1.14.08
When the Urban Growth Plan was completed four years ago, Kathy Berg proposed that the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce be responsible for economic development. But one of the Elders said, “The wheels are off there.” At the time, the Chamber was in turmoil. A number of officers and members quit. However, Genee’ Haws Kay accepted responsibility to hold the organization together and prevailed. Now, with the title of executive director, she counts 145 members, a record number. Leadership of the current president, Cynthia De Jong Colinares, indicates potential for greater responsibility in the community.
The Chamber’s organizational strength was on display at the start of this year. The New Years Eve ‘Ring of Fire and Hope’, conceived and nourished by Mike Kent, is becoming a tradition that brings folks from throughout the county to light flares. Ditto the ‘Polar Bear Plunge’, which, despite a cold, gray day, attracted a record number of 280 registrants. Included in the successes was a flyer offering food and other deals from merchants. (A negative was that several cafes near the event did not participate.)
The Plunge committee was headed by Lisa Guthrie, the face and voice of Homestead Northwest, whose tremendous energy in organizing the event demonstrated abilities to serve the entire community as well as her employer.
Special applause goes to Jeb Warsinske, manager of the Sand Castle Resort, who invited chilled plungers to use warm rooms in his building. Few accepted the unexpected offer – most are accustomed to changing clothes on the fly in cars, etc. But it’s the spirit of the offer than counts. Jeb, who purchased a home here and is on the board of the Chamber, is a valuable addition to the community.
When the Urban Growth Plan was completed four years ago, Kathy Berg proposed that the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce be responsible for economic development. But one of the Elders said, “The wheels are off there.” At the time, the Chamber was in turmoil. A number of officers and members quit. However, Genee’ Haws Kay accepted responsibility to hold the organization together and prevailed. Now, with the title of executive director, she counts 145 members, a record number. Leadership of the current president, Cynthia De Jong Colinares, indicates potential for greater responsibility in the community.
The Chamber’s organizational strength was on display at the start of this year. The New Years Eve ‘Ring of Fire and Hope’, conceived and nourished by Mike Kent, is becoming a tradition that brings folks from throughout the county to light flares. Ditto the ‘Polar Bear Plunge’, which, despite a cold, gray day, attracted a record number of 280 registrants. Included in the successes was a flyer offering food and other deals from merchants. (A negative was that several cafes near the event did not participate.)
The Plunge committee was headed by Lisa Guthrie, the face and voice of Homestead Northwest, whose tremendous energy in organizing the event demonstrated abilities to serve the entire community as well as her employer.
Special applause goes to Jeb Warsinske, manager of the Sand Castle Resort, who invited chilled plungers to use warm rooms in his building. Few accepted the unexpected offer – most are accustomed to changing clothes on the fly in cars, etc. But it’s the spirit of the offer than counts. Jeb, who purchased a home here and is on the board of the Chamber, is a valuable addition to the community.
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