In This Issue
Join Us at an Event!
New Members
Driving Digital Marketing with Social Media at Business Connections Lunch
President's Message
My Membership Pays
Member Benefit: Discount on Office Supplies
Tuscany One Hotel Holiday
NxLeveL News
Business Education
Tech Talks - New to Help You!
Valley Chamber Shock Group Night
New Munch Mob!
Scissors, Shovels, & Snapshots
MEMBER NEWS - Faces & Places
Welcome New Member Noel Communications
Welcome New Member Darla Klovski, LegalShield
Focused Fitness
Customer Appreciation Days at Peters Hardware
Pool Season Begins
USA Gymnastics in Spokane next week
21st Annual Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales
Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration
Rim Ride
FYI - SCORE Workshops
FYI - Cross Boarder Expo
FYI - Business Credit Card Reviews
Please Join Us!

Wednesday, June 11
United Health Services Credit Union
Ribbon Cutting
16402 E Sprague Ave 
Spokane Valley 
Coffee & Pastries   
will be served. 
9am Ribbon Cutting
Press Release  
 
Thursday, June 12
Business Education Committee Meeting 
East Valley Administration Bldg. 12324 E Grace
Spokane Valley
7:30-8:30am
 
Thursday, June 12
Thirsty Thursday
on the patio
Mirabeau Park Hotel
1100 N Sullivan
Spokane Valley
4:30-7pm
Register

Friday, June 20  
Business Connections Breakfast
Program: 
Driving Digital Marketing with Social
Mirabeau Park Hotel   
Convention Center  
1100 N. Sullivan
Spokane Valley 11:30am
-1:30pm  
Register 

Friday, June 20
Spokane Shock  
Group Night 
For discounted tickets, contact Samantha at
509-462-9606
6-9pm 

 

Tuesday, June 24
Membership
Committee Meeting

Mountain West Bank 
12321 E Mission Ave. 
Spokane Valley 
11am-noon

Thursday, June 26
Transportation Committee Meeting 
Longhorn Barbecue
2315 N Argonne
Spokane Valley
12-1:30pm
RSVP 924-4994

Friday, June 27
United Health Services Credit Union
Grand Opening
Valley Branch 
16402 E Sprague Ave 
Spokane Valley
3-6pm
   

Be sure to  

check our website 

for more details/updates.

   

Quick Links

Click the image to access many free resources for business!
Major Sponsors 

 

Platinum Investors

Modern Electric  
Water Co

Washington Trust

Platinum Sponsors

Greenstone Corp.

Mirabeau Park Hotel

Rockwood
Health Systems
 Valley Hospital
 
 

Gold Sponsors

  
Avista

Baker Construction & Development Inc.

Banner Bank    

Numerica Credit Union


STCU

The Splash/The Current 

 

Silver Sponsors 

   
Coeur d'Alene Casino

Fairmount Memorial Association 

MOJO Reprographics

Providence
Health Care

Staples

 

Bronze Sponsors

Dishman Dodge
Ram Chrysler Jeep   

Graham Construction & Management, Inc. 
 
Inland Power & Light

Spokane International Airport

United
Health Services
Credit Union

US Bank   
 
Join Our Mailing List

New Members

May


Influence Speaking & Coaching

Interstate Batteries

Kiemle & Hagood Company

LegalShield

Noel Communications

Quality Inn & Suites - Liberty Lake

The Inlander


Visit Our Website

Renewing Members 

May

 

1 - 5 YEARS

Friendly Computers

Switch Up Web & Marketing

United Health Services Credit Union

 

6-10 YEARS

Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS)

Dingus, Zarecor & Associates, PLLC

Signs for Success

Spokane County Fair & Expo

Vanguard Cleaning Systems

Wilbur-Ellis Company

 

11-25 YEARS

Appleway Florist & Greenhouse, Inc

Asuris Northwest Health

Big Trout Lodge

Career Path Services

Centennial Real Estate Investments

Chipman Moving & Storage

Goodwill Industries of the Inland NW

Longhorn Barbecue

Northwest Center Spokane

Office Depot

SBDC Network - WA Small Business Development Center

Standard Plumbing Heating Controls

Stonebraker McQuary Insurance

 

26-49 YEARS

Starr & Brown

 



2014
Board of Directors


Officers

 

Barry Baker 
Chairman of the Board
Baker Construction & Development, Inc.

