By Tom Kirschner

The Chamber is often the first contact for anyone interested in San Juan Island, whether it is for visiting, relocating or business related questions.

And San Juan Island is fortunate to have the chamber’s Visitor Information Center open seven days per week throughout the year, staffed by both chamber employees and our wonderful volunteers. Approximately 17,000 people pass through the Visitor Information Center each year, where questions are answered, suggested routes around the island are discussed, and referrals are given to chamber Member Businesses.

Membership in your local chamber of commerce helps support the many annual events sponsored by the chamber, including the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Display, the Summer Arts Fair, the Oktoberfest Community Celebration, and the Island Lights Festival.

These events require lots of time and money, and the only way we can continue to sponsor them is through the generosity of time and financial support received from our local business community and individuals.

For those businesses that are chamber members, many thanks for your continued support. And for those businesses that are not yet chamber members, I would strongly encourage you to consider membership. Membership is also open to individuals wishing to support the chamber at only $50 per year.

My door is always open, and I would be happy to discuss the many benefits available to chamber members. The office is located at 135 Spring Street, or you can call me at 360-378-5240, or e-mail me at chamber@sanjuanisland.org.

— Editor’s note: Tom Kirschner is executive director of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce