September 2012 The Number One Business Advocate In The Walla Walla Valley 29 East Sumach | P.O. Box 644 | Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Ph. 509.525.0850 | Fax 509.522.2038 | [email protected] | wwvchamber.com ChamberNews n June, the Chamber launched the “Chamber Works Project”. This is a progressive economic development initiative for the Walla Walla Valley. We are focusing on emerging business segments and trends that hold opportunity for the community. The four initiatives under the project include: 1. The Creative Economy – The objective is to develop the creative services industries as well as our art, entertainment and cultural talent. 2. Digital Walla Walla – The focus is on building business opportunities with our growing broadband infrastructure. 3. Hispanic Business Roundtable – The goal is to support this growing and important segment of our business community. 4. Plow 2 Plate – We will link our diverse and rich agricultural economy with the growing reputation of our culinary talent. On September 26, the Chamber will host the launch of Plow 2 Plate at Waterbrook Winery beginning at 5:30pm. We will have a panel discussion with leaders from both the agricultural and cuisine communities. We will explore some of the issues and opportunities in growing (pun intended) the “culinary agricultural” economy. After our discussion, we will enjoy some very tasty food highlight- ing our locally grown products prepared by some of our best local chefs. I hope you will join us (unless you don’t like great food, wine and conversation!). Tickets are available at the Chamber. Speaking of our Creative Economy initiatives, the Chamber has teamed up with Charles Smith Wines to present the film OUR MISSION The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce is a mem- ber-focused organiza- tion and community partner that fosters a sustainable, healthy and vibrant economic environment through business promotion, education and services. INSIDE Page 2 —Celebrating Our Successes and Embracing Our Failures Learning Experiences Page 3 —Business Awards Showcase Page 4-5 —Members’ News Flash Page 6-7 —Business Awards Showcase —130th Annual Banquet Page 8 —Ribbon Cuttings Page 9 —Ambassador of the Month —Welcome New Members Page 10 —Member Of The Month —Member Appreciation BBQ Page 11 —Business After Hours —Fly Walla Walla First —Advertise Your Business or Event —Monthly Statistics I Plow 2 Plate (With Side Dishes) • David Woolson, President / CEO “Welcome to the Club: The Women of Rockabilly” on Wednesday, September 5. Beth Harrington is the Producer/Director and she will introduce the film prior to its screening. Beth is a talented film maker (and an old friend) from Portland. Welcome to the Club was nominated for a Grammy and features female rockabilly legend, Wanda Jackson. Wanda is performing the next night (September 6) at Charles Smith Wines. Wanda Jackson is truly a legend in music and has been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. The film screening is a free event and is open to all ages. Tickets to the concert are $20 and available at Charles Smith Winery. Don’t miss it! I really hope you make it to the Business Awards Showcase on September 19. Come help us celebrate the best of business in the Valley as we recognize companies and organizations in seven categories. The event is sponsored by our friends at Baker Boyer Bank and it will be held in their elegant lobby which will transform into a theatre for the evening. Lastly, mark your calendars for October 16. The Chamber will host candidate debates for those vying for seats at the Walla Walla County Commission and the Washington State Legislature. The Chamber continues to pursue an aggressive public policy and political agenda to provide a positive business climate. These debates will give you a unique opportunity to assess the best representative for you and your business. I hope to see you at Plow 2 Plate, Wanda Jackson, Business Awards Showcase and the debates. A great serving of cuisine, music and politics!
Transcript
September 2012 The Number One Business Advocate In The Walla Walla Valley
n June, the Chamber launched the “Chamber Works Project”. This is a progressive economic development initiative for the Walla Walla Valley.
We are focusing on emerging business segments and trends that hold opportunity for the community.
The four initiatives under the project include:
1. The Creative Economy – The objective is to develop the creative services industries as well as our art, entertainment and cultural talent.
2. Digital Walla Walla – The focus is on building business opportunities with our growing broadband infrastructure.
3. Hispanic Business Roundtable – The goal is to support this growing and important segment of our business community.
4. Plow 2 Plate – We will link our diverse and rich agricultural economy with the growing reputation of our culinary talent.
