Where Community Begins: Your Chamber at Work
If you are reading the Union-Bulletin this Saturday morning, there is still time to join us at the Chamber at 10:00 a.m. for our November Newcomers Meetup. Whether you have arrived in the valley recently or are settling in over your first year, this gathering is designed to help make Walla Walla feel like home. Enjoy coffee and refreshments while you meet neighbors, discover volunteer and employment opportunities, connect with local businesses and nonprofits, and get answers to the questions that arise when one is still learning the rhythms of a new community. And yes—everyone leaves with a welcome bag and, more importantly, the beginnings of new friendships.
We are also delighted to share that Taste of WWV was a tremendous success—beyond even our highest hopes. Re-imagining a beloved historic event is no small undertaking. Community members understandably bring memories—good, middling, or mixed—to anything resembling a “Taste.” But this new iteration took a bold step forward. Rather than a tented evening in one location, we curated eight restaurants and two wineries, from beloved classics to exciting newcomers, and invited participants to create their own self-guided tasting itinerary. Maps in hand, guests set out across the valley, some even using AI to design personalized routes tailored to their palates and timing. They had a marvelous time.
Our food lovers—seasoned and new—reported back with enthusiasm: “The dishes were fabulous!” Every participating business stepped up with thoughtful offerings, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Many guests remarked that for the cost of a single dinner, they were able to explore the culinary character of an entire community.
Restaurants shared that the turnout surpassed expectations—one welcoming more than 30 visitors in the first 90 minutes alone. Several saw same-day reservations made on the spot. Wineries reported guests returning home with bottles. And many participants lingered with us afterward, comparing their favorite stops and planning where they would return next. The Chamber’s office felt alive with shared stories, laughter, and the unmistakable joy of community being rediscovered.
The resounding refrain we heard was, “You are doing this again, right?” Followed closely by “We’re already thinking about what to prepare next year.” It appears our mandate is clear—Taste of WWV will return in 2026.
As we enter the final days for Community Excellence Awards nominations (closing Monday, November 17), we extend one more heartfelt invitation. There are individuals among us who serve, lead, create, and uplift quietly—seeking no spotlight. They are the volunteers who never say no, the entrepreneurs building something new, the educators shaping our future, the civic leaders guiding with integrity.
Nominating someone is quick, meaningful, and deeply impactful. Your nomination may be the moment they learn that their contributions have truly mattered.
As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded that community is not simply where we live—it is something we make, together, choice by choice and year by year. Whether you’re new to the valley or have called it home for generations, there are countless ways to connect, support, and celebrate one another. Attend an event, nominate a neighbor, visit a new business, extend a warm welcome to someone just arriving. These small actions weave the fabric of the Walla Walla Valley we love. Let’s step into this season with generosity, curiosity, and pride in the extraordinary community we are building together.
Championing Business . Building Community . Driving the Valley’s Economy
