Talking business in Goldendale

By Andrew Christiansen
for The Goldendale Sentinel

The Goldendale Sentinel/STPNS

February 21, 2008

GOLDENDALE, Washington (STPNS) -- The Greater Goldendale Chamber of Commerce hosted a morning discussion last Wednesday, for the purpose of "talking business in Goldendale." Klickitat County director of Economic Development, Mike Canon moderated the session which began with introductory comments by Goldendale Mayor, Arletta Parton, Chamber of Commerce president, Len Crawford, and Chamber director, Barbara Cosner.

Canon posed two questions to the audience composed mostly of area business people. "What is needed to make your business a success in Goldendale?" and "What would make you shop more in Goldendale?"

Many of the comments from the audience related to attitudes about shopping locally and the importance of looking at the entire Goldendale area, not just focusing on downtown or the industrial park. A key issue for the group was developing a system to keep store employees educated about what goods and services are provided in Goldendale and by whom. One businessman noted that many opportunities to refer buyers to appropriate, local businesses are lost without a reference or knowledge about what the town has to offer.

Chamber members vowed to work on improving that information and encouraged participation in Chamber after hours events and workshops. The meeting helped air some frustrations among business owners and also highlighted the common purpose of those in the room, wanting to improve the business climate of Goldendale and highlight the area's assets.

Crawford viewed the meeting as a good start and said that it is the first of a series of monthly meetings that will address issues that will help unify the businesses in the Goldendale area. "We all have the same goal in mind, to have a successful business community in Goldendale," said Crawford.

The next meeting will be held at the Grange Hall at 7 a.m. on Mar. 5. "We will address each of the bullet points that were raised in the February meeting," said Crawford. All businesses are encouraged to attend, whether or not they are members of the Chamber of Commerce.  Crawford's goal is to bring more of the approximately 400 businesses under the Chamber umbrella. Currently membership stands at 123.

More information about the February meeting or future meetings can be obtained by contacting the Chamber of Commerce at 773-3400.

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