By Silvia Reed Beyond doubt, this year has been challenging for oureconomy. The rules of the game have changed and our businesseshave been re-invented. Whether you are a largecorporation, nonprofit or a small family business, we knowyou have switched gears. Whether you are employinghundreds of people (our neighbors) or running yourbusiness from your kitchen table, we are proud of you andthank you for allowing your Chamber in and sharing yourchallenges with us.  In the midst of this pandemic, we have learned that it isvital to work together, contribute and help those who arestruggling. Small businesses are the heart of our community;however, they are struggling to remain active in our localeconomy. In the past few weeks, we have met with thosemembers who also believe in the power of community.Thanks to their generosity and support of our mission, theMount Vernon Chamber is launching the “BusinessSustainer Program,” a pay-it-forward campaign that allowsChamber members to help fellow members by paying fortheir one-year membership. Marla & Company, Walmart,...continued on page 2

LEGACY MEMBERSGOLD

SILVER

CHAMBER CHATM O U N T V E R N O N C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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Introducing the BusinessSustainer Program

Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce | 360.428.8547 | mountvernonchamber.com

Motivation & Marketing Masterminds:MenimeterThursday, Sept. 310 a.m.via ZoomRegister hereMenitmeter: Create more interactive virtualpresentations and meetings with live polls,quizzes, word clouds and Q&As.

Knowledge NOW“Old, NOW & New Normal”Strategies for dealing with the COVIDexperience for world-class athletes and youWednesday, Sept. 9NoonPresented by: Jim Bauman, PhD – Sport &Human Performance Psychologistvia ZoomRegister here

Latino Business Leaders:Social Media Marketing Part 2Tuesday, Sept. 155:30 - 7:30 p.m.Presented in Spanish by Dr. Ed Jaramillovia ZoomRegister hereSponsored by:

Chamber Virtual Luncheon: Candidate Forum Featuring Skagit County PUD CommissionerDist. 1, and County Commissioner Dist. 1 & 2 Wednesday, Sept. 2311:30 a.m.via ZoomRegister hereSponsored by:

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

and Draper Valley Farms were the first ones tosay “Yes, we want to help a small business.”Each of these companies are paying it forwardand encouraging others to do the same. If your business is able to help other smallbusinesses, please contact me for more details. For those who would like to help out, butmaybe are not able to pay a full supportingmembership for a fellow Chambermember, we are opening other options thatwill be affordable to all businesses. If you are a small business who needs thesupport of this program, please reach out. Withthe help of our Chamber members, we can helpyou!

Since we love to highlight the good work thatour members are doing, I’d like to end with aquote that I read a few weeks ago at theNextHome Preview Properties – Umpqua Banksign on College Way, “We are Skagit Valleystrong and we will get thru this together.” To contribute to the Business SustainerProgram or to receive assistance with yourcompany’s dues, contact, BusinessDevelopment and Foundation Director SilviaReed.

Silvia@MountVernonChamber.com Direct: (360) 395-2944

Business Sustainer Program ... cont'd from page 1

G O T S W A G ? We are seeking door prizes for the September Membership Luncheon.

Thank you to all ourBattle of the Bridge

sponsors. We couldn't doit without your support!

Presenting sponsor:Marathon Petroleum

CorporationHole-in-One sponsor:Dwayne Lane's Auto

FamilyClosest to the Pin:

