Salem Area Chamber of Commerce

Check out our recent Business Spotlight on Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union! https://lnkd.in/gBsHSeA4 Spotlight excerpt: As a community financial institution with each member’s unique needs squarely in its focus, Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union understands that a “one-size-fits-all approach to saving, lending, and investing just doesn’t work.” Instead, Heritage Grove takes an individualized approach to banking in communities that appreciate, but more importantly, require a more personal touch. By putting its members first, the institution has grown its business from $40,000 in founding member assets to over $150 million since it was originally chartered as Oregon Employees Federal Credit Union in 1964. While it has proudly served state employees in Salem since its founding, Heritage Grove’s more recent growth has allowed it to expand its services to residents of Benton, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Washington, Multnomah, and Yamhill Counties. “We love providing innovative financial services to help members achieve their financial dreams,” said Vice President of Marketing Kirsten Conway. “It could be a member’s first debit/checking account or savings account, financing a loan, helping with financial education, or developing a plan to help resolve a financial issue.” “We know that, for many people, banking is a chore,” said President & CEO Jim Mau. “At Heritage Grove Credit Union, we understand that our members’ time is valuable and strive to make banking fast, easy, and as enjoyable as possible.” This Business Spotlight originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online: https://lnkd.in/ghrBmPr Learn more about Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union and its services by visiting ourgrovecu.com.

On August 15, Cherriots hosted a ribbon-cutting and community gathering at the Keizer Transit Center to celebrate the launch of its new fleet of 10 fully electric buses, which will begin shuttling local passengers later this year. The electric buses will drive Route 11, a 12-mile stretch that marks Cherriots' first zero-emissions route in the district. Speakers at the event included Cherriots General Manager Alan Pollock, Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey, and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, who helped secure federal funding to launch the electric fleet. Join us in congratulating our friends at Cherriots on this milestone moment for the Salem-Keizer area as it launches its first electric-powered transit route!

Thank you to the Salem Fire Foundation for hosting Greeters last Friday, August 16! Our members and friends spent the morning at Fire Station 6 in southeast Salem, where we learned more about the non-profit that supports initiatives and programs to improve survival in the case of sudden cardiac arrest. The meeting even included a full CPR demonstration, teaching our group how to jump into action in a life-saving scenario. Learn more about this important local non-profit and how you can support its mission of saving lives here: https://lnkd.in/dZ3Dtd8C

The Oregon State Fair kicks off today! Featuring incredible concerts, attractions, games, events, and of course, some of our favorite regionally renowned foods, the Fair is a huge draw for locals and Salem-area visitors alike. With that said, the Fair is also a massive contributor to our local economic ecosystem. Join us in supporting the Fair this year! Click here to see everything it has to offer: https://lnkd.in/gXt_Ta6X We also invite you to join us at the Fair on Sunday, September 1, at 2:00 pm, as we present the annual Gerry Frank Memorial Chocolate Cake Contest featuring guest judge and Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert! Learn more about the Gerry Frank Memorial Chocolate Cake Contest here: https://lnkd.in/gEZ7d2Nt

On August 28, our LEAD Small Business Series welcomes two experienced health professionals to discuss the importance of maintaining mental health in business and the workplace. Learn how to deal with the daily stressors of doing business and how to stay on top of your game and your work, even as outside pressures present unexpected challenges. WHAT: LEAD Small Business Series: “Mental Health for Business Owners” WHEN: August 28, 2024 – 11:30am to 1:30pm WHERE: Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, 1110 Commercial Street NE SPEAKERS: Liz Hill, Total Worker Health Adviser at SAIF Corporation & Dr. Michelle Rasmussen, MD at Salem Health ADMISSION: Members – $25; Future-Members – $35 Lunch is included! REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/g_vqewuK We thank our 2024 LEAD Small Business Series Sponsor, Ted Ferry - State Farm Insurance, for making this series possible!

