Welcome to Sedro-Woolley We welcome you to Sedro-Woolley

Welcome to Sedro-Woolley

In 2019, I quoted Bob Dylan. I wrote about how things have changed. That was before the COVID-19 pandemic happened. What businesses have survived the 2020 Pandemic? What has the year been like for restaurants? How will 2021 play out? Can we have outdoor concerts? The chamber started out the year adding 10 new members, whereas in 2020 we only added three all year. However, we also had to purge our rolls of businesses that did not survive.

The City is working on its parks. Pat’s Playfield at Janicki Fields will make for accessible playgrounds for young kids. Also, Olmsted Park is being constructed at the SWIFT Center, in conjunction with the City and the Port. Regarded as the founder of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted (1822–1903) is best known for designing the grounds of New York City’s Central Park, the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

During the pandemic, we learned about our own cultural biases. What are the five unconscious biases?

Below are the most common types of unconscious bias that we should be aware of in a workplace setting to ensure workplace decisions aren’t being guided by them.

• Affinity Bias • Ageism • Attribution Bias • Beauty Bias • Confirmation Bias • Conformity Bias • The Contrast Effect • Gender Bias

We believe in respecting others and that all persons deserve respect too. Affinity bias, for example, is the unconscious tendency to get along with others who are like us. It is easy to socialize and spend time with others who are not different. It requires more effort to bridge differences when diversity is present. Conformity bias is when people seem to be more comfortable mimicking others, even regarding ethical matters. For example, studies show that people are more likely to act in a prosocial manner, such as contributing to charity or conserving water, if they see or hear that others are doing it too.

There are lots of exciting things happening around Sedro-Woolley. We are very excited to have the new library; it is a major asset and people are so excited to be able to use the new facility. We are also glad to see the Woolley Market evolve thanks to Rob Seyler for providing a place to dine indoors. Craig Van Hoy, NW Mountain Shop and Guide Service is moving into the space where Mark Morgan had his pawn shop. Enjoy your retirement Mark!

We are looking forward to a great 2021 and 2022.

Pola Kelley, President of the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce