February 3, 2015

Valley Hospital Education Center

At this meeting we heard from Chairman of the Board, Denny York; and President & CEO, Katherine Morgan, regarding the Joint Chambers Olympia Fly In with Greater Spokane Incorporated and the West Plains Chamber held at the end of January.  The team felt the trip was very worthwhile. We were not only able to advance our regional agenda, but were also able to advance items that were specific to the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber’s legislative platform. Dr. Gene Sementi, Superintendent of West Valley School District and a Chamber member also reported on his activities and spoke in favor of our continued participation in the Fly In.  All members who attended reported a great reception from our legislators in Olympia.

Following the report on the Joint Chamber’s Fly In, the committee discussed strategy to advance the region’s legislative agenda and, in particular, the Chamber’s adopted legislative agenda.  The group came to consensus that we will need to have a presence in Olympia beyond the Fly In if we are to move forward on issues important to the Chamber.  The committee chair asked for names of chamber members willing to be voting members of the Government Action Committee as we begin to formalize our processes in reporting and recommending action to the full Chamber Board.

The Government Action Committee also heard a report from the Chamber’s Business Education Committee regarding their efforts. We have now begun a dialogue about how issues that are identified can be advanced to the Government Action Committee and ultimately the Chamber Board.