iNFORMER News January '09

President's Comments It’s customary at this time of the year to look back at the events that defined our Chamber for 2008. There were wonderful, significant events and to be honest, there were some that I’m sure we all wanted to be better. In recapping what we accomplished this year, I have to first say how proud I am of the tremendous group of volunteers who once again made the year a great success. I am continually grateful for the members of the community that step up to work with little or no recognition on so many community projects. On behalf of the Chamber, thank you for your participation in making our community a better place for all of us. Here is a brief recap of the events of 2008: The 43rd Trinidad to Clam Beach run in February was definitely one we won’t forget soon. Driving winds, rain and a rapidly rising river made just finishing the race a major accomplishment. Unfortunately due to the weather, the number of participants was reduced from previous years, which impacted our fund raising efforts. Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed, hoping for good weather this year. As always, everyone had a great time at the Easter Egg hunt. Cosponsored with the Lions Club, hundreds of eggs were colored and decorated by volunteers, then hidden by our “Easter Bunny” so egg-hunters large and small had a good time searching for them. May marked the month that the Chamber hired our new Executive Director, Dori Fulk. With Dori on board, the opening of our new office, and our revised and upgraded website (DiscoverTrinidadCA.com), we now have a much larger presence in the community, giving us the ability to better serve our members and visitors alike. The sun finally did come out and our 51st annual Fish Festival was a huge success. It gets better every year. The only damper was the abbreviated fishing season; so the Chamber initiated a special advertising campaign, using 10% of the festival proceeds, to highlight Trinidad as the place to fish on the north coast. Unfortunately, we did not award any Academic Scholarships this year, as there were no local students that qualified for the award. So the funds will roll over to 2009 and we will be working closely with our local high schools to identify qualified candidates. We are also revamping the requirements for our vocational grants to make it easier for candidates to qualify and apply for those as well. Our annual membership drive was a real success, with 9 additional businesses joining our Chamber for the first time. That exceeded our goal for increased membership, which is very exciting and demonstrates the commitment of our local businesses to our community. Wrapping up the events of 2008 were the always memorable Blessing of the Fleet and our Holiday Dinner Dance. Both events were wonderful ways to share the holiday season with community friends and family. Along the way, our Chamber made significant financial contributions to other activities and organizations that needed support, with the goal of fulfilling our mission “promoting the economic, civic and social welfare of the people of Greater Trinidad”. So that’s a brief look back at 2008. What’s in store for 2009? About the time this newsletter reaches you, the Chamber Board will be gathering for a strategy session to plan our activities for 2009. The current economic conditions make this session extremely significant, as our local businesses face another challenging and stressful year. And the challenge for our Chamber is how to best support our local community and businesses in an environment that is impacting all of us. Next month, I will share with you the results of our strategy session.

Have a happy and prosperous new year.

Richard Johnson 677-3173 Building Trinidad's Blogging Community We want to keep in touch! Social Media and Blogging are not just buzzwords anymore. This is a proven, simple way to get your information in front of like-minded people – all over the world. It's great for PR, announcements and monthly newsletters too. If you don't know what all this is about, you will soon – we will help! It will become a convenient way for you to keep up with all your favorite Trinidad member businesses, organizations, and friends that blog. By subscribing, commenting, and linking to your blog posts, we will build a great community in no time.

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iNFORMER News - Page 2 Monthly Dinner Meeting – January 20th drinks @6p, dinner @7p Hockaday Guest Speaker for January Dinner Meeting J. Warren Hockaday, Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce CEO will be our special guest at our January 20th dinner meeting. With over 30 years of experience in the communications and public information field, Jay has a unique perspective of Humboldt County’s business and tourism environment. It’s always a pleasure to hear or read what Jay has to say. Always thought provoking; you won’t want to miss this chance to meet and talk with Jay this month. Please join us on Tuesday January 20th for Happy Hour at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, with dinner served at 7:00 pm by the great folks of Catch Cafe. Dinner price is $17.50 per person. Delicious menu from the talented chefs at Catch Cafe. Please make your reservations by Sunday evening, January 18th. Call 677-1610 Calendar Of Up-Coming Events

January 20th - Monthly Chamber Dinner Meeting 6/7p January 27th - Monthly Chamber Board Meeting February 6th - Trinidad Union Elementary Spaghetti Dinner February 7th - Trinidad to Clam Beach Run February 17th - Monthly Chamber Dinner Meeting If you or your organization would like to advertise your special event, we're glad to add it to our Calendar of Up-coming Events. For more information, Call 677-1610

Simple & Effective Ways to Promote

We can help! Use our Chamber Blog & Newsletter. We will post your event in our iNFORMER News Blog, and we can include your flyer in our monthly newsletter. Our blog and newsletter are sent to all of our Chamber members as well as other Chambers in the Northern California area. Many people subscribe to our blog to receive up-to-the-minute news and information.

