The Economic Development Council (EDC), in partnership with SCORE, the San Juan Islands Visitors’ Bureau and our local chambers of commerce, and in the interest of engaging local business owners in conversations about concrete steps they can take immediately, has launched an uplifting, informative lunchtime meeting entitled the Business Chat ‘n’ Chew, starting Tuesday, April 7th, and Thursday, April 9th, from noon-12:45pm, via Zoom, and running every Tuesday and Thursday at that time through June.

“We envisioned a lighthearted meeting where our small business owners could talk frankly about the challenges they are facing right now, while sharing a meal.  Even if it’s a virtual mealtime, sharing ideas and support together will help us all get through this difficult period,” noted Victoria Compton, director of the EDC.

“We want to help our business community in any way that we can at this time and our hearts go out to our small island businesses.  This is just one small way that we can help them,” said Deborah Hopkins, director of the San Juan Islands Visitors’ Bureau.

For more information on this or any other business concern during this time, please email info@sanjuansedc.org or phone 360-378-2906.

The EDC thanks San Juan County, the Raynier Foundation, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor, Kings Market, Friday Harbor Market Place, Orcas Island Market, Walt Corbin, Orcas Kiwanis, the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Islanders Bank, Heritage Bank, and the Washington State Department of Commerce for their support of EDC initiatives.

The Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County.  We believe a strong economy builds a strong community. 

Chat & Chew is currently on hiatus for the summer.

• June 4, 2020: John Gomez of the EDC discusses a variety of issues affecting businesses. Video.
• May 28, 2020: Chris Minney of Tif & Gif. Chris will be talking about on moving your business online and making the most of your available digital assets. For businesses looking to pivot to a digital presence or want to learn more about the options available to you please join us tomorrow. Video.
• May 21, 2020: “Level Up Your Business and Workforce” with Ingrid Vliet (Lopez Island Library) and Boyd Pratt (San Juan Island Library). Learn about library resources that your business can use to build its skills to survive current challenges and thrive as things re-open. Video with captions.
• May 19, 2020: What are your questions? Video unavailable.
• May 14, 2020: PPP with Chris Reed of SCORE and Unemployment Insurance with John Gomez of the EDC. Video with captions.
• May 12, 2020: Leading with Impact in a Virtual World with Gretchen Krampf. Video with captions.
• May 7, 2020: Marketing (Through the Madness) with Victoria Compton, EDC director. Will be rescheduled.
• May 5, 2020: Cash Flow with Chris Reed of SCORE. Click for video; for slide deck click here (links to MS PowerPoint file).
• Apr. 30, 2020: Video delayed due to technical difficulties. $ell More $tuff: How to Move Merchandise and Services in the New Economy, with Becki Day, San Juan Islands Chamber of Commerce.  Learn more about how to get your product to your customers using virtual events, videos, email marketing, and more.
• Apr. 28, 2020: Marketing with Val Curtis (Treehouse Creative Digital Solutions). Includes auto-generated closed captions.
• Apr. 23, 2020: Retooling Production for Public Health. With Suzy Pingree (San Juan Island Distillery) and Travis Ayers (Luxel). Includes auto-generated closed captions.
• Apr. 21, 2020: The Intersections of Bankruptcy Law and the CARES ACT, with Mary Schmitt, Attorney at Law. Please read Mary’s disclaimer. Video includes auto-generated closed captions.
• Apr. 16, 2020: Google My Business (How to set it all up), with Erin Wygant, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. Includes auto-generated closed captions.
• Apr. 14, 2020: Rescheduled to 4/21/20 due to technical difficulties.
• Apr. 09, 2020: Marketing and social media tips with Erin Wygant, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. Includes auto-generated closed captions.
• Apr. 07, 2020: PPP and EIDL with Chris Reed of SCORE (includes auto-generated closed-captions); most recently updates slides (links to PDF; updated 4-20-20), courtesy of Chris Reed.