Chamber recognizes businesses at holiday festival

By Heather Spaulding • December 23, 2022 1:30 am

By Heather Spaulding

The Friday Harbor Chamber of Commerce held their annual holiday party Dec. 13 at Brickworks to gather, reflect on the year, and honor businesses that went above and beyond.

“For the most part, it was a good year,” chamber executive director Becki Day said. “The sales tax for the town and island are still up. Late fall numbers indicate a return to 2019 sales.”

Approximately 50 representatives from local businesses gathered while the certificates were awarded.

The Certificate of Excellence goes toward chamber members who are recognized to have excelled in quality service and or/products, upholding the Island Friendly Spirit, practicing the highest business ethics and exemplifying customer service and staff relations.

For accommodations, the San Juan Island Inn Collection/Tucker House/Harrison House was awarded.

Agriculture went to Aurora Farms; art and gallery went to Darleen Nixon; restaurants went to Haley’s Sports Bar and Grill; gifts were awarded to Pebble; transportation to San Juan Transit; weddings to San Juan Shindigs

The Featured Members of the Year 2022 was shared between Tracy James at Movement Mortgage and Bobby Tangney with Haley’s Sports Bar and Grill.

The Sam R. Buck Community Spirit Award will be announced during the January quarterly luncheon when there will be more present. The chamber was competing with several other holiday parties, Day explained, making it difficult for members to attend.

This award recognizes and celebrates an individual whose leadership and life-long commitment to the San Juan Island community have made a significant impact on the development of local commerce and enterprise. This individual personifies the character and pioneer spirit of San Juan Island.

Looking toward next year, Day said the Chambers’ goal will be to “Accelerate business growth with connections, advocacy, and professional development; increase membership while maintaining the relations we have with our current membership; continue to be of service to the business and non-profit community.”