Davenport Chamber discusses community inclusion

DAVENPORT--Providing support for events that build community and bring people to local businesses should be the priority for the Chamber of Commerce here, according to discussion at a meeting Thursday, March 17.

This was the second meeting called by longtime board members—treasurer Dick Wandling and secretary Kathy Hedgcock—to inspire new energy and ideas for the Chamber. Regular meetings for the Chamber going forward will be the second Thursday each month from 7 to 8 a.m. in the Avista meeting room.

14 people representing local businesses, government and community volunteers gathered around the table at Avista last Thursday to talk about what the future holds for the decades-old organization.

“Years ago, the Chamber was more business oriented but over time it’s evolved into a clearinghouse for events that build our community overall,” said Lincoln County Commissioner Scott Hutsell, a past Chamber president who retired last year from his long career as a Davenport business owner (Les Schwab Tire Center).

City clerk Dave Leath reflected on how local business transitions have resulted in declined business involvement in the Chamber over the years.

“The lack of business voice has held the Chamber back,” Leath said, referring to business promotion more typically associated with chambers of commerce.

Right now, there’s a prime opportunity to tap new business leaders and community members to help move the Chamber forward, the group acknowledged.

The consensus was for the Chamber to continue supporting volunteer-driven community events such as Pioneer Days and Hometown Christmas. Attendees also said the Chamber should also do all it can to back groups like the Celebrate Davenport Committee, which oversees the community float.

“Hometown Christmas needs to grow, and the Chamber’s name needs to be all over it,” said Dan Verheul of Strate Funeral Home.

He offered his thoughts on reconnecting local businesses, churches and other groups with this event, which has a long history of kicking off the holiday season in Davenport.

The group also talked about the Chamber’s need to rebuild its board and website, launch a 2022 membership drive and reestablish a process for welcoming new businesses.

The Chamber’s next meeting is slated for Thursday, April 14, from 7 to 8 a.m. in the Avista meeting room. All are welcome and volunteers from local events are encouraged to attend.

To get involved, share ideas and sign up for email updates, contact chamberofcommercedavenport@gmail.com.