tri-city regional chamber

1 Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

Tri-City Regional Chamber Chair MessageBy Tony Umek, AKU Enterprises

I am honored to serve as your Board Chair for 2017 as we enter our 11th year as the Regional Chamber. The Chamber has a focused mission to be both the voice of regional businesses and to promote regional prosperity. We have a dynamic and dedicated Chamber staff and an engaged Board of Directors. Whether you are a business with one employee or one thousand, we are committed to your success and we represent your interests at the local, state and national levels. We are also always looking for meaningful opportunities to help your employees grow, so they can help your businesses grow. A great example is our Women in Business Conference, held at TRAC on January 25, 2017, with nearly 600 attendees. Many businesses took advantage of exhibit spaces to showcase their products and services, and a number of businesses sponsored this exciting event.

This annual conference focuses on the importance of women in business and gives us the opportunity to recognize women who have demonstrated leadership excellence in their respective fields. This year we were privileged to have as our keynote speaker Jean Floten, Chancellor of Western Governors University of Washington, sponsored by D.A. Davidson. Her presentation was informative and energizing. The Conference also featured our annual ATHENA Awards, sponsored by KADLEC Regional Medical Center. We were pleased to recognize two local outstanding women: Jeanne Dillner, CEO of SIGN Fracture Care International; and Detective Athena Clark, of the Richland Police Department. Both of these women provide positive roles models for all of us.

March 22 is our Annual Meeting & Awards luncheon, featuring our Business on a Roll awards, and Numerica Credit Union as our Premier sponsor. Business on a Roll recognizes businesses in three size categories that had substantial success in the past 12 months. More information is available on the chamber website.

Looking to the future, the Board has developed a visionary strategic plan that we will be sharing with you as we move forward. Key to success of the strategic plan is the continued partnership between the Chamber, our member businesses and other key community organizations.

In closing, I want to thank all of our member businesses for partnering with the Chamber to help us succeed.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Board Chair – Tony Umek, AKU Enterprises

Past Chair – Marty Conger, Battelle

Chair-Elect – John Ziobro, Telquist Ziobro McMillen Clare

Treasurer – Chris Rivard, Moss Adams

Melissa Garrard, Washington River Protection Solutions

Annie Jacobs, HAPO Community Credit Union

Dean Moody, Intermountain West Insulation

Khurshed Sharifov, Century Securities Associates, Inc.

Brett Spooner, Gravis Law

Derrick Stricker, Stricker CRE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ron Boninger, Iron Switchback

Paul Carlisle, elevate

Meghan Chalk, Iron Mountain Construction

Will Evans, AgriNorthwest

Sean Flaherty, Tri-City Herald

Shae Frichette, Frichette Winery

Lori Fritz, Bechtel National, Inc.

Nick Gonzales, Bouten Construction

Kedrich Jackson, American Tax Consultants

Russ Keefer, Trios Health

Carlos Martinez, Dura-Shine Clean

Mike McWhorter, PayneWest Insurance

Karen Miller, Benton PUD

Mike Miller, Moon Security

Vicki Monteagudo, Century 21

Rae Moss, Mission Support Alliance

Ana Ruiz Peralta, New York Life Insurance

Brad Rew, Gale-Rew Construction

Chris Robbins, Cascade Natural Gas

Bill Robertson, Bill Robertson Nissan

Lane Savitch, Kadlec Regional Medical Center

Bill Shibley, CHS Connell Grain

Steve Simmons, CG Public House and Catering

Jessica Stangeland, Fuse

Matt Sweezea, Primerica Advisors

David Tobias, Tyson Foods

Rene` Vasquez, Ennis Fine Furniture

Ted Vause, Invest Northwest Financial

STAFF Lori Mattson, President & CEO

Ashley Coronado, PTAC Business Counselor

Elisabeth Holt, Marketing & Membership Director

Austin Neilson, Government & Economic Affairs Director

Tara Divers, Event Director

Austin Regimbal, Communications & Marketing Director

Dale Olson, Sales Manager

Liz Renz, Accounting & Administrative Coordinator

Marie Corso, Member Services & Programs Coordinator

Tony Umek AKU Enterprises

2Monthly V.O.I.C.E. of Business | March 2017 Printed and designed by:

Twenty eight members attended our January Business Development University which featured the topic “Best Practices for Customer Service.”

Franklin PUD recently renewed their Affiliate level membership, and PayneWest Insurance and Wildhorse Resort & Casino renewed their Corporate level memberships.

A record 591 members participated in our 6th Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon where Jeanne Dillner of SIGN Fracture Care International and Detective Athena T. Clark of the Richland Police Department were presented the prestigious awards.