On September 26, the Chamber will host the launch of Plow 2 Plate at Waterbrook Winery beginning at 5:30pm. We will have a panel discussion with leaders from both the agricultural and cuisine communities. We will explore some of the issues and opportunities in growing (pun intended) the “culinary agricultural” economy. After our discussion, we will enjoy some very tasty food highlight-ing our locally grown products prepared by some of our best local chefs. I hope you will join us (unless you don’t like great food, wine and conversation!). Tickets are available at the Chamber.
Speaking of our Creative Economy initiatives, the Chamber has teamed up with Charles Smith Wines to present the film
OUR MISSIONT h e Wa l l a Wa l l a Valley Chamber of Commerce is a mem-ber-focused organiza-tion and community partner that fosters a sustainable, healthy and vibrant economic environment through business promotion, education and services.
INSIDEPage 2—Celebrating Our Successes and Embracing Our Failures Learning Experiences
Page 9—Ambassador of the Month—Welcome New Members
Page 10—Member Of The Month—Member Appreciation BBQ
Page 11—Business After Hours—Fly Walla Walla First—Advertise Your Business or Event—Monthly Statistics
IPlow 2 Plate (With Side Dishes)• David Woolson, President / CEO
“Welcome to the Club: The Women of Rockabilly” on Wednesday, September 5. Beth Harrington is the Producer/Director and she will introduce the film prior to its screening. Beth is a talented film maker (and an old friend) from Portland. Welcome to the Club was nominated for a Grammy and features female rockabilly legend, Wanda Jackson. Wanda is performing the next night (September 6) at Charles Smith Wines. Wanda Jackson is truly a legend in music and has been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. The film screening is a free event and is open to all ages. Tickets to the concert are $20 and available at Charles Smith Winery. Don’t miss it!
I really hope you make it to the Business Awards Showcase on September 19. Come help us celebrate the best of business in the Valley as we recognize companies and organizations in seven categories. The event is sponsored by our friends at Baker Boyer Bank and it will be held in their elegant lobby which will transform into a theatre for the evening.
Lastly, mark your calendars for October 16. The Chamber will host candidate debates for those vying for seats at the Walla Walla County Commission and the Washington State Legislature. The Chamber continues to pursue an aggressive public policy and political agenda to provide a positive business climate. These debates will give you a unique opportunity to assess the best representative for you and your business.
I hope to see you at Plow 2 Plate, Wanda Jackson, Business Awards Showcase and the debates. A great serving of cuisine, music and politics!
2 | September 2012
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMDavid Woolson President/CEO
Damien Sinnott Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development
Betsy Hadden Director of Member Services
Jenny Buckley Office Manager/ Executive Assistant
Tammy Sutton Bookkeeper
Marissa Miller Administrative Assistant& Plan Center Coordinator
Banner Bank
Capps Broadcast Group
Coffey Communications, Inc
Columbia REA
Gesa Credit Union
Inland Cellular
KUJ
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Wine Valley Golf Club
VISIONARY MEMBERS
Celebrating Our Successes and Embracing Our Failures Learning Experiences
n just a few weeks our community will come together at the Chamber’s 6th Annual Business Awards Showcase presented by Baker Boyer Bank to
celebrate some of the remarkable successes that our business members have had over the last year. This is an event that always makes me proud to be a part of the business community for it highlights some amazing stories. Celebrating our members’ successes is an extremely important thing to do, for the entire community should know about all of the great things that our local businessmen and businesswomen are doing. While celebrating our successes always makes me feel good about our community, it is the way that we embrace our friends and neighbors when they embark on a venture that proves less successful that truly warms my heart.
