calendar

business after hours

cornerstone members

Volume 23 / Issue 12

819 Commercial Avenue

Anacortes, WA 98221

360.293.7911

info@anacortes.org

www.anacortes.org

TESORO Puget Sound Refinery

Wednesday, December 4 3:30 pmMarketing & Promotions Division MeetingChamber Office

Thursday, December 5 11:45 am – 1:00 pmAmbassador LuncheonChamber Office

Tuesday, December 10 4:00 pmMembership Division MeetingChamber Office

Wednesday, December 11 2:30 pmEconomic Development Division MeetingChamber Office

Thursday, December 12 11:30 am – 1:00 pmChamber LuncheonAnacortes Lutheran Church

Thursday, December 12 3:45 pmGovernmental Affairs Division MeetingChamber Office

Friday, December 13 10:30 amFinance/Executive MeetingChamber Office

Tuesday, December 17 3:30 pmBoard of Directors MeetingAnacortes School District Conference Room

Thursday, December 19 5:30 – 7:00 pmBusiness After Hours Burton’s Jewelers

See full holiday schedule on pp 4 – 5

When it comes to the Affordable Care Act, small businesses have some big questions: What is the individual mandate? Am I eligible for the small business health care tax credit? Will I qualify for

subsidies? Am I compliant? Exchange or private market options?Please join us on December 12, 2013 as Scott Hacker, Small Business/Agent Representative for

the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, presents a high level overview of the Affordable Care Act, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, the Washington Health Plan Finder and how it all relates to small businesses and individuals.

This luncheon will be sponsored by Business Bank who opened its doors to the Skagit Valley Community on April 11, 2005 with the idea of a locally owned community bank that would serve local businesses and professionals. In addition to free personal checking, they offer credit cards, safe deposit boxes, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, loans for homes, land, cars, motor homes, boats and many other assets you are looking to finance. Lunch will be $15 from Westside Pizza. 11:30am -1:00pm 22nd & O at the Lutheran Church. RSVP online.

Burton Jewelers will host the December 19th busi-ness after hours, 5:30 to 7pm. Every guest attending

will receive a welcome/holiday gift that will be randomly selected from a genuine small gemstone, a certificate of savings to be used at Burton Jewelers, or a gift from “under the tree.” Refreshments, including champagne, and light hors d’oeuvres, will be served.

Burton Jewelers, since 1930, is in its third generation of family ownership and operation. Douglas and Philip Burton and their staff specialize in custom designed jewelry, expert jewelry repair (some done on-site with their goldsmith Charles Yousling), and jewelry appraisal. Burton Jewelers is a complete jewelry store featuring diamonds of exceptional quality, including Canadian Certified mined and cut diamonds, natural colored diamonds, and unusual colored gemstones such as the famed “sculptured” gemstones from Bernd Munsteiner of Germany. Additionally Burton Jewelers carries an immense selection of fine tableware, art glass and giftware. Burton Jewelers is a member of the American Gem Society, the finest guild in the profession, which only 5% of jewelers in North America belong to. We look forward to hosting you here, please RSVP online.

chamber luncheon

Jewelers since 1930REGISTERED JEWELER AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY

Overview of Affordable Health Care Act

Burton Jewelers

DECEMBER 2013

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Shopping Local Enhances our CommunityGreetings from your 2014 president of the

board of directors, as I take over the helm of this wonderful group of members, I want to say thank you for entrusting your chamber membership to the board, the staff, and myself. It will be a great year of transition. As we look forward to next year we need to understand the impact of “commerce” here in the city and what happens if we do not have commerce here.

Did you know that for every $100.00 of goods, services, construction, industrial work, processing, and manufacturing that is purchased in the city of Anacortes, the city receives $0.85? Last year alone Anacortes had a total of $334,000,000 in sales which equates to $2,800,000 to the city. With that, the city is able to have services such as police, fire, parks and other necessities that we all enjoy or use every day. If we don’t shop local and go elsewhere Anacortes loses that income. Needless to say, the wear and tear on your car, planes and UPS trucks going back and forth. Riding your bike, walking or even driving to your purchasing location is much easier than going somewhere. Yes, if you order goods online, or have an item delivered that you purchase elsewhere the city does get the tax revenue, which is called Streamlined Sales Tax. We need to continue to increase our commerce here in

the city. We need new businesses, and more jobs, and that can only happen if you allow new businesses here and shop local. If you shop here, you the citizens of Anacortes, reap the benefits that the city gives their citizens.

If we do not support and welcome new businesses to this community with open arms, they will go elsewhere. We need them to enhance what Anacortes does which is to be a vibrant waterfront community.

