Opinions are like (*ahem), they're necessary

If it were up to me, I would be the only person to ever be given a ballot. How many times have you ever thought that same thing? Come on, don't lie....I know your with me. About this time of year it seems everyone has an opinion on something; I-1033 will destroy the universe (possibly true), the library is a vital part of our community and should be supported (true), Bob Severns will make an excellent City Councilman (an obvious choice since he is unopposed). Go into any coffee shop and listen, everyone has something to say.

When your the Director of a membership organization you are called on to lead and represent the diverse interests of a variety of business and community leaders. You make decisions, implement programs, and fund efforts all in the best interests of your members. But what happens when those members stop sharing, stop talking, stop brainstorming, or stop investing? What happens if they become complacent?

Not sharing your thoughts on how to strengthen the Chamber is a little like letting me be the only person with a ballot. Is that something you would really want? (I already know the answer, you don't have to be so adamant about it!) If you have ever had a great idea, share it. If you don't agree, speak up. Being a part of a community means that you have a chance to help mold this town into the place you would like it to be. So comment, share, engage. You may not always win....but you know at least your opinion was counted.

Great night to warm up inside!

The wind is blowing and there is a chill in the air. Beat the cold and step inside the Lava Lounge and Inferno Restaurant tonight and join us for Tuesday on the Town. The Lava Lounge and Inferno Restaurant is located at: 930 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor. It will be fun and warm inside, great conversations and really GOOD food!!! Stop by anytime between 5:00pm - 8:00pm, hope to see you there!!!

Tuesdays on the Town is an Oak Harbor Chamber Member Program that is open to the public. The featured restaurant donates 10% of their evening proceeds back to the Oak Harbor Chamber.

It is a great evening of fun and a chance for you to try a new restaurant!!!

Fall Colors Everywhere

Isn't it wonderful when you live in a city that has crisp fall air and the ground covered with soft brown and gold leaves. We should tell the South Sounders about our wonderful secret up here. Beautiful weather, little rain, and clean fresh air!

I think if our Seattle friends knew about how OH-mazing our falls were, they would come here in droves. There just isn't anything like catching a late lunch, grabbing a coffee to go and walking along the beach at Windjammer on a beautiful, calm, wonderful Oak Harbor fall day.

We have so many events to get ready for here on Whidbey, Friday (tonight) we have OkSOBERfest at the Elks Lodge and the Wildcats are playing at home. Tomorrow night (Saturday) we have the Rotary Auction, Dan's Classic Ballroom is having a Waltz Workshop, and the Great Apple Rescue at the Coupeville Farmer's Market... Among so many other things. I hope everyone can check out our event site http://www.oakharborchamber.com/eventcalendar.aspx to see if there is anything I forgot to mention that you'd like to check out.

How are we such a well kept secret? I think we'll work on bringing more people up here to see what our hospitality really is all about!!!

An Oak Harbor Kind of Day

The sun has shone through yet again today. It is hard to believe that it is already October, between the fantastic weather and the amazing people it feels like the trees may always stay green, and the sun will never set.

I guess that is just what you get for living in such a wonderful place like Oak Harbor.

This past week we have seen so many smiling faces come visit us from up North of the Border (and because of our location, some from the West). It has been fantastic seeing all these people who have been happy and surprised by our fantastic weather. They have been staying in our campsites at Deception Pass, they have been staying in our hotels such as the Coachman Inn and Auld Holland Inn, and they have been staying with their families on the Island.

We have seen Navy Men and Women who have been formerly stationed at NAS Whidbey, and knew that they had to come back to visit the beautiful, majestic beauty that is Whidbey Island.

I just love the feeling of a crisp fall day with the sun rising, and the kids laughing and playing soccer in the field across from the Chamber. It makes you really appreciate what we have living in Oak Harbor. Between the natural beauty and the awesome people, I think I can stay here forever...

I want someone to promise me that we will have this weather for the rest of the year, and pass that "rainy" season that the Northwest expects and then go directly into an another awesome summer...