10 for $10

     I first moved to Pullman 23 years ago with two small children. Most of the new friends I made also had small children and were often students at WSU.  We were always looking for inexpensive things to do as a family. It didn't take long to get into the "loop" here in Pullman and find all those wonderful things to do. I remember one August where my friend and I were determined to take advantage of every opportunity - it was too much! The kids were entirely too busy. But we did learn that there is a plethora of low cost fun to be had in this area, no matter what the weather. We did it all from renting outdoor equipment at WSU to taking the kids to the Dunes.
      The 10 for $10 list that the Chamber puts on its website every month is a great way to continue this tradition in Pullman. This is an easy, accessible resource for anyone to use. You can find different activities throughout the year that are under $10, and sometimes even for free! I often make notes on whatever scratch paper is at hand in order to save a great idea for this list. If you come across something that would be a good fit, please drop me a line and let me know.
Vicki~Tourism Director

Vision 2020

As I sit here on this gray and rainy Sunday contemplating my week and the many activities going on with the chamber, I also think about the opportunity we have to speak with our city council and our vision for the future.

Vision 2020 was kicked off in September 2011 with presentations from Dr. Ed Schweitzer of SEL, Inc and Dr. Elson Floyd, President of WSU.  They spoke of the future and what lies ahead for SEL and WSU and how it relates to Pullman and the Palouse. 

Both agree on several things: the City of Pullman is beautiful, safe and offers a quiet and efficient way of life.  With great medical care, a growing university with PAC-12 athletics and an increasing higher tech industry, Pullman continues to grow and offer business opportunities in an economic climate that, at the national level, is struggling.

In a nurturing community that has a higher educated workforce and a low crime rate, Pullman leads Whitman County into the future of “High Tech, Higher Education, and the Highest Quality of Life”.

While looking forward to the future of Pullman and the Palouse region, one area that deserves further consideration is enhanced transportation for people who live in and who visit Pullman.  “Active Transportation” with bike and pedestrian paths that allow for green travel and an increase in an active and healthy lifestyle will integrate well with WSU’s long term master plan to provide more pedestrian friendly pathways on their campus.  The paths should not end at the edges of their boundary, but be continued throughout Pullman.  Portland Bureau of Transportation uses these three primary approaches in their success in making bicycling an integral part of their daily life:

1. Planning, implementing, and maintaining a bikeway network.
2. Providing secure bicycle parking.
3. Educating people about the role of bicycle transportation in keeping our communities livable and encouraging residents (include ‘students’) to choose bicycling for more of their daily trips.

Two local organizations, Pullman Civic Trust and the Pullman Arts Commission, are also envisioning beautiful pathways along with bike racks that double as artwork.  We can all embrace these enhancements and encourage city-wide implementation, and especially downtown Pullman to increase traffic to our more historic buildings.

•We would also like to consider infrastructure and planning for growth as well as greater visitor traffic.  With increased enrollment at WSU and the recent acquisition of a national caliber football coach that promises to bring more awareness and visitors to our town and campus, it’s essential that we improve mobility in and around town to provide a memorable experience and one which will encourage return visits.

In addition the recent proposal by the City to provide a bus stop on Main Street is a welcome one!  This will be the first stop on Main Street in the downtown district.  We’d also encourage increased late night routes and include Sundays to better serve our student and family population that rely heavily on the transit system. 

•We would like to see Pullman prosper and grow while also maintaining our small town atmosphere and appeal, including:

·         Maintaining public safety and law enforcement.

·         Providing adequate affordable housing.

·         Pursuing additional business opportunities including high tech and small business with increased job attraction AND retention.

·         Maintaining and embracing a strong relationship with WSU.

We envision a welcoming city with a diverse display of public art, sidewalk cafes, and public places that encourage visitors and residents to stop, share ideas, and enjoy a clean, vibrant, and active community.

In Summary:  The Pullman Chamber’s motto and mission “Making Pullman a better place to live, work and do business” fits hand in hand with the city’s motto, and together we truly do make Pullman the BEST place to live, work and do business while continuing to offer high tech industry, higher education and the highest quality of life.

