Member Column

• Help Seniors Age Gracefully and Promote Independent Living

What's New

• The Bend Chamber to Offer Affordable Health Plans for Businesses
  
• Be More Competitive Through Technology
  
• Upcoming High Desert Museum Events
  
• New Special Pricing on Weddings and Events at The High Desert Museum
  
• Focus Physical Therapy, Inc. offers Vestibular Rehabilitation
  
• Employee Handbooks - Friend or Foe?
  
• Sin in the Sagebrush to Break New Ground at The High Desert Museum
  
• The Center Foundation Announces Annual Scholarship
• D.E. Rink Construction, Inc. Attends International Builders Show
• Essentials of Human Resource Management
  
• Family Access Network Partners with Five Local Spas for "Do Good, Feel Good" Spa Day
  
• COBA Gives Back to Central Oregon Homeowners
  
• Free In-Home Consultations for Seniors
  
• Tetherow Golf Club offers “Mommy Mondays”
  
• Forty Local Volunteers Help Seniors and Gain Disney Park Ticket
  
• The Tower Theatre: Bringing the World to Bend
  
• The Tower Theatre CenterStage Series
  
• 2010 Free Admission Day at The High Desert Museum
  
• Opportunity Foundation/Typhoon! Restaurant Partnership
  
• BBT Architects Announces Scholarship
  
• The Environmental Center Benefit
  
• Ray’s Food Place EcoUnit Program
  
• The LEAN Office
  
• Help Local Nonprofits While Networking!
  

Bend Chamber Calendar of Events

• Complete list of Chamber events from January 15- February 15, 2010
  
  

Help Seniors Age Gracefully and Promote Independent Living

     There are many issues facing seniors today, from health, to safety, to depression. As a provider of in-home care for seniors and disabled adults in our community, we recognize the importance of living independently in your own home as long as possible.

Did you know?

• By the year 2040, the number of people 65 and older will reach 1.3 billion and account for 14 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Census Bureau.
• It will take collaboration between private and public organizations to serve the aging population as aging gracefully is a relevant topic on the minds of many families and caregivers.
• As the Baby Boomer generation ages and the senior population increases, there is a greater demand for elder care services, including in-home care.
• Medicare does not pay for long-term care or in-home care.

What's New

Bend Chamber to Offer Affordable Health Plans for Businesses

     The Bend Chamber announces the launch of the first fully-insured Chamber Association Health Plan available in the state of Oregon. In collaboration with Johnson Benefit Planning, a local health brokerage firm, the new Bend Chamber Association Health Plan will be available through Clear One Health Plans on March 1, 2010. The new Bend Chamber plan will be offered to businesses that are members of the Bend Chamber and currently employ two or more full-time employees. The new plan will provide Bend Chamber members with four different medical plan options that include major medical, preventive, maternity, mental health, alternative care, and prescription drug coverage. For more information, contact Johonson Benefit Planning at 541-382-3571.

Be More Competitive Through Technology

     Are you cutting staff? Decreasing business travel? Making other reductions? With hands-on training in a COCC Computer lab, learn how technology can help your business:

• Use computers more efficiently
• Access your data from anywhere
• Keep your computers secure and functional
• Utilize software to meet face-to-face
• And more!

Upcoming High Desert Museum Events

     February 17 - New Volunteer Training - Learn how to work with wildlife, do children's storytelling, work with priceless art and artifacts, give talks about bobcats, otters and raptors and High Desert history - even portray 1880 settlers and others from the High Desert past. Or, work behind the scenes. Training will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

     February 20 - Mid Oregon Credit Union Free Family Saturday - Experience the Museum for free, and the Bitterbrush Band plays live.

     February 27 - Exhibit Opening - Stones from the Sky - A collection of 45 aerial photographic prints by Michael Collier - canyons beyond granite peaks seamlessly stitched into wider valleys, oxbows left behind as rivers change course, and land sculpted by glaciers.

New Special Pricing on Weddings and Events at The High Desert Museum

     Take advantage of special pricing on your wedding or other unforgettable event at The High Desert Museum when you book before February 28. Special low rates are available depending on the size of the party and for select dates.
     Events for five guests or 500 can be booked at this uniquely beautiful setting, with art, natural live animal habitats, and priceless artifacts. Our event staff is ready to help with décor, catering, and entertainment.
     Reach us at 541-382-4754, ext: 284, events@highdesertmuseum.org or click here.

