Chamber to publish its own magazine

Written by Dave Gallagher | The Bellingham Herald | October 9, 2012

Below is a news release from the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry about its new quarterly magazine:

The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry announced the creation of its new quarterly magazine entitled, “Whatcom Report Magazine”

The magazine title ties in with the radio program, “The Whatcom Report,” which is broadcast on Sunday mornings on KGMI and hosted by Ken Oplinger, President/CEO of the Chamber.

The magazine will promote Chamber activities and programs and support the Chamber’s mission to create a strong local economy, promote the community, provide networking opportunities, represent the interests of business with government, and facilitate factually-grounded dialog with business.

The publication will prominently feature Chamber members and will include features from Bellingham Whatcom Tourism and the Northwest Economic Council.  Guest columnists from Whatcom County will also be included.

In the past, the Chamber published a newsletter that was a part of The Bellingham Herald.  It then followed the trend of publishing an e-newsletter.  A recent poll of Chamber members revealed their desire to have a printed publication similar to those published by other Chambers.

“This will give us the opportunity to speak directly to the broader business community” said Ken Oplinger, President/CEO of the Chamber.  “We want to ensure Whatcom County businesses know about all of the great work this Chamber is engaged in on their behalf.”

The first issue will be distributed December 5th at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet.  Additionally, 1,500 copies will be mailed to business and community leaders with another 2500 being distributed to area businesses.

The magazine will be designed and printed in Bellingham by Visitor Guide Publications and Lithtex Northwest.