iNFORMER News March '09
President's Comments
Many of you already know Trinidad’s Mayor Stan Binnie, but I thought you might appreciate learning a little more about Stan and his wife Kim.
While Trinidad’s Mayor is appointed by the City Council and has no more authority than any other council member, the Mayor is the official representative of our city on many local, county and state level committees and organizations. As Stan says with slight smile, “I get to do all this wonderful stuff and even get paid too!” (Each council member is paid a stipend of $50 per month.)
Stan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Mayor’s position. Born and raised in the upper mid-west of the country, he graduated from high school in Indianapolis; after which he received and BS and MS in horticulture from the University of Illinois. After graduation, Stan spent 5 years as an officer in the United States Air Force with 2 tours in Southeast Asia. After his Air Force career, Stan spent the next 25 years as a horticultural agent/advisor for the University of Wisconsin. After retiring from that position, Stan and his family migrated to the sunny and warm San Diego area, where for a number of years he was Chair of the Coronado Street Tree Committee. Following the death of his first wife, he met his future second wife, Kim. Kim moved to Trinidad to complete her studies at HSU and Stan followed in the spring of 2005. While we may not have known at first who they were, Stan and Kim were very visible in our community with their generous volunteer efforts in keeping our streets, sidewalks and trails clean. They were also involved in the renovation of our Town Hall.
In addition to his council responsibilities, Stan also found time to continue operating a vintage auto literature business, remodel their beautiful home on View Avenue and travel to several exotic locations around the world.
When not fulfilling his Mayoral duties, Stan and Kim love to hike our local trails, kayak on the lagoons, gather agates on the shore and travel around the globe.
While Stan admits that we don’t have everything you might want in Trinidad, he really enjoys the small town atmosphere and outdoor recreation opportunities.
So with that thought in mind, I asked Stan what were his priorities and issues as Mayor. Here they are, not necessarily in any order:
Maintaining a sound fiscal plan and budget were first on his list. That is a huge challenge given the State’s financial crisis, and the unknown impacts from the Federal government’s stimulus packages. Competition for grant funds will definitely get stiffer.
Maintaining the quaint village atmosphere is very important, but Stan recognizes that Trinidad could benefit from additional businesses, most likely in the tourist support area. The key is finding a balance between tourism and the associated impacts.
Completing the museum, library, and park projects and the Gateway enhancements are high on Stan’s priority list.
I asked Stan what he perceived as the biggest challenge(s) to Trinidad. It didn’t take him long to come up with a list longer than I can address here, but undoubtedly first on his list was ensuring bluff stability. Concern over coastal views is also a challenge. Finally, but certainly not last, was the transfer of the Tsuria village site.
When I asked Stan what he enjoyed about his new “career”, he admitted that there were many challenges and demands he had not foreseen. But he does feel a lot of satisfaction from seeing the impact of improvements to the community. Hopefully Stan will continue to be satisfied, and challenged, as he and the City Council tirelessly work on the many issues facing our community. We wish them well.
Richard Johnson
President
677-3173
Many of you already know Trinidad’s Mayor Stan Binnie, but I thought you might appreciate learning a little more about Stan and his wife Kim.
While Trinidad’s Mayor is appointed by the City Council and has no more authority than any other council member, the Mayor is the official representative of our city on many local, county and state level committees and organizations. As Stan says with slight smile, “I get to do all this wonderful stuff and even get paid too!” (Each council member is paid a stipend of $50 per month.)
Stan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Mayor’s position. Born and raised in the upper mid-west of the country, he graduated from high school in Indianapolis; after which he received and BS and MS in horticulture from the University of Illinois. After graduation, Stan spent 5 years as an officer in the United States Air Force with 2 tours in Southeast Asia. After his Air Force career, Stan spent the next 25 years as a horticultural agent/advisor for the University of Wisconsin. After retiring from that position, Stan and his family migrated to the sunny and warm San Diego area, where for a number of years he was Chair of the Coronado Street Tree Committee. Following the death of his first wife, he met his future second wife, Kim. Kim moved to Trinidad to complete her studies at HSU and Stan followed in the spring of 2005. While we may not have known at first who they were, Stan and Kim were very visible in our community with their generous volunteer efforts in keeping our streets, sidewalks and trails clean. They were also involved in the renovation of our Town Hall.
