Honoring the Stories That Shape Our Valley
Is this not the most beautiful time of year here in the Valley? I took Bentley—our Chamber’s “Official Greeter,” a cheerful mini-Aussie Doodle—to Pioneer Park this weekend, one of our favorite places to get our paw steps in. The ducks were lively, the trees were aflame with color, and the fall blooms were in full force. It’s a breathtaking reminder of why we love calling this place home. What’s your favorite season in the Walla Walla Valley? Let us know—we love hearing from our community.
As the leaves turn, Team Chamber is turning its focus to a season of innovation, recognition, and celebration. On October 22, the Chamber will host Reel Impact: The Film WWV Summit, marking the second year of our ten-year plan to develop a sustainable film industry in the Walla Walla Valley. By bringing together local governments, filmmakers, educators, and business leaders, the summit aims to spark job creation, attract outside investment, and showcase Walla Walla as an ideal destination for film production.
“Film is more than storytelling—it’s a proven rural economic driver,” I’ve been heard to say, and it’s true. With up to forty percent production incentives available in Washington’s rural areas, Walla Walla’s stunning scenery, convenient airport, and welcoming community give us a strong competitive edge. The summit will feature local filmmakers sharing their experiences, Washington Filmworks’ Vice President of Rural Economic Development discussing state initiatives, and interactive roundtables connecting educators, students, and industry professionals. Together, these conversations will help align our workforce development goals with the infrastructure needed to support a growing creative economy.
We’ve extended invitations to city and county leaders, universities, and local creatives—many of whom live here but work in film industries across the country. Their collaboration will help shape strategies that position Walla Walla for long-term success in this expanding sector. Attendance is open to anyone interested in the film and creative industries, and registration is available at www.wwvchamber.com/events.
Our thanks also go to Dr. George Perez, Ph.D., Professor at Walla Walla University, for his remarkable presentation during last week’s Chamber After Hours session, Creating an AI Strategy for Small Business. His enthusiasm and ability to make complex ideas practical and approachable captivated a standing-room-only audience. Participants left energized, equipped with new insights on how to use AI to strengthen their operations and gain a competitive advantage in today’s challenging business environment. The response has been overwhelming, with many attendees already asking when Dr. Perez will return for a longer, more advanced workshop—something he has graciously agreed to. We look forward to making that happen soon.
As we move toward the close of the year, our attention turns to one of the Chamber’s most heartfelt traditions—the Annual Community Excellence Awards. This year’s celebration, hosted once again by Baker Boyer Bank in their beautiful historic downtown location, will take place in December. These awards are particularly meaningful because the nominations come from you—the people of the Walla Walla Valley. They are our opportunity to recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations that dedicate themselves to improving quality of life, advancing opportunity, and building the strong, inclusive community we all value.
Nominations are open now through November 13, and the process is quick and easy online at www.wwvchamber.com. Award categories include Agribusiness of the Year, Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Business Leader, Entrepreneur, and Future Business Leader, along with honors for Educator, Law Enforcement Officer, and Firefighter of the Year, and Higher Education Community Service Awards recognizing Walla Walla Community College, Whitman College, and Walla Walla University. Tickets for the event will be available beginning November 1, and sponsorship opportunities are also open. For more information, contact the Chamber at (509) 525-0850 or staff@wwvchamber.com.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of inspiration and celebration as we honor the champions of our community—those whose work so often happens quietly but makes an enormous impact. These are the people and organizations that help define what makes the Walla Walla Valley extraordinary.
The Chamber’s mission is simple yet powerful: to connect people, ideas, and opportunity. We invite you to be part of it—nominate a local hero, attend the Film Summit, or simply stop by and share your thoughts. Together, we’re building the next generation of business and community right here in the Valley we love.
