Over the past several months, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine named Port Angeles (along with Port Townsend) one of “The 10 Best Beach Towns on the West Coast,” MoreThanJustParks named the Olympic National Park “The #1 national park in America,” and 1889 Magazine named Port Angeles one of the state’s top “Zoom Towns: Washington’s Best Places to Work Remotely.” The North Olympic Peninsula has long been established as a desirable destination – especially for outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists of all kinds, fishermen, birders, and people looking to explore and discover in the vastly diverse playground that is our backyard. But our slow and steady transition over several decades, away from economic reliance on the timber industry, to the vibrant, if seasonal, multi-million dollar (locally) tourism industry seems to be building to a crescendo. The pandemic helped, as we saw many regional visitors simply wanting to get outside for a quick escape from their quarantine bubble groups, as did prior recognition in national publications, like Outside Magazine’s contest in 2015 in which Port Angeles landed second place behind Chattanooga as “The Best Place to Live in the U.S..” But the notoriety we’ve most recently seen from respected sources foreshadows an increase in tourism and visitation levels that our area hasn’t experienced in a very long time.

This year is the 100-year anniversary for both First Federal and The Port of Port Angeles. Black Ball ferry is back to running strong and sure. Festivals and events that had been shelved for the pandemic are returning to full force, with people pining to gather in large numbers to once again celebrate the togetherness that many of us crave. By the time the Field Arts and Events Hall opens in July, we will already be in the thick of a summer tourism season that will challenge our resources, our employees, and, for some, our patience.        

Looking to the horizon, there’s not much change from the current trend. International visitors will gradually return to the numbers we saw prior to the pandemic; and next year, as we approach the November 2024 presidential election, Clallam County will find ourselves in a bright spotlight as America’s only remaining bellwether county out of more than 3,000 nationwide.

So, strap in. Buckle up. Get ready. Start planning now. The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce is working on ways to help. On April 19^th, we hosted the 1^st Annual Volunteer Fair at Vern Burton, so members of our community can find opportunities to help the events and festivals that desperately need a little of your time and a lot of your skills; and this weekend, on May 6^th, we’re producing, along with sponsor Port Angeles Realty, the 3^rd Annual Big Spring Spruce UP to help our downtown business district sparkle. Staffing, a nationwide challenge largely created by the pandemic, but also the result of a strong economy and low unemployment, remains a significant challenge for many businesses, but most especially our businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry. Restaurants and lodging facilities will be saturated, so, if you’re looking for a “side-hustle” job, and you are a prompt and reliable type of person, you’ll find open and welcome arms at most of those establishments.

Generally speaking, all of this is really good news for our local economy. Any opportunity to bring dollars into our area, and stem the flow of dollars out of our area, favors the working families and businesses throughout our community. But when our capacity to serve our visitors finds its limits, it can reflect negatively on us, and lead to poor experiences for our visitors. We can help ourselves greatly by planning ahead, coordinating support, lining up volunteers, hiring seasonal staff, putting finances in order, checking our supply chains, and building resilient capacity in all of our business operations, opening hours, and product/service offerings. Take a deep breath. Be proud that so many people around the world love to visit us – quite a few who find they’d also like to live here, and some who actually make that choice. Then don’t forget to exhale. It’s going to be a busy summer!

~ Marc Abshire

Executive Director of the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce

Some people get excited about puppies, or babies. Us? We're excited to have Laken on board for her final semester at Peninsula College.

Many of you have likely spoken with Laken this month (or at least heard her on a voicemail), as she has been helping us to cleanup our membership database, assist members in logging in, and managing their online directory, to ensure all of your business information is up-to-date (which is good for your SEO 😎).

She comes in every day with a friendly smile, and enthusiasm for whatever is to come.

We're so grateful to have her!

Q. What are you studying at Peninsula College?

A. I am currently working towards my Bachelor’s of Applied Science degree in management. I will be graduating in June.

Q. What do you want to be when you grow up?

A. Ideally, I would like to be a museum curator. I love history and art and think being surrounded by it would be interesting.

Q. How do you see yourself in 10 years?

A. I’m not really sure where I would like to be in 10 years. I am currently 19, so 10 years is over half a lifespan for me. I think, if anything, I would like to see myself as a servant and pillar to the community; more importantly though I see myself as being content.

Q. Which living person do you admire most, and why?

A. A living person I really admire is really difficult. At the end of the day everyone is just a person with as many faults as anyone else. With that being said, I really admire Dolly Parton. I admire her ability create and serve communities with the Imagination Library.

Q. Do you have a favorite song lyric?

A. My favorite song lyric is “What good is wealth and fame, fine clothes and diamond rings, it just don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got love” by Dolly Parton.

