreneurship, local available for any group, from a gatherfarms and bringing a broad range of ing of knitters to business PowerPoint educational opportunities to residents of Jefferson County. presentations, the latter of which was Roberts being held that day – we watched plates of strawberry cheesecake parade quietly May 23 – Katherine Baril “Will you still love me when past our tour. I’m 64?” and other questions of an The Resort at Port Ludlow is highly intergenerational workplace. WSU’s regarded for its three distinct nine-hole now retired director reflects on a couple courses, which reside within an official decades of service and offers her vision Audubon sanctuary. on what we need to do in the future to If you need a vacation, but don’t want compete and prosper. Baril to travel too far, the Inn at Port Ludlow
When people stop by the Visitor Information Center in Port Townsend, the volunteers who staff the center often recommend businesses when answering questions. To make sure they know about you, invite them for a Familiarization Tour. is near but a luxurious world away. What Is a Fam tour? FAM Tour is the short term for Familiarization Tour. FAM Tours are generally used in the travel industry as a low-cost or free trip to a point of interest or business to gain a better understanding, or familiarization, with that destination. The Port Townsend Visitor Information Center (VIC) offers FAM Tours each month to its 60-plus volunteers to new, renewed and seasonal Chamber businesses. At the VIC, volunteers are asked for referrals for restaurants, accommoda-
tions and fun things to do on a daily basis. They are also put to the test on each shift to answer questions pertaining to local businesses that are also not necessarily tourism-related. We recognize that whereas Port Townsend is considered a destination getaway, there are several local businesses that cater to local neighborhood sustainability. VIC volunteers are expected have knowledge or access to information about these businesses as well as destination businesses. FAM Tours can be anything from a 20-minute tour and explanation of what a business’ Continued on Page 8