News

November 4, 2024 Chamber Minute with Rosey Hello, Rosey here with your latest Chamber Minute! November is upon us, and our Economic Outlook Forum is fast approaching on December 13th. Be sure to save the date and register online for this must-attend event! And, once again, we’re excited to announce that we will be giving away TWO sides of beef, generously donated by Roseburg Resources. Don’t miss out – only 200 tickets will be sold, so grab yours before they’re gone! We’ll soon know the results of our local elections, and I’m hopeful that whatever the outcome, we can all come together to focus on the future of our community. Regardless of what happens in Washington or Salem, we NEED our region—Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston—to thrive. Our community must prosper so that families can continue to live, work, and raise their children here, and our businesses can continue to grow. No matter who holds office, I am committed to working collaboratively with others across any political aisle if it means bringing about positive change and greater prosperity for our area. For nearly 45 years, our Chamber has been a strong force for good in our community, and I […]

October 15 2024 In for another Chamber Minute its Rosey! It’s that time of year when we need your input! I’m currently preparing a membership survey to gather your insights, which will help shape the direction of the Chamber of Commerce for 2025. Your feedback is crucial as we use this information for our strategic planning in November. We also want your support in making our annual Directory the best resource for your businesses! If you have a new manager or have made any changes, has your location moved; Please let us know. We need your updated details for our Community Profile and Directory for 2025, including any advertising opportunities. Reach out to Jo at the Chamber for more information at 541-266-0868! Please remember, the deadline for submitting ads, new information, and logos is December 1st. Additionally, we’re excited to announce our Annual Economic Outlook Forum on December 13th and our weekly Wednesday Business Connection Luncheons, designed to provide valuable networking opportunities. Your financial support for these programs is essential to continue serving our community effectively. Please let us know what you can contribute to our ongoing work. Sponsor a month of WBC programs, or help us sponsor our Economic […]

Sept 16, 2024 Chamber Minute with Rosey As we approach an important political season, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce remains focused on our mission: supporting local businesses. We accomplish this through a variety of efforts—endorsing business-friendly candidates, keeping you informed about elections and local measures, and hosting networking events and advertising opportunities for Chamber members. By helping you stay informed and engaged, we strengthen our community and ensure Oregon thrives. Right now, it’s clear that passions are running high—both in positive and challenging ways. As a Chamber director, my priority is our members and the needs of the cities we serve. I encourage us all to pause and carefully consider how we react to the things happening around us. There will be plenty of issues that elicit strong feelings, but before responding, ask yourself: Is my reaction helping or hurting the issue, my community, or the organizations I represent? Standing up for what’s right is important, but there are ways to do so respectfully and thoughtfully. People will make mistakes along the way. Let’s keep our focus on solutions that benefit the community. While I understand the intensity of this season and how much depends on our leaders, we’ve […]

August 27, 2024 In for another Chamber Minute, It’s Rosey. Your Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is finishing up its Endorsement of Candidates at the State and County races this week. The Chamber looks for Business-Friendly candidates to Endorse each political season, and strives to provide its members up to date information on candidates and local measures that will affect the South Coast. WBC is BACK! Our Wednesday Business Connection Luncheons start up September 4th and every Wednesday September through May 11:30am-1pm providing Networking opportunities and business-catered programs to keep the business community in the loop. Meeting Each week at the Mill Casino Hotel and Casino & RV Park in the Salmon Room ( Most weeks) Come learn about the Candidates on the November Ballot and other Hot Topics in our area. September 4th we will open with Senator David Brock Smith & The Ambassadors Update. September 11th The County Commissioners Race for Pos 1 Forum with Commissioner Bob Main & Drew Farmer. Then September 18th we host a Forum with Representative Court Boice & Bret Cecil. September 25th a forum with our North Bend Mayor Jessica Engelke & Harry Haines VII. Many forums to help you prepare for this […]

July 29, 2024 In for another Chamber minute, it’s Rosey. While looking for positive stories, I found one that made me think about how different the world will be under a new generation’s leadership. This story represents the creativity and service-mindedness of some of today’s youth. Dr. Demetrio Aguila, inspired by his physician father, a man who served as a doctor with joy in his heart daily, sought a higher purpose in his medical career. He became a surgeon and created a program allowing patients to pay for surgery by volunteering at local non-profits. Studies show that patients invested in their outcomes achieve better results. Dr. Aguila believes that this investment leads to successful surgeries, reduced debt, enhanced self-esteem, and community benefits. His goal is to inspire others to find innovative ways to support their communities. At the Bay Area Chamber, we value all generations. Our business community is evolving and while we aim to continue to engage our aging population, We also know reaching out to the younger generations is crucial. We have all types of members serving on committees within your Chamber; working together, regardless of background or beliefs and that is essential. Our youth will have fresh […]

July 10, 2024 In for another Chamber Minute, It’s Rosey. This week we are highlighting our Chamber Coins for Kids Initiative, In July the Bay Area Chamber will be handing out Chamber coins to kids at the Markets and Fair this Summer, The Bay Area Chamber will be at a booth at the Coos Bay Farmers Market on the 17th, and at the Fair all day on Friday July 26th Come See Us to get your coins kids! Participating member businesses are taking care of our kids with something different from each member when you visit and present your Chamber coins…Chamber coins are for kids, One per child per visit. The Businesses participating so far are as follows: Farr’s Hardware, Gib’s RV, Oregon Pacific Bank, So It Goes Coffeehouse, Margarita’s Mexican Grille, the Artist’s Loft Gallery, and North Bend Lanes Back Alley Pub, and the Mark James Team Cadwell Realty. To use your coins, simply scan the QR code on the back of the wooden coin and download the wonderful Community Plus app by Epuerto for the updated list of businesses participating. Those Chamber members who are in the program receive from Epuerto a Silver Level Marketing listing in the […]

In for another Chamber Minute, it’s Rosey. Becoming a chamber member provides you with valuable networking opportunities, enhances local connections and fosters collaborative efforts. Members who join the chamber work together on issues that matter to their area, ensuring a unified voice in advocating for the community’s economic and developmental interests. There are many reasons and benefits to being a Chamber Member, our NEWEST BENEFIT members can take advantage of, CHAMBER COINS: The Chamber staff will be handing out Chamber coins to Kids at Farmer’s Markets and Fair Days at the County Fair, These coins include a scannable QR code that brings them to a list of our participating members so the families will know where the kids can spend the coins, sending them into your locations for patronage! Call your Chamber Office today to get on the list of Chamber Coin Businesses, The participating businesses need to keep a small treat or toy or scoop of ice cream; whatever is a good fit for them. It’s one more way to drive traffic into the businesses this year. Your Chamber office is actively working for you; remember “Our Business is helping your business” and don’t forget to heart our page […]

Chamber Minute May 20, 2024 In for another Chamber Minute, is Rosey…New Member Shoutouts are here…Last Month we had 8 New Members sign up to join the Chamber as members to help us with our mission: Our Business is helping your business, together they know we have a collective voice working on the issues we face in our rural communities. We thank you for aiding us in that mission: Oregon Coast Music, Karen Love Baisinger, Kelly’s Home Solutions, Community Coalition of Empire, SeaLab Inc., Gary Winterholler and Energy Trust of Oregon. Welcome aboard! Together we will make Coos Bay, North Bend, & Charleston better for business! We also Graduated our 33rd class of Leaders from the Chamber’s Leadership Coos program out at the Beautiful Coos Bay Yacht Club last week with almost 35 Graduates present to receive their diplomas, and eat amazing food prepared by the Steering Committee, the Leaders shared some of their stories and talked about the programs eye-opening experiences they shared through the nine-month program. Leadership Coos is a well-loved program educating individuals about the ins and outs of our area’s different industries and agencies. Applications are coming out in June for participants: First come first serve, […]

Chamber Minute 04/29/2024 In for another Chamber minute, it’s Rosey. May has arrived, and that means most of us will be getting our ballots this week, some important things are on the ballot this year, The Chamber is supporting the Public Safety Levy and hopes the community will too. We NEED a SAFE place to call our own and we NEED a solid Public Safety system, now more than ever. Crime is on the rise, and we know we cannot leave things as they currently are. If Coos County doesn’t pass the jail levy, then the consequences will cause budget cuts all across Coos County making things much worse than they are currently. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce works on Legislative issues that affect our businesses in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston, CRIME always affects businesses negatively, and we know we need the funding to continue this fight. Please support the Public Safety Levy 6-213. On another note we also need to clean up Coos County in other ways, Tourist Season is coming up and we need to clean up Highway 101, Volunteers will be gathering on Saturday, May 4th for the Bay Area Brigade’s annual clean up […]

Chamber Minute April 8, 2024 Rosey in for another Chamber minute. The Bay Area Brigade is FAST approaching, only 3 Saturdays until Our BIG DAY! This Year it’s MAY 4th! May the 4th BE with US as We STRIVE TO CLEAN UP for Tourism WEEK! Lots and LOTS of VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED for the Bay Area Brigade this year, just come on down on Saturday morning to the NB Fire Station at 1880 McPherson in North Bend. We will meet at 8am starts at 8:30 There will be Three Teams, pick your favorite and HELP THEM WIN THE COVETED TRASH TROPHY! We will have donuts and coffee to get us all going! Then we will go CLEAN UP HIGHWAY 101 just in time for Tourism week once again. We NEED sponsors for Shirts and some Refreshments, Call your local Chamber office today if you can help with that. The Clean Up will wrap up around at the Coos Bay Fire Hall at 450 Elrod in Coos bay at 11:30am, where Kiwana’s Members will be BBQing food donated by North Bend Lanes Back Alley Pub & Grill & NW Natural, there will be hamburgers and Hotdogs, and much more! Prizes will […]

March 11, 2024 Presenting another Chamber Minute from Rosey Thomas, Our Theme this year is a Season for Change and your Bay Area Chamber Team has been proactively working areas of transformation. We have been bolstering our Chamber teams, such as our Ambassadors, who are actively seeking new members to grow their dynamic team. The Business Development team is energetically orchestrating events aimed at bringing even more opportunities for businesses and community to come together. Even our Legislative action team is diligently engaging members on the policies and issues facing local businesses; keeping members informed and polling our membership. Our Executive Committee is working to revamp the education committee and We are revamping our website for user friendly changes coming soon! In our efforts to connect with members we have been distributing our member directories and seeking valuable feedback on the changes they’d like to see in their Chamber. While the ambitious goal of delivering all those directories in a day eluded us, our journey took us to many of your businesses. If you still need a new window decal or Membership directory, please don’t hesitate to reach out, call our office or come on down to 145 Central Ave […]

Rosey’s Minute 02/19/2024 February is about Love and reminders in life on how to love better are always beneficial to me, My husband and I have been at odds over a busted old sailboat that has appeared at my home, as a “someday project” Just another “thing” to mess up my yard, like the motorhomes and other projects before it.. ugh! If you guys only knew…but on the other hand, I can see the excitement in his eyes in the way he talks about it. How can we come together on this? I guess I’ll have to look at that busted up boat a while longer, sacrificing for the greater good of my home and my marriage even though it isn’t what I wanted. Being on social media these days apparently lots of us are feeling as messed up and messy as the world seems right now. And things are indeed messed up and messy and disagreements flying, but even in these hard, weird times, it is possible to fall in love with this broken world and the broken people who currently call this place Home. It is possible to work issues together, we need to LOVE our area here, […]

Chamber Minute 01/015/2024 Rosey in for another Chamber Minute, we at the Bay Area Chamber Of Commerce have finished up our annual planning meeting for 2024 and have identified our Areas of Focus for this year. Our Marketing/Communications Team will improve our social media outreach for businesses with even more posts and shares to multiple platforms keeping your businesses in sync with each other and up to date with info at the touch of our fingertips on our devices through FB lives, You Tube and Instagram. Our Membership team will be at more NON-Chamber events throughout the year spreading visibility from your chamber office. Our Chamber Teams will focus this year in on Reestablishing our Education Committee by Springtime. And our Advocacy team will be continuing working to connect with Local representatives around the difficult topics that affect local business and exploring ways to get MORE community feedback on Key local issues to get those voices to government to give Coos County a voice in Salem. 2024 will be a Season for Change and we are at the crossroads of where brilliance meets ambition, this year’s Board of Directors is actively working to grow our reach and volume of our […]

The Chamber Minute With fallen leaves clogging your gutters, frost on the windshield and Holiday Lights blazing, we begin thinking about the New Year. At the Chamber, we begin our preparation for 2024’s opportunities and successes with the annual Board planning session. For the past several years we have used your input about what you see are the most important issues facing our community, how you think the Chamber has been dealing with them and what you would like to have us address in the next year. With that information the Chamber defines its annual priorities.   To ensure that businesses succeed and our community thrives in our Bay Area, the Chamber is committed to the following: Create a strong local economy Through supporting the retention and growth of existing local business, focusing on tourism opportunities, supporting industrial development in our area, facilitating new business wanting to relocate here & streamlining the state and local permitting process. Promote the Community Through using a positive area marketing message both internally and externally, promoting Oregon’s Adventure Coast, by collaborating with other agencies on product/area branding and by supporting the area’s visitor centers. Provide Networking Opportunities The Chamber is the hub of information […]

The Chamber Minute Top 10 reasons to join the Chamber: Number 4, Gain a voice in government. Country singer Aaron Tippin had a song a few years ago entitled, “You got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything”. Our Legislative Action Team (LAT) takes that to heart. It’s important for your Chamber to promote those things which give us a positive economic climate to grow your business and create a healthy community for your family, while also taking a stand against those bills that would harm its future. The LAT has actively participated in every legislative session since 2011. In the 2023 long session, they tracked and worked the bills in support of the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) Legislative Agenda. While we have not been successful in every fight, the Chambers of Commerce in Oregon, are having an impact in Salem.  The LAT, over the past few years, has developed a strong relationship with our legislators through the OSCC Chamber Day at the capitol, twice monthly teleconferences with them which we sponsor with the college, and direct contact with them and their offices. During the session, our Team meets as many times as necessary, each month, […]

The Chamber Minute When I entered the work “initiative” into my computer, I got a definition. When I typed “finishative” into it, I’m told it isn’t a word. But it should be. The two words are defined as follows, initiative: the first step, the act of setting a process in motion, the ability or willingness to take the lead. Finishative: the last step, the act of completing, the willingness to take a project or mission to its logical conclusion in optimum time. Both of these are essential to character, to growth and success in an individual, and for successful community development. Too often, folks aimlessly wander through life and end up with a load of guilt and regrets because of the many things they wanted to do but never got around to start. Others wind up with the same guilt and regrets because they had dreams, with some initiative, started many projects but never finished most of what they began. This community can grow if our leaders will genuinely take the lead, exercise wisdom and initiative in getting work underway; if citizens involve themselves willingly to accomplish it and if all will focus on finishiative. While there are many ways […]

The Chamber MInute Wasn’t wonderful to turn the TV on Wednesday November 9th last year and not see a single political ad? The elections were over, our new leaders set to take office and the work of moving our communities down the pathway to success began again. As you have seen over the last year, for them to achieve what we need to happen here, however, required our skills, dedication and time. You don’t have to hold a position to be a leader. You are all leaders, whether it is in the family, business or community. Leaders who were faced with change and opportunity this past couple years. and will see more challenges in the remainder of this year and into the next. The main opportunity is the mutual support of our friends and neighbors. In the Chamber we call that networking. So, as we face life’s realities together, how can you help? What is your unique talent? Your Chamber has a spot where you, and only you, have the ability to make things happen. Each person, on your team, has their strengths, issues and special interests. Those are molded into a working body which gets things done by you, […]

The Chamber Minute To ensure that business succeeds and thrives in the Bay Area and key community projects facilitated, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is committed to the following Strategic Objectives: Create a strong local economy Through supporting the retention and growth of existing local business, focusing on tourism opportunities, supporting industrial development in our area, facilitating new business wanting to relocate here & streamlining the state and local permitting process. Promote the Community Through using a positive area marketing message both internally and externally, promoting Oregon’s Adventure Coast, by collaborating with other agencies on product/area branding and by supporting the area’s visitor centers. Provide Networking Opportunities The Chamber is the hub of information for business & community, utilizing events like Business after Hours, Wednesday Business Connection, the Economic Outlook Forum, the Chamber Awards Banquet and more, to spread that word, while providing time for businesses to connect. Represent Business Issues By advocating for business issues at all levels of government, continuing to research and take positions on issues important to business and community, and by strengthening lobbying efforts with the state. Build a strong Chamber Engage new & active members in our committee activities and events; provide […]

The Chamber Minute A community tradition was born in 1987 when the Friends of Shore Acres decided to “string a few lights” to help celebrate the holidays. That first season, 6,000 miniature lights, one large Christmas tree, and the decorated Garden House drew 9,000 visitors.  Now in its 36th year of bringing magic to the Coast, Holiday Lights with 325,000 LED lights – many decorated Christmas trees, lighted sculptures, entertainment in the pavilion, and a beautifully decorated Garden House draws 40,000 to 50,000 visitors each season. Inside the Garden House, scrolls of names are a tribute to business supporters and the more than 1,500 volunteers who make it happen. So beginning Thanksgiving day through the entire month of December, plan to make the trip to Shore Acres for Holiday Lights. Make sure you visit the Friends of Shore Acres website and sign up for the timed entry reservation information. These will cut down those long traffic lines to get into the lights each. Also, don’t forget to sign the registry in the Garden House and enjoy the free hot spiced cider and cookies. But why bring that up now? Well Saturday October 14th the light stringing at Shore Acres starts and […]

The Chamber Minute Isn’t it amazing how quickly time passes and what is important to community life changes? Do you remember Western Auto or the Emporium or the Hub in downtown Coos Bay? Change, that is directed with vision, can chart a course to a great future. In a study about nations, it was asked, is a nation’s positive image of its future a function of its success or is its success a function of its positive image of its future? What they found was, in all cases, significant vision preceded significant success. Many nations began their climb to greatness without the right resources, population base or strategic advantages. What they did have was a detailed, extensive and significant vision of what they could become. This is also true about communities, businesses and even you. So, how about helping detail our vision for Oregon’s Bay Area. What are the most noticeable differences you would like to see here in the next 10 years? What would be different? How will the population mix differ from what it is now? What lifestyle changes have taken place? How will these differences affect your city? How will local government be different? What would it […]

The Chamber Minute As I mentioned last week, every year, about this time, I conduct a one on one conversation with each of the 21 members of the Chamber Board. The purpose is to get their sense of where the organization is at and where it’s headed. I shared some of those insights with you on three of the five subject areas already. Here are the last two. Improvements & Opportunities • We need consistency in our activities • Chamber has changed this year with new fresh ideas. So many initiatives and goals to educate and interact with members and the community, makes me very excited. • Sharing of goals and projects, that take time, are important for success • There is new vision with a push to digital with video proposed and more interactive connections. That’s important as people doing business here don’t always live here. • We have done a lot of changes lately • Need to understand how to get more folks more engaged. • We offer lots of good ideas floating around for positive change • Like the new ideas like the business education proposal, uniting the SBDC, BBSi , Cardinal and more to focus on […]

The Chamber Minute As I have mentioned before, I like stories, so let me share another true one with you. Eleven year old Preston Sharp was with his mom at the cemetery, visiting and decorating his grandfather’s grave, who was a veteran. As he looked around, he realized that not every veteran had a flag at his marker, and that disappointed and made Preston angry. Several hours later, he was still harping on it. His mom said, “Son, if you are going to complain about something, you either have to do something about it or let it go.” Next thing she knew, Preston was taking odd jobs and soliciting donations to buy flags and flowers for every veteran in his grandpa’s cemetery. And when that cemetery was covered, he moved onto another, and then another. In his first two years some 23,000 graves were decorated. Now when word gets out Preston will be at a cemetery, a lot of folks feel compelled to join in. It is a movement of young and old, of those who served themselves and those who are so grateful they did, all led by this little pied piper of patriotism who saw an injustice and […]

The Chamber Minute Welcome, almost, to the summer of 2023. Today we are going to focus on Gratitude. So, what is it? Gratitude is showing appreciation for and returning kindness. What experiences have you had which you are grateful for? Did you express that gratitude? I know for me, one such person was my scoutmaster Mr. Follas. He taught me the basic elements of working as a team, striving for excellence and how to lead. As an adult I had the chance to convey my appreciation to him, which made all the difference for him and for me. Let me share a story with you about a veteran’s car and a son’s keepsake. Justin Rozier of Moore, Texas, really cherished anything his father once had. As he approached getting a driving permit, he mentioned to his mother that he would really like any vehicle his dad once owned. Dad was an army officer killed in Iraq when Justin was 9 months old. His mom was forced to sell dad’s 1999 Celica to help make ends meet. While there was not much hope in finding it after all these years, she thought she had to try. As she said, “I have […]

The Chamber Minute Another school year is coming to an end. As we emerge from these COVID times, promoting education has been a challenge for teachers, parents and children. Can you imagine having to face all those needed changes at school, in the past couple years, to simply be able to learn? Kids are resilient. One rainy Saturday afternoon my wife was standing in line at a local grocery store with three little, blonde haired, blue lipped girls behind her. They were very concerned about how much their groceries were going to cost. They had two packs of hot dogs and a half gallon of chocolate mint ice cream. They continued to ask the checker how much this would be. He said, “Girls, I believe you’ll get eighteen cents back.” My wife asked, “Girls, are you having a party?” “Nope”, replied the oldest. “Our mom’s been sick so we decided to make her supper. We’ll have hot dogs and ice cream.” They had spent the afternoon washing windows and picking up cans to pay for their dinner. Despite what you read or hear, there is nothing wrong with the basic fiber of today’s kids. It’s our responsibility to help that […]

Have you ever wondered what a city councilor really does? Did you know that Coos County is Oregon’s leading producer of cranberries? Were you aware of the many opportunities for good live theater and music productions in our area? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in the Chamber’s Leadership Coos program. Leadership Coos is an excellent way to see the total picture of what this area is about. Whether you have lived here all your life or just arrived in Oregon’s Bay Area, in the nine months of Leadership Coos you will learn facts, find services and discover opportunities you never knew existed.  You also share time with a diverse group of professionals who make up your class, those giving presentations and the Leadership Coos committee members who were always on hand to direct the process. One day per month from September through May participants attend seminars, tours and briefings which show them the issues and opportunities within our community and challenge them to become involved in the political or community organizations that match their interest. Monthly subjects, for example, range from Natural Resources & Agriculture, the historic foundation of our economy, to How we […]

A few years ago Portland State University came out with its population projections for the next 25 years for all communities in Oregon. For Coos County they predicted 25 years of no growth. Having suffered with over 30 years of little growth, I’m not inclined to accept that future and I hope you are not either. It is truly time for a new path. The people of Manitoba felt the same concern about 11 years ago and found no solace in their elected leaders and their game plan. Hence arose, from the people, Manitoba BOLD and more. So, what is your BOLD idea for Oregon’s Bay Area and Coos County? BOLD is a community defining its vision, mission and values and collaborating with civic officials and leaders throughout the community to come together for the success of Coos County. Our area has survived because of the passion of the people that live here. Where would Oregon’s Bay Area be without the John Whitty’s, the Louie Simpson’s, the Gordon Ross’s or dozens of others throughout our history. Where would this county be without all of you? You are all leaders in some way. Everyone in this community plays a role in […]

In these challenging times, as we focus on our friends and neighbors, I have had an experience, that I’d like to share with you. A local church started a free clothing give away always prior to school starting. It had become an annual tradition with them for many years until COVID hit in 2020. The clothes must be good, as some used to camp out the night before to be first in line. The real story of what went on was the people. So let me share a few of those with you from a couple years back. A little girl, after looking at the shoes available, exclaimed, “Oh mama, they don’t have any holes”. A man thanked the women that were working in the program saying, “did you do this before?” “yes, we had a similar program last year”. “I guess I didn’t notice last year because I had my mill job and everything was all right. This year I’m being retrained at SWOCC to be a welder. So far I haven’t lost my house or car. I got the kids coats for the winter, but I burnt holes in mine at class and haven’t had the money to […]

The Chamber Banquet Celebrates Excellence in 2022 and Opportunities for 2023 All enjoyed a great evening this past Saturday at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet—Together We Create Opportunity! Wonderful food, entertainment featuring the cast of Matilda the Musical from LTOB and a variety of awards and recognitions which truly make this a community celebration. Citizen of the year is an honor given to a member of our community who, by consistently giving of their time, energy and resources, has made Oregon’s Bay Area a better place to live. For 2022 that award was given to Pam Plummer. Pam is the definition of community service. She has served on the Boards of United Way and SCDC, the Bay Area Health District Finance committee and much much more. She is a former Chamber President who didn’t miss a beat in her involvement as she left the presidency. She was chair of an active Business Development committee and later chair of the Marketing and Communication team which developed a new website, expanded our social media presence and looked for other ways to connect to the membership. She stepped into the role of Chamber Treasurer to revamp and simplify our procedures. […]

Often you have heard me say that the Chamber’s strength comes from utilizing the vast collective experiences and energy of our diverse membership of over 540 businesses. So how do we do that? In many ways, it’s through their participation on one of our teams. Let me re-introduce you to those committee opportunities we expect to be active in 2023. Ambassadors—Are the Red-coated welcoming team that greets dignitaries, cuts ribbons at grand openings and hosts Business after Hours each month. They also have an important role in promoting membership communication through regular visits to all. Business Development & Support—works for a positive business climate which promotes retention, expansion and recruitment activities throughout Oregon’s Bay Area often with our other South Coast economic development partners. A new aspect of this group is the Business Builders monthly seminars on subjects important to your operations. Natural Resources—helps to educate the public on timber and fishing issues and other natural resource opportunities which affect our coastal community and economy. This team works in concert with the LAT. Legislative Action Team (LAT)—Serves as an advocate for Chamber members and the business community in local and state issues impacting quality of life, growth and business viability. […]

Wasn’t wonderful to turn the TV on Wednesday November 9th and not see a single political ad? The elections are over, our new leaders in office and the work of moving our communities down the pathway to success begins again. For them to achieve what we need to happen here, however, will require our skills, dedication and time. You don’t have to hold a position to be a leader. You are all leaders, whether it is in the family, business or community. Leaders who were faced with change and opportunity this past couple years. and will see more challenges in the remainder of this year and into the next. The main opportunity is the mutual support of our friends and neighbors. In the Chamber we call that networking. So, as we face life’s realities together, how can you help? What is your unique talent? Your Chamber has a spot where you, and only you, have the ability to make things happen. Each person, on your team, has their strengths, issues and special interests. Those are molded into a working body which gets things done by you, their leader. Everyone has their approach to leadership which they have developed through many […]