“The circumstance of real estate in Kitsap County is good,” said Norm Johnson, of Reid Real Estate in Silverdale. “Ferry rates have not affected the market negatively, neither did Sept. 11. Homes up to the $200,000 range are selling very well. In fact, there’s an inventory shortage.”

Johnson, who is a former kicker for the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons, spoke before Achievers in Action, an informal business group that meets on Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m., at the Silverdale Hotel. He is one of 26 members who share their business knowledge and expertise.

Matt White, financial advisor for Merrill Lynch of Gig Harbor, founded Achievers in Action a year ago. “Achievers in Action is a local group of entrepreneurs dedicated to sharing knowledge and referrals through networking,” White said. “We promote and support creativity, innovation and communication. We foster mutual respect among ourselves and in the community. We encourage personal growth and responsibility in our personal lives as well as in our business relationships.”

White facilitates weekly speakers from the business community and membership. He said that members like the informality and open-forum concept of Achievers in Action. Members depend upon good manners to carry the meeting and no one takes attendance.

“What matters most is hearing testimonials that benefit the group,” White said. “Having grown up in Kitsap County my whole life and knowing local business owners, it’s neat to help them make their business better. Achievers in Action give back to the community. Members benefit from more satisfied clients and additional referrals.”

White is one of five original members. The other four are Dave Sanford, owner of Emerald Hearth, Home & Spas in Poulsbo; Stacey Ames, marketing director of Kitsap Mall in Silverdale; Sandy Crenshaw, president of Blue Lagoon Tanning in Silverdale; and Dena Swisher, director of Community Relations at Clearbrook Inn Living Center, Silverdale, a senior facility of Encore Communities.

“Achievers in Action has help me in many ways,” Sanford said. “I am associated with some of the best people from various professions, which gives me a great demographic profile of my target market. Members share leads and strategies that specifically generate immediate sales and response. Achievers in Action provide a sounding board. As business owners, we have no one to go to bounce ideas. This group offers help.”

Sanford sells, installs and services spas and hot tubs and freestanding stoves, fireplace inserts and fireplaces.

“I enjoy the group, because I meet with professionals in a variety of areas, helping me to become more creative regarding Kitsap Mall activities and relationships,” Ames said. “I have made a number of business contacts that affect the day-to-day operations of my department. For example, Gloria Blankenbaker of It’s Your Design assisted with Kitsap Mall’s holiday décor and specialty tenant merchandising, making my job easier over the crazy holiday period. Also, Dena Swisher and I worked out a sponsorship opportunity for the Mall Walkers&Mac226; Club.”

“My job involves educating the community about Encore Communities,” Swisher said. “Achievers in Action are a wonderful source of contact, information and encouragement. I appreciate the expertise of each member and the willingness to share. I’m on a great team and everyone is playing to win.”

“I regard Achievers in Action as an invaluable source for services and materials at Blue Lagoon Tanning,” Crenshaw said. “I make referrals, which increase my value as a source. For example, I referred Dave Sanford to my daughter, Pam, regarding the installation of a gas stove. Pam said that Dave quoted the best price and gave excellent customer service.”

Customer service is one of the many topics discussed at the weekly presentations. Bill Hoke of Hoke Consulting spoke about customer service last fall. Darrell Fry, CPA, spoke about investments for retirement. Norm Ferguson, MA, CTM, spoke about goal setting and presented “Tune Yourself Up for 2002,” 10 characteristics that differentiate peak performers from workaholics.”

Speakers have volunteered their time and talent.

If you are interested in Achievers in Action membership or in giving a presentation, contact White at (360) 710-5544.

(Editor’s Note: Sandra Spargo owns The Writing Connection and may be reached at (360)779-6033, or writing@tscnet.com.).