Our Facebook total reach was 33,655 during the month of January!

The Regional Chamber signed a letter in support of the Regulatory Accountability Act, which is being considered by Congress.

During the month of January, our PTAC Counselor conducted 61 counseling sessions and assisted a business in receiving a government contract totaling over $150,000.

During the month of January, we

placed 84 radio ads,120 television ads,

five print ads, and gained visibility

through 115, 843 online impressions.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber Board, volunteers and staff are

focused on delivering value to our members. Every Chamber

strategy, program and service is created specifically to provide

positive results and bring credit to our region. Here’s a look into

recent activities, plans and results.


Welcome NeW membersThe Regional Chamber encourages members to conduct business with one another. Those listed below have recently made an important investment in their business and their professional career by joining the Regional Chamber. Please consider them for your personal and professional needs. When you do, let them know you learned of their business through the Tri-City Regional Chamber!

Sol Case Management Chrisellda Arellano— 509-542-8890 117 South 3rd Ave. Pasco, WA 99301 www.solcasemanagement.com

Tri-City Dental Care Antonio Lopez — 509-579-0759 3711 Plaza Way #120 Kennewick, WA 99337 www.tricitydentalcarewa.com

You’ve probably never heard “dentist office visit” and “spa-like” in the same breath, but that is what you will find at Tri-City Dental Care. Your appointments at Tri-City Dental Care are instantly pleasurable with tension releasing massage chairs, comforting aromatherapy, and soothing paraffin hand wax treatment.

Three Rivers Physical Therapy Rob Kennell — 509-737-0355 2620 S Williams Pl. Suite 110 Kennewick, WA 99338 www.3riverspt.com

Social WebNet LLC Gabriel Ramos — 509-948-0314 1324 N. 37th Ct. Pasco, WA 99301 www.socialwebnet.co

Evergreen Home Loans Shawn Flinders — 509-579-3600 8656 W. Gage Blvd. Suite 201 Kennewick, WA 99336 www.evergreenhomeloans.com

REFER A CHAMBER MEMBER TODAY!

Did you know that members receive:

Access to valuable

member Resources

Exclusive Networking

opportunities

Visibility through Chamber

communications, events

and sponsorships

Government Advocacy at local,

state and national levels

MORE!

Please send member referrals to Dale Olson, Sales Manager

at [email protected]

or 509.491.3230.

New Member Photo - January 2017


A Benefit of Membership –Ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies are a benefit of membership and offer the opportunity to become acquainted with fellow members while showcasing your business. To find out more about hosting your ribbon cutting or groundbreaking, contact Elisabeth Holt at 509.491.3237 or [email protected].

ribboN cuttiNg & grouNdbreakiNg ceremoNies

Tri-Cities Airport Pasco

Mid-Columbia Library J.K. Rowling's Magical World Exhibit

KennewickChinook Middle School

Kennewick

Longship Cellars Richland


Presented by:

For Sponsorship Information: Contact Elisabeth Holt at 509.491.3237 or [email protected]

Three Rivers Convention CenterThe "can't miss" event of the year celebrating the accomplishments of the regional chamber, our volunteers and outstanding members!

Tickets: $40/person | $320/table of 8RSVP: Friday, March 17509. 736.0510 or [email protected]

Networking & Expo11am - 12pm

Arrive early and take advantage of the terrific networking

opportunity highlighting our event sponsors

Luncheon Program12 - 1:30pm

UBER - Driving Innovation

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Thank you to our Sponsors


The five organizations developing the Vista Arts Center invite you to join them on March 9th for the Regional Chamber’s Business After Hours event. Connect with us from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Blankspace, 5453 Ridgeline Drive Suites 140-150. Enjoy an arts-inspired event experience!

Discover the business and benefits of the arts to the Tri-Cities. Make connections with representatives of the Mid-Columbia Ballet, Mastersingers, Musical Theatre and Symphony, as well as the Arts Center Task Force. Learn about opportunities for co-promotion and naming rights for these five organizations. Find out how the Vista Arts Center will help transform our community through economic development, education, recruitment and retention, and enhanced tourism. Finally, enjoy mini-performances from your sponsors.

Experience tasty appetizers and beverages (some with zing and some without) while you network with other Chamber members. Stick around to win one of our great door prizes.

Ridgeline Drive is located off Hwy 395 in South Kennewick. Blankspace owner Olivia Berg has generously provided the location for this event and hopes you will enjoy your visit. Blankspace provides the infrastructure for you to hold workshops and events where you can gather together, learn, and create, all while sipping healthful juices from the Karma Juice Bar. Find out more http://blankspacetricities.com/.