Have a great holiday season with your friends, family and please shop here in Anacortes. It can only enhance our community.

I look forward to hearing from you and together discovering how we can make Anacortes a better place to live and do business.

Mark Lawrence Email mark@simplyyards.com

Simply Yards Landscape and Designtourism

a message from the president

Survey Says...On November 16th, The Island Chicks

celebrated their 5th annual Fall Vintage Market at the Port of Anacortes. Our local social media consultant, Haley Moon, surveyed 162 attendees to see what they thought of their Fall Vintage Market and the response was outstanding! With over 2100 attendees, 45% of those surveyed traveled more than 50 miles for the antique/vintage experience of over 40 one-of-a-kind local and regional brands. 40% of those surveyed stayed the night in Anacortes to enjoy our shops and eateries. “Traveling from Canada to attend this awesome market is totally worth the drive!” said one attendee making a second round back to the market from her car. Ana-cortes has become a destination for antique buyers and The Island Chicks have brought new visitors to our community every year.

www.edwardjones.com Member CIPF

DOES YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR KNOWYOUR FINANCIAL GOALS? IF NOT LET'S TALK.

Jeffery C PleetFinancial Advisor.

630 Southeast MidwayBoulevardOak Harbor, WA 98277360-679-2558

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com Member CIPF

DOES YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR KNOWYOUR FINANCIAL GOALS? IF NOT LET'S TALK.

Jeffery C PleetFinancial Advisor.

630 Southeast MidwayBoulevardOak Harbor, WA 98277360-679-2558

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com Member CIPF

DOES YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR KNOWYOUR FINANCIAL GOALS? IF NOT LET'S TALK.

Jeffery C PleetFinancial Advisor.

630 Southeast MidwayBoulevardOak Harbor, WA 98277360-679-2558

Member SIPC

Your Anacortes American print subscription now includes premium access to local news and online-only content from your computer, tablet or mobile device.

Visit goanacortes.com!

Come see us for all your vehicle or

vessel needs!Registration renewals, title transfers, disabled parking placards, monthly tonnage, trip permits, dealer work.

819 COMMERCIAL AVE STE. B ANACORTES, WA 98221(360) 293-5533

HOURS: MON–FRI

9AM–5PM

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member profile

Dianne’s move from Denver to Anacortes was inspired by a whale watching vacation in

1997. Taking an early retirement and leaving the rat race behind was a no brainer. She was born in Virginia and raised in California and the Philippines. She has a background in nursing, cryptology, finance, teen counseling and driving fast cars (off street, of course!)

Dianne was one of the original operators of a BBS (Bulletin Board System)—the precursor to the internet and online chat—and thus began a very rewarding side career working with at risk teens in Denver. She spent several years

Dianne MoritzBoxes and Bears

encouraging teens to stay in school and ended up becoming a foster mom. She has also served five years as a member of the Anacortes Library Board of Directors.

Boxes and Bears was a stroke of serendipity and began as an antique store in the old Wilson Hotel. It quickly evolved into a gift shop, which catered to the whims of customers. When the economy dictated that folks needed affordable entertainment, she took on jigsaw puzzles and games.

The recent move to the old Mercantile Building at 709 Commercial Avenue was

another stroke of serendipity. It is becoming a community hub for kids and adults and the perfect place to hold game events including the hugely popular Magic. She believes life would be less compli-cated if we all came together and played games!

Dianne lives in Island View with her furry helpers Holly, Pepper and Katie.

Fun Fact: Dianne collects antique hammers.

Carla CumminsYour Full Service Travel Agent Specializing in

Unique, Customized, Romance Travel

360-293-4856 or 360-630-6453

Chamber board members and staff spent a day at Rosario Beach for board training and planning for 2014. One of the most important goals for 2014 is to be involved in the city’s 2016 Comp Plan Update—we hope our business members see the importance of this commitment and pledge to be involved.

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Supporting Home Owners At Home Or Away. . .

