So I went to have a conversation with the Chamber president, Colleen Kurke (owner of Cutz Meridian Salon). She was quick to point out that the businesses in Wallingford who need the Chamber’s services are primarily the small to tiny (home) businesses, adding, “I think Wallingford has more independent small business than any other neighborhood. We see that as a positive quality that gives Wallingford a small town feel.” Monthly brunches offer a way to meet other local business owners, share struggles, ideas, and information. Educational presentations are often included. They also help members with promotion through the on-line newsletter.
An equally strong goal of the Chamber is to increase community awareness of not only local businesses, but also other community organizations and local services. “We really do feel that a strong sense of community will help the business community,” says Kurke. The Chamber has consistently fought City Hall to maintain our free parking on 45th. They also sponsor the Farmers Market and First Wednesday Art Walk.
“We are also planning a huge fund raiser for the Wallingford Community Senior Center sometime this year,” Kurke adds, explaining that the Center is again being threatened with eviction in 12 months. “We plan to make every Wallingford business (approximately 850 in number) aware of what the Center does and why it is important to the community. We need to educate the public that the Senior Center is now also our Community Center.”
Just this past week the Chamber helped to form an Advisory Board along with members from NW Family Works, Wallingford Neighborhood Association, Sustainable Wallingford, and the Senior/Community Center in order to strengthen connections between the groups. They also send a representative to the monthly meetings of the Wallingford Community Council. “The goal is working together for the common good of the neighborhood,” says Kurke.
Wallingford COC is entirely autonomous. Policy is decided within the group. Major decisions are voted on by membership. “If you want to see a change, be a part of it. You get what you put in,” Kurke adds. At this point, a business license, the annual fee ($100 – $200), and the desire to join are all that’s required.
If you’re a small business looking to connect with the Chamber of Commerce, you can send them an email at: [email protected] or drop by their office behind Tully’s.
This is helpful
A couple points- this president is relatively new and cant really take credit for much work done over many years by others.
While relationships ar esupposedly being built the fact remains that the office is not regularly staffed and phone calls are not returned.
A big thought- if the Wallingford Senior Center is so close to ejection.. why not change it entirely to a community center and move soem groups from FamilyWorks building and have a staffed office in the Home of Good Sheperd?
They always return my calls. Are you sure you’re dialing the right number? If you dial a phone the way you type, you could be calling anyone.
fair enough, and a little funny.
I know I dialed the right number, though.
Recents reports of the Wallingford Community Senior Centers coming demise is incorrect. We are alive and flourishing. Not to say we don’t need continuing financial support, because we very much welcome and need it. WCSC is in a period of transition, from a Senior Center only model to an all ages “Community Center”.
Visit our web site http://www.wallingfordseniors.org and check out the expanded all ages programs and activities. We are considering change the name to better reflect our new strategic thinking. We are looking for folks who want to join us in this transformation. If you would like to be apart of our Leadership Team please give me a call.
Jim Stillman- WCSC Board President, 206 406 0635