President’s Report

 

Regardless of the size of your business, you should look at sponsorships as an avenue for your advertising and promotions efforts. Sponsorships allow you to clearly target your marketplace, or broadcast your business to a community sized audience. They broaden your network of business and community contacts, and paint a picture of your business that you simply can’t buy through regular advertising opportunities. And, since most sponsorships are available from not-for-profits, your investment is usually deductible as a charitable contribution.

Several years ago the Nike Corporation did an exhaustive study of their marketing and sponsorship program. They found that people were very supportive of Nike products as a result of their direct experience with the product. That direct experience came from a connection with an event that was sponsored by Nike, their kids use of the product on a high school or college team, or access to the product for organized youth sports. The combination of the direct product experience, community and youth support, and regular advertising did the trick and Nike was reassured by the study that their efforts were on track.

You too can take advantage of this same type of opportunity. Sponsorships are available from all types of community-based organizations giving you the chance to put your business in a variety of unique situations and specific markets. The Boys and Girls Club, the American Red Cross, and other community service organizations would really appreciate your support. The Chamber is no different. We are a community based not for profit that holds a 501 (c) (3) corporate status. We offer opportunities with youth (Ski to Sea Junior Parade and Race), the local community (the Ski to Sea Parade), a national audience (the Ski to Sea Race), and a variety of local and regional business audiences (the Border Conference, Chamber Annual Meeting, educational classes, the Web site, and so on).

I encourage you to take a moment and look at your marketing and business identity. Look at your presence in the community, and think about those soft aspects of your marketplace. Sponsorship should be on your radar as a method of supporting your existing customer base, as well giving you the opportunity to reach new people and expand your market. Sponsorship is that other tool in your marketing package that can have tremendous results and give you a leg up in this community’s market.

Call me at the chamber or connect with the not for profit of your choice. We can all provide you with that unique access to your success.

 

US Chamber sets the tone
for international trade

A number of major players from the US Chamber of Commerce visited Bellingham on Wednesday, Jan. 15th and presented, along with the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber, an exceptional program on international trade. The event was not so much a how to as it was an investigation of the issues, problems, and positives of this marketplace as it relates to international business. The group presented to a very upscale audience that represented business, government, and community leaders from throughout the region enabling an excellent overview and discussion of our local issues.

Our local effort also focused on defining those issues, and getting them into the US Chamber’s inventory of community details so that their federal lobbying efforts would include Whatcom County. This effort was very successful as the travel team took back a number of specific details and projects in support of our local agenda.

We concluded the day with a border tour conducted by Peg Fearon, the US Customs Port Director who is responsible for the ports of entry from Eastern Washington to Point Roberts. Peg was an exceptional host providing our visitors with an overview of the border issues here in the County as well as the issues for her district. Her detailed presentation, and her willingness to show off the systems was a very positive conclusion to a very busy day.

The US Chamber team left town to do yet another presentation on the west coast, and left with more information and an appreciation of Whatcom County that will benefit us for years to come. We offer the US Chamber and the team our sincere thanks for a job well done.

 

Ambassador Appreciation

The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber Ambassadors are a dedicated group of area business people who donate their time for the betterment of the chamber and the community. They can be seen at all chamber activities offering a helpful and insightful hand. Without them, our task would be enormous.

Millie Deford has been involved with the Chamber Ambassador program since its inception. She came to the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber with the idea and put it into place. She has led the program for the last five years. She would like to thank all the people who have participated in the Ambassador program.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication of our Chamber Ambassadors. Their contributions to the Chamber’s programs and activities have helped our organization be successful. Truly, we are a team…thank you again.” Deford said

The following are Current Chamber Ambassadors:

Alyse Axford, Zig Zag Z Clown

Amy Nicol, Peoples Bank

Becky Raney, Print & Copy

Ben Baker, VCR Print

Bob Hagedorn, Business Pulse

Cale Luna, SOLTECH

Cameron Stewart, Ragz Z Clown

Chad Stephens, Evolutionary Visions

Cindy Daily, Wal-Mart

Da ryl J. McClelland, Windermere Real Estate

Ellen Shea, Chrysalis

Eric Flo, Horse Sense Productions

Gary Newman, Shaklee/AirSource

Jacci Crandall, Jacci’s Fish & Chips

Joe Beaulaurier, Business Journal

Joel Hile, Orchard Park Assisted Living

Ju dy Mallory, Express Personnel Services

Keith Wallace, Rice Insurance

Millie Deford, Cranberry House

Phyllis Newman, Shaklee/AirSource

Richard Montgomery, Central Moving

Scott Hume, A.G. Edwards

Stan Couzens, Sac Art

Te rry Lehmann, Lehmann’s Magtag Appliance

Tina Miller, Granmapa Creations

Yv onne Goldsmith, Yvonne Goldsmith Consultant

 

Chairman of Latin Business Association of Los Angeles to Speak in Bellingham

Ruth Lopez Williams, the chairperson of the 1,100 member Los Angeles Latin Business Association will be the Keynote Speaker at the Washington Latino Business Association’s Mar. 10th Latino Business Forum. The first event sponsored by the newly formed WLBA will be held at Squalicum Boathouse in Squalicum Harbor and will include workshops for small businesses and a lunch served by Jalapenos Restaurant.

