2024 Impact Conference—Nov 20
A 360-view of the important issues, challenges, and opportunities on the horizon for businesses right now and into the future.
One event, six speakers, countless insights—Impact Conference.
Keynote speaker Sheree Anne Kelly, CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, will provide an engaging and insightful 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.
You’ll also hear a special message from US Senator Ron Wyden!
It wouldn’t be Impact Conference without economic insights—Damon Runberg, Economist with Business Oregon, will provide the latest on what’s happening locally.
New for 2024—Power Rounds
Experience an updated format featuring Power Rounds replacing breakout sessions. Power Rounds are short, fast-paced, and information-rich talks from national experts. Best of all, you will experience both Power Rounds—no choosing which one to go to or which one to miss.
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.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Closed accordion
7:30–8:30AM: Registration & Breakfast
Registration opens, and a breakfast buffet will be available.
8:30–8:40AM: Welcome—Katy Brooks
Katy Brooks, President and CEO of the Bend Chamber, kicks off our 2024 Impact Conference.
8:40–8:45AM: US Senator Ron Wyden
Hear a special message from US Senator Ron Wyden.
8:45–9:00AM: Horizon Initiative Introduction—Katy Brooks
Katy Brooks, introduces recent findings from the 2024 Horizon Initiative.
The Horizon Initiative gives insights into the local and national State of Business, today, in the future, and navigating in between.
9:00–9:30AM: Keynote—Sheree Anne Kelly
The Future of Chambers, the Businesses They Serve and the Horizon Initiative—What’s Next
Sheree Anne Kelly, CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
What lies ahead for chambers and how can they adapt and evolve when faced with the after-effects of a global pandemic, a monumental economic downturn, the changing nature of business, the discordant political climate and the challenges of racial equity? Sheree Anne Kelly will share ACCE’s latest research on the essential components for chamber missions and supporting business models that will ensure chambers are successful and sustainable well beyond these challenging times. The Horizon Initiative identifies nine influences shaping the future of chambers and their communities. Sheree Anne will revisit the key principles of this initiative and share the latest national research and components of Horizon 2.0, the next iteration.
9:30–10:00AM: What's on the Local Horizon?—Katy Brooks
Katy Brooks, President & CEO of the Bend Chamber
Earlier this year, the Bend Chamber polled a broad spectrum of local business leaders as part of the Horizon Initiative.
Katy will join Sheree Anne to compare local vs. national results covering the major issues impacting business today, and what challenges and opportunities they anticipate over the next 10 years and beyond.
10:00–10:30AM: Oregon Competitiveness—Damon Runberg
Oregon’s Competitiveness
Damon Runberg, Economist at Business Oregon
There is a perception out there that Oregon is not a great place to do business. But is this perception based in reality? Damon will dive into Oregon’s economic and demographic trends to see how we compare to peer states. Additionally, he will share the results from the recently completed Business Recruitment Study highlighting the experiences of business owners in Oregon and the factors anchoring them to Oregon, internal factors pushing them away, and external factors pulling them away.
10:30–10:45AM: Break
Stretch your leges, refill your beverage, and get ready for the Power Rounds!
10:45–11:10AM: Power Round #1—Mike Kingsella
Breaking the Gridlock: Unlocking Bend’s Economic Potential with Federal Pro-Housing Policy
Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth
Bend’s booming population and job growth are driving its success, but artificial barriers have prevented housing from keeping pace. Mike will discuss how federal policies can help remove these regulatory roadblocks, enabling the city to meet its housing needs, support workforce growth, and sustain the economic momentum that makes Bend a thriving hub for businesses.
11:10–11:35AM: Power Round #2—Tim Mahedy
Tomorrow’s Federal Reserve: What to Expect from Interest Rates Over the Next Decade
Tim Mahedy, Founder and Chief Economist, Access/Macro
The pandemic didn’t break the economy, but it did unleash structural forces that made the Fed’s job of setting interest rate policy much harder. Unfortunately, it’s too late to put that genie back into the bottle, and this period of heightened uncertainty around the path of monetary policy will likely linger. Tim will leverage his years of experience at the Federal Reserve and the International Monetary Fund to break down how today’s global challenges affect the trajectory of U.S. interest rates and what that means for financial markets and Main Street.
11:35–11:45AM: Closing Remarks
Bend Chamber CEO & President, Katy Brooks, gives closing remarks.
Don’t miss out—register today!
Online registration closes at 12:00PM on Nov. 18. Registration will be available at the door for an additional $10.00 on Nov. 20 at 7:30AM.