PROGRESS
A Publication of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry

President’s Report

Help me by answering a question for the membership…

Over the past several years the Chamber has worked on a variety of national, state and super-regional efforts that have had and will have long-range effects on the economy of our region.

• We directly participated in the defeat of a major new immigration code problem known as Section 110. This effort took nearly a year and a half of intensive lobbying.

• We assisted local governments and the Council of Governments in moving Whatcom County from the bottom of the list for transportation funding at the state and federal level. This multiple year effort is an ongoing commitment.

• We assisted with the effort to provide federal funding for local law enforcement and criminal justice so that the burden of the border gets removed as an expense for local governments and tax payers . This issue, just presented to Congress by Rep. Rick Larsen, will begin to take shape early this year. Our hope is to get an initial commitment this year.

• We worked through the interesting federal process and got all of Whatcom County assigned as a NAFTA Distressed Community. This important declaration took about 90 days of intense focus, but it runs until May of 2004 when we have to recertify. We are still finding out details regarding the benefits of this declaration.

• We worked at the highest levels inside of the federal agencies to get NEXUS applied at our borders and were successful in getting that certification first before any other location in the US. Assisted by the US Chamber of Commerce; the EDC; the Whatcom Council of Governments and their IMTC Project; and all the Chambers across our border and on both sides, this was a significant accomplishment that helped put our community on the map in Washington, D.C. and in Congress. This project will be enhanced this year with the edition of FAST, a NEXUS Lane for commercial vehicles (trucks).

And on and on….. But now its time to turn our focus back to our membership and the support of small business and our membership in general. And, here is where we need your help.

We are looking for your feedback to help us reinvent the organization to be more responsive to your needs, your actions, and the development of this marketplace. We certainly don’t have all those answers, but you have many of them. The next steps are to have you discuss your thoughts with us so that we can design a plan and then get to work.

We already know that many are looking for activities and others are looking for access to information and education. These requests have turned into action. We now have a Retail Committee; we are developing a Small Business Council; we offer classes in international trade, customer service, doing business with the city, etc…and we are just getting started.

I do want to talk to you, so if you have a chance or an issue call me, 734-1330, email me at mbrennan@bellingham, or button hole me at the Breakfast Network, Business After Business or at any event. We will be setting up some group discussions, but be focused and catch me up on your thoughts. I am all ears.

Lets have a prosperous new year…

 

Doing business with the city,
keeping our tax dollars at home

Over 30 local businesses joined 16 City Staffers at Bellingham Technical College to be briefed on how to do business with the City. The City staff did an excellent job of detailing the “how to’s” of contracting, registering, and learning where to look for City of Bellingham’s bid requests.

The business people asked questions, reviewed material, and got the chance to talk directly to the various department heads from all over the city. Planning, Purchasing, Police, Parks, Executive, Fire, Legal, Library, Public Works, Revenue, IT, Neighborhoods, and others were all present and at tables. They all gave specific details about their departments and their purchasing needs, guidelines, and other related material. The most often made comment at the tables was “When can we do this again”.

The Chamber would like to thank the City of Bellingham, Bellingham Technical College, the Small Business Development Center, and Duane Sammons Insurance for sponsoring this valuable presentation. Presenting access to this type of activity takes lots of planning and effort and we would like to thank Joan Cady with the City of Bellingham, Katherine Clark with the SBDC, Therese Williams with Bellingham Technical College, and all the staff members from the City who helped present this program. We would also thank those who attended and learned those how tos. Your success is our motive.

 

Retail committee sets its sights

The various retail districts from all over Bellingham are gathering monthly to look at a variety of issues that support an expansion of their markets. Fairhaven, Downtown, Bellis Fair, Barkley Village, Bellweather, Old Town, Railroad Avenue, and others are looking at a common agenda that supports retailing in Bellingham. The draft agenda includes more effective directional signage such as linkage between the state and city, a working calendar of events and promotions, a “shop local” campaign, cooperative advertising both locally and regionally, a comprehensive recruitment effort for retail, educational seminars, and lots more. The Retail Committee meets at 8:30am on the third Wednesday of the month at the Chamber Office. If you are interested in being on the email list contact Mike at mbrennan@bellingham.com for more details.

