December 2014
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. 1 - Chad Pearson
The Marketing Manager for Washington State Employment Security Department’s Shared Work Program explains how the program can help when business slows. Sponsor Kiwanis
Dec. 8 - Kate Dean
Dean, an Agricultural E n t e r p r i s e Development Consultant, will speak about Economic Development and planning for Climate Change on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Dec. 15 - Ann H. Raymond, Kit Ward-Crixell Learn about the Port Townsend Library Collaborative and how Port Townsend Schools and the City Library value working together.
Dec. 22 - No Meeting Dec. 29 - No Meeting
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Chamber meeting challenges, thriving By Amanda Funaro Happy New Year! My hope for each of you is that 2015 is a year of resounding success and that every challenge is a doorway for new opportunity. It is with great joy and determination that I am able to ring in this New Year as your chamber president for a second year. Over the past several years the Jefferson County business community and our chamber have met many challenges and triumphs. I am confident this year in saying that the tide of our local economy is shifting. We have faced some hard times in our community but we are thriving. In 2014 you may have noticed that the Chamber was at the center of promoting a culture of mentorship and leadership. We have been working to harness the vast experience and knowledge that exists in Continued on Page 3
Chamber members met with elected officials and their representatives at Fort Worden last summer to build new networks between businesses and legislative leaders.
YPN moving forward in 2015 The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network (YPN) is comprised of young entrepreneurs and business professionals within Jefferson County. Through a variety of different programs, YPN helps participants to build business networks and community, share resources and experiences, develop professionally through educational opportunities, combine goals for advocacy, contribute to economic development and leverage influence in the county’s future. The Chamber is deeply invested in achieving the vision to create a “land of local opportunity” for our young professionals, and
2014 demonstrated just how far we have come since the program was created in 2010. We’ve turned that vision into a reality, building on the success of previous years. It has been amazing to witness the success of several YP start-up businesses and see YP’s flourishing under the guidance and mentorship from our business leaders, and the vital engagement of those rising to the challenge by taking on leadership roles in Chamber, Main Street, Team Jefferson, school board and the Maritime Discovery Program. What has YPN been up to in 2014. Continued on Page 4