 

Denny York
Chair Elect 
Fairmount Memorial Association

 

Eldonna Shaw 
President and CEO 
Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

 

Mike Baker
Treasurer 
Modern Electric
Water Co.

 

Josh Johnson 
Secretary 
The Splash/
The Current

 

Brian Mansfield 

Vice Chair 

Walmart Supercenter 

 

Julie VanWormer
Vice Chair 
ALSC Architects

 

Jeff Adams
Member-at-Large 
Horizon Credit Union

 

John Guarisco
Past Chair

MDI Marketing 

    

Board Members

 

John Bogensberger 
Signs for Success 

 

Steve Florance
Inland NW Insurance 

 

Joe Frank 
Greenstone Corporation

Latisha Hill
Avista 

 

Brian Holecek 
Graham Construction & Management, Inc.

 

Karla Kaley 
KPS Management

Sharelynn Moore  
Itron, Inc.

Becky Morris

Washington Trust Bank

Julie Orenstein
Event Rents

Kevin Person
Wagstaff, Inc. 

 

Kenneth Plank 
Numerica Credit Union

 

Andy Rooney 
Mirabeau Park Hotel

 

Brian Singer 
Lydig Construction, Inc.

 

Erica Young
Anderson, Peretti & Co. 

Ex-Officio Members

 

Dick Brantley

Stuart Advertising  

Valley Chamber Ambassadors Chair

 

Ken Briggs 

 Spokane Valley Partners

 

Chris Cargill 

 Washington  

Policy Center

 

Dick Denenny

RHD  

Employee Benefits

Foundation President 

 

Martine Duchatelet

Eastern Washington University 

   

Kevin Freeman

City of Millwood 

 

TJ Hake 
Visit Spokane

Scott King
USAF
Fairchild AFB

  

Shelly O'Quinn

Spokane County

Commissioners   

 

Steve Peterson

 City of Liberty Lake

 

Philip L. Rudy, DDS 
Spokane Valley

Business Association

 

Randy Russell

Freeman  

School District 

 

Gene Sementi

West Valley

School District 

 

Ben Small

Central Valley  

School District 

 

Arne Woodard 
City of Spokane Valley 

The Valley Chamber Connection is a monthly e-publication of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

 

Our Chamber has been serving its members in the area from Post Falls to Spokane Falls since 1921.  We are in business to help you do business.  If you don't already attend our many business-building events, we hope to welcome you soon.

VALLEY CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2014  
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June Business Connections Lunch
Driving Digital Marketing with Social Media 
 
These four social media players are winning in the social media game!  At this month's Business Connections Lunch they will share their unique perspectives, strategies, and ideas for growing an audience, engaging with stakeholders, and becoming top of mind.  There will be a slate of questions asked of each of the panelists and some time for Q & A from the audience. 

 
Mike Ellis is a social media hired gun. In addition to hands on management of social media, Ellis advises businesses, organizations, and individuals on how to use social media and social networks to build relationships and deliver value. Along with social media, Ellis has a long history of promotion and marketing experience. His clients include KXLY Radio Broadcast Group, KAPP- KVEW TV, Spokane Hoopfest, Rockwood Clinic and KXLY 4 News. He's not a #SocialMedia guru or expert because he's not finished learning. You can reach him on Twitter @TheMikeEllis

 
Paul Warner is the Marketing Communications Manager - Interactive
for Northern Quest Resort & Casino.  He is known for his Social Media presence/voice, community relations, crisis communications, communication strategies and practices, writing/editing, online review sites and blog. He covers all resort offerings: hotel, spa, F&B, entertainment and gaming.

