Chair of the Board
On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce — the voice of Lakewood’s business community. For years, the Chamber has worked to ensure that local businesses have the support, connections, and representation they need to succeed in an ever-changing economic landscape.
The Chamber is a steadfast advocate for Lakewood’s business interests at every level of government. We engage regularly with the Lakewood City Council to ensure that local policy reflects the needs of the businesses that drive our community. And when important legislation is moving through Olympia, we keep our members informed and empowered — with regular updates on what the legislature is doing and clear ways to make your voice heard directly. Whether the issue is local or statewide, the Chamber works to ensure your voice is heard.
We are also proud to call Joint Base Lewis-McChord a vital part of the Lakewood story. The military community and the business community here are deeply intertwined — JBLM brings thousands of service members, families, and civilian employees who shop, dine, and build their lives in Lakewood. That relationship strengthens our economy and enriches our community, and the Chamber actively works to nurture and celebrate it. Throughout the year, we host outstanding networking events that bring together business owners, entrepreneurs, military community members, and civic leaders — because the connections made here are what move Lakewood forward.
We are proud to represent such a dynamic and resilient community, and we would love for you to be part of it. If you are not yet a member, I personally invite you to join us — membership is an investment in your business and in the future of Lakewood. Because when our businesses thrive, our whole community wins.
Warm Regards,
Timothy Vatter
Consumer Sales Manager
Tim Vatter
Hailey Wheeler
Michael Cruz
Tammy Faelnar
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Elwis Johnson
Isabella Colvin
Juanita Lanier
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Tommy Carson
Linda Smith
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.
Scott Jonson
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
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.“