11/17/2005: "Peacock & Robins New SJIVB Board Members"

The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau board of directors has voted in two new members - Christopher Peacock of Rosario Resort & Spa and Stephen Robins, M.D. of Pelindaba Lavender. The vote was held to fill two unexpired terms; an election for expiring terms will be held at the Bureau's spring membership meeting. All board positions are for staggered three-year terms.

Christopher Peacock, Director of Marketing for Rosario Resort & Spa, has been at Rosario Resort since 1980. He is also the resort's resident historian, a recording artist and active participant in Orcas Island community activities. He was elected to complete an at-large position from Orcas. This opening was created with the recent resignation of Mike Stolmeier who had served in several capacities since 1999, including that of president and founding member of the Business Association of San Juan County, now "doing business as" the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. Stolmeier, manager of Smuggler's Villa Resort, resigned to devote time to new positions on the boards of the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce and Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and his continuing service as the Visitors Bureau board's liaison to Washington State Ferries committees.

"Mike Stolmeier had the creative vision to see a greater future for the tourism industry in San Juan County," Visitors Bureau President Laura Saccio said. "He understood the significance of tourism's benefits not just for those directly serving the industry, but for all county residents. We can all thank Mike for having the foresight and fortitude to create a stronger economic base for this community."

Stephen Robins, M.D. is co-founder/owner of Pelindaba Lavender and has lived on San Juan Island since 1988. He and his wife Susan have been the recipients of recognition locally and at the state level for their contributions to island economic development and business innovation. Stephens was elected to complete the at-large term of Mike Vouri who resigned from the board for personal reasons. Vouri, Historian and Chief Interpreter for San Juan Island National Historical Park, had brought a much valued cultural and historical perspective to the board.