June 2013 The Number One Business Advocate In The Walla Walla Valley

29 East Sumach | PO Box 644 | Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Ph. 509.525.0850 | Fax 509.522.2038 | info@wwvchamber.com | wwvchamber.com

ChamberNews

ummer is finally upon us! I love the long days and warm nights. It puts everybody in a good mood. Especially me! I would like to share some various

thanks, upcoming events, and some other information with you.

39th Annual Balloon StampedeA mighty THANK YOU to everyone who

made the 39th Annual Balloon Stampede a great success! We had 42 balloons that came to the event and flew all four days. While the Chamber organizes and produces the Stampede, it is an event for the community, by the community. Over 300 volunteers helped us make it happen. From set-up, security, kids coloring contest, vendor coordination, crews for pilots, they give collectively thousands of volunteer hours to the Stampede and the community. Thank you for your months of hard work.

Thank you to our great sponsors in the busi-ness community! The Chamber receives no public money to put on the Balloon Stampede. Gesa Credit Union CEO, Christina Lethlean and her team were great to work with this year. Thanks for being our Title Sponsor! Pacific Power has been a long supporter of the Stampede as our Launch Sponsor. Thanks to Bill Clemens for helping us get the balloons off the ground! We had a fantastic Nite Glow on Saturday night with the smoking hot band, the Dusty 45s, rocking the event. Sykes Enterprises was our sponsor for Nite Glow and I appreci-ate them making it such a fun night. I also want to say thanks to Columbia Rural Electric Association for sponsoring our Champagne Reception for the pilots. A great evening! Many additional businesses stepped up to be sponsors for the event and I extend my thanks for their generosity for the Stampede and the community.

OUR MISSIONT h e Wa l l a Wa l l a Valley Chamber of Commerce is a mem-ber-focused organiza-tion and community partner that fosters a sustainable, healthy and vibrant economic environment through business promotion, education and services.

INSIDEPage 2—New Orleans~~A Culinary Tour

Page 3—It Magically Comes Together

Page 4-5—Members’ News Flash

Page 6-7—Balloon Stampede

Page 8—Business Classic Golf Tournament

Page 9—Welcome Casi Smith

Page 10—Welcome New Members

Page 11—Monthly Statistics—June Business After Hours—Advertise Your Business or Event

Some Notes For Summer• David Woolson, President / CEO

S o m e i m p o r t a n t additional thanks go to our 42 pilots that put on the show. What a spectacle in the sky! I also want to thank Jim Bock for be-ing such a great MC and ‘the voice’ of the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. A huge thank you to Jerry Cummins who was our Balloonmeister this year. From coordinating pilots, safety, working with the FAA, leading the pilot briefings and sneaking in a few flights for himself; Jerry makes the machine go! Thanks Mr. Cummins. Lastly, thanks to the great staff at the Chamber for your immense time and effort. I am so proud to work with you.

Chamber Member Benefit StudyThe Walla Walla Valley Chamber of

Commerce is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is a great resource to our Chamber for industry data and trends, best practices and case studies, as well as how to continually improve the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce.

I was interested in reading a recent study that ACCE published that they commissioned the Schapiro Group to conduct on their behalf. The fundamental question they researched was to determine the real value to companies in terms of outcomes of joining and being active in their local Chamber of Commerce. Do consumers really support businesses because they are Chamber members?

The findings are quite interesting. They are based on a national survey of adults. It shows:

1. If someone knows that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the

Continued on page 11

S

2 | June 2013

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMDavid Woolson President/CEO

Damien Sinnott Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development

Betsy Hadden Director of Member Services

Casi Smith Director of Special Events

Jenny Buckley Office Manager/ Executive Assistant

Tammy Sutton Bookkeeper

Marissa Miller Administrative Assistant& Plan Center

Banner Bank

Capps Broadcast Group

Coffey Communications, Inc

Columbia REA

Gesa Credit Union

Inland Cellular

KUJ

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

Wine Valley Golf Club

VISIONARY MEMBERS

New Orleans ~~ A Culinary Tour• Damien Sinnott, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development

Full Service Landscaping Professionals

529-2175

info@diamondcutwallawalla.com

www.diamondcutwallawalla.com

FREE Estimates, Walla Walla Valley Chamber member

discounts available!

Continued on page 8

whiskey, bottle them un-der pressure, and let you drink from the bottle in public.” When it comes to cuisine, New Orleans sim-ply has it all. It has low country Cajun and Creole specialties like gumbo, red beans and rice, and jam-balaya. It has muffalettas, beignets, chicory coffee, and deep-fried gator. From hole in the wall cafes to five-star establishments, New Orleans is steeped in culinary talent.

The incredible diversity of culinary tradi-tions that New Orleans offers presented me with one problem, however. Where could I possibly find a tour guide qualified to help us navigate this culinary adventure? Luckily, the answer was right here in Walla Walla in the form of our very own rock star chef, Andrae Bopp. For those of you who don’t know, An-drae is the culinary master behind Andrae’s Kitchen and La Porte Brune, and his resume and talents are as impressive and diverse as anything that New Orleans could possibly throw at us. This is a guy who on any giv-en night might be pairing perfectly prepared sweetbreads, goat ragout, spagatini and chimi-churi sauce with a fine cabernet after spending his day serving up his signature AK-47 (1/4 pound hot dog, wrapped in bacon, deep fried, put in a bun, and topped with poutine) out of a food truck or his brick and mortar kitchen that is housed in a gas station. He is equal parts crazy adventure combined with white linen refinement. In short, he will be the per-fect food ambassador to help us navigate the New Orleans’ culinary scene, not to mention an incredibly fun travel companion.

