We’re Hearing from Businesses. Now We Need the Data. It seems like nearly every conversation with a local business owner or employer right now includes some version of the same question: How are things going? And increasingly, the answer is complicated. Businesses continue to navigate higher costs for goods, services and supplies. Many are watching [...]
Your Community. Your Voice. Two Ways to Make a Difference. Some people create impact by holding public office. Others do so by building businesses that contribute to our community. This week, you have the opportunity to recognize both ways to make a difference. First, vote. Election Day is almost here, and if you haven't yet returned your ballot, I encourage you to take a few minutes to do so. Local [...]
Still Worth Believing In Posted July 6, 2026 The Fourth of July has always carried a mix of celebration and reflection. There are the familiar traditions: flags waving, kids with glow sticks (or green Peoples Bank light sabers if you were at Zuanich), lawn chairs set up early, music in the air, and families gathering [...]
A Little Sunshine for the Local Economy Posted June 1, 2026 There is something about this time of year that feels different. After months of gray skies, shorter days, rain jackets, and the familiar Pacific Northwest routine of “maybe it will clear up later,” the arrival of warmer weather feels like a collective exhale. We [...]
2026 Updates to Washington State Minimum Wage: What You Need to Know As of January 1, 2026, Washington State’s minimum wage increased to $17.13 per hour. Employers across the state are required to pay at least $17.13 per hour to most agricultural and non-agricultural employees. The minimum wage applies to all hours worked [...]
Reaching for What’s Next Posted: April 6, 2026 There’s no denying that this moment feels uncertain. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen difficult headlines, including the closure of valued local businesses. These are more than storefronts—they represent people, families, and years of hard work. Moments like this can shake confidence and raise real questions [...]
Six Words to Start the Year Show up. Be kind. Choose joy. A new year doesn’t need grand resolutions or dramatic reinvention. Sometimes it just needs a few steady reminders we can carry with us into our days, our work, and our community. Show up. Together. Progress rarely happens alone. Whether it’s in our workplaces, [...]
Blink, and Here We Are. Where Did the Time Go? Posted: December 5, 2025 "45." No, not that 45. I’m talking about an age. In less than a month, the oldest of the millennials will turn 45. As an elder millennial myself, this is the number staring back at me. Say what you will about [...]
A Penny for Your Thoughts: The City’s $10 Million Question (and a 0.1% Answer) August 28, 2025 The City of Bellingham has recently floated the idea of a new sales tax — specifically, a 0.1% increase. Yes, that’s one-tenth of one percent. On paper, that means if you buy a $10 sandwich, you’d pay an [...]
Cross-Border Update: “Thank a Canuck for Spending a Buck”… and Don’t Cheese Them Off July 2025 Many of you will recognize the phrase above — a favorite of the always-memorable Mike Kent, a beloved member of our business community. He’d say it on his KGMI radio show, at events, and pretty much anywhere he could. [...]
Working More Than 40 Hours a Week? Here’s What You Should Know About Overtime in Washington State Did you know that in Washington State, most employees must be paid overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek? Overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate, and it [...]
Independence and Interdependence: Supporting Our Local Economy This July Monday, June 30, 2025 As we gather with friends and family to celebrate the Fourth of July — a day rooted in the ideals of independence, resilience, and shared purpose — it’s a fitting time to reflect on what those values mean for our local community [...]
Leadership Starts with Showing Up May 29, 2025 With everything going on in the world lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership — specifically, the opportunities we have to lead and the gaps where leadership is needed. Before I go too far down that path, I want to share what I believe is one [...]
Tariffs, Taxes, and Minimum Wage ... Oh my April 24, 2025 It seems that at every level of government, decisions are having a direct impact on our local business community. Consumer confidence is faltering—and based on conversations with many of you, business and economic confidence may be even more fragile. Tariffs and Cross Border Business [...]
Employers Guide to Workers’ Rights: Join our Live Webinar! Looking for a refresher on current workplace rights? Whether you are an employer, HR professional, or employee, understanding these rights and the latest compliance updates is essential to creating a fair and compliant workplace. We are excited to invite you to our upcoming live [...]
A Fond Farewell to The Chamber Personality Liz Leighton, 1951-2025 A little-known fact, known only to a few of the people who have worked for the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, is there is a qualification in each of our staff job descriptions: Must have a chamber personality. It is my assumption that each of [...]
Prepare Your Business for 2025: Join Our Live Webinar As the new year approaches, it’s time to ensure your business is ready for the changes and opportunities ahead. We are excited to invite you to a live webinar featuring Andrew Bryan, Small Business Liaison from the WA Dept. of Labor and Industries, who [...]
New Wildfire Smoke Rules for Workers: What You Need to Know As of January 15, 2024, new wildfire smoke rules are in effect to protect outdoor workers from the harmful chemicals and fine particles in wildfire smoke. These rules aim to safeguard the health of those who spend significant time working outdoors, where [...]
Does your Business have an Accident Prevention Program? Are you aware that Washington State requires every employer to create a written Accident Prevention Program (APP)? From small businesses, to logging or firefighters, having a safety program is a must! Fortunately, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has a ton of [...]
Vote No Again The proponents say this initiative is for affordability. We agree our community is not affordable for many of our residents. Unfortunately, the primary thing this initiative will do is simply make things more expensive – thus decreasing everyone’s affordability. If a higher minimum wage leads to affordability, we should already be affordable [...]
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Mailing Address:
119 N COMMERCIAL ST STE 130
BELLINGHAM WA 98225-4447
Phone
(360) 734-1330
Email
info@bellingham.com