Focus Physical Therapy, Inc. offers Vestibular Rehabilitation

     Alison J. Cobb, MPT, CMDT of Focus Physical Therapy, Inc. has recently completed advanced coursework in vestibular rehabilitation, which is the evaluation and treatment of a patient who present dizziness or instability.
     Vestibular rehabilitation, typically prescribed for vertigo and balance issues in the elderly, includes exercises and hands on therapy to reduce the risk of falls and symptoms of dizziness. Armed with this new approach, Focus Physical Therapy, Inc. has designed and implemented Fall Prevention and Vestibular Therapy programs. If you or someone you know is at risk for a fall, act early by participating in our fall prevention program.
     Early detection and prevention may help you maintain mobility and independence and avoid serious injury. Call 541-385-3344 for more information or to schedule your complimentary evaluation today.

Employee Handbooks - Friend or Foe?

     Employee Handbooks - Friend or Foe? Sponsored by Central Oregon Employer Council will be presented by Katherine C. Tank. Topics of discussion will include the following: Who needs a handbook, essential policies and disclaimers to include, things to watch out for, etc.
     This event will take place on March 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at St. Charles Medical Center. The cost per person is $50. If you would like to attend this event, contact Denise Pollock at WorkSource Oregon at denise.a.pollock@state.or.us.

Sin in the Sagebrush to Break New Ground at the High Desert Museum

     Sin in the Sagebrush, one of the most in-depth exhibits examining the lives of those who sought opportunity, fortune and community on the Western frontier, opened at The High Desert Museum on Feb. 13.
     Understand how trappers, tracklayers, buckaroos, sheepherders and other workers' dreams were replaced with lonely, harsh lives, and how they found community and escape in saloons, gambling halls and bordellos.
     In this multi-sensory exhibit, visitors can step up to an 1880s roulette table, game of faro, chuck-a-luck or poker, and take in the cheating devices and refined attire of a professional gambler, as well as the bowie knife and derringer he might use when challenged.
     The exhibit also features live, authentic portrayals of those who worked at these establishments, including the "sporting men" running the games.

The Center Foundation Announces Annual Scholarship

     The Center Foundation has begun its annual scholarship process that includes providing $1,500 scholarships to outstanding high school juniors and the prestigious William K. Worrell senior scholarship.
     The scholarships will be awarded at the May 12 dinner, A Salute to Heroes which is a celebration of "what is right" with local kids. The community is invited to sponsor a scholarship and/or attend the dinner to be held at St. Charles Conference Center.
     Last year over 200 people attended the dinner and $18,500 in scholarships was distributed. To sponsor a student scholarship and/or attend the dinner, contact The Center Foundation at www.centerfoundation.org or 541-322-2399.

D.E. Rink Construction, Inc. Attends International Builders Show

     Liz and David Rink of D.E. Rink Construction, Inc., and project manager Mark Cardot attended the International Builders Show in Las Vegas in January 2010.
     Classes they attended included Green building, Web site marketing, and new ideas for Generation X and Y. Hundreds of booths displayed new building materials, software, and the latest in construction products.
     The convention was attended by over 80,000 people involved in the building industry.

Essentials of Human Resource Management

      Once again, HRACO (Human Resource Association of Central Oregon) is sponsoring and providing instruction for the "Essentials of Human Resource Management" course at Central Oregon Community College.
     Learn from Central Oregon's top HR practitioners how to develop a great work placeand how to be the employer of choice in your field.
     The class is best-practices focused and ideal for managers with HR responsibilities, business owners, aspiring HR professionals, and those new to HR or individuals curious about careers in Human Resources.
     Classes are on Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will run from April 13 to June 1. To register, contact COCC's Continuing Education Department at: 541-383-7270.

Family Access Network Partners with Five Local Spas for "Do Good, Feel Good" Spa Day

     On Tuesday, March 16, Family Access Network is partnering with five local spas for a "Do Good, Feel Good" spa day to help raise funds and awareness for FAN and the services it provides to children in need. Throughout the day, 100 percent of profits from services at participating spas including Anjou Spa and Shibui Spa will be dedicated to FAN and its mission.
    All funds raised will help provide connections to essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care (including health insurance), and more through the FAN advocates in all of Deschutes County.
     For more information about the "Do Good, Feel Good" event, please contact Cynthia L. Jurgensen at 541-815-2401 or any of the participating spas to make reservations for a treatment. To learn more about Family Access Network, visit www.familyaccessnetwork.org or call 541-693-5675.

