Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Introduction to Chamber | Board and Staff | How to Join | Overview of Foundation | Our Work Plan | Committees/Contacts | Sampling of Accomplishments

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Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce has been working to improve the Grays Harbor economy and quality of life since 1892. A not-for-profit business advocacy organization, the Chamber is not a municipal, county, state or federal agency. The primary funding for the Chamber's programs is through the voluntary annual investments made by our more than 700 member firms.

Our purpose is to make Grays Harbor a better place to live, visit, and transact business; by providing Advocacy, Business assistance, Connections, and Data; thus creating a positive business climate in which firms can earn a fair profit, create jobs, and improve the quality of life.

Working to achieve this purpose are more than 100 volunteers serving on about a dozen committees and task forces. We serve the core cities of Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Cosmopolis as well as Grays Harbor County.

The Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce welcomes you and your family to our beautiful county. Call us at (360) 532-1924/1-800-321-1924; or email us at: Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Grays Harbor is a vital, healthy, interesting, and beautiful community; in short, an excellent place to live and work, visit, play, and transact business.

In 1990, the Grays Harbor area and its largest city Aberdeen were singled out from 219 small communities as being one of the ten best "micropolitan" areas in which to live in the United States

More Than a Century of Service to Business and

The Grays Harbor Community

The Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce Story

Excavators find evidence that merchants and professional people gathered together to enhance the economic vitality of their area as far back as the dawn of recorded history along the Nile River in the Fertile Crescent/Mesopotamia area - - the very crade of civilization.  This banding together  to enhance business is now a role of the Chamber of Commerce.

The first Chamber of Commerce, by name, began in 1599 in Marseilles, France.  In 1768, twenty-three years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence and twenty-four years prior to Captain Robert Gray's sailing into our harbor, the United States Chamber of Commerce was established.  The Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce has been working to improve Grays Harbor's economy and quality of life since 1892.  One of the first sixty chambers in the US, the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce had its origin in the Aberdeen Trade Board and the Hoquiam Commercial Club, both founded in 1890.  Though linked by common purpose, chambers of commerce in the United States are independent organizations and are not subsidiaries of the U.S. Chamber nor are they formally affiliated with one another.

The Chamber movement came into existence to "protect and promote business."  This is still our objective; but today our Chamber is also interested in "total community development."  We need to match community needs with community resources.  One of the most important resources the Chamber brings together is the leadership wealth of the community.

The process of total community development requires that the community must reach a consensus on the best way to solve problems, and then the solutions agreed upon must be effectively implemented.  The Chamber is the logical entity through which the united effort of the business community can make its most effective contribution to this process.

In the workings of business and community improvement, the Chamber also must recognize its need to work with other responsible constituencies in the community.  The Chamber cannot do all things; it is the job of the Chamber team to find its role for most effective leadership.  The Chamber has no desire or claim to be the "Lone Ranger" or the only one carrying the flag to the top of the hill.  The Chamber's strengths are in our partnerships and in bringing people together to resolve a community issue.

The Grays Harbor Chamber works well with all government entities but receives no city, county, state or federal financial support for the actual operation of the Chamber of Commerce.  However, the Chamber does receive grants for programs we operate on behalf of others.  The Chamber receives a grant from the Motel Tax of the City of Aberdeen and the County for partial reimbursement for the year round operation of the Visitor Information Center (VIC).  Members' investments pay the larger share of the operation of hte VIC.  The Chamber also received Department of Labor Grants through the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council to provide workforce services to local businesses by the Chamber's Employers Assistance Project.  No member investment is used to support these employer services.

The primary funding of the Chamber is through the voluntary annual membership investment made by businesses and professionals who believe in our community and wish to improve its economy and quality of life.  Chamber membership is for all who believe that "Together we can make a difference."

The Roots of the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce

The origin of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce is the Aberdeen Trade Board, which was founded in 1890.  The Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce first met at the Aberdeen City Council Chambers, and by 1911 they had moved to the opulent Finch Building.  Later they relocated to the mezzanine of hte Morck Hotel.

Aberdeen's early business leaders, as would be expected, were leaders in this young Chamber.  Men like Sam Benn, R.B. Campbell, R.J. Rowland, Ed Finch, O.M. Kellogg, and N.G. Kaufman were charter members.  Others like W.B. Mack, T.C. Moulton, James Stewart, J.M. Weatherwax, and A.D. Wood, and many more were active in the early Aberdeen Chamber.