Ahead of the upcoming 2023 summer season, we are excited to have Olympic National Park Superintendent, Sula Jacobs, provide a presentation about key projects and initiatives in Olympic National Park for 2023 and beyond. Sula Jacobs started her role as ONP’s Superintendent in July 2022, so this will be a great time to learn more about Sula’s 18-years experience, her goals for Olympic, and to welcome Sula into the Port Angeles business community.

Business Health Trust was founded so that small businesses and non-profits in Washington could offer their employees the health benefits they need to stay competitive.

We handle all benefit plan administration, and are committed to customer service, with knowledgeable, friendly, local staff who are ready to help.

Contact Jenn Evenson for a quote.

425.247.1628

[email protected]

• Each group of volunteers will tackle a designated area downtown
• Pull weeds, pick up trash, and remove debris along the streets, parking lots, and sidewalks of downtown
• Weed, sweep, and cleanup of planters and sidewalks at City Pier, Estuary Park & Tower, and Pebble Beach Park
• Weed and trash removal in the alley and breezeway between 1st and Front St.
• Weed and clean planter bases and grates of the trees planted along downtown streets

Be sure to wear work clothes, shoes, and gloves. We'll need plenty of garden claws, flat head shovels, brooms, and rakes, so please bring them if you've got them.

It's BACK, and will be better than ever! Bring your family down to the Waterfront District for two fun-filled days with all things maritime.

• The Orca Bait Swim
• Maritime Industries Tent
• OPRA Beach Sprint Coastal Regatta
• Yacht Club Open House
• Food Court
• Live Music
• Maritime Vendors, Arts & Crafts

A host family is one of the most important and influential aspects of a baseball player’s experience when playing in the West Coast League. While some of the players are from the Puget Sound area, many more will come from all across the country. The goal of a host family is to help players adjust to moving to a new area, assist them as they get acquainted with the community and provide a safe and stable living environment.

The host family provides an opportunity for the community to assist in the development of these players on and off the field. Host families have the opportunity to “adopt” a player during the summer, establishing lifelong friendships, and in many cases, the chance to follow “your boys” throughout the career progression towards Major League Baseball.

Celebrate good news with PC Engage, the newsletter that highlights events, success stories, and more.

Working together to provide excellence in health care

Olympic Medical Center, the largest employer in Clallam County, has a wide variety of employment opportunities. We welcome you the opportunity to join our team of highly-trained and experienced staff!

We offer excellent benefits, competitive salaries and an intentional culture that represents respect and appreciation for all of our employees.

One Man, Two Guvnors is based on “The Servant of Two Masters” a comedy by the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni written in 1746. In this new English version by prizewinning playwright Richard Bean, sex, food and money are high on the agenda with physical comedy, some bawdy humor and audience interaction at the forefront!

Join us June 2nd as we celebrate

1 year in business at the Wharf!

KWA is a great place to work!

We care about our communities. Employees participate in Relay for Life, Susan G. Komen Walks, donate generously to the United Way, and engage in various community events across Western Washington. 

We offer competitive benefits packages based on job type and your experience.

A FEAST for Your Senses

Imagine, for a moment, the experience of being on a weekend escape surrounded by towering trees. You immediately feel a little lighter, more present, and inspired as you soak in the vast surroundings and majestic oceanfront view.

Your senses are overwhelmed as you:

Are humbled by the night sky and watch for shooting stars…

Listen to the crashing waves and immerse yourself in the sound of the crackling fire… Make the PERFECT S’more...

Cozy up and drift asleep at your private campsite… Awaken to the sound of the morning songbirds…

Feel alive, reconnected to the wild and raw power of nature.

Our intimate retreat is only available to 40 guests - don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Kalaloch and Olympic National Park.

Last year sold out quickly - register today!

Clallam County Fair Booth

Wish you could have a booth at the fair, but can't commit the time? Chamber Members have the opportunity to "rent" the Chamber booth for a few hours! This is a great opportunity to gain exposure for your business, organization, or event. Take advantage of this premium booth location at a fraction of the cost & time commitment.

Ribbon Cuttings

Do you have a grand opening, anniversary, or a remodel to celebrate? Invite our Chamber Ambassadors and Board Members to help celebrate your special event with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. We'll share the photos on all our social media, and submit to the PDN! Ribbon cuttings are complimentary for Chamber Members.

Chamber After Hours

This monthly social and networking event is a great way to feature your business! Host at your location, or join as a co-host if you don't have a suitable space. This is an excellent way to gain exposure and let the business community know more about what you do. We can help with every step of the planning, or just provide support where needed.

To reserve your spot or get more info about these exclusive member benefits, email Leslie at [email protected].

www.PortAngeles.org | 360.452.2364 | [email protected]