Tag Archives: greater poulsbo chamber of commerce

Poulsbo Chamber names new director

The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce announced Dan Barry as its new director of operations.

Barry will oversee board governance, marketing, membership, event planning and staff management, according to a news release.

He replaces Marc Abshire, who departed for the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce in January.

Barry worked as a sales manager at another chamber, and held management positions in the banking, mortgage, and travel industries.

“The Greater Poulsbo Chamber has become the catalyst for business prosperity, connections, and opportunities in our business community,” board president Ingemar Anderson said in the release.

“Dan’s unique skillset will insure the Chamber is successful in executing our recently developed 10-year strategic plan.”

Barry was named Volunteer of the Year in 2015 by the Poulsbo Rotary Club and was a 20 Under 40 award recipient of the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal.

He lives in Keyport with his wife and 4-year-old daughter.

Poulsbo Chamber director takes Port Angeles post

Tad Sooter

The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce is under interim leadership following the resignation of former director Marc Abshire.

Abshire stepped down to take a job as executive director of the Port Angeles Regional Chamber, according to a story in the Peninsula Daily News. He was hired in Poulsbo in October 2014.

Poulsbo Chamber board treasurer Dan Barry will serve as interim director, according to a news release.

“Poulsbo is experiencing historic growth and dynamic new economic opportunities and the board is excited to work together to renew, strengthen and build partnerships in 2016,” Poulsbo Chamber President Ingmar Anderson said in the release.

The chamber’s annual gala and awards ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 16 at the Clearwater Casino event center.

Poulsbo chamber names new director

Tad Sooter

MAbshire The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce announced its next director of operations this week.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Abshire will succeed Jan Harrison, who announced her plans to step down earlier this fall. Abshire will begin his duties Nov. 3, according to a chamber news release.

Abshire has more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, marketing, corporate communications, public relations, and operations. He has also worked extensively as a speech writer and coach.

Abshire grew up on the Olympic Peninsula. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s from the University of Colorado.

“The Board is thrilled to have found a candidate who has his breadth of experience in business, marketing, communications, and team operations,” chamber President Jessie Nino said in the release.

Harrison led the chamber for the past two years. She plans to return to her consulting business.

Poulsbo Chamber director to step down

Tad Sooter

Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jan Harrison will step down at the end of 2014, after two years leading the organization.

“The timing just feels right,” Harrison said in a Tuesday announcement. “This was a one- to three-year project for me and the Chamber’s response exceeded my expectations. I’ve accomplished what we set out to accomplish and it’s time for me to leave it in the capable hands of the board, and move on to my next challenge.”

Chamber Board President Jessie Nino credited Harrison with pulling the Chamber out of a slump brought on by the recession.

“Jan was the right person at the right time,” Nino said in the announcement. “We needed a lot of energy that would motivate others to roll up their sleeves and launch some big initiatives.”

Harrison led efforts to move the chamber to its new offices on Highway 305, clean up its records, and boost attendance at monthly luncheons. She made the chamber more welcoming, Nino said.

“Perhaps most important, she moved this Chamber to one of inclusion, rather than exclusivity,” Nino said. “She’s positioned us so that businesses want to be a part of the fun — rather than feel obligated to join us.”

Harrison said she will relaunch her consulting practice after departing the chamber.