It is my honor and pleasure to serve as your Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce President for 2011.  I have been a member of this community since 1989 but my real commitment began six years ago, when transferring to the Kitsap Peninsula for business.  Through my business connections, I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with most businesses in Poulsbo as well as the greater Kitsap area.  My involvement with the boards of several additional organizations keeps me involved locally.

Over the past few years, the average business owner has experienced many challenges .  Coming from ownership of my own business earlier in my career, I understand the complex situation businesses find themselves in currently.  In 2011, we hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially since we are fortunate to have a strong military presence and an active city government to assist in the growth of our economy.  The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce offers solutions concerning membership and marketing to their members.  The goal of our chamber is to make businesses succeed and grow.  With the influence of our Suquamish neighbors, the Norwegian cultural experience and the modern growth of this generation we will certainly see the economic stability of our city continue.

During my year, I hope to enact more benefits that appeal to small business owners as well as making large businesses feel at home here in Poulsbo.  We would like to step out with a new slogan, "Pay It Forward Poulsbo."  If you are achieving your goals, give back with work through a service club or give a neighboring business some additional business.  Join the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce's "Shop Local North Kitsap" program to keep our dollars in this community.

Poulsbo has a rich tradition of events and entertainment throughout the year.  Join in sponsoring one of these many events to grow community awareness.  Bring your families to the fun and traditions we share in Poulsbo.

Regards,

Tom Taylor, President  

Good Life Consignment is a store that accepts almost anything that is quality, clean, complete and reusable (except clothes and shoes).

We accept Housewares, Tools, Garden Equipment, Musical Instruments, Furniture, Antiques, Electronics, Horse & Farm Tack, Kids Toys & Furniture, Athletic Gear & Equipment, Dance wear & Shoes, Cleats, Pads, Motorcycle garb, Skis, Snowboards, etc.

What makes my business stand out? We strive to be a community based consignment store for a cause! Whether you need to add to your monthly income by consigning unwanted quality goods or raise money for your school, church, band, animal rescue, etc. we are there! You can ask your supporters to consign their items and when they are sold I will write your check to the cause of your choice on your behalf. At the end of the year you will receive a statement of your donations for your taxes. A year round fundraiser for your cause!

We also accept many items that you plan to dump ie; lawn mowers, wood dressers, bookshelves, things worth fixing, then we give them to local talent who restore them. These items are then brought back to the store for resale and 70% of the sale goes to that businessperson. This helps insure that all our items are in working order, we help a local small businessperson add to their income and help mother earth all at the same time. Keeping it all in cycle!

LeOnna Small is the sole owner and employee of her new business and was inspired to find a way to take care of her family in this tough economy but to do it with heart. Instead of filling up landfills and being more of a drain on the Earth, LeOnna wants to take those gently used items and put them back to use with a new purpose! Please visit her at 22279B Stottlemeyer Road, Poulsbo 98370. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-4. Closed Tuesdays. Store Phone: 360- 930-0416.  Alternative phone: 360-340-3208.

Eleven Winery, located on Bainbridge Island, is the husband-and-wife team of Matt and Sarah Albee (everything else), along with up-and-comers Cole (age 8) and Cameron (5). We believe that wine tastes better with a smile on your face, and the better the wine, the bigger the smile.  Our commitment to your happiness goes beyond the bottle, as we are also carbon neutral and we donate all of our after-tax profits to charity.

We produce a variety of red and white wines, and both red and white ports, about 1,500 cases altogether.  Our wines are made from grapes grown in eastern Washington, brought back to Bainbridge Island and made into wine here.  We have tasting room locations on Bainbridge Island at 287 Winslow Way East and in Poulsbo at 18827 Front Street.  The winery itself is open for tours and tasting 10 weekends per year.  More information at www.ElevenWinery.com.  Cheers!