ARLINGTON — The Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Arlington Business Association swore in their respective boards of directors for 2013 on Tuesday, Jan. 8, after a year that incoming DABA Board President Marilyn Bullock acknowledged had already seen some significant changes.

The Chamber’s new Board for the new year includes President Kristen Granroth, Vice President Julie Morse, Secretary Debbie Whitis, Treasurer Kathy McCone, Past President Heather Logan, and Board members Carrie Byrum, Scott Derr, Sid Logan, Nola Smith, Jason Busch, Michelle Foster, Fritz Fittinger and Jean Simpson.

In addition to Bullock as president, DABA’s Executive Board includes Vice President Tami Sauter and Whitis as secretary/treasurer.

“It’s been quite a challenge,” said Bullock, who estimated that she’s been involved with the downtown Arlington merchants for 12 years, as she addressed the Chamber and DABA members during the Jan. 8 swearing-in ceremony. “When the existing DABA Board resigned in September, I stepped in along with Nola [Smith], Debbie [Whitis] and Rich Senff [of Action Sports on Olympic Avenue]. Our December election of new Board members got us moving forward again, and we’re on track for a good new year.”

Bullock reported that the Arlington Hometown Holidays proved to be a considerable success “in spite of the weather,” with this year’s wagon riders numbering more than 318 over the course of the three days of wagon rides in December.

“There’s a family from Bellevue that’s made our Hometown Holidays their family tradition,” Bullock said. “Our events are bringing in people from all over to Arlington.”

Bullock reported that this year promises the return of such familiar favorites as the May Hunt, the Street Fair, the “Show N Shine” Car Show and the October Hunt.

“Our biggest challenge is getting all our businesses back on board,” Bullock said. “If you’re a Chamber member, it costs nothing to be on DABA.”

Smith added that Hometown Holidays would also be on tap for this year, and encouraged Chamber and DABA members to do outreach of their own to bolster attendance at their events.

“This has been hard work, but fun,” Bullock said.

Morse expressed her appreciation to outgoing Chamber President Logan, Past President Jesica Stickles and Board member John Cronin, as well as outgoing DABA Vice President Smith and Board members Senff and Tyler Moore.

“On behalf of the Arlington-Smokey Point business communities, please accept our gratitude for your service and commitment that benefits our entire community,” Morse said.