09/24 Redmond Chamber Business News by Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB

SEPTEMBER 2024

REDMOND CHAMBER PREMIER LEVEL SPONSORS

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

SEPTEMBER 2024

BY ERIC SANDE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WINDING DOWN FROM SUMMER

Busy Summer

Another summer is quickly winding down and Labor Day is upon us. Our final Music on the Green summer concert is Wednesday, September 5. Be sure to join us as the Hokulea Dancers help us bid aloha to summer in true Hawaiian fashion.

Every year summer seems to rocket by, as each week is jammed packed with exciting activities and events. As we transition into fall, I hope you all had a great summer and thank you for all your support for the many events hosted by the Redmond Chamber. Did you make it to the Music on the Green concerts, the Fourth of July Parade, the Redmond Brew Fest and Night Glow, Chamber Golf Tournament at Crooked River Ranch and the many Coffee Clatters, Ribbon Cuttings and After Hours? We look forward to fall and of course making Redmond a special place for the holidays.

Speaking of Holidays, Halloween is just around the corner and that means it is time to think about playing in our Goblins and Ghouls Golf Tournament. Be sure to go online at visitredmondoregon.comwww. to sign up or give Amanda Joe a call at 541-923-5191. Also, be sure to put Halloween night on your calendar to come downtown and be a part of Trick or Treat on 6th Street, from 4 to 6pm.

Leadership

I know I have already talked about Leadership Redmond last month, but we are now ready to launch the 19th year of the program. I am always eager to get the program started and once again have a very dynamic lineup for this year’s class. I feel very fortunate to facilitate this program each year and to watch the participants leap headfirst into leadership roles throughout the community. The Alumni of the program have gone on to

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JAKE WAARDENBURG STATE FARM INSURANCE PRESIDENT

RYAN CHURCHILL INITIATIVE BREWING 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

JUDY LAPORA

CROOKED RIVER RANCH AND MAINTENANCE 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Eric

Sande

Executive Director

BRENDA TURNER

BRENDA TURNER CONSULTING PAST PRESIDENT

BEV CLARNO FMR. OREGON SECRETARY OF STATE

SEAN NEARY FITCH & NEARY PC

JENNIFER WERNER ALLIANCE PROFESSIONALS

Amanda

Joe Luelling

take key leadership positions throughout the community. I am very proud of the many accomplishments of all the alumni. The partnership between the Redmond Executive Association and the Redmond Chamber has created a program that has demonstrated value and effectiveness. It is an honor and a vote of confidence to continue to receive support from the business community with their Day Sponsors, participants and scholarships they provide each year. The support and time given by the many organizations and speakers is what makes this program a success. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about Redmond to check out the program online and to give me a call. It is not too late to join this year’s class!

Chamber Board Elections

September is also the month where we elect new Board Members, so I encourage you to keep an eye out

for your 2024 ballot. A nominating committee made up of current board members review all nominees and present a slate of candidates to the full Board for approval at the September Board meeting. The committee reviews all candidate qualifications and which sector of the community they represent, the goal is to have a diverse representation of the Redmond community. All candidates must have expressed a willingness to serve on the Board, be a Chamber member in good standing and have an understanding of the function of the Chamber. Ballots are sent via Election Buddy by September 17 and must be returned by noon, October 2, 2024. The Chamber Board appreciates the interest and support of those willing to run for the Board.

LAURA GARCIA MAZATLAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT

DEBBIE BUTLER REDMOND INDUSTRIAL PARK

SUSAN SIMONSEN AMERITITLE

MAARTY LEUNEN SUMMIT BANK

RANDY GRAVES REDMOND SENIOR CENTER

Events Director Connor Cubic Marketing

SUSAN BAKER INDIVIDUAL

TYRELL HOBBS FAIRWAY MORTGAGE

BRADY VELIKONIA KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY CENTRAL OREGON

