Message From the 2012 Chamber of Commerce President

I would like to introduce myself as the new President of the Board of Directors for the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce. During my one year term, I hope to work with the Director and staff of the Chamber to promote, and be an advocate for, all business on San Juan Island. I would like to encourage all businesses on the Island to join the Chamber. Even those who might not seem to be directly affected, such as builders, subcontractors, tradespeople, and many others can benefit. In the business I manage, San Juan Propane, I used to think the Chamber couldn't do much for me. But after taking to heart who my customers we're, and where their livelihoods come from, I began to realize that a good Chamber can work for all of us. Think of it this way: A family of four from Bellevue is taking a week vacation. They have a choice of destinations, but through the promotion of San Juan Island by the Chambers website, and a helpful person at the Chamber visitor's center, they choose Friday Harbor. The family eats, shops, and lodges at local businesses. They pick up a real estate brochure and consider buying a second home here. Maybe ask for a survey of some land. If they come by boat, they buy fuel, moorage, marine supplies and tackle. Their sales tax dollars go into our revenue stream. All the business owners and the people that work for them benefit from this family's vacation. That means that these members of the local workforce will be able to pay for food, rent, mortgage, gas, electric, fuel for their cars, and maybe think about that deck building project, or upgrade of their HVAC, electrical or plumbing for their homes. Even just have a fun night out. More dollars brought into our economy is better for all.

Would I like to have every road, park, trail, fishing hole, Salmon, Orca, and Bald Eagle all to myself? Sure. But it just won't work that way for our local population of people to survive. On a recent trip to Forks, WA, I was struck by the similarities of their community to ours. Forks had lost most of their base timber industry, and was essentially dying. Through a little luck with "Twilight", and the promotion of recreational fishing and the incredible scenery of the Olympic Peninsula, they are now surviving. I equate this to the downturns in our Building and Real Estate markets. Using our high profile status in major publications as a premier destination, I think we can use tourism as a bridge to get us through the hard times. As Chairman of the Resurrection Salmon Derby, I've seen how promotion of more well run and publicized events can help the economy, and bring people back to the Island for multiple trips. Anacortes is also a good example of this. I would like to take a similar direction to make the Chamber more effective. It's also important that we advocate for the interests of business on all local issues, while taking into account what's best for the Island, its environment, and its resources long term.

 What can the Chamber do for the community and business right now? As a member, you have access to great networking. The monthly meetings, held at a different location every 2nd Monday at 5:30 p.m., are a good way to meet people and form bonds for business. Our Quarterly lunches are a great way to showcase local restaurants. Members can post information on the "Member Messages" email about specials and services that will be seen by over 750 people and counting. The Chamber has actually added almost 50 members in the last year.  In the short term, the Chamber is trying to upgrade our website, and put out a new visitors guide. Both of these venues will be a very visible place to advertise. The Visitor's Center on Spring St. actively lists and refers people to member's businesses. The Center and Chamber office are very busy with calls and questions, and are always looking for volunteers to help with tourist and customer service. We have many fun events planned for the year, and can always use help on those committees. To learn more, please go to sanjuanisland.org, call 378-5240, or stop by the Chamber Offices at 135 Spring St. in downtown Friday Harbor. I look forward to working with everyone, and making the Chamber work for all of us.

Kevin Klein, President

San Juan Propane

360-317-4167 kevin.klein@heritagepropane.com