Mattawa Chamber moving tomorrow's meeting

MATTAWA — The Mattawa Chamber of Commerce has changed the location for its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 17, to the Columbia Basin Health Association Clinic conference room.

The CBHA clinic is located on Government Way, across the street from city hall and the fire station. The meeting will get under way at noon and will feature a presentation by Royal Register Publisher Tom Hinde.

At the Aug. 20 meeting, President Lois Thiede announced the registration of Northwest Compost as a new member. Since then, Desert Wind Winery and Vineyard has been added.

Thiede nominated Jaime Cruz, owner-operator of Northwest Compost for the secretary position, Maria Rosales of Columbia Bank seconded the motion, and he was elected.

Rosales reported that the Chamber’s account balances at Columbia Bank are: Checking - $2695.57 and Savings – $1017.70.

The big news out of the Chamber is the possibility of changing the dates for the Taste the Wahluke Slope wine festival. Talks with the Desert Aire Owners Association were suggested to coordinate scheduling. A decision was tabled until tomorrow’s meeting.

Rosales announced she will apply for 501c 6 designation by the IRS to allow next year’s wineries to donate wine to the Taste the Wahluke Slope event. Cost is $400 with a 6-month time frame to obtain it.

Dick Skogerson, Desert Aire Airport Commission chairman, gave a presentation on the airstrip in Desert Aire. Improvements to the airstrip are in desperate need in order for medical, business and recreational users to utilize this community asset.