 

Tammilee Tillison is a recipe junkie who loves spending time in the kitchen. She has an MBA and worked in corporate America for 13 years before becoming a full time blogger. Tammilee is passionate about cooking, baking and traveling. It is not uncommon to find her elbow deep in flour and baking supplies while dreaming of a tropical vacation.  Tammilee Tips was started when friends and family asked how Tammilee and her husband were living on one income and still able to afford to travel and enjoy great food. Tammilee shares recipes, travel and lifestyle tips daily on Tammilee Tips.

 
Doyle Wheeler is a New Media Entrepreneur and Owner of Kinetek Media! Creating social interaction for businesses and event coverage online to build relationships that convert to referrals and offline sales!  Doyle is also a talented artist and photographer and shares many of his photos on social channels. 

 

Join us for lunch on Friday, June 20 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel.  Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the program starts at 11:55 a.m. to allow time to "meet" your table before the lunch begins.  The cost is $28 for members, guests, and non-members.  Invite your friends and associates and share on your social networks. 

Valley Chamber members have the opportunity for more visibility with
a display table.  The cost is $100 and includes one lunch and one minute to make an announcement.
Register


President's Message   

Eldonna Shaw, President  & CEO 


"Connecting Friends"   

     

Dear Members:

 

It is a well-known fact that people like to do business with people they know and trust.  It is also true that referrals are the best way to cultivate new customers.  We are introducing the "Refer a Friend Campaign" this Summer to bring new businesses into the Chamber to expand this great network of friends that we have here in the Valley.

 

Here is how the campaign works.   If you refer a business or an organization that joins the Chamber, you receive a complimentary Exhibitor Table at a Business Connections Breakfast or Lunch.  This is a value to you of $100 and an excellent way to promote your business.  You are also inviting someone you know to experience the benefits of our Chamber.   Look at the businesses you work with on a regular basis, your suppliers, vendors and service providers.  Have you ever seen them at a Chamber meeting?  If not, think about what they are missing by inviting  them to join.   Send us their contact information  and we will  follow up on your referral. 

 

This is an easy way for you to help a friend and an opportunity to connect with others.  I bet everyone can think of at least one friend who should be a member of the Chamber.   Be the first to be noted in our Weekly Flash as we introduce our new friends.

  

Sincerely,

   

Eldonna Signature     

My Membership Pays

 

"I want to thank the hard working staff for taking the time out earlier this year to meet with me and explain additional benefits of a Valley Chamber Membership. As a small business, it's extremely important that I know how my membership dollars will help get me business through the Chamber. Tony gave me a great tip by letting me know that as a Valley Chamber member, you get a discount at Office Depot.

It might seem small, but I do a decent amount of professional printing for presentations and already this year, I've saved close to $200 on just a few document printing projects because of my membership.  

 

I've also been making more great connections by attending the ongoing events and meeting more and more people. So far this year, my membership is paying for itself just because they were willing to sit down with me, one-on-one, to let me know how their organization can help businesses like mine. And they are helping, so thanks!"

 

Deanna Tiemann, Founder  

Squishy Peanut Marketing, LLC

Spokane Valley

(509) 210-2805  

SAVE on office supplies - a member benefit 

 

If your dues are up for renewal, you may have received a card like this in the mail recently.  It allows you to save on office supplies, copies, and more!  This benefit is available to all members.  Rather than waiting for your renewal letter to start your savings, you are welcome to stop by our office and pick up a card during office hours.  If you will be attending a Business Connections meeting or other Chamber event, you can call and request that we bring one along for you.

We value your membership in the Valley Chamber!  Enjoy your savings!

More info

Tuscany One Hotel Holiday

If you've always dreamed of going or returning to Tuscany, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! Chamber members, as well as their family and friends, are invited to travel with us.   

The tour dates are Oct. 28-Nov. 5, 2014.  If you'd like to add days to the trip, it is also customizable.

We have partnered with an excellent tour company, C I Destinations, for this trip.  They have a commitment to provide an experience that will make the most of your investment of time and money.

Call the Chamber at 509-924-4994 for more information or to secure your space, with a $450 deposit.

