As noted in the article on the front page of the Courier Times on 22 August 2007, the North Cascades Gateway Center is one of the sites under consideration for a University of Washington branch campus. Sedro-Woolley was well represented at the public meeting held last week at McIntyre Hall. I had the opportunity to make a prepared statement on behalf of the board of directors welcoming the opportunity. If you would like to read it, there is a copy available at the office. I gave full disclosure to UW representative Dr. Lee Huntzman and pledged allegiance to my beloved WSU. Hi liked my very neutral blue tie because from the podium he said it looked purple.

From the earliest stages of its development, S-W has always been on the cutting edge of innovation and technology. Forward thinking business leaders who were a part of this revolution formed the Chamber of Commerce in 1914. Now people from the UW, the site selection consulting firm nbbj, and the public at large are being introduced to our tenacity and resolve.

The movie “Happy Feet,” will be shown August 31st on the side of the Masonic Building at the corner of Warner and Walley. Music will start at 8pm followed by the film at 8:30pm. Thank you once again to Chris Seidel and the members of the Masonic Lodge for allowing us to keep up the screen and netting to accommodate our rained out show.

Our monthly luncheon focus for September will be all about the benefits of chamber membership! Ken Davenport of Steam Interactive will unveil our brand new website. You will be amazed at the transformation and how user friendly it is. Carolyn Freeman will give details about Founder’s Day and Billie Stormont will update everyone about the Magic of Christmas 2007. Deb Bundy of Skagit Valley Publishing will have information about the 2008 membership directory. The fun begins September 5th at 11:45am at our new meeting location the S-W Community Center, as Wes Drake and his staff from Boondock’s Bar and Grill serve up a tasty buffet. You might want to take advantage of our new portable credit card terminal that will be available for use not only for lunch but for membership renewals. Everything will happen at an energetic pace full of fun and excitement so the meeting will be over promptly at 1pm. If you bring a guest and are currently a member, both of you will be eligible to win a fabulous prize.