2025 WCCE Annual Conference
2025 WCCE Annual Conference Agenda (tentative)
Prices
Member: $400
Non-Member: $425
Two registrations (10% off) $720
Three registrations (15% off) $1020
Cancellation and refund policy: Cancellations will be considered if notified in writing by July 7, 2025. No cash refunds will be given; however, registration fees may be applied to 2025 membership dues. No refunds will be given after August 1, 2025.
Tuesday, August 12
12 – 4 p.m. | Pre-conference Optional Activities
• Rafting – Float the Yakima River Canyon (Limited to 16 participants) with Red’s Fly Shop
This one of a kind Eco-Tour includes a 2-3 hour guided scenic float through the Yakima River Canyon. Enjoy cold beverages and view local wildlife and fauna while learning about the formation of this spectacular recreation area. Canyon Cruise Float on the Yakima River — Red’s Fly Shop
• Golf – Ellensburg Golf Club (limited to 16 participants) – Join us for a round of golf at this scenic 9-hole course along the Yakima River with a backdrop view of the Stewart Mountains.
• Rafting – Float the Yakima River Canyon (Limited to 16 participants) with Red’s Fly Shop
This one of a kind Eco-Tour includes a 2-3 hour guided scenic float through the Yakima River Canyon. Enjoy cold beverages and view local wildlife and fauna while learning about the formation of this spectacular recreation area. Canyon Cruise Float on the Yakima River — Red’s Fly Shop
• Golf – Ellensburg Golf Club (limited to 16 participants) – Join us for a round of golf at this scenic 9-hole course along the Yakima River with a backdrop view of the Stewart Mountains.
5 – 7 p.m. | Reception
7 p.m. | Dinner on the town
Wednesday, August 13
8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast
8 – 9 a.m. | What d’ya know: Tips for the New CEO
Speaker: Rebecca Martin, CCE – CEO – Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce
Speaker: Rebecca Martin, CCE – CEO – Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce
9 – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome
Speaker: Andrea Reay, President & CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber / WCCE Board Chair
Speaker: Andrea Reay, President & CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber / WCCE Board Chair
9:15 – 10 a.m. | Morning Keynote
Speaker: Joe Nguyễn, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce
Speaker: Joe Nguyễn, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce
10 – 10:45 a.m. | Child Care Presentation
A session focused on discussing some of the current challenges and solutions surrounding childcare in your community
Speaker: Nicole Sohn, Owner, Journey Discovery Center
A session focused on discussing some of the current challenges and solutions surrounding childcare in your community
Speaker: Nicole Sohn, Owner, Journey Discovery Center
10:45 – 11 a.m. | Break
11 – 11:45 a.m. | Partnering for Success with State Trade Associations
This session will address several employment and labor topics and will ask participants to help brainstorm potential best practices and synergies between state trade associations and chambers around these issues.
Speakers:
Anthony Anton – CEO, WA Hospitality Association
Lindsey Hueer – Government Affairs Director, Association of WA Business
Rose Gundersen – VP of Operations & Retail Services, WA Retail Association
This session will address several employment and labor topics and will ask participants to help brainstorm potential best practices and synergies between state trade associations and chambers around these issues.
Speakers:
Anthony Anton – CEO, WA Hospitality Association
Lindsey Hueer – Government Affairs Director, Association of WA Business
Rose Gundersen – VP of Operations & Retail Services, WA Retail Association
12 – 1 p.m. | Lunch Keynote – Horizon 2035: Influences Shaping the Future of Chambers of Commerce
Chamber work is never done in a vacuum, and forward-thinking leaders look for ways to understand the factors that shape the world in which we operate. This session will explore Horizon 2035—the key influences that will define the future of chambers and the communities we serve. Attendees will hear what is driving these trends and actionable strategies to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Speaker: Jen Pruden, Senior Manager, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
Chamber work is never done in a vacuum, and forward-thinking leaders look for ways to understand the factors that shape the world in which we operate. This session will explore Horizon 2035—the key influences that will define the future of chambers and the communities we serve. Attendees will hear what is driving these trends and actionable strategies to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Speaker: Jen Pruden, Senior Manager, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
Tracked Content
CEO Track
1:15 – 2 p.m. | From Burnout to Brilliance: Reclaiming Our Humanity at Work
Speaker: Johnny Graf, Personal Development and Life Coach, 4 Human Good
Speaker: Johnny Graf, Personal Development and Life Coach, 4 Human Good
2 – 2:15 p.m. | Break
2:15 – 3:45 p.m. | CEO Conversation on Risk Management and Liability
Speaker: Keith Dunnagan, CEO, BPE Law
Speaker: Keith Dunnagan, CEO, BPE Law
Staff Track
1:15 – 2 p.m. | Leadership and Communication
Speaker: Phil Backlund – Professor Emeritus, Central Washington University
Speaker: Phil Backlund – Professor Emeritus, Central Washington University
2 – 2:15 p.m. | Break
2:15 – 3:45 p.m. | Community Content Crash Course
This approachable session is designed for Chamber professionals who want to create more effective content to highlight their programs and members. In this crash course, you’ll learn how to simply capture compelling content, plan posts that actually serve your members, and create value-driven campaigns rooted in your community. We’ll start with a 45-minute presentation packed with real-life examples and actionable tips, followed by a short Q&A. Then we’ll roll up our sleeves for an interactive exercise where we will brainstorm signature series ideas- repeatable, branded content that you can take home and use right away.
