MATTAWA - The Mattawa Area Multicultural Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the new year by developing a business directory.

It will be a listing of companies both within and outside the area that provide goods and services to this community.

"We think this will promote businesses by giving them another way to share what they do, and it will be a valuable resource for people who need to know who can meet their specific need," Chamber member Nieves Gomez, of the Wahluke Family Clinic, said.

"For example, if you need a dentist or a massage therapist, do you know which clinic can help you? Or if you want a new place for lunch, do you know all the restaurants?"

The directory will be organized in categories and list the business name, phone number, location and up to two lines of additional information. Chamber members will receive a listing as part of their membership fee and non-members can be included for $20.

Chamber members are personally contacting many businesses. But with 80 businesses that have licenses to reside or work in Mattawa alone, they can't reach them all.

Companies that want to be included can pick up a form at Columbia Bank or Ginkgo Forest Winery. Or they can email MattawaCofC@gmail.com and a form will be sent to them.

"The size and format of the directory will depend on how many businesses elect to be included," Gomez said.

The Chamber will accept applications through March with the goal of having the directory printed and out in April. Directories will be available at several Chamber businesses and other convenient locations.

The next meeting of the Mattawa Chamber of Commerce is set for Wednesday, Feb. 19, at noon at Mattawa City Hall.