REDMOND CHAMBER PREMIER LEVEL SPONSORS
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
MARCH 2024
BY ERIC SANDE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTORHELLO SPRING
Last year in the March spring newsletter, I wrote an article that received a lot of positive feedback from our members, so I thought I would share it with you again. I started off with making the analogy of a Chamber membership being a lot like going to a gym. Have you ever joined a gym, worked hard at it and then seen the results of your commitment, or have you joined a gym, not gone, and then wondered why you’re not seeing any results? I have been guilty of not using a gym membership, which I paid for and ultimately dropped; only to rejoin later and have to work twice as hard to recover lost fitness ground, and a few extra pounds. Joining the Chamber, like going to the gym, you will receive more benefit based on your level of participation. Being consistent and showing up is half the battle and in terms of the Chamber is half the fun!
It is important to know what the Chamber is, in order to understand what you can expect. The Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB is first and foremost a private, non-profit, business membership organization that provides business advocacy, networking and referrals of its member businesses and community. We are the “Three C’s” of the community, Catalyst for business growth, Convener of leaders and influencers and the Champion for our community. The Chamber works hard with State, County and local officials to create a stronger and better community. The Redmond Chamber is the collective voice of our members and together we can accomplish what no individual can accomplish alone. We encourage our members to get active and to make the most of their Chamber membership.
The Chamber is also fun! I’m constantly amazed at what can be accomplished collectively and by connecting people, businesses and organizations. With the Chamber, Coffee Clatters are still one of the most effective weekly networking opportunities in Redmond and are a highly successful means of connecting business and community. Redmond is all about “face-to-face” and people like doing business with those they know. Never underestimate the power of what you can accomplish over a cup of coffee and a donut! Coffee Clatters are booked into 2025, but it shouldn’t prevent you from coming, or getting on the list to host. Talk to our Events Director, Amanda Joe Luelling, about signing up for a Coffee Clatter, Ribbon Cutting, Lunch and Learn, Afterhours or other opportunities.
There really is no better way to promote your business, establish new friends and clients than using your Chamber membership to the fullest. We offer a host of ways for you to connect with others and build your business and below are just a few ways to do so.
• Attend or host networking opportunities such as a Coffee Clatters, Business After Hours and/or Lunch and Learns.
• Keep your business information current with the Chamber via the Membership Portal; be sure to add photos, coupons and content, telling everyone about your business.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Elevate your Chamber Membership and become a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Premier Member.
• Tag the Chamber on your Social Media posts.
• Submit a New Member article in the Chamber e-newsletter (150-200 words due by the 15th of each month).
• Regularly submit Business Bytes telling us what is happening with your business (150-200 words due by the 15th of each month).
• Read the monthly e-newsletter and be sure to make note of upcoming events on your calendar and welcoming new members with a note from you and your company.
• Advertise in the Directory, Visitor Guide, Visitor Center, e-newsletter, and/or website
• Offer a deal or coupon via your Membership Portal.
• Have your brochure or flyer available at the Chamber Office.
• Participate and promote your business in parades, golf tournaments and other events.
• Have a booth at or attend the Central Oregon Business Expo and Job Fair, or Business Hop.
• Display your Chamber Member decal.
• Do business with other Chamber members.
• Have a link on the Chamber website and utilize the Chamber Seal on your website.
• Have a booth at the Music on the Green Concert series.
• Donate an item, product or service that showcases your company at events.
• Become an Ambassador.
• Share your thoughts and concerns with the Chamber.
• Participate in our Relocation Program.
It is truly amazing what we can accomplish together, and our Membership Director, Evelina Davidson, can help you learn more about taking full advantage of your membership.
I hope you find these simple ideas, fun and easy to incorporate into your business plan. The Chamber is also hosting membership workshops, where we review all these benefits and more. Look for the next scheduled membership workshop online, or in the Chamber Business News. The Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB is here for you and we want to help you make your business successful.
Spring is coming!
