Turns out rumors of the demise of Greater Kingston Community's Chamber of Commerce were greatly exaggerated. No. Covid could not kill it.
Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians learned about the rising vitality of the local Chamber at their noon meeting, Wed, Apr 6. At the heights (depths?) of Covid, membership in the Chamber sank to single digits. Today, membership numbers in the 80's. This is largely due to the energy, hard work, and talent of the Chamber's Administrative Coordinator Kaili Campbell. Campbell briefed Rotarians about the progress.
The Chamber's customary monthly events - luncheons and after hours - have resumed completely in person. The Wine/Brewfest is back on in 2022 with a two-day event, a VIP fest at the Point Jul 29, and a Wine/Brew fest for all Jul 30. Campbell also pointed out her efforts to keep "the calendar of record" for events in the community. To further demonstrate a return to normal, she reported the Chamber is in negotiations to lease space for offices and a visitors center in their former location on Washington Blvd NE. The Chamber exists as an association of business people organized to improve our community. An independent, non-profit corporation run by its members through an elected board of directors. It draws its strength from attracting the greatest number of businesses into membership." It is well on its way to rebuilding that strength.
In other news......Rotary President Chris Gilbreath reminded members to bring gift cards to next week's meeting for assembling into the Club's Auction treasury, for the Apr 16 Auction at White Horse. Gilbreath also noted there will be no 4th of July Fun Run due to Covid concerns a couple months ago when a go/no-go decision point was reached. And Kris Libby urged Rotarians to designate Kingston North Kitsap Rotary as a community beneficiary when making Amazon purchases."Easy to do, just look for the little arrow."