Tigard Chamber of Commerce pushes for 100 new members

The chamber CEO says the Tigard business community is beginning to have a little more optimism about the future

By Nick Peterson

The Times, Feb 4, 2010 (1 Reader comment)

Jaime Valdez / Times Newspapers

Debi Mollahan

The Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce isn’t letting an anemic economy stifle its enthusiasm — it recently kicked off a campaign to add 100 new businesses to its ranks.

The membership drive kicked off on Jan. 21 with an open house and continues with another open house tonight (Thursday), 4 to 6 p.m., at the chamber office, 12345 S.W. Main St.

“The drive is going very well. I think we’re starting to get a lot of good buzz and energy,” said Debi Mollahan, Tigard chamber CEO. “We’re starting to see people just walking in the door of the chamber and calling inquiring about membership. We’re also seeing people who have been members in the past, but had not renewed (for) several years, rejoining.”

As of Tuesday, Mollahan said, seven or eight new members had signed up since the start of the drive.

“For our existing members, the mantra is, ‘Find one. Bring one.’” Mollahan said. “Because with 250 member businesses, 100 new members is completely achievable.”

The chamber is hoping to reach its goal by the end of February, but Mollahan said it is probably prepared to push that date out a little, if necessary.

“We’d like for it to be kind of intense, and move the ball forward, and then get on with the business of the chamber and really enabling those new members to realize the benefits of the chamber.”

Businesses more optimistic

Mollahan said she thinks the mood of the business community in Tigard is beginning to turn more optimistic following the downturn we have been through.

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