There is a lot going on this spring and the Chamber is looking forward to everything the season has to offer. We are eagerly anticipating the new Official 2024-25 Visitor and Business Guide at the end of March, our Central Oregon Business Expo in April and the graduation of the next Leadership Redmond class in May. From all of us here at the Chamber, have a fantastic spring and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
BRADY
CHAMBER STAFF
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS
Secure Storage
Jem Porro
3001 NW Canal Blvd., Redmond OR 97756, US
CuppaYo Redmond
Sam Meier
446 SW 6th St, Redmond OR 97756, US
Jonny's Joint, LLC
LoriAnn M Kuhn
2605 S 1st Street, Redmond OR 97756, US
Orkin Pest Control
Les Fogelman
P O Box 2038, La Pine, OR97739
ServPro of N. Deschutes, Jefferson & Crook
Levi Jacobs
90 SE Bridgeford Blvd, Bend OR 97702, US
Little Bug Play Hub
Cortney Falappino
522 SW 6th Street, Redmond OR 97756, US
Meadow Outdoor Advertising
Jeffrey Haney
1201 Bargeway Road, The Dalles OR 97058, US
Destination Rehab
Stephanie Odell
P.O Box 8316, Bend OR, US
Aflac Licensed Agent - Patrick Kinnan
Patrick Kinnan
8861 Morning Glory Drive, Terrebonne OR 97760, US
Michelle Boyer - Mary Kay Independent Sales Director
Michelle Boyer
1561 NW Varnish Pl., Redmond OR 97756, US
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Mike Powell
Mike Powell
1020 SW Indian Ave Unit 103, Redmond OR 97756, US
Thrive Nutrition and Functional Medicine
Karin Allumbaugh
PO Box 1273, Redmond OR 97756, US
MEMBER BYTES
Redmond Kiwanis
Tickets are available online for the 18th Annual Redmond Kiwanis Vintner’s Dinner and Auction. The event will be held on Friday, May 17, at St. Thomas Catholic Church.
The dinner is the service club’s largest fundraising event for its youth projects. The primary beneficiary this year is the natural playground to be constructed adjacent to the Redmond Area Park and Recreation District pool and recreation center.
Kirby Nagelhout Construction, the general contractor on the project, is the dinner’s presenting sponsor. The playground is projected to cost $525,000.
“The event is a celebration of good food, good wine and community service,” said Kiwanis President Michelle Duff. This is the second of three years
devoting the event to the playground, the campaign for which will also involve extensive grant applications.
Waterbrook Winery from Walla Walla is the presenting winery. Core Catering of Bend will prepare the fivecourse, wine-paired meal. Patrons will have their choice of beef, duck, vegetarian or vegan entrees when they register on the Redmond Kiwanis website, www.redmondkiwanis.org Tickets are $95.
Sponsorships are available from $500 to $2,500. The service club is also seeking live and silent auction items. For more details, check the website or email redmondkiwanis@gmail.com .
The Kiwanis Club of Redmond has been improving the lives of the youth and families of Redmond and the surrounding communities since 1937. Its members accomplish this through volunteering, fundraising, and by acting as positive role models for the youth and fu-
ture leaders of our community.
This is the menu for the event:
Passed Hors d’oeurvres: Chicken Albondigas (meat balls) with citrus jus, tequila, agave,
and micro cilantro; Italian Sausage-stuffed Cremini Mushroom chevre and artichoke hearts;
Goat Cheese Polenta Canapes, sun-dried tomato and basil chiffonade, served with Waterbrook 2021
Icon Carmenere.
Plated Appetizer: Pan Seared Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops with maple balsamic
reduction, served with Waterbrook 2021 Sangiovese Rose.
Salad Course: Kalamata Caesar, romaine heart, kalamata olive, asiago, and grilled Meyers
lemon, served with Waterbrook 2022 Chardonnay.
Entrée choices: Each entree served with white cheddar gratin potatoes, broccolini with
smoked sea salt, Big Ed’s dinner rolls and herb-whipped butter.
BlackBerry Duck Confit, slow cooked in duck fat, cabernet blackberry jus, served with
Waterbrook 2021 Mélange Founders Red Blend.
