Membership Growth: From April 2003 to Present, our membership base nearly tripled in size, resulting in a more powerful Chamber (650+members). With a larger voice, presence and respect in the community, our goals are equally ambitious for the 2006 fiscal year.

Economic Vitality Committee (EVC): Partnering with the City of Federal Way, this committee is most recognized for its work on the “25% Trigger”, which made it easier for developers/owners to make property improvements, and for most recently achieving I-5 Corridor Sign Code Revisions.  The agenda continues to be aggressive, including focusing on the DOT's Triangle Study and the newly formed Business Climate Taskforce.

RTID “Triangle Project”: The Chamber spearheaded a group of local business/community leaders to generate action items necessary for the 1-5/SR-161/SR-18 project to remain funded by the Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID) program.  Partnering with the City’s Economic Development Committee (EDC), the Chamber's Economic Vitality Committee continues to keep funding for this project high on the agenda, with over $200,000,000 in revenue needed to relieve congestion and keep the vital interchanges safe and navigable.

Business Climate Taskforce:  A recent sub-committee of the Chamber’s Economic Vitality Committee and City’s Economic Development Committee, their goal is to help identify realistic key business development strategies in this ever changing marketplace we call Federal Way.  Work on the Business Climate Survey has begun—a key tool to help in achieving these goals.

The Vision of Federal Way:  A result of June 2004 CEO's roundtable discussions, the Chamber led the initiative to define a common vision for our community by gathering city officials and business influencers to develop long and short term goals, objectives, and timelines. After several meetings and much feedback, a final report will be given to the City Council, and the Chamber will follow up with Council members regarding the implementation and communication of such plans.

Federal Way Education/Communities in Schools Foundation: Having raised $200,000 in donations, pledges, corporate grants, United Way and in-kind contributions this past year.  The mission of the Foundation is to create and financially support effective programs that substantially increase opportunities for children, youth, and adults in Federal Way to experience Academic Success. 

Federal Way Women’s Network:  With the tagline “Empowering Women”, these semi-annual forums consistently attract large crowds and give voice to the area’s top business women.  Events feature nationally recognized keynote speakers, and have focused on balancing work and health, communication, networking, finance and other workplace and in-home issues facing today’s women.

Advancing Leadership Youth Program: Mirroring the adult program, this course premiered Fall 2004 when select high school sophomores and juniors were invited to comprise the 2005 graduating class of the local teen community leaders. 

New Member Orientation: Our quarterly breakfast program was developed to educate and inform new members on how to use the many different resources and tools the Chamber offers – and remains an important tool for new and renewing members of the Chamber.

For more information on membership development, call Bridget O’Connor at the Chamber office at 253-838-2605 xt. 104 or e-mail bridgeto@federalwaychamber.com