​Congratulations to Ben Franklin Transit on the groundbreaking ceremony for the Queensgate Transit Center in Richland!

Congratulations to Modern Medical Spa on their ribbon cutting on Friday, May 19! Check out their beautiful new location at 1045 Jadwin Ave. in Richland.

Dave Mastin, VP of Governmental Affairs for Association of Washington Business, kicked off the Chamber’s first Leader Luncheon with exclusive insight into the state legislative process. A veteran legislator serving Washington’s 16th district from 1993 to 2005, Mastin made note of the incredible bipartisan wins made by a slate of mostly first-term legislators from the Tri-Cities. Our transformational members joined us for this deep dive into the coalition building and negotiations that must occur to have our interests represented. 

Leader Luncheons are an exclusive feature for Regional Chamber members at the Leader level and above. For more information on joining the Chamber or upgrading your membership, contact Elisabeth Holt, Vice President, at 509.491.3237 or [email protected].

Congratulations to the Port of Kennewick on their ribbon cutting ceremony for the improvements made to Clover Island's northern shoreline. ​The project restored a half-mile of shoreline and nearly an acre of shallow water habitat to benefit upper Columbia River spring Chinook salmon, upper and mid-Columbia River steelhead and bull trout; and provide benefits to other birds, wildlife, and aquatic species at Clover Island. In addition, the Clover Island Riverwalk was extended; scenic viewpoints, benches and educational panels added; and four upland parcels readied for development.

The Tri-Cities Diversity Summit is an annual half-day event focused on helping professionals create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Through engaging breakout discussions and an inspiring keynote presentation, Diversity Summit attendees will receive actionable information and powerful resources to optimize their team and bring about lasting change in their organizations.
 
The Regional Chamber is accepting speaker applications for the summit which will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. We are seeking breakout session speakers and panelists. Sessions are one hour long.
 
Are you…

1. An experienced public speaker in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) (in front of groups of 50-500)?
2. Interested in sharing your expertise, real-world strategies and DEI knowledge with other professionals?
3. An expert in a skill or thought-provoking DEI exercise that you can teach?
4. Passionate about building a diverse and inclusive business community to encourage innovation and strengthen our economic growth?
   
   

Proposed Topics Include (but not limited to):

• Dimensions of Diversity:
  • Race/Ethnicity, gender, Veterans, sexual orientation/gender identity, dis/abilities
• Reducing Personal Bias & Micro-Aggressions
• Employee Resource Groups, Affinity Networks, or Committees
• Inclusive Leadership & Accountability
• How DEI Impacts the Bottom Line
• Cultivating Social/Organizational Change
• Creating an Inclusive Workplace
• Advancing Cross-Cultural Communication
• Hiring for a Diverse Workforce
• Policy Review for Inclusion
• Wellness for DEI Leaders
  

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (TCRCC) has hired Darlene Sarte as the organization’s Member Services and Event Coordinator.

In this position, Sarte will focus on membership sales, member benefit fulfillment, and supporting the management and execution of Regional Chamber events.

Sarte was previously employed at HAPO Community Credit Union as a Marketing Support Specialist, a title she held for over four years. In that role, Sarte coordinated public and private events, maintained partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and more. She currently serves on the City of Pasco’s Historic Preservation Commission.

“We’re grateful to have Darlene on our team,” said TCRCC President and CEO Lori Mattson, IOM. “Her experience in facilitating events and cultivating relationships make her an excellent fit for the Member Services and Events Coordinator position.”
​
Sarte can be reached at 509.736.0510 or [email protected].

We had a great turnout for Business After Hours at Teknologize on May 11. Thank you for everyone who came out - we hope you made some valuable connections!

Congratulations to Tsunami Catering on their ribbon cutting ceremony! Visit them at 5215 W. Clearwater in Kennewick.

Congratulations to HAPO Community Credit Union on the groundbreaking ceremony for their new location on Keene in West Richland.