Chamberlain to serve as Ritzville Chamber President

RITZVILLE – Mary Chamberlain was elected Chamber of Commerce President at the annual meeting Jan. 18.

“I’ve been there the longest, so I thought it was probably time to step up,” Chamberlain said. She served as vice president the past three years, and has been a member since 2014.

Chamberlain takes over the position from Karen Cady, who was president for four years.

“My term was supposed to end January, 2020, but no one else stepped up to run, so the by laws said I had to stay in position,” Cady said, adding she “had a blast” serving as president.

“People keep asking me, ‘Now what are you going to do?’ and I said I will still do what I have been doing. They will run the meetings, but I will still be involved with activities. I just won’t be in charge.”

Cady owns Lavender and Sage Massage, and said she is planning to reopen Little Yellow House of Fabrics and Crafts.

Chamberlain, owner of the former Uniquely Washington, said she hopes to see COVID restrictions lifted this year.

“It’s going to be so different, the business environment going forward,” Chamberlain said. “Seeing how they develop in Ritzville over the next few years is going to be interesting. And how do you support those new businesses? It’s all about Ritzville for me.”

Chamberlain said it would be nice to see downtown renovated.

“Not many towns in eastern Washington have this many old buildings,” Chamberlain said. “You just don’t see it.”

Taking over Chamberlain’s position as vice president is Nicole Thiel, of Best Western’s Bronco Inn. Becky Main will remain in the position she has had as treasurer the past three years, after running for re-election against Dolly Blankenship. Phyllis Wormsbecker remains as secretary, and Wayne Osborne will serve as Member at Large. Board of Director members are elected to serve three years.

Main presented the treasurer’s report at the annual meeting. Total revenue for 2020 was $21,225, with expenses of $14,272. Only $11,213 of $40,000 worth of potential 110 funds from the city was spent, due to events being cancelled.

“The 110 funds don’t roll over, but we received $30,000 in 110 funds for this year,” Cady said. The 110 funds can only be used or reimbursed for tourist activities marketed to people outside a 50-mile radius of Ritzville.

“It will depend on what we can open up,” Cady said. “At this point, as far as I know, people can still travel.”

Cady said looking back, she thought the town did a great job “with what we had.”

“Having the extra stuff like the Santa Parade and the Halloween Parade, those were all awesome,” Cady said. “With the proposed 2021 calendar, anything can be changed around. If people come forward and want to do things, we are more than willing to work with them.”

Upcoming events this year include a Sweetheart Shop in February. Similar to the Jingle Bell Shop in December, people shopping locally at participating businesses between Feb. 1- 28 receive a card to put in for a drawing held at the end of February. First, second and third prizes will be awarded in the random drawing.

“The more money you spend in town, the better chance you have of winning,” Cady said.

Businesses participating in the Sweetheart Shop will be listed on the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce website.