Wednesday, March 9, 2017 4 - 6 pm | Free to members | Bring a Friend!

5453 Ridgeline Drive Suites 140-150 Kennewick

Hosted By:march busiNess developmeNt uNiversity

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY TO ACHIEVE ORGANIZATIONAL & PERSONAL SUCCESS

The success of an organization lies within the talents of its team and their engagement with the organizational mission, vision and values. Every individual has the power to positively effect change and you have the power to be an agent of positive change. In this month’s Business Development University, attendees will learn:

• The attributes of personal accountability – recognizing what you have control over • How to identify organizational/departmental pain points and prioritize them • How to partner for performance and identify and engage key partners for success

Register today to gain valuable skills for your career and business!

Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017

Time: 8:00 - 10:00 am

Location: Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center Bechtel Board Room 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336

Cost: $25 Members/$35 Guests

RSVP: RSVP by Wednesday, March 22, 2017 online or call 509.736.0510

Light Refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by:

Presented by:

Michael Novakovich Tri-Cities Cancer Center


Special Thanks to all our Speakers!

Thanks to our Sponsors!

CINDY LEAVERCAROL FRINKAMY SPURLOCK DEE BOYLE SHEILA REGEDIEDRA

MURPHYMICHELLE

CLARY

TICKET PRICING:

All-Day Conference - $105 Members, Guests $125Includes: Continental Breakfast, Ticket to Awards Luncheon,

Seminars & Workshops, and a Conference Gift ATHENA Awards Luncheon Only - $22 Members, Guests $32

REGISTER NOW!

See page 7 & 8 for more details!

PREMIER SPONSOR:

media tri-cities

TICKET PRICING:



REGISTER NOW!


PREMIER SPONSOR:

media tri-cities

TICKET PRICING:



REGISTER NOW!


PREMIER SPONSOR:

media tri-cities

CONFERENCE KEYNOTEDIANE ROLSTONCEO & FOUNDER

DYNAMIC WOMEN IN ACTION

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE JEAN FLOTEN

CHANCELLOR,

WGU WASHINGTON


Thanks to our Sponsors!

295 All-Day Attendees

591 Lunch Attendees

10 Breakout Sessions

31 Women in Business Exhibitors

2017 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD®,Jeanne Dillner, Chief Executive Officer SIGN Fracture Care International

2017 ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

LEADERSHIP AWARD®,Athena T. Clark,

DetectiveRichland Police Department

Congratulations ATHENA Award Winners!

Women in Business Event Highlights!

TICKET PRICING:



REGISTER NOW!


PREMIER SPONSOR:

media tri-cities

TICKET PRICING:



REGISTER NOW!


PREMIER SPONSOR:

media tri-cities

TICKET PRICING:



REGISTER NOW!


PREMIER SPONSOR:

media tri-cities

TICKET PRICING:



REGISTER NOW!


PREMIER SPONSOR:

media tri-cities


upcomiNg ptac Workshops

GSA 101:MULTIPLE AWARD SCHEDULES PROGRAM

What does it take to become part of the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules Program?

Attend this workshop to learn: What evaluation criteria must be met to be

considered for a contract award

How to navigate the Schedules eLibrary

The necessary paperwork involved in submitting an acceptable offer for consideration of award

This training is not intended for start-up businesses. Attendees should have been in business for a minimum of two years with commercial and/or government sales.

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2017Time: 9 - 11 amRegister: www.washingtonptac.org/events-workshops

Presented by the Washington PTAC at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

Workshops are free and will take place at the Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center,

Bechtel Board Room, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336.

For questions contact Ashley Coronado at 509.491.3231 or [email protected]

MARKETING TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENTLearn how to identify your government customers, analyze current and future needs, select and develop the right tools to assist your marketing efforts, connect with your customers and learn best practices to achieve marketing success.

Topics Include: Creating an effective capability statement that will

sell your company to potential clients

Marketing your competitive advantages

Identifying which agencies and prime contractors to target

After attending this session, attendees will be invited to return at a later date to receive valuable feedback on their capability statement from experts in the federal government marketplace.

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2017Time: 9 - 10:30 amRegister: www.washingtonptac.org/events-workshops


Also sponsored by the Washington PTAC at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

CALL FOR PRESENTERSThe Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is now accepting proposals for the 2017 Business Development University (BDU) Program!