So why don’t you plan on joining us No-vember 3-8 for a culinary adventure in New Orleans. We will be staying at the iconic Bourbon Orleans Hotel perfectly situated in the French Quarter (rumor has it that it is haunted, but the ghosts are friendly). We will participate in a farm-to-table cooking school

ajun cuisine, free flowing cocktails, world class jazz, swamp people, and voodoo—what more could you want? That’s right, we are heading to

New Orleans in November and we absolutely want you to join us! Now a lot of Chambers of Commerce organize trips for their members, but we are not your average Chamber and this is most certainly not going to be your average Chamber trip. We wanted to think outside the box and put together a trip that would combine a ridiculous amount of fun with some Walla Walla flair. All I can say is mis-sion accomplished!

When we were thinking about putting together a trip, we really wanted to do some-thing that would tie into the Chamber’s mis-sion. Last year we rolled out the Chamber Works Project and identified four economic clusters that we believe are vitally important to Walla Walla’s future economic growth. One of the core initiatives of the Chamber Works Project is called Plow 2 Plate, and it is an effort to build upon Walla Walla’s rich agri-cultural roots and its rapidly growing culinary scene. Food and travel seemed like a natural combination, and thus the idea for a culinary tour was born.

So why New Orleans? The obvious rea-son is that if you are looking for a fun culinary destination, New Orleans is a perfect choice year round. As one guide book described it, “whether it is Mardi Gras or Mother Theresa’s birthday, Bourbon Street will take all of your desires and boil them down like sour mouth

Phot

o by

Kim

berl

y M

iner

JOIN US!!

Nov 3-86 days, 5 nights

$1996

C

June 2013 | 3

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEBoard Chair Shannon Bergevin Express Employment Professionals

Vice Chair Tom Scribner Minnick-Hayner

Treasurer John Tombari Banner Bank

Immediate Past Chair Jon Bren Baker Boyer Bank

Past Chair Monty Knittel Walla Walla General Hospital

Secretary David Woolson Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

nother Balloon Stampede has come and gone. It amazes me how large of an event it is, the many volunteers it takes and….how it just “magically” comes together. It is magical that

volunteers return, year after year to help put this event on. It is not an easy task to do.

It takes a lot of dedication to make this all work. We have some volunteers that are crew member for pilots. Some are families and individuals who have been crewing for the same pilot for over 20 years. They are dedicat-ed and passionate about the event and come back year after year to help ….that is magical.

Some in our volunteer group, I feel, go above and beyond the call of volunteer-ing, they have dedicated hundreds of hours to make sure everything goes according to plan and smoothly. Some have volunteered for years, some have volunteered a couple of years, for some this was their fist Stampede and pitched in with the same gusto and pas-sion as those who have been here for years. Some were up and at it with us at 5:30 am every day and stayed till close of the event and did not get home until well after midnight or longer. These people went non-stop all day long, giving it their all. Though all jobs at the Stampede are important and every volunteer is essential in making it go on. I feel the need to separate these individuals out from the rest. These individuals not only gave many hours of planning well before the event, but took the week off from work to ensure everything would be ready for the attendees to enjoy. Liz and Gary Pierce are our site coordinators and close to the longest-running volunteers. They spent hours of mapping and setting up of the event site, helping vendors, and over-all, take care of any problem that may arise. Liz does an awesome job of decorating the Pilot check-in every year. Will and Brenda Breshears, our first year volunteers, were our gate coordinators and ended up just all-around-help-out-where-needed type of people, running like the Energizer Bunny. Linda Heiser, memorabilia coordinator, works on this from the beginning (in January) to the end, managing inventory, pre-sales and living in the booth during the festival. Tara Crain, assistant vendor coordinator assistant

It Magically Comes Togethermemorabilia, and children’s activity center-she was a busy lady. Carrie Huskinson spent countless hours and weekends processing vendor applications, recruiting new vendors and working with them during the Stampede. Rob Jackson, our head of security, put together an excellent team for security, which has kept our event extremely safe for the past two years. He also helped out with traffic control, street closures, pedestrian safety, site set-up, and anything else he could find that needed to get done. The hours these specific individuals gave the Balloon Stampede is unimaginable, along with the time they took off from work to make it all happen……that is magical.

Jerry Cummins our Balloonmeister, spends many hours each year putting together the necessary paperwork required by the FAA to put on this event. He coordinates and communicates with the pilots for the year, to ensure that they all have the necessary information and documents needed to fly at the event. Jerry, I believe, has the most detailed job. He has a “fine line” paper trail he must keep to make sure that the event stays within the FAA guidelines. We are extremely grateful to have Jerry on our team taking care of these details. He does it for the love of the ballooning sport and for the love of his community….that is magical.

All of our volunteers are invaluable. Every single job is extremely important in making the Balloon Stampede a success.

Finally, to all of our sponsors, without your financial contributions each year, this massive event would definitely not be possible. I thank you all for your support in the Stampede and your confidence in the Chamber to facilitate it.

It is hard to believe that next year will be the 40th anniversary. The Stampede would have never made it this far if it was not for the support of our community. It is truly a great event that is put on by the community, for the community…and that my friend is what makes it truly….magical!