I recently attended an economic development conference in Sacramento and one of the speakers made the point that oftentimes, when a business fails, the people involved feel like pariahs. They are ashamed and feel as if those around them are constantly judging them and question-ing their business acumen. The point that the speaker was ultimately trying to make was that one of the critically important elements of a good business climate is the manner in which a community supports and encourages those entrepreneurs who were brave enough to take a swing at a business concept that, for whatever reason, didn’t take off. After all, just because they might not have succeeded once, doesn’t mean that they won’t try again and that they won’t eventually be wildly successful. However, the chance that they will be willing to make another go of it is substantially reduced if the community does not support their efforts regardless
of the ultimate outcome. On the airplane
ride home from my conference, I thought about this point quite a bit and wondered how our community would embrace and s u p p o r t s o m e o n e involved in a failed business venture. Call it fate or call it karma, but I would soon find out firsthand.
Like many folks in Walla Walla, I often find myself wearing many hats, and over the last several years one of those hats has been that of a board member on a local non-profit. The mission of that organization is one that I have been deeply passionate about, but nonetheless the organization has struggled. Shortly after returning from my conference I had to let the Walla Walla community know that our business model had failed and that we had come to the difficult decision to close our doors. Sure enough, I soon found myself feeling overly self-conscious and wondering how I would be treated. I steeled myself for the questions, criticisms, and barbs, but surprisingly they never came. Instead, I received phone call after phone call from folks who just wanted to reach out and tell me how sorry they were and that they appreciated all of the effort that had gone into trying to make it work. People were truly supportive, and I guess I never should have doubted that they would be.
The Walla Walla Valley is the picture of a tight-knit and supportive community, and as a result we have all of the elements necessary for a great business climate. We recognize and celebrate each other’s
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• Damien Sinnott, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development
Immediate Past Chair Monty Knittel Walla Walla General Hospital
Past Chair Gary Ponti McAdams, Ponti, Wernette and VanDorn, PS
Secretary David Woolson Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
2nd &Tietan • 1355 W. Poplar • 522.2010 • gesa.com
e will be celebrating the stars of the Walla Walla Valley business community at the 6th Annual Business Awards
Showcase, Wednesday, September 19. This year, we have over 21 businesses that have been nominated. These businesses were named by our nominating committee and by peer submission. Those submissions are narrowed down into the following categories: •Catalyst: honors an individual, business
or organization that collaborates and motivates to make BIG things happen in the Walla Walla Valley•Health & Wellness: recognizes a
business for outstanding commitment to employee wellness and development in the workplace•Business of the Year: pays tribute to
a business for its contribution to the community•Not For Profit of the Year: recognizes
best business practices in a 501c(3), 501c(4), or 501c(6) of any size.•$mart Business Partner: recognizes
large and small businesses that practice outstanding commitment to environmen-tally sound business practices.•Youth Entrepreneur: acknowledges a
youth who organizes and manages his or her own small business and demonstrates excellent customer service.We recognize these businesses as models
for their industries that excel the economy as well as being role models for diverse businesses thriving in the Walla Walla Valley. The Business Awards Showcase highlights the Chambers’ underlying principle of celebrating businesses of all sizes for their achievements.
A special thank you goes out to our generous returning title sponsor, Baker Boyer Bank. Not only will this be their fifth year as presenting sponsor but it will be their second year of holding the ceremony in their beautifully spacious lobby located on Main Street in downtown Walla Walla. We appreci-ate their support of the Chamber and their strong belief in our business community.
Honoring The Stars of Business• Betsy Hadden, Director of Member Services
W Alaska Airlines will be with us again this year. As you enter the Baker Boyer lobby, all guests will be given a boarding pass. One lucky winner with the correct boarding pass will win a FREE pair of Alaska Airline tickets!
I encourage you to at-tend this great event and help us celebrate our business community. Chamber Members and their guests will enjoy an evening of hors d’ oeuvres, champagne and wine as we honor the businesses that make our valley so vibrant. Tickets are on sale now at the Chamber for $25 ($30 for non-members). To view a full list of nominees, you may go to our web site www.wwvchamber.com. See you there!
I f y o u h a v e not experienced a Wa l l a Wa l l a Valley Chamber of Commerce Business
After Hours, you are missing out. Grab a stack of your business cards and start handing them out at our next BAH, September 11 from 5:30-7:00pm at Three Rivers Winery.
