Dec 2025 - Letter to Membership

Written By Troy Campbell

Dear Chamber Members,

While we are all still recovering and calculating the fallout from how disruptive and impactful this storm has been, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that many of you have experienced cancellations, lost revenue, lost product, staffing challenges, and added stress at a time when your businesses should be thriving. The Chamber team has been actively working to help mitigate the hit to our season and support our business community during recovery and have some details we want to share. 

Communications & Visibility
Once phone service was restored, our Welcome Center staff immediately began supporting visitors by phone and email, answering travel questions, assisting with hotel communications, sharing event updates, and providing thoughtful guidance for trip planning. They have also been key in helping combat the tidal wave of disinformation that accompanies these types of weather events.  We have been providing ongoing, real-time updates across our social media channels to ensure accurate information is reaching both visitors and locals. 

Our press release on Monday morning and subsequent live or in person interviews with FOX13, KIRO, KOMO, KING5, KATU (Portland), Seattle Times, and the Wenatchee World have helped us share that the lights are back on and we are open for business.  Scheduled interviews before the end of the week include KING5 (again) and ARC Seattle (CW news). ALL previously scheduled Christmastown activities have resumed is one of our lead talking points in our ongoing communication going forward as we share updates, help correct misconceptions, and reinforce that Leavenworth is open, welcoming visitors, and celebrating the season.  

Marketing 
In response to this event, we have significantly increased our marketing efforts now and into the first quarter. Additional funds have been allocated to strengthen outreach in eastern and southern drive markets including Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Coeur d’Alene, Boise, and Portland, while continuing to actively message to our Puget Sound audience. Our messaging emphasizes visiting Leavenworth, traveling safely, and checking road conditions, especially important during the Highway 2 closure so visitors have accurate information and can make informed decisions.

Travel Resources
To support both visitors and businesses, we created a dedicated Travel Advisory page that includes pass reports, live webcams, and daily storm-related updates. This page is being actively referenced in our communications and media outreach to centralize reliable information. It is also a good tool for YOU to use in your social media channels as it contains regular updates and information in a linear timeline and not jumbled by an algorithm. 

Leavenworth Marketplace Promotion – Help Us Help You!
People want to support Leavenworth businesses, and we want to give them the best tools to do so! As part of our immediate recovery efforts, we encourage members with online stores or digital gift cards to take advantage of the Leavenworth Marketplace.

This platform allows visitors and supporters to shop local from anywhere and is an important tool during times like these. If you already have an online shop or offer gift cards, we can help feature your business. If you’re new to the Marketplace, simply send us your business name, product or gift-card links, and a contact phone number, and our team will get you set up. We plan to actively promote the Marketplace in the coming days to help drive support directly to our local businesses. 

Additional Community Resources
Below are storm-recovery resources available through the county and trusted local nonprofit partners:

 

We recognize that recovery looks different for every business, and we know this season may still feel uncertain. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, need clarification on messaging, or want to share what you’re experiencing. We remain committed to advocating for our business community, telling the true story of what’s happening in Leavenworth, and doing everything we can to support you through this.

Thank you for your resilience, your patience, and everything you do to make this community what it is.

 With appreciation,
The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Team

 Final Thought - Please make sure you are subscribed to the Bavarian Bulletin that we  distribute every Monday   You can see all past newsletters and subscribe here. 

Troy Campbell
Next

Leavenworth’s Village Of Lights Fully Illuminated As Christmastown Festivities Continue