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but what do May Flowers bring?
May Membership Forum “Taxes, Tariffs, and Trade: An update from the U.S. Chamber on
Chris Eyler
Vice President, Northwest Region U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, May 28th, 11:30am
$25/member $35/non-member
FRIDAY,JUNE6TH
In an era of constant scrutiny and mistrust of governments it is reassuring to know the City of Albany’s Police, Fire and Ambulance Levy has been well thought out, researched and reviewed. The Chamber asks that you continue to support our First Responders, Albany’s public safety employees by Voting Yes It is important to note that there is no rate increase for this 5-year levy.
City of Albany Public Safety Levy: A five-year operating levy that was first implemented in 2002 (by tremendous support of voters) that supports Police, Fire and Ambulance services
The City of Albany will use tax revenue from this measure to continue funding for firefighter/emergency medical technicians, deputy fire marshal, emergency services positions, police officers, police clerks, community service officers, and telecommunications and crime analyst positions, together with related equipment and training Taxes will also continue to be used to pay operating costs for the fire and police departments
The levy continues the current rate of $1.15 per thousand dollars of assessed value previously approved by voters in 2012, and will go into effect in 2026, when the current levy is over
May Membership Forum
“Taxes, Tariffs, and Trade: An update from the U.S. Chamber on federal issues impacting business.”
Chris Eyler
Vice President, Northwest Region
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, May 28th, 11:30am
$25/member $35/non-member
Chris Eyler represents the U.S. Chamber throughout the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming and helps develop and implement the Chamber’s grassroots, legislative, and political activities in the area. He works closely with state and local chambers and members of Congress in his region to further the legislative priorities of the Chamber.
Earlier in his career, Eyler served as a staff counsel on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, where he advised Ranking Member Mike Enzi (R-WY) on postsecondary education and national service issues. In addition, he served as a legislative assistant handling health care, education, Social Security, and telecommunication issues for former Sens. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) and Conrad Burns (R-MT), as well as for Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX),
Eyler received his B.A. in history and political science from Miami University (Ohio) and a law degree from the University of Oregon.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE11TH,2025 11:30AM-1PM
COMFORTSUITES
Send your ad in an representatives Th every Friday Provi we will do the rest.
$50 per blast, Dea
Welcome to the Chamber!
Andrea Meyers-Font is the new Membership Development Manager.
Andrea will be responsible for building and strengthening relationships with local businesses, promoting the value of membership, and driving recruitment efforts. As a fresh face to the organization, she brings new energy and ideas to member engagement strategies while learning the unique dynamics of the local business community.
The Bureau of Labor and Industries has announced increases in Oregon's three minimum wage rates, which will become effective July 1.
For the Portland metro area, the minimum wage, now $15.95 per hour, will increase to $16.30 per hour. The "standard" rate will increase from $14.70 per hour to $15.05 per hour. And the rate that applies to non-urban counties will increase from $13.70 per hour to $14.05 per hour. The changes will boost rates in these three areas by 2.2%, 2.4% and 2.6%, respectively.
Employers will want to update their employment posters to reflect these changes. Posters can be downloaded from the BOLI site for free after June 15.
Go here to learn more about Oregon's minimum wage rates, including what constitutes each region and the underlying law giving BOLI authority to adjust rates annually.
Professional Background: I opened Beloved Cheesecakes in August of 2019, with my first brick and mortar in downtown Silverton, Oregon I went to college for Social work, and ended up being a business owner. During my 5 years of business ownership I am always looking for ways to improve, educate myself, and grow.
Biggest Issue Facing Albany: Of course the epidemic of homelessness/addiction. For downtown, parking is always an issue for our downtown guests, and having ample space is appealing to attract people not having to search Secondly making downtown a place that the Albany community wants to visit more often than a Saturday, occasionally, or a random holiday that brings them to downtown.
