Spring Update: Why a 501(c)6?
Hello fellow fiber folks!
As of early May 2025, our wonderful cofounder Kristen filed the application for PNWFC to become a 501(c)6 Chamber of Commerce and we are now awaiting approval and confirmation from the IRS.
While we play the waiting game, us cofounders are keeping busy writing board and membership handbooks, building the PNW Fiber Resource Directory, hosting Info Sessions, and continuing to network and attend community events - amongst many other things.
In the meantime, we want to share more about what PNWFC is about. How does a Chamber of Commerce governing structure support our mission and goals? Read on for an overview of PNWFC’s take on a Chamber of Commerce.
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Short and sweet, a Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization with a defined structure, board of directors, and committees that advocate for a business community.
The U.S. Chamber of Commercedefines a 501(c)6 as:
“…a voluntary partnership of businesses and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in a community.
[It] is a regional organization comprising local businesses that support the interests of its members. Each chamber of commerce elects its leadership and decides which agendas to pursue. A chamber doesn't create laws, but it may influence pro-business policies by lobbying legislators. Joining a chamber of commerce can help you build your professional network and market your business.”
The U.S. Chamber lists many benefits that we’ve simplified and applied to the PNWFC mission here:
Networking
You’ll meet other members of the fiber community across three states and form mutually beneficial business relationships.
Publicity
As a member, your business is listed in the chamber's online directory, and your business has the opportunity to be highlighted in several chamber activities.
Make your voice heard
PNWFC is here to support the interests of our members, so if - for example - you see that there is an economic or supply chain problem that needs to be addressed, you can bring the issue to PNWFC and we can help advocate for the fiber community on local and legislative levels.
Read on to see how this ties in with PNWFC’s goals.
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The PNWFC chamber of commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization for the natural fiber industry in the Pacific Northwest. The Chamber’s purpose is to advocate for local fiber businesses and promote economic growth within the region. The chamber’s efforts are specific to fiber-related businesses - that part is important.
PNWFC’s founders have experienced and witnessed the barriers different fiber professionals face as they build their businesses because mainstream industry (such as banks, the IRS, technicians, tech, public utilities, etc.) isn’t set up for what we do.
Our regional fiber community has shown amazing resilience and creativity when facing challenges owed to an underrepresented industry and PNWFC wants to uplift that collective ethos by increasing our members visibility and encouraging positive change on the infrastructural level that benefits not only our members, but the greater community and ecosystems that sustain us.
So what does being a Chamber of Commerce mean to PNWFC? It means growing relationships and community.
But what does this mean for you, the lifeblood of our regional fiber economy?
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Being a member of PNWFC means simplified access to a well networked system. Members will benefit from several programs that reside within our three operating pillars. Here is a sample of some of PNWFC’s primary offerings:
The PNW Fiber Resource Directory is a digital resource that will map out and promote local fiber related businesses and organizations, offering members a strong network in which to market their product. The Directory will also connect members to community and regional events, online resources, and more!
The Directory can also be utilized to connect members entering the industry to potential jobs, internships, or mentorships while PNWFC develops a Business Accelerator Program, info sessions/focus groups, and workshops aimed toward growing Fiber Professionals.
PNWFC acknowledges and aims to promote existing resources as well as collaborate to develop additional fiber industry trade pathways in order to encourage new entrants to fiber-related vocations - the more hands on fiber, the better.
Members will also have access to an e-newsletter that will:
Share PNWFC happenings and updates
Highlight fellow members
Provide up-to-date information regarding fiber related events and educational opportunities
Share relevant legislation and news
And more!
Stay tuned for updates on our Membership Model and look out for the official Membership Launch date via our Newsletter.
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PNWFC cofounder Kristen hosts free, virtual info sessions via zoom held the last Monday of every month. Kristen will continue a ‘Welcome to PNWFC’ series through August in which she will summarize what PNWFC is, who we are, why we’re doing this work, and more! We invite you to bring comments, questions, critique, and ideas to the session - we want to hear from you!
What: A free info session on PNWFC
When: Last Monday of every month, 7-8pm PST
Where: Zoom! Here’s the meeting link.
These sessions are for anyone and everyone curious about PNWFC and interested in supporting a regional natural fiber economy - invite your fiber friends!
We need your feedback!
You may have noticed that the PNWFC website hosts a blog AND sends out a newsletter directly to your inbox - so what’s the difference? Currently, we are using the blog space to write in-depth on specific topics. This means typically long and detailed.
The newsletter, on the other hand, is a tool we can use for quick updates and check-ins. A newsletter will typically include flyers for events, member business highlights, and relevant links among other items. To make it even more confusing, we may utilize the newsletter to inform you we have updated our blog!
While we plan on continuing both platforms, we want to know: What is more useful or relevant to you? How often do you want to hear from us? While we don’t want to clog up your already jam-packed inboxes, we hope our members are able to stay current and informed. Help us organize our time together by filling out the incredibly brief survey below. PNWFC thanks you!
That’s a wrap!
I would like to remind our readers that PNWFC is currently a 100% volunteer-led organization. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work on fine tuning our website and foundational programming in order to best meet the needs of our community.
Let us know your thoughts and help be the change you want to see.
And finally, thank you for being here. Stay tuned for future happenings.
- Hannah
