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Chamber Column July 2009

It’s no secret that summer in Edmonds is a summer filled with great events.

What is one of the better kept secrets is that the marquee events of an Edmonds kind of summer are put on by the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, including:

- This Saturday, the Fourth of July main and children’s parades, the evening fireworks show and entertainment are the result of many, many hours of work by chamber volunteers and staff. Chamber events coordinator Carolyn LaFave, Board Vice President Ron Clyborne and many others have been planning and working for months with a host of others to make sure that the show will go on. While economic conditions forced other organizations to cancel longtime Independence Day celebrations, Chamber officials chose to continue, to give the community the opportunity to come together and build on cherished traditions. This year, the Chamber is proud to have as parade grand marshal Edmonds-own JP Patches, the iconic local TV clown remembered and loved by, well, let’s just say those of us with a few gray hairs, if there was hair.

- Three days in August, the 14th through 16th, brings the annual “A Taste of Edmonds.” This combination food extravaganza, arts & crafts show, music festival and family gathering has become an every summer must-do for tens of thousands of Puget Sounders. If you like beer and rock ‘n’ roll, the Taste has got it in spades. If the idea of a wine garden with a smooth jazz genre is more to your palate, there’s that, too. Every possible kind of arts & craft or indispensible do-dad is available at the hundreds of booths and, oh, did I mention the food?

Oh, the food …
From blackened salmon with Caesar salad and alligator on a stick to a deep-fried Twinkie and strawberry shortcake and way, way more, the “Taste” is a great place to expand your culinary experiences and maybe the belt a notch. Or two notches, did I mention it is a three-day event?

- Officially re-christened the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show, this Sunday, Sept. 13, event takes over the streets of Downtown Edmonds with hundreds of shiny new, oops; make that “old” cars. All really shiny and some really old, the owners park their pride and joy along the curb allowing thousands of a aficionados and newbies alike to stroll along, ask questions and dream of what they’d do if that Lotto-ticket strategy pays off. Combining the classic cars with Edmonds’ already classic shopping and food, then adding family fun and entertainment, equals an event that always proves to be a terrific day.

So, come enjoy the events your Chamber puts on for the entire community and if someone asks, it’s OK to not keep this secret: Tell them the Chamber did it.

We say good-bye to two board members

While we will miss Chris Keuss and Pat Copeland, we wish them well in their new endeavors.

Chris Keuss, retired from the Port of Edmonds, has served on our board since 2002 and also served on our economic development committee, our membership committee as well as volunteering on several occasions.

Pat Copeland, Edmonds Community College, served on our board since 2005 and also served on our economic development committee, Fourth of July committee, many ad-hoc committees, and has also volunteered.

We thank them for their leadership, commitment, and guidance in making the Edmonds Chamber a stronger organization.

Networking Events

Networking Breakfast

Hosted by the Edmonds Chamber Ambassadors

Wednesdays, 8:45am – 10:00am
Fairwinds-Brighton Court
6520 196th St. SW, Lynnwood

July 8 – Mike Meeks, Dewar Meeks + Ekrem
“How to run your business by the numbers!”
June 15 – TBA
June 22 – TBA
July 29 - TBA

Check EdmondsWA.com for updates

Free to attend, $8.00 for breakfast
(please pay at the front desk)

Additional parking is available in front of Monroe Hall, one building
west of Brighton Court. Please park facing 196th St.

July Chamber Luncheon

Please join us for our July Membership

Speed Networking – Brown Bag Lunch
In just two short hours you can create quality relationships with businesses in your community. Bring plenty of business cards and brochures.

Thursday, July 23rd
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Edmonds Yacht Club

$10.00 Members with reservations
(reservations STRONGLY recommended)
$12.00 at the door
Reservations: Online @ EdmondsWA.com or call 425-670-1496 x3 by July 20th

Chamber After-Hours

Wednesday, July 8th, 5 – 7 pm

Dethlefs Sparwasser, PLLC
115 2nd Ave. N, Suite 100 | Edmonds, WA 98020
www.detsparlaw.com
Lara Dethlefs and Rachael Sparwasser left downtown Seattle law firms where they
were litigators. They joined together in Edmonds to form Dethlefs Sparwasser, a
general practice law firm. Their goal is to provide personal service to the people of
Edmonds and the surrounding community. They are pleased to be a part of the
Edmonds community and are excited to assist you with your legal needs .

Chamber Ribbon Cuttings!

Cascade Bank
437 5th Ave. S | Edmonds, WA 98020
Phone – (425) 776-6514 | www.cascadebank.com

The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce welcomes Cascade
Bank. Present for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was Vern
Woods, Vice President and Assistant Branch Manager Tim
Schell, other Cascade Bank employees and customers, Mayor
Gary Haakenson, chamber ambassadors and members,
along with friends and community members.

