Greater Vancouver Chamber Board Of Directors Endorses School Replacement Levies And Bonds On February Ballot (Photo) -01/27/25

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 

 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENDORSES SCHOOL REPLACEMENT LEVIES AND BONDS ON FEBRUARY BALLOT 
Investing in Education to Build a Stronger Workforce and Thriving Community 

 

Vancouver, Wash. -- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed the school replacement levies and bonds proposed by Clark County's seven school districts--Battle Ground, Evergreen, Hockinson, La Center, Mount Pleasant, Ridgefield, and Vancouver. The Chamber urges its members and all residents to vote YES for our schools in the February 11, 2025, special election, highlighting the essential role these measures play in building a stronger workforce and supporting community success. 

 

As workforce development continues to be a cornerstone of the GVC's mission, the Chamber emphasizes that strong public education is fundamental to preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce. Investments in schools directly impact the region's economic vitality, business growth, and ability to compete in a dynamic global marketplace. 

 

"A strong education system is critical for maintaining a thriving and sustainable workforce," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "These proposed bonds and levies will address crucial needs in our schools, ensuring students have the tools and opportunities to succeed while strengthening our local economy." 

 

Why These Measures Matter 

 

The replacement levies and bonds aim to address vital needs in Clark County's schools, including: 

• Enhanced Campus Security: Investments in lockdown systems, School Resource Officers, and advanced emergency notification technologies. 

• Special Education Support: Funding to close the gaps left by state education budgets for special education services. 

• Facilities Maintenance: Proactive repairs and upgrades, such as roof and HVAC replacements, to ensure safe and effective learning environments. 

• Extracurricular Programs: Support for arts, drama, and athletics, as well as field improvements like synthetic turf for year-round use. 

If approved, the levies will fund essential programs and services from 2026 to 2029, benefiting every school in the districts and addressing the significant funding shortfalls left by the state's declining investment in education. 

 

Bridging the Funding Gap 

 

Despite the state's constitutional responsibility to fund basic education, the percentage of the state budget allocated to education has dropped significantly--from 52.4% in 2019 to just 43.1% in 2024. This decline underscores the critical importance of local levies and bonds in providing the resources necessary for students and schools to thrive. 

 

A Call to Action 

 

The GVC urges the community to "Say Yes to Our Schools" by supporting these measures. "By approving these levies and bonds, we're not just investing in education--we're investing in our community's future, ensuring students are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow's workforce," McDonagh added. 

 

Ballots for the February 11, 2025, special election will be mailed on January 24 and should arrive in mailboxes by January 30. These replacement levies are not new taxes; they renew expiring levies and will provide critical funding to sustain school programs, services, and infrastructure for the next four years. 

 

For more information on the levies and bonds, visit the Clark County Elections website or contact your local school district. 

 

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington's largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County's business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

Greater Vancouver Chamber Launches Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective: Strengthening Nonprofits Across The Region (Photo) -01/27/25

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
January 27, 2025

 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER LAUNCHES THE SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON NONPROFIT COLLECTIVE: STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS ACROSS THE REGION

The Chamber has leveraged its extensive connections with nonprofits and business leaders to create a comprehensive support system for nonprofit success.

 

 

Vancouver, Wash. -- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the rebranding of its nonprofit programming under a new identity: the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective. This evolution reflects the Chamber's expanded role in supporting nonprofits across Southwest Washington through robust programming, advocacy, and resources.

 

Since launching the Nonprofit POD in 2022, the Chamber has significantly broadened its services to nonprofit organizations. This growth has been further bolstered by GVC's integration of the Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington, previously a volunteer-run organization. The Chamber has leveraged its extensive connections with nonprofits and business leaders to create a comprehensive support system for nonprofit success.

 

Key Programs Under the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective

• Technical Assistance Nonprofit POD: Providing tailored support to nonprofit organizations.

• Nonprofit Workshops: Delivering expertise on critical topics such as governance, compliance, and fundraising.

• Nonprofit Advocacy: Representing nonprofit interests at the local, state, and national levels. This year, GVC testified on a house bill affecting nonprofits just three days into the legislative session.

• Board Ready Certification Program: Preparing community members to serve effectively on nonprofit boards.

• Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Training Program: Building strong leadership and succession capabilities within nonprofit organizations.

• Nonprofit Networking Events: Creating opportunities for nonprofits to collaborate and share resources.

• Volunteer Match-Up: Partner with local agencies to connect volunteers in Southwest Washington to nonprofits by matching their skills, availability, and interests with the nonprofits' specific needs.

