Spring has truly sprung!  If you didn't take the time to enjoy the warm and sunny weather these past days, find the time now to get rejuvenated by the sun's rays.  Not too far in the future our community will begin to enjoy the benefit of the many Festivals and Events that help to bind us together as a business and family community.  Your Chamber is active in many of the events that are enjoyed throughout the year; these events take place with the volunteer support and financial support of many Chamber members as well as non-Chamber member businesses.  Please take the time to hear the "pitch" from the volunteers that are going to be asking for your support.  Our community has a long history of celebrations that help remind us of our sense of family, joyfulness, and fun.  Let's remember that history and support the efforts to put these events on.  Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation.    

Recently a question was posed to me about the relaying of information regarding issues that arise while the State Legislature is in session and should we be taking a political stand.  My answer is fairly short, "There is no knowledge that is not power" Ralph Waldo Emerson.  If the information that is shared effects business and our community, it is important that members are made aware of it.  Now, do we need to do a better job in telling both sides of an issue - yes and we will do our best to do so in the future.  We seek only to inform, action is ultimately up to the individual.    

Your Chamber Board is working hard to represent your interests and seek out ways to enhance, improve and increase your business.  We encourage your ideas and seek your help in making our Chamber the best it can be.  Should you have ideas that you believe would benefit the greater good of the business community please send an e-mail to the Chamber (Admin@PoulsboChamber.com).  Keeping focus on enhancing the business climate in the Greater Poulsbo area is a primary goal of this Chamber Board.  We seek your help and ask that you participate in the future of the business community.  Therefore if you haven't attended a Chamber sponsored event this year take time to come to the luncheon, an after hours, ribbon cutting, breakfast or an upcoming Festival.  Engage, find that spark of involvement, and participate!  You will not regret it.

Kindest regards,

Linda M. Lincoln, President

Now, as a Councilmember, I welcome the shift away from day-to-day operations so that I may focus with my colleagues on "the bigger picture."  Currently I serve on the Council's Finance & Administration Committee.  We are particularly challenged this year (and next) to balance the City's budget while providing the municipal services our residents and businesses expect of us.  There may be difficult and unpopular choices ahead.  The other Council work group I serve on is the Community Services Committee.  The most difficult issue I anticipate in 2010 is establishing a funding mechanism for future acquisition/development/maintenance of park acreage that will be needed when the recession is over and the City resumes its growth.

In short, I feel I've hit the ground running.  It's been smooth and enjoyable . . . at least so far.

Jeff Bauman

City Council, Position 3