​In May, our membership approved a change to how we elect our Board of Directors. Starting this year, a Nominating Committee put out multiple calls via social media and our newsletter for interested candidates to fill a two-year term to the Covington Chamber board. While we did not receive any new candidates, the board members whose terms were expiring agreed to serve another term: George Frasier, Green River College and Green River College Foundation; Pat Hanis, Hanis Irvine Prothero PLLC; Lori Paxton, Kent School District; and Mark Smith, Covington and Auburn MultiCare Hospitals.
 
The Nominating Committee (Bridget O’Connor, board chair; Denzel Jones, director; and Dana Neuts, staff) presented the four candidates to the board as a slate of directors for the 2024-25 term. The board of directors approved that slate at their September 28, 2023 meeting.
 
The next step in the process is to seek ratification of the official slate as presented. The slate of candidates shall be deemed approved unless a simple majority of the membership votes to disapprove. As of today, we have 167 members. Unless a simple majority – 84 members – votes to disapprove the slate of candidates – the slate is deemed approved.
 
Please cast your ballot by Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Only votes from members in good standing will be accepted.

Contact Dana Neuts at info@covingtonchamber.org if you have any questions.

by Pooja Anoop of Pooja Anoop Photography

​Hello Fam!

It’s been a while. I just wanted to re-introduce myself.

I’m Pooja & to my left is my better half, Anoop. And that's Pooja Anoop Photography!☺️

I started my journey 4 years back without thinking about what I was getting into as an introverted girl.

I’ve learned a lot. Here are a few tips I’d like to share if you’re starting new in the entrepreneurial journey.

👉 You gotta push yourself.
👉 Not everyone you meet is your friend & they don’t have to be!
But then some clients turn into your family & hold a close special place. (I’m so blessed to have met you.)
👉 Be open to learning more.
👉 Connect & surround yourself with people with goals & who push you to do better.
👉 Know that Mental Health is essential. Prioritize!
👉 Spend more time with people you love! Life is short.
👉 Above all, nothing comes easy! Believe in yourself.

Check out my latest entrepreneurial venture: She Shines, a magazine showcasing incredible women.

Here’s a pic of us graduating (see slideshow)!

Massive shoutout to Oliver from Urban Business Support for conducting the Entrepreneurship program! We learned a lot, and we are proud to graduate today with so many other outstanding entrepreneurs!

by Erica Miller, EDM Consulting, LLC

It's our anniversary!

As I look back over this year, I am truly amazed at all that I've achieved. I have learned so much about myself while building my business. Transitioning to a full-time entrepreneur in 2022, wasn't an overnight decision but a culmination of experiences, learnings, and the evolution of my first business, which also celebrates its second anniversary!

My initial business aimed to empower small businesses with tools for success, such as workbooks, planners and spreadsheets. However, I soon recognized a deeper need – direct assistance. This realization led to the birth of EDM Consulting, a decision I cherish every day.

Starting my consulting business was the best decision; I have learned so many things while developing my business and assisting others! I've had the opportunity to work in so many new industries, and my client base continues to expand. 

I want to share with you the tips that got me to where I am today. If I were to start all over again, this is what I would change:

Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace failure. Only through trying new things will you find success. Your failures are the stepping stones to success. Fear almost held me back, but I'm grateful I pushed through. Every challenge has been a lesson, making me stronger and wiser.

Understand what makes you unique and be comfortable in that. Show up as your most authentic self. Your unique perspective, skills, and abilities are what give you an edge. I spent so much time trying to be more like successful entrepreneurs in my field. I didn't think my personality worked for my line of business. That was so far from the truth! Once I accepted who I am as a person and let that shine, clients were drawn to my authenticity.  I'm more comfortable and confident speaking to prospective clients, and I know my worth. 