BRANDI EBNER DESCHUTES COUNTY FAIR & EXPO

WELCOME

American Cancer Society

Kendra Huddleston

4380 S Macadam Avenue, Suite 375, Portland OR 97239, US

503-954-7589

www.cancer.org

Urban Edge Auto Detail

Cameron LaPolla

943 NW 24th Way, Redmond OR 97756, US 916-633-8889

https://urbanedgeautodetail.com

Avid Media

Dawn Michelle LaPolla

943 NW 24th Way, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-390-5593

https://avidmediaconsulting.com

Identity Zone

Kelly Simmelink

43 NW Cherry Lane #105, Madras OR 97741, US 541-475-8700

www.promoplace.com/idzone

Lara Simpson 7322 N Hwy 97, Terrebonne, OR 97760 541-419-9461

https://dogtrainingelite.com/mid-oregon

Back Door Studios Tattoo

Shawn Evenson

536 SW 6th St, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-706-0607

Meadow Sky Productions

David Purkey www.meadowskyproductions.com

RAM Columbia River Circuit Finals

Join us October 17-19, 2024, for the ultimate showdown of the Pacific Northwest's finest! The top 12 cowboys and cowgirls in their respective events have qualified for the finals and are geared up to showcase their best performances for a chance at winning the RAM Columbia River Circuit Championship! Rodeo Action, Spectacular Shopping, Great Food, and an After Party…it’s all here at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo First Interstate Arena! columbiarivercircuit.com

Rimrock Trails

On October 24th at Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte, Rimrock Trails Treatment Services and Jeff Larkin Realty present the 3rd Annual A Night to Remember – Bowties and Boots. This very special fundraising event is a collaborative effort organized by a team of Rimrock Trails volunteers from Bend, Redmond, and Prineville. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live music by Grits n Gravy, delicious food, exciting raffles, amazing silent and live auctions, a fun photo booth, and line-dancing lessons. The event aims to welcome over 150 attendees from throughout Central Oregon.

All proceeds from this event will contribute to Rimrock Trails' services, programs, and initiatives, ensuring that individuals of all ages and families in Central Oregon have access to mental health services. Rimrock Trails Treatment Services is a 501( c ) (3) non-profit organization.

Additional information and ticket purchases are both available at - https:// rimrocktrails.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/ANightToRememberBowtiesandBoots/ tabid/1409216/Default.aspx

A Midsummer Night's Dream presented by Meadow Sky Productions.

October 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to Central Oregon. We are hosted by The High Desert Music Hall in Redmond, will have a full bar and concessions available for guests, and plan to provide our patrons with an evening full of laughter, theater, and magic. While honoring the original plot and language of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", literary scholars in our audience might notice that our script has been trimmed to make it extremely accessible for our modern patrons. Fairies, Lovers, and Mischief all remain, but in a form that will draw our audience in rather than pushing them away. Furthermore, we intend to honor the tradition of Shakespeare performance that includes the audience in the story. Fairies run through aisles, Lovers chase with swords, and even Royalty deigns to acknowledge the attending crowd throughout our show. Students and teachers, business owners and employees stand shoulder-to-shoulder to create the magic that is Meadow Sky Productions'

performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Venue: High Desert Music Hall in Redmond, OR 818 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, OR 97756

Redmond Community Concert Association

Redmond Community Concert Association is rolling out their 41st season on October 6 with the Dallas String Quartet, an international music sensation. The Dallas String Quartet (aka DSQ) was founded in 2007 by violist Ion Zanca. A fusion of contemporary classical and pop music, DSQ uses both traditional and electric strings performing as a quartet with the full accompaniment of drums and guitar. Known for their eclectic renditions of anything from Guns N’ Roses ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ to Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s ‘Señorita,’ DSQ is Bach meets Bon Jovi. https://www.dallasstringquartet.com

2024-25 CONCERT SEASON

October 6, 2024

November 3, 2024

Dallas String Quartet

Montreal Guitare Trio

January 26, 2025 Piano Heist

March 9, 2025 Ken Lavigne/3 Knights and a Tenor April 13, 2025 Quartetto Gelato

OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE 2024-25 CONCERT SEASON

Tickets are sold by season subscription only. The cost for 5 concerts is $75 for adults, $155 for families with children at home, $25 for students under 18.

All concerts are held at Ridgeview High School Performing Arts Theater (4555 SW Elkhorn Ave) on Sundays. Subscribers have a choice of purchasing tickets for either the 2 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. concert.

For more information, season preview video, and online ticket purchase portal, visit www.redmondcca.org or call 541-350-7222.

Join Us for a Spooktacular Day of Golf at the Halloween Goblins and Ghouls Golf Tournament!

our incredible prizes for the top-performing teams and individual golfers. From golf gear to spooky-themed goodies, you won’t want to miss out on these treats.

