Chamber in good shape heading into 2007

     The Bend Chamber is in strong shape financially with nearly $400,000 in assets, has the largest membership in its 80-year history (1,547) and not only is the largest business organization in Oregon, but is one of the largest business organizations in the West. Those were some of the highlights of the Chamber’s annual business meeting, held Tuesday morning at the Tower Theatre. Nearly 100 participants enjoyed coffee and doughnuts and listened to a presentation from Chamber staff and board members. Chamber President and CEO Mike Schmidt gave specific examples of how the Chamber in 2006 worked to follow its core competencies of creating a strong local economy, providing networking and professional development, representing the interest of business with government, promoting our community and providing community information and business resources. Chuck Chackel, the 2007 board chairman, said his goal next year is “To represent the Chamber’s 1,500 businesses in a dignified way to provide a better business climate.” The Chamber also unveiled a new logo (see top of this newsletter) and a new tagline, “Guiding Business to the Top". If you couldn’t make the meeting the Power Point presentation about the Chamber’s 2006 performance can be viewed here: 2006 Annual Meeting

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Dates set for Chamber’s 2007 “One Voice” trip to Washington, D.C.

     The Chamber’s second annual “One Voice” trip to Washington, D.C., has been set for March 26-29. Like with last year’s inaugural event, Chamber President and CEO Mike Schmidt and Vice President Jeff Nielson will lead a group of those interested on a trip to the nation’s capital to discuss Central Oregon concerns such as education, transportation and health insurance with congressmen, senators and their staffs. If you’re interested in going on this trip, call Nielson for details at 382-3221.  If you can’t make the trip but have issues that you’d like discussed, we’d like to hear from you.

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Chamber members not keen on idea of helping mobile home owners

     Last week’s survey question was, “Should the city of Bend use affordable housing fund money to assist mobile home owners who can’t move their homes because the homes are basically worthless?” For the most part, respondents said “No.” Some comments:
     “The city of Bend should not assist people because of the closing of mobile home parks. The mission of the city is to provide security and infrastructure and not social services. As Bend gets deeper into the social services business, the costs of running the city will escalate, particularly as “everything for everyone” is included. This is private property populated by folks who have made personal and private decisions, and the effect of government mandates on either will only make the problem worse and take the city’s focus off the primary mission.” 
     “The evolution of a city can be a challenging thing, but we don’t spend city money on people who can’t pay their rent or their mortgage. I was unemployed for a time after we moved to Bend in the ‘80s. Our family was split up for several months until we were able to regroup. The trailer house problem did not tumble people from their homes without warning.”
     “Yes, we should definitely help these people out. They never moved into these places thinking they would get tossed out into a system that would give them nowhere to go. … Imagine if your big house on the hill that you bought and paid for after many years of hard work was just taken away … The cost should be split by the seller and the developer and the city, and if it can’t work out with everyone chipping in, then how in the world is it supposed to work out for the poor person on his or her own? …”

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Bend 2030 sets event, has volunteers for presentations 

     The Bend 2030 Action Planning Forum II open house is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hollinshead Barn at Hollinshead Park. You’re welcome to drop in any time to talk with Action Team members, comment on Action Plans or just to learn more about Bend 2030. In addition, Bend 2030 has VisionCorps volunteers available to make presentations to Bend-area businesses, non-profit organizations and their boards, professional organizations and service groups. If interested in having someone do a presentation on Phase II of Bend 2030, call 598-3942. Information about Bend 2030 is available at www.bend2030.org.

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     Join other Oregonians on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Summit High School Commons for a town hall discussion of what we care about, our vision for the future, and how to help make Oregon a great place to live for us and future generations.  How can we as Oregonians work together to preserve the communities, family farms, and beautiful landscapes that make Oregon so special? A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Attendance is limited; register at www.EnvisionOregon.org or by calling (503) 497-1000.

This week’s survey question