HomePlace at BurlingtonMemory Care

Beverage Cart sponsor:Silverado Bellingham

Memory Care CommunityHole sponsors: Aflac,

Applebee's Grill + Bar,Boys and Girls Club of

Skagit County, ChandlersGroup, CPI Plumbing &

Heating, Dwayne Lane's,Farmstrong Brewing Co.,

Fortiphi, The GarlandCompany, Inc., Harris

Company, HomePlace,SERVPRO of Skagit County,

Skagit Publishing, SkagitSocial, Where The Heart Is

Assisted Living andMemory Care

Tee sponsors: BannerPower Solutions andPeaceHealth United

General Medical CenterHost: Avalon Golf Links

After last year's inaugural tournament ended in a tie, the MountVernon Chamber of Commerce came out on top in the second annualmatch up against the Burlington Chamber of Commerce in the “Battleof the Bridge” golf tournament. Farmstrong Brewing Co. posted this year’s winning team of ToddOwsley, Justin Walker, Mike Simson and Wayne McKenney. The MountVernon Chamber team and the Skagit Farmers Supply team tied forsecond. The Mount Vernon team was comprised of Dave Ryberg, DanBerard, Roger Rogusa and Nate Loving. The Skagit Farmers Supplyteam included Ryan Nootenboom, Greg Fisher, Matt Dynes and JohnPiazza. Mount Vernon won the tournament by 30 strokes.

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Mount Vernon Wins the Battle of the Bridge

In 2011, Joel joined the company as a broker andco-owner, adding his energy and considerableabilities to the mix. “We’ve added some important services toSemanko Realty Group. In the last few years, wesecured the contract as a local listing broker forthe Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD) and have developed a historyof success in marketing bank-owned andgovernment-owned properties.” Andrea said.   Most recently, Joel has earned certification as aCertified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE). He isone of only three in Washington state with thiscredential. This service allows Joel to work with both familylaw attorneys and divorcing couples on the sale ofwhat is often the largest asset in the marriage, thehouse. As a CDRE, he can be called upon by thefamily courts as a neutral professional real estatebroker to help all parties through an oftencomplicated and contentious process of sellingtheir home.   Find Semanko Realty Group online atwww.washingtonqualityhomes.com.

In 2003, Joel and Andrea Semanko and their twosons moved to the Skagit Valley. “It was the bestmove we could have made,” Andrea said. Having fallen in love with the Skagit Valley,Andrea was attracted to the idea of helping othersto make the same move, forming Semanko RealtyGroup in 2007 with the mission to become the oneof the best resources for real estate in the area. As designated broker, Andrea has grown thebrokerage to have an outstanding reputation ofprofessional excellence, serving both north andsouth Puget Sound, with more than a dozen realestate brokers. Andrea says they have “an enviable reputation ofprofessional excellence,” in both Skagit Countyand the greater Seattle area. With more than $60 million in volume and rising,they are a company that is a vital and valued partof the communities they serve. But these numbersin no way tell the whole story.   “When we are selling real estate, we’re sellingour heart,” Andrea said. “The Skagit Valley is justan incredible place to live.” Having a true affinity for Skagit County is one ofthe reasons Semanko Realty Group decided to jointhe Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce lastyear. “We were interested in becoming really vital inSkagit County and creating connections with like-minded businesses,” Andrea said. While many real estate companies focused onbuilding their brand with “brick and mortar”offices, Semanko Realty Group focused onbecoming an early adopter in web technology andvirtual service. Understanding how to connectwith buyers and sellers on the web has been anintegral component of Semanko Realty Group’ssuccess as a company. It is the main reason thebrokerage was able to weather the housing crisisof the 2008 and continues to thrive in today’s newCOVID-19 landscape.

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Get to Know Semanko Realty Group

Joel and Andrea Semanko

In an ongoing effort to create robust learningopportunities to help prepare youth and adultstudents for future employment, the MountVernon Chamber Foundation is proud toannounce its partnership with Cascades JobCorps College & Career Academy. Earlier this year, our foundation hosted a tourand career panel at PeaceHealth United GeneralMedical Center in Sedro-Woolley.The goal of thetour was to introduce Cascades Job CorpsCollege & Career Academy and Skagit ValleyCollege students to the various careeropportunities in the healthcare field. Although worksite tours are currentlysuspended due to COVID-19, we continue to deliver learning opportunities, including virtualpanels, presentations by industry leaders andvirtual tours. Our new partnership with Cascades Job CorpsCollege & Career Academy will allow Cascadesstudents to participate in these learningopportunities. The trades to be served includeComputer Network Technician (Network+),Computer Technician (A+), Security andProtective Services, Certified Medical Assistant,Culinary Arts and Office Administration.  

