Mattawa Chamber elects officers
The Royal Register News
MATTAWA - The Mattawa Area Multicultural Chamber of Commerce elected new officers at its Nov. 9 meeting, but its future is still in doubt.
Member Lois Thiede noted nine people attended the meeting, but they represented only six paid memberships. There hadn't been a meeting since summer.
There will not be another meeting until April, new President Mike Thiede said. Most members and two officers will not be available during winter.
The biggest challenge for the MAMCC has been attracting the many Hispanic-owned businesses in Mattawa. The word "multicultural" was included in the name just for them, but it hasn't worked.
Other officers elected at the meeting were Vice President Curt Connor, Secretary Tammy Connor and Treasurer Juan Sandoval. Sandoval, the current treasurer, had planned to design.
According to Mike Thiede, little enthusiasm was exhibited at the meeting. No one spoke the word "disband," he said, but he sensed that members thought it.
"One member suggested shutting down," Thiede said.
The election of officers nearly did not happen, Thiede said. He insisted because of the Chamber's requirement to make a report to the state in March.
The Thiedes said they will continue to promote the MAMCC and still hope to see it grow. They'll work on recruitment ideas this winter.
"We need a mission," Thiede said. "We need something to offer them."
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