The Yelm Chamber of Commerce elected a new slate of officers and directors to lead the organization starting in May, 2022, including a new president-elect in Tracie Choate, who is the owner and broker of Realty One Group Bold. Choate, who previously served on the chamber’s executive committee as secretary, will serve for two years as President-Elect before stepping into the Presidency role.
Tracie says, “After being a part of the Yelm community for more than 22 years, Yelm is a part of my heart. I strive to give back to the community that has been my home, where I have raised my two wonderful sons and where I have built my business. I am so excited for the opportunity to give back to our community and our Yelm Chamber of Commerce members through being on the Chamber Executive Board as President-Elect. Some might say that a six-year commitment is a long one, but for me it won’t be long enough. I look forward to continuing to work with our Board of Directors, Executive Director, members and community to support the businesses in our beautiful town and continue to attract people from our surrounding communities to all of our can’t miss networking and community events.”
Tracie will replace Joseph Richardson, Associate Pastor at Yelm Prairie Christian Center, who will move into his Presidency role, replacing current President Dan Nicholson.
Joe is excited to see events grow and thrive under his Presidency. He’s thrilled that things are getting back to normal and is looking forward to seeing familiar favorites reappear in 2022 & 2023, like the beloved parades and the Nisqually Valley Home Show. Joe says, “Come see me at the Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally, my favorite Yelm event!” Joe is excited about the quality of the Board of Directors. He continues, “the Board meetings, and all the networking events are just fun! Everyone brings personality and character to the table.”
Dan Nicholson, owner of D Zines Creative Solutions and Graphic Designs, has served as President of the Yelm Chamber since 2020, taking the reins just as state lockdowns started, and will continue serving in an advisory role for two years as Past-President. Under Dan’s Presidency, the Chamber introduced the Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally, established the Business Economic Recovery Taskforce, which provides grants to businesses in our area, and effectively navigated a changing landscape created by a pandemic. “My time as President of the Yelm Chamber has been an immensely rewarding and challenging experience. I will always cherish the memories I’ve gained and the amazing people I’ve come to know. I am humbled to have had such an amazing opportunity to leave a small mark on a community I am proud to call my own,” says outgoing President Dan Nicholson. Nicholson will serve another two years as Past-President.
After a 17 year tenure, including many years in leadership roles, Angie Evans of the Prairie Hotel, is stepping off the Yelm Chamber Board of Directors. “Since joining the board in 2008, I have had many incredible opportunities to grow personally and professionally,” Angie said, “The relationships I made and the business opportunities that arose as a result of being on the chamber board will last a lifetime.” She continued with, “The success of a business is heavily dependent on being integrated into the community. The Yelm Chamber of Commerce is an excellent avenue for doing just that. Chamber members are notorious for supporting each other and Yelm Chamber is no exception.”
Teri Pablo, Yelm Community Schools, will be taking over the role of Secretary and Jane Walker, Olympia Federal Savings Bank, will retain her position as Treasurer.
Amber Young of America’s Credit Union, Jesse Kellems of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, and Steele Clayton of State Farm Insurance were reelected as directors and are joined by Lyndi Baublits of Christensen’s Home Furnishings in her first Chamber board position.
The Yelm Chamber of Commerce, with more than 175 active members, reported record-breaking attendance at the 2021 Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally and are excited to bring back community favorites like the Nisqually Home & Garden Show after pandemic-induced hiatus.
To stay up to date on all the Chamber events and new information, follow the Yelm Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
