By John Carswell and Wendy Poischbeg / For The Herald
After 13 years, the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is being reestablished; not as a return to the past, but as a thoughtful response to the evolving needs of Everett’s business community.
This is more than creating an organization; it’s about giving local businesses the focused support they deserve to thrive in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing economy.
In 2011, the Everett Area Chamber joined forces with two other organizations to form Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC), a move that successfully served the broader region. While the need for EASC and the important work it does in convening the region around issues of importance, Everett’s businesses have expressed a need for a champion dedicated solely to their unique needs. From aerospace innovation and entrepreneurial ventures to a growing creative economy and dynamic waterfront, Everett is a city where makers, doers, and resilient leaders come together to create success. The Chamber will embody this spirit, ensuring the businesses that define our identity have the support they need to build the future.
Why Everett needs its own Chamber now: Everett’s business landscape is evolving, presenting exciting opportunities and challenges alike. Through extensive community outreach, we’ve listened to local businesses and identified key priorities:
• Independent business owners are looking for stronger connections with peers and customers, especially in today’s digital-first world.
• Small and mid-sized companies need easy access to tools and resources that help them grow and stay competitive.
• Local merchants are eager to tap into Everett’s growing visitor economy, particularly near Paine Field and along the waterfront.
• Business leaders want a clear voice in decisions shaping Everett’s economic future.
• Businesses in South Everett, including many Spanish-speaking owners, are seeking equitable investment and resources to support their success.
• As light rail prepares to arrive in Everett in the next decade, businesses want to be ready to leverage new transit connections and expanded accessibility.
A dedicated Chamber ensures Everett businesses have an advocate focused exclusively on their success, delivering the tools, connections, and voice they need to thrive in this environment.
What the Greater Everett Chamber will do: The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is built on four key pillars identified by our formation committee:
• Networking and community engagement: Building a connected business community is at the heart of our mission. Through monthly mixers, industry-specific roundtables, and mentorship programs, the Chamber will create spaces for businesses to collaborate and grow.
• Business resources: Practical tools are essential for success. The Chamber will offer services like certificates of origin, employee benefit programs and workshops on digital marketing and emerging technologies like AI and automation. Our resource center will be a hub for helping businesses navigate growth opportunities and tackle operational challenges with confidence.
• Advocacy for small/mid-sized local businesses: We’ll ensure Everett’s business community has a strong voice at city hall, Olympia, and Washington, D.C. By advocating for infrastructure investments, workforce development, and policies that support business growth, the Chamber will help shape a thriving local economy while keeping members informed about changes that affect their operations.
• Tourism and placemaking: Everett’s waterfront, Paine Field and growing creative economy are treasures that set us apart. The Chamber will support efforts to enhance public spaces, promote arts and culture, and position downtown Everett as a vibrant hub for nightlife, the creative economy, and community gathering.
Moving forward together: The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is about action and impact. While Economic Alliance Snohomish County continues its vital regional work, the Chamber will focus exclusively on Everett’s businesses and their success. We are deeply grateful to the City of Everett for providing the seed funding to bring this vision to life, and we look forward to working with our community to strengthen and grow together.
The Chamber will officially launch this month, with founding member enrollment already underway. Whether you run a small business, lead a large company, or are just getting started, your participation will shape the future of Everett’s business community.
Everett is a place where we can make it happen. Together, we can create, innovate, and lead. Let’s build it together.
John Carswell is owner of APEX Everett and vice chair of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce. Wendy Poischbeg is CEO of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce. For more information about founding membership opportunities, go to EverettChamber.org.
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