The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Things are falling into place here at the Chamber. Our director, Shannon Gildea, has been learning more about her role and continues to grow within the position. Here is a summary of all that we accomplished this quarter:

In April: The chamber celebrated 94 active members; Shannon received a tour of St. James Center; chamber members were contacted about April membership renewals; the "Hook the Hawg" Salmon Derby was held at the Elochoman Slough Marina with over 75 participants to provide a scholarship to a WHS senior; Shannon attended a Fair Board meeting to learn more about the Wahkiakum Fair; Shannon attended a Port 1 meeting to learn more about the Marina and to introduce herself to the commissioners; Shannon represented the Chamber at the CWCOG Wahkiakum Regional Informational Forum; Shannon held the first Bald Eagle Planning Meeting; Shannon represented the chamber at the Pathways to Prosperity Conference on rural entrepreneurship; Shannon attended the Port 2 meeting to provide information about their marketing and web presence; Chamber Vice President Sandi Benbrook-Rieder hosted an Economic Development 101 Conference at Skamokawa Resort; Shannon represented the chamber at the CWCOG Regional Transportation meeting; Shannon represented the chamber at the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Career Development Consortium meeting and helped with mock-interviews at Wahkiakum High School; and Shannon presented high school volunteers thank you letters at the WHS Awards Assembly.

In May: The chamber celebrated 93 active members; the chamber celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Daisy Chain Floral; the chamber also celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Ostling's Fish N Chips and More; chamber members were contacted about May membership renewals; Shannon represented the chamber at the SWEDC meeting in Castle Rock; the 2015 accommodations flyer was completed; Shannon held another Bald Eagle planning meeting at the Community Center; Bald Eagle vendor applications were sent out; Bald Eagle Parade entry forms were finalized; the chamber celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Rain River Yoga; Shannon represented the chamber and the business community at the Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Interviews for graduating seniors; Shannon attended the Town of Cathlamet meeting to request permission for Bald Eagle Days 2015; Shannon represented the chamber at the PUD meeting; and Shannon met with a business owner interested in bringing his business to Wahkiakum County.

In June: The chamber celebrated 98 active members; Shannon represented the chamber at the CWCOG Regional Transportation meeting; chamber members were contacted about June membership renewals; Shannon held a Mid-Day Bald Eagle planning meeting; Shannon represented the chamber and awarded two students scholarships at the WHS graduation; the Bald Eagle Days poster was finalized and dispersed; Bald Eagle Day planning has continued; Bald Eagle Days advertising was featured in a variety of newspapers and community calendars; and the chamber celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Waterway Espresso.

The Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting local business, encouraging economic development, and fostering community interaction and involvement. Contact the chamber at wchamber@cni.net or 360-795-9996 with questions or to obtain more information.

Upcoming Dates:

• Bald Eagle Days – July 17-18 throughout Cathlamet.

• Battle of the Bowls: a Chili & Chowder showdown September 5 at Elochoman Slough Marina.

Submitted by

Bill Wilkins,

Board President