Lynn Wallace was recently appointed as the new CEO of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (SKCC), replacing Nancy Damon.

Wallace comes into this position already having been the president and CEO of the Chamber of Eastern Pierce County from 1994-2004 and the executive director of the Astoria/Warrenton Oregon Chamber of Commerce in the early 1990's.

Despite this extensive experience, Wallace left for a career in the hotel industry for seven years. What brought her back? "I missed the community involvement and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity," Wallace explains.

Her job is not without its challenges, though, Wallace says. "Every community has its own unique flavor and different needs," she stated, "and I'm still discovering what that is."

Though she admits that she does not currently well understand the nuances between Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, Normandy Park and Des Moines, she has committed herself to going out and familiarizing herself with local small businesses.

"I love Blue Vanilla," she declared, referring to the local Des Moines bakery and coffee shop she had discovered recently.

She also adds that "I am trying to touch base with small businesses and make the rounds to introduce myself." She paid the Burien Farmer's Market a visit as well, and was impressed by its success.

Already, though, she has an idea of what she would like to do next; she want to attract more customers to the local businesses.

"One of he areas we'll really campaign to is the military. We need to let them know that they can enjoy a day in Tukwila with all of its shops and restaurants," she said.

As for the empty real estate in downtown Burien, she says that she plans to work with realtors to attract storeowners moving from a more expensive location. This is why, she states, she is working closely with Discover Burien.

Wallace also stated her opinion about the city of Des Moines' effort to develop the marina into a more tourist-centered location. "They may need to bring in a hotel developer, but the mom and pop shops are key. Visitors love unique shops they can't find anywhere else," she explained.

At the moment, she is looking forward to going to bat for local businesses.

"What businesses want isn't always what the people want, such as with cost development and cost prohibition." Wallace stated.

She said she especially wants to help delay the fee that businesses have to pay to clean up a property before they can open for business.

"It can be thousands of dollars, and it can be tough for businesses to even open their doors."

She may still be settling into her new job, but she wants to remind everyone that she is open and interested in new ideas.