Even if you’re not a business owner, the Lacey South Sound Chamber plays a huge part in your everyday life. This tireless civic organization represents more than 350 local businesses and works around the clock to improve our economy and facilitate the relationship between the community and thriving regional companies.
Leading the Chamber is a Board of Directors made up of representatives from the very businesses they support and develop. Under current president Amber Young, the Board is the eyes, ears and voice of Lacey’s economic success.
The Lacey South Sound Chamber Board Works Hard for Local Businesses
Joining Young on 2024’s leadership team are President Elect Jeff Seeman from PC Technologies, Vice President Nick Kerry from KGY Media Group, Treasurer Michael Jones from the North Thurston Education Foundation and Secretary Theressa Diaz of Olympic Transmissions and Auto Care. Cameron Daniels of Edward Jones is their past president.
Board members include Nichole Wachtman from Evergreen Financial Services; Cynthia Knapp of Precisely Right Accounting; Chicago Title’s Janine Ezell; Stan Choate from Realty ONE Group; Christine Forrey of Keller Williams South Sound; Becky Carver from Axia Home Loans; Amy Degan from My Med Supplies; Brad Hooper with North Thurston Public Schools; and John Grantham of Promo Northwest.
“The Board has many responsibilities,” explains Young, “and our primary role is to provide leadership and direction to promote the prosperity and growth of our business community. We work very closely with Chamber staff to foster connections and collaboration in the South Sound. We are very lucky to have the Chamber staff that we have.”
Lacey South Sound Chamber Executive Director Blake Knoblauch says he is excited for great new blood on the Board that’ll bring a new look and new perspectives. “I’m excited to work with them and grow the Chamber with their help and support,” he adds.
Board President Amber Young is Excited for 2024
A Lacey native, Amber Young was in the wine industry before switching careers into banking. She explains that America’s Credit Union, where she works, has been a proud member of the Chamber for decades. “When I started my position in marketing, I was happy to attend Chamber events and get involved in the community through the Chamber,” she adds.
She found that everyone she met at these get-togethers was extremely welcoming. “If you attend Chamber events on a regular basis, you build relationships and are able to witness the growth that the Chamber as an organization promotes within our communities’ businesses,” says Young. “I think it’s natural to want to be a part of that. I’m honored that I was chosen to be on the Board, and I am beyond grateful that I was elected to the President position.”
So far, Young’s favorite aspect of the Lacey South Sound Chamber has to be the members, she says. “The people I’ve met and had the pleasure to work with on a regular basis are some of the most dynamic, supportive and welcoming people I’ve met anywhere,” she adds.
Upcoming Chamber Events and Activities: Masquerades, Barbecue and Networking on the Links
Chamber events are more than just networking and business focused. Young says that folks can find out what’s next by checking their comprehensive online calendar or calling Cheryl Sparkhul – who Young calls the reigning Queen of Events – at 360.491.4141. Not a member yet? It’s easy to join the Chamber and start enjoying all the benefits they have to offer.
Keep an eye out for their first annual Masquerade Gala, happening Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Olympia Country & Golf Club. The party runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an afterparty from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. The night includes a surf and turf dinner, dancing, both silent and live auctions, no host bar and a scrumptious dessert dash. Dress to impress, masks are optional. Tickets are discounted before January 31, so get yours now.
But there are also ongoing activities like the monthly forum luncheon with educational speakers, South Sound Connections business to business monthly networking group and links to Read around Lacey thanks to North Thurston Public Schools.
The celebratory Annual Business Awards take place on Wednesday February 7, 2024 at the Indian Summer Golf & Country Club and the Chamber’s Golf Classic is typically held each May at Capitol City Golf Club. Which is good because you’ll need to burn off a few calories before the arrival of the South Sound BBQ Festival in July with its chicken wing eating contest, beer and wine garden, vendors, live entertainment and activities for kids of all ages. That should tide you over until Winter Fest on November 2. Come sip, savor and shop with tastings, music and goodies from local artisans just in time to stock up for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year.
Check out their Business Directory and Visitor Guide or stop by the Lacey South Sound Chamber and Visitor Information Center Monday through Friday. They’re located at 3925 8th Avenue SE and open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to share details on events, lodging, dining and local attractions. Building community one small business at a time.
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