HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Service Organization Fair was October 14 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC).
The fair was a chance for community members to connect with resources and nonprofits, look for ways to get involved, and also highlighted the work of volunteer organizations in the region.
“It’s always humbling to be in the presence of so many volunteers,” said Val Hoxie, Executive Director of the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce. “Time is our most precious commodity, and you can’t put a price tag on the amount of time they spend on behalf of the community. That deserves a day of recognition.”
Sponsored by Rogers Toyota, AWS, and Umatilla Electric Cooperative, 25 nonprofits and service organizations registered for the event.
This year the Service Organization Fair moved from the Hermiston Community Center to EOTEC, a change that allowed the event to include a breakfast sponsored by UEC, and two training sessions in the morning before the service fair in the afternoon.
“It’s been another fabulous event, it’s been a pleasure to host,” said Hoxie. “With the location change we were able to have two breakout training sessions, and the extra space allows us to grow and have more nonprofits participate.”
Nonprofits and service organizations in attendance included Eastern Oregon Mission, United Way, Kiwanis, Altrusa International of Hermiston, American Legion Post 37, Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) Community Health and Outreach, and many more.
“This is my first year attending,” said Robert Longoria, Executive Director of Eastern Oregon Mission. “I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations to better serve the people of Umatilla County.”
Attendees had the opportunity to get free flu shots courtesy of GSHCS, as well as learn about health care services and volunteer opportunities available in the community.
“It’s exciting to see all the groups here making where we live and work a better place,” said Dorcie Tracy, with the GSHCS Auxiliary. “We’re always looking for volunteers. We’re a great group of people to work with, and it’s not a huge time commitment.”
As members of the Hermiston Chamber, nonprofits can be featured on the Chamber’s electronic readerboard and in the newsletter, as well as having access to the community calendar and being included in community events, such as the service fair.
The Chamber has also started a “Who Made Your Day?” program, for residents to nominate businesses and employees who deserve a shout-out.
According to Hoxie, the program is a response to the negativity that often pervades social media and is, instead, an opportunity to highlight local businesses and employees who make Hermiston a better place to live, work, shop, and do business.
Nominations may be submitted to info@hermistonchamber.com. Selected stories may be featured in Chamber communications, including in the newsletter and on the podcast.
More information on the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and a list of its nonprofit members is available online.