 

A look at the Educational Offerings
for the 1st quarter of 2003 Happy New Year

Wednesday, January 15th – 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – A Visit from the US Chamber of Commerce at the Best Western Lakeway Inn . Meet with the US Chamber’s top officials for international trade, transportation, and Canadian Cross Border Trade right here in Bellingham. Get a handle on how the US Chamber and their national view align with our local efforts.

Tuesday, January 21st – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – An Introduction to Cross Border Trade at Whatcom Community College. Learn the basics of international trade from local and state experts who can show you how small business can work internationally.

Tuesday, February 11th – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Trading with Canada at Whatcom Community College. Learn how to reach into British Columbia and western Canada from small business experts who can point the way. Go international with your business.

Tuesday, March 18th – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – NAFTA And Your Business at Whatcom Community College. Put the details of NAFTA to work for you as you explore the locational advantage of being at the top end of America’s premier NAFTA highway.

Thursday, March 27th – 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – A Presentation from the Federal Reserve Bank, San Francisco, CA. Meet with representatives of the US Federal Reserve’s San Francisco office, and get a look at their operations as well as a sophisticated economic overview from their top west coast economist.

 

Small Business Council

The Chamber will be calling for the initial seating of a Small Business Council sometime in the later part of January. Steve Wilkinson of Pacific Northwest Bank has volunteered to co-chair the Council, but we are actively looking for other small business people willing to take some time to discuss, prioritize and work on small business issues in our county. If you are interested, contact Mike at the Chamber 734.1330 or via e-mail mbrennan@bellingham.com for more information and meeting times and dates. Your wisdom and participation will be greatly appreciated.

 

Networking events scheduled in January

The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce networking event is being held at Northwood Hall on Friday January 10. 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 e-mail 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 5 – 7 PM. Refreshments, networking, tours, prizes and a nice time are always a part of the event. As of press deadline the January location had not been confirmed. Your Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce will have information available when confirmation is received.

 

MVP Award

In the 4 years the Chamber has been awarding the Most Valuable Player Award no one person has won it twice. That’s because we have a large group of people who deserve this award. Some we haven’t got to yet because we only give one award a month. But there are others who step up to the plate on a regular basis and are deserving of the Award. So we may have to start giving them out to previous winners. If we are going to do that we have to start the person who could share the award every month. We have it on good authority she won the aAward in December of 1998, its only fitting we give another on her anniversary date. This month’s MVP Award winner is the first two-time winner of the MVP Award — Millie Deford of the Cranberry House in Fairhaven.

 

The US Chamber Comes to Bellingham
and Offers Their TRADE ROOTS Program

Over the last five years foreign trade has become an increasingly important engine for economic growth and enhancing America’s national security. Cross border transportation of goods has also significantly increased. While all businesses have benefited, the number of small businesses has more than doubled in this segment of the U.S. economy. But since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the trade environment and its regulations in which we operate have changed. New policies set in Washington directly affect our ability to do business across international borders. With Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) now being the law of the land, the question becomes, “Now What”?

On Jan. 15, 2003, the U.S. Chamber along with the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold an interactive seminar to educate attendees about new trade policy and practices that work for companies in the Pacific Northwest. Top trade experts from the U.S. Chamber and the state of Washington will be on hand along with successful Pacific Northwest-based businesses of all sizes, which operate in this challenging environment. Both U.S. Senators from Washington State along with Representatives Rick Larsen (D-2), George Nethercutt (R-5), and Jennifer Dunn (R-8) have been invited to participate in the program. The enclosure summarizes the program highlights and contains registration information.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Best Western Lakeway Inn, 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham. There is a nominal charge of $40 and space is limited, so register early. Please RSVP to the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry at 360-734-1330, fax 360-734-1332, or by e-mail at chamber@bellingham.com. If you are personally unable to attend, please feel free to designate someone from your company to attend in your place.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, January 15.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

Chamber breaks record for new members

Your Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce welcomed 200 new members in the calendar year 2002; a new one-year record. First to all the new members welcome! And to the existing members who encouraged many of those people to join the largest, most active business organization in the county, thank you!

