We're wishing Neighborhood Reads a very Happy 2nd Anniversary!  Stop by June 14-15 to celebrate!

If you haven't visited this charming addition to our local shop-scape, you need to make a point of stopping by!  It's a book-lover's dream, and if you don't consider reading a hobby before you go in, you'll almost certainly leave with a changed perspective!  The shop is open 7 days a week - plus, you can shop online and pick up your books at the store, or have them shipped!  

There are so many things to love about Neighborhood Reads, but here is a not-nearly-comprehensive-enough list of some of my favorites:

One specific item that our Board Chairman, Dave Politte, mentioned at the Chamber Mixer on June 6, was a renewed focus on member retention, and specifically, our recognition of members.

We want to make sure our members are getting the most out of their membership, and feel comfortable giving suggestions for improvements.  Our staff is implementing a plan to assign each member to a staffer who will try to reach out a few times a year with a personal contact.  Of course, we always welcome you to visit our office, and we look forward to visiting at your place as well.  With over 500 members, we want to do a better job of making sure no ne is getting lost in the shuffle!

Another way we are hoping to give more attention to our members is by recognizing membership milestones at some of our events!  Beginning in 2020, we will implement the following schedule:

Business Breakfast Meeting (January)
New Members from Previous Year
5-Year Anniversaries

Banquet (March)
25, 30, and 40-Year Anniversaries
Chairman's Circle (Members 50 years or more!)

Summer Mixer (June)
10 and 20-Year Anniversaries

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One other new perk that we have started is a drawing at each event for two tickets to the following event.  Each member business that has a representative at the event is entered into a drawing (one entry per member - you don't get extras for sending lots of people, although we always love that!).  We'll choose a winner and announce it before the event is over.  It's just another way we want to show our appreciation for the members that continue to support our Chamber and community.  **Congrats to Bank of Washington, who won the drawing at the 2019 Summer Mixer - they get two free tickets to the Member Luncheon (Monday, October 7)!

As always, you also have opportunities to promote your business by updating your online member listing and submitting content for the blog (we always need more Member Features and Ask The Expert Columns), or sponsoring events.  Plus, keep an eye out for advertising options in some upcoming publications as well!

Our annual summer mixer was scheduled for Thursday, June 6.  Of course, the entire region was going crazy with Stanley Cup fever...  we couldn't cancel a favorite event for so many members, but missing the game was NOT an option!  Luckily, with a little help from the City of Washington and the Washington Fire Department, we were able to project the game for those who wanted to watch!  We started the program a bit early, and members got updates from Chamber Chairman Dave Politte and Fair Co-Chairman Jon Ballmann.  Then it was off to the serving lines for a delicious meal from B & B BBQ.  I (Amanda) would be lying if I said I didn't go back for a whole plate of mashed potatoes for our table to share.  Everyone was both shocked and grateful!

It was great to see our members come together and enjoy a beautiful night at the fairgrounds.  We celebrated our great community, networked, enjoyed a fantastic meal, and watched an amazing hockey game.  Let's Go Blues, and Thank You Washington!