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Chamber Memberandum
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In This Issue |
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Find it Fast! |
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Business Seminar |
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Brad Worthley Exceeding Customer Expectations
Friday, April 20th
7:00 - 10:30 am Tulalip Casino
Sponsored by: Best Western Tulalip Inn, Affiliated Associations of America, Langabeer, McKernan Burnett & Co.
It's not too late to sponsor this event for premium exposure at what will be one of the hottest business events of the year! Contact the Chamber for details.
Space is limited to the first 200!
$40 Per Chamber Member $50 Non-Members
Networking Full Breakfast Amazing New Tools for Your Business
WE SOLD OUT last year when Brad gave us a 45 minute peek at this amazing presentation. Now he's back with the full three hour seminar.
"In today's highly competitive, fast-paced and fragmented environment, chambers of commerce-and our members-thrive or die by the quality of their customer service. Brad Worthley understands this better than anyone I've ever met. He's got the "why" and the "how" on using customer service to differentiate your businesses and provide lasting value. If you want to keep your customers returning, start by getting in touch with Brad" Steve Leahy, President/CEO - Greater Seattle Chamber
"You earn trust by the way you meet, greet and serve the customer. Brad Worthley's seminars are all about how to establish, maintain and grow customer relationships. If you're looking to energize your service efforts and improve customer retention, then I recommend you look at Brad Worthley."
"Never in 21 years of chamber management have I seen a speaker so delight, and capture an entire audience's attention - leaving them in laughter AND with the skills that instantly and dramatically improved their own level of customer service." Caldie Rogers, President/CEO, Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber
Make your reservations early - bring your staff! Call (360) 659-7700 or Email: Edith@marsyvilletulalipchamber.com
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Business input plays key role in shaping new Graffiti Ordinance |
The new Graffiti Ordinance recently passed by the City of Marysville balances the impacts to business, "the victims", and the urgent need to eliminate the growing problem of graffiti and vandalism that Marysville has been experiencing. The graffiti is not just an expensive nuisance, but much more threatening - a means of communication between increasing gangs and their members who have come to establish themselves in Marysville.
Sensitive to the needs of business, city officials turned to the Chamber to help gather business input that would help shape a new ordinance. An extensive business survey of all of Marysville Tulalip licensed businesses outlined a list of potential actions that were considered was conducted by the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.
Survey questions and business responses were:
1) Ordinance banning the sale of spray paint and markers (particularly Sharpies) to minors 50% YES 50% NO
2) Ordinance requiring spray paint and markers be placed under lock and key 24% YES 76% NO
3) Ordinance requiring spray paint and markers be relocated to the front of stores for visual monitoring. 56% YES 44% NO
4) Reducing the 30 day time frame currently mandated for property owners to remove the graffiti from their buildings, fences and walls to as little as a 24 to 48 hour time frame. 76% YES 24% NO
Additional research conducted by the Chamber and the Graffiti Task Force on what measures enacted by other communities had a proven record of success showed that while no empirical data proved measures 1, 2 and 3 made a substantial difference, there was extensive data proving reduced timeline on removal did in fact drive graffiti "artists" from the community. Statistical research proves that if graffiti is consistently removed within 24 to 48 hours of its appearance these gangs will leave a community for another that allows them this vehicle of communication.
Armed with the results of the survey and the research, the Chamber provided recommendations on the proposed Graffiti Ordinance that represented the business community, especially small businesses, to ensure our city has the highest quality of life while minimizing the impacts these new requirements may have on business. Marysville's progressive City Council was highly responsive to the input provided by community businesses, and gave great weight to these insights when revising the Graffiti Ordinance.
Of note, is a renewed abatement program that allows property owners to authorize the city's Seniors Against Crime volunteers to paint over their graffiti. Their efforts will help mitigate the time and expense to business and property owners. The paint for this program will be donated and will not always exactly match the building's existing paint. "Enough thanks cannot be expressed to our long time member Wal*Mart, who, immediately upon learning of this, offered their community support by offering to provide the city with donated paint and brushes for this abatement effort," said Chamber President / CEO Caldie Rogers.
While compliance with parts of the new ordinance sections are on a voluntary basis this year, there will be a review in 12 months to see if these measures should become mandatory in case the vandalism continues unabated. The voluntary measures at this time involve banning the sale of spray paint and markers to minors, locking these items up and/or requiring they be located at the front of the store.
