Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Guest speaker, Mike McCarty, led the flag salute.

Guests

President Kevin Hoult acknowledged Rich Erickson from KONP and thanked him for all his work each week in bringing PABA to the public.

Minutes

Matthew Rainwater moved and Kaj Ahlburg seconded acceptance of the January 17 minutes with the corrections of spelling Karlene Benson and Jon Krause. Motion carried.

Announcements

Jon Fager reminded people to pay their dues.

Chamber After Hours on Thursday at Sound Bank.

City Councilwoman Cheri Kidd presented a Resolution that the Council will take up on February 7.  Cherie said the Halibut Fishing Season has been cut from 70 days in 2006 to 3 non-cancellation days now. She said the cut can cause loss of lives, property, motel rental, food, fuel and the Derby.  The Resolution asks that: 1) Bag/possession limit be 6 per person; 2) no poundable limit on a fish; 3) limit of one fish per day and 2 in possession, and 4) season be from the second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October.

Matthew said the Board voted to back the  Port Angeles School Levy and he suggested the membership might be interested in doing the same.  Cherie Kidd and Steve Bearman seconded the motion to support the levy. Motion carried. Kevin will write the letter.

Committee Reports

NOLA:  Kaj Ahlburg said the group has decided on the membership fees, and interests. Some of those interest will be: Health and Safety such as Medicaid funding, civil emergencies, and mental health. Transportation issues such as the Olympic Discovery Trail, Elwha River Bridge, and the Airport. Timber issues are sustainable harvest level and arrearage. Other issues are storm water, Rayonier, Dungeness Reservoir and McCleary funding.

Program

Mike McCarty, Retired US Air Force and Government Consultant, presented a powerpoint on Cyber Security.  The problem – a $400 Billion loss – can happen to anyone if they are not alert and prepared.  He suggested assessing your risk, your written policies, your use of social media and USB flash drives.

Ransomware: Back up data, watch hidden file extensions, filter email, update and patch software and use a reputable security suite and DON’T forget to disconnect from wifi networks.  Breaches can come from phishing, and a lack of a firewall.  (Check out the PABA website for “How To Catch A Phish”.)

The Washington State Data Breach Notification Law (RCW 19.255.010) explains how you can be fined up to $36,000, get a bad reputation, bad press, and a loss of data IF you do not report a breach.

Information technical security is just as important as the product, building and employees working for you.  Mike said there are over 26 million small businesses in the United States and they are especially vulnerable. The problem can come from hackers who are doing it for fun, professional hackers and warriors.  Inside threats can come from your data, machines, blackmail, malicious codes, pin numbers and viruses.  Hardware threats come from wireless routers, USB drives and misuse of routers.

** George B. moved and Steve B. seconded to extend the meeting to 8:45am.  Motion carried. **

Mike recommended several publications, “Commonsense Guide to Cyber Security for Small Business” and “Cyber Security Planning Guide”.  (There are many more publications that Mike can have put on the PABA website that can be downloaded.  Check the PABA website.)

Q & A

Scams such as child being in danger, or needing money, and IRS scams.

Use your manual to see how to find your firewall.

Be careful of your cell phone.

Upcoming Meeting

January 31: Ken Dubuc, Port Angeles Fire Chief

Meeting adjourned at 8:40am.