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Sally Zeiger Hanson / with the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce
The Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center has the privilege of collaborating with the Puyallup Main Street Association to support businesses and strengthen our local economy. The questions I have been asked about the differences and similarities between our organizations have caused me to try to come up with a metaphor that might describe how it is that we support each other’s work. Like cake and ice cream, each organization serves a unique purpose and works well on its own but almost everyone agrees: We’re better together.
In order to give you a snapshot of our work in this community, I’ve prepared an outline of our similarities and differences. There are several areas where our work connects and several where each organization serves a distinct role.
Similarities
Economic Development — Both organizations are focused on providing programs and services to ensure that this is an economy where businesses can thrive. By recruiting and supporting businesses in our area, we strive to ensure that there are compelling, well-paid employment opportunities in our community.
Promotion — An essential element of the Main Street’s program is promotion. By marketing downtown Puyallup in a variety of ways, the Main Street has established Puyallup as a destination for tourism, shopping and fun. Through its Visitors Center, the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber also is involved in promoting our region. The Visitors Center serves thousands of visitors looking for fun things to do in Washington. We also provide information about schools, housing and employment to people who are considering a move to our area.
Bringing people together — Both organizations are founded on the idea that we are stronger together. As membership organizations, we bring people together to share ideas, solve problems and network. The board structure of each organization means that we each have strong civic leadership opportunities for our members. The impact is that the direction and decisions of each organization reflect the values and input of a large segment of the community.
Differences
Regions served — While the Puyallup Main Street Association has a specific downtown district that it serves, the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber serves three distinct economic regions: downtown Puyallup, South Hill and Sumner.
Government Affairs — The Chamber has a specific role in working to ensure that government policies support businesses so that they can continue to thrive. Currently, the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber shares a legislative lobbyist with seven other chambers in an effort to improve transportation, education and flood prevention. Each year we agree to work on legislative priorities that will serve our members well. Both organizations interact with city government but the Chamber uniquely works with county, state and federal government on behalf of member businesses.
History — The Main Street organizations began in the United States in the 1970s in a focused effort to preserve historic downtowns. Chambers are international organizations that have been in existence since the late 1800s. The Puyallup/Sumner Chamber was established in 1892 as an organized initiative for supporting business.
Events — By orchestrating major events like the Farmers’ Market, the Meeker Days Festival and Art and Wine Walks, the Main Street Association is working to put Puyallup on people’s minds as a great place to visit. The result is that visitors and residents alike come downtown for events and discover all the great things Puyallup has to offer. The Chamber offers training, professional development and networking events that are designed to support and improve business.
Design — The Main Street is working specifically to restore and improve the storefronts in downtown Puyallup. It has been demonstrated nationally that historical renovation results in increased sales at the cash register. While the Chamber enjoys a good storefront, our work is more about developing the skills and resources that business people need to be effective inside their businesses.
The Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and the Puyallup Main Street Association are becoming great partners. Our game plan is to use our similarities and differences to serve this community in ways that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our members, partners, stakeholders and most of all, our community.