Marie~ExDir

First Down Friday coming this fall!

Looking forward to the 2012 Cougar Football season? Kick off your WSU Football experience with First Down Friday hosted by the Pullman Chamber of Commerce! Each Friday before home WSU Football games, come join us in Pullman for music, food and fun and be a part of the Mike Leach era of WSU Football! Each event will feature something different, but the theme will be the same – GO COUGS!!

Amberly~Event Coordinator

It is almost the end of January already! Can you believe it? As I sat at my desk this afternoon, enjoying the blue skies and trying to ignore the blustery wind, dreams of spring were flitting around in my head. No snow, warmer weather, and all of the upcoming events that the Chamber has in the works. We are very excited about all we have coming up from our monthly General Membership Luncheons to Cabaret. Take a look at our website Pullman Chamber for all the exciting happenings here at the Chamber. We would love to have you join us at any or all of them. :)   Debbie~Office Manager

Visitor Guides Are Here!

As Pullman's Tourism Director, one of my tasks is producing high quality brochures that effectively show visitors all there is to see and do in Pullman. I am happy to report that the newly improved, 2012 Moscow/Pullman Visitor's Guides are in. I have worked closely with the great people of the Palouse Marketing Committee to put together this comprehensive guide to the Palouse. It includes an updated Dining and Shopping guide, content from Photographing the Palouse and Pedaling the Palouse brochures and more. We also added a "Visit our Neighbors" section to promote our neighboring communities such as Palouse, Uniontown etc. Brilliant photography and concise details make this a "keeper" brochure to use again and again.

If you need information on ways to entertain visiting family and friends this year, or are looking for excursions for your clubs and groups, this is your go-to manual! As a long time Cub Scout leader, I have used this resource for many years. People often ask me, "How did you find out about this?" Well, this guide is how!  And for anyone who says "There is nothing to do here..." I challenge them to pick one up and see all this area has to offer. There are over a hundred attractions to see and do. That's more than 2 activites per weekend for a year!

Take a look at it, and if you find a way to improve it for next year, be sure and let me know right away. We take all this information into account when designing the next great brochure!
Vicki~Tourism Director

From your director

It's a daily occurrence; something new put on 'my plate'.  That's one of the reasons I love this job as the Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce.  I never know what to expect or what my day may entail.  It's a little like parenting, which I've been actively participating in for over 30 years!  I quit wearing a watch at some point when my girls were very young.  I realized my day was driven by cries of hunger, dirty diapers and sleepy children and I really didn't need a watch to tell me these things.

At the chamber, I'm currently working on our big fundraiser, Cabaret.  This year's theme will be around the Beatles "In the Sky with Diamonds".  My favorite local band "The Senders" will be playing all the popular dance music of the earlier decades. Our favorite auctioneer, Austin Booker, will raise the bar and help us to have the most successful auction to date.  Funds from Cabaret help with operating costs for the chamber, and we appreciate not only the sponsors of the event, but all the many supporters and donors that make this 'adult prom' happen each year.  Cabaret was the first of it's kind to hit the Palouse over 30 years ago, and is still the premier fundraiser and the event that continues to set the standard for all others.

I enjoy my visits with chamber members and, what I affectionately call, potential members.  I try to get out several times a week just to say hello.  I ask about their business, their concerns, their new ideas, and try to encourage and enlighten when I can. I learn so much from these visits!  I once said many years ago, that I would try to learn ONE thing each and every day of my life.  Sometimes I even get to learn more than one :)
Marie~ExDir

Save The Date! The 2012 National Lentil Festival Poster Unveiling and Wine vs. Brew Tasting featuring art by Jacqueline Daisley will be held on May 31, 2012 at 6pm at Palouse Falls Brewing Company! Be one of the first to see the 2012 National Lentil Festival poster!
Amberly~Events Coordinator

Welcome to the Pullman Chamber of Commerce' blog page.  Stay tuned for updates from the staff here at the chamber.