Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Carol Johnson at 7:30am. Marc Abshire led the flag salute.

Guests:

Kayla Oaks, new Juan de Fuca Festival Director and Mandy Treadway, local AFLAC agent.

Minutes:

Jack moved to accept January 15 minutes, seconded by Andrew. Motion passed.

Announcements:

Jon F. stated dues are due at $50.

Andrew May showed the PDN article stating PA lodging in Port Angeles set a record in 2018. Cards were passed thanking Ted Simpson of PUD and in sympathy for Steve Deutermann.

Carol said that at the last Government Affairs meeting they agreed to write a letter of support for Morse Creek safety on behalf of PABA and a draft is on the table. Cherie moved to approve Carol signing the letter to Rep. Mike Chapman, seconded by Jack. Motion passed.

Program:  Andrew announced Marc Abshire, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Marc said the Chamber, by board vote, got out of destination marketing so that the city could hire a Marketing Agency. Jim Haguewood helped form their strategic plan. New programs in 2018 included the Community Awards Gala, Olympic Peninsula Wedding Show, Clallam County Job Fair with 2019 bringing in Sequim Chamber, For the Love of Port Angeles, Port Angeles Maritime Festival which incorporated Waterfront Day.

Regarding Ride the Hurricane, the National Park is not capable of committing in the future years, so they check each year. The chamber also handles the cruise ship excursions. The Lincoln Theater pantomine will be 3 weekends this year.

The Winter Ice Village had over 14,000 attendees and is a new annual tradition. The chamber received $35K from city lodging tax dollars which covered their down payment for the rink. Lakeside Industries stepped up, then Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, and it kept going from there. Rink managers were the certified Zamboni drivers. Skate sharpeners also had to be certified.

The Chamber has two contracts in place: the Visitor Center by the City of PA and the Chamber office by the new Landing Mall owner. Marc said his priority this year is to grow the value of membership and provide services. In 2019 he will improve existing programs, focus on member services and value, and conduct a business survey and rebranding.

Next season the Chamber may add 20′ in length to the ice rink but it depends on cost. They may also stay open an extra 2 weeks.

Marc stated that he is not sure if Red Lion’s expansion will impact the Crab Festival. Another hotel downtown and the Waterfront Arts Center will impact future events downtown.

Ice America has package which includes skates and aids and they are covered under Ice America insurance their own Chamber policy.

Upcoming Meeting:

• January 29: Bill Lindstrom, author of Strait Press, and Brown Maloney, owner of Radio Pacific Brown Maloney

Meeting adjourned at 8:40am.