Speakers:
Madison Ford – Founder and Owner, Manastash Media
Natalie Benson – Founder and Owner, Manastash Media
This approachable session is designed for Chamber professionals who want to create more effective content to highlight their programs and members. In this crash course, you’ll learn how to simply capture compelling content, plan posts that actually serve your members, and create value-driven campaigns rooted in your community. We’ll start with a 45-minute presentation packed with real-life examples and actionable tips, followed by a short Q&A. Then we’ll roll up our sleeves for an interactive exercise where we will brainstorm signature series ideas- repeatable, branded content that you can take home and use right away.
Speakers:
Madison Ford – Founder and Owner, Manastash Media
Natalie Benson – Founder and Owner, Manastash Media
3:45 – 4 p.m. | Annual Meeting/Board Elections
6 – 8 p.m. | Reception/Evening Keynote
Speaker: David Blandford, Executive Director of State of Washington Tourism (SWT)
Speaker: David Blandford, Executive Director of State of Washington Tourism (SWT)
Thursday, August 14
8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast
8:45 – 9 a.m. | U.S. Chamber of Commerce Update
Speaker: Chris Eyler, Vice President, NW Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Speaker: Chris Eyler, Vice President, NW Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
9 – 9:45 | Roundtable Interactive Discussions
Participate in small group roundtables on many topics to choose from including non-dues revenue, sponsorship, member recruitment and retention, board development, events, and more.
Participate in small group roundtables on many topics to choose from including non-dues revenue, sponsorship, member recruitment and retention, board development, events, and more.
9:45 – 10 a.m. | Break
10 – 11 a.m. | From Connector to Catalyst: The Chamber’s Role in Workforce Development
Businesses in many communities continue to struggle to find and retain employees and talent. This session will feature a conversation and discussion on two specific programs that can help match employers with potential employees – Career Connected Learning programs for youth and young adults and Correctional Industries Reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Across Washington, we’re seeing a powerful shift: Career Connected Learning is no longer optional – it’s essential. Chambers have a pivotal role to play as conveners and connectors. When we intentionally bring employers, K–12, and postsecondary partners together, we move beyond conversation. When done right, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re co-creating meaningful pathways that prepare youth for the future of work.
Hiring individuals that are justice impacted can improve a company’s bottom line by increasing their retention rate and reducing costs associated with turnover, training, and recruitment. There are still many companies that are overlooking this untapped workforce, and chambers can play an important role in helping employers navigate this issue. Correctional Industries (CI) will share their unique blend of using private industry tools and techniques to train their workers, all while providing a public service. CI workers, who voluntarily apply for their positions, are exposed to training which equips them with transferable skills that employers desire. Additionally, you’ll hear from CI employer partners, Grainger Industrial Supply and DEMGY Pacific (formerly Tool Gauge), who will speak about their experience hiring CI workers.
Speakers:
Samantha Kinnard – Community Employment Navigator, Correctional Industries, Washington State Department of Corrections
Mimi Jansen – Brand and Mission Administrator, Correctional Industries, Washington State Department of Corrections
Aaron Boock – Government Sales Manager, Grainger Industrial Supply
James Kindle – Regional Career Connected Learning Coordinator, Educational Services District 123 (Tri-Cities)
Businesses in many communities continue to struggle to find and retain employees and talent. This session will feature a conversation and discussion on two specific programs that can help match employers with potential employees – Career Connected Learning programs for youth and young adults and Correctional Industries Reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Across Washington, we’re seeing a powerful shift: Career Connected Learning is no longer optional – it’s essential. Chambers have a pivotal role to play as conveners and connectors. When we intentionally bring employers, K–12, and postsecondary partners together, we move beyond conversation. When done right, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re co-creating meaningful pathways that prepare youth for the future of work.
Hiring individuals that are justice impacted can improve a company’s bottom line by increasing their retention rate and reducing costs associated with turnover, training, and recruitment. There are still many companies that are overlooking this untapped workforce, and chambers can play an important role in helping employers navigate this issue. Correctional Industries (CI) will share their unique blend of using private industry tools and techniques to train their workers, all while providing a public service. CI workers, who voluntarily apply for their positions, are exposed to training which equips them with transferable skills that employers desire. Additionally, you’ll hear from CI employer partners, Grainger Industrial Supply and DEMGY Pacific (formerly Tool Gauge), who will speak about their experience hiring CI workers.
Speakers:
Samantha Kinnard – Community Employment Navigator, Correctional Industries, Washington State Department of Corrections
Mimi Jansen – Brand and Mission Administrator, Correctional Industries, Washington State Department of Corrections
Aaron Boock – Government Sales Manager, Grainger Industrial Supply
James Kindle – Regional Career Connected Learning Coordinator, Educational Services District 123 (Tri-Cities)
11 – 11:45 a.m. | Session Eight (TBD)
12 p.m. | Adjourn
Important notice
All conference attendees must register themselves to ensure emergency contact and allergy/dietary restriction information is accurate.
Sponsors
Co-Sponsor
Co-Sponsor
Lodging
Hotel Windrow
502 N Main St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone: (509) 962-8000
WCCE Conference Rate $149
Take a look at
last year’s event
The 2024 WCCE Annual Conference in Ellensburg was so much fun! If you missed out, email Dru Garson to get on the list for this year’s event.