Tim Eslick, ProprietorTel: 360.293.8757

Cell: 360.770.3813Anacortes WA

www.eslickhousewatch.com

ANACORTES PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

presents a free holiday event

Wonderland Walk at Washington ParkRain or Shine! More Info 293-1918 or www.cityofanacortes.org

November 30thDowntown Trolley Rides Free12pm–4pmSponsored by Majestic Inn & Spa 419 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes

December 6thAnnual Christmas Tree Lighting Free 6pm Holiday music, pictures with Santa819 Commercial Avenue

Chamber Holiday Art Walk6-9pm Downtown Anacortes

Celebrate the Seasons $510 am to 5:30 pm Port Event Center

December 7thBreakfast with Santa $68am–11am Anacortes Senior CenterBreakfast, entertainment, photos with Santa and crafts. RSVP, APRD 293-1918 or www.cityofanacortes.org1701 22nd Street, Anacortes

Christmas Parade Free11am Downtown Anacortes

Chamber Holiday Art Walk10–5pm Downtown Anacortes

Celebrate the Season $512pm to 2 pm Port Event Center

Downtown Trolley Rides Free 12pm–4pm Sponsored by Donatello Flowers and Gifts702 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes

Pictures with Santa Free 2pm–3pm Read Me A Story1005 9th Street, Anacortes

December 7th (cont.)Dream it Dinner $355:30 pm Port Event Center

Fidalgo DanceWorks $12-$17The Nutcracker Ballet7pm AHS Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th StreetTickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com For more info: 360.299.8447

December 8thFidalgo DanceWorks $12-$17 The Nutcracker Ballet3pm AHS Brodniak Hall1600 20th Street, AnacortesTickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com For more info: 360.299.8447

December 13th & 14thWonderland Walk at Washington Park Free 5pm–8pm Lights, music, s’mores. Flashlights recommended.Washington Park/Sunset Avenue, Anacortes

December 14thDowntown Trolley Rides Free 12pm–4pm Sponsored by Read Me A Story1005 9th Street, Anacortes and Alley Cat Antiques301 Commercial Ave., Anacortes

Battle of the Bells, Salvation Army Fundraiser FREE10am–6pm• Anacortes Rotary at Walgreens Pics w/Santa, kid activities 10am-1pm 909 17th Street• Fidalgo Island Rotary at the Post Office• Fire Department & Kiwanis at Safeway• Soroptomists at the Market

Fidalgo DanceWorks Winter Celebration $8–$103pm AHS Brodniak Hall Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com 1600 20th Street, Anacortes For more info: 360.299.8447

December 18thFancy Nancy Holiday Party $125:30pm–7pm Anacortes Senior CenterRSVP, APRD 360.293.1918 or www.cityofanacortes.org1701 22nd Street, Anacortes

December 19thKids Holiday Decorating Party $124:30pm–6:30pm Anacortes Senior CenterAges 4-12 only, dinner & decoratingRSVP, APRD 360.293.1918 or www.cityofanacortes.org1701 22nd Street, Anacortes

December 21stDowntown Trolley Rides Free 12pm–4pm Sponsored by Upstage Boutique & Men’s Store520 Commercial Avenue

Geoffrey Castle’s Community Christmas Celebration4pm–9pm

Annual (Flotilla) Lighted Boat Parade6pm–9pm

December 23rd“Santa Clause Is Coming to Town” $9 Anacortes Cinemaincludes small popcorn and drinkRSVP, APRD 360.293.1918 or www.cityofanacortes.org415 O Avenue, Anacortes

For more information and a list of participating merchants go to www.anacortes.org or call 360-293-7911

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Treating Illness, Cultivating Wellness

902 28th St. Anacortes, WA 98221

Alethea Fleming, ND360-630-3022

www.vitalagingclinic.com

f Take your family on a holiday stroll through the forest at Washington Park, viewing the twinkling lights at campsites decorated by community groups.

f Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.f Feel the delight of familiar holiday music.f View the decorated campsites

Friday, December 13, 5-8 PM

Saturday, December 14, 5-8 PM

For more information and a list of participating merchants go to www.anacortes.org or call 360-293-7911

a Ace Hardware 1720 Q Avenue

a Alley Cat Antiques 301 Commercial Avenue

a Ana-Cross Stitch Inc 719 Commercial Avenue

a Anacortes Sun Tanning 414 Commercial Avenue

a The Apothecary Spa 419 Commercial Avenue

a Buer’s Anacortes Floral and Gift 720 Commercial Avenue

a Burton Inc., Jewelers 620 Commercial Avenue

a Donatello Flowers & Gifts 702 Commercial Avenue

a Epicure ... for the Passionate Cook 714 Commercial Avenue

a Island Styles 1006 6th Street

a Read Me A Story 1005 9th Street

a Scott Milo at the Framemaker 420 Commercial Avenue

a Sebo’s Hardware 1102 Commercial Avenue

a Upstage Boutique & Men’s Store 520 Commercial Avenue

a Walgreens Drug Store 909 17th Street

Participating Merchants

PUNCH AND WIN!

Pick up a punch card by shopping at participating stores

between November 15th and January 15th and you will be entered to win

the weekly and grand prize drawings worth over $500!