We are seeking:

Relevant topics to the success of small business in today’s dynamic marketplace

High-caliber, interactive, experienced presenters or panelists

Proven depth of knowledge and expertise of subject

The program provides affordable, well-publicized training sessions to 1,200 chamber member businesses and the general public. Programs are typically held on the last Thursday of the month from 8-10 am.

Examples of successful past topics include:

Customer Service & Sales

Marketing & Social Media

Generations in the Workplace

Ethics in Business

New Policy Rules & Regulations

For more information or to submit your proposal, contact Austin Neilson, Government & Economic Affairs Director at 509.736.0510 or [email protected] or visit www.tricityregionalchamber.com. Proposals will be accepted until May 19, 2017.

MEET THE BUYER DOING BUSINESS WITH LOCAL

TRANSIT SYSTEMS

Attendees will learn how to sell their products or services to Ben Franklin Transit, Yakima Transit and Walla Walla Valley Transit, and will be better prepared to take part in this government marketplace. Representatives from all three transit systems will be presenting.

Attendees will learn: What products/services do the local transit systems

purchase?

Where and how do you start selling to them?

What is the buying process?

How do I locate opportunities?

What certifications are important to them?

Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017Time: 10:30 am - 12 pmCost: Free, space is limitedRegister: www.washingtonptac.org/events-workshops

This workshop will take place at the Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center, Bechtel Board Room, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336


2017 tri-cities legislative couNcil olympia trip

On February 9, business leaders from the region traveled to the state capital for the Tri-Cities Legislative Council’s Annual Olympia Trip. The trip raises awareness about importance issues

that impact our local and state economies.

Thank you to all who attended – braving heavy snow and long travel- and a very special thank you to our wonderful sponsors for making this year’s trip possible!

2017


Thank You for reNeWiNg your membership

31-40 YEAR MEMBERS

YRS MEMBER LEVEL

40 PayneWest Insurance Corporate40 Port of Benton Entrepreneur

20-25 YEAR MEMBERS

25 ALP Financial Planning, Inc. Entrepreneur25 YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities Entrepreneur23 King Beverage, Inc. Entrepreneur22 ConAgra Foods Affiliate20 Wildhorse Resort & Casino Corporate20 Ice Harbor Brewing Company Entrepreneur20 Teddy Bear Home Daycare & Preschool Entrepreneur

16-19 YEAR MEMBERS

19 Irrigation Specialists Inc. Entrepreneur19 Backstreet Hair Designs Entrepreneur18 Rollarena Skating Center Entrepreneur17 Babcock Services, Inc. Affiliate17 Greenbrier Rail Service Affiliate17 Shari's Restaurant Entrepreneur16 Inline Computer & Communications Business16 KIE Supply Corp. Affiliate

10-15 YEAR MEMBERS

14 Airport Mini Storage Entrepreneur14 Riverside Collision, LLC Entrepreneur14 Buds & Blossoms, Too Entrepreneur13 Franklin PUD Affiliate13 Manpower Business13 Advanced Protection Services Entrepreneur13 Desert Green Lawn & Tree Care LLC Entrepreneur12 American Rock Products, Inc. Business12 Best Western Pasco Inn & Suites Business12 Benton Franklin Fair Association Entrepreneur11 Port of Pasco Business11 Grace Clinic Entrepreneur11 Account Sense PLLC Entrepreneur10 Dermacare Tri-Cities Business10 Garrison's Home Appliance Center Business

4-9 YEARS MEMBERS

YRS MEMBER LEVEL

8 Benton Franklin Head Start Business8 Kiona Vineyards and Winery Entrepreneur8 New Environment Entrepreneur8 D and D Excavating Entrepreneur7 Vintners Logistics LLC Business

4-9 YEAR MEMBERS

7 Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care Business7 Wolff Services Business6 Windermere Group One Business6 Paragon Equity Management Business6 911 Driving School Entrepreneur6 Mooreshots Direct, Inc. Entrepreneur6 Washington State STEM Education Foundation Entrepreneur6 The Williams Agency Business5 Interwest Communications Business5 Simmons Insurance Group - Kennewick Business5 Benton-Franklin Council of Governments Entrepreneur5 Advocare - Rhea Entrepreneur5 Kennewick Dental Entrepreneur5 Pasco Auto Parts & Truck Parts - NAPA Entrepreneur5 Physicians Immediate Care & Medical Centers Entrepreneur5 LegalShield - Charles "Mort" Mortimer Entrepreneur4 Northwest Cancer Clinic Entrepreneur

3 YEAR MEMBERS

3 Gravis Law, PLLC Entrepreneur3 Game On! Mobile Video Game Theater Entrepreneur3 H&R Block Entrepreneur3 UpAngle Drone Services Entrepreneur

1 YEAR MEMBERS

1 JEA Tri-Cities Senior Living Community Corporate1 CFO Selections, LLC Entrepreneur1 Managed Squared, Inc. Entrepreneur1 River Realty, Inc. Entrepreneur1 Tri-Cities Internet Radio Entrepreneur

https://www.facebook.com/TriCityRegionalChamber/https://twitter.com/tricitychamber

https://www.instagram.com/tricityregionalchamber

Connect with your Chamber!