Flyer
Brochure
Video 
Summer entrepreneur course set to begin June 18    

 

The Spring Course is nearing its end and applications are being accepted for the Summer Course. The 13-week course is held at the Valley Chamber business center on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm.  The goal, when participants complete the training, is a working business plan.  Reserve a spot in an upcoming class with a completed application, interview, and $150 deposit (refundable up to a couple of weeks before the class). 

This course is approved for SEAP, the Self-Employment Assistance Program.

Summer Course: June 18 - September 10
Fall Course: September 17 - December 17 (No class Thanksgiving week)

 

Find more information, registration forms, and scholarship applications here.

 

Veterans scholarships available!  If you are interested in starting abusiness, fill out the application (found at the link above to our entrepreneur training page) to apply for partial reimbursement of course fees.  We also have scholarships available to citizens of Spokane Valley.

Final Business Education meeting for this school year 

 

Our next meeting will be on June 12th at 7:30am at the East Valley Administration Bldg, 12325 E Grace, Spokane Valley, WA.  This will be our last meeting of the school year. We will resume again in September.  This meeting is one of our most important meetings and you will have a chance to tell us what you would like to plan for next year. Please come and share your ideas!

 

Jim Bowles

Chair-Spokane Valley Chamber Business/Education Committee

Tech Talks - New to Help You!

 

Come out to the Chamber office at lunch time and learn the latest to help build your business.  It is an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas.

 

Special member discounted rate of $10 per person.  Nonmembers 

Deanna Tiemann

are invited at $20.

 

Each month we will feature two members speaking on topics to help you with tech tools or issues.

 

Wednesday, June 11 - Deanna Tiemann, Squishy Peanut Marketing  

"How To Use LinkedIn To Brand Yourself"   Register

 

Wednesday, June 18 - Glenn Black, Friendly Computers 

"What's New for Your Office"

 

Space is limited, so reserve your place in the workshop right away.

Shock Group Night vs. San Antonio Talons  

 

It's Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Shock Group Night!  
Friday, June 20

 

Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm kickoff.  

 

The Group Express Discount includes a reserved seat, hot dog, and a soda.  Lower level price is only $18 per ticket, upper level only $15.  It's also Kids Night, so there will be large player posters for kids!

For tickets, contact Samantha at 509-462-9606 or [email protected].

Be a part of the Munch Mob  

 

Dave's Bar & Grill, 12124 E Sprague Ave., will be the first location for our new Munch Mob on June 25!  

Our Ambassadors invite all Chamber members to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Dave's that day. The ambassadors will be wearing their green polo shirts.  If you are not an ambassador, tell your server that you are a member of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Each month we will feature a different member restaurant that will offer a special to members that visit their establishment.

 

Support our local businesses and Valley Chamber members first!

To save some confusion...  

 

We are NOT currently working on a directory or advertising with Global Graphics & Designs, Inc. out of Edwards, IL.  They publish a "Welcome To" Destination Publication that we have no part of.  Additionally, they are not members of our chamber of commerce.
Scissors, Shovels, & Snapshots
Recent Events


Mild Too Wild Upholstery 7th Anniversary Celebration
9601 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley


Huston Hearing Grand Re-Opening of New Office Location
15701 E Sprague Ave., #C, Spokane Valley

MEMBER NEWS
Faces & Places

Updates about People and Locations

  

Mojo Reprographics has been purchased by Rian Lothrop, who will continue under the same business name.  Previous owner, Oliver Jones, founded the business in 2005.  Oliver was also a strong supporter of the Valley Chamber and a Major Sponsor.  He plans to pursue a degree in divinity to become a pastor.  ::

Inland Empire Paper Company 
Wins Prestigious Green Enterprise
and Technology Award
  
Left to right in photo:  Heather Burgess, Phillips Burgess LLC; Doug Krapas, Inland Empire Paper Company and Mel Russell, All Creek Vineyards 
(Burgess and Russell are officers of AWB and are presenting the award to Doug Krapas of IEP)

 

