2020 started off promising for the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce. It looked likely that the chamber would receive a county tourism grant for a visitor kiosk and brochures on the Tsawwassen ferries. In March, all tourism projects for 2020 were put on hold.
The following month, director David Gellatly passed away. David had been a tireless leader who worked on Point Roberts economic development for decades.
The closed U.S./Canadian border has brought severe economic stress to the local business community. In August, the chamber partnered with a research analyst at Western Washington University to survey local businesses in several categories – retail, recreation, shipping, restaurants and gas stations.
The study reported that the majority of these businesses rely on a customer base 80 percent Canadians. Several businesses have since closed. Others are ‘on hold,’ waiting for the border to re-open.
This study was crucial in pointing out the primary difference of Point Roberts from other border communities. Its geographical isolation, bordering Canada, means there is no surrounding economic support. Blaine, Lynden and Sumas can draw from the south. Point Roberts has no surroundings to draw from. This significant distinction has been brought forward by the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce to our local, county, state and federal representatives, as well as their Canadian counterparts.
The current board of directors has responded to this economic plight.
Chamber president Brian Calder has been interviewed by numerous media regarding Point Roberts’ isolation and as the “safest place to live during the pandemic,” bringing attention to the (catastrophic) effect of the border closure.
The chamber has taken up initiatives with the Point’s representatives at the county and state level, asking the Port of Bellingham/Whatcom County to seriously consider a purchase of the Point Roberts Marina; and for an arrangement to allow local contractors to operate county equipment in the case of emergencies.
Board: Brian Calder, president; Louise Mugar, vice president; Patti Monaghan-Hacker, treasurer; Linda Hughes, secretary; Tamra Hansen,
director.
Members: 32
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