BLOG

Congratulations to Invest Northwest Financial on their new location. Visit them at 552 N. Colorado St., Ste. 103 in Kennewick!

Thanks to Petersen Hastings for hosting us for a very successful Business After Hours event!

Name: Lori Mattson
Company Name: Tri-City Regional Chamber
Title: President/CEO
Years at Company: 14
 
What are three things you use at work every day?
Diplomacy, sense of humor, and sticky notes.
 
What was your first job?
When I turned 14, I got my first real paying job at the Stockyard Café in Lewiston. I worked there on Saturdays during the livestock auctions. I’m allergic to most animals and it didn’t smell very good, so I quickly moved on.
 
How do you spend your free time?
We play a lot of golf during the weekends, and I walk with Huck (our labradoodle) almost every day. I really enjoy being out in the sunshine!
 
What are three words that best describe you?
Ambitious, curious and resourceful.
 
What did you want to become as kid? 
I wanted to be like Mary Tyler Moore - work in a newsroom and live in her cool little apartment.
 
How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 
It’s hard to believe that I’ve lived here for 24 years.
 
Where is your hometown?
I grew up in Lewiston, Idaho. My mom and one of my sisters still live there.
 
What is your favorite holiday? 
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love having our kids and family around, it’s before all the stress of Christmas and it’s the only time of year that I like to cook. 
 
If you could pick one superpower what would it be?
I might pick superhuman strength. I could drive the ball really far and open jars a lot easier.
 
What was the first concert you attended?
Olivia Newton-John at the Lewis Clark State College gymnasium. I was probably 10 or 11 years old and went with my cousin.
 
Do you live by any piece of advice or motto? 
Rise early, work hard and be nice!
 
What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? 
I’m most excited about MyTRI 2030 and how the activities and initiatives that come from this project will positively impact so many businesses and people over the next 10 years and beyond.

Congratulations to the City of Richland on their beautiful new City Hall building. Check it out at 625 Swift Blvd.

Congratulations to CLA on their beautiful new location in Kennewick! Visit them at 8101 W. Grandridge Blvd., Ste. 130.

Congrats the Hilton Garden Inn on their anniversary and renovation celebration! Visit them at 701 N. Young St. in Kennewick.

Name: Mike Miller
Company Name: Moon Security Services, Inc. 
Title: President

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? 
Growing up this was the family business. Moon Security Services, Inc. was a dream come true for me.

What are three things you use at work every day? 
I use the computer, telephone and I always have my yellow legal pad for notes, lists, reminders.

What was your first job?
I was 11 years old and doing door checks (locked/unlocked) at night.

How do you spend your free time?
I love spending time with my wife Debby and family. I also love playing Golf.

What are three words that best describe you? 
Ethical - Reliable - Driven

What did you want to become as kid?
A basketball player!

Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? 
The future – always eye to the future!

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?
51 years – PHS graduate.

Where is your hometown?
Pasco, Washington

Do you have any special talents?
The ability to see the big picture and what that entails.

One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? 
Learn all you can about the business. Be a Professional – We are in the Life Safety Business!  

What was the first concert you attended? 
​“Boston” at the Gorge

What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? 
That we help our businesses to grow!

The Chamber, TRIDEC and Visit Tri-Cities hosted a ribbon cutting and artwork unveiling for the AECOM Atrium at the Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center. Stop by at 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd in Kennewick to view new Atrium Art.

Name: Dave Haller       
Company Name: Basin Pacific Insurance & Benefits
Title: Benefits Manager
Years at Company: 7
 
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? 
I understand the importance of employee benefits to an individual and their family and I understand the challenge employers face providing those benefits. I love the challenge of helping employers tackle this challenge and provide their employees with valuable benefits.
 
What are three things you use at work every day? 
Communication skills, patience and creativity
 
What was your first job? 
I was a Baseball Coach for the Parks & Recreation Department in Great Falls, MT. I loved working with the kids and teaching them the sport. My love for teaching sports eventually led to teaching skiing full-time for 11 years.
 
How do you spend your free time? 
I love spending time outdoors. I still ski, I like to hike (I’ve summited Mt. Rainier) and I spend a good deal of time “hacking” my way around the golf course.
 
What are three words that best describe you? 
Friendly, compassionate and creative.
 
What did you want to become as kid?   
I wanted to be a Ski Instructor in Vail, CO. After I achieved that, I needed to figure out what I should do for my next career. 
 
Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? 
The future, because I’m curious about it.
 
How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 
I moved here in the summer of 2012.
 
Where is your hometown? 
I was born in Bozeman, MT and went to college there, but I grew up in Great Falls, MT
 
One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field? 
It’s important to be Flexible, Knowledgeable and Creative because things are always changing
 
What was the first concert you attended? 
The Carpenters (with my Parents) Chicago (with my friends)
 
What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? 
I’m excited about the Chamber’s vision of the greater good for the entire region and bringing everyone together for mutual success.