In addition to his council responsibilities, Stan also found time to continue operating a vintage auto literature business, remodel their beautiful home on View Avenue and travel to several exotic locations around the world.
When not fulfilling his Mayoral duties, Stan and Kim love to hike our local trails, kayak on the lagoons, gather agates on the shore and travel around the globe.
While Stan admits that we don’t have everything you might want in Trinidad, he really enjoys the small town atmosphere and outdoor recreation opportunities.
So with that thought in mind, I asked Stan what were his priorities and issues as Mayor. Here they are, not necessarily in any order:
Maintaining a sound fiscal plan and budget were first on his list. That is a huge challenge given the State’s financial crisis, and the unknown impacts from the Federal government’s stimulus packages. Competition for grant funds will definitely get stiffer.
Maintaining the quaint village atmosphere is very important, but Stan recognizes that Trinidad could benefit from additional businesses, most likely in the tourist support area. The key is finding a balance between tourism and the associated impacts.
Completing the museum, library, and park projects and the Gateway enhancements are high on Stan’s priority list.
I asked Stan what he perceived as the biggest challenge(s) to Trinidad. It didn’t take him long to come up with a list longer than I can address here, but undoubtedly first on his list was ensuring bluff stability. Concern over coastal views is also a challenge. Finally, but certainly not last, was the transfer of the Tsuria village site.
When I asked Stan what he enjoyed about his new “career”, he admitted that there were many challenges and demands he had not foreseen. But he does feel a lot of satisfaction from seeing the impact of improvements to the community. Hopefully Stan will continue to be satisfied, and challenged, as he and the City Council tirelessly work on the many issues facing our community. We wish them well.
Richard Johnson
President
677-3173
iNFORMER News - Page 2
Monthly Dinner Meeting – March 17th Presentation followed by dinner
New Lineup for March Dinner Meeting
We’re in for a special treat for this month’s dinner meeting. Kathrin and Mike Burleson will be sharing with us pictures of their African photo safari. And to make this evening even more special, we have slightly rearranged our dinner plan. Happy hour and a snack will still start at 6:00 as usual, but Kathrin and Mike’s presentation will begin at 6:30 followed immediately by dinner.
Please plan on joining us on Tuesday March 17th with dinner served by the great folks of Catch Cafe. Dinner price is $17.50 per person. Please make your dinner reservations by Sunday evening, March 15th.
Please plan on joining us on Tuesday March 17th with dinner served by the great folks of Catch Cafe. Dinner price is $17.50 per person. Please make your dinner reservations by Sunday evening, March 15th.
Call 677-1610
Calendar Of Up-Coming Events
March 17th - Monthly Chamber Dinner Meeting
March 31st – Monthly Chamber Board Meeting
April 4th – Third Annual North Coast Garden Event
April 21st – Monthly Dinner Meeting
April 28th – Monthly Chamber Board Meeting
June 21st – 52nd Annual Fish Festival
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 Blogletter & 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.
George Herd Named Chamber’s 2009
Citizen of the Year Congratulations to George Herd on being named our 2009 Citizen of the Year at the January Dinner Meeting. “Thank you for your service to our community.”
North Coast Garden Event
Saturday, April 4th will be a very special day in Trinidad. The Third Annual North Coast Garden event will fill the city with special events, tours, wine tasting, seminars and much more. See their insert in the newsletter for more details or visit their web site:
NorthCoastGardening.com
Upcoming Scholarships
With graduation season just around the corner, we want remind everyone that applications for the Chamber Academic Excellence Awards are now being accepted. These scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors who attended Trinidad or Big Lagoon elementary schools and intend to pursue a 4 year academic program. Application materials and requirements are available by calling 677-1610.
iNFORMER News - Page 3
Race Director Says Thank You
We didn’t get a chance in last month’s newsletter to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Trinidad to Clam Beach Run a big success. Over 1300 runners and dozens of volunteers had a terrific time in almost perfect weather.
Thank you Nancy for your always outstanding leadership. On behalf of the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank all the runners and volunteers who made this year’s Trinidad to Clam Beach Run a great success. Special thanks to Forbes and Associates, News Channel 3, New Balance, North Valley Bank, Murphy’s Market, Safeway, and Rays for their financial support.
