Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter: August 2023

Chamber Membership An Investment in Your Business and Our Community!

Membership in the chamber is much more than a plaque on the wall, the fulfillment of a sense of civil obligation, or the means to generate new business. Rather, membership represents a commitment to the continued prosperity of Josephine County’s economy. The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst that enables businesses to accomplish collectively what no one business could do alone. A strong united effort gives a voice to members. Tourism, service, retail and manufacturing each contibute to our business community. Come visit us about joining the Chamber and add your energetic voice to the community.

Staff

Chamber of Commerce Contact Information

Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce

1995 NW Vine Street • Grants Pass, OR 97526

Phone: 541.476.7717 Fax: 541.476.9574

Josie Molloy President/CEO jmolloy@grantspasschamber.org

GPCOC@grantspasschamber.org • www.grantspasschamber.org

Executive Board of Directors

CHAIR/ Daniel Bifano - RE/MAX

Art Dyer Customer Service Representative adyer@grantspasschamber.org

Christie Swafford Programs & Events cswafford@grantspasschamber.org

Brittni Biller Membership & Business Dev. bbiller@grantspasschamber.org

Karen Henningsen Accounting accounting@grantspasschamber.org

CHAIR ELECT/Kate LaskyJosephine Community Libraries

VICE CHAIR/ Alan Meyer - Pacific Power

TREASURER/ Clay LeedyWild River Brewing & Pizza

PAST CHAIR/ Trent CarpenterSouthern Oregon Sanitation

Chamber Foundation

Lowell Gibson - Chair; NiceBadge/RS

Roy Lindsay - Vice Chair

Rebecca Stoltz- Director; JCLF - Secretary

Greg Roe - Director; B&GCRV - Treasurer

Lawton Lesueur - Director; Mid.Emp.Ins.

Terri Wiley- Director; Evergreen Fed Bank

Hyla Lipson- Director, GP Museum of Art

Every Thursday Morning at 10:30 am Chamber Chatter is Sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank, showcasing events and businesses in our area.

Chamber Chatter is fun and informative while discussions with the Morning Hosts of KAJO, KLDR and KRRM keep it lively and interesting.

Join us at 10:30 am each Thursday morning to listen to Chamber Chatter and find out what is happening in our Community for the weekend. Keep your radio dialed to 94.7 FM, 98.3 FM, 99.7 FM or 1270 AM 10:30-11:00 am on Thursdays.

Board of Directors

Win Howard - Asante TRMC

Kelsy Ausland - Ausland Group

Jeff Javelona - Old Town Mail House

Juliet Long - RCC

Lee Wassink - The Glass Forge

Greg Roe - Boy's & Girl's Club RV

Meghan Boehm - So. Ore. Aspire

Nathan Miller - Rentec Direct

Lawton Lesueur-Midland Empire Ins.

Donnie Garnett - People’s Bank

Kimberly VanHise - Mountain Blossom Bees & Kim Ragsdale Portraits

(Not Pictured) Ryan Hess- Cascades Grants Pass

Be involved with your Business Community

Wednesdays ~ Starts at 8:00 am

Doors Open @ 7:30 for Networking Our

August 2023

Business For Breakfast ~ Greeter’s Meeting

Meeting Time: 8:00

Aug 2nd

Rogue Community College

3345 Redwood Hwy ~ Campus Cafe

Aug 9th

St.Anne Catholic School

1131 NE 10th Street

Aug 16th

Three Rivers School District 1560 Bill Baker Way ( Fruitdale Elementary)

Wednesdays

Aug 23rd

Spirit of the Fair/JoCo Fairgrounds

1451 Fairgrounds Rd (The Pavillion Bldg)

Aug 30th

Candela Dance Studio

202 Redwood Hwy

Learning

with The Library Library Resources to help Grow your Business!

Game of edges : The analytics revolution and the future of professional sports by

Bruce Schoenfeld

In the last two decades, innovation, data analysis, and technology have driven a tectonic shift in the sports business. Game of Edges is the story of how sports franchises evolved, on and off the field, from raggedly run small businesses into some of the most systematically productive companies around.