At the recent AWB Spring Meeting in Spokane, our member Inland Empire Paper Company received the Green Enterprise and Technology Award.  Started in 1911 in Millwood, Inland Empire Paper Company is the most modern newsprint mill in the world and has the newest manufacturing equipment in North America.  They serve 160 newspaper customers from Lakeland, Florida to San Francisco.  When you are in San Francisco reading the Chronicle, you are looking at paper made in our community.  Not only are they known for fine paper products but they are good stewards of northwest resources.  The own and manage 116,00 acres of time in eastern Washington and northern Idaho and plant 500,000 trees annually.  They were recognized for this award due to the fact that they using a revolutionary  technology  to meet stringent environmental rules.  The process uses algae in a photo bio reactor to remove chemicals from water.   Congratulations on this award and for being innovation leaders.  :: 

WELCOME NEW MEMBER
  

Noel Communications is based out to Yakima, WA.  We have points of presence on fiber though out the state including, Seattle, Everett, Mt. Vernon, Bellingham, Olympia, Tacoma, Othello, Yakima, Sunnyside, Kennewick, Pasco, Walla Walla, Spokane, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Pullman and Clarkston. Our network extends into British Columbia, as well as Coeur d'Alene and Lewiston Idaho markets. We also provide connectivity into and out of Portland Oregon.

 

Our product portfolio consists of Ethernet services ranging from 5Mbps to 100Gig.  We provide Dedicated Internet up to 10Gig while our data transport can also be provided via TDM, DS1's up to OC192.

 

Noel Communication Inc is a division of the Noel Corporation, which is a large and well-established company doing business in Yakima for over 70 years.  The Noel Corporation is a Pepsi Cola bottler & distributor.  Out of need in our rural markets, Noel Communications was created in 1987 as Northwest Microwave and then changed its name in 2005 to reflect its transition to primarily a fiber network. 

 

Julie Henry | Regional Sales Manager 

[email protected] 

C: 509.993-0600 | O: 509.575.4780  | F: 509.457.5008

Noel Communications | www.noelcomm.com

421 W Riverside #1001

 

Spokane, WA  99201
WELCOME NEW MEMBER
  

Darla Klovski is an Independent Associate representing LegalShield in the Spokane CDA area for 14 years. LegalShield is a 42 year old company partnered with Kroll Advisory Solutions, to protect our customers from identity theft and legal situations. Our customers are individuals and families; business owners; employers and their employees.

  

A Study done by Decision Analyst revealed that 57 million Americans experienced a legal situation in the last 12 months but less than 60% took action to solve their issues.

 

Another study revealed that more than 13 million small businesses have experienced significant legal events in the past 2 years and alarmingly, nearly 60% of those reporting did not hire an attorney to help them!

 

From the trivial to the traumatic we've got you covered! For as little as $19.95 per month for individuals and families up to $75 per month (or less) for Small business owners for services from top rated attorneys literally worth $Thousands!   

 

Check it out at www.darlaklovski.legalshieldassociate.com or call me at 509-262-0209.


Customer Appreciation Days at Peters Hardware
 

Peters Hardware, located at 12118 East Sprague just west of Rite-Aid and Pines Rd., is celebrating 80 years of serving the Opportunity/Spokane Valley neighborhood with "Customer Appreciation Days"  on Thursday through Saturday, June 19, 20 and 21. Everyone is welcome to meet the second/third generation of original owners, our staff, enjoy  refreshments, prize drawings, free gifts, product demonstrations and 80th anniversary celebration.  

 

Please visit our website, www.petershardwarespokane.com for the latest developments and history of our store. 

Pool Season is Upon Us  

 

While you've been enjoying the warm spring weather, the pool season has been steadily approaching and is almost here. Thank goodness there's still time to shake out your swimsuit and get ready to dive in on Opening Day, Saturday, June 14!

 

Choose from one of three Spokane Valley pools, each with its own unique water feature. Ride a sluice of water down the Park Pool Plunge water slide. Dodge the water buckets in the zero depth entry pool at Valley Mission Pool. Take a relaxing float along the Lazy River at Terrace View Pool. Or, make it a summertime goal to swim at all three pools!

 

Each pool offers family open swim times as follows:

  • Park Road Pool at 906 N. Park Road Open swim daily from 1:00pm to 4:30pm; and from 5:00pm to 8:00pm (except Wednesdays)
  • Valley Mission Pool at 11123 E. Mission Avenue Open swim daily from 1:00pm to 4:30pm; and from 5:00pm to 8:00pm (except Jun 23-Jul 31)
  • Terrace View Pool at 13525 E. 24th Avenue Open swim daily from 1:00pm to 4:30pm; and from 5:00pm to 8:00pm (except Aug 4-28)
Read More
USA Gymnastics Arrives in Spokane Next Week

Spokane will welcome an Olympian and several world medalists next week when USA Gymnastics arrives for a four day event. The Spokane Convention Center will host the USA's best in men's and women's trampoline, tumbling, synchronized trampoline and double mini-trampoline.  Member Spokane Gymnastics is involved in the local planning for this event.

The Elite Challenge, June 12-15, will provide outstanding visuals as the top trampoline athletes fly 30 feet in the air while twisting and somersaulting. Tumbling events will thrill spectators with acrobatic maneuvers that will have the competitors 10 feet in the air during their tumbling passes.

During the four days, more than 1,000 athletes will be visiting Spokane, accounting for 3,000 hotel room nights and $1.5 million in economic impact for the region.

Press Release 

21st annual Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales   

  

 Saturday, June 14, 2014, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 
This event is organized by volunteers from the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club, who use your registration fee to cover the costs associated with the event and to invest proceeds back into the community through the many scholarship and youth programs the club supports.

The 21st annual Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales official guide will be available from the publishers of Liberty Lake Splash! The guide will be mailed to every home in Liberty Lake and available to pick up in some Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley businesses where the Current is normally available.  It will also be available online at libertylakesplash.com.

More Info


More Info
FOR YOUR INFORMATION

SCORE's workshops assist new & existing businesses

 

SCORE offers low-cost business training workshops and seminars for both start-up and in-business entrepreneurs. Workshops and seminars are open to all adults over the age of 13. Training topics range from: writing a business plan, record keeping basics, principles of marketing, and understanding business financials depending on the current needs of our business community. Workshops also offer an opportunity to interact with other local small business owners.

Many workshop presenters are practicing professionals including accountants, lawyers, Internet and technology experts, bankers and business managers from diverse businesses and industries. Other facilitators are SCORE counselors who have years of industry and business experience.

To register, contact SCORE Spokane Chapter 180 at 509.353.2821. or register online

 

At the link below you'll find the SCORE workshop brochure for June-August, 2014, showing their schedule of services to beginning entrepreneurs.

 

See brochure

Cross Boarder Expo

This is a great event for companies doing business in Canada or wanting to learn more about expanding their sales north into this close neighbor.

 

Full information on the event here 

Downloadable one-page flyer 

Last month we published this article and included the wrong link for the entire guide.  We have corrected the link and wanted to include it again for your information.

 

Business Credit Card Reviews and Comparison  

 

Since the 2008 financial crisis, the SBA and other small business organizations have talked a lot about credit, or the lack thereof. One way business owners can find a little relief and actually earn some payback on all of their expenses is by using a business credit card and earning rewards on their spending.


The SBA, for instance, has recently highlighted business credit cards in posts like this: http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/business-credit-cards-what-every-business-owner-should-consider.

Given this focus on business credit cards from reputable small business organizations, and given every entrepreneurs' acute lack of time, a team of researchers has developed a guide that will help business owners quickly find the business credit card for their needs. This comprehensive, yet time-saving guide is completely free to provide and to use. Small business owners will appreciate the data-driven approach and also the in-depth commentary these experts use to explain certain relevant features of each card and who it's best for.

See the entire guide here

Many small business organizations use our guide as a trusted resource for their communities. Here are a few examples:

The team, comprised of researchers and financial expert Cliff Brody, dedicated hundreds of hours examining and evaluating different 15 top business credit cards across 38 important features. The end result was a data-driven and non-biased rating for each of those cards. All of which is free and accessible to everyone.