Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce
Board Minutes
November 14, 2013 7:30 a.m.
The Lodge at Sherwood Village
Attendees: Phil Castell, Joe Borden, Theresa Rubens, Christy Rookard, Josh Fox, Vickie Oen, Michele Sorrentino, and Scott Clausen
Excused: Ron Farquhar, Deon Kapetan, Linda Barnfather, and Mark Couhig
Courtesy Board Members: Carol Pope, Vanessa Fuller, Caroline Stuckey Partners: Lisa Bridges-Open Aire Market and Jim McEntire – Clallam County
Staff: Shelli Robb-Kahler, Jeri Smith
Call to Order by President, Phil Castell 7:35a.m.
President’s Report:
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Consent Calendar
Approved: Consent Calendar- It was moved and passed unanimously to accept October’s board minutes and financial statements as presented.
Partner Reports:
City of Sequim – Barbara Hanna
· The new City Hall/Police station roll out will be on December 3, 9:00 – 5:00, when three design firms will give presentations of their concept of the new civic center. An open house is being planned for the evening.
· The 2013 Lodging Tax funds are up by over 17% compared to the same time period in 2013. Washington State changed laws governing the use of LTAC fund spending which will impact festivals and events. There will be a more elaborate reporting system which will include a grant process requiring entities to report the number of overnight visitors as well as the number of visitors not spending the night.
· Centennial cook books have arrived and are on sale for $10.00 plus tax at, City Hall, the Visitor Information Center and on line through Amazon.com
· City staff will be vacating the current facility and moving into various locations.
· The new Adopt a Site Program is designed for clubs and organizations to help the City keep the public areas clean.
· The third “wrap box” is located on Washington and 5th Street. The City is looking for other sponsors for other boxes.
Clallam County- Jim McEntire
· November 20 is the deadline for the final budget. Linda Rotmark is retiringfrom the Economic Development Council as of 12/31 and before another person is found to fill the positions, the County will review and identifying its needs and focus.
· Lavender Festival update/Congestion at Sunshine Lavender Farm – County LTAC funds through the Olympic Peninsula Visitors Bureau will be available for signage.
· County local water groups – there has been a sign off on list of projects so that funds may be available for the mitigation process.
Executive Director’s Report – Shelli Robb-Kahler
· The Chamber now has the ability to accept payments for luncheons, events, and dues on its website.
· The Visitor Information Center greeted 968 people in October. These stats are down by approximately ½ from the previous month, fall has definitely arrived. LTAC funds are up by 18.32% compared to the same period in 2013 and are the highest yet in 7 years. It is yet undetermined how the National Park closures will affect our visitor counts. Facebook and website visits are growing.
· Tuesday’s luncheon had 40 people sign up to eat but 58 actual eaters. It was good to see many new faces to meet and greet.
· In lieu of a Member Benefit of the Month, Jeri Smith will review and explain the history and purpose of the Chamber’s balance sheet accounts. This will help make Budget Profit & Loss vs. Actual with the Budget Profit & Loss vs. Actual – No Umbrella accounts more clear when board members review them each month.
· VIC’s budget request went to City Council last week and was approved. Entire budget will seek approval at 11/25 mtg. Third quarter report to the City was also delivered and reviewed by the City Council.
· Almost all of the spots for 2014 After-hours are taken. Please let Shelli know if you would like to sponsor or luncheon or see a particular speaker invited in 2014.
· After-hours is November 17th at Kitsap Bank from 5:00 – 7:00.
Old Business- Shelli Robb-Kahler
2014 Board Member Ballots –
· Ballots went out to the membership via email yesterday. Another reminder will be sent tomorrow with a November 20th deadline.
· Business 2 Business 2014 received many positive comments. Mary from Clallam County Health & Services placed a full page article in her newsletter touting the event. Thank you to all the sponsors: Sequim Gazette, First Federal, The Lodge at Sherwood/Sherwood Assisted Living/The Lodge at Fifth Avenue, Applebee’s, Sound Community Bank and Poe. Many hands set up and take down tables so we thank Joe Borden, Tawana Borden, Ron Smith, Michele Sorrentino, Noel Fazio, Terry Brundage, and Carole Neidhardt.
· Volunteer Appreciation Dinner: Thank you to board members for helping set up and take down tables at the Business 2 Business Expo in October as well as waiting on volunteers at Visitor Information Center’s annual appreciation dinner at John Wayne Marina. Kudos to John Wayne Marina for allowing us to use the facility rent free. It’s was a great event!
New Business
2013 Goals:
Board Involvement – Shelli Robb-Kahler
· Christy Rookard is October’s Board member of the month. Joe Borden, Scott Clausen and Michelle Sorrentino were runners up.
Membership – Christy Rookard
· There were three new members since last meeting: Lazeare Photography and KRUSH. Ideal Weight Loss and Wellness.
§ Action: It was moved and approved unanimously to accept the cancelation of four business members for non-renewal. List presented.
2014 Retreat – Phil Castell
· Retreat date is scheduled for January 25, 2014. Christy Rookard and Vanessa Fuller will be co-facilitators this year. They will be focusing on sharing information they learned at a non-profit seminar last month which was hosted by the Secretary of State Department.
2013 Annual Report – Shelli Robb-Kahler
· Committee reports are needed immediately so Shelli can complete the Chamber’s 2013 Annual Report.
Committee Reports
Irrigation Festival – Michele Sorrentino
· Service Club Organization Summit – Scheduled for November 19, 2:00 – 5:00, at the Cedars at Dungeness. The purpose is to introduce organizations and discuss how to cooperatively serve the Sequim community.
· There will not be a Loggers breakfast this year – The Lions will instead focus on assisting the Logging show.
· Next Irrigation Festival meeting will be January 8th – location TBA.
· Holiday Party – Sunday, December 15, 2:00 at Dave and Trish Bekkevar’s home, Bring a potluck dish and white elephant gift.
· Float Barn clean up is scheduled for Sunday, November 24th, 9:00 – 2:00. The float has been stripped down and ready for the 2014 design.
· Pageant Candidates – The first meeting to discuss requirements for potential applications for the 2014 Pageant will be Monday, November 18, 5:00, at the Sequim High School Cafeteria.
Merchants Group - Vickie Oen
Hometown Happenings will have two locations this year; 1) Bank of America Park 2) Sequim’s Centennial Place. Plans for the season include: 1) Santa coming town, November 30, 2:00 – 5:00. Walt Schubert will play Santa this year and ride downtown in Jim Bower’s horse pulled wagon. 2) Girls Night Out and 3) Boy’s Night Out. Details are in process
Tourism/Events – Barb Hanna
· The Adventure show previously scheduled for 2014 has been placed on hold until 2015. The concept has changed from a trade-show type weekend to a more active sports adventure with perhaps varied venues. The committee has met with Scott Tucker, an event coordinator who is helping identify activities.
Business Solutions Committee – Joe Borden/Scott Clausen
· Signage in the City of Sequim continues to create issues that the committee may be able to help in resolving. Lucky Star Consignment shop allegedly has expressed frustration with City sign ordinance.
December After-Hours – Shelli – Robb-Kahler
· Decembers After-hours will be held at Sequim’s Visitor Information Center, on December 17th, 5:00 – 7:00.
Other
Dungeness River Festival – Vanessa Fuller
· The Audubon 7th Annual Nature Mart is scheduled for November 15-16 at Railroad Bridge Park.
· The Young Professionals group is planning a “mix and mingle” event at Krush , from 5:30 – 7:30.
· Meeting adjourned at 9:25a.m.~
· Next board meeting: December 12th
· Submitted by Jeri Smith, Office Administrator
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