In today’s game, everyone from the owners to the marketing staff are using information—data—to give their team an edge. For analysts, an edge is their currency. Figuring out that bunting hurts your offense? That’s an edge. Essential reading for anyone interested in sports, business, or technology, Game of Edges explores a world where winning the game is only the beginning.

A library card is not needed to participate. Yet, if you need to, sign up for an instant online library card today at: josephinelibrary.org/library-cards

August 18th is my five-year anniversary officially working at the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce!

What a ride! Hard to believe I have been in the Chamber industry for 13 years! I feel so blessed to find a place that I love to work with and an amazing staff. Every anniversary I love looking back to see how far we have come as an organization--It is a great time to reflect.

Regardless of the wrenches that were thrown in with (COVID), the Chamber has continued to prosper. We are happy to report we are at an all-time high membership-wise, and overall health as an organization.

When I stepped into this role I had specific markers of growth in mind, and I am pleased we are moving strongly towards these goals. We have been able to establish a healthy savings account and started investing. We have a long list of maintenance projects and tender, love and care that has been put into the Chamber building and equipment. We are grateful to our grant partners that have made these upgrades possible and while acknowledging there is still a lot more to do, we are excited with our significant progress!

As our membership numbers increase, we have also been able to bump another employee up to a full-time position. Today, we have three full-time employees and one parttime. This allows us to better serve you as a member.

To top it off, we were also able to implement two new programs that were so needed in our community: Young Professional Network and Lemonade Day. Both programs serve our younger generation to develop the next generation of leaders! We are now currently working on a Leadership Development Class and maybe adding more to the project list in 2024!

I have loved every minute of this journey and am looking forward to many more. I really appreciate each one of our members, volunteers, and staff members that have made these accomplishments possible. Each time I hear that the Chamber of Commerce has made an impact on their business or life, I know we are on the right mission. Thanks for your support. Chamber Works!

Photo Credit: Just Jeri

is less than 20,000 sq. ft. (includes all buildings on site) organization that provides free or reduced-cost services, or a religious center/place of worship email to confirm your eligibility. Energy Trust special offers for small businesses you may be eligible for. If you lease Trust know and they can help share this information with your property

509

B

R IGHTER BUSINESS, B I G SAVINGS

We are working with Energy Trust of Oregon to help small businesses and non-profit organizations in our community save money and energy by providing free LED lighting upgrades.

Is this offer for you?

BENEFITS OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING

• Reduces energy use, so you can save on utility bills and decrease monthly operating costs

Your business or organization is eligible if it is:

Examples of qualifying types of businesses, non-profits and buildings that can qualify include stores and commercial businesses, restaurants, offices, service stations, motels, food banks, social and community services organizations and buildings, churches/houses of worship or faith, clinics, and many others. Also, industrial facilities and the common areas of multifamily/apartment properties may qualify.

• Located in Oregon in an existing commercial building, multifamily property, or industrial facility and served by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power And

We especially want to encourage participation from those enterprises, organizations and buildings that can most benefit from electric bill savings through these lighting upgrades. Energy Trust will ID schedule with you to conduct an onsite review for eligible lighting upgrades. And the lighting installer contractor will work with your schedule and clean up afterward - ALL at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Connect with us to confirm your eligibility.

• Improves lighting quality and consistency, resulting in brighter, safer spaces for your employees and the people you serve

• You have less than 20 employees Or

• Your business space is less than 20,000 sq. ft. (includes all buildings on site) Or

Josephine County Chamber of Commerce ~ www.grantspasschamber.org

• You are a community organization that provides free or reduced-cost food, housing, health, economic or social services, or a religious center/place of worship

We are driven by a passion to support the health and well-being of those who live in our communities, through the delivery of quality patient-centered healthcare.

