GHHWA Elects John Lantz, Jill Guernsey To Board

At the GHHWA's Annual Meeting held in January, nearly 50 people filled the tap room at 7 Seas Brewery to celebrate the organization's 2012 accomplishments and to hear our plans and goals for 2013.

In addition, newly elected board members were introduced, along with re-elected board members, Bill Fogarty (Water's Edge Gallery & Framery, Inc.), Nancy Stolz (Columbia Bank) and Guy Hoppen (Eddon BoatShop).

Joining the board for their first terms are John Lantz (Past President of Lucks Food) and Jill Guernsey (Attorney, and Gig Harbor City Council).

Board President, Gary Glein, commented, "We are both fortunate and excited to have these two individuals join our board - they both love Gig Harbor and have a passion for the success of the waterfront district.  They are a good match for the Association's mission."

The City of Gig Harbor's Public Works Department received the "Community Partnership Award" for their untiring support of the downtown waterfront and the Association's efforts, be it assistance with the flower basket program, maintenance of roads, sidewalks and parks, snow removal, or assisting with road closures during events.  The award was presented to Marco Malich on behalf of the entire department.

The Volunteer Extraordinaire award was presented to Lee Smith and Pam Peterson-Smith.  Pam and Lee can be found helping with GHHWA events, participating at the committee level, helping promote the waterfront district whenever possible, and are always willing to give a helping hand when the call goes out.  The GHHWA appreciates the many hours given by all our volunteers - they are the backbone of the Association.

Key GHHWA achievements for the past year include increased membership, a record high level of B&O Tax Credit donors, successful promotional events, (including the Wine & Food Festival, The Art of Chocolate, Girls Night Out and Chalk the Harbor), the summer flower basket program and the 40 volunteers who maintained the baskets throughout the summer, and the 3,000 plus hours of volunteer time devoted to the Association's programs and projects.

Our priorities for 2013 include a community-wide branding initiative, a study of the downtown market potential, an architectural review of our downtown landscape (through the UW School of Architecture "Summer Storefront" program), and continued promotions and beautification projects.

The Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is a private, non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to bringing together community and waterfront district stakeholders, encouraging economic vitality and preserving our historic character.  The office is located at 3311 Harborview Drive, Suite 101.  For information about the GHHWA contact Mary DesMarais, Executive Director, at (253) 514-0071 or info@ghhwa.org.