Many thanks to the US Coast Guard, Trinidad Fire Dept, Trinidad Police, Westhaven Fire Dept, CalFire Trinidad Station, SCOP, College of the Redwoods Police Cadets, Humboldt County Sheriff, Humboldt County Park Rangers, Opie’s Fine Cars, 95.5 All Hits Radio, Adventures Edge, Americorps, California Conservation Corp, Chili Chef Dean Heyenga and the Humboldt Amateur Radio Club for helping make the race safe, fun and efficient. Thank you to California Redwood for their donation in memory of Wendy Ewald.
Nancy Sheen, Race Director.
We didn’t get a chance in last month’s newsletter to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Trinidad to Clam Beach Run a big success. Over 1300 runners and dozens of volunteers had a terrific time in almost perfect weather.
Thank you Nancy for your always outstanding leadership. On behalf of the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank all the runners and volunteers who made this year’s Trinidad to Clam Beach Run a great success. Special thanks to Forbes and Associates, News Channel 3, New Balance, North Valley Bank, Murphy’s Market, Safeway, and Rays for their financial support.
Many thanks to the US Coast Guard, Trinidad Fire Dept, Trinidad Police, Westhaven Fire Dept, CalFire Trinidad Station, SCOP, College of the Redwoods Police Cadets, Humboldt County Sheriff, Humboldt County Park Rangers, Opie’s Fine Cars, 95.5 All Hits Radio, Adventures Edge, Americorps, California Conservation Corp, Chili Chef Dean Heyenga and the Humboldt Amateur Radio Club for helping make the race safe, fun and efficient. Thank you to California Redwood for their donation in memory of Wendy Ewald.
Nancy Sheen, Race Director.
We’re Looking for a Few Good Men and Women
This summer will be the first full season that our new chamber office will be open for business. We would like to have the office open as many hours as possible to support visitors to our area, especially on weekends and holidays. Since we do not have the staff to keep the office open as much as we would like to, we are looking for volunteers to contribute a few hours each week to help us with this effort.
Executive Director Dori Fulk and Vice President Guia Hiegert are putting together an “office open” schedule and are looking for volunteers. It will be loads of fun; you will meet some interesting people and help represent our beautiful area to visitors and locals alike. We will be able to offer loads of information, supply maps and brochures and most importantly provide that personal touch to make our visitors feel right at home. And Dori and Guia will have everything organized for you, so you can relax and enjoy talking to our visitors. So volunteer today! If you can contribute even a few hours to help staff the office,
please contact Dori at 677-1610.
This summer will be the first full season that our new chamber office will be open for business. We would like to have the office open as many hours as possible to support visitors to our area, especially on weekends and holidays. Since we do not have the staff to keep the office open as much as we would like to, we are looking for volunteers to contribute a few hours each week to help us with this effort.
Executive Director Dori Fulk and Vice President Guia Hiegert are putting together an “office open” schedule and are looking for volunteers. It will be loads of fun; you will meet some interesting people and help represent our beautiful area to visitors and locals alike. We will be able to offer loads of information, supply maps and brochures and most importantly provide that personal touch to make our visitors feel right at home. And Dori and Guia will have everything organized for you, so you can relax and enjoy talking to our visitors. So volunteer today! If you can contribute even a few hours to help staff the office,
please contact Dori at 677-1610.
Notary Services Now Available in Trinidad
Now there’s no need to leave Trinidad if you need the services of a Notary. Robin Frazer, Trinidad’s Assistant City Clerk, wants to remind everyone that she is now a certified California Notary Public. Robin is available at the City Office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 2 PM, or by appointment. And as a special bonus offer to Chamber members, all notary services are 50% off until June 1st. Thanks Robin. (Services offered are provided by a private citizen and not connected with the City of Trinidad.) She can be reached at,
677-0223 or 599-8537.
Now there’s no need to leave Trinidad if you need the services of a Notary. Robin Frazer, Trinidad’s Assistant City Clerk, wants to remind everyone that she is now a certified California Notary Public. Robin is available at the City Office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 2 PM, or by appointment. And as a special bonus offer to Chamber members, all notary services are 50% off until June 1st. Thanks Robin. (Services offered are provided by a private citizen and not connected with the City of Trinidad.) She can be reached at,
677-0223 or 599-8537.
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,
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.
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