To read the full text of the Chamber's recommendations to City Council, click here.
Important note: If your property is tagged with graffiti, either notify the police immediately so they can make arrangements with the Senior Volunteers to remove it, or if removing it yourself, take a picture of it first prior to painting over it and send that picture to the police. This is critical to allow our Police Department to track the messages being sent in this manner. |
Free WiFi Hotspot now at Visitor Center |
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The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce & Regional Visitor Center Announces
Free WiFi Hotspot Available now at Visitor Center!
Yet again using tomorrow's technology today, the Chamber & Visitor Center is proud to announce that we are now a Free Wi-Fi Hotspot! High-speed wireless internet access is now available free of charge to chamber members, residents and visitors inside the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center's conference room and lobby.
Wi-Fi (short for wireless fidelity) is the commonly used term for 802.11-based wireless networking technology. The Wi-Fi access point offered at the Chamber / VIC allows for both blazing fast Wireless-G (802.11g at 54Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11Mbps) devices to connect to the Internet and access email and websites.
"Becoming a Wi-Fi hotspot is one way the Chamber is growing to meet the evolving needs of our members and area visitors. Technology is changing the way people do business, and as a business catalyst, it is important we provide guests to our conference room and visitor center with the tools they need for business success," said Chamber President / CEO Caldie Rogers. "This provides a great incentive for travelers to stop and take advantage of the many products and services available in the QuilCedaVillage retail center and our local businesses in Marysville. Otherwise they might continue further down the highway to check their email and use the Internet at the next rest area, taking their tourism dollars with them."
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Membership Matters |
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Have something to share about your business - an event, special promotion, an award? We want to hear from you! Please send us a paragraph or two with your news and we will post it here for free. You can fax us at (360) 659-7700 or email Kimberlie@marysvilletulalipchamber.com.
********************************************************************************************* Let's Dish! is celebrating our second year of business here in the Marysville community. During these past two years we have helped busy families solve their dinner-time dilemma by providing nutritional meals which are quickly prepared. We have seen people helping people by assisting elderly parents, making the lives of those recuperating from surgery easier, and working with local organizations to bring food to those less fortunate. Let's Dish! thanks the Chamber community for their support these past two years and we look forward to dishing with you all this coming year!
Jim & Victoria Mattson - Co-owners Let's Dish! Marysville 11605 State Avenue, Ste. 105 Marysville, WA 98271 (360) 658-9903
********************************************************************************************* NEWS RELEASE - Carlson Wagonlit Travel
We are delighted to announce the merger of Marysville's Plan-It Cruise and Travel, managed by Melissa West at 1410 C 7th Street, with Carlson Wagonlit Travel/Travel Center of Pierce and Thurston counties. They currently operate a total of 8 locations serving the South Puget Sound's travel needs for more than 50 years with experience, dedication and distinction. Carlson Wagonlit Travel/Travel Center of Marysville will continue to serve this community with the same dedicated and loyal staff who are committed to building lasting relationships with their customers.
-Sonja Torres Marketing/Graphics 253-617-7204 Travel Better With Us Carlson Wagonlit Travel
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Barnett Associates Real Estate LLc -
Did you know that Barnett Associates offers Residential Property Management services. Cherie Ruchty is our licensed Property Management agent on site in our office at 1212 2nd Street.
She has nearly 15 years of management experience in the Snohomish County area. If you are tired of dealing with the rent process - showing, screening, maintenance - give Cherie a call today, 425-238-7977. She offers Full time management or Placement only. Call for details or request a brochure to be mailed to you. Visit our web site to see some of our current For Rents.
