News
Central Oregon Economic Indicators—July 2024
Economy in Central Oregon By Andrew Grimoldby | Workforce Analyst/Economist, East Cascades Oregon Employment Department July in View: The nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly from 4.1% in June to 4.3% in July, and at the statewide level,...
More Than Two-Thirds of US Companies to Train In-House Talent Amid Cost-Cutting Strategies
Company-Led Training Top Reskilling Tool—Latest Results from The Harris Poll Increasing headcount through the end of 2024 may not be feasible for some U.S. companies, as 33% of hiring managers say budget constraints or the inability to hire is responsible for...
Consumers, Businesses, and State Would Lose with Measure 118
by Katy Brooks, CEO & President, Bend Chamber Measure 118 is the most misleading measure on this year’s ballot and would be the largest tax increase in Oregon’s history. This so-called “rebate” is actually a massive tax on sales that would ultimately cost Oregon...
Bend Young Professionals Program Gets Refreshed as Bend Emerging Talent
The Program will Continue Providing Professional and Personal Development to Help Employers Retain Top Talent On September 3, the Bend Young Professionals (Bend YP) program rebranded to Bend Emerging Talent. The change reflects the organization’s evolving mission and...
Saving Grace Launches Innovative Program to Partner with Bars and Restaurants in Violence Prevention Efforts
Saving Grace is proud to announce the launch of our new Violence Prevention Partner Program, an initiative that invites local bars and restaurants to play an active role in preventing intimate partner violence (IPV) within our community. This program aims to raise...
City Begins Electrification Policy Analysis
The City’s Environment and Climate Committee recently held its first meeting to discuss policies and best practices related to building electrification. As background, a defined goal of City Council and the Climate Protection Plan (CPP) is a reduction of carbon...
City of Bend Seeking Applications for Affordable Housing
The City of Bend is seeking applications from eligible landowners who are interested in getting more affordable housing on the ground through a one-time UGB expansion. In 2024, the Oregon legislature passed a bill, known as Senate Bill 1537 (SB 1537), aiming to...
Workshop Offered to Cultivate Connection and Belonging
A Learning Opportunity for Those Seeking to Foster a Sense of Belonging in Their Workplaces Our businesses, employees, and community will thrive when people feel welcomed and accepted in their workplaces and daily lives. To this end, the BendNEXT...
Ribbon Cutting Showcase—Tomi Mart
We’re pleased to showcase the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration for the official opening of Bend’s long awaited specialty Asian market, Tomi Mart! Tomi Mart is committed to making it easier for everyone to find their favorite Asian goodies and products. More...
RootedHomes Extends Applications for the Simpson Community
RootedHomes is excited to announce that applications for the Simpson community have been EXTENDED. Both digital and paper applications will be available until September 30th at 11:59PM. Steps to Get Started: Review Program Details: Visit our 'program details' section...
Rooted at Simpson Housing Lottery Applications Due August 28
RootedHomes is thrilled to announce the launch of its Rooted at Simpson housing lottery, offering a unique opportunity for qualified homebuyers to secure a home on Bend’s northwest side. The lottery opened on July 15th, and will remain open until midnight on August 28th.
Introducing Skilled Trades Employee Specialist
Express Employment Professionals of Bend, OR is excited to introduce the newest member of the Skilled Trades team —Employment Specialist Jennifer Underhill! Jennifer will specialize in placement of Skilled Trades talent such as, Diesel Mechanics, Lead HVAC...
Kristen Warner Joins Summit Bank as VP of Treasury Management for Central Oregon
Summit Bank has announced the addition of Kristen Warner to the bank as VP, Treasury Management Officer for the Central Oregon region. In this role, Warner will use her treasury management expertise to build, manage, and grow business banking relationships with...
Accounting Firm Kernutt Stokes Adds Tax Manager to the Team
Kernutt Stokes is pleased to announce that Loren Harwood, CPA, CFP® has returned to the firm as a tax manager. Harwood began his career with Kernutt Stokes as an intern, then joined the firm full-time. After leaving the firm in 2006, Harwood owned his own CPA...
The Bend Chamber is actively supported by these Signature Investors
