Lori Mattson

President & CEO

Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?

Our most significant success over the past year has been maintaining disciplined focus on the Chamber’s Built for Prosperity Strategic Plan. By staying aligned around clear goals, our team has driven meaningful progress and reinforced our ability to deliver results that support long-term growth for our organization and region.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is a simple mantra I’ve carried with me for years: rise early, work hard and be nice. Those principles have shaped my leadership style and continue to guide how I approach my work and relationships.

To whom or where do you go for sound business advice?  

I’ve been fortunate to work alongside 21 exceptional board chairs, who are all outstanding community and business leaders. While each serves for just a year, many remain part of my trusted circle, and are always willing to offer support or guidance.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was as a waitress at the Stockyard’s Cafe in my hometown of Lewiston, Idaho, where I worked Saturdays during the stock auction. Raised by hardworking parents, I learned early that effort matters. Work gave me independence, confidence and shaped a strong work ethic.

Name one thing about yourself you want people to know.

I love to golf, AND I have a hole-in-one. Anyone who knows me well has probably heard the story more than once.

What is your favorite Tri-Cities restaurant and what do you order there?

Anthony’s cobb salad with blackened chicken instead of shrimp, and I also love the fries at LuLu with a side of ranch.

If you had one wish for the Tri-Cities, what would it be?

My wish is simple: think big, act regionally. We’re an amazing region of more than 300,000 people, and we should carry the influence that comes with that.