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The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce

2007-2008 Table of Contents of Adopted Board Resolutions

2007 Legislative Agenda

2007-08 #1        Support - Regional Transportation Improvement District Ballot Measure

2007-08 #2        Support - Tulalip Tribes Right to State Collection and Administration of Sales and Use Taxes Imposed by the Tribal Municipality of Quil Ceda Village

2007-08 #3       Support - Expanded Utilization of Paine Field

2007-08 #4       Support - US Small Business Health Fairness Act - Association Health Plans (AHPS)

2007-08 #5       Support - US Telecommunication Reform through Active Affiliation and Participation in the National TeleConcensus Coalition

2007-08 #6        Support - 4 Year University in Snohomish County

2007-08 #7        Support - Military Family Friendly Employment Initiative

2007-09 #8       Support - A Constitutional Amendment, EHJR 4204, allowing for a Simple Majority Vote for School Levies

2007-08 #9        Oppose - Initiative 960

2007-08 #10      Oppose - Referendum 67

Chamber receives 2007 "Friends of the Navy" award

The citation accompanying the award reads as follows:

        "Commander, Navy Region Northwest Takes pleasure in Recognizing a 2007 Friend of the Navy Caldie Rogers, for her extraordinary support of the Navy, Sailors, and their families in the Pacific Northwest in 2007.  Understanding the difficulties of a mobile military life, Ms. Rogers has been the driving force behind the Chamber's Military Family Friendly Program, designed to inform area businesses about the benefits of hiring military family members, and encouraging businesses to provide the most positive environment for employed spouses.  This program has achieved wide-ranging recognition in the Puget Sound region and at the gubernatorial level.  Ms. Rogers' commitment and extraordinary contributions to the military community are most commendable and merit this special recognition, as well as the appreciation and thanks of the United States Navy.

Spearheaded by the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, the growing coalition of Snohomish County cities, chambers, and businesses will help military spouses and dependents achieve fulfilling employment goals while providing businesses access to a readily available, diverse and talented pool of job candidates.

Significant progress pertaining to these efforts was made on September 12 at Naval Station Everett, as military brass, political leaders, and community members all came together at a county-wide leadership summit.  Over 120 individuals, including County Executive Aaron Reardon, attended the conference, where organizations and businesses were urged to sign a pledge saying they would support the Military Family Friendly Partnership, and welcome military spouses and their families to apply for open positions.

 Only days after the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce held the summit, support has been pouring in. Several cities and county business offices already have agreed to include information on the project with their license-renewal notices. Others are requesting that the Chamber make presentations to their governing bodies. "Every city that was represented at the summit called within twenty-four hours saying they wanted more information," beamed Rogers. "This response was everything we hoped for and more. The key to reaching businesses will be through the city and county offices as well as their local chambers, but support from school districts will also help."

The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce was honored by The Association of Washington Business (AWB) for the fourth time as a 2007 Community Service Award winner in the category of Projects that Mobilize People & Communities into Action. 

The Chamber was one of only 14 companies and organizations across the state to be recognized as this year's winners of AWB's 2007 Community Service Awards presented in Spokane.

"These companies realize the importance of being good neighbors in their communities," said AWB President Don Brunell.  "All of them have invested substantial time, money and other resources to improve their corner of the state."

This prestigious honor was in recognition of the Chamber's new Military Family Friendly Partnership Initiative.  A year in the making, this county-wide initiative is addressing one of the greatest concerns facing today's Armed Forces - the employment needs of military family members.  This initiative serves as an employment resource linking employers throughout Snohomish County to the talented workforce represented by the families of the Puget Sound Military forces who reside or will be relocating to Snohomish County.

The Military Affairs Committee of The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber has coordinated with Naval Station Everett, county and city governments, business and chamber leaders, to compile a multitude of resources in support of this initiative.  Partnership agreements are being forged county-wide with these same leaders to help encourage businesses to commit to being "Military Family Friendly" employers. 