O ct ober 25, 2024

Goblins & Ghouls

Get ready for the Halloweenthemed golf extravaganza like no other! The Redmond Chamber of Commerce Halloween Goblins and Ghouls Golf Tournament is coming up on October 25th 2024, and it’s going to be a hauntingly good time at Juniper Golf Course. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for some fun networking and getting into the spirit of the season, this event is for you! We’ll have a team costume contest, cheat bundles, delicious beverages and more!

Tournament Details:

Date: October 25th, 2024

Location: Juniper Golf Course

Check-In & Breakfast 9am – Shotgun Start: 10:00 AM

Entry Fee: $125 per golfer, $500 per team.

Spooktacular Highlights:

1. Costume Contest: Get into the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your spookiest or silliest costumes! Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed team of golfers, so be creative and bring your A-game to the costume contest.

2. Monster Mulligans & Other

Cheats: Add some excitement to your game with our Monster Mulligans! For a small donation, you can purchase mulligans, string and other cheats to improve your chances on the course.

3. Scary Good Prizes: Win big with

4. Ghoul-friends and Goblins: This tournament is not just about golf; it’s about making new connections, networking and enjoying the Halloween spirit together. Connect with fellow Redmond businesses and golfers and share some spine-tingling stories on the green.

5. Sponsorship Opportunities: Are you a local business looking to gain exposure? Consider sponsoring the Halloween Goblins and Ghouls Golf Tournament! We offer a range of sponsorship packages to suit your needs, from hole sponsorships to exclusive event sponsorships. Put your brand in front of our enthusiastic golfers and show your support for the community.

6. Trick-or-Treat Holes: Throughout the course, you’ll encounter trick-or-treat holes, where you can test your golfing skills in unconventional ways. Putt with a weighted ball or draw a playing card to dictate what club you’ll use.

Register Today: Don’t miss out on the most spooktacular golf event of the year. Sign up now to secure your spot and start planning your Halloween-themed golf attire. Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and join us for a day of golfing and ghoulish fun.

To register or inquire about sponsorship opportunities check out the sign up form below, or contact Amanda Joe at events@visitredmondoregon.com for more information.

and we are excited

Hosted in the scenic Sam Johnson Park, this series epitomizes the spirit of summer with its blend of live music, local food trucks, and craft and business vendors. Over the course of six concerts, attendees can look forward to a diverse array of musical acts, making it the perfect family-friendly event. Business vendors will be on-site as well, providing a great opportunity to learn about local enterprises and services.

Whether you’re there to enjoy the music, savor the food, shop for unique crafts, or simply soak up the atmosphere. Music on the Green is the event you won’t want to miss. It’s a chance to relax, connect, and make summer memories. So, mark your calendars for June 26th and get ready to experience one of Redmond, Oregon’s most anticipated summer events.

This years' Music on the Green is coming to a close,

to welcome back the Hokulea Ohana of Central Oregon as the final act!

ECONOMICupdate

WHO IS BEHIND HELPING BUILD REDMOND’S PROSPERITY?

Submitted by REDI Staff

MEET REDI BOARD MEMBER, ALLISTER SCHWARZENBERGER.

When talking with Basalite Concrete Products’ Operation Manager Allister Schwarzenberger, you immediately understand the pride and sense of community he has for Redmond. “My family and I feel ’at-home’ with the small-town feel and a sense of community in Redmond ever since we moved to the area in 2002,” says Allister. “I feel obligated to be an advocate for the importance of economic growth. I want to make a difference for the community that has provided me a place to call home and raise my family.”

On July 1, 2024, Allister joined the Redmond Economic Development Inc. Board of Directors to help further economic and business development as it relates to the Redmond community. “Joining the REDI board will not only help me learn from the people around me, but also it will give me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with those same people,” says Allister. “I want to align myself with something that is meaningful, impactful, and sustainable.”

With just two months on the board under his belt, Allister says he knows REDI is a team he wants to be part of. He points out the organization flourishes because of the leadership of all the board members serving with a purpose to promote economic vitality in Redmond. “During my brief time with REDI, I’ve learned that these community leaders are committed to advancing Redmond’s strategic business growth, while enhancing quality of life for the residents of Redmond,” Allister says.

As one of the newest REDI board members, Allister says he’s learning about so many new skills and attributes. “Everything from leadership to finance, governance to strategy, decision-

making to group dynamics,” he says. “This experience will teach me more about myself, as well as enhance pre-existing skills that can enable me to perform better both in and out of REDI.”