Check out our recent Business Spotlight on Rose City Balloons! https://lnkd.in/gMqgPp72 Spotlight Excerpt: Driven by passionate energy and built by a creative spirit, Rose City Balloons is truly one of its kind in our business community, specializing in custom balloon displays, structures, garlands, arches, and more for any and all types of celebrations. That creative spirit at the center is founder and owner Betsy Vega, whose vision and natural talent for design led to an original business idea. “I have always been a creative person,” Vega said. “My forte was sewing and knitting my own clothes when I was a teenager. When I became a mom, I began decorating my kids’ parties and then my coworker’s cubicles and church events, until one day, a coworker said, ‘Hey, you could make money doing this.’” With encouragement and support from friends and family, Vega started B.R. Konexion LLC in 2015 from her home with a mission to “create smiles one balloon at a time by enhancing the parties of those we touch.” While Vega rebranded the business to Rose City Balloons in 2021 to develop a more linear association with the business’s services, that mission has remained the same over Vega’s nine years in business in Salem. Although Vega acknowledges there are others in the area creating do-it-yourself balloon displays, she says her business sets itself apart with its commitment to using sustainable products and its specific attention to the client’s needs. But what makes Rose City Balloons all the more special is Vega’s artistic ability to create any custom design a client can dream up. “I love the impact balloons have on people and I love to see them smile when they see a beautiful creation,” Vega said about what she enjoys most. “I feel responsible when I deliver an installation, as I feel it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event because those pictures last forever. Therefore, I make sure that it is the best possible display.” This Business Spotlight originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online: https://lnkd.in/ghrBmPr Learn more about Rose City Balloons, see more of its incredible creations, and place online orders by visiting rosecityballoonsusa.com.

Check out our recent Business Spotlight on Chuck E. Cheese! https://lnkd.in/gHdKg85c Spotlight excerpt: Instantly recognizable to children and families of almost any generation, Chuck E. Cheese has become one of the country’s most well-known and beloved restaurant franchises since being founded in 1977. Today, Chuck E. Cheese remains a top destination for children’s entertainment, birthday parties, gaming, and family fun, while also evoking nostalgia from local adults who formed lasting memories as kids at their favorite Chuck E. Cheese location. For families in Salem, the Chuck E. Cheese at 3240 Lancaster Drive NE has been a primary source of fun times and memorable moments since 1983. Founded by the local Meinert family, this family-owned Salem franchise is now operated by the husband-and-wife team of Ian and Vicky Meinert. With a deep passion for serving the Salem community, the current owners have proudly represented the Chuck E. Cheese brand and the Meinert family since purchasing the business in 2017, following Ian’s father’s passing. For the Meinerts, continuing their family’s remarkable legacy of service — to both the community and its loyal employees — makes running the business a special endeavor. “I love working with our team to help make positive memories for kids when they come to CEC,” Ian said about his staff, which includes 35-50 employees (depending on the season). “I take a lot of pride in what we do and understand that there are many people out there that are big fans of Chuck E. Cheese.” This Business Spotlight originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online: https://lnkd.in/ghrBmPr Click here to see Chuck E. Cheese's summer offers, events, hours, online store, and more: https://lnkd.in/gyJVBRHT?

Thank you to Women at the Well Grace House for hosting Greeters last Friday! With a mission to provide refuge, support, hope, and love to single women in need, Women at the Well Grace House is a faith-based non-profit and shelter that empowers women to achieve and maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle that removes any barriers holding them back. Click here to learn more about the inspiring and critical work this non-profit is doing in our community: https://lnkd.in/eMqshg94 Tomorrow morning (August 9), we'll be gathering for our annual Greeters visit to KeizerFEST! Click here to see the details: https://lnkd.in/eqgcifxf

On July 17, our Salem Chamber Board of Directors gathered for the board's annual retreat at Illahe Hills Country Club. There, they discussed the year ahead and ways we, as an organization, can continue to improve our efforts and service to Salem Chamber Members. The day also included presentations by Pac/West Lobby Group on Business Advocacy efforts and Salam Noor of the Mountain West Center for Community Excellence on community engagement. We thank the Salem Chamber Board of Directors, a 25-person volunteer group, for the incredible work they do and the time they devote to the Salem business community! We'd also like to formally welcome our new board members: Lucy Escobar - Lucy Escobar Coaching and Consulting, LLC Diane McLaran - McLaran Enterprises Inc. Tammy Dennee, CMP, CAE - Oregon Cattlemen's Association Bill Riecke - Bark Boys, Inc. Salem, Oregon

On July 30, we hosted our first Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Summer Social at West Hills Vineyards. It was a gorgeous evening for networking as members of our ELC group got the opportunity to hear from local leaders and enjoy dinner provided by Miller’s BBQ Catering! Thank you to everyone who attended and to our panel of speakers for sharing their updates with us. Speakers: - Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell - Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Andrea Castañeda - Chemeketa Community College President Dr. Jessica Howard - Salem Mayor-Elect Julie Hoy - Oregon State Representative Kevin Mannix - Salem City Councilor and CASA of Marion County, Oregon Executive Director Vanessa Nordyke - Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert - Salem Chamber Board President Mike Herron If you are interested in participating in ELC, contact Michelle Terzenbach (michelle@salemchamber.org) about your current membership level.