The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – January’s winners for the Shop Waitsburg First drawing were Wendy Richards (Waitsburg Grocery), Mike Cook (Waitsburg Grocery), and Dena Wood (Midway Food Mart). Each winner received a check in the amount of their purchase (up to $50) from the Waitsburg Commercial Club.

The Commercial Club sponsored the drawing as a way to encourage residents to spend money locally – one of the goals set by the club. Other club goals include drawing visitors to town, encouraging overnight stays in local lodging, and honoring local business leaders and community volunteers.

The Waitsburg Commercial Club was incorporated in 1902 as an economic development nonprofit organization. At over 110 years old, the club is still going strong and serves as Waitsburg’s Chamber of Commerce.

According to Commercial Club President Joy Smith, many chambers of commerce began as commercial clubs, including those in Dayton, Pasco and Walla Walla. They later changed their names to chambers of commerce. As one of the few cities that has retained its original charter it is fitting that Waitsburg’s Commercial Club would also retain its original name.

Anyone interested in promoting Waitsburg’s business community is invited to attend meetings and become a member. Current officers are: President, Joy Smith; First Vice President, Ron Groom; Second Vice President, Valerie Mudry; Secretary, Mark Pickel, and Treasurer, Fred Gonzalez.

Commercial Club meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, September through May. Members and non-members are welcome. Membership is only $25.00 per year for businesses and $10.00 per year for individuals. Membership is recognition of your participation in the club’s program of work.

The next Commercial Club meeting will be held at the Lions Building at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds at noon on Feb. 18. Waitsburg City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe will give a tour of the fairgrounds facilities and discuss its condition and uses.

The Shop Waitsburg First drawings will run through March. Three people will be reimbursed for their purchases, up to $50, each month. Receipts must be entered by the April 4 and must have the name of the Waitsburg business and the date of purchase printed on the sales receipt. Shoppers may enter as many receipts as they like.

Receipts may be mailed to the Commercial Club at PO Box 451, Waitsburg, or a picture may be emailed to waitsburgcc@iCloud.com or messaged to Waitsburg Commercial Club on Facebook. Be sure to include contact information with the receipt.

Commercial Club event dates and general information are posted at https://www.facebook.com/ WaitsburgCommercialClub and at http://www.cityofwaitsburg.com.