} Loss & damage insurance } Advanced digital technology

Walla Walla 30 W Main St, Ste 205 | 509.876.4541

Experience the difference of BETTER HEARING

www.ColumbiaBasinHearing.com

Neil W. Aiello, Au.D.Doctor of Audiology

} 75-day trial } 3-year warranty

Free Hearing Screenings!

A• Betsy Hadden, Director of Member Services

4 |June 2013

Scott Abajian Abajian Toyota-Scion

Meagan Anderson-Pira Children’s Home Society

Shannon Bergevin Express Employment Professionals

Rob Blethen Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

Todd Brandenburg PocketiNet Communications

Jon Bren Baker Boyer Bank

George Bridges Whitman College

Chaundra Dominguez Vault Accounting and Business Consulting

Valerie Fayette One Meadow Lane

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Members’ News FlashPremium General Admission will include seats in the center section of risers: adults $15, student/youth $10 (under 18), and children age 2 and under are free. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students/youth under 18, and children age 2 and under are free. Tickets are available online at www.wwsymphony.org, by telephone at 509-529-8020, at the Symphony office at 13-1/2 E. Main, Suite 201, Walla Walla, and at the door. This event is sponsored in part by Blue Mountain Realtors, the Coffey Family and Dragon’s Gate Brewery.

The Blue Mountain Humane Society has worked to prevent cruelty and promote kindness to animals in our community since 1967. They serve as the primary source of information, support and service for the humane treatment of animals in the region. BMHS operates a no-kill animal shelter facility, and works to place healthy, altered, adoptable animals into the community. They also provide humane education program-ming and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.

2012-2013 marks the Walla Walla Symphony’s 106th season. Through the many offerings of the Symphony, each season over 8,000 Walla Walla Valley residents, students and families experience the thrill of live, classical music of the highest artistic caliber. For more information, visit www.wwsymphony.org or call the symphony office at 509-529-8020.

Teen Parenting Group MeetsThe goal of Parenting Teens Together is

to provide a safe place for parents of teens to share experiences, obtain knowledge and access local resources: espousing the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child”. The groups’ core values consist of Confidentiality, Respect, Empathy and Grace.

The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month and invites guest speakers to address topics of special interest. These meetings are lecture-based with an emphasis on discussion, Q & A and open sharing. The meetings are not limited to the main topic

Celebrate Walla Walla Valley WineThe Chamber has teamed up with the

Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance for the event, Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine, the World of Cabernet Sauvignon, will be held June 20-22. Take advantage of a one-of-a-kind opportunity to taste some of the most sought-after wines in the Walla Walla and Napa Valleys, and learn what makes these two Valleys among the world’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon wine producing regions. Also, gain additional insight from two of the nation’s most well-known wine critics and one of the most-respected terroir and geology experts.

Guest winemakers include: Jean Francois Pellet from Pepper Bridge Winery, Chris Figgins from Figgins Family Wine Estates, Rick Small from Woodward Canyon as well as winemakers from Napa Valley and special wine writers from Wine & Spirits Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Purchase your t ickets online at wallawallawine.com/celebrate or by phone at 509-526-3117.

Mares ‘n Music Adds MuttsThe Walla Walla Symphony will partner

with the Blue Mountain Humane Society to present a new spin on a beloved event-“Mares ‘n Music” is now “Mares, Mutts ‘n Music,” The event will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2013, at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds Expo Arena. Activities will begin at 2pm with an adoption event featuring animals from the shelter, followed by the 3pm performance of Equestrian and other animal acts set to the live music of the Walla Walla Symphony. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event catered by Walla Walla Community College Catering and popcorn and candy will be available from Bright’s Candies. This event will be fun for the whole family.

There will be three seating options offered this year: VIP Seating (for those age 21 and over) will include a glass of beer or wine and premium seating for $25.

Members’ News Flashand local resources will be available for all parents who attend.

Parenting Teens Together was founded by local parents in conjunction with The Moms’ Network. For more details, visit www.themomsnetworkww.com or contact Amber Broel at broelae@gmail.com

Elks Lodge Increases MembershipThe Walla Walla Elks Lodge #287 is

proud to announce an increase in member-ship for the prior lodge year ending March 31. The National Organization considers this accomplishment as a “+1” which denotes the lodge ended with at least one more member than they started the lodge year with. The Walla Walla lodge finished with a net gain of over 30 members for the year.

This accomplishment is something that has not happened at the Walla Walla lodge in many years. In fact, the lodge cannot even trace back through recent files the last time a net gain in membership was achieved. Walla Walla ranked 3rd in the state of 39 lodges for membership increases this last year, and will be honored with a special reception in June at the state convention.

For membership information or for information about upcoming events please call the lodge office at (509) 525-2870.

The IV Tenors Return The Gesa Power House Theatre (GPHT)

is bringing back a crowd favorite from their 2012 season, The IV Tenors, for a limited engagement of nine dates only opening May 30. The IV Tenors showcases the best of Broadway, Classical, Country, Pop & Rock, and features music spanning the spectrum from Leonard Cohen’s classic “Hallelujah” to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Sunny Thompson, star of the smash hit Marilyn: Forever Blonde, returns to Walla Walla this time in the director’s chair, bringing with her four fabulous voices: Brian Damson, Michael Scott Brooks, Morgan James and Ken Nielson.

The director of The IV Tenors, Sunny

Electrical ContractorResidential • Commercial

Security • Telecom24 Hour Service

Walla Walla Electric509-525-8672 Fx: 509-525-8642

www.wwelectric.com

Since

1975

Thompson, is quickly becoming a local celebrity in Walla Walla, having been awarded honorary citizenship by Mayor Jim Barrow during the return engagement of Marilyn: Forever Blonde in March of 2013. “The presentation from the Mayor was such an honor,” said Sunny Thompson. “So now I’m bringing back the Tenors... and they are thinking about running for city council!”

