About Us
Mission Statement:
“The Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce is organized to unite its members for the purpose of exerting influence upon matters affecting business, economic development, tourism, recreational use and residential potential of the area.”
“The Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce is organized to unite its members for the purpose of exerting influence upon matters affecting business, economic development, tourism, recreational use and residential potential of the area.”
Paul Doty, President
Hi-School Pharmacy
White Salmon, Washington
Paul and his family relocated from Vancouver, Washington to the Columbia Gorge area eight
years ago. Since his move, Paul has managed both the Hood River and the White Salmon Hi-School Pharmacies. In addition to his work with the pharmacies, Paul volunteers for a youth mentoring program geared toward youth that have diverse backgrounds. The youth program provides mentorship that is not traditionally offered in an academic setting, and assists young people in realizing and achieving their goals. Paul is very pleased to further extend his knowledge and experience in our community by participating on the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also serves on the Human Resources, Marketing and Facilities Committees.
Hi-School Pharmacy
White Salmon, Washington
Paul and his family relocated from Vancouver, Washington to the Columbia Gorge area eight
years ago. Since his move, Paul has managed both the Hood River and the White Salmon Hi-School Pharmacies. In addition to his work with the pharmacies, Paul volunteers for a youth mentoring program geared toward youth that have diverse backgrounds. The youth program provides mentorship that is not traditionally offered in an academic setting, and assists young people in realizing and achieving their goals. Paul is very pleased to further extend his knowledge and experience in our community by participating on the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also serves on the Human Resources, Marketing and Facilities Committees.Jim Kacena, Vice President
James L. Kacena, Attorney at Law
White Salmon, Washington
Jim Kacena is a corporate and real estate attorney with over 30 years experience. He has
managed legal matters for a wide variety of individual and business clients throughout much of the United States, as well as in more than 15 foreign countries. Jim’s main focus for client services over the years has been in the areas of corporate and business law, real estate development, real estate transactions and land use law. In May, 2005, Jim established his own law firm in White Salmon, Washington, where he still specializes in business law, real estate development, land use law and estate planning. Jim continues to represent clients from around the United States with real estate development projects. Jim Kacena graduated from the University of Memphis School of Law with honors in 1976, and has been licensed to practice law in Washington, Texas, Georgia and Tennessee. In addition to the active practice of law, Jim is also the Managing Member of three real estate development partnerships in the Columbia Gorge Area.
managed legal matters for a wide variety of individual and business clients throughout much of the United States, as well as in more than 15 foreign countries. Jim’s main focus for client services over the years has been in the areas of corporate and business law, real estate development, real estate transactions and land use law. In May, 2005, Jim established his own law firm in White Salmon, Washington, where he still specializes in business law, real estate development, land use law and estate planning. Jim continues to represent clients from around the United States with real estate development projects. Jim Kacena graduated from the University of Memphis School of Law with honors in 1976, and has been licensed to practice law in Washington, Texas, Georgia and Tennessee. In addition to the active practice of law, Jim is also the Managing Member of three real estate development partnerships in the Columbia Gorge Area.
Karalee Chabotte, SecretaryFirst Independent Bank
Bingen, Washington
Karalee has been in banking for the past 20 years finding it rewarding to help others with their financial goals. She has been with First Independent for 3 years and moved to the Gorge in 2006. Since moving to the Gorge she has become an active community member. Karalee is currently on the Skyline Foundation board and serve as secretary. She is a Rotarian and serve on the Board for the club, and also a Director on the Mt. Adam’s Chamber of Commerce Board, as well as a member of the Mt Adam’s Soroptimist.
Sally Tallman, TreasurerBoundless Travel
White Salmon, Washington
Sally was raised in Hood River, graduating from Hood River Valley and was very active in sports and other activities in school and church. She has lived in White Salmon for over 25 years.
Sally has been in the working arena for many years as a bookkeeper at JCPenney’s for 4 years, banking over 15 years and presently at West District court for over 10 years. For the last 3 years, Sally’s newest venture was to open and operate Boundless Travel.
While participating in many civic organizations over the years, she held a position on the boards and member of the Hood River Jaycee’s, West Klickitat Posse Club, Mt Adams Dance Club, Columbia Gorge Officials, and a 4-H leader. She has worked on the Huckleberry Festival for many years and Co-chaired for the last 6 years.
Sally has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce through the Huckleberry Festival for many years and 3 years through my own business.
