Morgan takes helm at Spokane Valley Chamber

Before her official start Monday, Katherine Morgan already had immersed herself in some homework as the new Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.

Morgan, 31, began giving input a few weeks ago on a chamber rebranding campaign that will update the organization’s website, logo and handouts next month. Once in the office this week, she filled her days mostly making rounds among the organization’s nearly 600 members.

Arriving with a marketing background and real estate industry ties, Morgan said she expects to draw on that experience.

“The role of the chamber is to promote the business community, and marketing certainly plays into that because the chamber is here to add value, to serve our members and our community, and be a voice,” Morgan said.

“We’re here to promote opportunities to work together and demonstrate that the Valley is a great place to work, live and play.”

A Liberty Lake resident, Morgan takes over for Eldonna Shaw, who left the position earlier this summer after 13 years with the organization. Morgan will oversee a staff of four at the chamber’s office at 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane in Liberty Lake.

Raised in Post Falls and the Valley, Morgan previously worked for four years as marketing director of the Spokane Home Builders Association, starting in 2007.

In 2011, she was recruited for a similar marketing role with the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City. She stayed a year, before being drawn back to Spokane. Her parents, brother and sister all live in Spokane Valley.

A Gonzaga University graduate, she finished a master’s degree in business administration there this year. Most recently, she worked nearly two years as director of development and marketing for All Saints Catholic School. Her other prior jobs include marketing director at Greenstone Corp., and project manager for the Kendall Yards development in downtown Spokane.

“I’ve been fortunate to build relationships in the building and real estate community, and with those in the academic community,” Morgan said. “I’ve had some great experiences and incredible mentors. I look forward to serving the Valley and the community that I love.”

In her new role at the chamber, Morgan said her initial plan is to work on strengthening the chamber’s relationships with businesses, schools, community groups and other area business chambers.

“I plan to actively work with GSI (Greater Spokane Incorporated) and other local chambers, including the Coeur d’Alene Chamber and the West Plains Chamber,” Morgan said. “By working together, we can collectively grow the Northwest.”

“For me, my great passion is serving the Valley. I truly believe the Valley is one of the greatest places to start a business. The quality of life here can’t be compared because it covers every aspect: a great place to work, great schools, great parks, nature, and we have all four seasons. It’s rare to find a community where you can find all of these.”

To support emerging businesses in Spokane Valley, Morgan said the chamber will continue offering NxLeveL, a program for training entrepreneurs.

“In 2013, we graduated 134 new business entrepreneurs,” she said. “It’s recognized by the Washington State University SBDC (Small Business Development Center) as one of the best programs in the state. You learn how to effectively run a business.”

Morgan said in coming weeks, she’ll get a chance to meet with her predecessor, Shaw.

“She’s done an incredible job with the chamber; she laid a solid foundation which will allow me to springboard us into the next era,” Morgan said. “The chamber has been here 93 years. I’m very excited to take the chamber into our 100th year and beyond.”

“We are here to connect, empower and innovate. By this, we hope to connect great people, empower each other by sharing our knowledge and experiences, and ultimately foster innovation in the Valley.”