The IV Tenors will run through June 9. The run will include 7:30 pm evening per-formances on June 1, 5, 6, 7, & 8, with two 3:00 pm matinee performances on June 2 and June 9. Doors open one hour prior to showtime. Ticket prices range from $12-50, with special pricing available through FLEX ticket packages. For full program details, visit www.PHTWW.com.

Wine and Romance at Cameo HeightsThe weather is wonderful in Walla Walla!

With summer approaching, there’s no better time to dine on the patio or lounge beside the pool at Cameo Heights Mansion. For those interested in spending a quiet, romantic evening with their spouses, Cameo Heights recommends coming during the mid-dle of the week. Those times are delightful. Not only will you find fewer people, but you’ll also save money.

Cameo Heights social wants you to know about an unadvertised special they reserve for VIPs like you. Just give Cameo Heights a call and mention this email and they’ll make sure you get a great price on a mid-week stay.

Contact Cameo Heights Mansion at (509) 394-0211 for more information!

Volunteer OpportunityAre you an individual or part of a group

looking to volunteer for a community event? Look no further!

The Downtown Farmers Market would love to have some help with the set up and take down of the market.

Please email Cheryl@downtownwalla-walla.com if you would like to help.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSAnita Funk Key Technology

Monty Knittel Walla Walla General Hospital

Courtney Moore Zalaznik, Moore & Associates

Steve Rose Walla Walla University

Tom Scribner Minnick-Hayner

Doug Simcock Windermere Real Estate

Les Teel Columbia Rural Electric Association

John Tombari Banner Bank

David Woolson Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce

1417 Plaza Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362bluepalmyo@gmail.com | bluepalmyo.com509.876.2389

Blue Palm Frozen Yogurt

6 | June 2013

RENEWING MEMBERS(SINCE)

Allegro Cyclery (‘08)

Basic Dental Care of Walla Walla (‘10)

Best Western Plus Walla Walla Suites Inn (‘95)

Butler Carpet Cleaning (‘11)

Camp Fire USA (‘01)

Cascade Natural Gas (‘29)

Children’s Home Society of Washington (‘71)

City of College Place (‘84)

Coldwell Banker First Realtors (‘75)

Conner’s Mr Carpet, LLC (‘01)

Country Financial (‘12)

DaMa Wines (‘08)

Divine Serendipity Spa (‘08)

Dream Ride Charters, LLC (‘07)

Elgin Appliance (‘12)

Fort Walla Walla Cellars (‘06)

Continued on page 7

2nd &Tietan • 1355 W. Poplar • 522.2010 • gesa.com176 Wine Valley Road, Walla Walla, Washington

www.winevalleygolfclub.com

Tethering Club• Abadan• AmeriGas • Clarette’s Restaurant• Darrah’s Decorating Center• Falkenberg’s Jewelers• Patton & Associates

Thank You!! Sponsors

Pilot Gift Bag DonationsA Maurice Cellars, A Stone’s Throw Café, Alder Family Dental, Allstate, Baker Boyer Bank, Basel Cellars, Black Bird Coffee, Blue Palm, Book & Game Company, Bright’s Candies, Cameo Heights Mansion, CH2M HILL, Comfort Inn & Suites, Community Bank, Cookie Tree Bakery, Copier Services, Inc, Dairy Queen, Holiday Inn Express, Home Loan Center, Hot Mama’s Espresso, Inland Octopus, Jacobi’s Café, Key Technology, La Casita, L’Ecole Winery, Les Schwab of WW, The Maple Counter Café, McDonalds, North Star Winery, public house 124, Rapidfyre Inc, Red Reina, Shari’s, State Farm, Stone Soup, Three Rivers Winery, Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce

Flight Club• Ranch & Home• Reese, Baffney, Frol &

Grossman• Super One Foods• Walla Walla Clothing Co

Balloonmeisters• Andy’s Market• Baker Boyer Bank• Banner Bank• Best Western Plus Walla

Walla Suites Inn• brasserie four• CenturyLink• CH2M Hill• City of College Place• City of Walla Walla• CliftonLarsonAllen • Coffey Communications• Color Press• Columbia REA• Comfort Inn & Suites• Doyle Electric, Inc.

• Gesa Credit Union• Holiday Inn Express• HP (Infinity Marketing Team)• Inland Cellular• KUJ• KWHT/KTEL• Martin’s Jewelers• McDonald Zaring Insurance• Minnick-Hayner• Port of Walla Walla • Swire Coca-Cola• Walla Walla Union-Bulletin• Whitman College• Wildhorse Resort & Casino• Wilwand & Gilbert• Wine Valley Golf Club

Balloon Boosters • Agreeable Pest Control• Linda & Scott Byerley• Monahan-Hood• Paul Richardson Agency,

Inc• Robison Ranch Cellars• The James McCool House

Enthusiasts• Abajian Toyota-Scion• A. K. Dice Guest House • The Maple Counter Cafe• Northwest Farm Credit

Services• Opp & Seibold• Saager’s Shoe Shop• Valley Vision Clinic

Title Sponsor

Nite Glow Sponsor Sykes Enterprises

Launch Sponsor Pacific Power

Champagne Reception Columbia REA

Pilot Party & Friday Night Dance Party Jacobi’s Café

Entertainment Stage Serenity Point Counseling Services

Children’s Activity Center Children’s Museum of Walla Walla

Walla Walla Dental Group

Meet The PilotsAbadan

Show & ShineCertified Hearing Services

Contributing Sponsors• Abadan• Andrae’s Kitchen• Basel Cellars• Bergevin Lane Vineyards• Blackbird Coffee• Brasserie Four• Cavu Cellars• CH2M Hill• Charles Smith• City of College Place• City of Walla Walla• Cookie Construction Co.• Color Press• Copier Service• Costume Creations• Dayl Graves, Inc.• Doyle Electric• Dragons Gate Brewery

• Falkenberg’s Jewelers• Gesa Credit Union• Home Depot• Home Loan Center• HYPE• Jacobi’s Café• Kontos Cellars• Opp & Seibold• Pacific Power• Papé Machinery• Saviah Cellars• Sun Rental• Three Rivers Winery• Up Balloon Boutique• Va Piano• Walla Walla County Fairgrounds• Waterbrook Winery• Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman

June 2013 | 7

RENEWING MEMBERS(SINCE)

Our Personalized Products include:• Calendars• Caps• Shirts• Jackets• Mugs• Pens & Pencils and much more!

WE’RE HERE!860 NE Rose, CP • 525.7630

mail@graphicapparel.biz

8187

0 sl

Friends of Children of Walla Walla (‘11)

Gotta Have It! (‘12)

Hayden Homes (‘08)

Inland Octopus (‘05)

Jeff Callow (‘99)

Koncrete Industries (‘91)

Lifestyle Eye Center (‘11)

Maddocks Construction (‘01)

McDonald’s Restaurant (‘74)

Michael J Fluharty CPA PLLC (‘12)

Mountain View-Colonial Dewitt Cremations & Funeral Services (‘88)

Mr. Ed’s Restaurant (‘09)

NW MedStar (‘12)

Odom NW Beverage (‘78)

Pioneer Ready Mix (‘05)

Schwan’s Home Service (‘05)

BUTLER CARPET CLEANING No-Soap Cleaning Process Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Tile Cleaning Locally Owned & Operated Commercial & Residential

TONY RUKAVINA Owner

509-956-9996 Let the “BUTLER” Do it!

2 ROOMS

$75

Continued on page 10

Balloonmeister Jerry CumminsBanners Annette CraigChampagne Reception Chris CoatesChildren’s Design Judy McDoleCrew Coordinator Casey RichardsEntertainment Mike Hammond Gates Willy & Brenda Breshears

Historian Ginger Kelly Launch Director Tom CraigMemorabilia Linda Heiser & Tara CrainPancake Breakfast Walla Walla Crime WatchPhotographer Keith CrainPilot Gift Bags Community Bank Pilot Reception Jim Pease

Pilot Relations Carol PritcherSafety Officer Tim Gale & Georgia LindseySecurity Coordinator Rob JacksonSite Coordinator Gary & Liz PierceVendor Coordinator Carrie Hutchinson & Tara CrainVolunteer Coordinator Peggy Chavez-Cazier

Thank You!! Volunteers

Community Volunteers

We couldn’t do it without your outstanding help!! Thanks to our committee leaders for helping us this year.

• Jada Alfred• Justin Anderson• Vicki Anderson• Ron Ashby• June Ashby• Diana Atchley• Robert Aycock• Kyla Aycock• Alan Bailey• Gyle Balmer• Sheryl Balough• Dianna Barnett• Brian Baxter• Lisa Baxter• Rose Berg• Chad Berg• Jonathan Blanc• Greg Bohlman• Willy Breshears• Brenda Breshears• James Brown• Corey Brownlee• Kelly Budau• Jackie Cadieux• Karen Carlile• Taylor Carlile• Ernie Chandler• Peggy Chavez-Cazier• Jessy Cherry• Ron Childress• Whitney Christianson• Chris Coates• Jeanine Cole• Austin Conklin• Jan Corn• Tom Craig

• Annette Craig• Tara Crain• Kayla Crain• Keith Crain• Kayla Crane• Jerry Cummins• John Czarnecki• Carrie Daudt• Kayla Davis• Shawna Davis• Robert Day• Josh DeBacher• Tracy Dirks• Nate Dorlac• Candis Dorman• William Drumheller• James Duede• Molly Emmett• Deanna Engelmann• Kara Faciszewski• Douglas Finch• April Finch• Katie Fitzpatrick• Silvia Fox• Joanie Fullen• Mark Fullen• Jason Garcia• Adolfo Garcia• Valerie Gasaway• Josh Gesler• Anna Gonzalez• Darlene Gonzalez• Ronald Goodall• Ian Grant• Nathan Grant• Mike Hammond

• Melissa Hawes• Salisa Hebard• Linda Heiser• Alice Henderson• Ryan Hepker• Jean Ann Herbert• Eric Hines• Marilyn Hines• Carrie Hutchinson• Zack Irwin• Linda Jackson• Rob Jackson• Natalie Jackson• Bree Jacobs• Hans Johnson• Clive Kaiser• Greg Kelly• Lyall Kindelspire• Beth Kindelspire• Mark Klicker• Martha Kramer• Jennifer Laib• Keith Lake• Steve Lanz• Donna Ledford• Christy Lee• Ryan Ligman• Carol Lubke• Jocelyn Magdaleno• Kevin Magnaghi• Christopher Malone• Jarin Manuel• Liz McCracken• Judy McDole• Lee McDole• Meghan McGuire

