|
 |
|
... to be the areas business advocate and the primary organization marketing Camas, Washougal and East Clark County.
The Chamber represents a variety of businesses, organizations and individuals that work together to further economic growth in the area.
The Chamber works to maintain a healthy, livable community through positive business leadership, participation, collaboration and accountability.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 February is the Final Month for Map Ads
By Brent Erickson, Executive Director
The
Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce produces three publications as well
as our other programming. We produced, in-house, The Guidebook to
Developing Business in Camas & Washougal with the help of staff and
the Chamber’s Education and Economic Development Committee. This book
was the first publication in the area to gather all the available
economic development information and put it in one easy-to-use resource
book to assist economic development for our region. The Chamber also
produces 5,000 Preferred Business Directories that go out to the East
Clark County community via the Camas-Washougal Post Record Newspaper
and various distribution points throughout the community. This
directory is a great resource for businesses, residents and newcomers.
Finally, the Map of Camas/Washougal is the third publication produced
by your Chamber of Commerce. We put together the only, and highly used
map of both cities. This map is produced every two years and is a GREAT
way to get your business name out there in Camas/Washougal specifically.
The Camas/Washougal map is the NUMBER ONE most asked item by visitors, residents, and people relocating to the area.
The map features four sizes of advertisements at affordable two-year
rates. Sales will go through February, so do not delay. The rates start
at $295 for a quarter/business card sized advertisement. About 3,500
copies will be produced and distributed throughout the community. We
distribute them in relocation packets, neighborhood associations and
distribution points at the Chamber, City of Camas, City of Washougal
and the Police stations.
For more information call (360) 834-2472.
|
|
|
|
|
 History Made with New PartnershipsBy Damon Webster, CW Chamber President & Vice President of MacKay & Sposito Inc.
Now, please don’t interpret my comments as crass, because I honestly feel like this is a big step in the right direction. Sure, there have been some collaborative efforts in the past amongst the two Cities, or the CREDC and a City, or the Port and…….well, you get the point.
But this is the first time that all have come together to form a partnership like this. It was a big meeting with both Mayors, Council members, Commissioners, Administrators, Executive Directors, etc. In other words, a power meeting. The group agreed to form a Committee with two representatives from each agency and also some from the business community. Partnerships like this are becoming more common in both the public and private sectors.
Former competitors see the advantage of joining forces to become stronger and more competitive in a tough economy. Agencies must also compete for limited funding sources such as State or Federal grants for capital projects, potential industries and the jobs they provide, tourist dollars, and even residents. I am hopeful that this joining of forces will lead to bigger and better things for the Camas / Washougal area. |
|
|
|
|
|
CW Chamber Business Feature
Recession proof business in Washougal, strong after twenty-four years
 Washougal, WA – On Monday, January 25th It’s a Crewel World Yarn Shop in Washougal became the Business of the Week feature for the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce. Owner Donna Jensen opened her business in 1985 and says, “this business is truly recession proof.” Before the shop, Jensen sold real estate under Lorenz Realty and was trying to sell the building on 982 E Street. After three failed sales, she decided to purchase it herself and open the business she always dreamed of. Jensen knew there was demand for a local yarn shop, because she was the knitting instructor for Community Education in Washougal. Her students’ support was a major factor in purchasing the building and starting It’s a Crewel World. It’s a Crewel World is part of the National effort to support our troops heading to Afghanistan. They have collected 80 helmet liners so far, with the total national effort totaling 30,000. Additionally, all left over scraps are turned into baby booties and placed on the Christmas tree within the shop. They are given to SW Memorial Hospital in December. Any larger booties, baby blankets and sweaters that are donated throughout the year are given to the local Pregnancy Crisis Center in Camas.  It’s a Crewel World is the only local shop that offers knitting classes for all ages and can accommodate customers through all phases of their projects. It is proven that children who knit have better concentration and are better learners. It’s no surprise that our local schools are reintroducing this craft. “As we grow older knitting helps keep our minds sharp,” says Jensen “[we] see mothers with daughters, grandmothers with granddaughters coming in for lessons together.” Jensen’s grandmother taught her to knit at age seven, and has been passing her knowledge forward ever since. One woman has been by Jensen’s side since the grand opening: Martha Mueller. She was a student back in 1985 and has been a dependable employee and friend since the beginning. For the first five years Jensen worked as a real estate agent and at the Yarn Shop. Mueller was the perfect fill-in. In 1991 she said goodbye to real estate and has been running It’s a Crewel World full time. Georgena Hanning, Jennifer Powell, Jan Mulwitz and Ruth Casiato make up the other employees who teach classes and run the shop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|