Still Time to Sign Up for the Clam Beach Run Whether you plan to run, walk or volunteer to help with the Trinidad to Clam Beach run, there’s still time to sign up for an experience you won’t forget. So mark your calendars! The 44th annual Trinidad to Clam Beach Run is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th. Sponsored by the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, the run features three different races suitable for all ages and experience. The race course winds along our beautiful coastline with gorgeous views of ocean and redwoods, with an exciting river crossing and finish on Clam Beach. After the race, join your friends for the famous homemade vegetarian chili at the Trinidad Elementary School.

For more information and to sign up, go to TrinidadToClamBeach.com or,

Call 707 677 1610

Late registration and packet pick-up: Thursday February 5th 5-7PM Trinidad Town Hall

Friday February 6th 4-6PM Red Lion Hotel 1929 4th St. Eureka

Race Day Registration - 9-11AM Trinidad Town Hall

Proceeds from the run fund the Chamber’s scholarship program. Race Director Nancy Sheen can still use some volunteers, so if you want to help out,

Call 677-01610

See you there! Mardi Gras Event to Support School Programs Jan West reminds everyone that this year’s event to raise funds for the Trinidad Union Elementary school music and sports programs will be a gala Mardi Gras on Saturday March 7th, starting at 6:00 pm. Featuring the great music of the Earl Thomas Band, great food and an auction, this will be one of the premier events of the year. With funding for music and art programs disappearing, this event helps ensure our children have access to these important programs as part of their school curriculum. Don’t delay, tickets will go fast! Advance ticket sales are available at TrinidadSchool.blogspot.com, or for more information, contact Jan West, Call 677-3655

Massage as a Powerful Ally Here is some great information from Chamber member Katherine Perry and the fine folks at Trinidad Massage and Day Spa. Be sure to stop by and say “Hello” on Race Day February 7th. “There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reason we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your health care regimen. The incredible benefits of massage are double powerful if taken in regular “doses”. Professionals at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami explain the more massage you get, the greater benefits you reap.

Here’s why: Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.

This translates into: • Decreased anxiety. • Enhanced sleep quality. • Greater energy. • Improved concentration. • Increased circulation. • Reduced fatigue. Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

We here at Trinidad Massage & Day Spa are here to support and enhance your health care regime as part of a New Years goal or a continued effort to maintain your wellbeing. We operate by prescheduled appointments. Please call to schedule. Our doors will be open the day of the Clam Beach Run. Stop by for a cup of tea!” Call 677-9225

Spaghetti Feed to Raise Funds for Class Trip While you are thinking about the Clam Beach Run, don’t forget our wonderful community tradition of the pre-race Spaghetti Feed on Friday night, February 6th. This is a great way to get your “carbo load” for the race or just enjoy a great Friday night out with the family. There’s a plate of spaghetti that’s a perfect size for everyone. Proceeds raise funds for the Trinidad Union Elementary 5th and 6th grades class trip. For more information and tickets,

Call 677- 3631

Holiday Dinner/Dance Big Success A great big “Thank you” is in order for all the dedicated volunteers that made our Holiday dinner dance a big success. If you were one of the 90 or so guests who attended, you can appreciate the tremendous amount of work the volunteers contributed to make it a memorable event. From the decorations, the absolutely marvelous ginger bread houses, the great dance music and the mouthwatering food; everything was fantastic. And let’s not forget Guia and Gary Hiegert and the staff of the Lost Whale Inn who pulled all the bits and pieces together and once again thrilled us with their entertaining talents. Thanks to one and all.

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iNFORMER News - Page 3

Thank You for Your 2009 Membership Get your 2009 membership window decal from Dori, if you missed it in your mail. Proudly display it as a symbol of your support for our Chamber and demonstrate to your friends and visitors that you support our community in a very active way. Vocational Scholarships Available Reminder – Vocational Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted. Here’s your chance to acquire new business skills. The Chamber is now accepting applications for our annual Vocational Scholarship program. Two scholarships in the amount of $500 each will be available and may be used for College, Vocational School, or Vocational Training Programs. Chamber members (at least 2 years membership) and their children are eligible. In addition to the Chamber ’s Academic Excellence Scholarships awarded to high school seniors who pursue a 4 year academic degree, we recognize that some students pursue vocational academic paths at community colleges or in vocational training programs. And adults may decide to return to school for advanced degrees or training in a new field; or just brush up on old skills to help run their business more effectively. It’s simple to apply, so don’t delay! For additional information and an application,

Call 677-1610

Get Linked Up! If you haven’t already been linked from our Chamber’s Web site to your own Member site, now is the time to do it. Our Web site has a new look, with lots of exciting features that will attract both local and distant viewers. Linking will help your search rankings too! We have thousands of visitors looking at our site every month.

With advertising costs increasing, getting maximum benefit from Web based advertising and exposure is critical. Or if you sponsor or support a nonbusiness or non-profit organization that would benefit from linking the Chamber Web site and yours, we now have the “in-house” ability to do it quickly and easily. Don’t delay, use this Chamber service now.