Josh Thaut to lead Wenatchee Valley Chamber

WENATCHEE — In April of this year, the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce named Norwood Wine Bar its 2025 Business of the Year. Now Norwood owner Josh Thaut has been chosen to lead the Chamber itself.

The Chamber announced Sept. 24 that Thaut will become its executive director, beginning Sept. 28. He is also the current chair of the Wenatchee Downtown Association, giving him experience promoting the city’s commercial core as well as operating a business in it.

Thaut’s work extends beyond Norwood’s doors on Wenatchee Avenue. He helped launch Night Market on the Ave with Suzanna Walker, bringing artists, vendors, food and live music downtown for an event that returned to a huge crowd on Sept. 19. The market offers a visible example of the partnerships Thaut will be expected to build in his new role, connecting businesses with the people and events that draw visitors to the valley.

In August, the Chamber hosted one of its networking events with Norwood and the downtown association. Its announcement of Thaut’s appointment points to that same combination of business relationships and community promotion as a priority for its next director.

“We are so pleased to welcome Josh Thaut as the next Executive Director of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce,” board President Kristen Hankins said in the announcement. “Throughout the selection process, Josh stood out for his genuine commitment to our community, his ability to build meaningful relationships, and his thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership.”

The Chamber said its search focused on candidates who understood the Wenatchee Valley business community and could bring people together. As executive director, Thaut will report to the board and oversee the organization’s finances, operations, member engagement, business advocacy and tourism work.

The job broadens the reach of work he has already been doing downtown. At the Chamber, Thaut will be responsible for connecting businesses and community partners across the Wenatchee Valley, while helping promote the region as a place to visit.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media