Chamber Update

May 29, 2006

Memorial Parade – Last Thursday, May 25th

The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce hosted the 10th annual Chelan Valley Memorial Parade last Thursday, May 25th honoring police officers and soldiers killed in the line of duty.   The Grand Marshals was the Gallegos family.  I want to thank Cara Davis and the Chamber staff plus LeeAnn Weathersby and all the other volunteers who made the parade possible.  I also want to thank the sponsors Cabana Motel, Campbell’s Resort, Caravel, Chelan Rental for providing rooms, the Apple Cup Café, Chelan Concrete, City of Chelan, Kelly’s Hardware, Lake Chelan Fitness Club, the Lake Chelan Lions club, Lakeshore Engraving and All Season Rental.

CITY GMA Workshop – May 31^st

The City is hosting a Growth Management Act Comprehensive Plan workshop on Wednesday, May 31^st at 6 PM.  I encourage all Chamber members to attend.  The workshop is to discuss proposed amendments to the City’s comprehensive Plan and development regulations.  This is a very important meeting regarding the future of Chelan.

First Friday – June 2nd

Bring Dad to historic downtown Chelan to celebrate ‘The Great Outdoors’ at FIRST FRIDAY on Friday, June 2nd from 6 PM to 9 PM.  Participating merchants will be giving pepperoni sticks to the first few Dads who come into their stores, compliments of Chelan Red Apple Market, so get there early.  The Historic Downtown Chelan Association and Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce sponsor this special event the first Friday of every month.    There will be lots of First Friday entertainment, specials and art downtown.  The fun sounds of the Caribbean will fill the streets from the Morgen Owings Elementary School Marimba Band.  Starting this First Friday is the student Artwalk.  Student art will be shown beginning this First Friday and throughout the month of June at Aston’s Gifts, Cards, etc; Carol’s; the Culinary Apple; Main Street Gallery; Shirt Shop; Woven Threads and Memories by the Lake. 

Representatives from various agencies will be downtown to promote outdoor safety.  The Fire District is bringing Freddie the Fire Truck and Sparky the Fire Dog and several vehicles to downtown.  They will be sharing tips on fire prevention.  The Chelan EMTs will be talking about their program in the Lake Chelan valley.   The Forest Service will be here with information about recreation opportunities and fire safety in our national forests.  The Lake Chelan Sailing Association will be downtown with information on water safety.  Come see sailboats, fishing boats and Dick Simond’s hand built rowing shell.   This year marks the 25^th anniversary of Bach Fest, representatives will be downtown with information and tickets.

Main Street Gallery’s Artist in Action will feature Manson artist Sara Boyd.  Sara has specialized in portraits, but will be doing some special Chelan Valley scenes.  Joining Sara will be Alicia Anderson a senior at Manson High School who will be painting in oil.  Stop by to see these artists in action.  Campbell's House Cafe will feature a free appetizer with the purchase of two dinner entrees.For more information regarding First Friday call the Chamber at 682-3503.

Chamber Lunch – June 12^th Mack Riggan, Chelan Fresh

Monday, June 12^th is the next Chamber Lunch at Campbell’s Resort from 12 – 1 pm.  Our guest speaker will be Mack Riggan, VP of Marketing for Chelan Fresh.  Chelan Fresh Marketing is the worldwide marketer for Chelan Fruit and other fruit packing organizations.  Make will be talking about the changes in marketing apples since the domestic arm of the Washington Apple Commission was terminated in 2003.  He will discuss trends in the apple marketplace and challenges posed by domestic and overseas competitors.  We will also be introducing the 2006 Chamber Community Enrichment Fund Scholarship recipients.  We encourage our Chamber members to call the Chamber office on 682-3503 to reserve their place.