COBA Gives Back to Central Oregon Homeowners

     The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) is excited to announce the second annual COBA Remodelers Ramp-a-thon! The one day event will provide free custom exterior access ramps to Central Oregon homeowners of low or limited income.
     In 2009, 10 COBA Remodeler companies participated in the inaugural event. COBA estimates over $75,000 worth of materials and services were provided to the 10 families from Bend, Prineville, Redmond, and Crooked River Ranch.
     Interested community homeowners are asked to submit an application no later than March 15, 2010 to COBA. Each application will be evaluated along with an onsite interview and evaluation. The primary design criterion for an applicant is a maximum of 28" height or approximately 4 steps and lives in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.
     COBA invites interested homeowners, individuals, and businesses to contact Tim Knopp at 541-389-1058, or email TimK@coba.org. Volunteers from the entire community are invited to participate.

Free In-Home Consultations for Seniors

     Right at Home, Central Oregon, provides free in-home consultations for seniors. Right at Home offers Companion or Personal Care so seniors can live independently at home.
     One-on-one care is provided by carefully screened, insured, and trained caregivers, giving seniors peace of mind, privacy, and dignity.
    Whether you need a little help with cooking and cleaning, or help with dressing, bathing, or general activities, Right at Home can provide you with extra special care!
    For more information, contact Right at Home, Central Oregon at 541-633-7436.

Tetherow Golf Club offers "Mommy Mondays"

     If you are a mother looking for some quiet time during the lunch hour, consider going to
Tetherow Golf Club for "Mommy Mondays." The club provides "lunchcare" every Monday so mothers can enjoy a quiet lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch prices range from $7 to $15.

Forty Local Volunteers Help Seniors and Gain Disney Park Ticket

     Forty volunteers generously donated their time to rake pine needles for seniors in Deschutes County as part of the Give A Day, Get A Disney Day promotion. Central Oregon Council On Aging coordinated two days where volunteers from age six and up gave up a Saturday to clean the yards for 11 area seniors.
     "What started out as a Shovel Snow for Seniors day, ended up as a Rake Pine Needles for Seniors, but the enthusiasm of the volunteers was amazing," states Pam Norr of Central Oregon Council On Aging.
     "We were so happy to coordinate this opportunity," states Norr. "It's heart warming to help some of our seniors, while and at the same time help a few people get to Disneyland. But the best part is seeing the warm spirit of volunteering. Everyone worked so hard and really seemed to enjoy it. It's a great way to celebrate volunteering."

The Tower Theatre: Bringing the World to Bend

     A showcase of international performers, featuring belly dancers, acrobats, fusion musical rhythms, American Indian storytelling and the most famous boys choir in the world, will be spotlighted during the 2009-2010 Tower Theatre Foundation Series.
     The Vienna Boys Choir fills the Tower Theatre with pure tones, childlike charm and a repertoire of crowd-pleasing masterpieces in a rare Central Oregon appearance on March 6.
    The last event of the series will be April 26 when the Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre uses costumed singers, dancers and storytellers to celebrate authentic Indian culture against a backdrop of video images and traditional music.
    Program information, subscription discounts, membership benefits, as well as season series and individual tickets, are available at the Tower Theatre box office, or at www.TowerTheatre.org.

The Tower Theatre CenterStage Series

     Whether you are a music lover, Broadway fan or student of American history, the 2009-2010 CenterStage Series at the Tower Theatre in Bend offers a season of extraordinary entertainment.
    On February 28, platinum-selling folk rock singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega will perform with a string quartet from High Desert Chamber Music.
     Celebrate St. Patrick's on March 20 when The Irish Rovers perform their hits and bring their unique sense of humor to the Tower stage.
     The series concludes April 18 with backstage stories and distinctive songs from the Tony Award® winning actress Betty Buckley ("Cats," "Sunset Boulevard," "Promises, Promises"), all showcased in her one-woman show, "Broadway by Request."
     Program information, subscription discounts, membership benefits, as well as CenterStage season and individual tickets are available at the Tower Theatre box office, or by visiting www.towertheatre.org.

2010 Free Admission Day at The High Desert Museum

     Free admission to The High Desert Museum, courtesy of Mid Oregon Credit Union, is scheduled for February 20. The "Free Family Saturdays" complimentary admission program supports the educational mission of Mid Oregon Credit Union by providing a larger cross-section of the community with the opportunity to explore all that the museum has to offer.
     "This is a great chance for families to visit the museum at no cost and see what an exceptional facility we have right here in our backyard," expressed Kyle Frick, Mid Oregon Credit Union vice president. "Last year the combined two free days saw more than 9,000 kids, parents and grandparents show up to experience the wildlife, art and historic exhibits."
     Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned, financial cooperative that has served Central Oregonians since 1957. For more information about Mid Oregon Credit Union, visit their Web site at www.midoregon.com.