• Elizabeth McNally• Alejandro Mena• Manuel Mendoza• Tanya Mendoza• Talitha Merrit & Family• Robert Merson• Austin Meservia• Lennie Mettler• Cindy Mettler• Art Miller• Richard Monacelli• Dean Allen Moran• Tammy Munroestruck• Barb Munroestruck• Missy Newcomb• Laura Newman• Sadie Nott• Paul Olsen• David Parkin• Mitchell Pasena• JR Pauley• Thomas Peacock• Jim Pease• Diana Pease• Alez Perez • Noah Perez • Jonathan Phillips• Patti Phillips• Liz Pierce• Gary Pierce• Mary Ann Piver• Gary Price• Carol Pritcher• Kevin Quinn• Jesse Rawson• Christopher Reigel

• Jan Reitz• Nela Rice• Casey Richards• Sheryl Rickertsen• Andrea Roeder• Jimmy Roeder• Mitchell Roeder• Trudy Clark-Roeder• Jerrilynn Romine• Jacob Roth• Elias Roth• Elizabeth Schubert• Rose Schwehr• Rachel Scott• Dylan Shenefield• Jenna Skinness• Leslie Snyder• David Sobivson• Pauley Soder Jr.• ToniLynn Steele• Cindy Tackett• James Tackett• Ryan Tackett• Barb Thompson• Kathleen Thompson• Michael Trevino• Leslie Tunmore• Tamara Vance• Misty Walker-Morrisetter• Shannon White• Nathan Widdicombe• Kris Youd• John Youd• Velma Zamora• Sandra Zamora• Lora Zink

8 |June 2013

AMBASSADORS

529-2500 1421 Dell Ave., Walla Walla WA DOYLE EI277CL • OR CCB#19588

• WIRING & REPAIR • PUMP SALES & SERVICE • SECURITY SYSTEMS • FIRE ALARMS • • COMPUTER SALES & SERVICE

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Service Since 1972

Kris Youd President Coldwell Banker

Casey Richards Vice President Camp Fire USA

Chris Coates Secretary Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center

Tara Crain Past President Copier Service, Inc.

Shannon Block Block, Maughan & Associates

Brenda Breshears Elsom Roofing, Inc

Willy Breshears CH2M Hill

Doug Case Columbia Rural Electric Association

Peggy Chavez-Cazier AFLAC

Michelle Conner Baker Boyer Bank

Peter Early Abadan

Continued from page 2

at the famous Langlois Culinary Crossroads, enjoy a dinner jazz cruise onboard the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, tour hole in the wall cafes and award-winning restaurants, enjoy as much night life as you can handle, and finally explore the local markets and select ingredi-ents to prepare a fabulous farewell dinner with our own culinary rock star, Andrae Bopp. This

ain’t gonna be your average Chamber trip. This trip will be a culinary adventure that you simply do not want to miss. So if you want to eat well, and you aren’t afraid of a little bit of fun, call our friends at Worldwide Travel (525-8040) and they will get you signed up. Don’t wait too long—space is limited and you don’t want to miss this!

Connected Since 1890.

Better ideas. Better banking.

www.bannerbank.com Member FDIC

Walla Walla Main Eastgate Ninth Avenue College Place (509) 526-8731 (509) 529-8181 (509) 527-6460 (509) 527-3646

4th Annual Business Classic Golf Tournament July 9, 2013 Wine Valley Golf ClubYour partnership with the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce is a highly visible

and beneficla resource to promote your business, forge business relationships. Revenue generated from thsi event not only contributes to the Chamber’s annual operating budget to also enables us to provide valuable member programs and services plus continues our role as a ocmmunity leader in fostering a vibrant and prosperous region. Please call the Chamber today to reserve your sponsorship.

[ ] Corporate Sponsorship - $1000. Logo acknowledgement in all media, 4 player entry fees, opportunity to provide logo gift items for gift bags

[ ] Putting Contest - $500 + winner’s prize. Logo acknowledgement in select media, Banner on Putting Green, 2 player entry fees, opportunity to provide logo gift items for gift bags

[ ] Hole Sponsorship - $150. Acknowledgement in select media, sign at your sponsored hole, promotions table, opportunity to provide logo gift items for gift bags

[ ] Golf Cart Sponsor - $50. Acknowledgement in select media, signage on sponsored golf cart(s), opportunity to provide logo gift items for gift bags In addition to the benefits listed above, sponsors will receive their company logo and recognition in the July and August issues of the weekly Valley Business News (2,000+ distribution) and the monthly ChamberNews (1,000 distribution) as well as company listing on the Chamber’s website with a link to your company website.

Contact: Betsy Hadden, 509-525-0850 or bhadden@wwvchamber.com

Sponsorship opportunities sold out last year. Don’t delay. Call the Chamber today.

June 2013 | 9

Chris Jonlick Inland Cellular

Terra Luthi Holiday Inn Express

Kimberly McDaniels Krivoshein Financial

Judy McDole Walla Walla School District

Jim Pease Windermere Real Estate

Sheila Peterson McDonald Zaring Insurance

Joel Petty Individual Member

Wade Robbins Banner Bank

Sandi Rowe Community Bank

Andre Selfa Gesa Credit Union

Tom Stokes Windermere Real Estate

AMBASSADORSWelcome Casi Smith• Casi Smith, Director of Special Events

came calling, hiring me as its Senior Supervising TV Producer/Publicist in Press & Publicity, working closely with special events. My job was to direct, pro-duce, interview, write and edit marketing, news & feature video of events at the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney World. I was also respon-sible for conducting Red Carpet Celebrity Interviews with major Corporate Executives such as Robert Iger, Roy Disney and Michael Eisner, plus, A-list celebrities and Hollywood legends such as, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, Johnny Depp, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, Tommy Lee Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Pierce Brosnan, Sylvester Stallone, Larry King, Andy Garcia, Brian Williams, Walter Cronkite, Bob Hope, Dick Van Dyke and so many more.