Foundation continues to strengthenCareer Connect partnerships

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In June 2020, the Mount Vernon ChamberFoundation became the recipient of the ShellPuget Sound Refinery grant that supports thisand other Career Connect Washington learningopportunities, where participants  furtherdevelop academic, technical, trade andentrepreneurial skills by making them aware ofcareer opportunities in which they are able toearn a good living wage and prepare for ourcommunity workforce needs. If you would like to learn more about our CareerConnect and workforce development programs,or to partner with the Mount Vernon ChamberFoundation, please contact Silvia Reed, businessdevelopment and foundation director, for moreinformation: Silvia@MountVernonChamber.com,Direct: (360) 395-2944

In February, prior tothe mask order, theChamber Foundationhosted Career Connectstudents for a tour andcareer panel atPeaceHealth UnitedGeneral Medical Centerin Sedro-Woolley.

Chair - Marla ChapaSkagit SocialTaylor Bannister Lincoln TheatreSusan CooperNextHome Preview PropertiesMonica CraigCPI Plumbing & HeatingEctor DeLeonTulip Valley WineryBeth Dewey Joyous StyleLeslie ExnerhibuCarol HarrisPrimeLendingKatelyn HuffmanExpress EmploymentProfessionals Shelby JanklowFortiphi LLCCrystal KingNW TechnologyMorgan McCauleyThe Bridge at Mount Vernon Anya PaxsonAflac Tammy Reim-Ledbetter Alaska USASherry RudermanSkagit Tradition RealtyJerry ShacketteFriendship House of Skagit ValleyLexx StensonChinn GYN, LLCLiz TheakerCamp KoreyLee Thomas-PalmerLogan Creek RetirementCommunityKatey Von HagelLand Title & Escrow Company Clarissa WongUmpqua Bank

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Ambassadors New Silver Legacy member:Weichert Realtors Edge Home Sales

Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce CEO Andy Mayer presentsStacey Salyer of Weichert Realtors Edge Home Sales with a plaquerecognizing its Silver Legacy membership. Thank you, Weichert!

Chair - Carol HarrisPrimeLending

Vice Chair - David LukovKern Funeral Home

Past Chair - Brian PoppeHPK Architects

Treasurer - Rhonda TingleySaviBank

Member at Large - Bekki CoxBC Accounting

Arden AinleySkagit Valley College

Viry DelgadoCOA Mexican Eatery

Peter DonovanCity of Mount Vernon

Diane FoxAll About Hearing

Bill HenkelCommunity Action of Skagit County

Brian IvieSkagit Regional Health

Ben LazowskiValley Shine Distillery

Jeff McInnisU.S. Bank

Todd OwsleyFarmstrong Brewing Company

Duby PetitSkagit Publishing

Celina RodriguezMount Vernon School District

STAFFPresident/CEO Andy MayerBusiness Development and

Foundation Director Silvia ReedOperations Director Jeremy Kindlund

Marketing Specialist Hilary ParkerVisitor Information Services

Marinus Rouw Stephanie Fernandez

Skagit County Servpro is grateful to be part of the MountVernon Chamber in 2020.  A year ago, the long-time owner soldto our new owner, Paul, who owns additional franchises justsouth of Skagit County. Now, this small business has more reachand strength to respond to emergencies that might occur in ourcounty. As we built our five-year strategic plan, we made beingpart of the Chamber a key to achieving our vision. I personally had seen the green vans but had no idea whatservices Servpro provided until 18 months ago. I have found thisa common theme as we meet people, and so education is key forour marketing team. The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerceis one very good way to ensure people know who Servpro is andthe breadth of services we provide. We are members of a number of chambers and associationsacross two counties. Mount Vernon has been one of quickest toalter formats when the pandemic hit, providing meaningfulinformation via weekly newsletters regarding state/countyhappenings, and continuing to promote businesses withinour area. It is also very apparent that the guiding board trulyfeels a sense of “serving” its members – not with words but withtrue action. The small business benefits and access to discountson 401Ks, education on using LinkedIn, and the new methods ofmarketing necessary to navigate our current business world all

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Member Reveals PositiveReturn on Investment

Board of Directors

meet the specific needsof those they serve. Weat Servpro Skagitappreciate the hardwork this chamber doesto make their supportavailable.