Everyone has a favorite REDI event and while he hasn’t had the opportunity to participate in one yet, Allister says he is most excited about the annual Made in Redmond Tour. “We need to highlight all our manufacturers and producers here in Redmond to help expand opportunities and meaningful employment, build our region’s longterm resiliency, and celebrate Redmond’s unique cultural identity,” he says.

When not working at Basalite or attending REDI meetings/events, Allister loves to spend time with his wife and three children walking through the Dry Canyon or playing at Sam Johnson Park. “My team helped to hand build the Monkey Face replica climbing boulder many years ago,” he says. “These parks are so important to our community and help make Redmond a fantastic place to work and live. Much like REDI’s vision: “Redmond: A great place to live and prosper.”

Above all, Allister is excited to make a positive impact within the community. “Not everyone wants to change the world, but everyone wants to positively change something about it and for me, joining the REDI board is a remarkably effective way of taking steps towards doing so,” he says.

You can learn more about the work REDI does within the community, upcoming events and more at www.rediinfo.com.

Ask the Expert – Ironing Out Business Efficiencies

Q: I create jewelry and I’m starting to make sales at events and through my website, but since I am the only one in my business, I’m working 14-hour days and I’m very disorganized. What are some tips for being more efficient?

A: Congratulations on your business growth! Here are several steps to help you prioritize and get organized: Focus on your “best” customers — those who purchase the most (or highest price) items and provide referrals and testimonials. If a small order takes the same (or more) time to fulfill than a large order, set expectations for the future about how and when orders will be completed. Even Amazon prioritizes small orders for 7-to-10-day delivery.

Prioritize and set realistic deadlines. Identify what HAS to be done for each sale cycle (example: each week) and what can be deferred. If there’s something that stays on the list for a long time and doesn’t get done, maybe it’s not important right now or perhaps it could be outsourced.

Organize your physical workspace and filing systems to increase productivity and reduce distractions. Consider digital tools like calendars, to-do lists and note-taking apps to keep track of appointments, reminders and important information all in one place.

Identify activities that can be automated or streamlined, such as point-of-sale tools integrated with calendars, inventory, accounting, marketing and customer management processes. Square and Shopify are two examples.

Calendar your priority activities, including breaks, and listen to your “body clock.” If you are most focused in the morning, work on top priorities then. If your “best time” is the afternoon, make sales calls or conduct outreach in the morning and work on top priority items in the afternoon. Schedule time for exercise and rest. You can’t maximize effectiveness if you’re going every day for 14 hours a day, even if it’s exciting and you love what you do. Mental and physical rest can lead to improved productivity.

Regularly review your performance, financials and processes; celebrate small wins and identify areas for improvement.

Ask for help: Don't hesitate to consult with professionals, such as accountants or business advisors for guidance on specific business actions.

Central Oregon Community College has a Small Business Development Center that offers free, confidential professional business advising and a variety of low-cost courses to help entrepreneurs through the business lifecycle: cocc.edu/sbdc.

About the Expert:

With decades of small business ownership, teaching and advising experience, Sue Meyer works alongside the skilled team of business advisers at Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center.

BUSINESS WITH THE LIBRARY

by Liisa Sjoblom, Redmond Community Librarian

Do I Really Need a Business Plan?

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.

A business plan is essential for setting goals, strategies, and fi nancial projections. It directs decision-making, attracts investors, and supports long-term success by offering a clear growth roadmap. It is almost always necessary for obtaining loans. At the library, we frequently receive inquiries about crafting business plans and locating data. Here are resources both at the library and online to assist you in writing your business plan.

Start with these key books: How to Write a Business Plan and Successful Business Plan Secrets & Strategies offer essential guidance from experts in small business and entrepreneurship. For additional titles, search “business planning” in our catalog, and fi nd ebooks on OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla.

Gale Business: Entrepreneurship (https://bit.ly/GaleBiz) is a valuable online resource offering information on business planning. Use the search box to fi nd over 1,000 sample business plans and templates. Narrow your search by adding specific business types or the term “template” for detailed outlines.

SCORE’s Central Oregon chapter provides templates (https://bit.ly/SCOREBPT) for business plans, finance, marketing, sales, and management, along with mentoring services (https://bit.ly/SCOREmentors) to assist with your plan.

For more in-depth learning, try Gale Courses (https://bit.ly/DPLGC), which offers a six-week, instructor-led course on creating a successful business plan. Completing the coursework will help you develop a comprehensive plan.

We hope these resources are helpful. For more information about business plans or to learn more about the resources mentioned, complete a Book-a-Librarian request (https:// bit.ly/DPLBook). We're here to assist with both crafting your business plan and fi nding the data you need.