You and your company’s community involvement: Me personally, I hire individuals with special needs. I have volunteered with ProStart sponsored by ORLA. I have sponsored events/donated to Night to Shine. We also sponsor students at Teen Challenge Beloved Cheesecakes loves pouring into the Albany community We are frequently asked for donations throughout the year, from schools, non profits, downtown association and the local chamber We are involved in the Summer events in the downtown area through Veterans day
Business Marketing Niche: One of Beloved Cheesecakes values is “Excellence” which could be our marketing niche. We do every thing with excellence. We provide a consistent quality cheesecake along with excellent customer service that wows our customers. We believe in gratitude in the form of handwritten notes or a phone call.
Great question—and a very real challenge for many businesses, especially during times of inflation, supply chain issues, or new tariffs. While businesses may not be able to control prices, there are several smart, proactive steps they can take to maintain trust, manage costs, and preserve customer relationships:
1. Communicate Transparently
Let your customers know why prices are increasing. Explain the external factors (like supplier costs, tariffs, fuel, or labor shortages) in a respectful, honest way. Transparency builds trust—especially in a tight-knit community like Albany.
2. Add Value Without Adding Cost
If you can’t absorb the price increase, look for ways to enhance the customer experience: Offer exceptional service
Provide loyalty perks or discounts for future purchases
Bundle products or services creatively This helps customers feel they’re still getting a good value.
3. Review Internal Costs
Take a fresh look at your operations: Can you renegotiate with vendors?
Are there efficiencies to gain through automation or digital tools? Is there room to streamline without sacrificing quality?
4. Diversify Offerings
If possible, introduce new products or services with different price points. This gives your customers options while helping you maintain a steady revenue stream.
5. Stay Connected with Your Community
Join forces with fellow businesses to promote each other, share resources, or offer collaborative deals. Your local Chamber can help make those connections.
6. Train Your Team
Equip employees with talking points so they can explain changes confidently and kindly. Consistent messaging is key to keeping customer relationships strong.
7. Monitor Competitor Pricing
Stay aware of pricing trends in your market—but don’t panic. Compete on value, service, and consistency, not just dollars.
Remember: You may not be able to control external pressures, but you can control how you respond. Your adaptability, creativity, and connection to your customers are your greatest strengths.
The afternoon was spent with Mike Rochelle and Jerry Workman visiting a Weyerhaeuser logging site and learning about forestry, tree harvesting, employee safety, and maintaining the environment.
Skip Gray with Gray Farms Inc. and Oscar Lopez, talked to the class about the specialty crops they grow. The photo shows cabbage that is being grown to produce cabbage seed.
Be Sure to
Celebrate Your Mom with lunch or dinner out or a gift card to her favorite local spot!
Sunday, May11th
F.L. Snyder & Son
Lepman Properties
Republic Services
Scoreboard Sponsor: Samaritan Health Services
Hole In One Sponsor: Consumers Power, Inc.
Drink Cart Sponsors: BlueSun Employment Services, Gerding Builders, Pacific Power
Driving Range Sponsor: Sno Temp Cold Storage
Putting Green Sponsor: Willamette Valley Bank
Hole & Tee Sponsors to date:
Albany Toyota
Aqua Pro Pump Service
ATI -Sign Only
Best Pots
Bonaventure of Albany
CASA of Linn County
Citizens Bank
Fitzpatrick
Furniture Share
Gillott Home Team Keller Williams
Healing Motion Phys Therapy
Lumina
No Baloney
NW Community CU
Oare & Assoc
OnPoint CU
Red Canoe CU
RiteWay Electric
Santiam Christian
Servpro
SingerLewak
Spirit Mountain Casino
Raffle Prize Donations to date:
Albany Civic Theater
Albany Grocery Outlet
Albany Historic Carousel
AmeriTitle
Beloved Cheesecake
Best Western Premier Boulder Falls Inn
Birchfield Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
BosonHub Digital Development
Carino’s Italian Restaurant
Central Welding Supply
Deluxe Brewing & Sinister Distilling
Good Grounds Coffee
Jackson Food Stores
Red Canoe Credit Union
Red Robin
Shortstops Burgers / Southpaws
Sybaris
45 Years: Albany Rental
30 Years: Chamberlin House Inc.
20 Years: Anytime Fitness
15 Years: Mt. Angel Publishing
Small Business Week
May 4 – 10
We're proud to celebrate National Small Business Week by recognizing the vital role our local small businesses play in driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our community. Join us in supporting and spotlighting these hardworking entrepreneurs who make our region thrive!
Albany Antique Mall
Albany Helping Hands
Albany Rental
Albany Toyota & Albany RV
American Bookkeeping & Tax Service
Birchfield Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc
Bravo Group LLC
Chamberlin House Inc.
COUNTRY Financial - Morford
Edward Jones - Scariano
Frank Morse - Former State Senator
Garland Nursery
Georgia-Pacific
Gray Farms, Inc
Henderer Custom Cabinetry
Jackson Food Stores
Jackson Street Youth Services
Koontz, Blasquez & Associates
M&M Car Company
Movement Mortgage
National Frozen Foods Corp
Northwest Community Credit Union
Rice Heating & Air, Inc
Southpaws Perfect Pizza and Sports Pub
Stephanie Lunceford Nexa Mortgage
Stom Painters, Inc.
Ticor Title
United Way of Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties
Wheeler Dealer
Willamette Valley Bank
Chair: Brent Stutzman (Stutzman Services)
Immediate Past Chair: Jennifer Stanaway (Samaritan Health Services)
Chair-Elect: Grant Cyrus (Target Distribution)
Senior Vice Chair: Jason Yutzie (Coastal)
Vice Chair: Jon Kloor (Consumers Power), Stacie Wyss Schoenborn (Central Willamette Credit Union)
Treasurer: Selina Marshall (Citizens Bank)
Ambassadors: Janet Steele (President)
Membership Forum
Wednesday, May 28th, 11:30am - 1pm
Linn County Fair & Expo $25.00/member $35.00/non-member
Business Unwind
Thursday, May 29th, 4pm - 6pm Subaru of Albany, 520 Airport Rd SE
Golf Tournament June 6th
Registration: 7am
Shotgun Start: 8am
Spring Hill Golf Course
Sponsored By: Coastal
Emerging Leaders June 11th
11:30am-1pm, Comfort Suites
Speaker: Jason Richards
Golf Tournament: Dick Perdue (Retired)
Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Alex Patterson (Rhodes Warden Insurance), Brian Graffenberger (EA Chambers Farms, Inc.), Brian Oare (Oare & Associates Realty), Chris Hanson (ATI), Joel Kinman (Bravo Group), John Andersen (Boys & Girls Club of Albany), John Pascone (LEDG), Keith Kessler (Direct Flooring Center), Roger Nyquist (Lake Shore Lanes), Ryan McAlister (Gerding Builders), Sarah Knowles (SingerLewak LLP), Sarah Steen (Amerititle) May 1
Emerging Leaders: Jadyn Baskin (Program and Event Manager)
Governmental Affairs: Jon Kloor (Consumers Power)
Greeters Facilitators: Greg Bolton (Landmark Professional), Peggy Burris (Albany Public Schools Foundation), Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Dan Farrington (BBSI), Mr. G Nassar (G & Jenny Insurance), Leslee Mayers (CASA Linn County), Don McBride (SMI Property Management)
Women In Business: Janet Steele (President)
Youth Job Fair: Jadyn Baskin (Program and Event Manager) Chamber Staff
Janet Steele - President
Jadyn Baskin - Program and Event Manager
Erica Hogan - Office Manager
Andrea Meyers-Font - Membership Development Manager
albanychamber.com
@AlbanyORChamber @albanyorchamber
The Chamber Network is published monthly by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. P O Box 548, Albany, OR 97321 541-926-1517 - info@albanychamber com