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The Bend Chamber was proud to partner with the Regional Business Alliance (RBA) during the 2026 session, whose leadership continues to be essential in elevating Central Oregon’s voice at the Capitol. Under the guidance of Jennifer Stephens, the RBA brings together regional partners to align priorities, build lasting relationships with state leaders, and ensure our communities are represented in key policy conversations. This work is especially critical for regions like Central Oregon, where geographic distance can often mean local perspectives are underrepresented in statewide decision-making.
Central Oregon Day at the Capitol
A standout moment this session was Central Oregon Day at the Capitol, where business and community leaders from EDCO, Visit Central Oregon, the Prineville Chamber, Pacific Power, and of course, the Bend Chamber, met directly with legislators to share real-world impacts of policy decisions. These conversations help bridge the gap between policy and practice, giving lawmakers a clearer understanding of how legislation affects employers and communities outside Salem.
This kind of coordinated, relationship-driven advocacy is essential to ensuring that Central Oregon is not only included in statewide conversations but meaningfully considered in the decisions that shape Oregon’s economic future — and the RBA’s work makes that possible.
