Presidential Message - 90-day Update - Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

Presidential Message – 90-day Update

August 12, 2026

Dear GSVCC Members,

This week marks 90 days since I stepped into the role of President & CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In some ways, it feels like I just started. In others, it’s remarkable to think about everything our team, members, and community have experienced together in three short months.

I have not taken this opportunity or responsibility lightly. I’ve been reminded again and again what an honor it is to serve this organization and our community, whether celebrating a new business opening its doors, sitting across the table from a member sharing an opportunity or challenge, making hard decisions, or responding alongside so many others during a difficult time for our community.

When I shared my 30-day update, I talked about listening and learning. That has continued, and the last two months have allowed me to begin putting what I’m hearing into action.

I’ve spent time with businesses, educators, elected officials, workforce partners, neighboring chambers, and community organizations. Our team has continued to deliver events, programs, ribbon cuttings, and opportunities for connection while also planning new work around education, workforce, and manufacturing. We’ve strengthened our advocacy efforts and have continued to ask how the Valley Chamber can best represent the interests of our business community.

Through all of those conversations and experiences, a few things have become increasingly clear to me:

- Relationships are one of the Valley Chamber’s greatest strengths.

There is tremendous value in our ability to bring people together, particularly when the right people may not otherwise find themselves at the same table.

- There is no shortage of opportunity, but focus matters.

One of the questions I find myself asking more often is: Where can we uniquely add value, and how do we deliver in ways that honor our mission? Sometimes that means leading. Sometimes it means convening, partnering, or advocating. Being clear about that role will be important to our future.

- Our members have to be at the center of what comes next.

The Valley Chamber should reflect the needs, opportunities, and ambitions of the businesses and people we exist to serve.

Strategic Planning

That brings me to something I’m particularly excited to share. We are beginning a new strategic planning process.

Over the coming months, we will take a thoughtful look at where the Valley Chamber is today, where our business community and region are headed, and where this organization can have the greatest impact in the years ahead.

This isn’t intended to be a plan developed behind closed doors. We want our membership to help shape it.

There will be opportunities for members, board leaders, staff, and community stakeholders to participate through conversations, focus groups, and other avenues for input. We want to hear what you believe the Valley Chamber does well, where we can improve, what challenges you see ahead for our business community, and where you believe we should be leading.

Our goal isn’t simply to produce a strategic plan. It is to create greater clarity around our priorities, identify the opportunities where we can make the biggest difference, establish meaningful ways to measure our progress, and make sure we continue delivering value that matters to you. Our initial planning envisions a process of discovery, stakeholder input, and priority development.

What Comes Next

Personally, I feel like a different leader today than I did 90 days ago. While I am still learning, I now have a deeper understanding of this organization, the community it serves, and the responsibility that comes with leading it. I’ve learned the importance of knowing when to move quickly and when to listen, of bringing the right people to the table, and of returning to our mission when deciding where to focus our time and energy.

As we begin this next chapter, I hope you’ll be part of it.

Watch for opportunities in the coming months to participate in our strategic planning process, share your perspective, and help guide the future of your Valley Chamber.

Thank you for welcoming me, challenging me, sharing your ideas, and trusting our team to serve you. Most importantly, these first 90 days have made me even more excited about what we can build together.

Jessie Laughery

President & CEO
Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

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