BendNext

With an understanding that a thriving business environment relies heavily on a strong and healthy community – and vice versa – the Bend Chamber is excited to announce the expansion of our community and employee impact programs through our 501c3 nonprofit organization, BendNEXT.

As an organization, BendNEXT is fully focused on strengthening the entire continuum of workforce development, community/civic leadership and employee education and retention options locally.

As an organization, BendNEXT is fully focused on strengthening the entire continuum of workforce development, community/civic leadership and employee education and retention options locally.

The programs of BendNEXT begin with internship and career exploration opportunities for youth ages 16-24 through the Youth CareerConnect program; move through networking and valuable professional and personal development with Bend Young Professionals; and on to in-depth community leadership education and engagement through Leadership Bend. Our newest program, Bend Lifetime Leaders, educates and connects retired individuals who have recently moved to Bend and are seeking to share their wealth of experience and leadership in a significant capacity in their new hometown.

Experts say that by the year 2027, the US will experience the greatest labor shortage in recent history. As the labor pool continues to shrink in comparison to job openings, we are keyed in on how to get ahead of the workforce shortage locally by engaging and supporting people from their first work experience, through the early and mid-stages of their careers, and on forward through established leadership, mentorship and community involvement.

BendNEXT is helmed by our Vice President of Leadership Development, Talena Barker. Talena brings with her nearly two decades of experience working with nonprofit organizations, an entrepreneurial background and a passion for building strong communities through innovation and collaboration.