Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce: Marking 10 years of service to the whole Tri-Cities

A decade ago, the chamber headlines were all about mergers, unity and a regional approach. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The regional chamber was formed in 2006, after months of discussions and planning by members of the boards of the Pasco, Richland and Tri-City area chambers. The talks were initiated by the board presidents of the Pasco and Richland chambers, as they found themselves looking for new executive directors.

Passionate advocates lined up on both sides of the merger debate, and on Jan. 12, 2006, members of all three chambers voted by secret ballot at TRAC in Pasco. Richland and Tri-City area members overwhelmingly approved the proposal to band together into one regional chamber, approving the merger plan 85 percent (Richland) and 98 percent (Tri-City area). Members of the Pasco chamber voted 62 percent in favor; narrowly missing the needed 66 percent by seven votes.

Based on the merger plan, the two approving chambers merged to form the Tri-City Regional Chamber. In the weeks following the vote, there were board resignations, dropped memberships, new memberships and a lot of speculation; however, the dust settled and the regional chamber supporters resolved to achieve the aim of the merge — unify Tri-City businesses behind common goals.

Through the efforts and dedication of board members, volunteers and staff during the past 10 years, the regional chamber has experienced steady growth. Annual revenue has more than doubled from $500,000 to $1.2 million. The move into our new building in 2008 provided much needed space for additional staff. Membership has grown to almost 1,200 members, making us the fifth largest chamber in the state.

All of that growth translates to new programs and services for our members and opportunities for community leadership.

It’s certainly been an exciting and rewarding decade full of growth and opportunity. We have the good fortune of an ambitious and visionary board of directors and staff who continue to seek new ways to provide value to our members and our community.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber remains the most effective and efficient way to connect with peers, possible partners and potential customers in the Tri-City region.

Programming such as Business Development University, Meet the Buyer and LEARN Groups, help to build valuable business development skills and contacts. Sold-out events such as our Annual Meeting, Women in Business Conference and Athena Luncheon and BizCon, offer unparalleled networking opportunities. Innovative initiatives such as Economic Gardening, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and Small Business Incentive Program, continue to keep the regional chamber on the forefront of growth and change in our community.

Our advocacy efforts on behalf of the business community are unmatched by any other organization in the region. Whether it’s supporting sensible policies, engaging candidates or grass-roots activities, the voice of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and our almost 1,200 members is making a difference.

Each year represents a new opportunity for us to become an even greater, healthier organization and community. As we look to 2016 and beyond, we are focused on deepening the regional chamber’s service by bringing innovation, influence and access to our members, and increased connections, resources and leadership within our community.

Plans are under way to make substantial changes to our strategic plan with an amplified emphasis on advocating for a sound and healthy business climate, offering aggressive programs that develop our economic and human resources, and providing leadership on matters of importance to the region.

Tomorrow’s great headlines will be the product of actions we’re taking now to shape the region and better serve the community. Our strength as a regional leader is derived from those who invest in the community through membership in the Regional Chamber. The Tri-City Regional Chamber is well positioned to help lead our region to a brighter future.

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 10:33 PM with the headline "Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce: Marking 10 years of service to the whole Tri-Cities."