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Walla Walla Valley Chamber Blog

Fostering business growth in the Walla Walla Valley

By Arlene Alen
CEO & President | Walla Walla Valley Chamber

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship is similar to navigating uncharted waters, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. This sentiment is echoed by many individuals, particularly those venturing into business for the first time. Recognizing this need for support and guidance, the Walla Walla Valley Chamber has made it a mission to cultivate the next generation of business leaders and innovators within the region.

As the Chamber CEO, I frequently field inquiries from aspiring entrepreneurs seeking direction on how to translate their ideas into tangible realities. To address this demand, the Chamber recently introduced a SCORE initiative tailored to the unique needs of the Walla Walla Valley. Founded six decades ago, SCORE has evolved from a cadre of retired executives into a nationwide network dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial dreams. Leveraging their collective expertise, SCORE mentors offer invaluable insights to budding entrepreneurs, steering them away from common pitfalls and toward sustainable growth.

Drawing from personal experience as a serial entrepreneur and long-term SCORE presenter and mentor, I know the importance of mentorship in shaping successful ventures. Reflecting on their own journey, mentors emphasize the value of learning from past mistakes and emphasize the significance of laying a robust foundation for business endeavors. Through SCORE, entrepreneurs gain access to a diverse array of resources, spanning from crafting comprehensive business plans to harnessing the power of marketing and social media.

In a concerted effort to bolster support for entrepreneurs, the Chamber has curated a multilingual support system tailored to the needs of the Walla Walla Valley. This comprehensive framework encompasses a spectrum of resources, including free mentorship, workshops, and on-demand classes provided by SCORE. Additionally, local mentors and workshops complement these offerings, further enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the community. Furthermore, the Community Development Fund stands poised to empower startups and small businesses through grants, providing vital financial assistance to fuel their growth.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women in business, the Chamber is set to launch a Women in Business mastermind group. Catering to the specific needs and aspirations of female entrepreneurs, these gatherings serve as incubators for networking, mentorship, and mutual support. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Chamber aims to empower women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions with confidence and resilience.

Additionally, the Chamber extends an invitation to professionals from all walks of life to participate in its Exec-2-Education program. By sharing their career journeys and insights with students, individuals have the opportunity to broaden horizons and inspire the next generation of leaders. Whether at the precipice of their careers or contemplating retirement, volunteers play a pivotal role in expanding the career pathways available to youth, thereby shaping a brighter future for the community.

In the coming months, the Chamber will host a series of workshops aimed at demystifying the entrepreneurial process. Kicking off with "So, you want to start a business ...," these sessions offer practical guidance and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. For those seeking personalized assistance or further information, the Chamber encourages individuals to visit our website or reach out via email for a prompt and tailored response.

To foster entrepreneurial spirit among young professionals, the Walla Walla Valley Young Professionals group proudly announces its inaugural entrepreneurship event. Scheduled to take place at Rasa on Main on April 10, the event promises an insightful exploration into the journeys of Valley entrepreneurs.

This landmark occasion will showcase a panel comprising six dynamic young entrepreneurs from the Valley, each sharing their unique stories and experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists, posing questions and delving into the intricacies of their entrepreneurial ventures.

After this event, the initiative gains further momentum with a workshop led by Nikki Brueggeman from Whitman College. Brueggeman, renowned for her storytelling expertise, will delve into the crucial aspect of defining and articulating one's entrepreneurial narrative — a storytelling skill indispensable for success in today's competitive landscape.

Looking ahead, the Walla Walla Valley Young Professionals group has a plethora of exciting meet-ups, workshops, and opportunities in the pipeline for 2024. These events aim to empower and equip young professionals with the tools and knowledge essential for entrepreneurial endeavors. The Walla Walla Valley Chamber's steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship reflects a collective dedication to fostering innovation, resilience, and prosperity within the community. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering support, the Chamber endeavors to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where entrepreneurial dreams can thrive and flourish. Join us as we embrace entrepreneurship and pave the way for a brighter future in the Walla Walla Valley.

Community Concierge program a celebration of spirit, empowerment

By Arlene Alen
CEO & President | Walla Walla Valley Chamber

In the heart of the Walla Walla Valley lies a vibrant, caring community, brimming with unique experiences, friendly faces and endless opportunities.

