The Chamber is a place for businesses to network and communicate with one another towards the purpose of improving the business community. We take our responsibility as non-political business/community advocates seriously, and as such, provide a link between our unincorporated area and Pacific County government. We market and promote Chamber sponsored events and community events that bring thousands of visitors to our local businesses. We also have established working relationships with our elected District 19 Legislators and other Pacific County Chambers along with key community organizations.
Did you know the north peninsula generates nearly two-thirds of the property tax collected in the unincorporated portion of Pacific County? The Chamber is the voice for being treated fairly and equitably by our county government. As such, we tackle important issues such as the septage problem, razor clam management, and public safety. We also keep watch over lodging tax funds, making sure distribution to the unincorporated part of the county remains in compliance with regulations.
We are hoping 2023 proves to be a fresh start for you and your businesses and we hope that fresh start also includes expanding your participation in Chamber activities. To whet your appetites, we offer these options:
• Expanded publication of the very popular Ocean Park Get Away brochure including all OPACC
members. Tide Books for 2023 have already been ordered!
• Continued and expanded outreach to WA and OR chambers of commerce with info about events &
businesses in our area with emphasis on day trippers and overnighters
• Increased use of targeted audience digital advertising via various social media platforms
• Creation of an easy to follow, local and outreach media guide/workshop for all members to employ
• Creation of New Resident info pack
• Continued promise of providing you the most up to date WA Commerce information in a timely manner
• Continued upgrade of the NW Garlic Festival and all other events the Chamber is involved in
• A voice to County and State agencies
• A place to bring ideas, questions and even complaints, all to the goal impacting our businesses and
neighborhoods in a positive manner
• Tuesday’s News will continue!
We firmly believe that once a visitor comes to any part of Pacific County, they will return to explore even more of our wonderful locations and businesses. To that point, we have developed strong working relationships with other Pacific County chambers, merchant associations and the Pacific County EDC. We are rebuilding our relationship with the reorganized Pacific County Tourism Bureau, and we support and work with other organizations such as the Beach Barons Car Club, the Lions, Village Club and Port of Peninsula in their endeavors to make our communities better places to live and visit. We value our excellent working relationship with PCFD#1 and are excited to expand our relationship with the Pacific County Sheriff’s Department.
Our Purpose
The Chamber is a non-profit organization founded to protect and promote the free enterprise system within the trade area and for the benefit of its membership. The Chamber is an organization of citizens interested in promoting and marketing worthwhile civic and/or cultural events for the community. Opening paragraph ~ Article II Purpose, from our Bylaws
Community Projects
Chamber members formed the North Peninsula Improvement Association (NPIA) to deal with Ocean Park Area flooding issues. The NPIA went on to work with the county to form a PDA which bought the private water system and turned it into a public water utility district owned by the citizens of Ocean Park.
The first portion of the Beach to Bay trail project was made possible by a $71,000 grant procured by the Chamber.
The Chamber was instrumental in getting public bathrooms on the Bay Avenue Beach Approach.
Clamming regulations are important to the Chamber and the local community. The Chamber continues to represent local merchants in ongoing conversations with the Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding razor clam issues. These conversations have resulted in significant numbers of clamming days added over the last several years.
Marketing Support
The Chamber provides extensive informational exchange between our businesses and strategic partners throughout the county, state and neighboring communities regarding tourism. This effort is enhanced by a stronger digital and social media presence. To that effort, our website was completely redesigned in 2020 and a marketing specialist was hired in August 2021 to make sure our efforts were getting the best results possible. So far, so very good. Our website, Facebook page, Instagram and Pinterest platforms are seeing great response!
We offer marketing support for members as well as community and county events. Our recent outreach to over 31 fellow chambers in WA and OR has been successfully created new working relationships for shared, digital information. We plan to double the number of chambers in 2023.
Sponsored Events
- NW Garlic Festival
- Old Fashioned 4th of July
- Halloween Party with Fire District #1, Beach Barons, the Lions & Port of Peninsula
- Community Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop with Fire District #1, Beach Barons Car Club, the Lions & Port of Peninsula along with other organizations and individuals.
- Walking Tour Brochure
- Ocean Park Area Get Away Guide for 2023 is in process
Chamber Office
The Chamber office is staffed four hours a day, 5 days a week to respond to requests for Relocation Packets, Lodging Information, Shopping, Activities, and to provide business and tourism information. We are proud of our ability to remain open safely (as soon as was allowed) throughout the pandemic.
Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce
Located at 1715 Bay Avenue in Ocean Park
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12 to 4 pm.
Outreach
Reports from our Social Media Manager and Office Administrator are given at every meeting and recorded in our minutes.
Join Us!
We hope you will join us in our efforts to promote our community, help keep it healthy and protect our businesses.