Do your research! What you think your client needs may not be what they want.  I've spent over a decade in management; problem-solving and creating solutions to increase productivity and efficiency.  I used that experience to create my first set of products for clients as well as my first processes for assisting my clients. Despite having the knowledge and experience, my services were not in high demand. I learned that I had to understand how to speak the language of my ideal clients and not just offer products and services that I thought they needed. What I offer hasn't changed, but my delivery has. 

Play to your strengths and leverage your talents and skills. Outsource or delegate what you aren't as good at. When you are starting or running a business, you are most efficient when you learn your strengths early on. Don't waste time perfecting a skill that you aren't good at. Your time is just as valuable as your money. Determine which tasks make sense to outsource instead of trying to do it on your own. Then, you can dedicate your time to the areas where you excel and have more time to focus on serving your clients. 

I hope these tips will help you in your journey to success. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes; it’s the only way to grow. Always be yourself and trust the process! Find resources that can help you get through challenging times. There's no need to do it alone. There are so many avenues of support, both paid and free. Please feel free to reach out to me for support at any time. If I cannot assist you, I have a network of people who can.
​
Raising my glass, toasting to many more years of success for your business and mine!
 
Cheers,
Erica Miller
Your Biz Planner

At yesterday's annual Member September luncheon, the Covington Chamber welcomed six new members to the Chamber, bringing our total membership to 164. Please join us in welcoming the following new members to the Covington Chamber family:

• Apple Blossom Gift Baskets
• Auto-Chlor System
• Katherine's Beauty Bar
• Northwestern Mutual (returning member)
• Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
• See Ya Later Foundation

They were joined by about 45 other chamber members at our annual membership celebration, hosted by Edline-Yahn & Covington Funeral Chapel. In addition to a catered lunch at the beautiful event venue, we heard from Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner about how and why the Covington Chamber was started in 1992 and from Board Chair Bridget O'Connor who led an exercise to learn how and why people join and come back to the Chamber again and again.

And what's a thank you celebration without goodie bags? Thanks to our sponsors, we provided each member and guest with a goodie bag and about a dozen members received door prizes including floral centerpieces from Countryside Floral & Garden, cookies from Ube Overload, delicious chocolates from Diana + Cory | The Patterson Team, desktop recycling bins from Republic Services, and other goodies.

​Thanks to our members for giving our newest members a warm Chamber welcome!

by City of Covington Police Department and Community Development

Damage from automobiles, both from accidents and intentional crimes, is something that any business near a road or parking lot must stay aware of. In our January email on the CTPED principle of territorial reinforcement, we recommended the use of bollards in front of storefronts to prevent damage and safety hazards for visitors.
​
There is clear evidence that bollards are effective, including in Covington. For example, a local business experienced three automobile-related burglaries in 2022, prompting them to install bollards outside their storefront. Since this installation, the number of car-related burglaries has reduced to zero.

Bollards are often brightly colored or constructed of materials that can be unsightly and unwelcoming. By choosing functional bollards that are also visually appealing, you not only protect your business, but also convey that it is well-maintained and cared for. To this end, we developed the Covington Bollard Design Guide, which gives recommendations and examples of bollards that are both effective and visually attractive.

Here are some specific suggestions and examples from the Bollard Design Guide:

• Consider selecting bollards that have a secondary purpose. Some examples include bollards that double as lighting sources, planters, and visitor seating.
• The color of Bollards should blend in with the surrounding environment. For example, if you are placing bollards on a concrete surface, consider a bollard material that matches the color of that existing concrete.
  • If you believe a bright color is needed to provide enhanced visibility of the bollards, we recommend using one or two strips of such a color. 
• Choose a bollard shape (thin, tall, modern, traditional, etc.) and material (metal, concrete, wood, etc.) that match the architectural style of the building they are protecting.
• Review the full Bollard Design Guide on our CPTED website for more suggestions and examples.

Backed by a long history of research and endorsed by the Covington Police Department, CPTED provides strategies that businesses and residents can take to help make their communities safer. If you would like to learn more, visit our Designing a Safe Covington website.

