Chamber of commerce heads meet in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Chamber of commerce directors from across the state gathered in Moses Lake last week to learn some new things, and to share business development tips.

According to Debbie Doran-Martinez, CEO of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Chamber Leadership Conference is organized by the Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives (WCCE).

“It’s a place for chamber executives to go, get professional development, learn how to do our jobs better and stay relevant,” Doran-Martinez said.

“Can’t go to school for this,” Doran-Martinez said. “There’s no degree in chamber (of commerce) management.”

The conference was held here in Moses Lake because Doran-Martinez was the president of the WCCE for 2016-17.

“What we try to do is capitalize on current trends, like technology and social media, how we get our message out, and what resources are available,” said Bob Green, the CEO of the WCCE.

Green said one of the things the conference focused on this year was disaster preparedness and helping chambers of commerce respond to natural and man-made disasters.

“What is the chamber of commerce’s role in all that? We help chambers to be prepared, for themselves and their communities,” Green said. “Fire, windstorms, shootings — how to handle the onslaught of the press and all that comes with it.”

Other things chamber directors focused on were marketing their communities, recruiting new members, and training new chamber employees.

“Chambers can have a high turnover, and it’s important that new folks have an opportunity to meet folks who are more seasoned,” Green said.

Doran-Martinez said all of the roughly 75 attendees were concerned about ensuring there are enough skilled workers to fill local and regional need.

“Everybody focuses on workforce,” she said. “The more people we can get employed, or better employed, then it’s better for the economy.”

It’s all part of the chamber of commerce’s job, Doran-Martinez explained.

“The chamber is an economic engine for the community,” she said.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.