(541) 474-6053

AllCareHealth.com/WellSpringAMG

Greater Glendale (541) 832-5400 101 1st Street Glendale, OR 97442

Illinois Valley (541) 291-9830

341 Cottage Park, Suite 1 Cave Junction, OR 97523

WellSpring (541) 474-6053

1716 Williams Highway Grants Pass, OR 97527

Samantha Carlile, WHNP-BC *

Jon E. L. Ermshar, MD

Brett Rasmussen, PA-C

Plan for the Unexpected!

Whether it’s a house fire or a wildfire, there are certain steps you can take to make sure your property and belongings can be replaced if disaster strikes. Most people have a smart phone, or know someone who does, that can video or take pictures of the outside and inside of your house. This is a simple way to document what you have. If lost in a fire, you can refer back to these to remember what you had instead of trying to recall everything from memory. Make sure you and your family practice fire drills and how to exit the home to safety. Check smoke detectors annually to insure they are functioning properly. It’s a great idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your house.

Keep the outside of your home clean and orderly; remove leaves and debris from your roof and gutters. The most important area around your home is from the house itself out to 5 feet from the perimeter of your home, remove all landscaping and flammable plants including tree branch overhang above the roof. From 5 to 30 feet make sure to clear dead vegetation and limb up trees. Make sure tree canopies are not touching and shrubs are trimmed down.

Taking these steps in advance could make all the difference during a very stressful time.

Lawton Lesueur, CIC

Midland Empire Insurance

lawton@midlandempireinsurance.com

B:541-476-7715

www.MidlandEmpireInsurance.com

Your home, your personal belongings, and your business are meaningful and valuable assets. If a disaster strikes, having insurance for your home or business property is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged. Yet, more than half of all homeowners in the United States do not carry adequate homeowners insurance to replace their home and its contents should a catastrophic loss occur. Not all insurance policies are the same. Coverage amounts, deductibles, and payment caps can vary significantly. Consult with your insurance professional to be sure your policy is right for you. It is also important to review your policy annually to remind yourself of your coverage and to make any updates based on new purchases, renovations, increases in property value, or increases in costs to rebuild or replace items. Now, before a disaster strikes, take the time to:

Rural Metro Fire announces two firefighters who were recently recognized for outstanding achievements

Part-time firefighter, Reilly Knable was issued an Outstanding Performance Citation for his calm and professional care of a passenger involved in a traumatic crash on Upper River Road back in April. Firefighter Knable was able to provide life-saving bleeding control and patient stabilization in assistance to the paramedic, as fellow rescue crews performed the delicate task of extricating the occupants from the wreckage that was pinned against a tree. Firefighter Knable had only been an EMT for a couple of months at the time of this assignment, yet his crew remarked he performed as a seasoned veteran.

Full-time Firefighter, Alan Zeltvay, was recently promoted to the rank of Engineer, having completed the entire program centered on the NFPA ‘Apparatus Equipped with Fire Pump’ curriculum. With additional training imposed by Rural Metro Fire that exceeded 500 indicative contact hours that included performance refinement using challenging scenarios, and showing comprehension with formal hydraulic calculations, he received commendable scores across the board. In addition to the promotion, Engineer Zeltvay was also appointed to a permanent “Company Officer” position, where he will be leading his engine crew at the Wilderville Station on B-Shift.

Rural Metro Fire congratulates these two on their dedication to excellence in service to our community, and we are proud to have them on our team. Good job, guys!

we’ve got you covered

Ribbon Cuttings

Our Chamber Ambassadors organize Ribbon Cutting Celebrations for a variety of events for Chamber Members!

• New Businesses

• Grand Openings

• Remodels/ New Construction

• New Ownership

•Business Anniversaries

Contact Brittni to schedule your celebration!

bbiller@grantspasschamber.org

Zoom City Bar & Grill Opening Celebration

The Government Affairs committee is the advocacy arm of the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce. They are a voice for the business community. The Chamber is able to be a representative of businesses at the table to create a strong, thriving economy.

Purpose: To identify, evaluate, and recommend positions to the Grants Pass & Josephine County Board of Directors on national, state, and local governmental political issues and opportunities that will impact the business community and economy in Josephine County and our region. The committee also promotes community awareness, engagement and education on issues impacting the community through forums and other resources available through the Chamber.