Over the last 4 years just over 700 businesses have joined the state’s fourth Largest Chamber Organization. Over 1100 individuals represent the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber and their businesses. Chamber Membership shows a commitment to the health and well being of our community. If you would like more information on membership and the benefits you will receive call the chamber office at 734-1330 or e-mail chamber@bellingham.com. The office is located at 1435 Railroad Avenue downtown Bellingham and is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Check out the following reasons you should join the largest business organization in Whatcom County.

• Networking Breakfast Event -Once a month event attracts well over 100 participants per event (27,720 leads exchanged every year).

• Business after Business (new location monthly – meet and network with many other business people).

• Put out your brochures and/or business cards at the Chamber office

• Chamber refers inquiries almost exclusively to Chamber members (thousands annually).

• Members listed on the chamber web site (www.bellingham.com) Thousands of hits annually on the best web address going.

• Member to member discounts.

• Notification of meetings and important events through our monthly newsletter and appropriate fax and e-mail information.

• Group medical insurance plans, dental, vision, long term care, etc. for businesses employing 1 to 100 people.

• Ribbon Cutting with giant gold chamber scissors at your place of business for grand opening, expansion, etc. Picture and publicity in Chamber news letter.

• Membership is 100% tax deductible.

• Members have access to the chamber mailing list (1100 names)

• Business Service Center provides valuable one on one assistance to new and growing businesses in Bellingham and Whatcom County.

• Advocacy – The Chamber has a good working relationship with elected officials at all levels of government and represents members on a local, state and federal level.

• Name and business referral listing in 12,000 business resource and relocation guides distributed annually.

• Membership dues are very reasonable.

• Membership Certificate certifying your membership for display at your business.

• An opportunity to market your product/service and invest into the community that supports you at chamber events and educational seminars.

• Free float entrée in Ski to Sea Parade (($100 for non members).

For more information on how to increase your level of success, please call your Chamber office at 734-1330. We can provide you with a 5-minute CD in which you can actually see your chamber in action and/or chat about how we can be of benefit to you.

 

 

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

 

Bachman Estate & Spa

David & Maggie Munson, Owners

Diana Banister, Spa Director

776 “H” Street Rd.

Lynden, WA 98264

360 354 5827

Destination Spa

 

Bowman Pavlosky & Associates

Jan Bowman & Heather Pavlosky, Partners

519 E. Magnolia

Bellingham, WA 98226

360 733-0956

Accounting services offered on site, off site and via the internet include full charge bookkeeping, financial statements, A/R & A/P management, payroll & payroll tax preparation.

 

Candela Technologies

Benjamin Greear, Owner

Natasa Lazetic, COO

1908 - 20th St. Ste: D-12

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 961-6203

Creating network testing & simulation software & hardware solutions.

 

Celebrity Storage

Rob Flick, Owner

Allen & Sandy Paul, Mgrs.

3340 Airport Drive

Bellingham, WA 98226

360 647-0533

Self storage facility: 8x10’s & 5x8’s

 

Crown Point Holdings, Inc

Kenneth Tiderington, Owner

Nina Cathersal, Office Mgr.

2114 James Street

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 733-6229

Local land development, general contractors/builders.

 

Fitness Alliance

David Adamson, Owner

12 Bellwether on the Bay #112

360 738-4575

Personal, private training

Laser Light Skin Care Center, Inc

Tara Tiderington, RN, Owner

2114 James St.

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 733-6229

Laser hair reduction, elimination of spider veins.

 

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Angie Harwood, Team Leader

3459 Bridlewood Court

Bellingham, WA 98226-4140

360 223-3318

Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, providing personalized skin care consultations and color cosmetics coaching designed to enhance your professional appearance. As a tream leader, I also mentor new business

owners who join the Mary Kay Company

 

Masonic Family Leadership Association

John Browne, Sec/Treas.

