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Happy New Year! Here's to ever increasing prosperity and
happiness in the new year. To help you reach your goals, the Chamber
will continue to promote our business communities locally,
nationally, and world-wide, support pro-active business legislation,
and continue to expand the scope of membership services.
In order to provide more timely, interactive, and cost-
effective communications with you, we will no longer
be publishing a monthly printed version of our newsletter. Instead,
you will continue to receive this email newsletter, which then is
immediately posted on the Chamber website. This is a great tool for
promoting your business news, special offers, and events! Contact us
to find out how to take advantage of our low-cost advertising.
Please forward this to anyone who may be interested.
| Business After Hours at J.R.'s Steakhouse &
Bar |
Please join us for a fabulous Business After
Hours on Thursday, January 13th, 2005 from 5:00pm to
7:00pm at J.R.'s Steakhouse & Bar in Marysville.
With 50 RSVPs already, this event is guaranteed to be well
attended and will be a terrific opportunity to meet some of
the many new members who have joined us lately. As a
result of December's Business After Hours at Homestreet Bank,
we were able to contribute to our community by donating the
proceeds of $165.00 to the Marysville Food Bank. This month,
proceeds from this event will benefit the Friends of the
Marysville Library!
J.R.'s Steakhouse is located in downtown Marysville at
1352 State Avenue. Make your reservations online or by calling
the Chamber at (360) 659-7700.
Admission is $5.00 at the door, and all proceeds will
support the Friends of the Marysville Library
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| Business Before Hours at Tulalip Casino |
Business Before Hours! After taking a holiday
break from our breakfast meetings, we can't wait to get
together again with all of you. We are privileged to start the
New Year off with an informative update from Marysville's own
Mayor Dennis Kendall, who will discuss the City's economic and
development strategies for 2005. We will also proudly
introduce Paul Roberts, the new Public Works director for the
City. As always, there will be a full array of delicious
food on the menu, and plenty of time for networking with
fellow business leaders, both new and familiar. Our membership
roster just keeps growing by leaps & bounds, so we will
have many new faces to introduce you to!
There will also be opportunities to win terrific prizes
donated by our members, including:
- A lovely floral bouquet - Marysville Floral
- 2 tickets to a home game and an autographed baseball by
former Mariners' star Jay Buhner - Everett Aquasox
- A "surprise" from Gateway Bank
And more to come!
If you would like to contribute something from your business
for this or future networking events, please contact us - it's
a great way to promote your business and share in the fun.
Remember to bring plenty of business cards, as well as
any brochures or literature to distribute. See you
there!
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| Chamber Board member is honored |
We are proud to announce that Zoe Hallgren, a
longstanding community leader in Marysville and a member of
the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce's Board of
Directors, was honored with the following by Housing Hope:
Housing Hope Proclamation
Zoe's Place
In
Honor of Zoe Hallgren
WHEREAS, Zoe Hallgren showed up at the first
community information meeting sponsored by Housing Hope in
Marysville in early 1997, and
WHEREAS, Zoe embrace Housing Hope's effort from
that day and joined the organizing committee for creating a
Marysville housing development, and
WHEREAS, Zoe helped organize a campaign to raise
$100,000 in Marysville toward the Beachwood project, and
WHEREAS, Zoe provided leadership for the
Marysville Action Committee for over 7 years resulting in
tremendous community support from City government, service
clubs, schools, and local churches in Marysville, and
WHEREAS, Zoe led the fundraising effort behind
the hugely successful Marysville Bowl-a-thon, which has for
several years raised over $15,000 annually to support the
Beachwood housing program, and
WHEREAS, Zoe demonstrated tremendous dedication
during seven years on the Housing Hope Board of Directors
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Housing
Hope Board of Directors extends its expression of gratitude to
Zoe for this marvelous contribution to meeting the needs of
struggling families in Marysville, and
FURTHER, that the Beachwood Community room shall
be hereby named Zoe's Place.
Resolved by action of the Housing Hope Board of
Directors on October 25, 2004.
Fred Safstrom, President Housing Hope Board of
Directors
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| Third Annual Chamber Cruise |
Third Annual Chamber of Commerce Cruise
Carnival
Glory Dec. 3-10, 2005
The Exotic Western
Caribbean
The President's Caribbean Cruise was a huge
success in November 2004! Everyone had such a fabulous time
they can't wait for the next one. The 3rd annual Chamber
cruise will take place on the Carnival Glory, Carnival's
newest superliner, from December 3rd, 2005 to December 10th.
