A fresh approach to supporting our community
The Concrete Chamber is making a thoughtful shift in how we support local businesses and community events in 2026 and beyond.
Starting in January, we have moved away from annual memberships and toward a sponsorship model. Instead of focusing on dues, businesses and individuals will be able to invest directly in the events, promotions, and projects that bring customers to our businesses and shine a spotlight on our community.
Here’s what’s changing (for the better!):
• No more annual membership dues.
• New options to sponsor specific events or projects that align with your business.
• Increased visibility for as many businesses as possible on our website, with a small, one-time fee to cover page creation and maintenance.
• A new, informal meeting format called “What’s Up, Concrete?”—casual drop-ins hosted in a variety of locations throughout the year.
Why we’re making this change
Over the past few years, we’ve seen that what truly helps local businesses is visibility and connection. Business owners have told us they don’t have time for meetings or committee obligations, that what they care about is supporting positive improvements in our community. You’ve told us that increasing tourism and event participation helps your business more than monthly Chamber meetings. This new model will:
• Make it easier for any business, large or small, to participate.
• Tie your support directly to visible, high-impact work (events, marketing, tourism, and community projects).
• Give you more flexible ways to be involved—financially, in-kind, or simply by showing up and staying informed.
What the Chamber has accomplished
The Chamber stewards a year-round portfolio of events—from Mardi Gras and Mountain Film Festival to 4th of July Celebration, Cascade Days, Ghost Walk and Halloween activities, and Christmas events. These consistently bring people to town and into our businesses. In 2026 we’re adding fresh programming, including a new Bear Square Music Festival and a PhotoWalk, designed to put people on the streets, in our shops, and in our shared public spaces throughout the town.We’ve also partnered with the Town of Concrete and other nonprofits on projects such as the EV chargers, the Concrete Fly-In, the dog park survey, Adopt-a-Spot program, Main Street banners, holiday decorations, and more. Our new sponsorship model allows businesses to connect their support directly to these kinds of high-visibility events and improvements.
Concrete Chamber website
Our website is the only one east of Sedro‑Woolley focused entirely on tourism and business promotion in our area. It’s where visitors, potential new residents, and event organizers go to find out what’s happening here, where to stay, where to eat, and who does what. By keeping your business listed there, you’re part of the ‘official’ picture that people see when they’re deciding whether to come, where to spend their time, and how to spend their money. Our goal is to continue listing as many eastern Skagit Valley businesses as possible on our website. We’ll charge a modest fee (not an annual membership) to:
• Create or update your business page
• Help maintain this site as a showcase of our community
As we finalize the fee structure and benefits, we’ll share simple, clear options so you can choose what fits your needs and budget.
“What’s Up, Concrete?” gatherings
Instead of formal meetings in one location, we’re taking the Chamber on the road this year! We’ll host relaxed “What’s Up, Concrete?” get-togethers at businesses and other locations. You’ll be able to:
• See what’s new at each host business or public space
• Hear brief updates about community projects and events
• Ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other owners and community members
We’ll announce dates, times, and locations on Facebook and via email, so you can drop in when it works for you. Please be aware these may be stand-up meetings and usually no refreshments will be served.
What we’d like from you
• Stay on our email list and follow us on Facebook.
• Consider becoming a sponsor when we roll out those options.
• Keep telling us what helps your business most—your feedback shapes what we do.
Thank you for everything you’ve already done to support Concrete. This change isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what we do better, with more flexibility and more visibility for our local businesses.
Warmly,
The Concrete Chamber Board*
* Board members Valerie Stafford, Anne Bussiere, Helen Ovenell, and Cindy Kleinhuizen have run or continue to operate successful businesses in eastern Skagit Valley. We are all volunteers who in addition to serving with the Concrete Chamber, are also members of a variety of other boards and nonprofit organizations.