Chamber Holds First 2023 Business After Hours, Introduces Goals for Year

Over fifty local business owners and Whitehall residents attended the Whitehall Chamber’s first Business After Hours of 2023, held at the Borden’s conference room on Wednesday, January 12.

New President Elizabeth Pullman introduced the incoming board, which consists of Pullman (Whitehall Ledger) as President, Pamela Polachi (Settings) as Past President, Dana Brunet (Peppertree Deli) as Vice President, Sherre Mead (Numb3rs Bookkeeping and Tax) as Treasurer, Carey Burnside (Arctic Heat), Anna Coleman (Starlight Electric), Kylie Hansen (Whitehall PTSA), Sharon Macheel (Copper Mountain Perfect Puppy) and Samara Doran (Friend of the Chamber) as the Board of Directors. Chiara Schober is the Chamber’s Executive Assistant.

A very brief general membership meeting was had before kicking off the Business After Hours, with those in attendance introducing themselves, their business, and why they attended the evening’s event.

Pullman stressed that her presidency will be focused on listening to input from the community, building a stronger Shop Small, Shop Local campaign in town, and keeping things lighthearted and fun.

“No one should dread coming to a Chamber meeting,” she said, adding that meetings will be more work-session and brainstorming than just committee reports.

Posterboards and post-it notes were provided, asking for input. Some comments included:

Benefits You Want From the Chamber:

• Grant information, promotional and marketing support, etc.

Pros/Cons of Being a Business in Whitehall:

• Pros: Small town atmosphere, everyone knows one another, safe community overall, etc.

• Cons: Theft, growing crime rates, no affordable office space, antiquated mindset when it comes to change, etc.

What Can the Chamber Do Better:

• Have stronger incentives/benefits to join, Transportation on Frontier Days, Stronger communication with businesses, etc.

What do you/don’t you want to see for Whitehall:

• Do: More affordable office space, Shop Local campaign, More places to eat, Business diversity, Businesses working together, hotel space for tourists, etc.

• Don’t: Lack of culture, big box stores, crime, “Old” Businesses not being welcoming to new businesses, etc.

The Chamber is working to collate all the input gathered and work on a “plan of attack” to include most suggestions.

The next monthly Chamber meeting will be held Thursday, February 9 at 1 PM at Borden's. The next Business After Hours will be held Wednesday, February 15 from 5-7 PM with Peppertree Deli hosting, featuring Montana Jam & Candles and White Hat Solutions.