Lorraine Lyons, DirectorGorgeLife Financial
White Salmon, Washington
Lorraine Lyons born in Warren, N.J. however she is a graduate from Culver City high school in Culver City, Ca. She completed her Financial Services education at American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. She lived for 17 years in Lincoln City, OR. While there she was with New York Life for 4 1/2 years and since has worked independently for 2 1/2 years. Her services include life insurance, retirement, estate and business succession planning. Lorraine moved to White Salmon, WA. in October of 2007. She has been very active in the communities in which she has lived. Here locally she first became a Mt. Adams Soroptimist. She was on The Winter Gala committee; which raised $13,000.00 last year despite our 18" snow storm and half of expected attendance the night of the event. She is also a member of the White Salmon/Bingen Rotary.
Sandy Dean, DirectorBingen, Washington
Owner and manager of a growing and successful real estate firm for twenty years. She held the position of President of Mid Columbia Association of Realtors in 2006 and 2007 and Realtor of the Year in 2007. Sandy is a certified real estate broker and a graduate of the Real Estate Institute. She is involved in county land use processes and has successfully completed three large subdivisions and developed two commercial properties and involved in countless community programs over the years helping in any way she can. Her goal as Chamber Director is to provide a connection between commercial industrial and civic interest, striving to serve and lead the business community. As a business owner and chamber member for 20 years, she brings organizational skills, offering time and experience to help the chamber to prosper and provide valuable service to the membership.
Steven Springer, Director
Sterling Savings Bank
Sterling Savings Bank
White Salmon, Washington
Steven is employed at Sterling Savings Bank in White Salmon. He and his wife moved from California in 2006 and has been a part of the White Salmon community since December 2007. They have 2 children and reside in Hood River. As a family, they explore the local hikes, drives, and of course, the great restaurants.
Steven likes being involved in the community, learning more about the business in the area and meeting the new comers joining our community. He feels if he is going to work in the community that drives his business, he would like to be a part of knowing and voting on the issues that will affect the community and the surrounding businesses. Steven has been on the Chamber’s Board of Directors since March of 2008 and has been active in the Ambassador and Marketing Committees. He joined these two committees to learn more about the businesses in the area as well as promoting them.
Craig Trummel, Director
White Salmon, Washington
Craig was the General Manager of AmeriTitle in White Salmon for over 7 years, as well as managing The Dalles operation for over 5 years. The Title and Escrow business is a locally oriented and dependent business. As such, he has a great interest in the success of our community. As Director, Craig will have the opportunity to give back to the Chamber and the business community.
Craig has a legal background; graduating from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 2001, passing both the South Dakota and Wyoming Bars. He practiced law for little over a year before moving to The Gorge. He has been a resident of White Salmon since summer of 2003 and involved as a Rotarian and have served as the Foundation Chair on the Board for 3 years before stepping aside earlier this year. He is an active volunteer for the White Salmon Soccer league, coaching teams for both my sons for many years.
Making a difference in the community is important to Craig and enjoys helping people and be a part of providing a successful event or organization.
David Dierck
Inn of the White Salmon
White Salmon, Washington
Retired but not tired –out, David Dierck traded his 27-year fire service career for a chance at being an Inn Keeper. Discovering the Gorge and all its offerings brought David and his wife, Dennice to White Salmon as the new owners of the Inn of the White Salmon. Since taking over the business in early 2007, David has coordinated the complete remodel of the hotel and restructuring of the business.
The old hotel now offers a fresh look and is guided by the following treasures of the Gorge: the Arts, Wine, Recreation and Landscape. Always being directed by those four principles, which actually serve as business decision filters, has contributed to the success of the Inn.
Now ready to assist others in business, David has accepted the nomination for Board Member. Some of David’s areas of interest and concern for the Mt. Adams Chamber include a transportation link for Amtrak Travelers visiting the region. Others are economic development of the downtown core of White Salmon, Bingen and promoting Western Klickitat County. David’s approach will be that of, “many hands make light work.” And KISMIF – “keep it simple, make it fun.”
Robin Hale
Bridge RV & Campground
White Salmon, WA
Robin graduated from High School in Washougal, WA., then attended 2 years at Washington State University.
After 10 years of general contracting in the housing industry in the Clark County area he moved his family to Klickitat County in 1984 to build and operate Bridge Mart convenience store in White Salmon. In 1997 after 13 years he sold the convenience store to build and operate Bridge RV Park and Campground in White Salmon.