Advance tickets cost $15 per person and can be purchased at Jalapeno’s Restaurant, 501 West Holly, Tienda El Polivoz at 4120 Meridian St, Ste. 160 or at the Whatcom/Bellingham Chamber offices starting on Feb. 1st. Tickets cost $18 at the door. Please make checks payable to the Washington Latino Business Association. Tables for eight can be purchased for $120 before the event.

The Whatcom/Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and the Seattle Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are collaborating with the Washington Latino Business Association to present this event, which will be targeting small business owners in the state of Washington. US Bank is one of the major sponsors of this event, as it promotes the goals of their Hispanic Initiative. For more information call Diane Barrera Turner at (360) 752-9878 or Washington Latino Business Association at (360) 527-1202

 

Ski to Sea Race Celebrates 30th Year

On May 25th, the Ski to Sea Race will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Over 1000 volunteers from all social and economic backgrounds unite and present an event whose heritage goes back to the original 1911 Mt. Baker Marathon. They are proud to share their community’s heritage.

Festivals offer a unique and valuable contribution to our culture. They provide tangible benefits by giving communities a creative focus, generating pride in the community and providing economic benefits by attracting tourists to the area.

Last year’s race was viewed on Outdoor Life Network by 40 million households and the demographics of the race participants continue to expand with over 22 states and three countries represented.

You too may become involved with this dedicated group of individuals. If you have a strong sense of community, and share their goal of presenting the best race in the nation, please call the chamber.

 

Networking events Scheduled in February

The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce networking event is being held at Northwood Hall on Friday Feb. 14th, Valentines Day. The networking event is a great way to meet other business people in the community. It includes networking, breakfast and a chance to win wonderful prizes all for just $11. Reservations are required by calling 734-1330 or email the Chamber at chamber@bellingham.com. Chamber Members and their guests are invited to attend. Non-members can attend each event once prior to joining the Chamber.

 

Business after Business

Business after Business is a monthly event for Chamber Members and guests. The Business after Business is generally held the third Thursday of every month from 5p.m. — 7 p.m.. Refreshments, networking, tours, prizes and a nice time are always a part of the event. This month the Business after Business is on Thursday Feb. 20th at Windermere Real Estate, 515 W. Bakerview Road in Bellingham.

 

Opportunities in Cross-Border Trade

A workshop series for businesses in Northwest Washington presented by Whatcom Community College Community Education in conjunction with the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center, and the State of Washington.

To register for one or more workshops or for more information, please call (360) 647-3277. You may also view classes and register online at www.whatcomcommunityed.com.

Trading With Canada (New)

Trade with Canada is not limited to large corporations — any business can benefit from trade with our closest neighbor. This workshop will teach you the steps needed to expand your business and business relationships into Canada. Class includes information on creating cross-border deals, steps to acquiring foreign partners, and tips on dealing with Canadian business and culture. No prior trade experienced required. Instructor Robert Jones is the principal commercial officer for the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver B.C. and works with businesses on both sides of the border to create trade relationships. Robert will be assisted by Phil Lee of A&A Custom Brokerage who will discuss details of moving goods across the Canadian border.

W8679 / 1 session / 3 clock hrs., $45

Tuesday, February 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Jones/Lee, WCC - Heiner 105

 

NAFTA and Your Business (New)

We have all heard about the North American Free Trade Agreement, but do you know how it affects your business? This workshop will examine NAFTA and the changes it introduced that allow you to trade more freely with Canada and Mexico regardless of the size of your business. What you learn about NAFTA can radically change how you do business. John Anderson is president of La Bodega Food & Beverage Corporation in Seattle and deals with the implications of NAFTA on a daily basis.

W8440 / 1 session / 3 clock hrs., $45

Tuesday, March 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Anderson, WCC - Heiner 105

 

Newsletter Article – Board Chair

January 12, 2003

[Nancy Jordan is the new chair of the Chamber board. This is the first in a series of regular columns she will contribute to Progress.]

Three cheers to the Bellingham/Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce for its decades of dedication, tireless service and commitment to support local business, bringing vitality to our community! Through thick and thin the Chamber has stayed the course. Today is no different.

