Thank you to the Premiere Sponsors for the Albany Business Extravaganza! Thank you to the Premiere Sponsors for the Albany Business Extravaganza!
We hope to see you again next year!
Thank you to all the businesses at this year’s Albany Business Extravaganza!
October Membership Forum
dnesday, October 29th, 11:30am
JJ Arthur, PE
Vice President, Engineering
NuScale Power
J.J. Arthur joined NuScale Power in 2010. As Vice President, Engineering, he is responsible for the design of the NuScale Structures, Systems and Components, Nuclear Safety Analysis, Core Design and Analysis, Testing, Code Development and Engineering Support Programs.
Prior to joining NuScale, Mr. Arthur spent 10 years in the specialty metals industry in a variety of technical roles, which included providing technical support for mechanical systems and equipment, process development, metallurgical engineering, and management of large capital and major maintenance projects.
Mr. Arthur holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University, a Bachelor of Science in applied science from George Fox University, and is a 2023 graduate of the Harvard Business School Program for Leadership Development. He is also a licensed professional engineer in the state of Oregon.
OBI Releases Oregon Scorecard
Oregon Business & Industry recently released the Oregon Scorecard, a web-based collection of data and rankings that shed light on Oregon’s business climate and declining economic competitiveness. For each piece of information, the Oregon Scorecard also presents up to 20 years of historical data presented in graphical form.
It is now widely known that Oregon’s economic competitiveness is waning. In 2025, the state fell a stunning 11 places in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business ranking and now sits only 39 . The nonpartisan Tax Foundation, meanwhile, ranks Oregon only 49 for corporate taxes. These trends are alarming, as is much of the economic data collected on the Oregon Scorecard. Oregon needs a healthy private sector to provide jobs, to support philanthropy and to generate revenue for public services. th th
Beyond traditional economic indicators, like tax rankings and GDP growth, Oregonians can find information about education outcomes, housing affordability and electricity prices, population and other indicators that contribute to the state’s overall economic picture.
“There can be no doubt that Oregon is well past an inflection-point and in desperate need of recovery,” said OBI President and CEO Angela Wilhelms. “Oregonians deserve to have an objective, clear picture about where Oregon stands – and where it is headed. The Oregon Scorecard allows us to have an honest conversation about how things are going so that we can, hopefully, see pro
To solve the problems f policymakers must focus on improv and commit to economi
Professional Background: Oscar and Tamalynne started The Natty dresser in 2014 The haberdashery was born out of a need for mens clothing in the Albany area Tamalynne had worked for Emma Downtown, and ran her own professional photo retouching business, using inks and dyes with very small paintbrushes, her clients included the top grossing photo studio in the US. Oscar had a number of jobs and volunteer positions that built the skills needed for running the shop; Visual Merchandiser at Sears, Scene Shop Forman at LBCC’s Takena Theater, Costumer at The Costume Loft, Graphic Artist at The Albany Democrat-Herald, Executive Director of the Albany Downtown Association. Oscar and Tamalynne are accredited Custom Clothiers through the Custom Tailors and Designers Association and have Earned Platinum Elite status with Jim’s Formalwear for outstanding customer service and fitting of garments.
You and your company’s community involvement: Tamalynne and Oscar try to stay involved and connected to the going’s on in Downtown Albany; volunteering with the Albany Downtown Association and The Chamber of Commerce, Monteith Historical Society, Albany Civic Theater and sponsoring community events with the YMCA, Albany Boys and girls Club, and The Albany Veterans Day Parade. The Natty Dresser also hosts its own events like the Albany Tweed Ride, Natty Know How events, and First Friday date night with live music, refreshments and in-store specials every first Friday of each month
Biggest Issue Facing Albany: Right now Albany’s biggest problem is Salem, or should we say the our Governor and the Oregon legislators. Constantly raising taxes and fees on small businesses and families is making it difficult for Albanians to prosper.
