Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Rich Erickson led the flag salute.

Guests

Craig Fulton, Bill Thomas, Scarlet Arciviolo and Paul Forrest.

Minutes

Matthew Rainwater moved and Kaj Ahlburg seconded acceptance of May 2 minutes. Motion carried.

New Member

Kevin introduced PABA’s newest member, Joseph Arciviola, Communitty Relations Manager at Laurel Park.

Announcements:

Craig Fulton announced May 15 to 20 is “Bike2Work Week”. Each day different businesses will offer specials to those who ride their bikes to work. Monday night will feature free bike registration and free bike helmets. (George Bergner later reminded all to thanks all the businesses that take part.)

Treasurer’s Report:

Jon Fager presented the quarterly report saying there are now 71 paid members. Cash reserves are around $9,900. He reported that since PABA’s projector has gone missing, he moved that he be allowed to spend up to $1,000 for a replacement projector and the cables necessary to go with it.  Sam Phillips seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations:

Kevin presented a draft letter in support of a grant proposal to establish EV charging stations on the Hwy. 101 Loop around the Peninsula. He said the stations will provide visibility, attract tourists and help with the carbon footprint on the Peninsula. Jon F. felt it was a good idea but he had concerns about expending unknown tax money, the lack of standards and overall expenses. Kaj A. also expressed costs since they were not addressed in the letter. Kevin explained the grant is still in an exploratory stage and stations will have fast high capacity. George B. said the biking community supports the stations since the growth of the electric bike industry. Jack G said it is still a pilot project but many organizations are supporting it. Nathan West said the City of Port Angeles will be writing a letter of support. Jack G. moved and George B. seconded motion to send a letter of support. Motion carried with a vote of 15 members in favor and 5 members against. (Board voted on letter, with one NO vote.)

Salish Village:

Kevin presented a draft letter on the “Port Angeles Business Association Vision for Port Angeles Harbor Salish Village”. (Board approved the letter.)  Steve B. asked if all tribes would agree to be involved. Kaj said Harbor Works had discussed issue and had hoped that old Rayonier site would be used for industrial use. He felt that since that probably would not happen, the Village would be a positive step in getting something done. George B. asked about removal of property tax revenue. Kaj A. said site would not generate property tax but could offer jobs and sales tax revenue.  Jon F. moved and Matthew R. seconded that PABA accept and sent letter of support to the North Olympic Development Council. (Their next meeting will be May 18.) Motion Carried.  Joseph A. suggested emails be sent to City, County, State and Federal representatives. Kevin said he would send out emails.

Program

Kevin stepped in to present program when scheduled speaker could not make it. Kevin’s powerpoint showed all the work he and the Small Business Development Center does to bring businesses to the area. He said questions and requests for information have covered such items as franchising, baristas, artists, dental clinics, sales leads, behavior issues, brick and mortar stores, pizza parlors, and restaurants.  He said the cyber economy,  unknown to many, is growing, Their business is quite often done out of city, county, state and country, yet money comes back to Clallam County. Some small practices are resistant to implement cyber security and to provide health care.  The impact of I-1433 will be felt in 2018 when the 50 cent per hour increase is imposed on all businesses.  SB5835 will require accommodation for pregnancies. Sick leave will be required up to 40 hours per year. All of these increases are direct expenses to business and are to the tune of a 7.5% increase.

Q & A and Comments

Q:  How do you get word out of the economic services and challenges? What is missing in getting help and opportunities?
A: Promotion of Peninsula as a good place to live and work and recreate are all pluses. Lack of passenger air service is not a big problem now.

Q: How will SBA and SBDC and similar programs fare under the new administration?
A: Local programs are doing a good job and can prove that to Washington DC.

Q: What is the state of internet and broadband services?
A: Peninsula and County have good connectivity with such as Wave and CresComm. High School and Peninsula College are trying to graduate students with good computer knowledge. The EDC is working on getting brochures out advertising all the good computer services available.

Upcoming Meeting

May 16: Richard “Doc” Robinson, Serenity House
May 23: Craig Fulton, Director of Public Works, City of PA
May 30: NO MEETING

Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.