Executive Director Imelda Dulcich announced publicly Feb. 11 that she is resigning from the chamber to focus more on the clients of her public relations firm.

“I am privileged to have worked with so many wonderful members of the community in my work as executive director,” she said in a news release. “My joy has been working with the chamber board to help our members succeed by providing opportunities to build connections, increase visibility and learn through our educational events.”

Hired in 2012, Dulcich served in a part-time consultant role as the chief administrator and executive officer of the chamber. In her position, she implemented the policies of the board of directors, administered the approved budget and acted as the chamber spokeswoman.

Dulcich played a key role in raising the visibility of Newcastle businesses through social media promotion. She also spearheaded the welcomed transformation of the Newcastle Diamond Awards into a glitzy evening affair.

During her time with the chamber, Dulcich offered valuable training opportunities for members, and made the monthly luncheons a not-to-miss event with heralded guest speakers such as U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, sports radio personality Bill Swartz, King County Sheriff John Urquhart and Q13 Fox News’ David Rose.

After announcing her decision at the Feb. 11 chamber luncheon, Dulcich received a standing ovation from the attendees.

The chamber board accepted her resignation with regret, according to the news release.

“Imelda’s unique brand of social media talents and personal touch strengthened and deepened the chamber’s role within the region,” past chamber President Peter Zevenbergen said. “Imelda leverages her insight and wisdom to make profound impacts on all her work. She will be missed.”

The board started laying out a plan to find Dulcich’s replacement at its annual retreat Feb. 12.

Sara Biancofiori, current chamber president, added that Dulcich has agreed to work with the board to provide continuity and easy transfer of work for the new executive director.

“There are many exciting things happening in 2015 for our chamber. While I’m sad to see Imelda go, I know that together with our board, we will continue to build on our successes,” Biancofiori said. “Because of Imelda, the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has seen tremendous growth of our visibility in the region, and we will continue that trend into the future.”

Chamber board welcomes new members

The chamber added three new members to its board in February.

Local photographer Jackie Steinke and Newcastle Library staff members Vicki Heck and Donna Day join Biancofiori (Coal Creek Family YMCA), Zevenbergen (Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation), Nick Sooy (Farmers Insurance), Mary VonRanker (CedarMist Healing Arts), Hayley Stowe (Regency Newcastle), David Uchida (The Golf Club at Newcastle), Travis Monen (HomeStreet Bank) and Karin Blakely (Waddell & Reed) on the board.

O say, can you sing “The Star-Spangled Banner?”

If so, the Newcastle Library wants to test your patriotic pipes at its July 12 singing competition.

“The Voice of the Newcastle Library” contest will crown a local crooner, who will then get the honor of singing the national anthem at the library’s first naturalization ceremony July 23.

“It’s a fun way to showcase the singing talent in our community, draw community members together and find a special singer for our naturalization ceremony,” librarian Vicki Heck said.

The competition is open to anyone 13 and older. Contestants don’t have to be Newcastle residents to participate; just drop by the Newcastle Library to register. Space is limited, but the library will accept drop-ins the day of the event, if room is available, Heck said.

During the contest, singers must belt the first verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a panel of Newcastle-centric judges, including Imelda Dulcich, the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, and Wendy Kirchner, the city’s community activities liaison.

The winner will receive a red, white and blue sash and a gift basket from the Friends of the Newcastle Library, in addition to the July 23 singing gig.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will administer the oath ceremony for new citizens. The department recently started offering the ceremonies at smaller community venues, such as libraries.

It’s a huge honor for the Newcastle Library, Heck said, to host the ceremony, and she hopes the live singer, rather than just a recording of the national anthem, makes it all the more memorable for attendees.

“Our USCIS contact let us know that it’s extra special to have a live singer during that section, so our teen librarian Donna Day and I started brainstorming how to suss out the singing talent we are confident exists within our community,” she said.

A lineup of local elected officials will attend the oath ceremony, Heck said, including Newcastle Mayor Steve Buri and state Reps. Judy Clibborn and Tana Senn. Newcastle City Council members Rich Crispo, Lisa Jensen and Carol Simpson will also be there.

“We encourage the singers in our community to come out, have some fun and show us your stuff,” Heck said of the July 12 contest. “Help us show our newest United States citizens that Newcastle’s got talent.”

Nominations are already coming in for the Nov. 20 ceremony that honors Newcastle’s top community members. Get to know some of the nominees below, and be sure to cast your nominations at www.newcastle-chamber.org.

 Jenna Boerboom — Community Leadership Award

Jenna Boerboom, Newcastle Apple Physical Therapy’s former clinic director, is nominated for the Community Leadership Award for her positive attitude and devotion to the Newcastle chamber. She is actively involved on the chamber board, supporting its events and serving as a friendly point person when registering members at chamber functions.

Her great attitude is an inspiration to all, her smile is infectious, and her caring attitude is felt and appreciated. In working at Newcastle Apple Physical Therapy, she has been devoted to her clients and employees, and is always willing to help in whatever way she can.

Vicki Heck — Dennis Yarnell Inspiration Award

Vicki Heck, a librarian at the Newcastle Library, is nominated for the Dennis Yarnell Inspiration Award, because of her strong commitment to the community. Her work to thoughtfully bring all sorts of groups together within the community is an inspiration. Her energy and planning in programming to draw teens makes Newcastle a warmer place.

Heck is always looking for ways to build stronger communities, using public libraries as platforms for public discourse, community activism, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, literacy and equal access to information (and entertainment) for all. She represents the King County Library System well, always attending events in Newcastle, showing her passion for the city.

Chris Ware — Business Award

Chris Ware, owner of Dolce Vita Salon and Nail Spa, works tirelessly to provide benefits and education to her staff members to ensure they are fulfilled in their work. She promotes her staff and lets them shine through her posts on social media.

She is also actively involved in her community and seeks ways to help other businesses. She is an active member of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and attends most events in order to promote her business. She is also passionate about supporting other local businesses and encouraging fellow Newcastle residents to do the same. She seeks nonprofit groups to provide support to them as she is able.

Christina Corrales-Toy — Customer Service Award

Christina Corrales-Toy

Christina Corrales-Toy, Newcastle News reporter, demonstrates great care for the Newcastle community and goes above and beyond to tell great stories to educate the public. She continues to learn about the community and goes to many events both within and around the community. Christina works to engage residents and get them involved in community events. She is ethical in her work and upholds the standards of the journalistic professionalism.