Chateaubriand Oregonzola demi-glace, fried shallots, micro arugula, served with Waterbrook
2020 Reserve Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
Barbecued Tofu with Molasses Bourbon Butter topped with tempeh bacon lardons (vegan by request), served with Waterbrook 2021 Mélange Founders Red Blend.
Dessert: New York Cheesecake. Oregon berry compote and rose water reduction, served with
Waterbrook 2022 Pinot Gris.
Q: I run a business with ten employees, and one of the things that keeps me up at night is planning for emergencies.
How do I even begin to prepare for major disruptions when we lack the continuity resources of a large corporation?
A: You’re right to worry about ensuring your business is a safe, secure, and resilient work environment — no matter your size! Here’s how you can be proactive:
Daily Safety Focus: Regularly train employees about key safety processes, protective gear, and equipment protocols, including vehicles if applicable. Maintain cleanliness to minimize hazards. Implement a daily safety checklist. Conduct frequent site visits and drills to reinforce and incentivize safe practices.
Employee Well-being: Encourage regular breaks for hydration and mental reset to sustain energy levels. Foster a professional and supportive atmosphere to manage stress.
Enhance Security Measures: Limit access by issuing passwords, keys, and codes only to those who require them. Change all passwords and codes regularly. At day’s end, ensure doors are locked, valuables are secured, and alarms/cameras are operational.
Business Continuity Plans: Anticipate risks like strikes, natural disasters, and system disruptions. Develop and maintain continuity plans with preassigned roles and strategies for response. This includes identifying assembly points, emergency contacts, backup power and tech systems, and remote or alternate work locations.
Emergency Kit Preparation: Create or purchase a grab-and-go kit for emergencies. Ensure all staff know where the kit is stored.
Incorporating robust safety and security practices not only mitigates risks but can also lead to cost savings on insurance premiums and claims. Most importantly, you’ll ensure safeguard lives and ensure uninterrupted operations. By empowering your team with knowledge and preparation, you pave the way for a resilient and secure small business environment.
Meet the Expert:
Sue Meyer is a professional consultant specializing in business start-up, strategies, and planning. Her first firm was built in 1994 when finances and opportunities for entrepreneurs were varied and abundant. She and her husband, Steve, have two successful local businesses and continue to help businesses grow in today’s challenging economic and customer-driven environment. After 30 years in the Phoenix metro area and traveling nationwide, Sue and Steve are proud to call Central Oregon home.
Join the Redmond Chamber of Commerce and Title Sponsor, U.S. Bank, for the 25th Annual Central Oregon Business Expo and Job Fair, Central Oregon’s only cross industry Job Fair!
This year we are expanding the workshops and providing opportunities to learn firsthand of exciting new events happening right here in Redmond and Central Oregon. You will want to make sure your business is positioned to share your story as well as be ready to take full advantage of growth, changes and business opportunities right here in our community.
The U.S. Bank Central Oregon Business Expo will take place Friday, April 19th, 2024 at the Deschutes Fair and Expo Center from 1:00pm to 5:30 pm, in the Middle Sister conference center. The U.S. Bank Central Oregon Business Expo and Job Fair is Central Oregon’s premier business networking event of the year. This event is the perfect venue to showcase your company’s products and/or services as well as connect directly with the business community. Applications for booth spaces are currently being accepted and are available online at www.visitredmondoregon.com.
NEWS FROM
the ranch
In the world of commerce, what is one of the most effective ways to promote your business quickly at an affordable cost? Almost every business owner will answer ‘Join the local Chamber of Commerce’. And that’s just what CrookedRiver Ranch did. The Ranch has been a member of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce since approximately 2011 and Ranch Manager Judy LaPora is currently seated on the Chamber Board. With her presence on the board, this is useful in keeping the Ranch relevant in the Central Oregon area. Meaning her input, opinions, professional knowledge, business contacts and much more keeps the Chamber members aware of the benefits and needs of the Crooked River Ranch community. What is a huge benefit is the opportunity for visitors traveling through the area and those who would like to purchase a home or property on the Ranch to learn about the great things the Ranch has to offer.
