The La Conner Chamber of Commerce presented Jan Marie McGehee with a Community Award  last week, recognizing her 38 years of continuous Chamber membership and dedication to the town she calls home.

McGehee arrived in La Conner from Austin, Texas, in 1983 after studying fashion merchandising. In 1987, she turned her passion into reality by opening The Country Lady, a boutique that has become a fixture on First Street.

“I just love this place,” McGehee said. “It’s a special place. People love to come here — I see it every day.” She credits La Conner itself for her business’s longevity, noting that the town’s charm keeps visitors and locals alike returning.

Known for her warmth and enthusiasm, McGehee has built a loyal following over the decades. “I have one customer who is 100 years old,” she said. “They come from all over.”