The Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce Meeting…
Phill Johnson at the mic reports on the census… Kris Nelson listens to him from the lectrum…
Then comes Carol McGough, owner of the successful and prestigious James House -until recently- for the past 21 years… Smartly -as all she does- although she sold The James House to private owners… she kept her Bungalows on the Bluff to -profit from her years of bright advertising?…and- still serve and delight the tourism.
She talks about the phenomenal development of the “Bed and Breakfast” industry in the world…AND, particularly in our Port Townsend -where she foresees great opportunities IF we, as individuals -and as a City- realize our very UNIQUE assets in town…Such as unique birds, unique classes (unique people? Your reporter wonders…)… and promote them as our assets: As a “Can’t miss this!!!” factor for the public of the world.
She, from the moment she got in touch with her “INNkeeper heart” while traveling through Europe, has been in the habit of inquiring…”What’s your biggest concern, as an INNkeeper”?…”What’s your biggest asset, as an INNKeeper?”… “How can we best serve you, as a guest”… “How would you prefer to be cared for as a guest?”…”How can be best serve your needs as a guest?”…ALWAYS, it seems, in contact with what is happening to people and with people…She invites us to do the same…
And she amazes us with comparative stats from 21 years ago -and today… Specially the “development” of the “Private Gate Away” industry in our city…
Through the years, when we hear her words, we realize that she’s always been very attentive to trends and those who develop them: people. The travelers, our guests.
She’s found that offering the highest quality and attention, being of service to their needs as mere travelers, as visitors with a personal purpose, or as business visitors, is the only way to thrive by well serving them.
When Chamber President -Elect Kris Nelson brings her smile to thank Carol -her friend and once business mentor- and to close the session, Carol’s closing words tell us that – although she realizes this is an industry that requires dedication and attention, in itself- it also invites visionary planning from the city -as not to create unnecessary divisions -that can destabilize the town- when maybe favoring one sector of the hospitality industry, versus widening the vision towards the future. Back in that visionary ability, with the City supporting as strongly the retail, the restaurant, and the hospitality industries, the three will blossom in an indispensable balance; taxes will flow, economy and quality of life will thrive, AND – your writer reckons- with such quality of life, real estate values will be preserved and increased…
With much applause, we all thanked Carol for her intelligent, frank, and down-to-earth presentation.
Blog post proudly presented by Huber’s INN Port Townsend… www.StayInHubersINN.com
…Your “Green” Bed and Breakfast in Port Townsend, Washington. We love serving all people, coming to the scenic Opympic Peninsula. Tourists, neighbors, visitors, or Winter Olympiads enthusiasts… Centrum patrons,, Ft. Worden friends, gourmets “foodies”, vegetarians, vegan eaters, hikers,sailors,divers, canoers,fisher people, When it comes to fun , vacations and festivals, we are Port Townsend is The Leader… come and EnjoyPT!