Beyond the Books: Kanopy

The cost of video streaming services can add up, but your library has great options that don’t cost you anything! Kanopy is a go-to for quality, thoughtful movies, documentaries, foreign fi lms, and classic cinema, as well as the curated Kanopy Kids Collection. Log in or create your own Kanopy at https://bit.ly/dplkanopy, then start browsing. Want even more? Be sure to check out Hoopla at https://bit.ly/dplhoopla!

Redmond Library News

The new Redmond Library is moving closer to completion, with its doors set to open this winter. The library is twice the size of the previous building, and features two stories to house the book and materials collection, as well as reservable meeting and study rooms. There’s even a drive-up window, where you can pick up holds and return your library materials. Check out this video walk-through of the space on our YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/dplredmondyoutube), and visit our website (dpl.pub/futureredmond) for a livestream of the building’s exterior.

Books NEW

The Bonfire Moment by Martin Gonzalez (https://bit.ly/ DPLBonfire)

Most startups fail due to people problems—conflicts over strategy, decision-making, and team culture— rather than product or cash issues. Martin Gonzalez and Josh Yellin's "The Bonfire Moment" workshop addresses these issues, helping teams overcome hidden dynamics and improve cohesion. This book teaches leaders how to implement this effective process.

Cultural Intelligence for Marketers by Anastasia Karklina Gabriel (https://bit.ly/3M3UtGc)

Brands shape and reflect culture, driving societal norms. Cultural Intelligence for Marketers by Dr. Anastasia Karklina Gabriel guides marketers in creating impactful, inclusive strategies. The book offers a four-step approach— communication, culture, community, and critical consciousness—drawing on case studies and insights from industry leaders to enhance cultural fluency in marketing.

NEWS FROM Fire Abatement In Central Oregon

the ranch

- by Brenda Cooper

With the summer season in its third month, and numerous fires throughout the region, we remain on a high alert for wildfires. Weed abatement is an essential element in fire prevention, and this is a priority for the Crooked River Ranch community as well any other vulnerable community. Here are some important ideas to be proactive in preparing your property.

Responsible property ownership includes preparing your property before the fire season begins. This country is naturally dry, hot, and full of desert plants that can be a natural ignitor. Although the CRR Association maintenance team has their annual routine of trimming trees and clearing the pastures, each property owner has the responsibility of maintaining their own private property.

To begin with, keeping vegetation and wood piles 30 feet from structures and buildings is suggested. It is also recommended to keep 100 feet of clearance on all sides of the structure if you are on a slope. The vegetation includes dead weeds or no weeds over 6 inches high, dead ornamental vegetation, and brush cover. Maintaining your area by removing the dead plants and trees helps protect your structures more effectively against the devastating effects of wildfires. If your home has gutters, clean your gutters, remove leaves and other natural debris that has settled in them. A regular gutter cleaning is essential to ensure the highest degree of fire safety for your home or business. When you are considering which plants to purchase for your landscaping, working with your local landscape specialist to choose fire-resistant trees and shrubbery is recommended. This will be just one more layer of protection against the possibility of a wildfire. One of the most important things anyone can do to help with fire prevention is to cut back the trees. Trees should be pruned of low hanging branches to prevent ‘fire ladder’ burning. As a rule, it’s recommended to remove limbs on mature trees that are 10ft up from the ground. The Crooked River Ranch Maintenance team is responsible for areas such as the lower pasture on Buffalo Place that spans approximately 150 acres and has been infested with invasive weeds. CRR maintenance, plus volunteers have worked hard to begin eradicating these weeds and improve fire risk. For future fire prevention, CRR maintenance will be replanting this pasture with a wildland mix 715. Crooked River Ranch works closely with several businesses and organizations in our fire abatement efforts. Wellspring Management who identifies the needs of specific community property areas and determines the appropriate type of treatment. COIC [Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council] serves as the gateway to the Heart of Oregon crews that are utilized on Crooked River Ranch specifically for fire abatement purposes. Maintenance has a set plan for the fall season of 2024 and on in to spring of 2025 to keep the schedule on track. Fire abatement in all areas is the most impactful precaution that both the Crooked River Ranch property owner and the HOA Administration can do to protect this beautiful community we have here in Central Oregon.

By: Evelina Davidson

MEMBERSHIP update

Greetings To All Of Our Amazing Members!