This will be a great opportunity to meet those “potential customers”! Plus, you certainly do not want to miss out on all the great offers! Three Rivers Winery will be offering tasting of their delicious wines along with fabulous eats from Olive Marketplace & Cafe. Maybe you would like to challenge another business to a little golf? You don’t want to forget to put your name in the hat for the door prize as Three Rivers will be giving away gift items and offering discounts on purchases during the event. So bring a friend, or come solo, and meet us for a relaxing night of building business relationships while experiencing Three Rivers Winery’s beautiful property.
Three Rivers Winery5641 Old Hwy 12
4 |September 2012
Scott Abajian Abajian Toyota-Scion
Meagan Anderson-Pira Children’s Home Society
Shannon Bergevin Express Employment Professionals
Rob Blethen Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Todd Brandenburg PocketiNet Communications
Jon Bren Baker Boyer Bank
George Bridges Whitman College
Chaundra Dominguez Figgins Family Wine Estates
Valerie Fayette One Meadow Lane
Anita Funk Key Technology
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Members’ News Flashand vocational scholarships to students throughout the Valley. They also provide free access to physical and occupational therapy to children via the Washington State Elks Therapy “Tall Elks” program. Veteran’s activities include sending care packages to deployed soldiers from Walla Walla, organizing special events (like a free ”tailgate party” and tickets to Sweets Games) and assisting the local VA with their initiatives. On a national level the Elks National Foundation spent $23.8 million in 2011 on Elks charities and scholarships.
The resident chef provides weekly meals to membership and catering services for large groups (including non-member rentals). They also provide entertainment to their membership. The Club Room is open Monday through Friday 1-9pm and weekends from noon-9pm for members.
On September 15, the lodge is hosting a community open house with live music and food to celebrate their decision to retain their current facility for the long-term (you may remember the building was previously listed for sale). Please see the insert in this month’s ChamberNews for specifics on this special event. If you have questions before then about membership or the lodge in gen-eral, give them a call at 525-2870 or visit us at 351 East Rose St.
Looking Forward for Catholic SchoolsWalla Walla Catholic Schools is rich in the
soil of tradition and new growth. The 2011-2012 school year was marked
by tremendous growth with significant capital improvements, technology upgrades, and curriculum review and enhancement through the establishment of faculty and staff Professional Learning Community for the Walla Walla Catholic Schools (WWCS). Through the generosity and efforts of many individuals, fundraising efforts were not only extremely successful financially but also in developing a strong sense of community and commitment to our schools.
AffinityNamesNewDirectorAffinity at Walla Walla has named Kay
Raddatz as its new Community Director. Before moving to Walla Walla, she was the Business Office Manager and Marketing Director for Atria Kachina Point, a retire-ment and assisted living community in Sedona, AZ. Since coming to Walla Walla, Raddatz has been the Program Coordinator for the Walla Walla Community College Foundation, where many people know her from her work with the summer musicals and other fundraising events. Most recently she served as Marketing Director for Shakespeare Walla Walla. “Kay’s specialized background, community involvement, and natural leadership skills make her a welcome addition to the Affinity team,” says Sherry Vincent, Portfolio Manager.
Opening their doors in December 2011, Affinity at Walla Walla is a 55+ apartment community that offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with rents staring at $925, including all utilities, housekeeping service, and a daily continental breakfast. Every Affinity apartment is equipped with a full kitchen and has a personal washer and dryer. Raddatz says, “These kinds of 55+ homes are a new niche for Walla Walla because they are affordable and serve residents who don’t need, and don’t want to pay for, all the services of a traditional retirement community.”
For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact Kay at 522-0725.
Walla Walla Elks Lodge Gives BackWalla Walla Elks Lodge is much more
than just a building on Rose and Palouse. It’s a place where friends come together, families share meals, and special events are celebrated. The “Elks” as an organization supports programs that help children grow up healthy and educated, and honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
On a local level, your Walla Walla Lodge funds over $5,000 in annual educational
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Members’ News FlashThe immediate and long term vision for
WWCS is being finalized through the work of the WWCS Board of Directors’ Strategic Plan. The Plan, to be implemented during the 2012-13 year will be referenced as part of the rich soil for future generations to grow at WWCS with the following pillars:
• Provide a Catholic-based education with an outstanding learning/growing environment.
