Chair of the Board
Over the past year, we have been busy doing what most people think “just happens.” I’m not quite sure how we managed to achieve our long list of policy making, activities, events and services for our membership – but I’m confident that this year will be no different.
As I look forward to serving as your Chair of the Board this year, I want to emphasize that Chamber membership is more than just paying your dues. It really is about getting involved and connected with member businesses, organizations, our military, local governments and consumers.
We have an exceptional professional staff and an outstanding volunteer Board of Directors, not to mention a dedicated Ambassadors Team, who are here to serve your interests.
The dynamics of business as we know it ~ continues to change and impact the way we market, advertise and serve our customers. The Chamber recognizes these challenges and looks forward to helping transition your business to the next level with innovative ideas and approaches.
Our members are fiercely loyal and can be your best sales team. It’s up to you to make connections and partnerships ~ so that in turn you can offer and receive endorsements. Simply put, that’s how your membership works.
We appreciate your decision to make an investment for your business by joining the Chamber of Commerce. I encourage your participation, your input and a lock on your success!
Tammy Faelnar
AA Meats
Chair of the Board of Directors
Board of Directors Executive Team
Tammy Faelnar, Chair of the Board
AA Meats
Tod Wolf, Past Chair
robis Lakewood Camera + the Print Refinery
Trudy Cofchin, Treasurer
LeMay Family Collection
Hailey Wheeler, Secretary
Heritage Bank
Board Members
Michael Cruz, Banner Bank
Mike Larson, Allen Realtors
Tim Vatter, Lightcurve
Linda Smith, President / CEO
Linda Smith has been involved with non-profit association work for over 40 years.
An army brat, Linda’s father retired from the Army in the mid 60’s and decided to make Lakewood their home. She received her primary education through Clover Park School District.
Linda started her career as a receptionist with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce in 1979. She was central in the creation of Travel + Tacoma (formerly the Tacoma Regional Visitor & Convention Bureau).
Winner of 2022 Alignable’s Local Business Person of the Year!
From 1988 through 1998, Linda was responsible for the success of international, national and regional projects, that include the Goodwill Games, the Great North American Race, NCAA Basketball Championships, National Ice Skating Championships, as well as a variety of conventions and festivals. Linda is the recipient of three “Georgie” Awards – the state’s tourism recognition award for outstanding marketing and advertising programs. Smith also created and managed the Tacoma-Pierce County Film Commission where she worked with a variety of production companies to film movies in the South Sound Region.
Smith left her post as Director of Tourism Development in 1998 to take the executive director position with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce where she has since grown the organization’s revenue through creative marketing techniques and streamlining programs to better serve the business community of Lakewood.
Email: lsmith@lakewood-wa.com
Scott Jonson, Office Manager
For over 35 years, Scott Jonson has been involved with non-profit associations
Scott grew up in Port Townsend, WA. After graduating high school, he attended Western Washington University, in Bellingham, WA. Upon finishing his studies, he moved to Tacoma, WA, and continued his education at Bates Technical College, and Tacoma Community College.
Scott began his career as a clerk at a video store in Port Townsend, and worked his way up to assistant manager while attending to his studies. After moving to Tacoma, he began to work for Travel + Tacoma (formerly the Tacoma Regional Visitor & Convention Bureau) as an office assistant. From 1989 to 2003, he became an integral part of the organization learning various aspects of the business by working his way up the ranks as Convention Services Manager, Publications Manager, Network System Administrator, and eventually Website Manager.
In 2005, Scott joined the team at the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
Sue Boguszewski – Membership Services
Sue Boguszewski was born and raised in Kentucky, educated at Western Kentucky University, married to Phil 39 years, widowed in 2013.
Sue has held many great jobs in her career of 40+ years. Almost every job has involved working with people. She has been a skip tracer; secretary; switchboard operator; professional typist; human resource assistant manager; bank manager; sold Avon; and worked at a large call center. But the best and most rewarding job she has had is the one she has now, working for the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
Winner of 2021 Alignable’s Local Business Person of the Year!
Long before Sue worked for the Chamber, she was a member via her banking career. She served as an Ambassador, and gained lifelong friends and relationships. Today she is happy to represent an organization that is dedicated to the preservation of the people who live and work in our community. “To be able to connect our members so they build those lasting friendships is very rewarding. It’s not about me, or you, it’s about us. We only grow by faith, and by helping each other. “
Email: sueb@lakewood-wa.com