Opportunity Foundation/Typhoon! Restaurant Partnership

     Typhoon! Restaurant will begin donating a portion of their sales to the Opportunity Foundation. A special menu has been designed and will be presented to all guests on the 1st Tuesday of each month for the next year (lunch and dinner).
     Certain food and drink items will be highlighted on the menu explaining that by purchasing those items, a designated amount of money will be donated directly to the Opportunity Foundation.
     Typhoon! is an upscale Thai restaurant, owned and operated by Bo Kline, a native of Thailand. They have several locations in the Portland area as well as the one in Bend. Their address is 550 NW Franklin.

BBT Architects Announces Scholarship

     BBT Architects of Bend, is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship that recognizes the achievements of an area high school student. The $1,000 college scholarship, available to a high school senior, was created to celebrate the creative spirit and encourage those to pursue a future in the design professions.
      The scholarship is open to a Bend-La Pine or Redmond School District high school senior planning on attending an accredited college or university upon graduation in a design-related field (Architecture, Engineering, or Interior, Landscape or Graphic Design).
     Applicants are evaluated on motivation, career plans in design, financial need and scholastic record. Qualified students are encouraged to apply. The deadline for completed applications is April 16, 2010. Details and application packets are available at Bend, La Pine and Redmond high school counseling offices or by calling 541-382-5535.

The Environmental Center Benefit

     Join the Environmental Center for two nights of high quality, thought-provoking films that celebrate mountain people, culture, adventure, conservation, and the power of film to create social change.
       The event showcases the very best of Mountainfilm in Telluride, Colorado, an annual film festival synonymous with the world's finest filmmaking. Each night will feature different films! Proceeds from the event will benefit The Environmental Center.
     "We are very excited to host Mountainfilm on Tour again this year," said Mike Riley, Executive Director of The Environmental Center. "Last year's event was a huge success. We screened some inspiring, exciting and funny films, had a great mix of raffle prizes and raised over $19,000 to support our mission."
     The benefit will take place on February 26 and 27 at the Tower Theatre at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $17.50 and at the door for $20. Tickets are available at the Tower Theatre box office or online at www.towertheatre.org.
     For more information, call 541-385-6908 x 18 or visit www.envirocenter.org.

Ray's Food Place EcoUnit Program

     With the new year Ray's Food Place has made some improvements to the EcoUnit program. Ray's Food Place and EcoUnit have updated their reusable bag program in order to make an even bigger impact on the local environment.
     Starting in February, shoppers will no longer receive EcoUnit print outs when they bring in their reusable bags. Instead, Ray's customers will see how many EcoUnit credits they are contributing to the local environment on the bottom of each receipt.
    Ray's will then automatically tally the number of reusable bags used each month and EcoUnit will plant the trees in the Deschutes River Basin accordingly.
    This new program will make it simple for Ray's shoppers to help their local environment and will maximize the number of trees that get planted. This new and improved program is running at Ray's stores in Bend, Sisters, and Redmond.

The LEAN Office

     Tracy Campbell, CEO, Simplicated LLC introduces Implementing The LEAN Office. Founded on the principles of Six Sigma/LEAN Manufacturing which evolved out of the highly productive Toyota Production System, LEAN Office is a work improvement methodology focusing on eliminating waste which includes non-value added activities, reducing costs and improving efficiency. For information, contact Tracy Campbell, 541-788-7001, www.simplicated.com or tracy@simplicated.com

Help Local Nonprofits While Networking!

     Do you struggle with finding the time to give back? Do you want to donate items to nonprofits, but are unsure of what their needs are or where to go?
     Members will now have the opportunity to help local nonprofits through networking events. Starting with March's Business After Hours, a local nonprofit will be highlighted each month and members will have the opportunity to donate needed items.
     With every item donated, a member will have the opportunity to put their business card in for a special drawing. Enjoy the feeling of giving back to the local community while also networking with fellow Chamber members!
     If you are looking for another avenue to advertise your business, consider donating a gift certificate or prize for the special drawing. Each month at least two prizes will be given away to those who donate items. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Gayle Najera at 541-382-3221 or at gayle@bendchamber.org.
     Members will learn in advance through the Business Journal, Chamber Weekly, and Business After Hours email which nonprofit has been selected and their wish-list of items needed. Members do not need to donate an item in order to attend Business After Hours or to participate in the host door prize drawing.