Ritzville Chamber hosts annual membership meeting

The Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce held the annual general membership meeting on Feb. 7, with more than 30 residents, business owners and local leaders in attendance.

The meeting served as an opportunity for the board members to introduce themselves, and discuss the projects and activities slated for the upcoming year.

The board of directors and roles for the current RACC board are Karen Cady, president; Mary Chamberlain, vice president; Marsha Smith, secretary; Donna Perelli Matlock, board member; and Julie Flyckt, ex-officio. There are currently board openings for treasurer and two board members.

Flyckt presented regarding the City of Ritzville’s recently complete branding effort, and announced RACC will be taking the lead on the branding campaign and will also be responsible for creating rules regarding the use of the logos.

The original branding video created last August was shown and Flyckt explained advertising using the brand will follow the five main elements of Ritzville: history, family, resourceful, spirited and movement.

Flyckt said the branding process is currently stalled as RACC and their partners, Adams County Development Council and the City of Ritzville, wait for funding to move forward with promotion of the brand. She also showed examples of local organizations who have implemented the brand, like the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair, Ritzville Water Park and the City of Ritzville.

Moving into the second phase of the brand, RACC will work to establish a marketing committee, which will create a process to approve brand use, guidelines for the brand and support for wayfinding, signage and design.

The wayfinding plan was approved by the Ritzville City Council on Feb. 6 and will be a subcommittee of the council, with council members Dennis Chamberlain and Michelle Plumb serving on the board.

Perelli-Matlock explained the main brand promotion will be focused on advertising, social media, online marketing and the Ritzville Insider app. All chamber members will be listed on the Insider app and promoting through the mobile application.

One main goal for the RACC board is to produce a town guide for Ritzville. The guide would highlight local businesses, organizations and encourage tourism in the community.

Perelli-Matlock said the RACC will also be improving signage for the Visitors’ Center, which is located in City Hall. Tourists and new residents can stop by the center to receive promotional materials for the city as well as coupons for local businesses.

The chamber is also focusing on continuing and increase community activities throughout the year, especially on the city’s biggest weekends: Labor and Memorial Day. Potential ideas for events for the upcoming year include a tractor parade, quilt show and a winter festival.

Perelli-Matlock added that due to requests, RACC will be bringing back Business After Hours and the Community Awards. The chamber will continue to sponsor the Ritzville Community Parade, Toddler Trick or Treat and the Winter Festival.

The RACC board members thanked all in attendance for their support and patience during the year of rebuilding as the chamber has a new board of directors. Perelli-Matlock added the benefits of being a chamber member include social media and website promotion, as well as being listed in brochures and highlight at community events.

The chamber is currently creating committees to coordinate the local events, and volunteers are needed. For more information about the chamber or to volunteer, call 659-1936 or email [email protected].