Make 2005 unforgettable, and join us on this exotic
Western Caribbean cruise! We will be stopping at Key West (a
bit of the Caribbean right at the bottom of Florida). Then
down to Belize, where you will have the luxury of choosing
between jungles, cave floating, or snorkeling and diving. Next
is Cozumel to visit Mayan ruins, swim with the dolphins, or
enjoy a great day of Christmas shopping in town. On to
Progresso where you can choose from Uxmal or Chicken Itza -
two of the largest and best known Mayan ruins. You could also
snorkel in a Cenote! But don't feel you need to leave the
ship! The Glory has 4 pools, 7 Whirlpools, a spa, and a
214-foot water slide - click
to take a 360 degree virtual tour of this "Fun Ship" right
now!
Preview
the Carnival Glory's restaurants, spa and exciting
entertainment!
Read
the rave cruise reviews written by Carnival guests.
Enjoy outrageous savings with the President's Rates!
Brochure Rates:
Category 4A Inside: $1749
Category 6A Ocean View:
$1899
Category 8a Balcony: $2099
President's Rates:
Category 4A Inside: $395 (3/4th in Cabin* -
$190)
Category 6A Ocean View: $545 (3/4th in Cabin* -
$220)
Category 8a Balcony: $695 (3/4th in Cabin* -
$290)
President's rates are based on availability and double
Occupancy. Port charges taxes and fees additional $207.14 per
person. *Cabins holding a third & forth are limited 3/4th
rates will be determined at time of booking with names and
full deposits early! President's rates on double cabins
guaranteed with available cabins. Additional packages to
Disney world will be available. Call us for information.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
1410 C 7th
Street
Marysville, WA 98270
360-658-8500 or
1-800-548-1912
Melissa@carlson-wagonlitcom
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=rjxyk9aab.0.87e7p9aab.frkqt8n6.360&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carlson-wagonlit.com
Register for a free vacation!
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| Smart Commuters Earn Their Rewards |
Commuters Earn Their Rewards New SMART Award
highlights alternatives to SOV Snohomish County,
Wash. - David Jones doesn't know Carol Davis and Stan
Kosick, but they'll likely meet at the 2005 Snohomish County
Visionary Awards event on Feb. 23 to compete for Commuter of
the Year honors. In addition, this year's event will crown the
new Saves Money And Reduces Traffic (SMART) Award to a person
or group committed to traveling by bus, carpool, vanpool, bike
or foot. Winners are featured on exterior bus
advertisements and posters around Snohomish County and honored
at Community Transit's annual Visionary Awards luncheon in
February. Help us thank the people who keep our air clean and
our roads clear of traffic. You can even nominate yourself!
You can earn recognition and applause for someone with
an amazing commuting story by nominating them for the new
Saves Money And Reduces Traffic (SMART) Award.
To submit a nomination for the SMART Award, visit the
Community Transit Web site at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=rjxyk9aab.0.67e7p9aab.frkqt8n6.360&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.commtrans.org%2Fspecialprograms.cfm%3Fsubcat%3D4
or call 425/348-7100. Nomination deadline for the 2004
SMART Award is Jan. 19, 2005.
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| Welcome New Members!!! |
10-Minute Walk-In Clinic, 540 West Avenue,
Arlington, WA 98223, (360) 435-8262 Ron Young, Owner
Sponsored by Staff 1st 2nd Mortgage Co. of
NJ, 221 State Avenue, Marysville, WA 98270, (360) 657-7444
Lucky Tan Vital Sponsored by Staff
AA Financial Tax, 4517 73rd Pl NE, Marysville,
WA 98270, (360) 657-1018 Armin Adams, Manager Sponsored by
Staff
American
Cancer Society, 728 134th St. SW, Everett, WA 98204
(425) 322-1123, Jody Copeland, Manager Sponsored by
Staff
Gateway
Bank, 1059 State Avenue Ste. A, Marysville, WA 98270
(360) 651-0452, Helen Day, Manager Sponsored by Staff
GraphiXtreme
Signs & Designs, 7005 65th Avenue NE, Marysville,
WA 98270 (360) 657-1209, Chris Adcock, Owner Sponsored by
Nathan Hanson
Handyman
Matters, 10945 34th Place NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
(425) 334-5925, Pete Lisoskie, Owner Sponsored by Nathan
Hanson
Horizon
Bank, 3617 88th Street NE, Marysville, WA 98270 (360)
722-7551, Paul Hurn, Manager Sponsored by Staff
Keller
Williams - Pam Collins, 1027 State Avenue, Marysville,
WA 98271 (425) 231-1654, Pam Collins, Realtor Sponsored by
Staff
Let's
Dish!, 11605 State Avenue, Ste. 105, Marysville, WA
98271 (360) 658-9903, Jim & Vicki Mattson, Owners
Sponsored by Nathan Hanson
Merry
Maids, 430 91st Street NE, Ste. 13, Everett, WA 98205
(425) 335-3344, Greg Haigh, Manager Sponsored by Nathan
Hanson
Pre-Paid
Legal Services, 5810 92nd Pl NE, Marysville, WA 98270
(425) 231-3184, Erin & David Holm, Owners Sponsored by
Staff
Village
Inn & Suites, 235 Beach Avenue, Marysville, WA
98270 (360) 659-0005 Sponsored by Nathan Hanson
Windermere R.E. - Sheila Simmons, 7102 55th
Place NE, Marysville, WA 98270 (360) 659- 0005, Sheila
Simmons, Realtor Sponsored by Gary Petershagen
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| Historical Society installs new officers |
The Marysville Historical Society installed new officers at
their January 3rd, 2005 meeting at the Marysville Library.
