The Yelm Chamber’s Newly Elected Leadership Supports and Strengthens Community Ties

The Yelm Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors attends the Chamber Business Awards event, one of the many activities that recognize and support the Yelm community's businesses and organizations.
The Yelm Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors attends the Chamber Business Awards event, one of the many activities that recognize and support the Yelm community's businesses and organizations. Photo courtesy: Yelm Chamber of Commerce
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The Yelm Chamber of Commerce’s recently elected officers are busy with current activities and planning for future events in the area that support economic development, community involvement and connecting with government.

Yelm Chamber of Commerce building
The Yelm Chamber of Commerce elects board leadership every two years. This year’s officers are busy guiding the organization in finding ways to strengthen the Yelm community. Photo credit: Nancy Krier

Chamber Executive Director Line Roy says the Chamber has weathered the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses and organizations. Its newly elected leadership is poised to continue to actively strengthen the community. “The board is very well equipped to handle any challenges in the second half of 2022 and into 2023,” she says.

The Chamber’s volunteer governing board is elected every two years. New officers and directors began their terms in May. Directors are selected from Chamber members’ nominations and represent a mix of experienced and new business and organizational representatives.

The Chamber’s new president is Joseph Richardson, who previously served as president-elect. He is an associate pastor at the Yelm Prairie Christian Center and a Yelm City Council member. Richardson says he is excited to be involved in the Chamber and his participation has changed his perspective. “It reestablished my faith in the community and the city,” he says. “I feel I am part of something authentic and organic. I am really privileged to be a part of this.”

Yelm Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Richardson swears in newly elected board member Lyndi Baublits.
Yelm Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Richardson swears in newly elected board member Lyndi Baublits. Photo courtesy: Yelm Chamber of Commerce

Stepping into the president-elect’s shoes is Tracie Choate, owner and broker of Realty One Group Bold. Choate says she has lived in Yelm 22 years and her husband has lived there his entire life. Choate previously served on the executive committee as secretary and is president-elect for two years before becoming Chamber president. “I am personally excited about the diverse group we have now,” Choate says. “We have multiple different businesses that are part of our board. We will improve our offerings and how we serve our Chamber members.”

Other newly elected board leaders includes Teri Pablo of Yelm Community Schools serving as secretary, Jane Walker of Olympia Federal Savings Bank staying on as treasurer, Amber Young of America’s Credit Union, Jesse Kellems of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, and Steele Clayton of State Farm Insurance. Past president Dan Nicholson of D Zines Creative Solutions & Graphic Designs will continue to assist the board in an advisory role. The newest elected member is Lyndi Baublits of Christensen’s Home Furnishings. Meanwhile, Angie Evans of the Prairie Hotel is rotating off the board as a director after 17 years. They join other board members Bill Devore, 507 Taproom; Gary Rurup, Shiplap Shop & Coffee House; Jennifer Ferguson, Ferguson Insurance Services; Pam Ferris, Edward Jones; Stephanie Kangiser, Bliss Experience Salon & Spa; and Wayne McCarten, Uptown Lounge.

“We are really lucky to have a board that is very engaged,” Roy says in explaining how the Chamber has been able to be so active in the Yelm area even though it has a small staff. “They are always willing to step up and lend a hand.”

annual Prairie Days summer parade in Yelm
The Yelm Chamber of Commerce Board sponsors and provides helping hands to many local events bringing the community together, such as the annual Prairie Days summer parade. Photo courtesy: Yelm Chamber of Commerce

The board plans for and volunteers at its multiple Chamber-sponsored events, like the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, Prairie Days activities, the Nisqually Valley Home and Garden Show, and many more. “We’ve done some really fantastic events and I have confidence that we will add to them,” says Choate.

Roy says the board also volunteers at community activities and events sponsored by other groups, as well as meeting monthly, making policy, hiring the executive director, engaging in high level governance and directing staff.

Chamber events to watch for this fall are the Best of Nisqually Gala, and holiday promotions such as a parade and “Keep the Cheer Here,” where shoppers can be reimbursed for items purchased from local businesses. These are the kind of grass roots events that keep the Yelm area thriving.

“I love my community, and these are really great people,” says Richardson in describing that he was happy to be invited to participate in the Chamber and why he has been willing to volunteer in a governance role. “I am excited to be involved and part of this thing.”

The Yelm Chamber of Commerce serves the Yelm, Rainier, Roy, McKenna and surrounding areas and has more than 175 active members. Among many other welcoming efforts, the Chamber provides visitors information about visiting the Yelm area. The Chamber encourages new and existing businesses and organizations to join its ranks and continue its programs and visitor outreach. The Chamber maintains a directory of its members. For more information, visit the Chamber’s webpage and follow it on Facebook.

Yelm Chamber of Commerce
138 Prairie Park Lane, Yelm
director@yelmchamber.com
360.458.6608

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