Members are linked to the Chamber Directory, which is available online, printed or both. By networking, we get toknow others in the Redmond area, develop partnerships and gain support for these other businesses. Chambers have many marketing venues, including their website, social media, community events and print advertising. The Redmond Chamber has a larger following than Crooked River Ranch, so any exposure the Chamber gives to the Ranch communi- ty can be beneficial. Crooked River Ranch can benefit from the Chamber’s stellar reputation. In a study done statistics show that if a person knows you belong to the Chamber, they are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from them.
Redmond Chamber of Commerce And How It Benefits The Community of Crooked River Ranch
- by Brenda CooperSpecifically, to the Ranch community and commerce, this means free advertising that helps keep the Crooked River Ranch RV Park full yearround with returning customers, a busy Crooked River Ranch Golf Course, hiking, biking, horse trails, disc golf and much more that brings additional business to restaurants, hotels, cabins, churches, real estate, CRR Water Dept, CRR Sanitary Dept, Farmers & Artisans Market. The Ranch will be hosting the Redmond Chamber Coffee Clatter this summer which will bring upwards of 100 Chamber members out here to the Ranch. They come to the Administration Building where they can sit on the deck to enjoy the beautiful golf course view and will be served a delicious home-made breakfast cooked by Ranch Manager Judy LaPora herself. The Chamber members will hear about Crooked River Ranch and all the amenities available and may even be treated to a tour of the golf course. It exemplifies why our community is growing. We are working on a po- tential second event later in the summer which should be a fun filled day with the opportunity to showcase our beautiful landscape to those who can spread the word to Central Oregon and beyond about what a true jewel we have snuggled down her in the Crooked River Gorge area.
ECONOMICupdate
MEET REDI BOARD MEMBER: ADAM SCHWEITZER, ALGOFY
Looking to invest in the local community, fifth generation Oregonian Adam Schweitzer looks forward to helping the Redmond community continue to thrive. REDI’s 24-member advisory board helps oversee the organization in its strategic plan to advocate for businesses, help create a diverse set of traded sector industries, and support its mission to build its community and generate wealth in Redmond and surrounding region.
We’d like to introduce you to one of the board members, AdamSchweitzer. Adam, a partner and operations lead for Algofy, says he has always felt a sense of responsibility to invest in the place his family calls home. “This sentiment has only grown as I’ve begun laying the foundation for the next generation here in
Central Oregon,” he says. “My experience helping grow Algofy has highlighted the importance of attracting new business and maintaining productive relationships between private and public sectors to reinforce our community’s future.” Algofy is a 360° performance marketing agency providing data-driven strategies to grow its partner brands. From website development to branding, email marketing to paid media, and everything in between, this tech company is a “one-stop-shop” for everything digital marketing. The company was founded in Barcelona, Spain in 2018 and started its Central Oregon hub in October of 2020. “We wanted to be a part of a thriving business community while combining our love of work and the outdoors.
After meeting with REDI and other local business leaders, we knew Central Oregon was the right fit,” says Adam. In July 2023, Adam joined the Redmond Economic Development Inc. Board to help contribute to the city’s ongoing growth and longterm success. He points out REDI is an organization that looks toward the future to “to identify how Redmond can continue developing into a place where businesses and families can thrive while enjoying the beautiful location, we call home.” As a newer member of the board, Adam sees his primary goal as listening to and learning from the board members who have gotten REDI to where it is today. This gives him a further understanding of the economic climate around Central Oregon as well as a chance to engage with leaders in other industries. “I also recently joined the Marketing Committee, where
DIAMOND INVESTORS:
PLATINUM INVESTORS:
I’ll be able to share my digital marketing insights to help REDI continue to grow.” Outside of work, you’ll often find him running or hiking one of the many trails around Redmond. And where’s his favorite local hangout? “Grace and Hammer is one of my favorite places to ‘refuel’ after a long day on the trails,” he says.
Whether helping businesses expand their digital marketing presence or attending REDI events like News and Brews, Adam is excited about what the future holds for Central Oregon.