I went on to work for major networks such as the TV Guide Network, Food Network, National Geographic Channel, A&E, Family Network, The History Chan-nel, plus ABC, NBC and CBS Networks. Then, while returning to Walla Walla for a visit recently, on my airplane was Chamber President and CEO, David Woolson. He explained he was looking for an Event Coordinator and had just launched the Walla Walla Film Office. It didn’t take long for me to realize just how much Walla Walla has grown, how much it has to offer and, well...there’s just “No Place Like Home!” So, always looking for new adventures, I decided to jump on board.

I’ve just come off my first major event, The 39th Annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, where 30 years ago as a News Reporter, I flew in my first hot air balloon with Pilot Jeff Shields (“Kong”). And, ironically, this year during the Stampede, I got to reunite with Jeff, once again flying high above Walla Walla to memorialize and

small town girl makes it big in Holly-wood and returns home once again!

Hi, I’m Casi Smith, your new Director of Special Events for the

Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce and I am so proud to have the opportunity to return home to serve local businesses and your community.

Daughter of architect Theron and Sharon Smith of Walla Walla, I’ve spent the last 25 years working as a TV Producer, Director, Celebrity Interviewer, Writer and Editor in the Los Angeles area and most recently, as the Senior Supervising Producer & Publicist for the Walt Disney Company in California.

But that’s getting ahead of my story...I fell in love with the stage and

Hollywood at the age of five when I was cast as Caroline Kennedy in Walla Walla’s Capital Theater musical “Fuss & Feathers” about President Kennedy and his family campaigning in our area. From there, I studied drama at Wa-Hi, plus Summer Theater at Walla Walla Community College. Awed by celebrities ever since meeting Vincent Price at Whitman College’s Cordiner Hall as a teen-ager, I yearned to work in the exciting world of entertainment! This all led to a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Washington State University in TV/Radio News & Journalism. My first job in television was with KNDU-TV in Kenne-wick as a TV News Reporter, Nightly News Anchor and Talk Show Host. Fox affiliate KCWT-TV in Wenatchee was my next stop as a News Director, Producer, News/Legislative Reporter and Talk Show Host with work in the Seattle market at KING-TV as a Freelance Reporter.

My big break came covering a story in Ephrata, Washington, where Steven Spiel-berg was directing a movie called, “Always,” starring Richard Dreyfuss, John Goodman, Holly Hunter and Audrey Hepburn. It was Spielberg’s publicist who suggested taking my career to Los Angeles. That’s all it took and I quickly moved to Hollywood, working as an actor, producer, director and, believe it or not, even a stunt woman! Then, Disney

A

Continued on page 11

win

10 | June 2013

RENEWING MEMBERS (SINCE)

Shakespeare Walla Walla (‘12)

Simmons Insurance Group (‘07)

Sinclair Estate Vineyards (‘10)

Sykes Enterprises (‘11)

T. Maccarone’s (‘06)

TAN-A-RAMA, LLC (‘00)

Tara GLOW Spa (‘11)

Tero Estates & Flying Trout Winery (‘11)

The Kyle Bradbury Agency - American Family Insurance (‘08)

Travelodge of Walla Walla (‘63)

Valley Vision Clinic (‘62)

Walla Walla Builders Supply Inc (‘94)

Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman (‘11)

509.529.2020

Valley Vision Clinic 22 West Main Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362 www.valleyvisionclinic.com

Eye Examinations Eye Health Management

Contact Lenses / Sunglasses Large Frame Selection

Accepting New Patients

Optometric Physicians

Dennis Poffenroth, O.D. Luther Ness, O.D.

Rebecca Musick, O.D. Angela Ferguson, O.D.

Jeremy Beam, O.D. Rick Harrison, O.D.

Since 1949

Continued from page 1business enjoys:

• 49% increase in consumer favorability • 73% increase in consumer awareness• 68% increase in its local reputation• 80% increase in the likelihood that

consumers will patronize the business in the future

2. The study also reveals that being active in your local Chamber is an effective business strategy because 2/3 of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community. If a company shows that it is highly involved its local Chamber (volunteers on Board, committees, ambas-sadors, etc.), consumers are 10% more likely to think its products stack up better against its competition.

Thanks to all of our members that make our Chamber strong. I am pleased that the Shapiro Study confirms it’s a two-way street.

Showville Premiere June 6As you know, the Chamber launched the

Walla Walla Film Office early last fall. The Film Office serves to recruit film and television production to the Valley as well as provide production assistance. This effort can lead to significant local spending with our businesses and give tremendous promotion to our area.

The first production I was able to recruit was the new AMC network television series called “Showville,” which was filmed in January of this year. Showville is a talent show contest that celebrates the talent in small town

America. Walla Walla was one of eight towns selected for the first set of episodes.

While the AMC production was in town, they spent about $50,000 with local business and hired 15 people for their crew. Not bad for the dead of winter. More importantly, Walla Walla will have national exposure on the AMC network and global exposure when Showville is distributed internationally by Sony Pictures. Not bad.