We are always looking for examples of CPTED success in Covington! If you or someone you know has successfully deterred crime on your property through natural access control or other CPTED strategies, please feel free to share those with us at planning@covingtonwa.gov.
 
Thank you,
City of Covington Police Department & Community Development

It's that time of year -- time to start planning for 2024! That also means it is time to seek out candidates for the Covington Chamber board of directors. Directors serve two-year terms, up to a maximum of three consecutive terms. They meet monthly via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of the month (8 - 9:30 a.m.) to discuss Covington Chamber business. They also participate in events and vote on important topics that guide the direction of the Chamber.

This year, we have four board members (George Frasier, Treasurer; Pat Hanis, Chair-Elect; Lori Paxton; and Mark Smith) with terms expiring at the end of 2023. Each has expressed interest in remaining on the board, but we welcome applications from other candidates.

According to our amended and ratified bylaws, we accept board candidate applications and two references per candidate and forward them to our Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee reviews the candidates and, based on their assessment of the applications, selects a slate of candidates to be presented to the Board of Directors for review and voting. Once the slate has been finalized and approved by the Board of Directors, the approved slate of candidates is presented to the membership for ratification at a membership meeting.

We will present the slate of candidates via paper ballot to membership at our October 12 membership luncheon. The slate of candidates shall be deemed approved unless a simple majority of the membership votes to disapprove.

Does board service interest you? If so, you have until September 15 to submit your candidate application and two references for consideration. All information must be complete, including submission of references, for applications to be considered. If any item is missing at the deadline, the application will not be considered for board candidacy.

Due to September 15, 2023:

Application to Covington Chamber Board of Directors
References for Board Candidates

Have questions? Contact Dana Neuts, executive director, at info@covingtonchamber.org or 253-780-1555.

The 2023 Fill the Canoe School Supply drive was a huge success. With 2,370 pounds of supplies raised — the most ever in Covington to date — our community showed up in a big way for our Vine Maple Place families! 
Michelle Frets, Executive Director of Vine Maple Place, shared a story about a family visiting the day we met to weigh all our supplies for the drive. Newly unhoused, a mother asked Michelle if she would be able to get back to school supply help, the worry and concern palpable. Michelle walked them down to our work area and assured them they would have what they needed. The relief was immediate.   

What is typically considered a time of joy and renewal — the start of the school year — can be one of great uncertainty and anxiety for families in need. Thank you to all who supported Fill the Canoe, especially the Covington Chamber’s Good Work Fund, Pollard Chiropractic and the members and branch staff of Red Canoe Credit Union. You made a difference in the lives of our neighbors in most need and we appreciate the partnership in community! 
​
For more information on Fill the Canoe, please contact boconnor@redcanoecu.com.

For more information on Vine Maple Place, please contact juliap@vinemapleplace.org.

 ​August 1, 2023, COVINGTON, Wash. –- The South East Area Legislative Transportation Coalition (SEAL-TC) wants to thank the Washington State House and Senate Transportation Committees for maintaining the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) preferred timeline for improvements to State Route 18. SEAL-TC is comprised of regional cities, chambers of commerce, and fire and rescue services in the 5th and 47th legislative districts, and they are grateful to the House and Senate Transportation Committees for moving this project along as proposed.
 
The coalition was formed in fall 2016 to bring awareness to the transportation, commerce and safety challenges posed by SR18 and the importance of widening this key thoroughfare to save lives, facilitate commerce, and provide a safe route for employers and employees between South King County and the Eastside. Construction funding for the project was approved in 2022, and it is slated to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2029.
 
At the beginning of the 2023 legislative session, Gov. Jay Inslee proposed a new timeline for the project, which would have delayed project completion to 2033. Members of SEAL-TC, including local elected officials, chamber executives and first responders, testified on behalf of the coalition and reached out individually to the House and Senate Transportation Committees to stress the importance of keeping the preferred timeline for the project. The coalition is pleased that legislators on the Transportation Committees heard them and made their decision accordingly.
 