To learn more, visit. https://rediinfo.com/
GOLD INVESTORS:
MARKETING memo
By: Connor CubicSpring Cleaning for Your Marketing Strategies
As the flowers bloom and the sun begins to peek more frequently through the clouds, the season of renewal and fresh starts is upon us. This period of rejuvenation isn't just for your home or garden; it's also the perfect time to dust off your marketing strategies and breathe new life into them. As a young professional navigating the dynamic world of marketing, This blog aims to guide members of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, through refreshing their marketing strategies to ensure they are as vibrant and flourishing as spring itself.
Analyzing Campaigns and Activities with Analytics
The first step in our spring cleaning process is to dive into the analytics. Understanding what has worked (or hasn't) is crucial. Here's how to approach this:
Set Clear Objectives: Before delving into the data, ensure you have clear objectives. What were you aiming to achieve with each campaign? Increased brand awareness, higher sales, or more website traffic?
Use the Right Tools: Leverage analytics tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing reports to gather data on your campaigns' performance.
Evaluate Performance: Compare your objectives against the outcomes. Which campaigns met or exceeded your goals? Look at the ROI, engagement rates, conversion rates, and any other relevant metrics.
Identify Patterns: Are there trends in the types of content, channels, or messaging that performed best? Perhaps video content on social media drove more engagement, or targeted email campaigns resulted in higher conversion rates.
Decide What to Keep, Tweak, or Discard: Not all marketing activities are worth continuing. Decide which strategies to keep, which need adjustment, and which to stop altogether.
Focusing Your Marketing Strategy
Spring cleaning your marketing strategy also means ensuring you're focusing on the right areas. Here are common areas to concentrate on:
Customer Experience: Improving the customer journey, from awareness to purchase and beyond, can significantly impact your marketing success. This includes optimizing your website, enhancing customer service, and ensuring your brand message is consistent across all touchpoints.
Content Marketing: High-quality, valuable content can attract, engage, and retain an audience. Focus on creating content that addresses your target audience's needs and interests, and distribute it through the channels where they are most active.
Email Marketing: Despite the rise of social media, email marketing remains a powerful tool. Personalized, targeted email campaigns can help nurture leads and convert them into customers.
SEO: Optimizing your content for search engines can improve your visibility online and attract more traffic to your website. Focus on keyword research, on-page SEO, and building quality backlinks.
Embracing the Latest Trends in Social Media Marketing
To stay competitive, it's crucial to keep up with the latest trends in social media marketing. Here are a few trends worth considering:
Short-Form Video Content: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have popularized short-form videos. These platforms offer a unique opportunity to engage with your audience in a creative and authentic way.
Social Commerce: With features like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Marketplace, social media platforms are becoming shopping destinations.
Leveraging these features can drive sales directly from your social media profiles.
Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers can help you reach a broader audience. When selecting influencers, look for those who align with your brand values and have engaged audiences.
Interactive Content: Polls, quizzes, and interactive stories engage users and encourage them to interact with your brand. This type of content can increase engagement rates and provide valuable insights into your audience's preferences.
In conclusion, spring cleaning your marketing strategies is not just about tidying up; it's about making strategic decisions that will enhance your marketing efforts and help your business grow. By analyzing your current campaigns, focusing on key marketing areas, and embracing the latest social media trends, you can ensure that your marketing strategies are fresh, effective, and aligned with your business goals. Let this spring be the season your marketing strategies bloom into their full potential.
MEMBERSHIP update
BUSINESS WITH THE LIBRARY
by Liisa Sjoblom, Redmond Community LibrarianStarting a Nonprofit
Liisa Sjoblom is a Community Librarian with the Deschutes Public Library. If you have a business research need or help finding grants for your nonprofit, contact her at liisas@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-617-7093.
Have you ever thought about starting a nonprofit? If so, the library offers a number of resources that can get you started with the process. The first step is checking to see if you are ready to start a nonprofit. Start by taking Candid Learning’s webinar Is Starting a Nonprofit Right for You?
(https://bit.ly/startaNP) and then take the Nonprofit Startup Assessment (https:// bit.ly/NPassess).