Tune in and check out Walla Walla’s Showville premiere on June 6 on AMC. The episode will air at 9pm. My goal is that this is just the beginning of more film and television production here in the Valley.

Business Classic Golf Tournament – July 9The Chamber is pleased to present our 4th

Annual Business Classic Golf Tournament on July 9 at Wine Valley Golf Club. Thanks to Columbia REA for being our Title Sponsor again this year! This is going to be a blast. We have a great tournament planned and our awards banquet; a barbeque with Wing and a Prayer BBQ & Canteen!

So get your teams together and join us at Wine Valley Golf Club on July 9. I personally challenge you to try, just try, to beat my team (candidly, an idle threat). You can’t work all the time!

I hope your summer is off to a great start and you can breathe in the best of the season.

Enjoy!

Welcome To Our New Chamber MembersAlder Family Dental, 342 Catherine St, WW 509-525-9474

We are confident that you will feel right at home in our office as we welcome all patients as if they were family.

Exchange Club of Walla Walla, PO Box 403, WW 509-527-4928Exchange Club of Walla Walla focuses on child abuse prevention, youth activities and Americanism.

Seattle Tour & Trolley Company, 16 W Harrison St, Ste 100, Seattle, WA 206-838-8131We offer a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing trolley service in Seattle and other touring services around Washington State.

Well Face and Body, 45 E Main St, WW 509-876-4744We specialize in pharmaceutical grade skincare and good for you cosmetics.

Do you have a new member to refer? Email Betsy at bhadden@wwvchamber.com.

June 2013 | 11

Advertise Your Business or Event

Newsletter insert advertising has been rated one of the best, most cost-effective forms of advertising by members. For just pennies per reader, you can put your information in front of highly targeted local businesses and community members.

Your Chamber membership entitles you to advertise your business or event in the monthly ChamberNews. Only Chamber members can advertise in the newsletter, so you are able to target other committed businesses who care about our community and the success of business in the Walla Walla Valley.

Provide 900 copies of your inser t on regular weight, 8.5”x11” non-glossy paper that is not folded. The cost for this insert is $150, which covers postage. The insert is an excellent, cost-effective way to promote your Chamber member business.

To g e t y o u r i n s e r t i n t o t h e Ju ly ChamberNews,please have your inserts to us by 5:00 pm on June 17, 2013. Inserts are typically due the second Monday of each month.

Monthly Statistics - AprilPlan

CenterTourism Relocation Event

InfoBusiness assistance

Member Info/referrals

Phone 12 88 24 140 51 125

Walk-in 14 52 18 23 21 30

Totals 26 140 42 163 72 155

YTD 189 468 169 483 254 584

Continued from page 9honor my mom on Mother’s Day. I know Mom, who originally put me on stage, would be proud I’ve returned home once again after all these years to utilize my Hollywood skills and knowledge to better our community!

Yes, it’s wonderful to be home again and I’m thankful the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce is giving me the opportu-nity to give back and serve as your new Director of Special Events. I’m excited to bring

“Disney Magic” into future events and getting to know and work with all Chamber business members, event sponsors, volunteers and everyone who helps make the Chamber and our community what it is today while helping it grow into an even more fantastic tomorrow.

Thank you, and I look forward to work-ing with all of you.

June Business After Hours

Join us for Business After Hours at Hayden Homes Sunset Lodge Development on Stevens Street (just off Tietan St) Tuesday, June 11, from 5:30-7:00pm.

We will be touring their newest community, Sunset Lodge! Tour homes where the great Northwest culture meets neighbor-hood comfort at Sunset Lodge, a new home, a new home community in the heart of Walla Walla. In this prime location, Hayden Homes continues its reputation for offering signature quality homes at an exceptional value.

Minutes away the downtown, Sunset Lodge affords you both a peaceful getaway and exciting entertainment. Enjoy a wonderful home tour, great food, wine, prizes and a evening of building relationships. Come out and join us for some mid week fun!

Don’t forget your business card and $1 for the 50/50 raffle! Join us at 1905 Stevens Street in Walla Walla at 5:30 pm, May 14.

If you have not experienced a Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, you are missing out. Grab a stack of your business cards and start handing them out at our next BAH. June 11!

1905 Stevens Street, Walla Walla

BUSINESS AFTER HOURSJune 11, 2013Hayden Homes Sunset Lodge Development1905 Stevens StreetWalla Walla

July 9, 2013No BAH Due to Golf Tournament

PO Box 644 Walla Walla, WA 99362

Pre-SortedStandard U.S.Postage PaidCollege Place

WA 99324Permit #44

May Business After HoursCity Slickers Salon & Spa co-hosted April’s Business After

Hours with South Fork Grill. Thanks for such a great event.

2013 CHAMBER EVENTS

Business Classic Golf TournamentJuly 9

Business Awards ShowcaseSeptember 18

Annual BanquetDecember 4

CONTACT US29 East Sumach | PO Box 644 | Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Phone 509.525.0850 | Fax 509.522.2038 info@wwvchamber.com | wwvchamber.com

InlandCellular.com

HD Audio Plus for extreme call clarity

My MotoSpeak app Text with your voice

1605 SE Meadowbrook Blvd. Ste. 7 College Place |

(509) 629-2500

UNION-BULLETINWALLA WALLA

We Bring the Valley to YouUnion-Bulletin.com

THE U-B BRINGS NEW CUSTOMERS TO YOUR DOOR.

Call 525-3304 for more information.