Joel PasekSkagit CountySERVPRO

Mayor Boudreau Elected to AWC Board ofDirectors The Association of Washington Cities (AWC)announced that Mount Vernon Mayor JillBoudreau was recently elected to its Board ofDirectors. “Those of us who serve know the power of localgovernment to make people’s lives better,” saidBoudreau. “AWC is a respected voice in Olympiaand Washington, D.C., and I look forward toserving as a member of the Board.” Boudreau was elected to the AWC Board duringthe association’s business meeting on June 25.She serves District 14, which includes 19 citiesand towns in Island, San Juan, Skagit andWhatcom counties. The AWC Board of Directors is the association’sgoverning body.

Schols starts podcast to share hope andinspiration Intrigued by stories of how people overcomelife's hurdles, author Kelly Schols, interviews adiverse guest list on his new podcast, Never bythe Book. "I've always been curious about whysome people overcome hardship while othersstay stuck," said Schols. "There are many factorsat play, but I believe there is something to learnfrom everyone's story." The podcast has a line up of insightfulprograms including September's episode Escapeto Freedom: Courage or Insanity? which willfeature Andrew Popa's gripping account offleeing Communist Romania in the dead of nightwhen he was 19 years old. Never By The Book Podcast can be found onSpotify, TuneIn, Apple, or Google Podcasts.

Community Action Helps People Keep TheirHomes Community Action of Skagit County hasseveral emergency funding sources to helppeople who are at risk of eviction. The EvictionPrevention Program will be active Sept. 2 andwill run as long as funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The intention of thisemergency funding is to prevent eviction forhouseholds who have been financially impactedby the COVID pandemic. The direct message line for EvictionPrevention Assistance at Community Action is(360) 399-3006. Leave a voicemail with: Head ofHousehold Name, Contact #, Household size,Household income, # of months past due and ifthey reside in the Mount Vernon City limits.English and Spanish can be accommodated.Basic eligibility requirements are that a renterhousehold is lower income and behind on orunable to pay current rent. There are specificfunds earmarked for Mount Vernon residents,and other funds are available for other Skagitresidents. For those who are struggling but not behind inrent, and for those who are unable to access theeviction prevention funding, Community Actionhas many other resources including help payingenergy bills, nutrition and diapers through WIC,legal assistance, help for seniors and disabledadults, Skagit Vets Connect, and informationand referral to many other local agencies andsources of help. For more information, go towww.CommunityActionSkagit.org, or call 360416-7585.

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Member Announcements

Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce Partner MembersBarron Smith Daugert, PLLC, BEST WESTERN PLUS Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center, BirchEquipment Rental & Sales, Brigadoon Service Dogs, Budget Towing & Repair, Cascade Job CorpsCenter, CBMM LLC, Coastal Farm and Ranch, Costco Wholesale, Crawford Garage Doors, D&P ElectronicHome Monitoring, Foothills Toyota, Fortiphi LLC, Frontier Communications, Haggen Food & Pharmacy,Hampton Inn & Suites, Herbal Legends Cannabis, Infinity Painting & Home Care LLC, Kern FuneralHome, Landed Gentry Homes & Communities, Life Care Center of Mount Vernon, Loving Farms, MaxDale’s Steak & Chop House, Mount Vernon School District, North Coast Credit Union, NorthwestEscrow, LLC, PogoZone, Port of Skagit, Public Utilities District 1 Skagit County, Puget Sound Energy,SERVPRO, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Skagit Valley College, Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit RegionalClinics, Testing and Commissioning Services, LLC, The UPS Store #5499, The Woods Coffee, TuckerRealty LLC, Walmart, and Williams & Nulle, PLLC CPAs

