Kevin Dwyer has been the executive director of the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce since 2001. He was a journalist for more than 20 years, including stints with the Puget Sound Business Journal, Washington CEO Magazine and the Kitsap Sun, before spending three years as director of business recruitment for the Kitsap Economical Development Council. He is also an occasional contributor to the Business Journal.

After being pitched the idea of becoming the director by the previous executive director, Dwyer, a Bainbridge resident, decided to take the position. He enjoys the job because it allows him to maintain close ties to his community and the 900-plus members of the chamber.

“Being executive director affords an opportunity to be closely involved with the community,” Dwyer said. “It has good linkage to important issues and allows me to meet interesting businesses and people who are members of the chamber, both within Bainbridge Island and outside.”

Upcoming events for the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce include the Annual Holiday After-hours event, held on Dec. 7 and sponsore

d by American Marine Bank. Also, the Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon will be held on Jan. 17, with the Healthy Living Expo following on Jan. 27.

Contact Dwyer at (206) 842-3700, or info@bainbridgechamber.com. Visit the chamber’s Web site at www.bainbridgechamber.com.

Silvia Klatman is the current executive director of the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce. She worked for her family’s business, Vanguard Office Systems, for nine years until it was sold to Danka when her parents, well-known community boosters Emil and Anna Reynolds, retired. Before joining the chamber as operations manager, she spent two years working with Kevin Dwyer at the Kitsap Economical Development Council before becoming executive director of the chamber.

“Most people would hate what I like about [being executive director]. Every day is different. The best way I could describe it is controlled chaos,” Klatman said. “This is one of the only jobs where you can come in to work with a to-do list, and leave with the exact same list at the end of the day.”

When she is not busy with chamber activities, Klatman likes to read, usually going through a book per week. She also has two sons, Joshua and Jeremy, who are involved in BMX and baseball tournaments, which take up a large part of Klatman and her husband Jeff’s time. Klatman says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Bremerton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Pacific Northwest International Trade Alliance, recently hosted Gov. Christine Gregoire in a visit to Bremerton. Upcoming events in Bremerton include the Business and Education Committee meeting on Dec. 12, and the Armed Forces Committee meeting on Jan. 9.

Contact Klatman at (360) 479-3579, or silvia@bremertonchamber.org. Visit the Chamber’s Web site at www.bremertonchamber.org.

Kim D.E.D. Hails began her job as executive director for the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce in June 2002. Hails is no stranger to this position, having held it for five years in Murphysboro, Ill. She also spent 18 years as telecommunications development director, operations manager, and catering manager at Naval Submarine Base Bangor. Hails enjoys working with others toward retaining and expanding upon the chamber’s 500 members.

“I am hands-on and self-starter,” Hails said. “I have worked in the field of development, specifically public relations, business development and fundraising. Building relationships is tantamount to successful development.”

In her free time, Hails and her husband, Paul, like to spend time with their family and friends. They also walk around the Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula frequently, taking time to enjoy the area.

Upcoming events in Gig Harbor include the Tidefest Art Fair in December, as well as the Gig Harbor Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade. Gig Harbor will also host the Altrusa Holiday Tour of Homes.

Contact Hails at (253) 851-6865, or executivedirector@gigharborchamber.com. The chamber’s Web site is www.gigharborchamber.com.

Sally Christy has been the executive director of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce for a year. She was a volunteer for the chamber for three years prior to becoming the executive director, which played a large part on the chamber’s decision to appoint her to the position. Christy was also a speech pathologist for the Seattle School District for 25 years. Currently “retired,” she works part-time for the North Kitsap School District in addition to her duties with the chamber.

“I like getting to know the community leaders, getting to know others, and establishing newsletters,” Christy said. “[Being executive director] is different from any job I’ve ever had.”

Christy is a self-described artist, and enjoys shooting photography, pottery, and reading in her spare time.

Upcoming events for the Kingston Chamber of Commerce include the All Business Lunch on Dec. 6, and the Chamber Board Meeting on Dec. 12. Other events in Kingston are the Kingston Country Christmas on Dec. 9, and the Kingston Garden Club meeting on Dec. 20.

Reach Christy at (360) 297-6725, or through the Chamber’s Web site at www.kingstonchamber.com.

Port Orchard Chamber Director Melody Sapp, who served in that position for over 20 years, has just retired.

The Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce also recently elected and installed its 2007 officials and board members. While a new president and staff are in place, as of press time, a search is currently underway for a new director.

The upcoming event for the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce is the Chamber Luncheon on Dec. 14. In October, the recently elected officers of the Chamber took office.

Contact the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce at (360) 876-3505, or office@portorchard.com. Visit the Chamber’s Web site at www.portorchard.com.

Stuart Leidner has been the executive director of the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce for more than a year. Prior to joining the chamber, Leidner was a research assistant at the University of Idaho and conducted tourism and recreation research. He was also the coordinator for research and innovation at the Washington State University Small Business Development Center. Leidner is familiar with the executive director position, having held it as a part of the Downtown Kennewick and Columbia Drive Association, as well as for a nonprofit conservation organization in Arizona. Leidner believes his background in these positions has helped him in his current job.

“The [executive director’s] job is challenging and multi-faceted. I enjoy working with our business economy to shape Poulsbo’s economic future,” he said.“ We have a diverse economy, which makes the community strong. The members of the chamber are committed to making Poulsbo a better place to live, providing good jobs and maintaining a healthy, vibrant business community.”

In his free time away from the chamber, Leidner likes to seek “outdoor adventures.” He enjoys the mountains and rivers of the area, as well as the Puget Sound.

Upcoming events for the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce include the Christmas Party on Dec. 14, hosted by Westsound Bank, and the Awards Banquet, which will take place early next year.

Contact Leidner at (360) 779-4848, or director@poulsbochamber.com. Visit the Chamber’s Web site at www.poulsbochamber.com.

Darla Murker has been the executive director of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce since August 2006, but has been with the chamber since October 2001.

She was originally hired as the communications coordinator, and moved into the position of executive director after the previous executive director retired. Murker believes that her time spent with the chamber has helped her with her current responsibilities, and she now takes part in just about every part of the chamber. Currently, the chamber has only 1.5 positions.

“The position is very dynamic, there is something new to do each day,” she said. “I really enjoy working with the people, the membership and the individuals who come to us looking for assistance or information. I enjoy helping to pull all the pieces of the puzzle together for someone looking to start a new business, relocate to the area, or grow their business.”

When she is done with work, Murker spends time in her vegetable garden in Port Orchard. She is an artist, and dabbles in calligraphy and illumination. She also has an unpublished romance novel, and says that if there is an event involving horses, she is there.

Upcoming events for the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce include the Old Towne Association Meeting on Dec. 12, the Military Association Meeting on Dec. 13, and the monthly board meeting on Dec. 21. In 2007, the chamber will host the Quicksilver Hydroplane Races on Aug. 17-19.

Contact Murker at (360) 692-6800, or communications@silverdalechamber.com or visit the Chamber’s Web site at www.silverdalechamber.com.