“It is way past time to complete this critical transportation link,” said Mayor Mary Lou Pauly of Issaquah. “A widened, divided, lit highway, that accommodates both commerce and commuters in the safest way possible, is critical to improving the quality of life for so many.”
 
“Eastside Fire & Rescue continues to support advancing this vital infrastructure improvement project. Enhancing the safety of residents, commuters, and first responders is EF&R's top priority. The Highway 18 improvement project is critical to improving emergency response capabilities along the route,” said Ben Lane, Fire Chief, Eastside Fire & Rescue.
 
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to our legislators for the funding allocation and support for the preferred timeline for the SR18 improvement project. This project is vital to our business community, and it demonstrates a true commitment to safety, sustainability, and economic growth. We are thrilled to see this commitment become a reality, and we look forward to the many benefits it will bring to our region,” Kelly Coughlin, Executive Director, SnoValley Chamber.
 
The coalition’s next steps include working with WSDOT to get regular project updates and remain alert to any possible changes or delays to the project timeline and budget. For more information about the SR18 project, click here: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-18-issaquah-hobart-rd-deep-creek-widening.
 
SEAL-TC is made up of representatives from the following municipalities, organizations and agencies:

• City of Black Diamond
• City of Covington
• City of Issaquah
• City of Maple Valley
• City of North Bend
• City of Snoqualmie
• Covington Chamber of Commerce
• Eastside Fire & Rescue
• Issaquah Chamber of Commerce
• Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce
• Puget Sound Fire
• Renton Chamber of Commerce
• Snoqualmie Tribe
• SnoValley Chamber of Commerce

 
 
Media Contact:
 
Dana Neuts
Covington Chamber
info@covingtonchamber.org
253-780-1555

Red Canoe Credit Union, a Covington Chamber member sponsor, has kicked off their annual Fill the Canoe back-to-school drive. This year, Red Canoe is partnering with Vine Mpale Place, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness for single-parent families in South King County, for the distribution of school supplies.

• Vine Maple Place works directly to support local families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. In the Kent School District alone (our local district in Covington), over 500 students are designated as experiencing homelessness, and 59% of the entire student population are classified as low income. The need is HUGE!
• While Fill the Canoe is focused mainly on quality backpacks and school supplies, the families helped at Vine Maple also need hygiene products (laundry detergent, deodorant, feminine products, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.) for school readiness.
• Last year, Vine Maple Place served 918 local families. They are a local, community-based model that works with other nonprofits and volunteers to provide wrap-around services that include shelters, food banks, churches, schools, hospitals and so many other agencies.

"Red Canoe is beyond proud to come alongside as partners for our signature Fill the Canoe back-to-school event," said Bridget O'Connor, Community Engagement Officer for Red Canoe Credit Union.

Red Canoe matches every donation: monetary contributions are matched dollar for dollar and school supply donations are matched pound for pound.

Supplies can be dropped off at the following locations during normal business hours:

Vine Maple Place:
Maple Valley: 21730 Dorre Don Way, SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Kent: 24044 104th Ave. SE, Kent, WA 98030

Red Canoe Credit Union:
27022 176th Pl. SE, Covington, WA 98042

Yesterday, we co-hosted our annual Joint Chamber Luncheon with the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber. We had more than 100 people come to network, summer fiesta style! We also heard from business consultant and speaker extraordinaire Debbie Page who had great advice on planning for success.

Special thanks to:

• Rein Fire Ranch - venue
• EJ's Custom Catering - taco bar
• Countryside Floral & Garden - table decorations
• Lydia's Cakes & Confections - dessert sponsor
• Ube Overload - dessert sponsor
• Crumbl Cookies - dessert sponsor
• Cakepops by Rachel - dessert sponsor
• Sam Pace - door prize sponsor
• Bicycle Rescue for Youth - door prize sponsor
• Just a Little Something - door prize sponsor
• Tahoma Living - door prize sponsor

...and, of course, thank you to our members and guests for making it such a wonderful event. We can't wait to see you next year!