Kent Chamber of Commerce

The premier organization in South King County ensuring a healthy, vibrant business community. Our Members Enjoy Access To Marketing vehicles to reach targeted customers. Education resources to help sustain and grow healthy companies. Advocacy on issues important to Kent businesses. Networking opportunities to get to know other business people and do business together. Chamber members can get as involved as they want to in any of our dynamic committees, including - The Ambassadors are an exclusive group of business professionals that work to shape the future of the Chamber and serves as an advocate for the organization. Together, Ambassadors learn the internal workings of the Chamber and work to increase member involvement, retention and recruitment. From networking with other business people to fine-tuning marketing that reaches targeted customer segments, the Business Services and Events committee works to open up educational resources that help business owners and managers grow healthy companies and a stronger community. The East Hill Partnership was formed to work on promoting and addressing issues on the East Hill and seeks to work to better promote and market the East Hill businesses and area. The committee also has a strong community focus. Their mission statement is - To facilitate the revitalization and unity of the diverse community within the East Hill. The Education committee strives to stimulate investment of the business community for education both for the Kent youth through K-12 education and in the community college and technical professional training by linking and identifying advanced education opportunities in the business sector. The Government Affairs committee develops the Chamber's legislative agenda for issues addressed at the State Legislature. The committee is comprised of small business, corporate members and municipal leaders from Kent and around the region. The committee evaluates local, regional and state issues that affect the business climate and quality of life (including initiatives and referenda). After extensive evaluation on issues the committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the Chamber's position on issues. The Kent Community Marketing Campaign, in partnership with the City of Kent, Kent Reporter, Kent Station and Kent Downtown Partnership, works to promote awareness and provides tools to drive revenue to our stores, restaurants and businesses in Kent. In 2010 we launched the shop local campaign "Find it in Kent" and have continued to provide unique experiences to engage the community in shopping locally. The Membership committee tracks membership trends and develops marketing promotions to increase membership sales and retention. The Kent Community Foundation is a community leader funding important local educational and cultural arts projects. As an affiliate of the Chamber, the foundation is a cornerstone of the larger Kent community. What our Members are saying -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Since becoming an active member in the Kent Chamber I have been amazed at the amount of referrals from other members through the numerous Chamber events created to get to know and work with other people in the business community. Maintaining a membership has been a fantastic vehicle to become [known] to local businesses and to get involved in worthwhile community events; all while having a great time! The annual membership fee has always more than paid for itself. I have owned and operated my business with my husband and partner, John Hatcher, for 20 years now; and one of the reasons we continue to grow is because of our membership in the Kent Chamber of Commerce.” Amy Hatcher, President, Cafe Pacific, Inc. dba Café Pacific Catering on being a member of the Kent Chamber -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I've been active with the Kent Chamber for four years now and an Ambassador for three. This Chamber has generated a lot of business for me and has proved to be an invaluable investment of both time and money. With a dedicated staff and incredible support from the members I’m proud to say I’m a member of the Kent Chamber of Commerce!“ Joe Koncikowski, Kelly Imaging Systems -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I love being involved with the Kent Chamber! The Chamber helps to build up businesses and especially in these tough times, their support of small business owners is especially appreciated! Through the seminars, networking and the Business Expo, I have learned the Chamber plays a critical role in my business plan. Give us a try - your membership and involvement just may be the next important step in YOUR business plan!" Marti Reeder, John L. Scott Real Estate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The contacts we have made from the Kent Chamber of Commerce have not only benefited us financially, but the word of mouth referral for our business has helped position us to receive awards, recognition and credibility." Roger Stilson, Owner, Mama Stortinis Restaurant -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I always look forward to learning about new and current members by attending Grand Openings, After Hours, Membership Lunches, Good Morning Kent Breakfasts, etc. I have forged many personal and professional relationships during this time. Active involvement in the Chamber will greatly enhance your business!” Lee R. Anderson, Evergreen Bank -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “There are so many benefits to being an active member of the Kent Chamber I can’t even begin to list them all. Being a part of the Kent Chamber has allowed me the opportunity to meet people and learn about businesses I might not otherwise have been able to do. Being a part of the Chamber has provided so many networking opportunities and the chance to make new friends. Being a member of the Kent Chamber has brought me closer to my community and allowed me to grow as a professional. I would recommend that all businesses in Kent become active in the Kent Chamber.” Jade Garrison, Trillium Employment Services -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Being a Kent Chamber member has fantastic benefits! The networking options are amazing. There is always an event going on where we can meet all the great people in our local community. The support from our Chamber staff is off the charts. Since becoming a member, the community connection we feel has been like no other, and the friendships made are immeasurable! I strongly recommend anyone who wants to grow their business to not miss out on another day of what our Kent Chamber can offer you! Shannon McClure, General Manager, Great American Casino -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I learned new ideas and gained a fresh perspective on how to grow my business.” Sean Runnels, Director of Sales, Seattle Thunderbirds Hockey on attending Chamber events -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Through my membership in the Kent Chamber, I have learned so much from attending the Business Toolbox seminars each month. In addition, being an Ambassador has enabled me to meet numerous people in the business community, many who have passed become valued customers. My Chamber membership is a valuable part of my marketing budget.” Kathi Shiver, Pacific Northwest Engraving -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The networking opportunities are endless. Meeting new members and having the opportunity for continued education through their ongoing siminars has been very rewarding." Polly Shepherd, Publisher/Regional Manager, Kent Reporter, a Division of Sound Publishing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “My membership with the Kent Chamber has resulted in increased exposure for my business and to learn from other business owners through the ongoing marketing events and other educational seminars.” Lisa Voso, The Voso Impact -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I value the expertise and support which I am a part of as a Board of Director member and an Ambassador of Kent Chamber! I still say that it is THE BEST business decision I have made, as I grow my business.” Gwen Allen-Carston, Heartland Payment Systems