• Provide a culture of excellence for our academic and extra curricular courses.
• Provide schools open to all who are committed to both our vision of education and support of our community.
• Position the WWCS to serve future generations.
The 2012-13 school year will also mark several new partnerships, including a joint venture with the culinary program at WWCC, work with the non-profit The Mom’s Net-work to present a film series that will be per-tinent for the entire Walla Walla community, and hosting of Shakespeare Walla Walla’s summer camps. Internally we have hired several new teachers and have added classes and expanded our extra-curricular offerings.
With the WWCS vision of Education for Life; Where Every Student is Needed and Every Student is Important, we will continue to acknowledge the importance of individual gifts and efforts which collectively lead to new growth for our school community and allow us to state that the best days of Walla Walla Catholic Schools are ahead of us..
Spa Escapes Empowers WomenBeautiControl and Mercedes-Benz came
together and created the Incentive Program that instantly changed the game in the beauty industry at their recent Celebration.
“As the leading Spa brand in North America , Beaut iControl has been changing the lives of women through innovative products and a compelling earn-ings opportunity for over 30 years,” says BeautiControl President Daisy Chin-Lor.
BeautiControl entered into a new product
Electrical ContractorResidential • Commercial
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Walla Walla Electric509-525-8672 Fx: 509-525-8642
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category with the launch of BC Spa for Baby, an array of very gentle, nurturing specialties with soothing scents of chamomile and lavender to enjoy the most intimate bonding times with your little angel. Major launches of BC Spa Bright line, with an Oxygen Infusion Radiance Masque, paired with the line’s Daily Illuminating Serum - both products help to reduce the appearance of age spots, acne marks, sun damage and discoloration - and the luxurious Tierra Azul Spa line were also announced at the event. The most lavish ingredients from around the world were used to create Tierra Azul, a collection of bath and body Spa luxuries.
“These new products take their place in two significant categories in the skin care and bath and body arena,” says VP of Marketing and Research & Development Gary Jones.
Tara Bradley of Spa Escapes, was in attendance at the Dallas Celebration as Elite Executive Director with BeautiControl, Tara was honored by being asked onto the 12-member Elite President’s Council of BeautiControl to help guide the future of the company. She also spoke onstage to the thousands of attendees and inspired so many with her heartfelt story and her quick success, “This IS a total game changer for the company and every community fortunate enough to have a consultant locally.” She said, “This is a business of HEART. With this amazing company my team and I change lives and empower women every day.
BeautiControl is a direct sales beauty company that specializes in at-home Spa parties.To find out more about BeautiCon-trol or to schedule an interview contact Tara Bradley, Executive Director, at [email protected] or call 509-240-2912.
Salsa Under the StarsCastillo de Feliciana Winery presents
"Salsa Under the Stars and Spit Fire Pig Roast" Saturday, September 8, at 6 pm. An evening of music, salsa dancing, food, wine & fun. For information and reservations, call Katie at 541-558-3656 or 509-220-2514.
BOARD OF DIRECTORSDawn Kammer DaMa Wines
Monty Knittel Walla Walla General Hospital
Courtney Moore Zalaznik, Moore & Associates
Gary Ponti McAdams, Ponti, Wernette and VanDorn
Steve Rose Walla Walla University
Tom Scribner Minnick-Hayner
Doug Simcock Windermere Real Estate
Les Teel Columbia Rural Electric Association
John Tombari Banner Bank
David Woolson Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce
6 | September 2012
RENEWING MEMBERS(SINCE)
Connected Since 1890.
