Chamber’s ‘Toast of the Town’ series to recognize exceptional effort during 2020 The fact that the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce was unable to hold its annual awards ceremony in 2020 does not mean that no one was worthy of recognition. Just the opposite is true. In a year defined by trauma, as Chamber president [...]
Toast of the Town: Celebration of Community Resiliency Released: April 26, 2021 Toast of the Town: A Celebration of Community Resiliency video #15. Each year we award our Lifetime Achievement Award to a local community member who continuously contributed to our region. In the year of a pandemic, it is fitting to recognize Sue Sharpe [...]
One of my favorite publications of the year is from our friends at the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County. Each year they produce this great directory. It is provides contact and other important information of our county's government agencies and elected officials. Most of the time it is produced as a printed guide; [...]
Chamber convenes leaders to plan for the return of events It’s been a year without events in Whatcom County. More than 12 months ago, state and local governments began restricting local business and event operations to slow the spread of COVID-19. Aside from sporadic virtual gatherings, the county event industry has practically ceased to exist. [...]
In late November, Guy Occhiogrosso, President/CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce was named to the 2020 40 Under 40 for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The honor was announced in the association’s quarterly publication, Chamber Executive Magazine. The annual recognition program showcases 40 of the industry’s top emerging leaders who [...]
2020 Whatcom County Candidate Virtual Forum - September 24, 2020 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2020 Whatcom County Candidate Virtual Forum. This virtual event was held on Thursday, September 24, 2020. It was done in partnership with the Associated General Contractors (AGC), Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, Building Industry Alliance of [...]
Press Release For more information, contact: David Webster, Director Opportunity Council – Dept. of Early Learning and Family Services david_webster@oppco.org Phone: 360.734.5121 ext. 364 Guy Occhiogrosso, President/CEO Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce guy@bellingham.com Phone: 360.734.1330 New Venture Strives to Repair Area’s Child Care Capacity Shortage Opportunity Council and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce have [...]
Summer Event Cancellations - A Note from Guy Many organizations and entities are grieving the loss of events as we look forward to the summer season. We as the chamber are not immune to these feelings. The Whatcom County Health Department recently recommended the cancellation of large summer events that draw thousands of attendees. Each [...]
WWU program creates entrepreneurs and helps current businesses Blog by Hannah Asmussen, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce intern and WWU student studying Public Relations with an Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor. At Western Washington University there is a group of passionate entrepreneurship students, ready to help and grow within the Bellingham business community. The Entrepreneurship and [...]
From the office of the President/CEO of Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, Guy Occhiogrosso Business Resources for COVID-19 To the business leaders in our Chamber network: Like many of you, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce is closely following the updates regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus). As a resource, we wanted to provide you with a [...]
The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Cross Border Business committee met on Thursday, Feb. 20 with an agenda full of hot topic items. The group touched on the NEXUS program and the threat from the Department of Homeland Security to shut down the program in New York and Washington if both states don’t change the [...]
Whatcom Women in Timber Tour by Stephanie Wiley June 7th 2019 The Friday before the Deming Log Show weekend, the Whatcom Women in Timber offer a tour of the Timber Industry here in Whatcom County. I am ashamed to say, as a native of Whatcom County, I have never been to the Deming Log Show, [...]
Our story Owning Your Own Business As an entrepreneur at heart, I majored in Business Management, planning to have a business of my own someday. Now, thirty years later, I've had a number of small businesses, experienced both downturns and boom cycles, and have learned a lot about marketing along the way. As to being [...]
By: Guy Occhiogrosso This Monday morning we woke to the news of Hohl's - an iconic Bellingham downtown landmark. We were once again reminded of the fragility of business and community. There doesn't appear to be much info at this point, but honestly it wouldn't make the pain stop. Today we are mourning a loss [...]
The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce Cross Border Committee met on January 24th. One item of note was that it is increasingly harder to obtain qualified employees through the H1B VISA program. The results show some US companies are moving to Canada or opening offices in Canada to attract a highly qualified, diverse employees. Laurie [...]
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The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 2018 Jr. Ski to Sea Race will be moved to Zuanich Point Park in lieu of Lake Padden Park, where the race has been held in the past. The City of Bellingham Parks Department, will be undergoing a sewage improvement project at Lake Padden Park in [...]
The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be offering its first "Industry Close-up Tour presented by Banner Bank" at Bornstein Seafoods. Bornstein is a successful local company with a long heritage. Bornstein Seafoods was founded in Bellingham in 1934 by Meyer A. Bornstein, during the Great Depression. In 1980 it passed to his son, [...]
Every day businesses face challenges. At the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, we have hundreds of members who have specialized knowledge and expertise to help your business. Below is an article provided by member business NW Technology that can help to increase your company's security. Click to make larger. SOCIAL ENGINEERING AND YOUR [...]
American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians have a strong history of entrepreneurship and small business ownership. The SBA can assist you as you begin your journey into small business ownership, help you expand and create new jobs and provide the resources to help you survive and prosper through challenging economic times. In honor of Native [...]
