Bend Chamber Offers Yearlong Professional and Personal Development Opportunities 

The Bend Chamber’s Bend Emerging Talent (formerly Young Professionals) program, sponsored by US Bank, announces the opening of sales of its 2025 Bend Emerging Talent (Bend ET) Passport. First introduced in 2020, the Passport allows emerging professionals to easily participate in all Bend ET programming for the year.

The Bend ET Passport includes four Expert Lab educational events, five Socials, one Summit ticket, and one What’s Brewing ticket, along with a variety of other opportunities. In 2024, Expert Lab topics included accountability, how to utilize AI in the workplace, work-life balance, and emotional intelligence.

The Bend ET Mentorship Program, exclusive to Individual Passport holders and now in its third year, provides emerging professionals with peer groups and mentor matches from Leadership Bend’s Alumni Association. This offers access to local leaders who are committed to growing Central Oregon’s future leaders.

“My favorite part of [Bend ET] and why I bought my Passport this year is because of the Mentorship Program. My mentors have provided invaluable information and helped me recognize and grow many skills…They are my superheroes, and without the Bend Chamber Mentorship Program, I strongly believe I would not be where I am today.” Said a mentee of the 2024 Mentorship Program.

A 2024 Passport Holder, going into their fourth year of participation, notes, “I personally invested in a Bend ET Passport last year. The program allows for continued education throughout the year and fun socials that provide a comfortable place to meet other driven and talented folks. The Passport allows me to team up with a mentor and peers and helps me really think through numerous topics and professional struggles. I would not be where I am today without the Bend ET Passport and the community that comes with it.”

Passport holders will also have access to broader Bend Chamber networking opportunities: five Biz & Bevs, and five Commerce & Coffee events in 2025.

Each year, staff review and refine the Passport program, informed by feedback from emerging professionals themselves as well as their employers, to best meet community needs. Ten Ambassador and Advisory Council (AAC) members also guide Bend ET programming and help maintain its relevance.

For businesses wishing to support more than one team member, the Business Flex Passport offers an affordable way to do so.

Louise Shirley, Leadership Programs Manager, adds, “The Business Flex Passport has been a popular option in past years. Employers are increasingly recognizing that providing learning and networking opportunities is vital to retention and to growing a strong, resilient workforce. We aim to meet that need by providing timely and diverse professional development opportunities throughout the year.”

Bend ET Passports are available for purchase from November 22, 2024, through January 15, 2025. Bend ET and US Bank will host a Passport Holder Welcome Party on January 9, 2025, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow Passport Holders, meet Bend ET staff and AAC members, and learn how to get the most out of the program.