CEO Update
February 22, 2024
Dear Valued Chamber Member,
A couple weeks ago, the Edmonds Chamber held its annual membership meeting with over 70 in attendance. At this meeting, our team was proud to share the Chamber accomplishments of the previous year and share some things we’re very excited about in 2024. You can review the slide deck from the meeting here or read on for some highlights.
Late last year, the Chamber hit an incredible milestone of 450 members. While this not only highlights the health and momentum of the organization, this is a true testament to the community of active small businesses and entrepreneurs in Edmonds. In addition to a growth in membership, we were able to share the following accomplishments for 2023:
89 new Chamber members with an overall 93% member retention rate
A strong cash position with almost six months of operating capital on hand
Record-breaking attendance at several of our signature events
Continued success at networking events including Morning Buzz and Connect Edmonds
As we acknowledge the substantial growth of the previous two years, our team recognizes the need to focus on member value and ensuring we retain our members. While your membership offers ample educational and connection opportunities, marketing and SEO benefits, professional development and continued signature events that bring over 50,000 attendees, we’re continually discussing and looking for ways to improve that value. To that end, our team is working on the following projects that we believe will create additional benefits to our membership:
Upgrading membership software to a new platform that will grow connectivity amongst members, streamline event RSVP and ticketing, and improve user experience
Launching a modern, professional website that will be easier to navigate and will better market and represent Edmonds and members
Expanding our marketing to shine a spotlight on businesses across a broader range of industries
Creating more timely, pertinent educational opportunities for businesses through our Chamber connections
Continuing to seek opportunities to activate, meet and invest beyond Downtown
It doesn’t take more than a sunny afternoon stroll through Downtown Edmonds to see and feel what’s happening here. It’s a community where people want to live, be AND do business. The Chamber is proud to work alongside our partners and hundreds of members to help make Edmonds the vibrant, connected community you see today.
Sincerely,
Ryan Crowther
President & CEO
ryan@edmondschamber.com | (206) 679-0848