Bend Chamber

⏳ Deadline Alert: Applications Close November 4, 2024! ⏳ Looking to retain your top talent and empower future leaders? Equip your rising stars with the skills they need to thrive in leadership roles through the new NEXTUp Leaders program! As an extension of the renowned Leadership Bend program, NEXTUp is designed to develop your key hires, foster leadership from within, and boost employee retention. Participants will gain hands-on leadership experience, tackle real-world workplace challenges, and complete a personalized leadership project. This competitive program selects the best and brightest, ensuring your top talent joins a high-caliber cohort. Don’t wait—time is running out! Nominate your emerging leaders by November 4 to invest in their growth—and the future of your organization. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gxBj6c7p #NEXTUpLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #BendChamber #EmployeeGrowth #BendBusiness

In 2021, we launched the workforce housing initiative, spurred by the knowledge that over 90% of our local employers listed housing as an obstacle to attracting and retaining talent.  Knowing what this could mean for Bend's future, we developed education and advocacy campaigns and later invested in programs that demonstrated how employers can get involved in making housing more affordable for their employees. We are excited to share where we are today. How are the changes impacting the city you love? To view the fall update, click here: https://lnkd.in/gBDsKuc2 As always, please share below if you have thoughts, feedback, or ideas that may benefit the goal and commitment we've established.

What’s Next for Oregon’s Economy? Join us at the 2024 Impact Conference as Damon Runberg, Economist at Business Oregon, unpacks local economic trends and Oregon’s competitiveness. Plus, gain insight into what’s ahead for federal interest rates with Tim Mahedy, Founder and Chief Economist at Access/Macro! With Bend’s business landscape rapidly evolving, this is your chance to understand the real data shaping our economy. Don’t miss a special message from Senator Ron Wyden, too! 📅 November 20, 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM 🍽️ Breakfast buffet included! Secure your spot today! https://lnkd.in/dWqpQ72y #2024ImpactConference #EconomicForecast #DamonRunberg #TimMahedy #BendChamber

Important read for Oregon voters! Measure 118 is coming up for a vote in November, and the Bend Chamber's CEO, Katy Brooks (she/her), alongside EDCO - Economic Development for Central Oregon CEO Jon Stark, are raising the alarm! If passed, this measure could lead to the largest tax hike in Oregon’s history, putting local businesses and consumers at risk. From rising prices to potential job losses, Measure 118 could have far-reaching impacts on Oregon’s economy. Want to learn more? Click below to read the full article and see how this measure could affect you and the community. 👉 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gyTvn4dD

Keynote Spotlight: Sheree Anne Kelly! We are thrilled to welcome Sheree Anne Kelly, CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, as our keynote speaker! She’ll provide insight into how businesses should prepare for the next decade and navigate future challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity on November 20 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Impact Conference, presented by the Bend Chamber and Providence Health Plan. Breakfast buffet included! Register now! https://lnkd.in/dWqpQ72y Thanks to the support of our Conference Keynote Sponsor, Johnson Benefit Planning! #ImpactConference2024 #KeynoteSpeaker #ShereeAnneKelly #BendChamber #BusinessFuture

Upcoming Event: BEND 101 is just around the corner! Join us for an engaging evening of connection and learning as we explore Bend’s history, current growth, and its future. This evening's program will focus on how we grow, the Urban Growth Boundary, and upcoming projects that shape our city’s expansion and infrastructure. 📅 October 30, 2024 | 5:30-8 PM 📍 OSU-Cascades, Edward Ray Hall Building Don’t miss out on this chance to ask questions and hear from City representatives! Enjoy bites, beverages, and networking as we dive into Bend’s journey. Register now and secure your spot at bend101.org!

We love receiving feedback from the community on the state of housing in our beloved city. One recurring comment we've seen is that no housing programs help the middle class. WE HEAR YOU. There are programs for people who earn under 80% of the area median income (AMI) and programs that incentivize builders to build more affordable housing. However, programs that help our middle class are few and far between. Thankfully, that is changing. For example, the Revolving Loan Program that we recently launched provides short-term loan interest loans to builders and developers to help get middle-market housing projects off the ground. If you are a builder or developer and would like to learn more about our Revolving Loan Program, please email us at info@bendchamber.org. 

Election Season is here and the Bend Chamber has created a tool to help our members get to know the candidates and their positions on key business-related issues. With a vibrant business community in Bend, the policies our elected officials champion have a direct impact on local growth and development. Explore the 2024 Candidate Information to stay informed about: Bend City Council candidates Oregon General Assembly candidates U.S. House of Representatives candidates Make your voice count and stay engaged in shaping Bend's future! 👉 Learn More & Access Candidate Info: https://lnkd.in/gz9XDhKQ

Join us in celebrating the newest members of the Bend Chamber! We're excited to introduce these amazing businesses and services to our community. Let’s give a round of applause to September’s new additions: • Anthony's at the Old Mill District • Bowtie Catering Co. • Central Oregon Appliance • Connect Central Oregon • D.R. Horton • Deschutes Electric • Freshen my Home • GirlWrites LLC • KHB Counseling, LLC • LaCoste Estates • Lease Crutcher Lewis • Motus Consulting LLC • Paylocity • PIE (Purpose in Expenses) • Reveille & Retreat Project and Dog Tag Diaries Podcast • StirrUp Purpose • Sudshine Car Wash • Sumner College YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ghWkewRD

The City of Bend prioritizes making building an ADU easier for homeowners, which is why it launched the pre-approved ADU program last year. Now, a year later, the first ADU built from the program is complete. The program aims to make building ADUs less costly for the homeowner and the builder by providing pre-approved plans to speed up the process. More ADU plans will be added beyond the two roof options currently available, and Bend Chamber will house these plans in the future. Stay tuned for more details. To view the plan currently available, visit the City of Bend's website here: https://lnkd.in/gpWsdBZW