Green Business Spotlight: Wager Audio

Wager Audio, a Vancouver-based audio visual production provider, is a Clark County Certified Green Business that has enjoyed strong growth since its inception nine years ago. You'll typically find the Wager Audio team wherever the community gets together to have fun, celebrate and raise money for a great cause. But when the reality of novel coronavirus started to materialize in Washington state - and particularly when social distancing measures went into effect - the Wager team found themselves facing a great number of cancelled engagements, and the sudden loss of revenue coinciding with what would have been one of their busiest months. 

"One of the best parts of our work is that we get to bring people together," says Brad Wager, founder of Wager Audio. With public gatherings temporarily suspended, Wager Audio was at once unable to deliver the event services they are most well-know for, such as galas, concerts and conferences. As circumstances rapidly shifted throughout the business and non-profit communities they support, the Wager team understood how to bring value to folks that have traditionally relied on in-person events to raise critical funds or disseminate important information for business continuity. 

"We realized our work in live events suddenly felt like a 'weakness' in a time without public gatherings - but it is actually our strength," Wager continued. "We have the existing technical expertise and equipment needed for live streaming broadcasts to keep folks connected. And once they know they can rely on us for virtual solutions, we can still deliver that much-needed peace of mind."

The Clark County Historical Museum has relied on Wager Audio to maintain widespread access to its popular community programs. "In a moment when our programmatic year looked to be in shambles, Wager Audio's digital expertise came to our rescue," notes Brad Richardson, Executive Director. "Our CCHM Speaker Series and History on Tap are keystone programs regarding our work to share the story of Clark County. The joy of connecting with our audience through expertly produced, high-quality digital programming has been a life preserver." 

Since adjusting their focus to primarily streaming services, Wager Audio has supported and is planning several virtual or hybrid-format events to help organizations move forward. These range from political debates and high school graduations, to history lectures and streaming music performances. Wager thinks the best way forward is through practicing good old-fashioned disciplined optimism. "This is a difficult time overall, and it's also an opportunity to reimagine the experiences we help to create."