The roots of the Hoquiam Chamber of Commerce were in the Hoquiam Commercial Club, founded in 1890.  Leaders like Alexander Polson (1907) and Frank Lamb (1915) were among its early presidents.  It's offices were at 721 "I" Street (Simpson).  The Hoquiam Chamber later moved up the street to the Emerson Hotel Building, 701 "I" Street.

The Aberdeen and Hoquiam Chambers cooperated in their promotion of all of Grays Harbor County.  When doing so they often used the name "Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce."  By 1962, it was evident to these chamber boards that consolidation of the two chambers would be far more effective and cost efficient.  It no longer made good sense to these astute business people for these contiguous cities to have separate organizations advocating for business and the community.  They recognized too many organizations working for the same purpose dilute leadership, effectiveness, is unnecessarily duplicative, and wasteful of financial and human resources.

In 1962 the Hoquiam and Aberdeen Chambers merged under the name "Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce."  The Articles of Incorporation says, "The Chamber is to serve the cities of Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Cosmopolis and the County of Grays Harbor."  In 1963 the new Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce moved into its own building on land leased from the PUD at 2704 Sumner.  The Chamber moved again in 1989 into the newly remodeled "Enterprise Center" at 506 Duffy, leased from the county and shared by the Grays Harbor Economic Development Council.  These strategic partners now conveniently assist new business start-ups and businesses interested in relocation.

For more than a century, the Chamber of Commerce has been active in Grays Harbor working for you and with you to improve our economy and quality of life.

The Purpose of the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce, simply stated, is to "...Make Grays Harbor a better place to live, visit, and transact business."  If the issue, problem or need entails quality of life, tourism, or the business climate it is probably that this pro-active Chamber is involved.

The Chamber's Partnerships

The primary partners of the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce are our members.  Our priority is with our members; from whom we get the majority of our funding for the Chamber's Initiatives. 

The Chamber is continually looking for ways to enhance our members' businesses.  Without our members the Chamber is doing nothing.  Business is absolutely the business of the Chamber.

We have strategic partnerships with our municipalities.  Our first priority is to work with our cities and county in finding ways to make the businesses of our cities and county more viable.  We are also interested in assisting in the recruitment of new businesses.  The Chamber is often the first to be contacted by a party interested in locating here.

Prospective businesses ask about the friendliness of the municipality toward business and the ease of doing business in the city and county.  The Chamber provides all pertinent information at our disposal and refers the prospect to the appropriate city or county contact.  We will often host the prospect, much of the time teaming with the City.  To continually improve the business climate we work together to increase the efficiency of permitting and government services.

The Grays Harbor Economic Development Center and Grays Harbor Tourism are strategic partners with the Grays Harbor Chamber.  We work together to recruit businesses and visitors to our communities.  Both of these agencies work outside the area to provide their services.  They attend outside trade shows and conferences for the purpose of attracting businesses or visitors and have healthy budgets for outside advertising.  The Chamber works toward the same end result of attracting businesses to locate here and visitors to stay here, but through separate avenues.

The Chamber does not usually go outside the area, and advertising is primarily targeted to the visitor on the Olympic Peninsula.  Our role is to serve as a Welcome Center and host for visitors and new businesses.  The Chamber excels in selling the quality of life benefits to prospective businesses, while the EDC assists businesses with understanding the various inventives and liking with the state Community Trade and Economic Development Department.

WorkSource Grays Harbor and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn) are major partners with the Chamber.  Through the Employers Assistance Project (EAP) the Chamber represents these two entities to business and businesses to the workforce delivery system.

The Chamber manages the EAP, which is nationally awarded and replicated for its innovative partnerships.  The Chamber's employee discerns from respective businesses the criteria needed for a good fit employee, and refers their WorkSource partners' clients.  Businesses hired more than 1,250 of the Chamber's referrals, with a retention rate of 87% and an average wage of more than $10 per hour in the first four years of the program.  The project is funded with grants secured by PacMtn.

Education is a vital partner with the Chamber.  We have a symbolic relationship with our K-20 system.  The Grays Harbor College and our local High Schools are key economic development blocks.  The Chamber has a role in helping to prepare tomorrow's vocational educational committees and in youth mentoring and job shadowing.  The Chamber chairs the In-School Business Week program.

The Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce is a participant in the Chamber of Commerce Federation.  This is a non-affiliated coalition of local Chambers, business groups, and the US Chamber of Commerce.  This alliance gives us access to critical information helpful to business and the largest business lobbying organization in the nation. 

The Grays Harbor Chamber is linked with the state chambers through membership with the Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives.  We cooperate informally with the Chambers of Grays Harbor through the Association of Chambers of Commerce of Grays Harbor.  Other important business memberships include the Association of Washington Business and Washington Research Council.

Additional partners with the Chamber in working for business and community development are the Port of Grays Harbor, Community Hospital, Aberdeen Revitalization Movement, Hoquiam Development Association, Mediation and Settlement Center, and host of organizations, which share our vision.

The Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce is a 501-C-6 Not-for-Profit organization.  The Chamber is not a charity, but serves as an advocate for businesses in our community!

Dues and donations made to the Chamber are not a charitable tax deduction for federal income tax purposes.  However, the IRS generally recognize as "Necessary Business Expense" the Fair Share Investment in memberhsip.  The Grays Harbor Chamber raises 29% of its total operating funds through the Fair Share Investment Membership dues of businesses.  Additional revenue is raised through Leaders' Circle sponsorships, seminars, merchandise sales and grants.

The Chamber will often facilitate or assist special projects or events such as Hoquiam Shows Its Best, Historical Seaport/Lady Washington, Jazz Festival, Heritage Festival, Splash Days, Cosmopolis Festival in the Park, and Hoquiam River Festival.

Our Members' Profile

2007-2008 Chamber Staff and Board of Directors

How to Join

Overview of the Foundation of the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Our Constitution

Our Purpose - To make Grays Harbor a better place to live, visit and transact business

Our Vision - We accomplish our purpose by creating a vital business climate on the Harbor necessary for well-run enterprises to succeed while improving the quality of life.

Our Strategy - We execute our mission by mobilizing the creative genius and enterpreneurial skills of the business and professional people of the Harbor.

Our Customers - In fulfilling our role we are benefitting those we serve, including:

Our Members - By providing an effective vehicle for cooperative action.

Our Business Community - By helping them make their ventures more profitable.

Our Residents - By increasing their confidence in their economic future as a vital part of an enhanced quality of life.

Our Visitors - By increasing their awareness and admiration of the Harbor, its people, its businesses and its heritage.

Our Essential Task - To develop committed and effective business and community leaders.

The Chamber at Work . . .

Our essential result occurs each time a person becomes productively involved in a community improvement effort resulting from chamber participation.

Our products - our central concern is to produce a business environment on the Harbor that contains the essential conditions required for profitable business performance.

Our Work Plan -- Four Great Initiatives

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - BETTER BUSINESS GRAYS HARBOR

Improving Business success; Business is the Chamber’s Business: Our role is to create an environment and provide avenues that lead to business prosperity! We are actively involved in legislative issues as coastal Washington’s largest business organization and strongest voice for business. The Chamber leads the “Shop the Harbor First” Campaign

The Leadership GH training occurs throughout the year to build leadership skills. Leadership—the process of moving people to positive action through non-coercive means—is essential if Grays Harbor is to become what we want it to be.

To stay informed about business, the community, and the Chamber, attend business luncheons and seminars.

CHAMBER DEVELOPMENT - CONNECTIONS GRAYS HARBOR

Improving Membership Services By Better Serving Our Customers:  The Chamber’s first task is to help our members be successful!

We Provide businesses with exposure to potential clients and customers you would not otherwise have.  Numerous networking opportunities are offered including:  Economic Roundtable, Quality Seminars, Business After Hours, Business, Information Forums, Trade Show, Job Fairs, Newsletter, Publications, Women’s Conference & Lunches, and more.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - PACKAGING GRAYS HARBOR

Creating A Better Impression For All Who Live, Work And Visit In Grays Harbor:  The goal is to improve Grays Harbor’s image from the inside out with a positive message

We Partner with other organizations in presenting forums and plans for community betterment.

 We Operate a Visitor Information Center to be a window to our community helping to create a positive and unforgettable experience for those visiting our community.

