Mary Lynn Thompson: Making the Lake Chelan Valley Home, Giving Back & Supporting Local Business

She couldn't have known then that the place she discovered as a 19-year-old would eventually become such an important part of her life.Mary Lynn went on to work her way through the University of Washington, earning a bachelor's degree with a double major in Communications and English.Professionally, she built a career around something she seems to have always understood naturally—bringing people together.From community programs and fundraising to marketing, strategic partnerships and major events, Mary Lynn eventually spent more than 13 years as Director of Events & Experiences for Windermere Services Company, helping create events and experiences that connected thousands of people.But Lake Chelan never really left her.In 2017, she bought property here herself.And in 2023—decades after that first trip across the mountains with her little sister looking for sun and fun—Mary Lynn finally made the Lake Chelan Valley her permanent home.Today, as Executive Director of the Manson Chamber of Commerce, she's taken a lifetime of experience in marketing, events, relationships and community building and brought it to a town she first fell in love with at 19 years old.So today we're going to go back to the beginning.Growing up in a big family on Mercer Island when it still felt like a small town.Chasing four brothers around the backyard.The influence of her parents and the work ethic they instilled in her.Working her way through college.Building a career around bringing people together.Those early trips to Lake Chelan.And ultimately, why she chose Manson—and what she believes the future holds for the community she now represents.Mary Lynn, welcome to Small Towns Unscripted.