Better ideas. Better banking.
www.bannerbank.com Member FDIC
Walla Walla Main Eastgate Ninth Avenue College Place (509) 526-8731 (509) 529-8181 (509) 527-6460 (509) 527-3646
A Wing & A Prayer Barbeque & Canteen (‘10)
Agreeable Pest Control (‘93)
America’s Best Value Inn (‘01)
Baskin Robbins (‘07)
Bella Vida (‘07)
Blue Mountain Heart To Heart (‘08)
Burkhart & Burkhart, PLLC (‘09)
Byrnes Oil Co (‘77)
Cayuse Vineyards (‘00)
Charter Communications (‘53)
Columbia Bank (‘10)
Cottage Gardens (‘06)
Eagle Meadows Assisted Living (‘02)
Continued on page 7
$25 per person includes: Awards Ceremony, wines, heavy hors d’oeurves & desserts and a boarding pass to enter a drawing for two FREE tickets on Alaska Airlines!
Please contact the Chamber for more information or to purchase tickets at 509-525-0850.
September 19, 2012 6:30 pm
Baker Boyer Bank 7 W. Main St
Join us as we celebrate the successes of the Valley’s finest Businesses and Entrepreneurs.
Award Sponsors Catalyst—Alaska Airlines
Health & Wellness—Walla Walla General Hospital Business of the Year—Port of Walla Walla
Not for Profit—Hayden Homes Sweet Service—Sykes
$mart Business—Sustainable Living Center
September 2012 | 7
RENEWING MEMBERS(SINCE)
Our Personalized Products include:• Calendars• Caps• Shirts• Jackets• Mugs• Pens & Pencils and much more!
130th Annual Awards Banquetecorate a table for the 130th Annual Awards Banquet to be held November 28, 2012, at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center.
Every year the tables are decorated by sponsors or table host who show off their artistic and creative abilities. Are you interested in decorating a table this
year? Don’t miss this opportunity to HIGHLIGHT your business as a table host or table sponsor. The benefits are as follows:
TableHostBenefits ($800) • 10 banquet tickets (valued at $600)• Banner recognition at the banquet• One logo feature in the ChamberNews, published monthly and
distributed to all Chamber Member Businesses• Company logo on the banquet invitation and in the program• One logo feature in a thank you ad with the Walla Walla Union-
Bulletin• One table to decorate the day of the event with a gift for each guest –
guidelines are available online at wwvchamber.com. TableSponsorBenefits($100)
• Company recognition in the event program• One table to decorate the day of the event with a gift for each guest –
guidelines are available online at wwvchamber.com. Your sponsorship is a vital component to ensure the ongoing success of this premier
event. Join in the fun and donate a table. Stay tuned for the announcement of the theme. Reserve a table today and decorate the centerpiece and win a prize for your favorite Non-Profit Organization. The Chamber gives back to the community with a total of six hundred dollars donated to Non-Profit Organization chosen by the three best decorated tables.
Call the Chamber (509) 525-0850 or email Betsy at [email protected] or go online today at wwvchamber.com for the form to decorate a table!
D
Last year’s Table Design Award winners.2nd Place:
Charter Business1st Place:
Columbia REA3rd Place:
CenturyLink
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8 |September 2012
AMBASSADORS
529-2500 1421 Dell Ave., Walla Walla WA DOYLE EI277CL • OR CCB#19588
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176 Wine Valley Road, Walla Walla, Washingtonwww.winevalleygolfclub.com
Debi Allessio Children’s Home Society
Kimberly Armentrout Krivoshein Financial
Kathleen Buford President AAA Washington/Inland
Doug Case Columbia Rural Electric Association
Chris Coates Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center
Tara Crain Past President Copier Service, Inc.
Mary “Patricia” Filkins Emeritus @ Garrison Creek Lodge
successes, and we support and console one another in our times of failure. In fact, I believe that because of that strong supportive structure we are able to recognize that when a business is forced to close its doors, failure is not even the appropriate word. Rather, we are able to accept these situations for what they are—learning
experiences—and by doing so, we enable local entrepreneurs to take that courageous step to get up, dust themselves off, and move on to the next business venture. This is why Walla Walla is simply a great place to do business, and this is why I am so very proud to be a part of our remarkable business community.