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Jack Hamilton grew up across the bay in Bay View, but he has been an Anacortesian at

heart all his life. “My mom used to bring us to the Arts Festival every year, across the draw-bridge. As a kid I dreamed of being a musi-cian, and playing in the streets in this beautiful place,” he recalls, adding that “how we live here really matters.” Sixteen years ago, working for Prudential in Colorado, Jack decided to make his dreams come true: He packed up his guitars and headed ‘home.’

After a few years of playing around the region as “Mr. Entertainment,” Jack met and married our now Executive Director Stephanie Hamilton. Family life called him to resume his business career, mostly in marketing and con-sulting services. “Mr. Entertainment morphed into Mr. Advertising for about ten years, but I really wanted to work at social services.”

Jack sought to impact people who needed impacting, working as a labor agent during the depths of the recession, and finally finding a home caring for the elderly at Cap Sante Court Retirement Community. “I truly love my job, be-cause I get to enhance the lives of people who have worked to give me and family so much,” he effuses. “At Cap Sante Court, we emphasize quality of life in a deeply personal way, and that is so gratifying to me.” Jack adds that “how we treat our elders is a reflection of who we are, and Duane Clark gets that, and I get it, and to-

ambassador profile

Jack Hamilton

member renewals

new members

gether we make sure our staff gets it.”

As Cap Sante Court becomes the award-winning Cap ‘Santa’ Court once again this Christmas season, we will all have a chance to ‘get it’ as well: Jack is inviting everyone to take their family photos in front of the Cap Sante Court Christmas Tree.

The ambassador team is as good a fit for Jack as Cap Sante Court is for Christmas. He has always been an eager volunteer for Stephanie’s projects at the Mount Vernon and Anacortes Chambers, as well as EDASC. “I tell my boys we are a chamber family, and serving our commu-nity is what we do,” Jack states, adding that “I have often been drafted as a substitute ambas-sador through the years, so making it official sort of makes sense.”

• 6th Street Hair & Co.• Action Pages• Anaco Bay Inn• Anacortes Health & Nutrition• Anacortes Kayak Tours• Anacortes Sun• Anacortes Yacht Sales/AAA Yacht Finders• Best Western Plus Harbor Plaza and

Conference• Brown Lantern Ale House• Encompass Financial & Accounting Services• Fidalgo Auto Parts• Fidalgo Country Inn• Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Cuisine• La Conner Country Inn & Channel Lodge• Marketing with Mary• RiverCity Screenprinting, Inc.• The Troll House• Whidbey Coffee• Steven Wilhoit

thanks... Thank you to our luncheon sponsor, United Way of Skagit County and to the Farmhouse Restaurant for catering! Thank you to the following businesses for bringing gifts for the luncheon give-away:• Anacortes Arts Festival• Anacortes Community Theatre• Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn• Bayside Specialties• Express Employment Professionals• Skagit Publishing• Take Shape For Life• United Way of Skagit County• Washington Federal

Thank you to Scott Milo Gallery at the Frame Maker for hosting a fabulous November after hours! Thank you to the following businesses for bringing gifts for the Business After Hours give-away:• Anacortes Arts Festival• Jennings Chiropractic• Mount Vernon Carpet One Floor and Home• My Tailor• pflynn+associates• Scott Milo Gallery• Upstage Boutique and Men’s Store• Walgreens• Washington Federal

Allen WorkmanManaging Broker

360.770.4948AllenW@JohnLScott.com

Considering Buying or Selling Real Estate?

Experience Matters.Full time top producing Real Estate Broker

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FLOORING CONNECTIONS INC.Your connection to quality flooring

Hardwood • Laminate • VinyLCarpet • traVertine • SLate • tiLe

9019 molly Lane • anacortespHone 360-588-9663

www.flooringconnectionsinc.com

THE CASCADIA WEEKLYP.O. Box 2833Bellingham, Washington 98227360-647-8200www.cascadiaweekly.comStephanie Youngads@cascadiaweekly.comNewspaper

MANPOWER216 W. Champion StreetBellingham, WA 98225Primary Phone: (360) 671-1977www.us.manpower.comDale Spraguedale.sprague@manpower.comEmployment Services

Scan this with your smart phone

7

fall photos

The October drawing winner of Thank You Thursdays is

Lydia WarrenLydia won $240 in

ShopAnacortes Dollars by shopping at Walgreens in October.

