I think 2011 will be an exciting year at the Enumclaw Area Chamber of Commerce. We have many ideas and, we believe, the vision, to help spark interest in our local business community and all the recreational activities that we have in the surrounding area. We are truly blessed.

We have already lined up many events and activities with the city of Enumclaw, local businesses and other groups. We had our annual membership meeting and board installation dinner Jan. 20. Thank you to Mike Nelson and his team at the Enumclaw School District who introduced us to the book 5, an inspirational book on goal setting. Thank you to City Councilman Richard Elfers for swearing in the Chamber of Commerce 2011 board of directors. I am honored to serve with such a solid group of smart, independently-minded, local business people

As I type this the city is home to the Wine and Chocolate Festival at the Expo Center. Twenty-two wineries, several chocolate vendors, entertainment and shopping. Ticket sales so far have been brisk. We will be there on Saturday stocking up on cheese prior to the Super Bowl.

May 7, we will be hosting our annual dinner auction at the fieldhouse. We are really rolling out the red carpet this year. While details are still being worked out, we have secured Pat Cashman of Almost Live fame to be our master of ceremonies and auctioneer. We plan on inviting local celebrities from near and far. Stay tuned for further details..

On June 11 we will host a sequel to the hugely successful Wine Walk we had in November. After listening to the local businesses and guests we have done some fine tuning. It is likely to be a good time and certainly warmer than it was last fall.

Other events we will be partnering with other stakeholders are helping with the annual Stars and Stripes Parade on the Fourth of July. We plan on being involved with Creation Fest and the Street Fair which will overlap again in mid-July. On Aug. 3, we will host our annual chamber golf tournament. Lots of fun activities all year long. There has been some talk about having a pet parade this summer, too.

This spring we will also be unveiling our new website and the ever popular city map. Lots of new advertising opportunities and rate structures are available in both media types

If anyone is interested in participating in any of these events please contact the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce for all the latest details.

It is a new year and a new day at the Enumclaw Area Chamber of Commerce. We are only interested in focusing on the future, not dwelling on the past. Our continued growth in membership convinces me that we are on the right path.

Thank you for all the support.