Congratulations to Franki & Co. on their 20th Anniversary Open House! Visit them at 2417 W. Kennewick Ave., Ste. A in Kennewick!

Name: Kailey Phillips
Company Name: Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
Title: Administrative Coordinator
 
What was your first job?
I was a salesperson at Footlocker. I worked there during high-school and through college. It was a blast!
 
Where is your hometown?
I’m originally from Lincoln, NE (go Huskers!). I moved over here after graduating college and I love the area.
 
What is your favorite movie?
Hands down, it’s Beauty and the Beast - the animated original. As a child I thought I looked like Belle, so she was always my favorite character. I still love the movie to this day.
 
How do you spend your free time?
I love to be around my family and my dogs. Also, I love to watch college football so weekends during the fall are taken up by my Nebraska Huskers! During the spring and summer my fiancé and I love to golf whenever we can. I try to throw camping and kayaking in there, as well, because I live for being in the water. I’m also a leader for a charity organization that hosts different events for local non-profits around the community.  
 
What are three words that best describe you?
Friendly, determined, goofy
 
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I would have to say Disneyland. It’s the most magical place on Earth and I’m a huge fan. I’m a child at heart and it just never gets old to me. Plus, I’m a “dis-nerd” when it comes to Disney movies.
 
What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber?
I’m excited to be a part of the myTRI 2030 regional vision project. I cannot wait to see the collaboration and outcomes of these different ideas and projects to be implemented and executed around the community. 

Thanks to everyone who came out for our September Membership Luncheon at Three Rivers Convention Center on September 25.

​Congratulations to Three Rivers Convention Center (TRCC) on being named our Member of the Month for September 2019.

TRCC has been a member of the Regional Chamber since 2004. Since then, the Chamber has partnered with TRCC to host events like our Annual Meeting, Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference, and monthly membership luncheons.

Not only does the Chamber have a great partnership with TRCC, but they are also a great asset to our community. As of 2018, more than 1.6 million people have attended events at TCRCC, equating to $152 million.

Congratulations to Rosetta Assisted Living on their new location! Visit them at 5921 Road 60 Dr. in Pasco.

Name:  Jodi Henderson
Company Name: Benton PUD
Title: Manager of Communications & Government Relations
Years at Company: 9
 
What are three things you use at work every day?
Franklin Planner (I’m a list-maker), cell phone, and a sense of humor.  
 
Where is your hometown?
I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but I consider Mukilteo, Washington, where I grew up, my hometown.
 
How do you spend your free time?
I spend my early mornings, late nights and weekends trying to match the energy level of my almost three-year-old daughter who loves spending time outdoors.
 
What are three words that best describe you?
Driven, humble, and organized
 
What did you want to become as kid?
A history teacher. In fact, that was one of the reasons I chose to go to school at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.
 
Where is your favorite place to travel? 
My most memorable place to travel was Banff in Alberta, Canada. The Canadian Rockies are a MUST for any bucket list.
 
How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?
10 years on Halloween – very scary! I can’t believe it has been a decade. It feels like just yesterday that my husband and I made the move from Alexandria, Virginia to Richland, Washington.
 
What is your favorite movie? 
A Few Good Men
 
What motto do you live by? 
If at first you don’t succeed; try, try again!
 
What excites you the most about the work of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? 
myTRI 2030 - I am excited about being an active member of a community, shaping its future.

Name: Dee Gray
Company Name: CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company / JACOBS
Title: Chief of Staff 
Years at Company: 12 
 
What are three things you use at work every day? 
Cell phone, calendar, restraint

What was your first job? 
I interned for the Alaska State Department of Natural Resources during high school, in the Fiscal Department. I landed my first full-time job with Westinghouse, as a clerk to the Senior Labor Counsel.

How do you spend your free time?
I’m a soccer mom so I spend a lot of time travelling and watching games. I also enjoy time at the Lake (Chelan), camping, hiking and hanging with friends.
 
What are three words that best describe you? 
Determined, spirited, friendly
 
What did you want to become as kid? 
I remember wanting to be a truck driver – no kidding.
 
How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 
I’ve lived in the Tri-Cities for almost 30 years.
 
Where is your hometown?
I grew up in Gleed, WA (between Yakima and Naches).
 
What is your favorite holiday?  
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the festivities, the movies, the spirit of giving that everyone feels.

If you could pick one superpower what would it be? 
If I could choose a superpower, it would be time travel. I’d love to have the perspectives of different centuries.
 
What was the first concert you attended?
Reba McIntire was my first concert – at the fair.
 
Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?  
Start each day new.

What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? 
I’m passionate about bringing in a strong diversity to the Chamber. I believe different perspectives, ideas and experiences shape who we are in the community. I think myTRI 2030 will help bring in these new perspectives.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Business After Hours event at the Kadlec Healthplex!

Congratulations to WSU Tri-Cities on the ribbon cutting for their new MOSAIC Center. 

Name: Matthew Sweezea
Company Name: Primerica Advisors
Title: Investment Adviser
Years at Company: 16

What are three things you use at work every day? 
My iPhone, notepad, and a good pen. 

What was your first job? 
My first real job was working cherry harvest for a local orchardist in my area at 14, both picking and transporting cherries. I also raised animals, beef, and swine for the local livestock shows from the time I was 8. It taught me at an early age the importance of responsibility, execution, and being self-sufficient.

Where is your hometown? 
Zillah, Washington - small agriculture community in Central Washington. Home of the Teapot Dome, one stop light, 17 world class wineries, and a Church of God-Zilla (renamed CWC a few years back).

How do you spend your free time? 
Traveling with my wife and two awesome kids, golfing with friends, and volunteering time and resources with great local organizations.

What are three words that best describe you?
Loyal, Committed, Driven

What did you want to become as a kid? 
A fighter pilot. The first airshow I can remember going to at maybe 5 or 6 years old. I was able to meet a Navy Pilot who was a family friend. I thought he was the coolest person on the planet as he even let me sit in the cockpit. 

Where is your favorite place to travel? 
I don’t know if I’ve been there yet. I love the North Shore of Oahu, where I had the opportunity to free dive/snorkel 2 ½ miles off the coast with Galapagos Sharks and whales.

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?
My wife and I have called the Tri home since 2006. We’ve lived in Kennewick, West Richland, and Richland. 

What is your favorite movie?
Just one? I’ll give you my top 3 - Top Gun, Gladiator, and Happy Gilmore. I love a good underdog movie. 

How do you define success?
Early in my professional career I came across a book called “Success isn’t an accident” and it really helped shape some of the core conversations I have with my team, clients, and myself. At the end of the day, success to me is living each day to my full potential and helping my clients and those around me do the same. 

What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber?
The business world is constantly evolving and as a small business owner, it’s almost impossible to stay on top of all the issues as we focus on building our businesses. The Tri-City Regional Chamber is a significant influencer in the State of Washington in continuing to champion opportunities for businesses small and large to thrive in the state and regional economy. I am excited about the programs and opportunities we have and continue to develop and enhance from MyTri2030, to economic gardening, the Small Business Incentive Program, legislative round table, and even the opportunity for start up companies to come together for weekly and monthly networking. It’s a powerful place to be connected to.