The White Center Chamber of Commerce, sensing a revitalized spirit, with more than 25 members in attendance met on May 2, to re-draft a mission statement last considered in 2011. 

In the interim the organization had seen a combination of dwindling participation and business developments that meant more attention was required. 

The purpose of a mission statement is to focus and direct the organization itself.

The White Center Community Development Association's Aaron Garcia led a discussion focused on what the members felt the statement should reflect with a ten year time horizon. Many of the responses included "diversity" and "responsibility" and a desire to focus on preserving the character of White Center, in light of the changes that have taken place elsewhere in Seattle. "How do we balance losing our charm and thereby losing our diversity by turning us into this West Seattle Megalopolis so no one can afford to live there anymore. There has to be a balance. We don't want to have a street of foo-foo boutiques", offered Sara Green Williams of Match + Gasoline a local public relations and events production firm.

Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy, owner of Mac's Triangle Pub said, "It should address business. This organization at its core is about business. Maintaining that focus will help us get wherever it is that we're going."

Sustainability was mentioned, and hoping the Chamber could be genuine resource for business going forward.

Several people want to see the local business community "thriving" and hoped the mission statement would reflect that goal.

The input from members went through some discussion and was compiled by the board to be presented at the next Chamber meeting in June at the YWCA.

Update on HonkFest West

A major music event coming to White Center on June 2, HonkFest West got an update from one of the organizers. He said the event set to take place from 1pm to 6pm will have three stages (and possibly the outdoor stage at Drunky Two Shoes) and feature all acoustic band music. They will be be controlling the garbage collection from the event and will have extra porta-potties on hand as well. It's an entirely volunteer run event and is paid for through sponsorships and donations.

Full Band List

• 8-Bit Brass Band – Seattle, WA
• Artesian Rumble Arkestra – Olympia, WA
• Banda La Fiebre – Seattle, WA
• Brass Authority Brass Band – Fort Carson, CO
• Brass Liberation Orchestra – San Francisco, CA
• Chaotic Noise Marching Corps – Seattle, WA
• Detroit Party Marching Band – Detroit, MI
• Filthy FemCorps – Seattle, WA
• Garfield High School Band – Seattle, WA
• Give Back Brass Band – Seattle, WA
• Guerrilla Fanfare – Boulder, CO
• Hearticorn Brass Band – Eugene, OR
• LOUD Neighbors – Arcata, CA
• The m9 – Seattle, WA
• Malagrupa – Vancouver, BC
• The Mighty P-Jammers – Spokane, WA
• Neon Brass Party – Seattle, WA
• One Love – Seattle, WA
• Pakava It’ – Moscow, Russia
• The Party Band – Lowell, MA
• Pussy Grabs Back – NYC, NY
• Rara Bel Poze – Boston, MA
• Rise Up! Action Band – Seattle, WA
• Rum Velvet – Chicago, IL
• Samba Já – Eugene, OR
• Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline – Seattle, WA
• Seattle Sounders FC – Sound Wave – Seattle, WA
• Seismic Sound – Seattle, WA
• Spartan Brass Band – Seattle, WA
• Ten Man Brass Band – Seattle, WA
• VamoLá – Seattle, WA

Garbage collection in White Center

After a quick review on the status of previous bank accounts for the chamber revealed no money was left. President Sheryl Clinton said they have gotten a $1000 donation that will go toward getting more garbage and refuse collection done. Currently the 13 cans that serve the community can go for weeks without being emptied. The chamber will address this issue shortly.

Dues to members

Starting in June, Chamber members will be assessed dues of $50 for the year to help fund basic Chamber operations.

Visit White Center Website

The Chamber website, VisitWhiteCenter.com most recently re-done by Kathi George, is still under revision with an eye to getting information on it updated.

White Center Community Flea Market

The event, set for 9834 17th SW will take place May 12 from 10am to 2pm and currently has 11 booths committed with more needed. If you'd like to sell stuff at the event you can still register. 

Email Sheryl at onpointmom@gmail.com if you have any questions about participating or if the registration link below is not working for you! Please note the registration link will take you to Miss Sheryl's Ballet page and you will need to create an account to register. Once the event is over your information will be deleted and your information will not be shared or used for any other purpose.
 

REGISTER FOR THE WHITE CENTER FLEA MARKET