The Chamber provides a place for businesses and individuals to congregate and participate in activities and advocacy that supports and improves the local business environment. It also helps provide access to services and tools that improve the viability of businesses and quality of life.

This is why I became involved. I appreciate interacting with people who share a common vision for a vibrant, beautiful and quality community in which to live.

Congratulations to the Chamber staff and members that work so hard and give of themselves to help make this vision a reality. Let’s continue the tradition in 2003 with an eye toward the future!

 

 

Chamber Membership Grows

The following businesses, individuals and organizations became members of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce in December:

 

ACOMA Digital Productions
Scott & Jacque Peterson, Owners
2174 Yew St. Rd. #5
Bellingham, WA 98229
360 671-8559
Macintosh computer repair, troubleshooting, upgrading & training.

 

Best of Bellingham
David F. Miller, Owner
1016 - 38th St.
Bellingham, WA 98229
360 756-1497
Upscale, quarterly, direct mail advertising to 30,000 Bellingham area households.

 

Cantrell Counseling & Psychological Services
Bridget C. Cantrell, PhD, Owner
1000 McKenzie Ave. #26
Bellingham, WA 98225
360 714-1525
Psychological services.

 

Richard Eggemeyer, Agent
Coldwell Banker Miller-Arnason
3610 McKenzie Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
360 734-3420
Specialized in commercial & industrial sales & development.

 

Michael Rawls, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Miller-Arnason
3610 Meridian
Bellingham, WA 98225
360 734-3420
Real estate.

 

Curly’s Flooring
Pablo Schroeder, Owner
2608 Huron St.
Bellingham, WA 98226
360 676-1013
Specializing in expert repair & restretching of carpet in Whatcom County.

 

Dan Goldstein Creative
Dan Goldstein, Owner
4328 Cordero Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98229
360 671-5825
Award winning, hard-hitting concepts, copy, and production in radio, print, collateral, direct response, television, web, industrial film & more.

 

Douglas Coleman & Assoc., CPA, Inc., P.S.
Douglas Coleman, Owner
Karen Coleman, Office Adm.
22 Harbor Mall
Bellingham, WA 98264
360715-2055
CPA firm specializing in audits of higher institutions and Native American Organizations.

 

Fraser Downs
Chuck Keeling, GM
Scott Sinclair, Dir. of Sales
17755 - 60th Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 1V3
604 576-9141
Live horse racing from Sept. to May and an array of banquet/meeting rooms.

 

Affordable Health Insurance
Lori Solis, Owner
PO Box 29961
Bellingham, WA 98228
360 354-2201
The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company.

 

Marti’s Dressing, LLC
Marti Jones
PO Box 28396
Bellingham, WA 98228-0396
360 595-2214
Manufacturer of salad dressings.

 

Protection One
Chuck Holder, GM
6844 S. 220th St.
Kent, WA 98032
888 849-6276
Commercial & residential security systems.

 

Rain-Cap, Inc
Gary L. Jorissen, Pres.
4469 Meridian St.
Bellingham, WA 98226
360 676-8100
Truck, SUV & auto accessory sales & installations.

 

Mary Kay & Marie Rose
REMAX/Whatcom Co., Inc
913 Lakeway Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98229
360 671-6648
Mother-daughter real estate team.

 

Sequoia Hill
Jan Pfister, Owner
6283 Noon Rd.
Everson, WA 98247
360 354-6039
Adult family home.

 

Shade Maid, LLC
Ester Hillius, CEO
1715 James St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
360 733-7956
Clean, repair and service window coverings.

 

Dave & Shari Hovde, Realtors
Windermere Real Estate
515 W. Bakerview Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226
360 734-7500
Real estate team.

 

Renewing Members

Ace Beverage, Inc
Arc of Whatcom County
Assistance League of Bellingham
AT&T Broadband
Bellingham Home & Office Cleaning
Best Western Heritage Inn
BioLife Plasma Services
Bo ys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County
BSK Construction, Inc
Community Bible Fellowship
Drew Pettus, Attorney at Law
Duane Sammons Insurance Center
Farmers Insurance
I-5 RV, Inc
James Sturdevant, Attorney at Law
Kelli Linville
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza
Law Office of Tom Ashton
Limbic Systems, Inc
Multiple District 19 Lions
Maureen O’Brien
Mobile Music Unlimited
North Puget Sound Hearing
Northwood Hall
Office Max
Opportunity Council
Ott & Associates
Qwest
RBC Dain Rauscher, Inc
Son Rise Property Management
Sound Wise
Strategic Asset Alliance
Top to Bottom, Inc
Towner Press, Inc
Turner Photographics
Wilson Furniture