Barnett Associates Real Estate LLc 1212 2nd Street A Marysville, WA 98270 http://www.barnettassociates.net
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Purrfect Pals Adoption Event Find your new best friend at Purrfect Pals' "Black Cats are Lucky" adoption event on St. Patrick's Day at Black Cat Antiques in Snohomish. Purrfect Pals, the world's largest cat-only adoption organization and sanctuary based in Arlington, will have more than a dozen happy, healthy black cat cats available for adoption. Black Cats have a bad reputation that they do not deserve. Just what is a black cat? Basically, it is a feline whose fur is uniformly black, but is not a particular breed. Interestingly, the all-black pigmentation is equally present in both male and female cats, but will usually skip one generation due to the characteristic's associated with the X chromosome. Today in Australia, Japan, Britain and Egypt, black cats are considered to be very lucky and are sought after. King Charles I of England owned a black cat, which he loved and treasured so much that he had guards watch over the cat 24 hours a day. As 'luck' would have it, the day after the cat died from an illness, the king was arrested. All Purrfect Pals cats have been spayed or neutered, received their basic shots, treated for fleas and worms, tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia, and have been implanted with a life-saving microchip. The event will be from 11am to 4:30 at 1234 Main Street in Snohomish. For more information, visit Purrfect Pals online at Purrfect Pals website Richard Huffman Purrfect Pals (360) -652-9611
********************************************************************************************* Eaglesnest Secretarial Service
NEED AN EXTRA HAND WITH THOSE OFFICE DUTIES? DOES SAVING TIME -MONEY & GAS SOUND GOOD? Then fly in to Eaglesnest Secretarial Service and let us show you how we can supplement/enhance the office staff you already have! We don't require an office, equipment or training! We pay our own taxes and insurance! Still not sure if we are the answer? Then call us and let us discuss how we can help you! Eaglesnest Secretarial Service 360-657-7204.
Sheila Frazier Eaglesnest Secretarial Service "One Stop For ALL Your Office Needs" Website: Eaglesnest Secretarial website E-Mail: sheila@bluenestingeagles.com Office: 360-657-7204 Fax: 360-657-5655 |
Diamond Benefits |
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Health Savings Accounts Just Got Better
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow participants to save tax-free dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses. This includes a broad range of expenses including health insurance deductibles, dentist visits, long term care premiums or even certain over the counter drugs. Accounts are accompanied by an HSA-qualified insurance plan covering major medical expenses and preventive care.
HSA-qualified insurance plans are more affordable insurance plans that protect individuals and families in the event of major medical illnesses. They generally provide the same benefits as traditional insurance policies, including prescription drugs, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospitalization. However, they require a higher deductible to be met before benefits are paid. The higher deductible allows the insurance company to charge significantly lower premiums. Savings from the lower premiums can be put toward funding the HSA. If you currently have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or have considered choosing one in 2007, you now have more saving power. The "Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006" will allow account holders to contribute more to their HSA starting in January 2007. In the past, the contribution maximum was the lesser of your deductible or a dollar limit. If you had a family plan with a $3000 deductible, that was the maximum amount you could contribute for the year. Now, people with family plans can contribute up to $5,650 for the year, regardless of their deductible. Individuals can contribute up to $2,850. In addition, contribution maximums are no longer prorated based on the months of health plan coverage. Individuals can contribute the maximum amount regardless of when their coverage begins as long as they maintain the HSA plan until the end of the following year. Accountholders that leave an HSA plan mid-year, must prorate their contributions based on the number of months covered by the HSA-qualified insurance plan. It is now easier to use HSAs as long-term savings, a purpose to which they were originally intended. The longer you can keep the money in the HSA, the bigger the tax benefits you can reap. You can contribute pre-tax money to the account, where it grows tax deferred and can then be used tax free for medical expenses - a triple tax benefit that's tough to find anywhere else. The more time the money remains in the account, the greater benefit you'll get from the tax-free earnings.
Don't forget that you can still make contributions to your HSA for 2006 until April 15th 2007. Please note that these contributions are subject to the 2006 tax law. For more information regarding HSAs, please give call Diamond Benefits at 1-800-337-6177 or visit us as www.diamondbenefits.com. |
Computer Tech Tips from Byte Slaves |
Don't Get Left Behind!
One of Microsoft Windows' most hotly debated features is its Automatic Update option. I've been using Windows since it first came on the scene, and I think the automatic update feature is one of the best ideas to come out of Redmond in some time. Microsoft frequently finds security holes and other flaws in its complex operating systems. When they do, they release patches to fix these problems. These patches, or hot fixes, can be downloaded and installed manually or automatically.