Welcome back to the second installment of our top ten tips for making the most of your Chamber membership! Last month we highlighted the first five tips so if you missed August’s Business Newsletter, be sure to access it via our website or any of our weekly updates sent out in August by clicking on the Newsletter link provided. We have been discussing what members who are new to the Redmond Chamber of Commerce or existing members that may be unaware of what their full membership potential is, can do to take full advantage of their memberships and capitalize on every benefit. Here we go!

6. Write a Member Byte for the Business Newsletter.

Share your knowledge and expertise or simply introduce your business and market an event by writing a Member Byte for our monthly Business Newsletter. Your Member Byte with us can be just the extra push your business needs to spread the word about who you are or the services you offer…plus it’s free for our members to do! We send out our digital Business Newsletter to our entire membership base monthly to maximize exposure and to keep our members updated on our upcoming activities so feel free to take advantage of this benefit each month if you’re inclined to do so.

7. Host a Lunch & Learn.

Do you have the skills and desire to deliver a Lunch & Learn with us? Our Lunch & Learn sessions are one-hour, practical training, seminar or teaching sessions hosted by members for members and provide the opportunity to share your knowledge with other members, whilst raising your profile in the Chamber network. Each Lunch & Learn allows you to open up your presentation to Q&A’s both by Zoom and in person on your expert topic. If you’re new to the Redmond Chamber, we recommend you spend a bit of time getting to know the Chamber community. When you’re ready, get in touch with Amanda Joe, our Events Director, about hosting a Lunch & Learn in the future.

8. Don’t forget the Visitor Guides!

As a Redmond Chamber member, your business is automatically listed in our annual Official Visitor & Business Guide for the City of Redmond. Visitor guides are often the first resource tourists and individuals moving to the area turn to when they arrive in a new city. Being listed in this reputable guide means your business is put directly in front of a large audience actively looking for things to do, places to visit or for preferred vendors

offering certain goods and services. We distribute our Official Visitor & Business Guides to thousands of businesses and individuals throughout the state, region and nation year round. Come by the Chamber and grab a handful of these guides to display and to show off at your featured business.

9. When in doubt, don’t forget to use the Chamber as a resource.

We’re here to help if you need anything from business information, to connecting you with in-depth business support and resources. Whether that’s help with finding grants and funding, local business support programs or using our network and many connections to help your business. Even if we can’t help directly, we probably know someone who can.

10. Don’t be a stranger!

Last and by no means least, if you’re more active and engaged with your membership, you’ll get much more out of it. Your membership is for you, and your team, to use. Stay in touch with what’s happening at the Redmond Chamber of Commerce by making sure you and your team are on our mailing list. We’ll send you thoughtfully curated content, upcoming events, business support, and exclusive member-only content.

Well there you have it…our top ten tips for making the most of your Chamber membership and getting plugged into the business community! I hope these tips will be useful in getting to know your membership perks better, but please let us know how we can better serve you or if there are any additional questions about your membership. We are always happy to help.

Evelina Davidson

Membership & Finance Director

Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB

MARKETING memo

By: Connor Cubic

Building a Robust Online Presence: A Guide for Small Business Owners

1. Website Optimization

Your website is your digital storefront. Ensure it’s user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and easy to navigate. Invest in quality design and content that clearly communicates what your business offers. Remember, a smooth user experience can significantly boost conversion rates.

2. Focused Social Media Strategy

Social media can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Identify where your target audience spends their time online and focus your efforts on those platforms. Consistent, quality content tailored to each platform can greatly increase engagement and brand awareness.

3. SEO for Visibility

SEO is essential for standing out in a crowded digital marketplace. Start with the basics: optimize your website for relevant keywords, improve site speed, and ensure your site is easy to navigate. Over time, these efforts will help your business rank higher in search results, driving organic traffic.

4. Content is King

Create content that resonates with your audience. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, or social media updates, focus on providing value. Content that addresses your customers’ needs and questions not only positions you as an expert but also drives traffic to your site.

5. Customer Engagement

Building relationships with your customers online is crucial. Engage with them through comments, social media interactions, and responding to reviews. This builds trust and fosters a loyal community around your brand.

6. Leverage Online Reviews

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and handle negative feedback professionally. Online reviews are a powerful tool for building credibility and trust, and they offer valuable insights into customer satisfaction.

7. Harness the Power of Email Marketing

Email marketing is a direct line to your customers. Regular newsletters with promotions, updates, and valuable content can significantly improve customer retention and drive repeat business.