Losh to lead West Plains chamber

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The West Plains Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director.

Mark Losh recently joined the chamber as the new executive director.

"I am very excited about this opportunity and challenge," Losh said.

Losh comes into the position with more than four decades of business management experience, he said.

He is also currently the director of membership for the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, a title he has effectively worked for more than three years.

Losh said he spent many years developing his leadership, marketing and communication skills and is excited to bring them to the West Plains business community.

The Breadboard Restaurant in Deer Park a 16-year-old Losh the start he needed back in 1977, and he stuck with that until moving in 1981, he said. After that, he moved to Tacoma after his time and ran a couple other businesses before focusing on sales in 1987.

Growing and developing his business skills through the years since his first start-up, he has worked in multiple trades including security, construction, high tech business and financial industries, he said.

Losh helped market the development and installation of a weapons cleaning system for the federal Department of Defense over a five-year span, as well, he said.

He was also a driving force behind the installation of software programs that can help businesses transition into a paperless business model, he said.

"The West Plains is a region of Eastern Washington that is poised for explosive growth and great influence with many key stakeholders including the Spokane International Airport, Eastern Washington University, the Kalispel and Spokane tribes, Fairchild Air Force Base, Amazon and new industry such as manufacturing – all of which forms a solid foundation to make communities strong and prosperous," he said.

The region is expanding at a very fast rate, and with some of the larger regional facilities the development may surpass current expectations.

"The West Plains are a blessing," he said. "The land is ideal for building businesses and community growth."

Some studies have Airway Heights as the third fastest growing city in the state, Losh said.

 His initial focus for the chamber is to get out and meet the members and identify possible ways to help their businesses succeed, he said.

"For me, it's all about relationships and knowing who my members are, what they need and how I can help their businesses grow," he said. "My philosophy is to first connect with members, then engage them in the chamber and ultimately grow their business."

Matthew can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com