Business Marketing Niche: God is our business partner, and with His help, we try to be not only purveyors of quality menswear offering custom clothing, alterations and great customer service, we are also constantly looking for ways to create a better customer experience through our in-store and window displays, our old-fashioned style of customer service and dedication to actually trying to meet or surpass the needs of our clients. Our motto: Dress Well, Be Confident, Find Success
Member News & Updates
Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership
Being a member of the Albany Area Chamber isn’t just about having your name in the directory it’s about building relationships, accessing resources, and staying visible in our community. Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new, here are a few ways to get the most out of your membership:
1 Get Connected
Attend Chamber networking events, ribbon cuttings, and mixers These gatherings are great opportunities to meet fellow business owners, share ideas, and form partnerships that can help your business grow.
2. Stay Informed
Take advantage of member newsletters, workshops, and seminars Staying up to date on business trends, local policies, and community initiatives keeps you one step ahead.
3. Promote Your Business
Use your Chamber membership to increase visibility. Share your news for inclusion in Chamber communications, participate in sponsorship opportunities, and make sure your business profile in the Chamber directory is complete and up to date
4. Get Involved
Join a committee, volunteer for Chamber initiatives, or participate in advocacy efforts. Being actively engaged helps strengthen both your business and our community.
5 Leverage Member-to-Member Benefits
Many Chamber members offer discounts or special services to fellow members. It’s a great way to save money while supporting local businesses.
6. Utilize Chamber Resources
From referrals to marketing tools, the Chamber provides resources designed to help your business succeed Don’t hesitate to reach out to Chamber staff for guidance and support
Exciting News – Help Us Welcome Our New Executive Director!
Every Child Linn Benton Lincoln is thrilled to announce that Chris Christiansen has joined our team as our new Executive Director!
Chris brings with him a passion for missiondriven work and a proven record of transformational leadership. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Mid Valley Association of REALTORS, where he guided the organization from instability to a thriving, future-focused association through strategic planning, rebranding, and member growth.
Chris shares, “It’s incredibly refreshing to join an organization with such a clear sense of mission—and one with board members, staff, and volunteers who are in it for the right reasons. I’m genuinely thrilled to be here; it’s an incredible step forward and exactly the kind of work I’ve been looking for.”
Did you know as an Albany Area Chamber Member you get a discount on classes with the SBDC?
44 North Credit Union
Albany Aquatics Association
Albany Tennis Club
American Rooter
Benton County
Best Western PREMIER Boulder Falls Inn
Burcham's Metals, Inc.
Central Willamette Credit Union
Clayton Homes
Collins Consulting Services
Copper Rock Real Estate
Costco Wholesale
Edward Jones - Condrea, CFP®
F.L. Snyder & Son, Inc.
Greater Albany Rotary Club
Heins Communications, Inc.
Honeybrine Catering
KWS Seeds LLC
Lakeside Ag-Ventures, LLC
Lepman Properties
Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care
Marsh & McLennan Agency
More Ink
Neora
Pinnacle Dental Associates
Pure Energy Group
Stutzman & Kropf Contractors, Inc.
Sybaris
Ted Ferry Insurance Agency, INC.
The Beem Team LLC at eXp Realty
The Brim Coffee Co LLC
Ti Squared Technologies, Inc
Ultrex Business Solutions
Vogt, Gordon
Willamette Community Church
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Board Officers
Chair: Grant Cyrus (Target Distribution)
Immediate Past Chair: Brent Stutzman (Stutzman Services)
Chair-Elect: Jason Yutzie (Coastal)
Senior Vice Chair: David Van Der Haeghen (NW Natural)
Vice Chairs: Jennifer Stanaway (Samaritan Health Services), Jon Kloor (Consumers Power)
Treasurer: Selina Marshall (Citizens Bank)
Board Members
Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Alex Patterson (Rhodes Warden Insurance), Brian Graffenberger (EA Chambers Farms, Inc.), Brian Oare (Oare & Associates Realty), Chris Hanson (ATI), Crystal Tyndall (Willamette Valley Bank), 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), Sarah Steen (AM | FM Luxury + Adventure Travel )
Committee & Task Force Chairs
Ambassadors: Janet Steele (President)
Golf Tournament: Dick Perdue (Retired)
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)
Chamber Staff
Janet Steele - President
Jadyn Baskin - Program and Event Manager
Erica Hogan - Office Manager
