SE Coalition Networking

35419 1st Avenue South,Federal Way WA 98003

19 April, 2023

Description

A critical determinant for investment decision-making is based on the climate for doing business in that area. To have a strong business environment and to be successful in the competitive game of economic development, a community—business, citizens, and government—must be in harmony. The vibrancy of our economic future is driven by the vision of the region’s business leaders. Our region’s economic future is, therefore, tied to leadership that practices the principles of civility, respect, and collaboration. Federal Way Chamber CEO Rebecca Martin, CCE, will share eight points of collaboration essential to economic success. REBECCA MARTIN, CCE, IOM, MA Rebecca Martin, CCE, IOM, is the President and CEO of the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, promoting economic prosperity along the Seattle-Tacoma business corridor in Washington. Martin is an experienced non-profit executive with success in business associations, economic development, tourism, education, waterfront development, and the public sector. Her career is highlighted by results-oriented programming, new revenue generation, and legislative advocacy in multi-county markets with metropolitan statistical areas ranging from 29,000 to 280,000 to 1.7 million. A certified Chamber professional, she is one of only 4% of Chamber executives in the U.S. with the CCE designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the only practicing CEO is the State of Washington with the CCE certification. As CEO of the Greater Federal Way Chamber, Martin increased member retention rate from 61% to 92%, implemented a data-driven economic development body of work, raising $3 million in non-dues revenue and grant funding during her tenure. She was one of 22 Chamber leaders selected as a Fellow for the national Fellowship for Inclusive Economic Growth by ACCE in July 2021. The year-long Fellowship was designed to support chambers as they refine their inclusive economic recovery goals and build recovery programs and processes to replicate nationwide. Leaders selected for the Fellowship represent urban and rural communities from 18 states. She is in her second term as a CCE Commissioner for ACCE. In addition to her CCE, Martin also holds the industry designation of IOM, having completed the program for Institutional Organizational Management offered by the United States Chamber of Commerce. Martin serves on the Board of Directors the Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives. Within the Chamber of Commerce industry, Martin’s career includes: • President & CEO of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber (PA); • a Senior Vice President at the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce (TX); • President & CEO of the Ludington & Scottville Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau (MI); • Vice President of the Chamber Division of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (PA). Prior to her work in the Chamber of Commerce industry, Martin served as Director of Marketing & Government Affairs for the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, the Erie County Executive’s Office, and various roles in education. She served two Governor appointed terms as a state Commissioner on Pennsylvania’s Commission on Women. In Pennsylvania, she earned her MA from Gannon University and her BA, magna cum laude, from Mercyhurst University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmartingreaterseattle/