Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce

Our new Chamber Speaker Series, The Future is Female: Women in Leadership, brought together an incredible group of women who are leading with purpose, authenticity, and heart. A huge thank you to our amazing speakers — Jessica Welter-Kolbo (Cinder Coaching), Sam Lewis (RAM Construction), Sydney Van Wingerden (Signs Plus), and Madison Price (VSH CPA) — and to our wonderful emcee, Anya Milton (BTC), for guiding the conversation with such warmth and wisdom.

Congratulations to the 2025 Top 7 Under 40! These outstanding young professionals are true changemakers and leaders in our community. Join us on October 2nd, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Four Points, to celebrate their accomplishments as they continue to inspire and shape the future of Whatcom County and beyond. Tickets available here: https://lnkd.in/gRrpXm2x The 2025 Top 7 Under 40 Awards is presented by Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing. Stay tuned for individual spotlights on the Top 7 to learn more about what these incredible individuals are up to in Whatcom County. Raelyn Kaplan - Managing Director at Joyco Digital TJ Brar - Realtor and Director of the Chardi Kala Project Sam Lewis - Project Manager at RAM Construction Hunter Ka’imi - Social Media Manager and Political Activist Rebecca Houston - Development Director at Skookum Kids Gena Mikkelsen - Budget Analyst at Western Washington University Ethan Hunger - Managing Broker at Bellwether Real Estate

Don't forget to get your nominations in before THIS FRIDAY at 5:00PM. To nominate a local business that you think is worthy of being recognized, click here: https://lnkd.in/g5P6KYth

As tariffs are levied across products between Canada and the United States, the Border Policy Research Institute and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce sought feedback from local businesses to assess their perceptions of tariffs and/or trade irritants and any fallout they may experience or have experienced so far. We are keeping the survey open, and we'll continue to analyze what we hear from our border community businesses. If you'd like to see the results so far, please check out our newest infographic here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gcV_u_iJ You can find all our infographics on our website: https://lnkd.in/gwXBcyBR Guy Occhiogrosso Laurie Trautman Western Washington University

Nominations are now open for this year’s Top 7 Under 40! 🎉 Know a young professional making a difference in Whatcom County? Nominate them here: https://lnkd.in/dnW2nj5p The deadline for nominations is August 2nd.

Start your morning off right at our June Networking Breakfast, featuring great conversations, coffee, and community! ☕ ⁠ Thank you Whatcom Transportation Authority for sponsoring this months breakfast! Register here: https://lnkd.in/g8QhqvSa Spots are limited and registration closes 6/10 at 4:00 PM.13m

Rescheduled date! Avoiding a conversation that needs to happen? You’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. In this practical, one-hour session, leadership strategist Barbara Jenks of Bright Fulcrum will share simple tools you can use right away to reduce tension and lead with more clarity, even when conversations get uncomfortable. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gUVVRbWM *Limited in person seating available*

Kick off your day with connections and coffee at our May Networking Breakfast, sponsored by Lydia Place 🤝 ⁠ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gNtvwQG6 Registration closes 5/6 at 4:00 PM or when spots fill up!

Leadership Whatcom's Annual Community Conversation is a little over a week away and we would love to see you there! The Community Conversation is a welcoming, trans-partisan event for our 2024–25 LW participants, LW Alumni, and guests. It brings people with a wide range of views together to learn from one another through open and respectful discussion. Participants will take part in a public conversation on well-being in all stages of life. This is a chance to listen, share ideas, and explore different perspectives in a thoughtful and supportive setting. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gTNzfwXw