REGIONAL CHAMBER

OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF

THE MONTH

JANUARY 2016

The Tri-City Regional Chamber is pleased to announce Mustang Sign Group as the January Outstanding Member of the Month. Mustang Sign Group has been a member of the Chamber since 2012. It is a full-service creative company, focused on signage, vehicle wraps, and graphic design. Mustang has partnered with the Regional Chamber on many different events -- most recently, the Women in Business Conference. They also work with many of our Small Business Incentive Program recipients to increase the visibility of their business through signage, vehicle wraps and more.

Thank you Lauran and the Mustang Sign Group team for your time and dedication to the Regional Chamber and the community. We are proud to recognize you as the January Outstanding Member of the Month.

From left to right: Lori Mattson, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO; Linda McCullough, Mustang Sign Group

INTRODUCING

SMARTHUB, A NEW

ONLINE CUSTOMER

SERVICE TOOLBy Chad Bartram, General Manager, Benton PUD

Today’s utility customer expectations are changing, especially when it comes to convenience and information availability. With this in mind, Benton PUD introduced a new online customer system in March. The new system, offered by National Information Solutions Cooperative, provides Benton PUD operational and cost efficiencies by integrating our customer service, accounting, engineering and operations. And for our customers it offers a new online tool, SmartHub® that provides a number of enhanced services.

SmartHub® is easy to use and lets customers pay online anytime and anywhere through a free mobile app that can be accessed from their smart phone or tablet. Customers can sign up for Paperless billing, set up automatic payments, view their billing history and track payments. They can also monitor their daily usage and compare previous months’. By watching usage trends over time, customers will be able to take steps to reduce usage and lower their bill. Customers can also choose to receive customized usage alerts and notifications from Benton PUD by text or email. In the future they will also be able to view and report outages.

SmartHub® is more than just a payment service. It is another step Benton PUD has taken to assure we continue to meet our customer expectations as their trusted energy partner.

If you are a Benton PUD customer, please check out our website – BentonPUD.org – for more information and helpful videos and enroll in SmartHub® today.

Chad Bartram


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

✓ INVITE a new member or potential member to Business After

Hours on March 9

✓ LEARN about government contracting marketing on

March 14

✓ NETWORK at the Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on

March 22

✓ REGISTER to attend BDU on March 23

✓ SOCIALIZE with us on social media using #TCRCC

To Do:

APRIL

THANK YOUFebruary Business

After Hours: Tri-City Americans

Luncheon Sponsor: Tri-Cities Cancer Center

Meet the Chamber Sponsor: Jeff's Lawn Care

Facebook Give-Aways: Sporthaus, CG Public House &

Catering, Tumbleweeds Mexican Flair, Gesa Carousel of Dreams

MARCH9 Business After Hours: Vista Arts Center

14 PTAC Workshop: Marketing to the Federal Government

22 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon: UBER - Driving Innovation

23 Business Development University

28 PTAC Workshop: GSA 101

31 Tri-Cities Economic Gardening Program application first review deadline

6 Meet the Buyer: Doing Business with Local Transit Systems

13 Business After Hours: August Thomas Salon

26 April Membership Luncheon

27 Business Development University

PRSRT MKT U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D MEDIAMAX

Commercial Real Estate Sales & Leasing | Professional Property Management | Residential Real Estate

Gayle Stack CCIM, CPM®

Designated BrokerCommercial Realtor

509-308-7310

1920 N. Pittsburgh Street | Suite A | Kennewick, WA 99336 | 509.735.4042 | www.EverStarRealty.com

Real Estateis our business.

Relationships are our focus.

FOR SALECommercial building near Columbia Ctr Blvd. Works well for one or two tenants.

FOR LEASEPasco warehouse with office near 20th

and Lewis. Ample parking.

FOR SALEQueensgate Village Bldg G. Professional

office with luxury residence above.

FOR LEASEOffices on Gage Blvd. with excellent visibility. Variety of suite sizes available for immediate occupancy.

FOR LEASERetail suite at Union Square,

just off of Clearwater Avenue.

tri-city regional chamber

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