 "It was touching to see the groundswell of excitement for our Military Family Friendly Employment Initiative by those in attendance at the Association of Washington Business.  Additionally, actually being recognized as an award recipient under the category of "Projects that Mobilize People & Communities" is a testament to both the vision of the Marysville-Tulalip Military Affairs Committee and the belief in this vision by the voting members of the AWB."  Cmdr. Don Leingang, Naval Station Everett

On hand to help accept the award with Rogers was the Military Affairs Chair Melissa West, Cmdr. Don Leingang of Naval Station Everett, and past Chamber Chairman of the Board, Janet Duffy of RMI, Inc.

The Chamber is unique among Washington organizations in that it is a four-time award winner in this category.  Previous awards were extended in 2001 for the Chamber's history making North County Summit series, which brought eight northern communities together to work on behalf of economic and community development in North Snohomish County, in 2003 for the creation of its high-tech regional facility featuring a premier Visitor Information Center, and in 2005 for the development of an Entrepreneurial Development Center.

Referendum 67 is all about money

by Don C. Brunell

President

Association of Washington Business

Referendum 67 is all about money. The measure, which will appear on the November ballot, purportedly targets insurance companies. But make no mistake, it's all about money-your money. It will mean more money out of your pocket for higher insurance premiums and more money in the pockets of the attorneys who are pressing the lawsuits.

Let's be clear. People should be fairly compensated for legitimate losses as quickly as possible and, in the vast majority of cases, they are. When there's a problem, policyholders already have access to an array of consumer protections. The courts should be the last resort.

Despite this, Gov. Gregoire signed a new law recently allowing plaintiffs to sue for triple damages if an insurance company "unreasonably" denies their claim. It's bad law. Because citizens challenged the new law, voters will be asked to either affirm or reject it. A vote for R-67 will keep the new law; a no vote will nullify it.

Voters should say no to R-67. It's unnecessary and will increase insurance premiums.

According to a study by Milliman Research, R-67 would boost insurance costs by over $205 a year for every Washington family. The Wisconsin-based firm analyzed five other states with similar legislation and found that people's insurance bills increased between 3.5 percent and 7 percent.

Washington's increase could be even higher. R-67 creates the lowest standard in the nation for awarding triple damages against an insurer. In other states, a plaintiff must prove intentional, wrongful conduct on the part of the insurer. No such proof is required by R-67. Because the attorneys pocket as much as 40 percent of a settlement or award, the measure promises to be a bonanza for trial lawyers. For consumers, it is not so good.

Supporters say insurance companies have nothing to fear if they treat their policyholders fairly. Not true.

The low legal threshold, combined with the chance to get triple damages, will be an incentive for people to file lawsuits. After all, there's nothing to lose. Unlike Europe, the United States has no "loser pays" provision, which is why America is awash in frivolous lawsuits. Because court battles are expensive regardless of the validity of the lawsuit, insurance companies will be inclined to settle these suits.

The formula is simple: More lawsuits = more settlements = higher costs = higher premiums.

The state's Office of Financial Management acknowledges that R-67 will result in more lawsuits and higher insurance premiums for state and local governments. If R-67 passes, Washington citizens will pay twice: They'll pay higher premiums for their personal insurance and higher premiums for state and local government policies.

The question voters need to ask: Is this really necessary?

Existing laws allow consumers to file lawsuits for bad faith and breach of contract. People with legitimate claims can sue under the Consumer Protection Act, which generally permits recovery of attorney fees and triple damages up to $10,000.

In addition, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler oversees and disciplines insurance companies if they cause problems. He can impose fines and penalties and even pull their licenses to operate in our state.

Statistics show that problems with insurance companies are rare. For example, of the estimated 200,000 auto claims filed each year, only 0.1 percent result in a complaint to the insurance commissioner's office. Further, Kreidler reported to the Legislature that 88 percent of consumers who contacted his office with an insurance company complaint were pleased with the results.

