Chamber’s ‘I think I can’ attitude finally pays off

We’re all familiar with the well-loved tale of the Little Engine That Could. The timeless cadence "I think I can, I think I can" set the tone for a successful journey marked by commitment, persistence and the power of positive thinking.

Parallels can easily be drawn between the little blue engine and the story of the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce. With conductor Caldie Rogers firmly at the helm, and an optimistic "I think I can" attitude, the chamber is shifting into high gear with a bright future ahead.

Nearly a decade ago, the chamber stood at the base of a formidable mountain. Mired in debt (spending nearly $3 for every dollar they took in), suffering from stagnant membership growth, with no real place to call home, the track ahead seemed insurmountable. Rogers’ energy and enthusiasm, coupled with an active and dynamic board of directors, began to turn things around for the chamber. It managed to retire the debt in just four years while setting a course for the future, forging strategic alliances with local businesses and engaging in a thriving partnership with the Tulalip Tribes.

With a knack for turning obstacles into opportunities, the chamber wakes up today at a brand new address, smack dab in the center of the bustling Quil Ceda Village Business Park, under the North Tower of the Quil Ceda Retail Center. The high-profile location just off I-5 at 88th Street in Marysville is perfect for the new regional visitor center serving north Snohomish County — offering a host of tourism information from local to statewide events and attractions. Along with the tourism center and the chamber offices is a new Entrepreneurial Development Center designed to attract and assist small businesses seeking to locate in the area.

While they’ve come a long way, the board and staff of the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce still consider themselves a work in progress. Developing their Web site with the goal of becoming the comprehensive source of all area information, they’re also seeking to add to their membership base, which currently sits at around 300 member businesses.

Having spent time at the back of the train, literally housed in an old railroad caboose, the powerful and persistent engine is now firmly in control and clearly headed down the right track.

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