Leading Edge PropertyManagementStacey Salyer(425) 312-2592823 N. 4th St.Mount Vernonwww.edgehomerentals.comWe provide the best and mostinnovative service to ownersand tenants in the PacificNorthwest. The Leading Edgeteam is aligned with the samepositive vision for excellenceand support.

Storied Creative ServicesHilary Parker(360 ) 224-3067Bellinghamstoriedcreativeservices.comContent marketing, businesswriting and editing for busybusiness owners who want tofocus on their core functionsnot creating content.

Weichert Realtors Edge Home SalesStacey Salyer(360) 424-7166823 N. 4th St.Mount Vernonwww.wredgehomesales.comWeichert Realtors Edge HomeSales is part of Weichert RealEstate Affiliates. We are locally owned, but as as a Weichertaffiliate, we are part of one ofthe leading providers of homeownership services in Americaand have access to theirexclusive tools and systems sowe can take great care of ourclients.

A Little Bit of HomeAnita Seaman(360) 420-0259601 N 18th PlaceMount Vernonhttps://bit.ly/3gQs44cCome enjoy and relax at a 5-stargetaway without the 5-starprice. Enjoy the comforts ofhome-cooked breakfast andwatch the latest movies in atheater room with surroundsystem on comfy recliners.

The Garland CompanyMarty McGarrigle (206) 550-5609Seattlewww.garlandco.comOver the past 125 years, wehave excelled in helpingbuilding owners and facilitymanagers solve theirwaterproofing challenges, smalland large, from inceptionthrough the lifetime of thesolution.

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Welcome New Members

10+ YearsA-1 Mobile Lock & KeyPeaceHealth United General Medical CenterSalem VillageSierra Pacific Industries

5+ YearsAckermann Electric Co.Hampton Inn & Suites by HiltonHumane Society of Skagit ValleyJP AutomotiveLegg & Watne, CPAsNorthwest Propane, LLCUmpqua Bank 

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25+ YearsHandy's HeatingMount Vernon Carpet OneFloor & Home 20+ YearsHaggen Food & PharmacyLa Conner Country InnTulip Inn 

15+ YearsVintage at Mount VernonWilliams & Nulle, PLLC, CPAs

Thank You Renewing MembersLess than 5 Years192 Brewing CompanyBella Luce Skin CareBlue Lake Property ManagementPacionis Pizzeria and LoungeRight Way Plumbing, Heating, A/C Inc.Skagit SocialSound to Summit Physical TherapyStress Free Tax Season, LLC

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday The Visitors Information Center is currently closedon weekends.

Chamber/Visitors Center Office Hours

Together with our Chamber Ambassador LeeThomas-Palmer (left), we visited our newChamber member Jeff Bell at Great Floors anddelivered some presents from our membership.

Welcome new Chambermember Great Floors

BRONZE LEGACY

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Upbeat Award: Katelyn Huffman

(L-R) Silvia Reed, KatelynHuffman, Mandi Rothman and Mark Hagen

This month’s Upbeat AwardWinner is the epitome of joy,the unstoppable force knownas Katelyn Huffman. Those who know Katelyn bothpersonally and professionallyare hard-pressed to find a timewhen she wasn’t the onecheering others on. Katelyn hasbeen a Chamber member forquite a few years now, and herpresence is felt by way of a

warm welcome at luncheons,as well as mentoring newmembers. I knew Katelyn prior to joiningthe Mount Vernon Chamber,and she has reinforced for mewhy this chamber is like noother. It’s an amazing feeling tosee someone excited to supporther fellow businesses andcommunity members.– Mandi Rothman,Northwest Youth Services