• Give More 24!: Hosting the region's largest annual giving day, spotlighting nonprofit missions and engaging community members.

 

Supporting Nonprofit Success Through Advocacy and Collaboration

 

The Chamber's efforts extend beyond technical assistance. With strengthened relationships with local legislators and partnerships with economic development organizations statewide, GVC is poised to influence policies impacting nonprofits. By amplifying nonprofit voices, the Chamber ensures that critical issues facing the sector are addressed effectively.

 

Building Connections Between Nonprofits and Businesses

 

A unique feature of the Nonprofit Collective is its focus on connecting nonprofits with local businesses. From legal experts in nonprofit law to marketing agencies specializing in cause-driven campaigns, GVC brings together resources to strengthen nonprofits' operations and outreach.

 

Impact and Reach

 

Since 2022, the Chamber's nonprofit programming has actively served over 100 nonprofits spanning 20+ sectors and multiple counties, including Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania. These organizations benefit from innovative programming and access to community leaders dedicated to fostering a thriving nonprofit ecosystem.

 

Vision for the Future

 

"At the Greater Vancouver Chamber, we are committed to building community, capacity, and leadership within the nonprofit sector. The Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective reflects our dedication to empowering nonprofits to forward their missions, retain staff, and increase visibility in their communities," said Janet Kenefsky, Chief Operating Officer at GVC. "Through collaboration, advocacy, and resources, we're shaping a stronger, more connected nonprofit community."

 

For more information about the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective and its programs, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/swwa-nonprofit-collective/

 

 

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

 

SW Washington's largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County's business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

 

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Give More 24! Returns To Inspire Giving In Southwest Washington (Photo) -01/14/25

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
January 14, 2025

 

 

GIVE MORE 24! RETURNS TO INSPIRE GIVING IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

Greater Vancouver Chamber to reboot the region’s largest giving day September 25th, 2025.

 

Vancouver, Wash. — Give More 24!, the region’s largest day of generosity, is set to return on Thursday, September 25, 2025. After a two-year hiatus, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is reviving this impactful event thanks to a generous capacity-building grant from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. As a Founding Sponsor, the Community Foundation has also endorsed the event’s return to southwest Washington.

 

Created in 2014, Give More 24! has empowered nonprofits across Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties to raise more than $16 million. Designed to make donating easy and exciting, this event connects donors with local causes while equipping nonprofits with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

 

“When local nonprofits succeed, our community succeeds. The Community Foundation has championed this idea for four decades, and we're grateful to have strong, local partners like the GVC to advance this shared mission,” Matt Morton, president of the Community Foundation, said. “Give More 24! is a low-barrier, high-impact way for local causes to raise funds and develop digital skills, and we know GVC will continue building on its success.”

 

The 24-hour giving marathon invites individuals, families, and businesses to contribute to the causes they care about, amplifying the impact of their generosity through a collaborative digital platform at GiveMore24.org. Starting at midnight on Sept. 25, donors can support their favorite causes and watch all the giving add up in real-time for 24 hours.

 

The event also aims to help nonprofits raise awareness for programs that uplift and foster a stronger, more vibrant community.

 

Participating organizations will receive step-by-step guidance from the Greater Vancouver Chamber to ensure their success. This includes access to training, resources, and tools to optimize their fundraising efforts.

 

“The return of Give More 24! is a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve when we unite around a shared purpose,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “We are honored to bring this day of giving back to its local roots and support the incredible organizations that serve southwest Washington so diligently. It’s a day where generosity knows no bounds, and every contribution creates ripples of impact.”

 

Mark your calendars for September 25, 2025, and take part in a movement that transforms lives and strengthens our community.

 

For more information about Give More 24!, including how to participate as a nonprofit or donor, visit GiveMore24.org.

 

About Give More 24!

 

Give More 24! is a day of giving dedicated to those who love southwest Washington and the incredible nonprofits that help us thrive. Created by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington in 2014, Give More 24! equips nonprofits with tools to inspire generosity and raise funds during a 24-hour campaign. To date, nonprofits have raised $16 million and engaged thousands of donors through the Give More 24! platform. 

 

In 2024, the Greater Vancouver Chamber began powering Give More 24! as part of its efforts to support the nonprofit community and plans to grow the impact of southwest Washington's largest day of giving. 

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.

 

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Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vzCmW6rdhSKreVCpwk0NqCOQvkHgSlIc?usp=sharing

 

Official Event Link
https://www.givemore24.org/