To set up automatic updates simply click Start, then right click on My Computer. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. You will get a window with several tabs. Click on the Automatic Updates tab and select the appropriate options. Keep in mind that your computer has to be turned on for these updates to install. I know that sounds basic, but many people get left behind because they turn their computers off at night.
Sometimes these patches can cause problems with other programs you may be running. It's always a good idea to make sure your System Restore option is set. In the same window where you set up your updates there is a tab labeled System Restore. Click on that tab and make sure system restore is monitoring your C: drive. Then, in the event of a problem, you can always roll your system back to a previous configuration.
Sven Mogelgaard, President Byte Slaves, Inc. 425-482-9529 877-972-7767 Visit Our Online Store! |
HomeStreet Bank Housing Grants |
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Great News!!! In 2007, HomeStreet Bank will again provide seven $10,000 HomeStreet Community Housing Award grants to nonprofit organizations serving housing-related needs.
The goal of the HomeStreet Community Housing Awards is to support organizations that help individuals and families with low to moderate incomes achieve the security of a home. An eligible organization must be a 501(c)(3) that provides transitional or affordable rental housing, or helps people move along the path toward homeownership in the communities in which HomeStreet does business.
This is the fourth year of the HomeStreet Community Housing Awards. In 2006, we received over 120 applications from the Northwest and Hawaii. Award winners are selected by an impartial group of both community and HomeStreet judges. We look forward to providing these awards to deserving housing organizations again this year.
HomeStreet has been a strong supporter of the community throughout our 85-year history. Each year at HomeStreet we donate at least two percent of our pre-tax profits to the community in addition to the time, expertise and energy of our people.
If you know of an organization that may be eligible for a HomeStreet Community Housing Award, please direct them to www.homestreet.com/community/awards where we have posted more information, previous winners and the application for downloading. Applications will be available from March 19 to May 11, 2007. For more information, please call Margaret Hennings at (206)515-4069 or e-mail communityawards@homestreet.com.
Homestreet Bank looks forward to learning about how an organization you know is creating housing opportunities in our communities. |
Marysville hires Vancouver Commander to serve as new Police Chief |
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MARYSVILLE * Mayor Dennis Kendall announced today the appointment of Vancouver Cmdr. Rick Smith to serve as Marysville Police Chief. Smith has worked in law enforcement for the past 18 years, with 12 of those years with the Vancouver Police Department and six spent with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
While in Vancouver, Smith worked his way up the promotional ladder from patrol officer to the position of Assistant Police Chief and East Precinct Commander, the latter a position he has held since July 2005. Other key leadership posts he has served include Commander of the Investigations Division, and the Tactical Operations Division that investigates major crimes, violent crimes, child abuse, drugs crimes and e-crimes. He also helped establish a Regional Domestic Violence Unit.
Smith says he is impressed with the Marysville Police Department, the direction the city is headed, and the positive relationship that the Mayor, Council, police and city staff now share.
"This is a rare opportunity for a new chief to take an already great police department to the next level, and do so in an environment that enjoys excellent City Council and citizen support," Smith says. "I am ready to get started, and I thank the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer and City Council for putting their confidence in me."
Mayor Dennis Kendall says Smith brings a proven record of effective leadership, knowledge and managing skills that make him the right fit for the job.
"He will be a true leader as well as police chief," Kendall says. "Rick places high emphasis on accountability for all police services, customer service and problem-solving."
Smith says he enjoys working with others to solve problems and find solutions in a rapidly changing environment. "I am excited about the possibilities for growth, working hard to enhance police services in Marysville, and professional development for members of the department.
In Marysville, Smith will oversee a department of 45 sworn police officers, two Community Service Officers, 11 custody officers and support staff, with an operating budget of $9.8 million.
The City conducted an extensive police chief search to replace eight-year veteran Bob Carden, who accepted the top chief job in Visalia, Calif. A former Marysville Chief, John Turner, filled the job in the interim.
Smith graduated in June 2005 from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management from Concordia University in Portland, Ore., graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Smith and his wife, Chris, have two children, a college-age son and a daughter in high school.
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Washington View: Family leave bill would create labor pains |
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
State lawmakers are considering yet another mandate for Washington employers. This time, it's paid family leave.
Now, everyone agrees that there are times when employees need time off to take care of personal obligations -- a new baby, an illness in the family, or the loss of a loved one. The question is whether a "one size fits all" state mandate is the way to go.