R-67 was a bad idea when the Legislature passed it, and it's a bad idea today. Voters can right a wrong and save hard-working families some money-money that would be better spent for groceries, school supplies, or gas for their commute.

FREE HALLOWEEN PORTRAITS!  Clear Image Portrait Studio on State Ave in Marysville will be open all Halloween afternoon for DROP IN Halloween Costume Portraits.  All participants will receive the studio session free plus a FREE 8x10 Portrait! 

Please call for more information @ 360.653.5005 or visit our website www.clearimagephoto.com.

Say "Thank You" with The Lights of Christmas Gift Certificates

            Over 450,000 people have experienced the wonder of The Lights of Christmas, a Northwest holiday tradition entering its eleventh year. This spectacular, lighted event opens Thursday, November 29 at 5pm and runs 20 nights (Thursdays thru Sundays) through the end of December. Located at Warm Beach Camp near Stanwood, The Lights of Christmas features over one million lights, a stunning larger-than-life nativity, live music, crafts, food, children's pony rides, petting farm, draft horse wagon rides, train rides, and more.

            WarmBeach Camp would like to offer you the opportunity to give tickets to The Lights of Christmas to your employees, clients, customers, or vendors.  An evening at The Lights of Christmas is a unique and thoughtful gift, and would give you a chance to say "thank you" to those you work with.  As a special offer to local businesses, you may request as many tickets as you need and pay nothing in advance.  You only pay for gift certificates that are redeemed at the event. 

            For more information about this special offer or to order The Lights of Christmas General Admission gift certificates, call Jo Reed at 360-652-7575, or 800-228-6724. More information about The Lights of Christmas is available online at www.warmbeach.com.

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Eaglesnest Secretarial Service

 What does the government buy?

The government buys many things.  There were contracting opportunities for yoga instructors posted by King County this year (part of their health and wellness initiative).  There are also the more common items like construction, office supplies, consulting, and information technology.

Should your company look at selling to the government?

It really depends.  I do not think in most instances I would suggest yoga studios target government agencies.  Most will do best with reaching people who work or live near their studio. 

Most firms say they spend 1-2 years aggressively selling to the government before they receive results.  There are exceptions to this, but that tends to be the rule - even with certifications.  If your business is in a place where you need to spend every valuable second on finding ways to pay the bills, it might not be the right time to get lost in the sea of government contracting.

Where to start?

If you think your business has the time to invest in looking into government contracting I would identify the real opportunities before diving into the world of registering on websites.  Many agencies and government primes say, "go register on my website and we'll find you."  Each site varies, but many purchase from less than 2% of the firms that register. 

I would take the flip approach of first identifying if the agency or government prime has potential opportunities for your company.  You can do this by first asking if they even buy what you have to offer.  If they do not buy your product or service, why register or spend more time with the agency?  If they do purchase what you offer, try to identify HOW they buy it.  If they purchase off a large contract, which will not be available to bid on for 4 years you might want to wait.  Then find out who they typically purchase from.  If they typically purchase from companies that have more than $40 million in revenues and your company has $150,000, again you might want to invest your time somewhere else.

There are so many agencies and government prime contractors that it makes sense to focus on the handful that you are most likely to receive results from.  Results are not typically from a one time shot.  You have to continually market and follow up.  If you have a small business it is much easier to manage 5 relationships with those most likely to buy from you than investing in the golden lotto ticket. 

There are successes.

There are many businesses that grew from $100,000 in revenues to millions in part because of government contracting.  It takes time, a lot of hard work, and solid strategies.  There are more barriers than open doors, but the doors can open.

Best of luck and feel welcome to contact the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center for free help, www.washingtonptac.org.

Kylene Binder

Kylene Binder - PTAC Outreach Manager

WA State-Procurement Technical Assistance Center 

EDC of Snohomish County

728 134th St. SW, Suite 128

Everett, WA 98204-5322

425-743-4567 ext.15  425-745-5563-fax

email  kbinder@snoedc.org

visit our web site:  http://www.washingtonptac.org    

Marysville Tulalip Chamber Members are United Way Campaign Award Winners

United Way recognized donors and employers who ran outstanding fundraising campaigns to benefit kids and families in Snohomish County through United Way's Local Community Fund.