Since his move to White Salmon, Robin has been actively involved in politics and have served as Klickitat County co-chair in the Republican Party, State committeeman, and precinct committee officer over the past 20 years.
Robin elected and served a term on the Lyle, WA. School District Board of Directors.
Serving on the Mt. Adams Chamber Board is not a new position for Robin. He was elected for 2 3 –year terms from 1998 through 2003, serving as Vice-President in 1998, President in 1999.
Being in the RV Park campground business has given Robin the opportunity to promote the local businesses while helping guests enjoy the beautiful area we live in. I have enjoyed watching the Mt. Adams Chamber evolve over the years and have been very impressed with the professionalism of the Chamber Board and helpful staff.
Brad Roberts
Commercial Developer
White Salmon, Washington
Committees:
Ambassador Committee
Mission- To build membership through innovative leadership and development programs and to mentor members in an effort to maximize their investment in the Chamber resulting in the continued success of their business and the Chamber.
Chair: Kris Goodwillie, Hagadone Directories
Economic Development Committee
Mission- Ensure continued economic prosperity and sustainability to maintain and enhance the communities’ values and vitality. Develop a framework for the industrial segment of our region, expanding Chamber membership among manufacturers and industries.
Chair: James Kacena, Attorney
Ambassador Committee
Mission- To build membership through innovative leadership and development programs and to mentor members in an effort to maximize their investment in the Chamber resulting in the continued success of their business and the Chamber.
Chair: Kris Goodwillie, Hagadone Directories
Economic Development Committee
Mission- Ensure continued economic prosperity and sustainability to maintain and enhance the communities’ values and vitality. Develop a framework for the industrial segment of our region, expanding Chamber membership among manufacturers and industries.
Chair: James Kacena, Attorney
Sustainability / Living Local
Chair: Bruce Bolme, Gorge Local Currency
Executive Committee
Mission- To act for the Board of Directors between meetings of the Board, oversee the Chamber’s Program of Work implementation and to provide direction to the Board of Directors.
Executive Committee
Mission- To act for the Board of Directors between meetings of the Board, oversee the Chamber’s Program of Work implementation and to provide direction to the Board of Directors.
Facilities Committee
Mission- To review the present and future office space and needs of the Chamber staff.
Chair:
Co-Chair:
Budget Committee
Mission- To ensure that the Chamber of Commerce remains fiscally sound and that all monies are handled in a prudent manner.
Chair: Karalee Chabotte
Finance: Paul Doty
Human Resources Committee
Mission: To provide Chamber Staff with human, physical, financial and energetic resources in the role of a mentor. The purpose is to ensure that Staff has the knowledge, tools and resources to accomplish their goals.
Chair: Mary Margaret Evans
Co-Chair:
Chair:
Co-Chair:
Budget Committee
Mission- To ensure that the Chamber of Commerce remains fiscally sound and that all monies are handled in a prudent manner.
Chair: Karalee Chabotte
Finance: Paul Doty
Human Resources Committee
Mission: To provide Chamber Staff with human, physical, financial and energetic resources in the role of a mentor. The purpose is to ensure that Staff has the knowledge, tools and resources to accomplish their goals.
Chair: Mary Margaret Evans
Co-Chair:
Marketing Committee
Mission: To expand development by providing economical, high-impact promotional opportunities by facilitating shared advertising of a wide customer base through exposure with free advertising via newsletters, press releases, Business Guide, Chamber website, rack card display, tourism and relocation packages, phone calls and written requests.
Chair: Steven Springer
Co-Chair: Sandy Dean
Membership Services Committee
Mission: To provide the tools members need to start, manage, and grow their business. To build membership value through a variety of initiatives and programs that increase membership benefit.
Chair: Paul Doty
Co-Chair: Marsha Holliston, Staff
Special Events and Fund Raising Committee
Mission: To develop leadership and networking opportunities for Chamber members while providing community interaction. Responsible for developing ideas and strategies which will be used to generate the needed revenue to support the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce.
Chair: Amanda Robison
Tourism Committee
Mission: To expand tourism in Klickitat County while maintaining an excellent quality of life.
Chair: Michael Rabinowitz
Co-Chair:
Co-Chair:
Website Development Committee
Mission: Oversee the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive website for Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce.
Chair: Kelly Sawyer
