Chamber blog

Kevin Patterson's monthly President's Message did not arrive in time for deadline, apparently because he was busy writing a letter to Santa Claus. We know this because the letter he wrote to Santa Claus was returned to the Chamber office because it had the wrong ZIP code. So, instead of the usual President's Message, we will share the letter to the jolly old elf in the hope that he sees it in time for Christmas.

 

Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is an economic recovery.

I know that's a lot of weight to ask an elf of your age to stuff into his gift bag and load onto the sleigh, but, really, it would mean a lot to all of us. I do have a few thoughts, though, on how we could lighten your load and help you bring that gift to us. Maybe the best thing right now is think about what we, as individuals, can accomplish. We are reading and seeing a lot about the "occupy" movement. Perhaps we can do something similar: Occupy local businesses!

There is a thought-provoking message making the rounds on Facebook and e-mail that encourages shoppers to spend their holiday dollars at home. It has some great ideas for gifts and an even greater goal: stimulate your local economy by purchasing American goods and services. Now, we all realize the importance of international trade. But it's equally important to keep some of our dollars right here in our community. So, Santa, as those wish lists arrive in your e-mail box, you might want to think about dispatching your helpers to pick up gift certificates for car washes, oil changes, golf lessons, house cleaning, home decorating, lawn mowing, computer servicing, movie tickets, or dinner out at a local restaurant.

There are lots of talented folks who make jewelry and clothing, crafts, art work and other specialty items. Who wouldn't like a hand-made gift?

Looking for a big gift idea? Maybe instead of buying a big-screen TV made somewhere other than North America your elves could arrange for a local contractor to repair a driveway or paint a room, hang new gutters or prune trees. Need something a little more fun? How about reserving a mini-vacation to one of our many local beaches, lift tickets to a local ski area, maybe a guided fishing trip, tickets to a local theater or tickets to high school or college basketball games? As you know, Santa, the Grinch stole our local men's pro basketball team; maybe we can talk about replacing the team as a gift idea for next year.

The northwest has so much to offer from local cruises of our beautiful waterways and mountain ranges to historic tours of our cities and cultures. Plan to attend a local festival from the tulip filled valleys in Skagit County to salmon days in Issaquah to a renaissance fair in Enumclaw. We have wineries from Chateau St. Michelle in Woodinville to Eagle Creek in Leavenworth and across the mountains to the wine-soaked Yakima valley. Gift a local course in glass blowing, wood carving or dog obedience . . .

The point, Santa, is that the holidays remind us that it is better to give than to receive and better still to give to our family, friends and neighbors. So, as we look around our own community for gift ideas, let's also remember to put something in your gift bag for our friends in need. We know the folks at the Maple Valley Food Bank, Vine Maple Place, the Community Center or other human services organizations would appreciate that very much.

That's about it for now, Santa. I will send you my updated list of local gift ideas soon. See you in a few weeks!

 

---

 

Santa's helper here . . . . . Share your ideas and your favorite things!  Here are a few to get you started!

 

• books
• derby shirts - great for visiting friends and relatives!

• gas cards!

• haircuts

• spa services

• music lessons

• auto services

• a round of golf

• a year of lunches

• morning coffee

• afternoon wine

• knit something (beautiful yarn at Quintessence)

• holiday decorating

• subscription to local newspaper

• tickets for an upcoming community event
• swim lessons

 

 

Memberships and/or Donations to organizations:

 

• Maple Valley Food Bank 

• Black Diamond Community Center

• Maple Valley Community Center

• Lake Wilderness Preservation Association

• Vine Maple Place 

• Lake Wilderness Arboretum

• Maple Valley Creative Arts Council
• Black Diamond Historical Society
• Maple Valley Historical Society
• Maple Valley Youth Symphony

 

 

 

Added on 11/11/2011

Filed Under

Business, President's Message by Chamber blog

Comments (2)

Post a Comment

posted by Carl on 11.24.11 at 06:55

Thinking of our Community

This was a good read for me on several points. It speaks to me about how important it is to create small businesses in our community and promote them so that big box stores don't end up on our street corners. Closing the doors of our small good service establishments. It's too bad that we are creating such a box store right here in Maple Valley. Well so much for that small business plan. Of course this year I'll be spending my money locally here in Maple Valley if possible. I love that gas card idea, a gift that just keeps giving. The undeniable benefits of a good massage followed by a nice glass of wine just within blocks make for a very pleasent day. If you have an appetite the big apple dely off of highway 169 will create a sandwich for you that YOU will right home about. You might see their signs on the side of the road. Stop in there you won't regret the delay in your day. There used to a small sandwich shop close to our home that closed in the new strip mall area, where thirve now exists. They had the best french dip sandwiches that I have ever had. I miss them not only for the great sandwich but for the service that could have only been born from truly wanting to make their customers happy. Finally I would like to thank small business owners for supporting our local schools, churches, and social events. The parade this year was better then I've seen it in the past. It adds more then you know to the spirit of this community.