Look for a list of participating businesses at anacortes.org

2013 AmbassadorsCarla Cummins—

All About Honeymoons & VacationsLara Dunning—Fine EdgeJim Gordon—Freedom Wireless Media, Inc.Jack Hamilton—

Cap Sante Court Retirement CommunityBarry Harter—Central Payment CorporationLisa Helm-Morrow—KeyBankSarah Jurkovich—Washington FederalKari Kennedy—KeyBankMatt McKay—Nantucket Inn; Anchor CateringJeffery Pleet, CLU, ChFC—Edward JonesTherese Rudzis—Individual memberMichelle Scheremeta—

Aulday Bookkeeping SolutionsVeronica Spencer—Take Shape For LifeMary Staley—Marketing with MaryMark Van Oort—Business BankBoyd Veer—Seaside Autobody & AccessoriesJohn Williams—Skagit Publishing

A T T H E F R A M E M A K E R

420 Commercial Ave. • Anacortes • 360-293-6938 • www.scottmilo.com

Regional Fine Art and Custom Picture Framing

It’s nice to be niceBy Kevin Hoult, MBA

Behind all the policies, procedures and dec-larations, beneath the fear of lawsuits, lies a

fundamental fact. A firm that enforces appropri-ate conduct standards is a profitable firm.

Like common courtesy and table man-ners, appropriate workplace conduct helps to make group efforts successful and sustain-able.

A simple, universal guide to appropriate workplace conduct includes the concepts of decorum, deportment and confidentiality.

Decorum refers to the manner in which an employee interacts with external entities like customers, distributors, vendors and government representatives. Employees practicing good decorum will never argue with, confront, or otherwise be disrespectful towards these important stakeholders.

Deportment refers to the manner in which an employee interacts with internal managers and staff. Employees who practice good deportment are complimentary, coop-erative and compliant.

Confidentiality includes much more than keeping company secrets. Common violations of confidentiality include failing to protect documents, sloppy email behaviors and poor care of company customer data.

Would you like to know more? Call Kevin, at (360) 336-6114, for a free and confidential review. Interested in starting a new business or gaining market share by exporting? Call James at (360) 336-6114 to get started!

BUSINESS INSIGHTS

Encouraging Words is a service of EDASC, enhancing our quality of life through the creation and

preservation of healthy businesses and good jobs. Learn more at www.skagit.org.

DanceWorks at H2O BAH Oct 2013

Downtown Trick or Treat Oct 31Port of Anacortes Celebrates Little Chicago Ribbon Cutting Nov. 8, 2013

Executive BoardP R E S I D E N TMark Lawrence Simply Yards Landscape and Design

P R E S I D E N T E L E C TKarin Baldwin Quantum Construction

T R E A S U R E RMatt Miller Read Me A Story

P A S T P R E S I D E N TKathy Larson Puget Sound Energy

B O A R D M E M B E R A T L A R G ECarol Van Iterson Bank of the Pacific

Board of DirectorsJody Ayón Shell Puget Sound RefineryDarren Boarnet Tesoro Refining & Marketing Co.Duane Clark Cap Sante Court Retirement CommunityColleen Craig Windermere Real EstatePeggy Flynn pflynn+associatesJim Gordon Freedom Wireless Media, Inc.Bob Hyde Port of AnacortesGary Jacobson AttorneyBrian Johnson Anacortes Construction ServicesChris Long Jolly Mon ChartersDuane Knapp Pearl Buttons Dean Maxwell City of AnacortesAndy Schwenk Northwest RiggingBernadette Stanek Island HospitalChris Terrell How It WorksMark Wenzel Anacortes School District

Chamber StaffStephanie Hamilton Executive DirectorMary Talosi Visitor Information & Operations DirectorCecilie Miller Event & Communications DirectorTricia Sharp Marketing & Promotions CoordinatorKristi Daniels & Crystal Johnson Licensing Sub-Agents

Photography by Steve BerentsonNewsletter designed by LMac Graphics

vic (visitor information center) statisticschamber officers

819 Commercial Ave., Suite F

Anacortes, WA 98221

PRESORTED

STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID

ANACORTES, WA

PERMIT NO. 44

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Oct. 2013 Oct. 2012Visitors 1146 901Phone Calls 158 182Information Requests 17 4Volunteer Hours 339

Oct. 2013 Oct. 2012Relocation Requests 22 7Web Visits 11,217 11,473Web Page Views 28,165 29,181

Thank you, volunteers! Visit us on the web at www.anacortes.org

5.114”w x

4.214”h

School Choirs & BandsPictures with Santa Claus

Friday, Dec. 6

6:00 pm

SPONSORED BY :

Anacortes Construction Services

Birch Equipment

Cap Sante Court Retirement Community

Colleen Craig Windermere Real Estate

Pioneer Tree Service

Sebo’s Hardware & Equipment Rental