Networking
Why Your Business Should Be a Member of Your
Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Member Business Directory
Your business will be listed in the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory. Printed and distributed annually to more than 900 members with over 500 copies per year purchased by individuals, both locally and nationwide, includes an alphabetical and categorical listing of all members.
On-line Chamber Member Directory
Your business will be listed in the on-line business directory on the Chamber’s web site, www.yakima.org. Averaging over 80,000 hits per year, our web site is capable of member-to-member discounts, listing employment opportunities with your business or organization, posting “hot deals”, and e-referrals. In addition, you will have the capability to insert your own explanation of what your business specializes in, directions to your facility, and links to your own web site and e-mail addresses.
Monthly Publication - the Action Report Magazine
Mailed to 1,400 business professionals, the Action Report provides you with a professional and economical advertising venue. In the Business Brief section, you may announce new hires, recent renovations, product upgrades, and other important information complimentary to you.
E-Bulletin
You will receive weekly e-mails regarding Chamber events, program announcements, and issues relating to our legislative agenda.
Referral Service
Your business will be referred over non-members when the Chamber receives inquires for referrals – MEMBERS ALWAYS HAVE FIRST PRIORITY!
Relocation Packages
Your business is invited to provide promotional material in relocation packages. These packages are mailed throughout the Unites States to persons interested in relocating to our community.
Legislative Team and Agenda
Comprised of President/CEO, and Chamber members, this team meets monthly discussing regulations directly effecting Washington businesses with the goal of working with city, county, and state officials to make operating your business in Washington State less cumbersome.
Educational Programs
BIZ Seminars and Showcases
BIZ seminars address topics which are timely and helpful for a business owner, manager, and/or employee. For example, customer service seminars, workman’s compensation regulations, getting the most from your web site, hiring quality employees, and many, many more. Topics are chosen by our members for our members.
Leadership Yakima
This program is designed to teach our current and emerging leaders the knowledge and skills necessary to run a community as diverse as Yakima County. Participants must commit to one day per month, September through June. They will learn a different topic each month: media relations, human services, quality of life, health care, education, law and justice, and the business climate. In addition, the class must choose a community service project to complete before graduating the course. Participants must be nominated, submit an application, and provide references before approval by the Leadership Yakima executive committee since space is limited for this well respected course.
Business Education Partnership
Business Education Partnership (BEP) is a well established Chamber program connecting the business community and our K-16 education system. One focus of this program involves students learning about careers through job shadows, group tours, internships, and classroom speakers. These opportunities help students make the connection between what they are learning in school and how it applies in the workforce, ensuring our students are better equipped to be valuable employees for our area businesses.
Networking Opportunities
Business After Hours
A different organization hosts this popular event the third Tuesday of each month. You will network with business professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. People prefer to do business with people they know, so bring plenty of business cards! If you would like to consider hosting this event, please take note, we will be scheduling up to 6 months in the future.
Print or download "Business After Hours" agreement form here
Business Expo
Always held in March, this “trade show” event is our largest networking event each year. You may purchase a space to display your wares or simply mingle among the attendees to network, enjoy the music, sample the hors d’oeuvres, and have fun. Lots of food, fun, and door prizes too!
General Membership Luncheons
These monthly lunches are designed for fun, networking, and education. Committee members choose speakers and topics relevant to our members and our business community. But watch out for the flying coffee!!!
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
You may receive assistance from the Yakima Chamber and our Ambassadors to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony. We will provide ribbon, giant cutting scissors, and a media list if you wish. We will also include a picture in the Action Report magazine announcing your grand opening event.
Sponsorships
You may showcase your business in the community by sponsoring Chamber events and programs. Sponsorship opportunities include the Business Expo, BIZ Seminars, Wall of Images, General Membership Lunches, New Member Orientations, Business Education Partnership, Web Site advertising, and many more. Sponsorships are a vital opportunity for you to dramatically increase your business recognition and strength in our valley. These opportunities are reserved for Chamber members only.
Featured Members
