While Nancy Keith waited in line to order her tea, she kindly patted the back of another patron and offered an ear of support. A seemingly small gesture, but indicative of the kind of human-centric leadership and kindness she exudes. Unsurprisingly, many people passing through the cafe seemed to know Nancy by name. She is approachable, cheery, and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to small business and nonprofit advocacy. Nancy’s experience as a small business owner, along with her genuine desire to know the human being behind each business, make her an ideal fit in her role of Executive Director of the Snohomish Chamber of Commerce.
As an entrepreneur and vested member of the Snohomish community for over twenty years, Nancy is motivated to bring value and connect small businesses with resources and a network that will help them find success. Her interest and care for others and her desire to clearly understand what each business owner's contribution is to the local community make her an exemplary connector.
The Chamber of Commerce has experienced significant growth over the last few years. Since Nancy started in the leadership role, membership has more than doubled, while program enrollment and Chamber meeting attendance is at an all-time high.
“Chambers are shifting from being heavily event-focused to offering additional ways to provide value to members, such as educational opportunities.” Nancy shares. And the Snohomish Chamber is on track with this trend.
The Chamber will hold their third annual ‘Kid’s Vendor Day’ at the Snohomish Farmers Market in 2025. Kid’s Vendor Day is an entrepreneurial kid's experience that combines education, community, and participation in a special kid-run market event. The program allows local youth to sell their own products at the market with guidance from other small business owners and Chamber volunteers. “Even if the participants don’t go on to start their own business in the future, maybe this experience will plant a seed of confidence in their ability to try new things that interest them,” Nancy explains the intended impact of the program on the youth of Snohomish.
The Chamber is taking what they learned from Kid’s Vendor Day and applying that to their work with The Snohomish Boys and Girls Club. Professionals from various fields present an overview of their career path and the role they play as a way to expose the kids to new ways of thinking about work and the possibilities that lay ahead for them.
Programs like Kid’s Vendor Day and the Chamber’s involvement with The Boys and Girls Club are key ways Nancy and her team seek to influence the workforce of the future by providing early exposure to different career paths and ways of thinking about work than they may have previously understood. “I didn’t grow up in the worst circumstances, nor the best. I like to spearhead programs that I would have been excited about or I would have needed as a kid,” shares Nancy.
Nancy credits much of the Chamber’s success to adding Jackie Ross to the team as, the Operations Coordinator. She handles many of the details that make their programs and events happen so seamlessly, and also credits the members, volunteers, and incredible board of directors. Nancy explains the dynamic duo between she and Jackie, “Our skillsets complement each other perfectly.”
Another great event on the horizon: The Big Give, presented by Lamb & Co, is coming up Saturday, November 23rd from 10am-3pm at Craven Farm. This will be a fun holiday event for the whole family featuring free activities, games, and crafts from the Chamber nonprofit organizations. They are also offering a chance to win a deluxe holiday prize basket for attendees who visit every booth. The Big Give is a great way to get excited about the holiday season and learn about the Chamber’s nonprofit organizations and the amazing work they’re doing in the community.
“I am so grateful to the sponsors and board of directors for their ongoing support. They make all of these efforts possible,” said Nancy.
Outside of her work advocating for small businesses and nonprofits, Nancy enjoys spending time with her husband, Bill, of 37 years, her kids and grandkids. Her family spends downtime in Lake Chelan and enjoys exploring the local culture of new places as well. She’s known to love “anything that involves a theme” and seasonal decor that changes with each season, gardening and crafting, hosting and connecting the people in her life.
The warmth Nancy brings to her friends and family spills over into her work and is felt by Chamber members and colleagues alike. “Every member is valued and seen,” she says.
Learn more about upcoming events and how to become a member at snohomishchamber.org.
I am so grateful to the sponsors and board of directors for their ongoing support.