The simplest answer to the question is that the Downtown Foundation and the Chamber have different missions. The Chamber seeks to be the ânumber one business advocate in the Walla Walla Valley.â
The Downtown Foundation exists to âpromote the history, culture and commerceâ of our downtown.
Both missions are laudable and highly compatible. My business was a member of both organizations for decades.
The difference is that the Downtown Foundation follows a program specific to the needs of a thriving downtown. The Foundation works the model of the national Main Street program which includes design, economic vitality, promotion and organization. Each of these four points creates a distinct work plan.