Best New Campaign:

Best of Industry award winners:

Auto Dealers - Rodland Toyota

Financial Services - Frontier Bank

Largest Corporate Gift

Rodland Toyota

Greatest Percentage Increase in Corporate Gift

Costco - Marysville

Deborah Squires, VP of Impact and Marketing

United Way of Snohomish County
Everett, WA

Ph: 425.921.3400

Fax: 425.921.3479
 www.uwsc.org

Mission: United Way leads positive change that transforms our community and improves people's lives in Snohomish County.

Swift Bus Rapid Transit

Bus Rapid Transit is a concept that combines the efficiency and appeal of light rail with the flexibility and low cost of buses. The result is a fast, frequent and unique style of bus service coming to Highway 99 in Snohomish County - Swift!

Community Transit is committed to providing innovative, quality public transportation for SnohomishCounty. The Highway 99 corridor between Everett and Shoreline has the county's highest bus ridership and is lined with dense residential and commercial developments.

Swift will enhance transportation on this route by providing more convenient options for workers, shoppers and casual travelers, including:

• Frequent service - Swift buses will run every 10 minutes, 20 hours a day
• Fewer stops - Swift will stop at only about 15 locations along the route
• Faster boarding - Swift riders will pay their fares at stations and can board through any of three doors
• No schedules - Real-time monitors will display next bus arrival times

With the holidays just around the corner, volunteers are kicking off Operation Marysville Community Christmas, celebrating a 22-year tradition of neighbor helping neighbor through distribution of Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday food baskets and toys to families in need.

OMCC, a group of volunteers who serve within the Marysville Community Food Bank, are registering families now for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and toys, so don't miss out. Recipients can register every day of the week except Wednesday and Sunday at the food bank between the hours of 8 - 11 a.m. The food bank is located at 6518 60th Drive NE, directly north of the Marysville/North County YMCA.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. If you want to help, please call the food bank at 360-658-1054.

OMCC officially kicks off its efforts with the All City Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 3, when the familiar Christmas red giving barrels will be in place at entrances and lobbies in more than 50 participating grocers, businesses, public buildings and places of worship.

Various volunteer organizations will be stationed at some of the sites to encourage donating, and to share information about OMCC.

Individuals who wish to donate non-perishable food items, unused toys and bicycles, stocking stuffers, cash cards, candy or wrapping materials are welcome to drop them by the food bank between 8-11 a.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday.
OMCC Coordinator Terri Hall emphasizes that donations and gifts will go directly to families in the community. "What you give here, stays here. That's the real difference your donation or gift has made in seasons past and present."

Various area service organizations formed OMCC in 1985 to provide needy families with food and toys at Christmas time, with Thanksgiving baskets added soon after, Hall said. In its first year, 104 families were served, compared with the 700 families and 1,200 children served today, she added. In 1993, OMCC partnered directly with the food bank as an ad hoc committee.

OMCC experienced the loss of a hard-working, longtime OMCC Coordinator and leader, Lillie Lein, who passed away unexpectedly. Volunteers, and the city of Marysville where she was employed, are paying tribute to her good works through "Lillie's Legacy," with a goal to collect more than 250 toys from city employees alone, and are asking the community to give a little extra this year in her name.

The food bank serves residents in the 98270 and 98271 zip codes.
"Families in need can be hungry any time of year, but the holiday season can be especially difficult, with worries of whether their children will be able to share in a holiday meal or unwrap a new toy, activities that many of us sometimes take for granted. Help make this a special time, and put a little happiness in someone's holiday," Hall said.
If you would like to volunteer or need more information, we encourage you to call the food bank at 360-658-1054.

Proud Partners with:

                         

US Chamber of Commerce

Association of Washington Business

Snohomish Economic Development

Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives

League of Women Voters