Committees
Ambassadors - One of the more important committees, Ambassadors are the “customer care representatives” of the Chamber. These volunteers contact several member businesses per month, via phone or in person, to obtain comments and ideas for the Chamber to use in improving our services and events. They also 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.
Leadership Yakima - Each year the Chamber's Leadership Yakima program creates awareness of community institutions, how they work, and how participants can become more involved. This program is designed to teach our current and emerging leaders the knowledge and skills necessary to run our diverse community.
Citizens for Safe Yakima Valley Communities (CSC). This Chamber program serves all communities in Yakima County. CSC was created to network individuals and organizations, and harness citizen passion and determination to make Yakima Valley a safe place for everyone. CSC is committed to connecting resources and people, enabling neighborhood communities, and promoting an environment in which we all feel safe.
Business-to-Business Marketing. The Chamber provides opportunities for members to network business-to-business. Some of the networking programs offered by the Chamber include -
- Action Report, a Chamber monthly business journal
- General Membership Luncheons that feature keynote speakers on topics important to business.
- Business After Hours events hosted by a Chamber member at their place of business.
- Business EXPO to showcase Chamber member products and services to the public.
- New Member Receptions
- Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings, etc.
Professional Development/ Business Seminars. Topics addressed are timely and helpful for business owners, managers and/or employees.
Member Benefits. The Chamber offers the Affiliated Associations of America (AAOA) Advantage to expand a business employee benefit program. With your Chamber membership, the AAOA Advantage can be implemented into your business.
Awards. The Chamber partners with others to accomplish current Yakima community goals.
- 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.
- Annual awards event that showcases Yakima area businesses in the following categories - Annual Business Excellence, Emerging Business of the Year, Best Business in a Supporting Role, Small Business of the Year, Best Performances in a Business Role, and Spirit of the Valley. Awards are also given to the Ambassador of the Year and for Best Media Coverage.
- Yakima Extra Special (YES) awards are given twice a year to a small, large, and nonprofit business that has built a new local business facility or remodeled an existing structure.
- Business Excellence awards are given monthly to businesses who are committed to their customers and exceed their expectations.
Community Image. Programs include the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce partnerships with the City of Yakima to coordinate and market clean-up and improvement projects.