Ribbon CuttingsProvidence St Mary Medical Center ICU401 W. Poplar, WW
Mackey Vineyards14 N 2nd Ave, WW
HAPO Community Credit Union2376 Taumarson Road, WW
September 2012 | 9
Judy McDole Walla Walla School District
Jesse McFarland American Family Insurance
Jim Pease Windermere Real Estate
Scott Peters Columbia Rural Electric Association
Sheila Peterson McDonald Zaring Insurance
Joel Petty Individual Member
Casey Richards Camp Fire USA
Wade Robbins Banner Bank
Jo Ann Stelzner Patton & Associates, LLC
Tom Stokes Windermere Real Estate
Kris Youd Vice President Coldwell Banker
Ramon Zamora Inland Cellular
AMBASSADORSAmbassador Of The MonthTerra Luthie writes: August is a very exciting and busy month for me.
Not only is summer coming to a close but it is the month of both my children’s birthdays. My son will be one and my daughter will be five and heading off to Kindergarten! It also marks five years that I have been with the Holiday Inn Express and three years as an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. Both have brought new and exciting changes over the past year.
This year as an Ambassador has been particularly exciting. We’ve had new Ambassadors join our group, an upswing of new Chamber members, and an increase in attendees at Business after Hours. It is fun to be a part of a strong business community. I have gained not only contacts, but lifelong friends during my time with the Chamber.
The Holiday Inn Express would like to offer a Member-to-Member discount of 25% off our Meeting Room Rental through the end of the year. Thank you for your continued support for our business.
Welcome To Our New Chamber MembersAmerican Cancer Society, 7325 W Deschutes Ave, Ste A, Kennewick 509-737-1574
Non-profit organization providing services, support groups & materials for everyone touched by cancer. Local fundraising events to engage the community in the fight against cancer.
AMI Advertising Agency, 14 E Main St, Ste 207, WW 509-529-0175AMI Advertising Agency a full service advertising agency known for creating successful brand, media planning/buying, public relations, corporate identities, digital media and social media strategies.
Broadway Family Dental Care, 508 E Broadway, MF 541-938-3363Broadway Family Dental is a premier dental practice. Drs. Norman Saager & Todd Schroeder are committed to offering the highest standard of dental care
Canoe Ridge Vineyard, 1102 W Cherry, WW 509-527-0885Canoe Ridge is the foremost producer of estate grown wines in Washington state. Enjoy award winning wines grown in the Columbia Valley and bottled in Walla Walla. Set on a national landmark.
Linda & Scott Byerley, 501 W Langdon Rd, WW 509-540-0206Individual Membership
Main Street Furniture CO, 128 E Main St, WW 509-525-0129Provides exceptional service, room planning services, and high quality furniture to Walla Walla area residents and visitors.
Walla Walla Catholic Schools, 919 E Sumach St, WW 509-525-3030The Early Learning Center, Assumption Grade & Middle Schools and DeSales High School make up the Walla Walla Catholic Schools.
win
10 | September 2012
Reininger Winery (‘00)
Strawberry Canyon Lodge (‘98)
Sustainable Living Center (‘08)
The McGregor Company (‘92)
The UPS Store (‘04)
Vargas & Associates (‘91)
Walla Walla Home-Medical (‘08)
Walla Walla Professional Firefighters,Loc(‘91)
Walla Walla Farmers Market Association (‘07)
YWCA (‘77)
RENEWING MEMBERS (SINCE)
Member Appreciation BBQ
Member Of The MonthWhen you think about the words “advertising agency,” visions
of hipsters hustling around a swanky New York office making TV commercials wearing Converse and fedoras might come to mind. On the other hand, you may think Los Angeles where Hollywood executives in their Armani suits battle it out over who will win the next big global account.
What about Walla Walla? One of the most unlikely places for a full service ad agency is home to AMI Advertising Agency (www.amiadagency.com). The firm was founded in 2010 by partners Katie Oblisk, Director of Digital Media, and Jeff Wright, Creative Director.
AMI works with clients in industries such as tourism, wine & spirits, automotive, financial & banking, healthcare, technology and much more. The sizes of business or organizations range from local, regional to international brands.