Chamber Summer Events

“An Edmonds Kind of 4th”
The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that this year’s Grand Marshall for the 4th of July Parade will be none-other than “Seattle’s Favorite Clown” JP Patches. JP will be joined by this year’s Community Service Award winner Theresa Poalucci, owner, The Journal Newspapers. Both JP and Theresa will lead-off this year’s parade and day of festivities. At this time the Chamber is still in need of funds to help produce this great event. While this year finds us all experiencing tough economic times, the Chamber feels the continuation of this time-honored, and community-loved event is vital to the Edmonds Community. We hope everyone will consider making a donation to “An Edmonds Kind of 4th” and that you will encourage your family and friends to do so also.

For more information please contact Carolyn LaFave by phone at 425.670.1496 x3 or email events@edmondswa.com.

“A Taste of Edmonds”
Come out and support the Chamber and promote your business by signing-up to be a volunteer at “A Taste of Edmonds”. This year’s Taste is August 14-16. We have available shifts in the Beer Garden, Wine Garden or at the Information Booth for all 3 days. Wherever you choose to volunteer your time at the Taste you’ll have fun, make new friends, and support the Chamber and your community.

For more information please call or email Carolyn LaFave at the Chamber office – 425-670-1496 x3 or events@edmondswa.com

2009 Dave Stern Memorial Golf Classic

Harbour Pointe Golfe Club, Monday, August 24, 2009. Reservation deadline August 19, 2009.

2009 Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show

This year’s Classic Car Show will take place on Sunday, September 13th. Hours are from 10:00am – 5:00pm. With classic cars, spectacular shops, great restaurants, “free” family fun, and live entertainment, you won’t want to miss this event! For more information contact the Edmonds Visitor’s Center at 425-776-6711 or visit our website at www.EdmondsWA.com.

Member Highlight

RV Life Magazine

Locally owned RV Life Magazine reaches recreation vehicle owners throughout the Northwest and Southwest with articles on travel and tourism, new products, and maintaining and operating RVs.

With nearly 1 in 12 households in the U.S. owning a motorhome, travel trailer or truck camper, it’s a huge market that RV Life reaches through mailed subscriptions, an online edition and free distribution at RV shows, RV rallies, dealer showrooms and Camping World stores. This unique method of distribution puts the monthly magazine in the hands of active RVers who are eager to learn about products and services that will add to their RVing experience.

Kristin Boag is the magazine’s director of sales and marketing, with 15 years of experience in helping advertisers reach their targeted audiences.

The RV market is a lucrative one—the typical RV owner is 49 years old, married and has an above-average household income. Industry studies anticipate an expanding RV market over the next few years, as the huge Baby Boom generation reaches an age when people are most likely to buy an RV. The RV market is also expanding as younger families, too, discover the joy—and economic advantages—of RVing.

RV Life was founded more than 25 years ago, and has expanded over the years to reach a growing audience in Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Through its online presence, the magazine has also attracted readers not only nationwide but internationally. The magazine can be found at www.RVLife.com. Articles are readily accessible online, and a page-by-page rendition of the complete magazine, including all the advertising, is also available by clicking on the digital edition.

If you have a product or service that you think might appeal to RVers, you can tap into this vast market by contacting Kristin Boag at (425) 775-2911, Ext. 32, or by e-mail at Kristin@rvlife.com. RV Life’s offices are at 18717 76th Avenue West, Suite B, Lynnwood, WA 98037.

Membership Options

Member Investment Program
Making an Investment in your Business and Community

Why The Membership Investment Program?
The Membership Investment Program offers businesses the opportunity to save money by receiving member benefits in a package plan, thereby saving money while providing outstanding visibility. All levels include the cost of your annual investment. Payment plans available

PLATINUM $2,500
Save $1,500
Standard Membership Plus:

♦ Hole Sponsorship for Golf Tournament
♦ Recognition at Chamber events
♦ Preferred Business Directory advertisement (1/2 page)
♦ Golf Tournament tickets (4)
♦ Speed Networking Event (4 tickets)
♦ Recognition in the Chamber Newsletter, Preferred Business Directory
and on EdmondsWA.com as a Platinum member
♦ Chamber Newsletter advertising (full page for 4 months)
♦ Web ad on EdmondsWA.com and EverythingEdmonds.com (6 months)
♦ Tickets for Annual Banquet (8)
♦ Broadcast emails to members (6 emails)
♦ Tickets for Monthly Luncheon (6 tickets)
♦ Mailing labels (6 sets per year)
♦ E-plaque for your website

GOLD $1,000
Save $600
Standard Membership Plus:

♦ Preferred Business Directory advertisement (1/4 page)
♦ Golf Tournament ticket (1)
♦ Speed Networking Event (1 ticket)
♦ Recognition in the Chamber Newsletter, Preferred Business Directory and on EdmondsWA.com as a Gold member
♦ Chamber Newsletter advertising (1/2 pg. for 3 months)
♦ Web ad on EdmondsWA.com and Everything Edmonds.com (3 months)
♦ Tickets for Annual Banquet (4)
♦ Broadcast emails to members (3 emails)
♦ Tickets for Monthly Luncheon (3 tickets)
♦ Mailing labels (3 sets per year)
♦ E-plaque for your website

SILVER $750
Save $400
Standard Membership Plus:

♦ Recognition in the Chamber Newsletter, Preferred Business Directory and on EdmondsWA.com as a Silver member
♦ Chamber Newsletter advertising (1/8 pg. for 3 months)
♦ Web ad on EdmondsWA.com and EverythingEdmonds.com (2 months)
♦ Ticket for Annual Banquet (2)
♦ Broadcast email to members (2)
♦ Ticket for Monthly Luncheon (2)
♦ Mailing labels (2 set per year)
♦ E-plaque for your website

Member Incentives

A reminder of the new and renewing member options and incentives.

Incentives for new or renewing members – choose one (actual values on all items are between $100 - $200).

♦ $100 chamber credit to use for any chamber program or benefit.
♦ $200 off upgrading to a tiered membership

Existing members only— Receive $25.00 Chamber credit for each new member you bring in.

Program or benefit examples where credits can be used: speed networking, luncheon or breakfast, any dues, golf tournament, seminars or workshops, mailing labels, broadcast emails, annual banquet and more!

5 Year Plan — Offers over 20% discount for pledging to join or renew for 5 years. This plan can not be used with another incentive

Recurring Payments The Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is offering an automatic payment process. This can be done on our website or by providing your information on the application. Members who choose this program will receive a 10% discount.

Payment Plans The Chamber also has payment plans available. This allows you to pay over 6 months.

If you are interested, please email us at
membership@edmondswa.com or call us at 425-670-1496 x 3.

Chamber Library

The following resources are available to check-out from the Edmonds Chamber Business Resource Library. Stop by the office and take a look at what we have to offer.

The following Focus — by Brad Worthley International DVD sets are available for check-out:

- Leadership Development — Turning Managers into Leaders
- Leadership Development — How to Coach Your Employees,
Peers & Supervisor
- Customer Service Training — Exceeding Customer Expectations

Also available — DVD set by Dr. Maxwell Maltz and Dan Kennedy:
- The New Psycho-Cybernetics:
A Mind Technology for Living your Life without Limits

Education & Training

Events

For more information, visit
EdmondsWA.com, EverythingEdmonds.com
or email events@EdmondsWA.com

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Third Thursday Artwalk

Every third Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Downtown Edmonds

Committees

For more information, visit EdmondsWA.com
Email events@EdmondsWA.com

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Ambassadors

Represents the Chamber with fun and pride at public functions to make new and prospective members feel welcome and to establish personal contacts with all members

Board

The Executive Committee includes the president, first and second vice presidents, the treasurer, the Chamber staff, and, at the discretion of the president, other directors. Operations are reviewed and recommendations are made in preparation for Board meetings. This committee, excluding the Chamber staff, acts as the Personnel Committee. The Board of Directors is responsible for the fiduciary health, goals and objectives and all policy matters on behalf of this Member organization

DEMA

Working together to increase sales through collaboration, events, and promotions, while having fun. 1st Friday monthly, 8:30 am, The Savvy Traveler, 112 5th Ave. S, Edmonds. Everyone Welcome!

EDC

Fosters a vibrant economic environment for the Edmonds area in industry, services, and retail businesses and to keep abreast of local issues that may affect the business community.

City, Port and County governments make decisions every day that affect commercial business interests. You can share in the Chamber's collective influence on local economic decisions and in area government affairs. Join us in our public service efforts and help spur the kind of strategic development in the City of Edmonds that will ultimately enhance your own business' growth.

Everything Edmonds

EverythingEdmonds.com is a Chamber sponsored web site provided for the benefit of residents and businesses alike. This web site is designed to promote local businesses as well as provide a tool for Edmonds residents to find shopping, dining, services and entertainment right here in Edmonds. Promote your business with the highest technology on the website that promotes support of local business.

Membership

Serves not only in recruitment, but also in member retention by communicating regularly with members. The primary function of the committee is to offer members benefits and opportunities to enhance and promote their business.

GET INVOLVED, MAKE IT HAPPEN, YOUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD!