Dear Chamber Members and the Bend Business Community,

After nearly nine incredible years with the Bend Chamber, I want to share with you that I will be stepping into a new role on June 30 as the Economic Development Officer for the City of Bend. While this is a bittersweet transition for me personally, it is also a moment to reflect with deep pride on what we have accomplished together as a business community.

When I joined the Chamber in 2016, we set out to reimagine what a modern Chamber of Commerce could be: a bold, collaborative, and forward-facing organization that drives solutions for businesses and our community. Thanks to the dedication of our members, staff, board, and partners, we have made enormous strides.

Today, the Bend Chamber is the third-largest membership organization in Oregon, and its influence extends far beyond traditional networking and events. Together, we’ve:

• • Established a fund to invest in workforce homeownership, creating a revolving loan to address one of our region’s most urgent economic challenges.
  • Collaborated with our partners across the region, and forming a Central Oregon Business Alliance, uniting diverse business voices around common goals for economic development, housing, transportation, workforce development, and more.
  • Become a powerful advocate for business at the local and state level—ensuring that Bend’s employers and entrepreneurs have a seat at the table where policy is shaped.
  • Built on our highly respected leadership development efforts, including the flagship Leadership Bend and Emerging Talent programs.
  • Continued to support and elevate our members, with a renewed focus on innovation and impact.

The energy, insight, and collaboration of this community have fueled everything we’ve done at the Chamber. It has been a true honor to help guide this work, and I am filled with gratitude for the the support of the Chamber Board of Directors, and the many relationships and progress we’ve built together.

As I move into this new chapter at the City, my commitment to Bend’s economic vitality remains strong. I look forward to continuing to work with many of you—albeit from a different vantage point.

The Chamber is in an exceptionally strong position, with a talented team and a clear vision for the future. The mighty Chamber team is ready to carry on, including those in leadership: Sara Odendahl, the Chamber’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives; Garrett Jaenicke, Marketing and Membership Director; Talena Barker, BendNEXT and Leadership Development VP; and Jen Hammond, Operations Director. I have full confidence in their thoughtful approach to ensuring a smooth transition.

Thank you for the trust, collaboration, and inspiration you’ve given me over these past nine years. It’s been an incredible journey—and I can’t wait to see where the Chamber goes next.

With appreciation,

Katy Brooks
President & CEO
Bend Chamber of Commerce