“I yam what I yam an’ that’s all I yam!” 

 


“Shiver me timbers!” I couldn’t let National Spinach Day go by without a nod to the character that made spinach a muscle-machine-building food. Popeye might have just been a sailor man, but he sure was a sailor man who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind! Not to mention back it up with a whale of a wallop. If Popeye were sailing the Seven Seas today, I believe he would be telling each and every one of us to mask up, wash up and get in line for your vaccination as soon as you’re eligible. After all, Popeye was all about being healthy and ready to fight the fight - and none of us have been in a fight like the one with the Coronavirus. So, let’s all be part of getting our businesses back open as quickly as we can by staying safe, socially distancing, and getting vaccinated. 

Fun Note Friday is a lengthy one today, so I hope you enjoy the few Popeye-isms I’ve sprinkled among this weeks items!



"Ahoy!" It be a message and an update from our friends at the Association of Washington Business (AWB). Session Update from AWB: Senate Democrats unveiled their budget plan yesterday and it calls for a big increase in spending — a little over 12%. The $59.2 billion two-year budget proposal assumes passage of a 7% capital gains tax, and it draws down the rainy day fund. It also spends approximately $7 billion in one-time funds from the American Rescue Plan, bringing the overall increase in state spending to 15% when the federal funds are included. The Washington Research Council has more details here. It’s unfortunate that lawmakers are continuing to push for a capital gains tax when it’s clear that new taxes aren’t needed. Between soaring state tax collections and the flood of federal funding, there’s enough money coming into the state to pay for the state’s priorities without enacting a new tax. 
 
2021 Legislative Review (Virtual) - Friday, May 21
"Leave us not jump to seclusions..." It's time for an official wrap up of the 2021 Legislative Session with the Chamber, CREDC, and ICC on Friday, May 21 at 8:30 AM! Hear from the 17th, 18th, and 49th Districts' legislators on the latest priorities of discussion. Register yourself and your VIP Table for 6, here.

 

Annual Chamber Golf Tournaments: June & August
"Oh my gorshk!" As we're all planning our wardrobe for the next few sunny months, okay well at least I am, make sure to set aside your golf attire for the Chambers upcoming Golf Tournaments in June and August!

Open Golf Tournament - REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Thursday, June 24 marks the Chamber's Annual Open Golf Tournament inviting players of all skill level to the course for an enjoyable day of connection-making and...well...golf! This 18-hole tournament at Camas Meadows, presented by Columbia Bank is always a sold-out success! Only three more team spots available - who are you bringing to the course?

Women's Golf Tournament - REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Thursday, August 12 is the 6th Annual Women's Golf Tournament, "Sip, Shop & Swing" providing golfers (and non-golfers) a unique way to network exclusively with female executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs. Read more about this fun 9-hole tournament, here.

Sponsorships for both of these tournaments are filling up quickly! Learn more about the opportunities available for your company for the Open Tournament, here, and the Women's Tournament, here.

 

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: This upcoming Monday, March 29, the Washington State Department of Commerce will open applications for Working Washington Grants: Round 4. Business owners can find information about eligibility, required documentation, and frequently asked questions on the City of Vancouver's Website.


Congratulations to Frank Nichols! "Well, blow me down!" The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA)'s Board of Directors awarded Frank Nichols the 2020 Executive of the Year Award for his outstanding leadership of Silicon Forest Electronics and the significant contributions he has made to the advancement of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Industry. Read the entire article, here.

 

“I’m strong to the finich, cause I eats me spinach, I’m Popeye the Sailor Man!" Speaking of 'finich'ing strong, yesterday, Thursday, March 25 marked the last day (at least for now) of Savor The Couve! Throughout these past 16 weeks we've had tremendous support from our community members, restauranteurs, partners, and presenting sponsor ilani - Thank you all! Stay tuned for a comprehensive wrap-up of the program in next week's Fun Note Friday, and read more about the tremendous fundraising, here.


Have a great weekend and remember to mask up,

John "Sailor Man" McDonagh
President/CEO
Greater Vancouver Chamber
VancouverUSA.com