In the midst of a day, do you ever find yourself wondering about the best vegetarian lunch spot nearby, seeking recommendations for local services or craving insights into upcoming events? If so, the Chamber has those answers through the Community Concierge program, a gateway to connecting with your community in meaningful ways.

Imagine spending a few hours at the Chamber, surrounded by a warm and welcoming team, fueled by great coffee, and engaging in lively conversation with a diverse group of individuals. This is the essence of the Community Concierge experience — a blend of camaraderie, service and discovery. Whether you’re sharing your favorite hidden gem of a plant-based dining experience or connecting fellow residents with essential resources, every interaction is an opportunity to spread positivity and foster connections.

“Where is the best burger in College Place?” “Are there any wineries open this week?” “Are there dog-friendly places here?” These examples are a glimpse of the inquiries you might encounter as a Community Concierge. From culinary delights to local attractions, from practical recommendations to cultural insights, every question offers a chance to make a difference in someone’s day.

But the benefits of this program extend far beyond mere information exchanges. Volunteering with the Chamber opens doors to new experiences and meaningful connections. Whether you choose to assist at community events, lend a hand in the Chamber office or participate in educational initiatives such as Exec-2-Education, the possibilities for personal and professional growth are endless.

Exec-2-Education exemplifies the Chamber’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. By bridging the gap between local businesses and schools, this program empowers students to explore diverse career paths and expand their horizons. As a volunteer, you can inspire young minds, share your insight and contribute to their success and the future of our community.

At its core, the Community Concierge program is a celebration of community spirit and collective empowerment. By joining forces with the Chamber, you become an integral part of a network dedicated to building a brighter future for the Walla Walla Valley. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels welcome, supported and inspired to thrive.

So, if you are ready to embrace the spirit of community, seize the opportunity to become a Community Concierge. Whether you prefer to volunteer on weekdays or lend a hand at special events, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on our community and enrich your own life in the process.

Reach out to Teresa at the Chamber at 509-525-0850 or send an email to info@wwvchamber.com to embark on this rewarding journey today. Because when you love where you live and share that love with others, the possibilities are endless. Join us. Let’s build a bright future together — one conversation at a time.

Where connection meets opportunity

By Arlene Alen
CEO & President | Walla Walla Valley Chamber

SCORE, an organization dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses in partnership with the WWV Chamber, has recently relaunched and significantly expanded its services in the Walla Walla Valley. The nonprofit offers free mentorships, workshops and on-demand video classes. This initiative aims to support local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with invaluable guidance and resources, all at no cost.

One of the most exciting aspects of this program is the opportunity to share the rewards of mentorship with other successful business individuals in our community. Drawing from personal experience as a serial entrepreneur and having benefited from mentorships throughout my career, I understand the invaluable lessons learned from both successes and missteps.

As a mentor, my goal is to help budding entrepreneurs navigate the challenges and potential pitfalls on their path to success, leveraging my own experiences to steer them away from costly errors.

My role as president and CEO of the WWV Chamber allows me to extend this mentorship and support to our members and the wider community. Having been involved with SCORE for many years as a working professional, a certified mentor and presenter, witnessing the realization of ideas and the achievements of individuals I’ve mentored brings immense satisfaction.

Are you someone with a few spare hours a week or more, eager to contribute to business growth and enrich lives? I am actively seeking accomplished business professionals to become Certified SCORE Mentors. Whether working locally or virtually, mentors will engage with a growing number of entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to expand their operations or reach broader audiences.

At the core of SCORE’s mission is the commitment to nurture vibrant business communities through education and mentorship. Mentors play a pivotal role in achieving this mission, forming the backbone of the organization. The impact of mentorship is evident in the positive outcomes observed among SCORE clients, including the establishment of new businesses, job creations and increased revenues. When SCORE originated, it was comprised mainly of retirees. Today more than 60% of active mentors are working professionals.

Mentors pledge to contribute to SCORE’s mission, leveraging their expertise to guide clients toward success. They assist clients by understanding their business, addressing challenges, and providing solutions, resources, and information to facilitate sound decision-making. However, mentors do not work for them; rather they serve as guides, offering support and encouragement along the entrepreneurial journey.

