When talking to a mule, you first have to get its attention! 

That is what Grandpa McDonagh used to tell us as kids. When we were not understanding, or more likely not listening at all, he would slap the side of the head of whichever grandchild was closest and let us know, when talking to a mule... 

2020 has been a bit of a mule so far. March lasted for about 9 months itself, then we got to spend a year at home in April. In May we were wondering if it would ever end and found out in June while it might end, it wasn’t going to end soon. 

Now, on the eve of the 4th of July, ‘2020’ and the COVID-19 virus are dictating a very different Independence Day celebration than we are accustomed to sharing. No day-long celebration at Fort Vancouver or the Ridgefield waterfront, or the riverfront at the Port of Camas Washougal; no neighborhood block parties, if we are adhering to the CDC and State of Washington guidance. It just will not be the same, though something tells me there will still be tables full of potato salad and chips, Red White & Blue jell-o, plenty of hot dogs, burgers and of course cold beverages. Hopefully, we get the attention of this mule-of-a-virus by wearing a mask when we are out, limiting the number of people we are socially distancing with, and washing our hands – showering is acceptable as well, but through the day,  washing hands will take care of it. 

My deepest hope this Independence Day is that collectively the “mules” are listening and that beginning with this July 4th all Americans can celebrate and enjoy true Independence. 

 

 


Long Weekend with the Family? Shop Local!

For many of us, this July 4th means a long weekend spent with loved ones. If you’re looking for a fun activity, consider visiting one of the Grow The (360) merchants around SW Washington. It’s easy to support local businesses with our community currency: first visit VancouverUSA.com/GrowThe360, then click through to the purchase portal, and soon you’ll receive your “Shop Local Currency” Certificate in your email! With your digital QR code specific to your purchase, stop by any of the following merchants to redeem! You can also send a certificate to a friend or coworker as a well-deserved gift!

We’re proud to support the following members who are now redeeming Grow The (360) Certificates! 

• BLEU DOOR BAKERY 
• CLUB PILATES 
• DRAGONFLY 360, INC. 
• EMANAR CELLARS 
• ERIK RUNYAN JEWELERS 
• FINISHING TOUCH, LLC 
• FIRST SIGHT FAMILY VISION 
• FOODE CAFE & CATERING 
• GARSIDE FLORIST 
• HARRY'S LOCKSMITH SERVICE 
• HOESLY AUTOMOTIVE 
• KATE SINGH PHOTOGRAPHY 
• KAZOODLES TOYS 
• MOUNTAIN VIEW ICE ARENA 
• NORTHWEST PERSONAL TRAINING 
• OCTOMAIDS 
• PACIFIC PERKS COFFEE 
• SELF BALANCE MASSAGE 
• SIMPLY THYME CATERING 
• SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT 
• SWEET SPOT SKIRTS 
• THE HOUSE PILATES 
• THREESIXTY COFFEE CO. 
• TRAP DOOR BREWING 
• UNDERBAR 
• UTOPIA SALON & DAY SPA 
• WELLHAVEN PET HEALTH – DOWNTOWN 
• WELLHAVEN PET HEALTH – HAZEL DELL 
• WELLHAVEN PET HEALTH – MILL PLAIN 
• YOUR PARTY CENTER 

Visit VancouverUSA.com/GrowThe360 for direct links to each participating member! 



2020 Business & Leadership Awards – Nominations Open Soon! 
Watch next week as we will open our call for Business & Leadership Award nominations.  Be thinking about who in these categories you believe should be recognized: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Business Start-up to Watch, Community Statesman of the Year, Community Champion of the Year, and the John S. McKibbin Leadership Legacy Award. Certainly 2020 is reason enough to want to recognize and help celebrate worthy candidates in these areas. Stay tuned!



And with that, have a safe 4th of July! 

John McDonagh 
President/CEO 
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 
VancouverUSA.com | VancouverUSA.com/COVID-19