“Our firm is structured from top to bottom like an agency you would expect to find in major metropolitan areas like Seattle or LA, with departments in Public Relations, Media Planning & Buying, Digital Media & Web, Social Media, Brand Strategy and Graphic Design.“ – Jeff Wright, Creative Director
“We felt that locating our agency here allowed for businesses seeking these types of agency services didn’t have to send their money to other cities. We can employ local talents while providing big city agencies experiences.” – Katie Oblisk, Director of Digital Media
In recent months, the firm became agency of record for Dayton Chamber of Commerce and is responsible for brand, media planning and buying as well as a development of a new digital tourism platform that allows Dayton and the Columbia Valley to measure tourism information.
So, the next time you think of the words “advertising agency,” now you can imagine the upstairs of 14 E Main Street in downtown Walla Walla and imagine AMI creating campaigns and building your brands.
509.529.2020
Valley Vision Clinic 22 West Main Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362 www.valleyvisionclinic.com
Eye Examinations Eye Health Management
Contact Lenses / Sunglasses Large Frame Selection
Free Adjustments Accepting New Patients
Optometric Physicians
Dennis Poffenroth, O.D. Luther Ness, O.D.
Rebecca Musick, O.D. Angela Ferguson, O.D.
Jeremy Beam, O.D.
Since 1949
On August 2, the Chamber held our 2nd Annual Chamber Member Appreciation BBQ. We had a great turnout and great food. Thanks so much to our members who came by to eat and have a great time. See you next year!!
September 2012 | 11
Advertise Your Business or Event
Newsletter insert advertising has been rated one of the best, most cost-effective forms of advertising by members. For just pennies per reader, you can put your information in front of highly targeted local businesses.
Your Chamber membership entitles you to advertise your business or event in the monthly ChamberNews. Only Chamber members can advertise in the newsletter, so you are able to target other committed businesses who care about our community and the success of business in the Walla Walla Valley.
Provide 1,000 copies of your insert on regular weight, 8.5”x11” non-glossy paper that is not folded. The cost for this insert is $150, which covers postage. The insert is an excellent, cost-effective way to promote your Chamber member business.
To get your inser t in to the October ChamberNews,please have your insert to us by 5:00 pmonSeptember17,2012. Inserts are due the third Monday of each month.
Increase Your Construction Business!
Gain Access to Area and Regional
Construction Projects!
In as little as five minutes, you could be accessing local or regional projects.
For more information, contact Marissa or Lori at (509) 629-1267.
Already a member? Ask about our New Member Referral
Incentive program.
Fly Walla Walla First on Alaska Air• Enjoyinfinitelymoreproductivityversusdriving• SavemoneyandtimeflyingdirectfromWallaWalla• Park free: short- or long-term• Checkoutwww.flywallawallafirst.comfordetailsFor booking:
Contact your local Chamber Member Travel AgentCall Alaska Air: 1-800-547-9308Visit: http://www.alaskaair.com
Monthly Statistics - JulyPlan
CenterTourism Relocation Event
InfoBusiness assistance
Member Info/referrals
Staff
Phone 23 91 16 52 39 24 121
Walk-in 12 88 36 18 11 7 26
Totals 35 179 52 70 50 31 147
OctoberBusiness After
Hours
Business After Hours on October 9 will be hosted by Sapolil Cellars.
Every Tuesday, Sapolil offers Cinema at the Cellars, so BAH will be followed up with a showing of Groundhog Day (1993), which begins just around 7:30.
Of course, in addition to their lovely Sapolil Cellars wine, they also feature a full bar with micro brew beers and a full range of liquors.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURSSeptember 14, 2012Three Rivers Winery5641 Old Hwy 12, WW
October 9, 2012Sapolil Cellars
CONTACT US29 East Sumach,PO Box 644. Walla Walla, WA 99362 Phone 509.525.0850Fax 509.522.2038 [email protected]
PO Box 644 Walla Walla, WA 99362
Pre-SortedStandard U.S.Postage PaidCollege Place
WA 99324Permit #44
August Business After HoursPowerHouseTheatrehostedtheJulyBusinessAfterHours.
Thankyouforsharingyourbeautifulvenue.
Do you have a new member to refer? Email Betsy at [email protected].
New Chamber Member Referrals
Refer a new member to the Chamber and see your name listed here.