Don Higgerson, Deputy

CONTACT: jbrowne@telcomplus.net

Leadership training organization for Masonic families in Whatcom County.

 

Millennium Cartridges Int’l

Peter Ruzyski, Owner

3873 Airport Way

Bellingham, WA 98227

877 323-0310

Newly manufactured laser & inkjet cartridge products, catering to government and commercial accounts.

 

Northwest Security & Sound, Inc

Steve Steele, President

Leslie Nickerson, Customer Service

1320 Hunsicker Rd.

Bellingham, WA 98226

360 671-7114

Sales & installation of residential burglar/fire alarm systems, music systems, network cable systems.

 

Papa John’s Pizza

Diane Kaelin, Operating Partner

Tammy Dunn, Mrkting Specialist

137 S. Samish Way

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 714-9300

Pizza - delivery & carryout

 

REMAX

Marcia Brown, Realtor

913 Lakeway Dr.

Bellingham, WA 98229

360 647-1313

Real Estate Sales

 

Samson Estates Winery, LLC

Rob Dhaliwal, Owner

1861 Van Dyk Rd.

Everson, WA 98247

360 966-7787

Production and retail sales of fruit wines, dessert wines and traditional wines.

 

Wallace-Rice Benefits, LLC

Keith Wallace

1400 Broadway

Bellingham, WA 98225

360-734-1161

Employee Benefits & Corporate Insurance

 

Windermere Real Estate/Wyatt Team

JoAnne Wyatt, Realtor

515 W. Bakerview

Bellingham, WA 98226

360-734-116-

Real Estate Services

 

YS@merica

Yuji Shibono, GM

4204 Meridian Ste: 230

Bellingham, WA 98226

360 527-8195

Importing (from head office in Japan) and selling heatproof and chemical resistant barcode labels - mainly for industrial use.

 

 

Bellingham TradeRoots International
Trade Leadership Program 2003

“Business on an International Border” In conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Time: Registration 7:30 – 8:00 AM

Program: 8:00 – 2:00 PM

Location: Best Western Lakeway Inn, 714 Lakeway Drive,
Bellingham WA

Cost: $40 per person

 

Program Highlights:

TradeRoots, Washington State and the World– The Road Ahead for 2003 and Beyond

Leslie M. Schweitzer, Senior Trade Advisor, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

What Are the Key Trade Issues for Businesses In Washington State?

Three medium-sized business owners will talk about how local trade issues affect their companies.

 

Washington State to Washington, DC—Fighting For Your Business!

Panel Discussion of how local issues are translated on a national level to gain favorable legislation to benefit Washington State.

 

Show Me the Money! Utilizing Federal Trade Assistance Resources.

Panel Discussion on how businesses and economic development centers can take full advantage of vast federal trade assistance program sources available to businesses in Washington State.

 

Luncheon Presentation:

The Importance of International Trade to Bellingham

Ambassador Chen of Singapore (invited); key Members of Congress (invited)

Please RSVP by phone: (360) 734-1330; fax: (360) 734-1332; or email: chamber@bellingham.-com, by Wednesday, January 8, 2003 - Space is Limited

 

 

Renewing Members in November

AG Edwards & Sons, Inc.

Allied Arts of Whatcom County

American Red Cross

Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor

Books Plus

Bosman Fuels

Brown’s Beauty Supply

Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co.

Butler & Associates

Cascade Natural Gas Corp.

Chicago Title Insurance Co.

Data Link West, Inc.

Fairhaven Bay Seafoods

Sandbar Seafoods

Hugh Brawford/Prudential Kelstrup Realtors

J.D. Phillips & Associates, Inc.

Key Bank

New Hope Foursquare Church

North Puget Sound Hearing

Orphalee Smith, CPA

Pacific Continental Realty

Palmer & Associates

Parker Northwest Associates

RECO

REMAX Whatcom County, Inc.

Stewart Tax & Accounting

US Bank of Washington

Verizon Wireless