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. Learn more.
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. Learn more.
5 – 7 p.m. | Reception Valo – 321 N Pearl St, Ellensburg, WA Co-Sponsored by: Washington Retail Association & Indus Travels
7 p.m. | Dinner on the town
Wednesday, August 13
8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast Sponsored by: AWB Institute
8 – 9 a.m. | What d’ya know: Tips for the New CEO Speaker: Rebecca Martin, CCE/CEO – Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce (Bonus breakfast content. All are welcome. Email Dru Garson for more information)
9 – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome from WCCE Board Chair Speaker: Andrea Reay, President & CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
9:15 – 10 a.m. | Morning Keynote Speaker: Joe Nguyễn, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce
10 – 10:45 a.m. | Unlocking Workforce Potential: Chamber-Led Solutions for the Child Care Crisis Childcare is no longer just a family issue; it is workforce infrastructure. In this panel, we will explore how chambers of commerce across communities of all sizes can take tangible steps to expand childcare access, drive labor force participation, and stimulate economic growth. Learn how innovative zoning, partnerships, and funding strategies can help position your chamber as a catalyst for regional prosperity. Moderator: Nicole Sohn, Owner, Journey Discovery Center Speakers: Joe Nguyễn, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce Guy Occhiogrosso, CEO, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce Barbara Rosen, Principal/Owner, Barbara Rosen Consulting LLC Laurie Saling – Asst. Dir., Early Learning & Family Services Dept., Opportunity Council
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 Max Martin – Government Affairs Director for Tax & Fiscal Policy, AWB Rose Gundersen – VP of Operations & Retail Services, WA Retail Association
Download Anthony Anton’s presentation
Download Rose Gundersen’s presentation
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) Keynote Lunch Sponsored by: Thatch
Download Jen Pruden’s presentation
Tracked Content Sponsored by: US Chamber of Commerce
CEO Track
1:15 – 2 p.m. | Leading Without Losing A CEO’s guide to identifying burnout, setting boundaries, and leading from a place of strength and clarity Speaker: Johnny Graf, Personal Development and Life Coach, 4 Human Good
Johnny Graf is a leadership developer and life coach with a passion for helping others reclaim clarity, purpose, and resilience. With many years of experience guiding individuals and organizations, he specializes in supporting leaders to live their vision and break through the barriers that hold them back. Johnny’s work centers on practical wisdom, emotional insight, and a belief that great leadership always begins from within.
2 -2:15 p.m. | Break
2:15 – 3:45 p.m. | Risk Mitigation:Proactive Planning – It’s Easier than you Think Speaker: Keith Dunnagan, CEO, BPE Law Leading industry expert and business attorney, Keith Dunnagan of BPE Law group will share proactive protocols and procedures to mitigate risk for your association and your members’ businesses. Learn to spot the red flags for liability, embezzlement and website ADA issues. Keith will share stories of real cases and how each issue could have been avoided with proper planning and procedures implemented from the beginning.
Download Keith Dunnagan’s presentation
Download the IT Security Checklist
Chamber Professionals Track
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. | Leadership and Communication This one-hour workshop explores leadership and communication; two of the most vital aspects of professional success. The hour begins with an informative activity on leadership styles then continues with “leading when you aren’t the leader,” conflict communication, and knowing what to say as a leader. Participants will leave with practical ideas on how to be a more effective team member.
Speaker: Phil Backlund – Professor Emeritus, Central Washington University
Download Phil Backlund’s presentation
2:15 – 3:45 p.m. | Community Content Crash Course Want to create more effective content to highlight your chamber’s programs and members? In this crash course, you’ll learn how to capture compelling content, plan posts that best serve your members, and create value-driven campaigns rooted in your community. We’ll show you real-life examples and actionable tips, followed by a short Q&A, then roll up our sleeves for an interactive brainstorming exercise. Speakers: Madison Ford – Founder and Owner, Manastash Media Natalie Benson – Founder and Owner, Manastash Media
Download Community Content Crash Course presentation
3:45 – 4 p.m. | Annual Meeting/Board Elections
4 – 5:00 p.m. | Break
5:00 p.m. | Gather in lobby for dinner shuttle
6 – 8 p.m. | Reception/Evening Keynote Speaker: David Blandford, Executive Director of State of Washington Tourism (SWT) Location: Brick House Nursery – 7243 Manastash Road, Ellensburg
Download David Blandford’s presentation
Thursday, August 14
8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast Sponsored by: AWB Institute
8:45 – 9 a.m. | Update from the U.S Chamber of Commerce Speaker: Chris Eyler, Vice President, NW Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Download the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s presentation
9:00 – 9:30 | 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.
9:30 – 9:45 | Governor Bob Ferguson We are honored to welcome Governor Bob Ferguson to the WCCE Annual Conference stage to give an update on his team’s latest news relevant to chambers and their members.
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. 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)
Download the Department of Corrections’ presentation
Download Jim Kindle’s presentation
11:00 – 11:45 am | The Future of Chambers Chambers of Commerce have been forced to adapt to many changes over the past few years. These have included technological advances, membership trends, legislative directives, and many others. Faced with these challenges and opportunities, how will chambers evolve in the future? Join us for an interactive discussion of these and other issues that will impact and influence our constantly changing chamber landscape. Moderator: John McDonagh, CEO, Greater Vancouver Chamber Speakers: Janet Kenefsky, COO, Greater Vancouver Chamber Lance Beck, CEO, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Amy McGuffin, CEO, Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Kelly Coughlin Games, CEO, SnoValley Chamber of Commerce
12 p.m. | Adjourn
Registration is now closed
For more information, please email Dru Garson at dru@awb.org.
Sponsors
Breakfast Sponsor
Keynote Lunch Sponsor
Tuesday Evening Reception Co-Sponsor
Tuesday Evening Reception Co-Sponsor
Tracked Content Sponsor
Partners
Host
Lodging
Hotel Windrow 502 N Main St. Ellensburg, WA 98926 Phone: (509) 962-8000 WCCE Conference Rate $149
