Committees
Agricultural Business Committee
Ron Wachter
The Agriculture Business Committee fosters issues pertaining to the agricultural community. The committee supports the need to grow and develop the agricultural industry.
Projects: Farm City Day Luncheon with Colfax Chamber, Fair sales and Port Tour.
Business Development and Promotion Committee
Marie Dymkoski
This committee provides the opportunity for the business community to discuss items and events of interest or concern. The group also works to facilitate promotion opportunities for the retail sector.
Meeting time: Second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the Daily Grind Coffee House in downtown Pullman.
Artesian Committee
Josh Smart
Members of this committee act as representatives at ground-breakings, grand openings, dedications and other events. Members have the option of serving on a recruitment or retention team.
Meeting Time: The Last Monday of the Month, Noon at Hilltop Inn.
Cabaret
Marie Dymkoski
Cabaret is the major fund raising event for the chamber. Each spring, this formal affair has live and silent auctions, live music, dinner and dancing. This group is always looking for people with a creative flair.
Next Meeting: First and Third Monday of each month Oct-April, 5:30pm, Chamber Office
Government Affairs & Economic Development
Francis Benjamin
This committee considers reviews and acts on local, state and national issues that directly affect the Pullman business community. It strives to keep members informed of these issues. Business growth and retention is the priority of this committee. This includes; encouraging business retention, recruiting new business and the continual quest for business growth and opportunities. This committee meets regularly via conference call with area legislators during legislative session.
The Government Affairs & Economic Development Committee works to encourage business growth and retention. The committee advocates and represents chamber and business interests to our elected officials and strives to keep chamber members abreast of governmental and business issues affecting chamber members and the region. The committee researches, recommends to the chamber board, and implements legislative lobbying agendas, stances on governmental and business issues affecting chamber members, and ways to foster and encourage business growth and retention.
The committee meets the third Friday of each month, 7:30 a.m., SEL Events Center (the committee meets twice monthly during state legislative session). During the state legislative session, part of each meeting includes a conference call with our 9th district legislators. This provides opportunity to foster relationships with our legislators, receive the most current status of the legislative session and to provide input to our legislators concerning specific issues. Continuing the theme of relationship and communication the committee also has a dinner during the summer with our 9th district legislators.
To support the efforts of business growth and retention the Government Affairs & Economic Development Committee focuses on building awareness, communication and relationship among Pullman businesses and makes use of the resources of the Association of Washington Business and the U.S. Chamber. This includes business tours and guest speakers to increase understanding of issues affecting businesses and economic development.
Projects: Legislative agenda, seminars, monitoring current government regulations and issues.
Meeting Time: The Third Friday of Each Month, 7:30 a.m., SEL Event Center (group meets twice monthly during legislative session)
4th of July
Glenn Johnson
This group plans and coordinates strategies for this great community celebration that is held each year in Sunnyside Park. Activities include fireworks, live entertainment, BBQ, concessions, children’s games and more.
Meeting Time: Three meetings each year as announced.
Pullman-WSU Relations
Marie Dymkoski
Working closely with WSU, ASWSU and chamber members to continue strong relations with students/businesses in Pullman. Where ‘there’s unity in the community’ in bridging the gap between campus and the community of Pullman. The committee works on creating events that bring the students into the community and the community involvement with WSU. The group has worked with WSU Athletics to put up several hundred Cougar Flags around town and in shops. ASWSU’s “30 Days of Pullman” and Restaurant Week brings students into area businesses. Learn more by calling the chamber at 334-3565
Meeting Time: Bi-monthly, 3:00pm, Daily Grind Coffee House in downtown Pullman.
National Lentil Festival
Britnee Packwood
This two-day, community event is held in late August each year. Activities include: Live Entertainment, Grand Parade, 5k Fun Run, Lentil Lane Food Court, Lentil Gallery Arts & Crafts, Microbrewery Tasting Tent, Lentil Land Children’s Area, Wine Tasting, Free Lentil Chili, Cook-Off Competition, Sports Tournaments and more. The “Pod Squad” always likes to see new faces, hear fresh ideas, and welcomes a challenge.
Meeting Time: The Second Thursday of each month, 5:30 p.m., Chamber Office
Palouse Tourism and Marketing
Carol Cooper
In conjunction with WSU, the Moscow community, and other area representatives, this group works on increasing tourism to the Palouse through joint marketing activities. Projects: The committee works on developing yearly promotional materials and activities including advertising campaigns, brochures, excursion tours and workshops. Meets monthly.