Outgoing treasurer Marilyn Hacker welcomed Ken Cage,
president; Steve Edin, vice president, Dolores Sylte,
secretary; Chamber member Lowell Dudley, treasurer; and Sandra
Christensen, newsletter editor. Did you
know? Established in 1877, Marysville was named by
early settlers for their former home of Marysville,
California.
Keep your history alive! The Marysville Historical
Society has the new 2005 calendars available now for $10 each,
or two for $15. This is a great way to preserve Marysville's
heritage while planning your future activities.
The Historical Society was formed in 1974, and
maintains a record of Marysville's history and development by
collecting artifacts and stories to share with the community.
Proceeds from the calendars will be used towards building a
historical museum close to Jennings Park on Armar road. Think
of the Historical Society the next time you or your children
want to explore the past!
Calendars are available at the Chamber, or call Zoe
Hallgren at (360) 653-2935.
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| Online networking coming soon! |
Ever hear the expression.. "It's not what you know it's who
you know?" It's true! We are partnering with Konnects, a
service designed to help you meet other professionals and
create new opportunities for yourself and your business -
online! This service is easy to use and will automatically
notify you when new connections meet your criteria. Look for
this innovative new tool to be online & active on the Chamber
website by February 1st!
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| Westaff Employment Services Expanding |
Whether you're a job seeker or a business needing temporary
or direct hire staffing, Westaff is your local Marysville
recruiter. Westaff offers a full array of staffing services,
on and off-site, to help manage your workforce or employment
needs. Call us today! 1326 5th Street, Suite C-1,
Marysville WA 98270
(360) 653-8599
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| Marysville School District seeks community
input |
The Marysville Public School District is holding weekly
Facilities Committee meetings every Tuesday at 6:30 at the
School Board meeting room on 10th Street to develop facility
options for high school, middle school, elementary,
technology, land and small projects. Land has been purchased
on Getchell Hill for the proposed new high school. The
community is welcome to join these meetings and provide input.
Visit the Marysville
School District website for more information, or call the
Service Center at (360) 653-7058.
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|
| 2005 Legislative Update |
 2005 National Legislative
Outlook
2004 was an up-and-down year on the national front for
the nation's business community as a whole. On a positive
note, the U.S. economy continues to gain strength as it
transitions from a recovery to long- term growth.
Specifically, over the last year, the economy has produced
more than 2 million new jobs. Employee compensation is rising,
and household wealth is at an all-time high.
Unfortunately, business suffered a string of stinging
defeats through the course of the year. Several pieces of
legislation that would have sparked an even more dramatic
economic recovery were blocked in the U.S. Senate.
Following is a preview of some of the business issues that
the Chamber will work on during the 2005 Congress.
Class Action Reform - In late 2003, the Senate came
within one vote of ending debate on a bill that would have
reformed the liability system by moving more class action
cases into federal court, where trial lawyers can no longer
practice "venue shopping" to find overly sympathetic juries.
In 2005, with many newly elected Senators supporting class
action reform, the Senate stands a better chance of passing
meaningful reform. However, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
(R-TN) must still round up 60 votes to overcome a potential
filibuster.
Medical Liability Reform - According to the
American Medical Association, many states are in crisis mode
because of outrageous insurance premiums that have forced
numerous doctors to move their practice or retire. The House
on many occasions has passed medical liability reform that
would have placed a reasonable cap on non- economic damages in
malpractice suits. Since 2002, the Senate has been unable to
gather the votes to follow suit, but will once again try in
2005 to enact medical liability reform. More Senators now
support medical liability reform, but the bill still faces
strong opposition.