We Advertise this area as the center from which to explore the Unforgettable Coast, Rain Forest and Olympic Peninsula.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - WORKFORCE GRAYS HARBOR –

Creating a Better Workforce in Grays Harbor: Providing leadership to improve the availability of a quality workforce should be an ongoing focus of the Chamber.

We Sponsor In-School Business Week where Business Advisors, Judges, Instructors and Sponsors provide a dynamic, hands-on marketplace experience for Aberdeen’s High School students.

Committees and Contacts

Sampling of Accomplishments

2003 - 2004 Highlights of Accomplishments

• Produced the Holiday Bonus Bucks Promotion and Auction to promote shopping locally for the holidays.
• Sponsored In-School Business Week at Aberdeen High School
• Local Coordinator for In School Business Week
• Produced a media campaign to promote "Shopping the Harbor First" year round
• Presented the only local Professional Women's Conference and introduced luncheons
• Sponsored Edge LEarning Institute's "Human Effectiveness Seminar."
• Coordinated the nationally recognized Employers Assistance Project, assisting our employers in hiring more than 1700 employees with a retention rate of more than 87% to date.
• Operated a Visitor Information Center to promote Grays Harbor, provide countywide information and refer to chamber member businesses.
• Partnered with SCORE, EDC and Small Business Administration in presenting Business Seminars.
• Partnered with the EDS and several other organizations in presenting Showcase Grays Harbor.
• Represented local business and members with an exhibit at the Grays Harbor County Fair.
• Responded to requests for information by individuals and companies exploring establishing a business in Grays Harbor.  These resonses were by mail, phone and in person.
• Provided and facilitated business assistance and information to new/prospective businesses.
• Coordinated business assistance appointments for the SCORE program and volunteers.
• Responded by mail to mail, email and phone requests for information about Grays Harbor.
• Handled phone inquiries for visitor and relocation information; for business assistance and for member services.
• Greeted, in our VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER, more than 45,000 visitors and newcomers to Grays Harbor.
• Worked with a community liaison committee to communicate Stafford Creek correctional and community issues.  Stafford Creek employs 600 people; with a $36,000,000 annual payroll.
• Conducted BUSINESS ROUNDTABLES enveloping business and professional people -- its purpose is to discuss means of enhancing business of participants and the economy Grays Harbor.
• Facilitated the publication of 85,000 Countywide Visitor and Relocation Map Guide consisting of 72 pages.
• Presented LEADERSHIP GRAYS HARBOR - A comprehensive community leadership program modeled by 650 other American cities.  The purpose is to develop a base of committed leaders.
• Represented Grays Harbor business interests before congressional and state legislators and agencies regarding our natural resource based economy, timber, fish, health care, and regulatory reform.
• Presented a GRAYS HARBOR TRADE SHOW attracting 80 exhibitors and 15,000 attendees.
• Advertised Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Cosmopolis, and the County of Grays Harbor in regional periodicals.
• Assisted in a countywide Tourism Advisory Panel to promote Grays Harbor Tourism.
• Presented interviews, copy information, and photos to numerous news organizations for articles on GRAYS HARBOR.
• Provided a RED CARPET RECEPTION AND TOUR for prospective professionals and businesses.
• Selected 12 members as BUSINESS OF THE MONTH because they exemplify excellence in their leadership, personnel, service, community support, employee training, and "Pride of ownership" in their facility.
• Coordinated 12 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS hosted by member businesses to provide networking opportunities.
• Hosted MONTHLY MEMBERS' BUSINESS FORUMS to present topics of interest to business and professionals.
• Provided speakers for numerous group meetings.
• Assisted local organizations in fundraising auctions.
• Hosted a Chairmen's Leaders' Banquet highlighting many of our members.
• Performed Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for new and existing business' Grand Openings.
• Provided special event planning assistance.
• Produced a Chamber periodical - "THE CHAMBER INSIDER" to keep members informed of economic and community changes and successes.
• Represented business on several community task forces.
• Build upon BUSINESS/EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS.
• Facilitated Strategic Planning Retreats for local Non-profit entities.
• Hosted and moderated a luncheon for the COASTAL CAUCUS LEGISLATORS and local leaders.
• Inaugurated a Spanish Class for Business.

An active Action Plan enabled the Grays Harbor Chamber to accomplish a multitude of additional forums, committee tasks, and chamber development objectives.

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