Your Chamber of Commerce
Did you know that there has been a businessman’s association in Edmonds for more than 100 years?
According to current Chamber of Commerce president, Greg Urban, that first group of businessmen started as “The Edmonds Board of Trade” in 1904. By 1907, they had formally reorganized into the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce.
I wonder what was discussed in those early days. There were no patrol cars to keep the peace. In fact, there was a mounted volunteer group of caring citizens to help those caught in rising water or storm damage. Edmonds was a lumber mill town then, with more saloons than churches. Rather than plan the Edmonds Classic Car Show, the chamber of those early days probably promoted church picnics and barn dances. But the mission statement is the same now as it was then – “promoting the economic vitality of Edmonds through advocacy, leadership, education and community-building events.”
In addition to owning or managing a business, chamber members are civic-minded leaders who really care about the community. Far above a profit motive, these individuals feel a social obligation to their neighbors. They work collectively to ensure a safe environment in the city and to entertain and inform the general public. Here is where we see the difference between a business association of financial leaders and the city with a thriving and energetic chamber whose widespread interests and ideas unite and flourish with the whole community.
Although a chamber meeting does involve networking among organizations and individuals and provides an opportunity to meet and greet business owners, it really is much more than that. The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce boasts 420 members, many of whom meet every Wednesday morning to enjoy a lively program. From a slide presentation on the planning of a marine rescue center to a movie on the eclectic courses provided by a local school, the variety is endless. The audience is entertained and informed. Meetings are open to the public, each Wednesday morning at 7:30 at Fairwinds Brighton Court, where a continental breakfast is provided.
The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce has a much larger, on-going focus however, and that is to plan and execute fundraising activities for the entire community. Annually, the chamber sponsors a tree-lighting event to highlight the arrival of Santa, the Trick or Treat Block Party, the Fourth of July parade, 5K run and fireworks, and of course, The Taste of Edmonds.The Taste of Edmonds is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser where the community is invited to try out the many food offerings of our city’s restaurants. This past year, a huge rainstorm dashed the plans of many who came to hear the great bands playing on stage. And so, on January 31, your favorite groups, like the Beatniks and Joe Slick, will perform a benefit concert – A Taste of the Taste.
You can help the chamber recover from their loss last August by purchasing tickets directly from the Edmonds Center for the Arts for the 6pm performance. Normally, the Edmonds community can count on nearly $25,000 donated each year by the chamber. Our organizations of gardeners, musicians and thespians depend on the chamber to help publicize their events and offer both monetary support and capacity attendance.
New businesses coming to Edmonds have an unexpected ally in the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. The city offices notify the chamber when a license is issued, and the chamber follows up with a welcome package. This contains the prized directory of all our Edmonds’ establishments, from the art galleries to Zumba classes, and an invitation to attend a meeting of the chamber. Becoming a new member offers the bonus of a “Grand Opening Ribbon-cutting” announcement from the chamber as well.
When you decide to become a member of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, even more doors open to encourage your success. Chances abound to sponsor an event or activity and regular chamber attendance ensures recognition in the community, and by meeting other leaders in the city, a foundation of mutual support is assured. From a start-up loan to life insurance for employees, to using a realtor to find a new home, meeting people at the chamber means reliable friends and dependable allies in the Edmonds community.
When I polled members and guests at a recent chamber meeting to ask what they gained from their membership, I was surprised at the variety of answers. Of course, there is the social ambiance of conversing over that first cup of coffee and pastry, and the program or speaker is informative, but some people said they really liked, “being-in-the-know” about upcoming events. This makes you an expert on your city. Friends and neighbors seek you out for information on the city’s activities and events. And, the opportunity to get behind- the- scenes as a volunteer for your favorite event means a “win/win” for Edmonds!
