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

 

President’s Report

As we move into the last month of the year we hear from many businesses that they are glad that we are leaving a very difficult year. I have to agree with them in some ways, although when we look back there has been a tremendous amount of activity for such a “down year”. Lets look at some of the actions:

 

Major Efforts: Washington D.C. or Bust…

I had the rare opportunity to join with a community team and travel to Washington D.C. to lobby for Whatcom County’s best interests. I joined with Jim Darling, and Steve Jilk from the Port of Bellingham, County Executive Pete Kremen, Bellingham City Council Member Bob Ryan, Council of Governments Director Jim Miller, Ken Hertz of the Blossom Corporation, and Michael Barnett with the Bellingham Aquarium Project. The visit was very important in that it brought a “private sector” influence to the community lobby list enabling for a broader presence in DC.

 

NAFTA Distressed….

The Chamber was able to follow up on a series of information requirements and gain a NAFTA Distressed certification for Whatcom County. This certification has far reaching benefits that we are still investigating to support both business and community. We eliminated one difficulty by working with the National Development Bank staff in California to end a population restriction thereby allowing all of Whatcom County to be eligible for the benefits. Under the old code, Bellingham was eliminated because it has too many people, and now all of the county has access to the program benefits.

 

NEXUS…..

After quite a community wide lobbing effort, Whatcom County became the first place in the nation to offer the NEXUS program at the border. Nexus replaced the PACE/CANPASS Program as the recognized dedicated commuter lane program that is going nation-wide along the US Canadian border. The implementation of NEXUS opened our border up for both regular travelers and business investors providing an immediate stimulus to the local economy.

 

Other and very important actions….

The was the year of cooperation and the recognition of how important that concept has become for our community. Here are some prime examples:

 

Tourism….

On the late morning of September 11th the border shut down and closed with it vast amounts of tourist and visitor traffic. Whatcom County and the Lower Mainland immediately felt the effects, and a tremendous amount of effort when into educating and informing travelers of the opportunities here in the County. We found that many people from lower Puget Sound who normally went into B.C. were not interested in going across the border and going through the potential of an inspection. Many of them stayed here and found a new place for those long weekends. This was true for international travelers too, who had the US visitor visas and felt that it may be too difficult to go into Canada.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau’s extensive radio advertising campaign was a major boost to the market and had both immediate and long lasting influence on bringing those lower Puget Sounders into the County. It was amazing how many phone calls we got at the Chamber asking, “How far is it to Bellingham if we don’t go to La Conner?” Our standard answer was it’s the same distance to La Conner just don’t turn left.

 

Retail…

Whatcom County is the only county in Washington State that is showing growth in its retail sector. Some of that is attributable to the impact of tourism as we noted above, but most of that is coming from visitors from closer in than Seattle. We have had tremendous growth in visitors from Island, San Juan, and Skagit Counties as those families look for extended buying opportunities that are not being met in their own communities. In any casual walk around Bellis Fair or Fairhaven you will see the NAS Whidbey Island stickers on the cars, and lots of Skagit and below high school bumper stickers showing that folks are driving into Bellingham and Whatcom County. This group is our new market, and it has obviously replaced much of the Canadian trade that came down on the weekends.

The retailers in Bellingham have begun to organize themselves through the Chamber to take better advantage of this fact. We are working on the recreation of the Chamber Retail Division so that the various districts can plan together, develop cooperative calendars for promotions and consider a city-wide advertising campaign to further penetrate that lower Puget Sound and above market. The committee plans on working closely with the Convention and Visitors Bureau so that the radio and TV advertising campaign that is being envisioned by the group can be coordinated and designed under the same branding concept.

 

Small Business…. The Business Service Center..

We estimate the Center will host nearly 600 contacts for information and support in moving into, expanding and starting a business in Whatcom County. This is a new record, and it has kept the Chamber very busy with their information and referral resources. The Center has worked closely with the Small Business Development Center by moving businesses between the two organizations so that the “clients” can have the advantages of the two systems in support of their goals. This year the Center partnered up with the SBDC to offer a series of classroom type presentations on Customer Service, and Doing Business with the City. There are many more scheduled into 2003 that cover International Trade, more Customer Service, and some target marketing and technology offerings.

The Center has also referred several “target businesses” to the Economic Development Council so that they can put their expertise on line with those larger business interests. This cooperation should continue as the Chamber and the EDC investigate co-housing to take advantage of the savings that would occur to both organizations. Another obvious opportunity would be the single door concept that would concentrate the economic development system into a single location and focus. It just makes too much sense.

So, as I said earlier this may have been a difficult year for some but it sure was a busy one. The Chamber is directly involved in a variety of projects that combine with other organizations efforts so that the energy is concentrated and extremely positive. This combination of efforts can only provide a significant and positive return for our community, which is what we are all about.

Enjoy the holidays, and get ready for a happy and prosperous New Year.

 

 

A look at the 1st quarter of 2003.
Happy New Year

 

Wednesday, January 15th

8:30am to 2:30pm – 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

6:30PM to 9:30PM – 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

6:30PM to 9:30PM – 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

6:30PM to 9:30PM – 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

8:30am to 2:00pm – 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.

 

 

Networking events scheduled
in December

Network event draws a crowd

The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce networking event is being held at Northwood Hall on Friday December 13th. 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 and Business

This months Business after Business is being held at the Port of Bellinham co cponsored by the Port and Chmelik Sitkin & Davis PS Attorney’s. Chamber Members and their guests are welcome to participate in this monthly event. The Business after Business is generally held the third Thursday of every month. Refreshments, networking, tours, prizes and a nice time. Please join us on Thursday December 19th for a holiday gathering at the Port of Bellingham from 5 to 7 PM at the Port Offices -1801 Roeder Ave in Bellingham.

