by Richard Uhlhorn
Chamber quarterly report:
Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce Director Mike Steele attended the Tuesday, July 22, City Council meeting to deliver the Chamber’s quarterly report as required under the new contract criteria.
“It is an honor to be in front of you and report the work we’ve been doing this year.” Steele went on to tell the council that he is grateful for the city’s partnership.
The Chamber of Commerce receives funding for its operations from the three percent lodging tax collected at hotels, resorts, airbnbs and other lodging outlets in the City.
The amount of funding available to the Chamber from the City is $700,000. The Chamber also receives a percentage of three percent funds from Chelan County. These additional funds have amounted to $300 to $400,000 each year.
After introducing board members and staff, Steele told the Council that the funding is spent on advertising to core publication, a Chelan Valley Business newsletter sent to all 400 Chamber members, sending out emails to those who have requested information and another 1159 emails of things happening in the Lake Chelan Valley.
The Chamber prints a variety of visitation books that are distributed locally. Of the 40,000 printed, they only send these pamphlets to those who have specifically requested them.
Of the 400 Chamber members, Steele said, “We help them to not just survive, but to have the tools needed to survive.”
Steele stated that the Chamber has been struggling over the past several years. “This has been the most challenging year for me,” said Steele. “We work on a reimbursement city approval system. We operate just like any other business in the Valley.” He added that the County has also put the Chamber on a reimbursement system.
Because of the necessity of paying up front before receiving funds from the City or County, the Chamber has opened a line of credit at Wheatland Bank.
Steele said the Chamber spends around $30,000 yearly on event insurance which is a free service to events.
Regarding visitation to the Valley, Steele stated that the Valley has had a significantly slow beginning this year. “This is the softest start they’ve (business members) have seen,” Steele said. “When our businesses are frustrated so are we.”
Steele explained that the Chamber is using social media to get the word out about the Valley. “Unfortunately, marketing is very expensive,” stated Steele. The Chamber’s ‘Visit Lake Chelan’ website has 46,000 likes.
According to the Chamber’s Lake Chelan Valley Business Voice, its website is up 334.7% from last quarter. Its Facebook impressions are up 207% and its Instagram reel views are up 24.8%. Its TikTok profile has reached 310,000 users.
The Chamber has used its public relations firm for the past 25 years. It has produced nationwide broadcasts for the chamber.
The Visitor Center receives 75,000 visitors each year. The Visitor Center also offers the communities non-profits and members free use of its facilities for meetings and events.
Steele stated that the Chamber’s Marketing Strategy is to not spend a lot of money. “We are partnering with the Lake Chelan Wine Alliance this year,” said Steele. They are also creating a new event featuring low riders.
The Chamber’s Fall quarter strategy follows:
Steele opened his presentation up for questions.
He was asked if the Chamber considered marketing or is marketing in the Spokane/Couer d Alain region. Steele replied that they haven’t had a lot of success in that area.
Bob Goedde mentioned that the Canadians are not coming down which is adding to a slower than normal summer.
Brad Chitty remarked that, “We have to look at the City as a whole.” Tim Hollingsworth stated that the importance of the Chamber is obvious, but also said it needs to be working on strategies for marketing and developing amenities to market.
Steele said that marketing fall and winter costs a lot more money than summer.
Mayor McCardle stated that the Chamber needs to be building collaborations and sustainability. “July and August are difficult, but we need to look at economic development.” She thanked Steele for his presentation.
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