Journal Newsletter Test Site

Chamber Column May 2009

Making every dollar count is more important than ever in these trying times and no one knows that lesson better than the many successful businesses of the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce.

So in these tight times, how does participating in the Chamber rank? The value that comes with Chamber membership puts it right near the top.

The Chamber works to provide a wide variety of benefits to meet the needs of the more than 400 members. Members can pick a few or all of the items from the smorgasbord of valuable offerings to create the meal that helps keep them going. Here are just a few:

- If a business is looking for name recognition in the community and around the region, Chamber events ranging from the nationally recognized A Taste of Edmonds to an old-style holiday tree-lighting worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting.
- If a business needs one-to-one networking opportunities for its success, the Chamber offers weekly networking breakfasts, local business events and monthly luncheons to make those important connections.
- If a business is looking for advertising value, the Chamber works with local media outlets to design effective and affordable marketing opportunities. The Chamber also hosts a shop-local focused Web site for additional advertising opportunities.
- If a business is looking for an affordable health-care program for its employees, the Chamber has created partnerships to deliver that, too.

And to make all these values and so many more affordable, staff and volunteer officials have worked to put together a number of membership and payment options to allow businesses to tap into this powerful resource.

Take a look inside this newsletter for the details.

To Our Readers...

In January 2008, thanks to the Journal Newspapers, we started publishing an e-newsletter. At that time, we provided those of you who did not want to receive an e-mail version of the newsletter the opportunity to have a paper version mailed instead. In an effort to cut costs we have decided to discontinue producing the paper version of our monthly newsletter. Beginning in June 2009 we will only be producing an e-newsletter.

If you are currently receiving the paper version and would like to receive the e-newsletter, please contact us by phone at 425.670.1496 x3, or email at events@edmondswa.com, and provide us with a current email address. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you and we appreciate your understanding. Thank You.

Networking Events

Networking Breakfast

Hosted by the Edmonds Chamber Ambassadors
Wednesdays, 8:45am - 10:00am
Fairwinds - Brighton Court, 6520 196th St. SW, Lynnwood

May 6 — Ambassador Business Meeting
May 13 — Chamber Orientation
May 20 — Ed Milan, S.C.O.R.E.
May 27 — Bill Yeager, AAOA

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.

April Chamber Luncheon
"Chamber Orientation"

Thursday, May 28th, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Edmonds Yacht Club | 456 Admiral Way
$17.50 (members, in advance) | $20.00 (at the door/non-members)

Reserve by Tuesday, May 26th: Online events@EdmondsWA.com
Fax form on back of calendar , or call 425-670-1496 x3

The Edmonds Chamber Ambassadors Orientation Committee will present a detailed
orientation of The Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce at our next
Chamber luncheon on May 28th. The orientation will include:

• About the Chamber
• How the Chamber serves its membership
• How members can participate
• How the Chamber serves the Greater Edmonds community
• How the community can be involved

This presentation is designed to provide valuable information to —
new members, prospective members, long-standing members and community members .
If you are interested in hearing this informative presentation about the Edmonds Chamber
please contact the Chamber at 425-670 1496 x3 or events@edmondswa.com.
This month’s luncheon will be catered by: Pacific Northwest Catering, owner Matt McKay.

CHAMBER LUNCHEON PRIZE DRAWINGS:
The Chamber welcomes your donations to the monthly prize drawings held at our luncheons.
If you or your business would like to make a donation please contact
Carolyn LaFave @ the Chamber Office — 425-670-1496 x3 or events@edmondswa.com

Chamber After-Hours

Hosted by

Wednesday, May 13th, 5:00—7:00pm

Join us for an evening of food, fun and networking at PCC Natural Market.
Enjoy a tasting of wines and cheeses as well as other refreshments
in the PCC Natural Market Classroom at the Edmonds Store.

Small Business Resources!

SBA Office of Advocacy

Home Office Deduction Act Proposed — By LaVita LeGrys, Public Liaison — as printed in the SBA Office of AdvocacyApril 2009 Newsletter

On March 16, Congressman John McHugh (R-NY) and Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for home-based business owners to deduct office expenses. The Home Office Deduction Simplification Act (H.R. 1509) would allow eligible individuals to take a standard deduction of $1,500 instead of itemizing their return. In addition, the deduction would be indexed to the cost of inflation.

The small business community has frequently appealed to the Office of Advocacy for assistance in seeking relief from burdensome tax requirements, which cost the smallest businesses 67 percent more per employee than their larger competitors. Currently, small businesses are not able to take full advantage of the home office deduction because of its complexity.

Advocacy’s Acting Chief Counsel Shawne McGibbon commended the bill’s sponsors in a letter dated March 19. “[H.R. 1509] will fix this problem,” she wrote. “More-over, the legislation is consistent with the President’s recent initiative to provide more working capital to small businesses.”

For more SBA Advocacy Online Resources visit their website at www.sba.gov/advo.

Coping with Today’s Economy — By David Young, SBDC Counselor, as printed in the SBA Seattle District Office April E-Newsletter

Today’s economy is challenging. Here are a few pointers for how to deal with it and continue on a successful path.

1. STAY IN THE MARKET — It is easy to retreat to the bunker and wait for the next economic bad news. Resist that temptation. Meeting with key clients, vendors and strategic partners builds valuable alliances. Compare notes with them on the way your firm plans to remain successful, find out what their business needs are and how you can help. This will yield good referrals, more opportunity to do joint venture work, valuable market information and a strong business flow once the market returns to health.

2. KEY EMPLOYEES — Employees are nervous. Nervous employees don’t perform well. Ask their opinion on how to be successful and more efficient. They will feel like they’re part of the team and contribute to your success.

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY — Consider developing a marketing plan if time allows. At least create an executive summary or “teaser paper” outlining your vision, strategy, implementation steps and projected outcomes.

4. NEW BUSINESS — Continue your marketing efforts to attract new clients. The basics of direct outreach, attending networking events, and sending mailers work best in this marketplace. Keep notes and records on the outreach you make. You will find reaching and talking to potential clients easier in this market. Even if they don’t buy now, they will when market health returns.

5. LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES — There are opportunities in this marketplace: more space is available with landlords willing to cut rates and renegotiate leases; quality businesses owned by aging baby boomers may be for sale (they don’t want to go through the pains of another recession); super people are available to fill expertise gaps; inventories can be purchased with deep discounts.

6. CUT COSTS — Take a good look at your P&L and see if there are costs you can cut. There may be services you can outsource, more efficient ways of dealing with supplies, excess equipment or inventory to be sold on EBay.

7. FUNDING — Stay in contact with your banker and key suppliers on extensions of credit. If you don’t they will be contacting you. Showing them that you have a plan for success in this market keeps a relationship intact and funds flowing. Above all, seek and find opportunities created by the situation we are in. Building alliances toward those opportunities will set your firm apart and keeps revenue flowing. The company that others will have faith in will be active in the market place.

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

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!

Member Incentives

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.

Marketing Opportunities

For the past 27 years the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce has been producing “A Taste of Edmonds” festival. This major fundraiser for the Chamber helps raise money for member benefits and activities as well as community events. But, this event also offers a great marketing opportunity to our members. This opportunity takes form in the following ways: Visibility at “A Taste of Edmonds” event for participating businesses and sponsors, Taste program advertising opportunities, and through the Taste advertising plan with the following scheduled promotions:

1) Clear Channel Billboards throughout the Greater Seattle area
2) Radio ads with KISS Radio, KIRO Radio, KMPS Radio, NorthSound, and KZOK
3) Newspaper ads with The Herald, Journal, Beacon, and Enterprise (total circulation approximately 260,000)
4) Professional press releases to over 50 other Radio, TV, Newspaper,Magazine, website, and festival guide mediums (over 15,000,000 “A Taste of Edmonds” impressions!!)

“A Taste of Edmonds” draws, on average, approximately 75,000 people (Police and Fire estimates) during its 3-day run and is one of Washington State’s largest 3-day festivals. It is successful for many reasons including the great August weather, three stages of top drawing entertainment, outstanding arts & crafts, terrific food booths, a very happening beer garden, a wonderful wine garden, and lots of activities for the whole family. We provide the convenience of free shuttle buses, and we aim to create a very profitable and enjoyable festival experience for all of our vendors and sponsors. The Taste has been named One of the Top Ten Festivals in North America by the American Business Association.

