About Us
The original South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce was formed in Toledo, Washington in 1982 originating in the mind of Don Wade, a Toledo Accountant. Other community leaders in Toledo were board members. They met occasionally, working to create interest in Toledo businesses for visitors to Mt. St. Helens. Dennis McNelley, a Toledo business person along with other community leaders whose names have been lost to history were all part of the original Chamber.
In 1997 or 1998 the South Lewis County Chamber was re-established and the Board ambitiously set out acquiring membership from all parts of Lewis County as well as the three cities it represented Toledo, Vader and Winlock. . Grant applications were written resulting in the creation of an information kiosk at I-5 Exit 63 advising the traveler of local business in the three cities and surrounding area. A full color Chamber membership directory was created, a Mission Statement was honed and members were a significant help in bringing Cardinal Glass to the south county area. A website, telephone and a Chamber office staffed by volunteers was accomplished as well. Growth was coming to south county! Mickelson Dairy farm land bordering Interstate 5 was for sale for commercial development attracting large out-of-the -area developers and the Chamber was in a highly visible position to help.
During this exciting time, the Chamber was instrumental in keeping businesses informed of all aspects of growth as well as providing private citizens input by hosting public meetings. Input was gathered regarding the impact of growth to schools, creating downtown revitalization programs, preserving our small town way of life as well as other ways to be involved in what appeared to be major growth. At it’s peak, the Chamber touted 125 members. But the growth didn’t come. It was not yet time for south county.
In 2014 the Chamber, due to lack of membership, dissolved as a registered 501C6 with the Washington State Secretary of State and has remained so until community leaders in Toledo believed the time was right. That time is now.
Meet Our Board
Dan Gorton
Dan is retired former owner of Bonanza BBQ & Catering in Toledo. Dan went full time with the BBQ business (2013 – 2024) after retiring from over 40 years in the commercial tire business. He has always been an active community leader holding various board member positions. Dan is past committee member and Chairman of the Toledo Lions Club Cheese Day Committee. He is one of the founding members, and current board member of the Toledo Community Foundation. He has a strong commitment to making our community a great place to live and work.
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Glenda Holbrook
Treasurer
Photo and info coming soon.
Penney Novak
Secretary
Background info coming soon.
We are looking forward to a prosperous new year. Join us to help build strong communities.
Alicia Booker
Board Member
Photo and information coming soon
Paul Sohal
Vice-President
Photo and info coming soon.
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Board Member
Photo and info coming soon.
Lynnette Hoffman
Board Member
Editor
Lewis County News
360-785-3151
206-919-5797
Lynnette has been the Editor of the Lewis County News for 9 years, retiring back to her hometown of Winlock after a successful career in Seattle and Washington DC with the financial services industry. Lynnette has served on many boards, including the Fannie Mae Affordable Housing Board in Washington DC to the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce and several more throughout her 40 year career.
Lynnette’s areas of expertise in the financial services industry include fraud, corruption, default services, risk, special assets and most importantly affordable housing. She is passionate about affordable housing and in 2003, she was invited to speak with Members of Congress in Washington DC about their affordable housing programs. Lynnette worked diligently with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in Washington DC to change their affordable housing policy and put a stop to the corruption that was rampant at the time. These policies are still in effect today. Lynnette enjoys consulting in the financial services industry, today.
In her spare time. Lynnette enjoys time with her husband, Tom, her two pekingese dogs and friends. She loves to entertain in her 100 year old farmhouse that her and husband have been remodeling.
Stay Informed
We provide periodic updates on new members, business announcements and community activities.
Stay Informed
Mailing Address
PO Box 114
Toledo, Washington 98591
Send Us a Message
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the Chamber in more detail, please drop us a message here.