PORT ANGELES — A farewell party Friday will celebrate retiring Russ Veenema’s 15 years as executive director of the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St. at the foot of Lincoln Street, and will feature snacks, beverages and a no-host bar.
Although not required, participants are invited to bring bottles of wine to “Fill the Barrel” as a gift for Veenema.
Veenema, 62, will retire at the end of the year.
Hired in the fall of 2000, he earns $89,000 a year.
Announcement of a replacement is expected in January.
During Veenema’s tenure, Port Angeles captured national attention as the second-place finisher in a nationwide Web-based “Best City Ever” competition run by Outside magazine and kudos in a survey of small towns by Livability magazine, plus mention as one of the country’s “coolest towns” by the Matador Network travel website.
Port Angeles also received visits May 16 and in May 2014 from Holland America cruise line’s ms Statendam and visits by American Cruise Lines’ American Spirit in 2013 and 2014.
Veenema worked with the Port of Port Angeles to restore passenger air service between Seattle and Fairchild International Airport, which SeaPort Airlines is scheduled to begin March 1.
The past three years also have marked records for hotel occupancy.
During his time with the chamber, the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, Olympic Discovery Marathon and Ride the Hurricane bicycle rally grew into regional — even international — tourist attractions.
Veenema’s slogan for the chamber — “The Center of It All on the Olympic Peninsula” — was replaced by “Port Angeles: The Authentic Northwest” five years ago.
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Reporter James Casey can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jcasey@peninsuladailynews.com.
