Committees
Ambassadors - Ambassadors are the “customer care representatives” of the Chamber. These volunteers assist Chamber staff with the General Membership Lunches, Business After Hours, and Ribbon Cuttings. Ambassadors meet monthly and serve a minimum of one year
Government Relations - The Chamber initiates participation in Chamber Day in Olympia, the Yakima Valley Chambers of Commerce Coalition (a business advocacy group), the development of Legislative-Business Agendas, Candidate Forums, E-mail Alerts, and other efforts directed at maintaining a business-friendly environment in the state. The Chamber maintains relationships with city and county officials to establish the vital infrastructure needed to retain, attract and grow business in the greater Yakima area. Receive committee emails click here
Leadership Yakima Executive Committee – This committee consists of Leadership Yakima graduates who develop and facilitate a ten month adult education program that builds awareness of community institutions, sharpens leadership skills, and helps participants engage in improving the quality of life in the Yakima Valley. This committee meets monthly and members make a three year commitment.
Business Expo Planning Committee – This committee serves the community by providing Chamber members the opportunity to showcase their goods and services while generating revenue for the Chamber. Serving on this committee is approximately a six month commitment. The committee meets monthly beginning in September; more often if needed as the March or April Expo Date gets closer.
Chamber Awards Committee –This committee helps to plan and execute the “Annual Chamber and Ted Robertson Awards Black & White Night Gala” and assists in the Yearly Y.E.S. awards and quarterly “Business Excellence Awards”. Receive committee emails click here
Ted Robertson Community Service Tribute commemorates a person who has shown continuous volunteer service to the Yakima Community. Each year the past Chamber board chairs present this prestigious award. The “Annual Chamber and Ted Robertson Awards Black & White Night Gala” is a semi-formal dinner, dance, silent auction, and raffle. Committee members partner with Chamber staff to coordinate this exciting and fun-filled event. Planning begins in January for the following September or October event.
The following awards are presented at the dinner to showcase Yakima area businesses in the following categories – Ambassador of the Year, Annual Business Excellence, Emerging Business of the Year, Member of the Year, & Business of the Year.
The Chamber also gives the following awards throughout the year:
- Yakima Extra Special (YES) awards recognize local businesses who have renovated, remodeled or built a new facility thereby enhancing the image of Yakima’s business community. The Chamber recognizes a large corporate facility, a small locally owned facility and a non-profit organization facility for the best renovation or new construction by presenting them with a Y.E.S. award.
- Business Excellence awards are given quarterly to businesses that are committed to their customers and exceed their expectations. BEA Nomination Form
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