Reflections from Jesse Miles, Executive Director
There are days in this job that I feel filled with luck and gratitude, and our recent board retreat was one of them.
We spent the day in Trinidad, away from our inboxes and voicemails, talking about where the Chamber is headed. I came home tired in the best way.
Our board members are volunteers. They have businesses to run and families to get home to, and they still gave up a Friday to think about how to make this Chamber better for McKinleyville. I don’t take that for granted.
We were honest with each other, too. We talked about what’s working, where we need more hands, and how we can do a better job of telling people what the Chamber actually does. Those conversations aren’t always comfortable, but they’re the ones that get things moving.
It was exciting watching people with different backgrounds and perspectives roll up their sleeves, challenge ideas, and genuinely listen to each other. That’s the team that makes up the McKinleyville Chamber and that we are continuing to build.
Those conversations are already helping shape where we focus our time and energy next year.
Here is just a glimpse of what we’re digging into for 2027.
We’ll continue building on our three strategic priorities: Growth, Advocacy, and Connections, guided by our mission, vision, and values.
A clear way to speak up for local business. We will focus on developing guiding principles for how the Chamber gathers facts, hears from members, and decides when and how to take a stand on issues affecting our business community. Members should know what issues we’re working on, how we make decisions, and how we’re representing their interests.
More ways to jump in. We want to grow our group of ambassadors and volunteers, with clear roles and an easy way to get started, whether you have one afternoon or a few hours a month. We’re looking at how to make it easier for people to get involved and feel like they’re making a difference. These volunteers will help us keep the everyday work moving while creating more room to tackle bigger initiatives.
Making tourism count. We’re getting more specific about our goals and how we’ll measure them, including how events like Music in the Park can encourage visitors to come early, stay longer, and spend time at local businesses.
Easier ways to find and support our members. We’ll keep improving the website and member directory so locals and visitors can find the businesses that make this place what it is. You’ll also see us at more events with a Chamber table, and we’re looking for new mixer hosts. If you’ve never hosted, I’d love to talk!
We also want to protect our summers. Pony Express Days and Music in the Park take a lot of heart and hustle, and we planned the year so we can show up fully for them. And yes, we’re kicking around the idea of a dog show at Music in the Park. No promises yet, but we’re really excited.
There will be bumps and setbacks along the way, because that is life. But I’m proud of what this team has built, so grateful for the people willing to help move it forward, and excited about where we’re going.
To our board, ambassadors, members, and everyone who shows up for this organization and community: thank you. It makes a difference, and I’m not the only one who notices.
And I hope you’ll be part of what comes next. What would you like to see from your Chamber in 2027? Send me a note anytime or grab me at the next mixer. The best ideas often start with a simple conversation.
See you around in the community,
Jesse