This year’s dates and times are as follows:

Friday, August 14, 2009 11:00am — 10:00pm
Saturday, August 15, 2009 11:00am — 10:00pm
Sunday, August 16, 2009 11:00am — 7:00pm

If you are interested in participating as a vendor or sponsor in this year’s “A Taste of Edmonds”, or, if you have questions about this event, please contact Carolyn LaFave, Chamber Events Manager, at 425-670-1496 x3 or events@EdmondsWA.com. You can also visit our website at www.EdmondsWA.com and go to “A Taste of Edmonds” page.

Newsletter Marketing
Opportunities

Inserts - Provide 150 copies of an 8.5 x 11 inch flyer about you and your business and we will insert it in our monthly newsletter. Please also provide the pdf. version for the electronically sent newsletter. Flyer and pdf. must be received by the chamber office by the 20th of the month for insertion in the next month’s newsletter. $80 per insert.

Ads - Submit a business card size ad (2h x 3.5w). First come, first serve basis and as space allows. $30 per ad. NEW

Member News Flash

INTERNATIONAL FAIR TRADE COFFEE BREAK

Fabric of Life

Saturday, May 9th | 11:00 am—4:00pm | 523 Main Street

Questions: 425.563.3925 Come enjoy a cup of fresh-roasted and brewed Fair Trade Coffee served by our partner Tully’s Coffee. Also experience a delicious chocolate tasting featuring Divine Chocolates from West Africa.

PLUS…

Just in time for Mother’s Day The Fabric of Life Boutique is partnering with Let’s Do Business! To bring you the annual Make Your Mom a Pillow Day

Buy a kit for only $18 and sew a pillow using the beautiful hand-dyed fabric created by the young women at the Here je training Center in Bamako, Mali, West Africa.

Member Highlight

Dethlefs Sparwasser, PLLC is a general practice law firm in downtown Edmonds. The firm is comprised of five attorneys, Lara M. Dethlefs, Rachael M. Sparwasser, Jody K. Reich, Athena Dickerson and Tristen U. Lee. Services the firm provides range from Family Law (divorce, child custody, child support), Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Probate), Real Estate (purchase and sale, negotiation of leases, etc.), General Business Litigation (including construction contracts), Criminal Law (misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors), and Employment law. The managing partners are litigators with more than 35 years experience between them, and have handled a variety of cases in both State and Federal Courts. Three members of the firm have been named by Washington Law and Politics Magazine as a "Rising Star", a designation reserved for less than 3% of the attorneys in the state of Washington. Three of the partners first worked at a prominent downtown Seattle law firm before setting their sights on Edmonds for a change of pace. The firm prides itself on delivering high quality legal work in a friendly environment, and the ladies of the firm look forward to working with you.

DETHLEFS SPARWASSER, PLLC
115 2nd Avenue North, Ste. 100 | Edmonds, WA 98020
425-776-1352 (phone) | 425-776-2467 (fax)
www.detsparlaw.com

Education & Training

2009 WNET Schedule:

Something for Everyone… The 2009 schedule for WNET offers networking and focused interactive training sessions on a variety of small business management topics. Men and women are invited.
Each program features a specific small-business topic and presenter on the subjects of marketing, networking, financing and small business planning. The two-hour sessions are the third Friday of the month. Check-in starts at 7:30 am and the program begins at 8:00 am. Pre-paid registration is $25; attendance is $35 at the door.

The sessions are held in the SBA Education and training Center at the SBA district office, 2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450 in Seattle. Call Sherry Mina for more information or to register: 206-553-7316; sherry.mina@sba.gov. Online registration and information is available by clicking this link

www.sba.gov/localresources/district/wa/WA_SEATTLE_SEAWNET.html

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

Getting Back to Basics!

Volunteer for "YOUR" community

Carolyn LaFave, Events Manager
events@EdmondsWA.com | 425-670-1496 x3

Events

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Arts

Committee being formed.

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!