Under House Bill 1685, employees would pay a two-cent-per-hour payroll tax to underwrite a state-run insurance benefit that would pay $250 a week for up to five weeks of family leave. Employees would pay the tax even if they have a more generous leave program or never use the benefit.
Washington employers already comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, the state Family Leave Act, the state Family Care Act, and the state maternity disability regulation. HB 1685 is different, in that it would apply to even the smallest employers, with one or two workers.
So, what's wrong with HB 1685?
First, it adds to the morass of laws employers already deal with regarding employee leave. Secondly, it's inflexible, a "one-size-fits-all" cookie cutter approach that would apply equally to The Boeing Company and the corner flower shop. Third, only California has passed such a far-reaching mandate, so its ultimate fallout is unknown.
Let employers be flexible
So, if HB 1685 isn't the solution, what is? I'll answer that question with a story.
At AWB, we have flexible leave policies that allow the employer and employees to work out creative solutions to specific situations. Ten years ago, we switched from sick leave to personal leave. Each employee accrues up to six days of personal leave at full salary each year that can be banked if not used. In addition, employees can donate unused leave or vacation to another employee, and the president can authorize unpaid leave, if necessary.
How does this policy work in real-life situations?
Several years ago, a longtime AWB staffer was diagnosed with the early stages of throat cancer and required major surgery and treatment at the University of Washington. He was off work for five months; then returned to a reduced and flexible work schedule. Through accumulated personal leave and vacation, he was covered at full salary until the last few weeks when fellow employees and managers donated their unused vacation to cover his remaining absence.
In the end, this staffer didn't lose a day's pay. His coverage was much more than five weeks, and the pay was much more than $250 per week.
My point is that enlightened employers care. They provide good benefits, including flexible leave policies to help attract and retain loyal and dedicated employees. It's the same, whether the employer employs thousands or a handful of people.
Nevertheless, state lawmakers are considering another mandate that adds another layer of regulation for employers to deal with; and if I'm a worker, I'd want my tax money to go into my leave account, not someone else's.
We have a better idea. Rather than impose a "one-size-fits-all" mandate, wouldn't it be better for the state to publicize the various flexible leave programs that are already working in all types and sizes of companies across the state and provide incentives for employees to adopt them?
Do we really need another mandated tax and entitlement program?
Don Brunell is president of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state's chamber of commerce. Visit www.awb.org.
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Educational Community Credit Union Announces Shared Branching |
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Educational Community Credit Union Presents
The CU Swirl: Shared Branching Arrives January 2007
Educational Community Credit Union has joined the CU Service Center network; Shared Branching is now available at partner credit unions displaying the CU Swirl. What this means to our members and potential members is multi--fold; members and potential members may now make transactions at partner credit unions like: BECU, Snohomish County PUD, Watermark, Qualstar, WSECU, Great NorthWest FCU etc.
(See http://www.cuswirl.com/locations/index.htm for a list of participating partners, or call the Toll Free Locator at 888-287-9475 or the Call Center Outlet at 866-692-8669.) Members from partner credit unions may now make transactions at Educational Community Credit Union, as well. By partnering in the CU Service Centers ® network, Educational Community Credit Union has virtually added 2300 branches, some with extended or Saturday hours. There are over 2300 CU Service Centers in 46 states with some overseas branches in Japan, Germany, Italy, South Korea and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
What you will need when you go to a partner credit union: 1) Your credit union name, 2) your account number and 3) a valid U.S./State, County, Federal, City or Government issued picture identification with signature. CU Service Centers provide convenience, accessibility and service; nationally and internationally; exactly what you expect from your credit union.
Footnote: Fees may be assessed for specific transactions performed and services obtained at a CU Service Centers location.
Beth Corsaro-Jarvis Director of Marketing Educational Community Credit Union 10520 19th Ave. S.E. Everett, WA 98208 Phone: 425.385.3888 x156 |
Chamber Seeking Board Nominations |
The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce will soon begin its 2007 Board Nomination process. Members interested in serving on the Board of Directors are asked to communicate their interest to the Chamber no later than March 15th. Board terms will run from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010. Board meetings are held once a month from 7:30am to 9:00am at the Chamber's Board room. |