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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. 

 Congratulations to HAPO Community Credit Union on the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the newly-branded HAPO Center! Check it out at 6600 Burden Blvd. in Pasco.

Congratulations to Gesa Credit Union on their new location in the Broadmoor area. Visit them at 4824 Broadmoor Blvd in Pasco!

Name: Jim Arneson
Company Name: Community First Bank
Title: President, COO
Years at Company: 2 1/2

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I began my career as a CPA and after a number of years auditing primarily banks, I began to feel like I wasn’t making a real difference – I wasn’t creating or building anything or leaving anything behind of any lasting value.  When I had an opportunity to go to work for one of my bank clients, I jumped at it, and never looked back. 

What are three things you use at work every day?
Phone, computer, teamwork

What was your first job?
I started as the gas boy at Metz Marina, pumping gas and doing whatever no one else wanted to do.  

How do you spend your free time?
Doing things with my family, and I love the outdoors, so whatever I can do outside – fishing, hunting, hiking, shooting, exploring 

What are three words that best describe you?
Fair, honest, diplomatic

What did you want to become as kid?
I thought it would be pretty cool to be someone like Davy Crockett.

Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future?
Definitely the future!

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?
About 22 years, altogether

Where is your hometown?
Richland

Do you have any special talents?
Sadly, no.

One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field?
Educate yourself – learn all you can about a wide variety of topics.

What was the first concert you attended?
I don’t remember the first one, but probably something like 2nd Chapter of Acts.

What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber?
I’m thrilled that the Chamber is not just a networking organization, but is working hard and making a tangible difference in the economic prosperity of our region through a variety of specific initiatives and programs.  

Congratulations to Goodwill Industries on their new location! Check it out at 345 S. Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick.

Thank you to everyone who came to our August Membership Luncheon featuring Congressman Dan Newhouse!

Congratulations to Lip•ology Med Spa on their ribbon cutting! Check them out at 8905 W. Gage Blvd., Ste. 205 in Kennewick.