Asbestos Litigation - In the 108th Congress,
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) and then-Senate
Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) originally agreed on a
framework that would have created a $140 billion privately
financed compensation fund to pay out asbestos related claims.
However, when labor leaders and trial lawyers demanded that
current claims tied up in the legal system be allowed to
proceed, Sen. Daschle was forced to abandon negotiations with
Sen. Frist. Incoming Judiciary Committee Chairman, Senator
Arlen Specter (R-PA) has demonstrated his desire to move
forward by meeting with stakeholders and promising to
introduce a bill later this month. Specter has not specified
what size the compensation fund should be, but has stated that
all claims that have not received a final judgment or
settlement in court should be adjudicated in an alternative
compensation system.
Association Health Plans (AHPs) - In 2004, the
House easily passed H.R. 660, which would have allowed small
businesses in various states to band their resources together
to achieve cost savings from health insurers. Opposition
blocked H.R. 660 in the Senate, but AHPs were a prominent
issue in the recent elections, and the issue is expected to
resurface in the second half of 2005.
Drug Reimportation - Drug reimportation has
bipartisan support in Congress, and broad support from the
public. In 2004, the House passed a bill that would have
allowed Americans to import pharmaceutical drugs from Canada.
The Bush Administration maintains that the FDA could not
guarantee the safety of imported prescription drugs. There is
concern that counterfeit drugs entering the U.S. marketplace
through Canada would compromise the integrity of domestic drug
manufacturers, and could lead to lawsuits. Even with the
Senate leadership and White House opposition to drug
reimportation, it is expected to be debated in 2005.
Energy - Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-NM) has expressed his
willingness to work towards the passage of a comprehensive
energy package in 2005. The Bush Administration is pushing for
an energy bill that expands domestic energy production and
creates incentives for the development of renewable sources of
energy. Last year, legislation got stuck on a provision that
would have shielded producers of MTBE, a clean-fuel additive
found to contaminate groundwater, from liability suits. Senate
conservatives and budget hawks are concerned about the
potential costs of an energy bill, but Chairman Domenici is
confident that the issues will be resolved and the new Senate
will pass legislation.
FCC Fax Rule - In July 2003, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new rule that
would require businesses, organizations, and trade
associations to receive written consent from recipients before
sending a fax, even if a business relationship already exists.
The FCC delayed the implementation of the new rule until July
1, 2005, so Congress has time to draft legislation creating
exceptions to the new regulation. In July 2004, the House
passed the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004, reinstating the
Established Business Relationship exemption that allows
business, associations, and charities to send faxes to their
existing customers and members without first receiving
permission. In September, the Senate Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Committee passed their own version of the bill.
The full Senate must address the issue before the FCC rules go
into effect on July 1, 2005.
Social Security Reform - With the impending
retirement of baby boomers, Social Security could be headed
for a crisis. President Bush has proposed that younger workers
be allowed to invest a portion of their social security taxes
in private accounts. While many lawmakers have embraced this
notion, some are worried about transition costs for a partial
privatization program, which could cost $2 trillion, and
Democratic leaders have generally labeled private accounts as
"risky" and "too costly." The President has already ruled out
a tax increase to defray transition costs, and has shunned the
notion of raising the retirement age. Both parties have
expressed a willingness to work with the President on Social
Security so we are confident the issue will be debated in
Congress at some point later in the year. No concrete
proposals are in place, but President Bush and other
proponents of Social Security reform will be working to build
support.
Trade - In 2004, the Bush Administration agreed
to a free trade pact with the following Central American
countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and
Nicaragua, as well as the Dominican Republic. The Dominican
Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA)
would knock down trade barriers to U.S. exports, helping
create American jobs, spur economic growth, and save consumers
money.
Twenty years ago, the U.S. eliminated tariffs on about
75 percent of all imports from Central America and the
Caribbean as part of the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Today,
U.S. manufactured goods exported to the region continue to
face tariffs that average 30 to 100 percent higher than U.S.
tariffs. DR-CAFTA will level the playing field for U.S.
workers and businesses by providing immediate, duty-free
access to the six-country market for more than 80 percent of
the U.S. consumer and industrial goods. Congress is expected
to take up the trade pact in late spring, and have a vote
within 90 days of that.
Transportation - Congress must reauthorize
federal highway and transit programs (TEA-21) by May 31, 2005
or risk delaying much-needed transportation maintenance and
improvements. The original TEA-21 bill has already been
extended six times because the White House and Congress cannot
agree on an appropriate funding level for highway and transit
programs. It is imperative that a reauthorization bill
includes increased funding to meet growing transportation
demands along with provisions that expedite transportation
construction and project delivery. Expediting the
transportation planning and approval process will maximize
limited federal resources.
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