These resources should give a good idea of how ready you are to get going. Once you have watched the webinar and done the assessment check out some additional resources offered by Candid:
• How Do I Start a Nonprofit? (https://bit.ly/CKBnpstart)
• Starting a Nonprofit (https://bit.ly/npstartwebinar)
• Starting a Nonprofit Manual (https://bit.ly/3OFSOs2)
You will also want to research how to start a nonprofit in Oregon. The following resources provide the laws surrounding nonprofits in Oregon and the process for obtaining a 501c3 designation.
• Starting a Charity in Oregon (Oregon Department of Justice) (https://bit.ly/ ORstartacharity)
• Registering a Nonprofit Organization in Oregon (Oregon Secretary of State)
• (https://bit.ly/ORNPreg)
• Registering for a 501c3 (Internal Revenue Service) (https://bit.ly/501c3app)
Finally, as always, the library offers books (https://bit.ly/3inSTRk) on starting and running a nonprofit.
These two offer great advice on getting your nonprofit going:
• Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo (https://bit.ly/DPLPakroo)
• How to Form A Nonprofit Corporation: A Step-by-step Guide to Forming A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in
Any State by Anthony Mancuso (https://bit.ly/DPLMancuso)
If you are interested in learning more or talk about your idea, please complete a Book-a-Librarian
(https://bit.ly/DPLBook) request.
Resource Spotlight: New York Times
Your Deschutes Public Library card now gives you free digital access to the New York Times—including
NYT Games and Cooking, Wirecutter, The Athletic, and more! To take advantage of free access, log in through the Deschutes Public Library website; start at www.deschuteslibrary.org/ research/magazines and scroll down to New York Times. From there, you’ll be linked to a New York Times page that gives you an access code. Codes are issued for 24 hours of access; after that, simply log in through the library website again.
Construction
album (https://bit.ly/DPLRed)
at the Redmond Library.
This is a book with a mission: to normalize anxiety in the workplace and help leaders and high achievers transform anxiety from an apparent weakness into a strength. Whether you're experiencing anxiety for the first time or have been battling it along with other mental health challenges for years, this is the only book you'll need to help turn your stress and worries into a
of
for
The E Suite by Tina Kuhn (https://bit.ly/DPLKuhn)
This is the definitive guide to understanding how to wield empathy in the current workplace for building highperformance organizations. With the growing awareness in business of the importance of leveraging empathy to motivate and inspire people, empathy remains the most integral leadership skill of the 21st century. This book teaches managers and business leaders how to apply empathy successfully and grow businesses in ways that support all stakeholders. Leaders who apply these lessons find improvements in productivity, stronger relationships with clients and colleagues, a thriving and diverse corporate culture, and significant business results.
COFFEE CLATTER
FRIDAYS • 8:30-9:30 A.M. JOIN US IN PERSON!
FRIDAY MAR. 1
SISTERS MEAT AND SMOKEHOUSE: REDMOND
308 SW EVERGREEN AVE REDMOND OR 97756
FRIDAY MAR. 15
AMERICAN LEGION
704 SW 8TH ST, REDMOND, OR 97756
FRIDAY MAR. 8
NEW PRIORITIES FAMILY SERVICES
@ HIGH DESERT MUSIC HALL
818 SW FOREST AVE, REDMOND OR 97756
FRIDAY MAR. 22
OASIS VILLAGE
915 SW RIMROCK WAY STE 201-247 REDMOND OR 97756
LUNCH AND LEARN
TUESDAY MAR. 26
“THE DO’S AND DONT’S FOR A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR” -ENTREPRENEURIAL EAR
446 SW 7TH ST. REDMOND OR 97756
11:30AM-1:00PM
AFTER HOURS
THURSDAY MARCH 14TH
ADVANCED PAIN SOUTIONS
1020 SW INDIAN AVE STE 100 REDMOND OR 97756
5:30-7:00PM
BUSINESS NEWS
WANT THIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER TO RETURN TO PRINT, FULL TIME?
SPONSOR THE PRODUCTION BUY PLACING A FULL PAGE AD WITH US ANNUALLY!
CONTACT CONNOR FOR MORE INFO
541-923-5191 OR INFO@VISITREDMONDOREGON.COM