To thrive, Spokane Valley businesses require healthy, incorporated city

Two weeks ago the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 88th anniversary serving businesses and the communities that make up the Spokane Valley area of eastern Spokane County.

We got our start in Greenacres when the industry was largely agricultural. Small communities sprang up along what was Highway 10 and later Interstate 90.

Times have changed greatly since 1921 with the development of the cities of Millwood, Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley; however, the need to represent local business never ceases to be important. Our industries are now diversified, and we can be proud of being a retail and service center for the Inland Northwest.

The mission of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber states: “We are an organization of business members committed to fostering relationships between members and the community. We serve the interest of our members by acting as a catalyst for a vibrant sustainable economy.”

Basically, we exist now as a 1,000-member association of businesses and organizations made up of people who are dedicated to having healthy communities where business can prosper. We are not a part of any municipality. We are not supported by taxpayer funds. We are supported by the dues from our members.

Even though we are not part of any city, we see the health of the cities where our members are located as extremely important to business growth and development. Lately our board of directors has become concerned about what we are seeing from the disincorporation effort. Why are we concerned about one city when we serve the entire Valley? Well, the answer to that question is that 58 percent of our members are within the city limits of Spokane Valley.

Community cohesiveness is important to business vitality. Think about this point. Would you move your new company into a community that looks like the citizens do not get along and a few are even trying to destroy their own city? Those red signs, although few in number, are not good for business.

Much misinformation is being distributed. We want to get the facts out to the public. The truth is that we have a well-functioning, financially stable city. Spokane Valley is the seventh-largest city in the state. It has the second-lowest property taxes in Spokane County. With a city government in place, we truly have an opportunity to shape our future.

In 2001 the chamber supported incorporation of the city of Spokane Valley. We continue to support that city governing structure today. There have been times when the chamber has had differing opinions with the city leadership on issues, but we have found that elected officials will listen and have made changes.

As citizens and business owners, we have the responsibility to speak up. If you have a complaint, you can go before the City Council. There is an opportunity on the agenda at every council meeting. If you don’t like the decisions of our elected officials, you have the privilege and responsibility to vote. Better yet, if you are really moved to make a difference, you can run for office.

Most of us remember the time before the community was a city. One of our members reminded me the other day what it was like when we were 80,000 people basically represented by one county commissioner. We looked like a city then but had no ability to focus tax money on or make decisions affecting our growing urban needs or to determine what was in the best interests of our businesses.

It’s nice to remember the rural history of the Valley and to reflect nostalgically on the past, but the fact is that we cannot go back there to live. Let’s continue to move forward to build a positive future. We need to encourage people to take pride in Spokane Valley.