The role involves managing mentoring requests from clients, scheduling meetings and working closely to comprehend their business needs and challenges. Furthermore, mentors maintain brief session notes and track client progress using a Client Relationship Management system (CRM), enabling us to support client business endeavors.

Ideal mentor qualifications include possessing real business experience, dedicating 10 or more hours per month to working with SCORE clients, embracing technology for SCORE-related communications and demonstrating qualities such as patience, empathy and a thirst for ongoing learning.

If you find yourself intrigued by the idea of making a meaningful contribution to the Walla Walla Valley by sharing your expertise and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, I encourage you to reach out to me at the Chamber. Let’s discuss the process and how you can become a part of this exceptional cohort of business professionals and recent retirees shaping the growth of SCORE in our Valley. Your participation can make a tangible difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and your own while contributing to the thriving business ecosystem in our community.

Chamber 2024 begins transformative initiatives for the Valley

By Arlene Alen
CEO & President | Walla Walla Valley Chamber

As the calendar flips to 2024, the Walla Walla Valley Chamber is poised to usher in a dynamic era of growth and innovation.

With a steadfast commitment to its mission of being the driving force for a vibrant community, we are unveiling a bold 5-year strategy aimed at not just upholding the Chamber's existing vision but propelling the region forward.

As the current CEO of the Chamber, I am excited by the board's commitment to our mission of serving as the catalyst for business growth, the convener of influencers and leaders and the champion for a strong and vital community; now our focus sharpens on “Building the Next Generation of Business & Workforce for the WWV.”

Among the pioneering programs set to kick-start this vision is the National Civics Bee, an initiative designed to ignite the civic curiosity of middle-schoolers. Partnering with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this competition aims to equip the region’s youth with a profound understanding of local, federal and state governments. With more than $50,000 in prizes, this endeavor not only fosters knowledge but also enhances the participants' prospects in the job market.

Middle school students, public, private or home-schooled, parents, educators and youth-focused organizations are encouraged to participate by submitting essays before the extended Monday, Jan. 22, deadline. Details can be found at wwvchamber.com/civicsbee.

Another groundbreaking venture, Film WWV, seeks to harness the potential of the Walla Walla Valley as a "Film Friendly" destination. In collaboration with Washington Filmworks, this program aims to leverage the Washington State Rural Film Enhanced Incentive program. The Valley is poised to host its first group of location managers in April. The Chamber is driving this initiative in collaboration with our Team Walla Walla partners, the Walla Walla Downtown Foundation, Visit Walla Walla and the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance.

Moreover, the Chamber proudly announces its partnership with SCORE, an organization that has assisted more than 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide. This collaboration brings free mentoring, expert guidance and bilingual resources to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across diverse industries. With a roster of active experienced professionals and entrepreneurs, SCORE is a vital asset for those navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

The Chamber invites the business community to delve deeper into these transformative initiatives at the Chamber’s annual meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center. Reservations are open to the public and can be made at wwvchamber.com or by reaching out to info@wwvchamber.com.

As the Walla Walla Valley steps into 2024, the Chamber stands resolute in its commitment to shaping a thriving, forward-looking community, fostering innovation and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

Celebrating 125 years of the Walla Walla Valley Chamber

By Arlene Alen
CEO & President | Walla Walla Valley Chamber

This new year, 2024, the Walla Walla Valley Chamber marks its 125th anniversary. Alongside this remarkable milestone, the Chamber is poised to launch Chamber 2024, an initiative set to unveil new programs and enhanced benefits to local businesses. I am thrilled to be here leading these initiatives for the Chamber in this milestone year.

Equally significant is the inauguration of the WWV Chamber Foundation celebrating its 25th anniversary with the launch of the Community Development Fund. This initiative aims to provide grants to entrepreneurs and small businesses, empowering them to thrive and contribute to our community’s economic vitality. We anticipate operating three grant cycles annually with further details on this promising venture unveiled in 2024 amplifying opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Moreover, a groundbreaking collaboration known as Film WWV is on the 2024 horizon. This collaborative effort is driven by the Chamber for its partners in Team Walla Walla: the Walla Walla Downtown Foundation, Visit Walla Walla, and the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. The WWV Production Alliance, known as Film WWV, is a one-stop destination for film and video production. Rooted in a rich history of personal successful endeavors in the film and television industry, this initiative is set to transform the local landscape by attracting and supporting film production in our region.

