Chamber Announces 2025 Funding it Forward Recipients

Written By Troy Campbell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2025

 

Contact: Troy Campbell, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, troy@leavenworth.org

 

LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF 2025 DESTINATION SMART ‘FUNDING IT FORWARD’ PROGRAM

Five projects and numerous other programs and initiatives to be funded in part through the Chamber’s Destination Smart Sustainable Tourism Management Plan

 

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. – The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of its inaugural Funding it Forward program, part of the Chamber’s Destination Smart Sustainable Tourism Management Plan. Five projects, as well as numerous other programs and initiatives, will be supported in part through Funding it Forward.

The Chamber’s Funding It Forward program offers fundraising opportunities for member nonprofits, financial support for events not organized by the Chamber, and funding for projects that enhance, restore, or contribute to Leavenworth and the surrounding membership area.

In 2025, the Chamber’s Funding It Forward programs will include the Carvings for Causes silent auction during the summer, as well as the Recreation, Oktoberfest, and Christmastown Ambassador programs. Additionally, the Chamber is allocating nearly $150,000 to support events, programs, and projects, with the Chamber Board assisting financially with the following organizations' 2025 Destination Development projects:

●      Upper Valley Historical Society –  A new permanent Bavarian Transformation Exhibit and the research, design, and further restoration of the Glockenspiel Exhibit.

●      City of Leavenworth – Donation of a newly designed map and event kiosk at 8th & Commercial (pending approval).

●      Icicle Valley Trout Unlimited – Blackbird Island Pond Restoration Project.

●      Cascade Fisheries – The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Salmon-themed park.

●      Leavenworth Mountaineer Club – Assistance with human waste mitigation at trailheads.

 

In addition to the above community enhancements, the Chamber Board will provide event and organizational support to the following Chamber member organizations:

●      Autumn Leaf Festival Association 

●      Leavenworth Bike Fest 

●      Cascade Athletic Boosters 

●      Cascade Community Markets 

●      Icicle Bicycle Club

●      Leavenworth Alphorn Association 

●      Leavenworth Firefighters Association 

●      Leavenworth Mountain Association 

●      Leavenworth Mountain Film Festival 

●      Leavenworth Soccer Club 

●      Leavenworth Winter Sports Club 

●      Northwest Accordion Society 

●      The Wenatchee River Institute 

●      TREAD 

●      Waste Loop 

Adopted in 2024, the Destination Smart Sustainable Tourism Management Plan directs the Chamber’s operations in managing, marketing, and planning Leavenworth’s commerce and tourism industry. The plan is built around five key pillars that encompass our goals and strategies:

  • Funding it Forward

  • Visitor Flow Management

  • Communication & Monitoring

  • Destination Development

  • Climate & Resilience

“Our new management plan, paired with our successful execution of the Oktoberfest celebrations, has increased the support the Chamber can offer to members who contribute to our overall success as a destination and community,” said Troy Campbell, Executive Director. “I commend the Chamber Board of Directors for their commitment to providing support and reinvesting Oktoberfest proceeds back into our local economy.”

For more information on Funding it Forward visit leavenworthchamber.org/fundingitforward.  

About the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce

The Leavenworth Chamber’s mission is to promote commerce, tourism, the Bavarian Theme, economic development, diversification, and cooperation among the business community, governments, and residents of the Chamber membership area.

 

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Troy Campbell
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