 

Mark these important dates on your calendar

Dec. 4 Executive board meeting, 12 p.m., Marina Restaurant

Dec 6-8 Holiday Port, Bellingham Cruise Terminal

Dec. 13 Breakfast Network, 7:30 a.m., Northwood Hall

Dec 18 Full Board Meeting, 12 p.m., Marina Restaurant

Dec 19 Business After Business, Port of Bellingham, sponsored by the Port and by Chmelik, Sitkin and Davis, attorneys.

 

Washington Latino Business Association will be based in Bellingham

The newly formed WLBA, Washington Latino Business Association is now accepting applications for membership. The purpose of the organization is to “promote the growth of Latino-owned business and Latino leadership in Washington.”

The organization is dedicated to fostering development opportunities, providing educational workshops and formulating advocacy programs. Any business owner or leader in the community can join the group if they share in the same vision.

The WLBA will hold it’s first general meeting on December 10th at the Whatcom County Chamber offices at 5:30 PM. The Board of Directors is comprised of President, Diane Barrera Turner, Vice President, Jesse Cantu, Secretary, Alfred Portillo, Treasurer, Ricardo Sanchez, Community Advisors, Marta Guavara and Hendor Rodriguez.

The WLBA will host a Spring Latino Networking Forum in 2003. The keynote speaker will be Ruth Lopez Williams, Chairman of the Los Angeles Latin Business Association. For information on joining the WLBA or on the Spring Forum, please call 360-5271202 or Diane Barrera Turner at 360-752-9878.

 

Chamber Membership Grows

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

Advantage Video

Martin Whitehead, Pres.

Jocelyn Cooper, VP

PO Box 127

Mt. Vernon, WA 98273

360 856-1922

Produces turnkey videos for businesses, not-for-profits & gov’t agencies.

 

E.F. Lofquist Co.

Ed Lofquist, Owner

PO Box 218

Deming, WA 98244

360 592-5677

Product design, forest industry machinery broker, industrial automation, network sales

 

Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital

Daniel A. Hall, DVM

Mark A. Kummer, DVM

2330 Old Fairhaven Pkwy

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 671-3903

Full Service, small animal, veterinary hospital

 

Prudential Kelstrup Realty

Jim Pope, Realtor

315 Lakeway Dr.

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 319-5487

Real Estate

 

Robert & Christine Nelson

Muljat Group

510 Lakeway Dr.

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 319-3030

Nelson & Nelson, a real estate team offering professionalism

and results. Relocation is a specialty.

 

Stewart Title

Elizabeth Grant, Manager

2200 Rimland Dr. #110

Bellingham, WA 98226

360 647-8155

Title & escrow services

 

T.D. Curran, Inc

800 Marine Dr.

Bellingham, WA 98225

360 594-3999

Retail sales of computers, peripherals & accessories. Repair

service for computers, printers, etc. Custom installs.

 

Tom Blue & Associates

Tom Blue, Owner

PO Box 29107

Bellingham, WA 98228

360 647-0484

Business Development

 

Washington Latino Business Association

Diane Barrera Turner, Pres.

PO Box 30615

Bellingham, WA 98228-2615

360 752-9878 or 360 527-1202

Non-profit Latino business owners/community leaders

 

Windermere Real Estate

Bill Henshaw, Assoc. Broker

515 W. Bakerview

Bellingham, WA 98226

360 676-5900

Real Estate

 

Renewing Members

Alpha Technologies, Inc

Amjay Silkscreening, Inc

Animal Eye Care, LLC

Barbo Furniture

Baron Telecommunications

Bellingham Public Schools

Bellingham Stevedoring, Co

Bellingham Tennis Club, LLC

Binyon Vision Center

Blythe Plumbing & Heating, Inc

Brooks Manufacturing Co

Caitac USA Corp./N. Bellingham

Golf Course

Canterbury Enterprises

Clan Heather Dancers

Claus Meats, Inc

Coca Cola of Bellingham

Cronk Transport, Inc

Current Industries

Eldred Brothers Farms

Evergreen Automotive, Inc

Griffith Furniture, Inc

Group Health Cooperative

Hampton Inn Hotel

Hannegan Business Center

Holiday Inn Express

Horizon Bank

Hotel Bellwether

Industrial Credit Union

Jacci’s Fish & Chips

Jerns Funeral Chapel

Jon Brunk Photography

Junior Acheivement

KVOS TV

Langabeer, Tull & Lee, PS

Lani Choat

LFS Marine Supplies

Life Insurance Consultants

LTI, Inc

The Mens Wearhouse, Inc

Milestone Information Solutions

Morse Steel Service

Mt. Baker Ski Area, Inc

Mustang Survival, Inc

Oasys, Inc

Office Systems Northwest, Inc

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Pacific Trim & Floor Supply

Parker Corporate Services, Inc

Parkway Chateau

Phillips 66 Co

Quality Inn Baron Suites

Ron Bennett Commercial Real Estate

Saratoga Commercial Mgmt.

Saturna Capital Corp.

Sharon J. Russell, ARNP, PhD., Inc

Shuksan golf Course

Smith Salon

Sound Beverage Distributors, Inc

Special T Striping & Sign

Talbot Real Estate, LLC

Transmart Petroleum, LLC

Truth Tabernacle

Valu Inn Motel

Wallgren Tire Center

Welcom Neighbor

Wilder Construction Co

Zervas Group Architects