In an exciting development, Washington Filmworks is spearheading efforts to promote the Washington State Rural Film Enhanced Incentive program. The Walla Walla Valley will be part of its initial showcase through a FAM Tour (familiarization) in mid-April, hosted by Team Walla Walla, providing an immersive experience for location managers. Supported by both the city of Walla Walla and the city of College Place, this initiative promises positive economic growth and increased visitor engagement.

This collaborative effort is not merely about showcasing picturesque locations, it’s about fostering an environment conducive to film and video production, offering job opportunities for local students and residents while igniting a new economic sector within our community.

Adding to the Chamber’s diverse community initiatives is the upcoming National Civics Bee, an event highlighting civic engagement among our youth. The essay submittal portal is now open for middle schoolers across Eastern Washington, to propose solutions to their community challenges.

For those seeking further details about any of these exciting developments, the Chamber welcomes inquiries via info@wwvchamber.com. Save the date for the Chamber’s annual meeting, open to all community businesses on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Join us as we celebrate these milestones and embrace a future brimming with innovation, collaborations and prosperity for the Walla Walla Valley.

Sometimes You Need to Kiss a Lot of Frogs

By Arlene Alen
CEO & President | Walla Walla Valley Chamber

It’s been a journey and now an exciting new adventure.

How these first months in Walla Walla have flown by. I’m excited to begin this new relationship with the U-B, writing a column about all the exciting changes and programs at the Chamber for 2024 and beyond.

My journey began in the classical halls of architecture, only to swerve into the unpredictable worlds of television and film as a production designer. The plot thickened as I ventured into the realm of technology, law, government and marketing then eventually found myself in Arizona after bidding farewell to California, leaving friends, activities, history and colleagues behind. This family-driven leap prompted me to reconsider my professional narrative.

Arizona marked the career crossroads for me as I established a consultancy utilizing all my aggregated skill sets, designed to be a guiding light for nonprofits, associations and small businesses. The mission? To craft better business models, elevate professionalism, and construct resilient boards for a sustainable future.

While I’ve left behind my Arabian mare, Jaz, in Arizona, I still dream of bringing her here and into this so welcoming community. Boo, my 8-year-old rescue border collie/Australian cattle dog who has shared the journey and transitions with me from AZ to Western and now Eastern Washington, is having a great time with new trails to explore.
Having spent some time adjusting to the world of business and government here, I’m about to begin an exciting part of this journey, finding a new life as well as embracing the joy of working with my board, staff colleagues and engaged community leaders.

Now, as we stand on the brink of 2024, the stage is set for “Chamber 2024” to unfold. My task, as provided by the Chamber board, was to take their well-functioning business and more than 450 members on a journey to the future. To infuse the organization with programs and practices that enhance our member experiences and critically serve our mission to grow the future of business and workforce in the Walla Walla Valley.

The National Civics Bee is just one act in our new playbook, promising to unite the community in a celebration of learning and civic pride. As one of only five Chambers in Washington state chosen by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Association of Washington Businesses to host a regional Bee, we are excited that our first submissions have been received with many more promised on the way.

The National Civics Bee takes center stage, showcasing middle school students’ solutions to community problems. The 20 top essayists, locally chosen by community leaders as judge, go to a live event we will host at WWCC in early spring. The top three winners will be provided with an opportunity to compete for the state championship.

There are cash prizes and trophies along all these paths. This year, for the first time, the state winners will go, all expenses paid by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, to the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., where they will compete for more than $50,000 in prizes. To learn more about this opportunity visit the Chamber website at wwvchamber.com or watch this bi-weekly column for more information about exciting opportunities. You may also follow us in First Friday, our digital publication, or the chamber website.

2024 marks the 125th anniversary of the Walla Walla Valley Chamber and the 25th anniversary of the Chamber Foundation. Join our team in the celebration of history, business and our community leaders’ legacies and let’s work together to enhance the quality of life for all in our communities.

Cheers to our future filled with prosperity, camaraderie and the joy of discovering our true home. No more frogs for us, we are home.

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