Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce
Board Minutes
March 12th, 2015
The Lodge at Sherwood Village
Attendees: Diane Fatzinger, Vanessa Fuller, Caroline Stuckey, Heather Wells, Linda Barnfather, Nell Clausen, Genaveve Starr, Vickie Oen, Deon Kapetan, Tyler Sweet, Debra Pitts, Jim Weatherly, and Phil Castell
Excused: Mark Couhig, Linda Barnfather
Courtesy Board Members: Brandino Gibson
Partners: Colleen McAleer, Port of PA Commissioner and Candace Pratt, City of Sequim
Staff: Shelli Robb-Kahler, Melanie Sands
Call to Order by President, Diane Fatzinger, 7:32 a.m.
Consent Calendar
Action: Approved: Consent Calendar, February Board minutes, financial statements, and Executive Director’s reports. Suggestion was made to amend minutes to reflect discussion of Shelli’s pay increase. Diane clarified that past procedure dictates that pay information is handled by the Executive Board.
Partner Reports:
City of Sequim – Candace Pratt
· Public review draft of the Comprehensive Plan is available.
· The process of finding a new City manager should be complete by June.
· The new Civic Center is still on track for the public walk-thru May 1st, from 4-6, and will open 6/1, with a ribbon cutting on 6/13.
Sequim Farmers Market - Lisa Bridge
· Sent a message that her twin boys, Ivan and Charles were born 2/17. Everyone is doing well. The annual Spring Fling Event will be on April 7th at the Sequim Prairie Grange from 9-3.
Port of Port Angeles – Colleen McAleer
· Attended the Port of Seattle Commission meeting. Brought up the issue of our small communities with little or no air service to SEA-TAC. United, Delta and Horizon Airlines are interested in providing air service out of PA, but want guarantee of 70% full flights. Working on incentives and solutions to support.
· Port of Port Angeles developed the Carlsborg Development loop in the 80’s that now provides 1200 jobs. They would like to do more of this type of thing and need feedback.
· There is a free by-product from Boeing that possibly could provide new manufacturing opportunities. They will seek grant money to pursue.
Old Business:
· The City of Sequim has agreed to install a blue information sign to help direct people to the Visitor’s Information Center. It will be located in the vicinity of Brown Rd. to explain to tourists that it is near, since the only other directional sign to the VIC is over a mile away and visitors often explain that they missed the VIC and had to turn around, etc
New Business:
· “Twelve Principles of Governance that Power Exceptional Boards: Chapter 11 was reviewed by Jim Weatherly.
Next month: Heather Wells will review Chapter 12.
· Diane thanked all board members for commitment to attendance. Section 4 of the by-laws says absence of 3 or more meetings during any twelve-month period shall be considered sufficient cause for replacement. Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated and determinate by the Executive Committee on a case-by-case basis. Please let Diane or staff know if life events get in the way of attendance, it is important, and it is also important we keep track of absences. Suggestion was made to use the word “absent” instead of “unexcused” in minutes.
· Caroline Stuckey asked to step down as chair of the Fundraising Committee. Jim Weatherly offered to take her place.
ACTION: It was moved and accepted to replace Caroline with Jim.
· Handout of Committees Goals and Action Plans:
o Membership will work on restructuring dues, i.e. al a carte fees for different member benefits.
o Deon suggested we add Irrigation Festival and Shiso City activities to board member points tallied throughout the year.
o Development of a “tool box” for recruiting new member “gifts”.
o Fundraising goal this year of $8K; there will be both spring and fall baskets; Ultimate Trivia Night and our 50/50 pot.
o By-Law committee: Some by-laws changes will go to Policy and Procedure; the Board will make policy and Executive Director will develop procedure.
If anything else needs to be added to action plans, let Diane or Shelli know.
· Diane wants everyone to think about what sales pitch works for you and your business so we can work on building a solid elevator speech.
· Website is very effective; it was suggested we set up some analytic training..
Committee Reports:
Membership – Heather Wells
· New Members: There were four new members since last meeting: Pioneer 1031 Company, Olympic Language Center (previously Translation Marks), Payne Law and ServePro.
· List of delinquent members was passed out and asked if anyone had any information on these memberships. Policy is to allow 90 days before being cancelled. Jim asked if the board could review copies of the letters sent in the billing process.
· Committee will focus on “retention” video and setting up benefits based on 4 quadrants for members.
ACTION: It was moved and approved to accept the cancelation of 1 delinquent member, Superior Tech Solutions. Current membership – 420
Finance & Fund Raising –Caroline Stuckey
· Reminded all that the Chamber website and having a picture on the membership listing is important and creates income for the Chamber. Suggested that when delivering plaques, offer the purchase of a picture to the member.
· Working of the spring raffle, tickets should be available by next meeting.
· June 13th is the Ultimate Trivia night, which is the same day as the Civic Center ribbon cutting.
· There will also be a fall raffle.
Merchants Group -Vickie Oen
· Survey of businesses at recent Merchant meeting shared that they liked network with other businesses, would like to see more social media and group education.
· April event is Bird Fest with Audubon Center. BirdFest/BirdQuest includes scavenger hunt for kids this year.
By-Laws – Tyler Sweet
· Committee has split the by-laws into 3 parts. Part 1 draft is done and will try to present at April meeting.
Shiso Sister City – Genaveve Starr
· They are low on funds and are looking at fundraising. Want to have a booth at Purple Haze.
· Will have delegates from our Sister City here for the ribbon cutting and will host them while they are here.
Irrigation Festival – Deon Kapetan
· We now have 4 new Royals. Kickoff Dinner is the 21st and there are only a few tickets left; thanks to merchants who donated generously for gifts for the Royals.
· Debra needs more apps for the Street Fair. Entertainment booths are full but need more food or crafts. Last year there were 60 spaces and 39 vendors. Looking to stay more local. One challenge for vendors is getting insurance.
Vanessa suggested obtaining lists of vendors from other festivals.
“60 second Shout-out!”
Ø Phil Castell: Thought Mick Dodge luncheon was lots of fun and brought in a very eclectic group of people; good pics were taken by Colin and crowd liked that he sang.
Ø Jim Weatherly: also commented on the Mick Dodge luncheon citing lots of community discussion and press; he is also seeking information on a good webmaster. Suggestions were offered.
Ø Vanessa Fuller: reported that the Peninsula Young Professionals get together with the Jefferson County PYP and will meet at the Casino on March 18th, from 5:30 – 7:30. They do activities including a comedy night to start soon.
Ø Upcoming events: After Hours- All Around Bikes, 3/17; Luncheon-3/24, speaker Mark Nichols and Ballymore is the sponsor; Board meeting 4/9; Deon still has tickets to Kickoff Dinner!
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.~Next board meeting: April 9, 2015 - Submitted by Melanie Sands, Financial Administrator
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