Bend Chamber

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Biz & Bevs at RE/MAX Key Properties Oregon! We enjoyed an amazing evening of delicious bites, beverages, engaging conversations, and valuable networking opportunities with the Bend business community. A special shoutout to Volunteers In Medicine Clinic of the Cascades -VIM for sharing their inspiring work, and to our generous sponsors, Kernutt Stokes and BBSI, for making it all possible. Stay tuned for our next Biz & Bevs event—more great conversations are on the way. #BendChamber #BizandBevs #BendBusiness #Networking #Community

Next week! Join us for a Ribbon Cutting at E2 Solar - Bend, OR! Celebrate International Day of Climate Action with us at E2 Solar as we welcome their new ownership and mark nearly 20 years of leading the renewable energy space in Bend! 🗓 October 24, 4–5 PM | Ribbon cutting at 4:15 PM October is National Energy Awareness Month and the final month of the Solarize Deschutes Campaign—perfect timing to learn about the impact of solar energy in our community. Enjoy food, drinks, music, and a tour of the facility! Don’t miss this opportunity to network and support a greener future! Ribbon cutting ceremonies are FREE to attend! RSVP requested. https://lnkd.in/gEdpc4-R #BendChamber #RibbonCutting #E2Solar #inBend

In 2022, we asked businesses throughout the region if the high cost of housing was impacting their growth and workforce. We want to get a quick gauge on whether that is still the case two years later. Please take three seconds (literally, maybe less) to answer our one-question survey on whether the high cost of housing impacts your business's ability to grow and is straining your existing workforce. You can answer this from an employer or employee perspective because both matter. Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/g2i9W9g5 Thank you in advance!

Speaker Lineup Unveiled for the 2024 Impact Conference! The 2024 Impact Conference on November 20 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM will feature six dynamic speakers, including Damon Runberg, Economist at Business Oregon, and a special message from Senator Ron Wyden. Keynote Sheree Anne Kelly, CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, will provide an engaging take on what businesses are and should be prepared to tackle over the next 10 years. Katy Brooks, Bend Chamber President and CEO, will share details of what our local businesses have said are the biggest challenges and opportunities. Our Power Round topics will focus on housing during high growth with Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth, and what to expect from federal interest rate changes presented by Tim Mahedy, Founder and Chief Economist, Access/Macro Seats are limited—register today! https://lnkd.in/dWqpQ72y A special thanks to our title sponsor, Providence Health Plan, and Keynote Sponsor, Johnson Benefit Planning. #ImpactConference2024 #BendBusiness #Leadership #EconomicTrends #BendChamber

There are a lot of things happening to help bring more affordable housing to Bend. A common question we're receiving is, "Where is the housing for the middle class?" This is an excellent question with a bit of a convoluted answer. One reason there isn't enough housing for the middle class - what we call mid-market or workforce housing - is that there aren't enough incentives to make building housing that is affordable to this demographic appealing to builders. As you probably know, the cost of getting housing projects off the ground in Bend is high. The price of land alone is often a barrier to starting projects. To help address this, we developed a Revolving Loan Program. In this video, Sara Odendahl, Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, provides an update on the program and how to get involved. If you want to learn more, please visit https://lnkd.in/gR6fiEVP.

Get Ready for the 2024 Impact Conference! On November 20 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, the Bend Chamber and Providence Health Plan are bringing together industry experts and thought leaders from across the country to provide you with a 360-degree view of what’s ahead for businesses. From economic forecasts to leadership insights, this event will help you prepare for the opportunities and challenges coming your way. Plus, enjoy a breakfast buffet while you dive into what’s shaping the future of business in Bend and beyond. Secure your spot—register now! https://lnkd.in/dWqpQ72y #ImpactConference2024 #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #BendChamber

Thank you to everyone who joined us for What's Brewing: Exploring Economic Trends & What’s on the Horizon! It was a fantastic evening of insightful discussion about the future of business in Bend. Special thanks to Ben Hemson, Economic Development Manager for the City of Bend, for sharing his perspectives on the shifting trends, and to Katy Brooks, CEO and President of the Bend Chamber, for her reflection on 2024 and what lies ahead. Congratulations to our two winners of the 2024 Impact Conference tickets! We can’t wait to see you there. For more exciting events and opportunities, visit https://lnkd.in/g3q_SHi8! #WhatsBrewing #BendBusiness #EconomicTrends #CommunityLeadership

Looking to develop and retain your top talent? Equip your rising stars with the tools they need to succeed in leadership roles with the new NEXTUp Leaders program! Designed as an extension of the renowned Leadership Bend program, NEXTUp addresses the need employers have voiced for developing their key hires, fostering leadership from within, and retaining top talent. Participants will gain practical leadership skills, tackle real workplace challenges, and apply their learning through a personalized leadership project. The program has a competitive application process, ensuring your most promising employees are part of a high-caliber cohort. Applications are being accepted NOW, so nominate your emerging leaders today to invest in their future—and yours! Apply now! https://lnkd.in/gxBj6c7p #NEXTUpLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #BendChamber #EmployeeGrowth #BendBusiness

One of the biggest hurdles builders and developers face when it comes to creating more affordable housing is the upfront costs to get a project off the ground. High land prices, construction supplies, labor and land costs make developing these communities less viable. Our newly launched revolving loan program offers short-term loans at a very low interest rate, which helps remove this barrier for those participating and will keep the costs down for buyers under 120% of the area median income (AMI). We are very excited about this new program and what it can and will mean for Bend. Stay tuned for more information about the program in the coming weeks.