ADVOCACY UPDATE ~ 2023 activities

• 14 letters of support

• Monitored Legislative Bills

• Bi-weekly calls with Representatives during Legislative Session

• Bi-weekly Oregon State Chamber of Commerce legislative updates

• Endorsements for pro-business bills

• Endorsed amendment to the Fourth Bridge

• Endorsement of the Josephine County Law Enforcement Special District

• Actively engaged in Public Safety funding options discussions

• Actively engaged on upcoming ballot items

• Webinars on Paid Family Leave, OSHA

Laws, and Oregon Saves requirements.

• Proactive discussions with elected officials City, County, State and Federal.

• Meetings with Congressmen relaying concerns from businesses in Josephine County and represent at Town Halls.

• Engaged with community partners to promote a pro-business climate.

For questions or any advocacy needs, please contact Josie Molloy, jmolloy@grantspasschamber.org

Small Business Management Program

A "Best Practices" Approach for Growing Your Business

In an ongoing effort to develop the best businesses in Southern Oregon, we are offering you the opportunity to participate in the 2023/2024 Small Business Management Program which begins October 3rd, 2023.

The 2023/24 program is all about business training that teaches both relevant and proven "Best Practices" for growing revenue, increasing profitability, developing your team, and building an adaptable platform for the long-term success of your business.

You will be given the knowledge and support to implement and adopt new techniques, methods, and systems that can lead to continuous improvement and growth for your business.

Our most successful participants have the desire to:

· Improve performance through the use of effective financial analysis and information

· Expand markets and sales using relevant online marketing platforms

· Learn innovative lean processes and quality improvement for specific industries

· Develop an employee team that can grow the business and the brand

As part of the 2023 /2024 cohort, you will participate in a monthly class along with other community business owners and leaders. In addition, you will be provided with ongoing one-to-one advising and mentoring with your own Business Advisor throughout the 9-month program. The coaches and industry-specific experts for the SBM program are proven business leaders and entrepreneurs who have a passion for helping local Southern Oregon businesses succeed.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER – You can participate in our $618 SBM 2023 Program (a retail value of $3500) for only $318. The scholarship is available to the first 20 businesses accepted into the program. The scholarship is provided through the RCC Board of Education.

For additional information contact us at 541-956-7494 Visit our Website:

https://sbdc.roguecc.edu/small-business-management

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

SCORE Rogue Valley

SCORE Rogue

Bend, OR. 97708

Valley

Phone: (541) 316-0662

Primary: Michael Bird

Email: office@centraloregonscore.org

Website: http://centraloregon.score.org

Category: Business Counseling/Training

Description:

Volunteer organization providing business mentoring and education

Music4Kids

Music4Kids

141 NW C Street

Grants Pass, OR 97526

(541) 583-0123

Primary: Deborah Pratt

Email: email@music4kids.com

Website: http://www.music4kids.com

Category: Music Lessons

Description:

Music4Kids is a music learning center offering private and group lessons in piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, cello, and singing. Our Kindermusik Program offers music & movement classes for ages 0-7.

Zoom City Bar & Grill

Zoom City Bar & Grill

241 SW G Street

Grants Pass, OR 97526

Phone: 503-490-2450

Primary: Carrie Wall

Email: hr@zoomcitybarandgrill.com

Website: http://www.zoomcitybarandgrill.com

Category: Restaurants

Description:

We are a locally owned and operated American Fare Restaurant. The menu and cocktail are inspired by the scooter riding experience. We serve up killer food, custom cocktails & positive vibes.

Rocket Referral Service-David Samples

Rocket Referral Service

Grants Pass, OR 97526

Phone: 541-261-8439

Primary: David Samples

Email: davidsamples01@gmail.com

Website: https://business.grantspasschamber.org/ list/member/rocket-referral-service-13752

Category: Referral Marketing

Description:

We help your G.P.S. Navigate to Financial Independence. Specializing in referrals for legal & Identity Theft Protection, Small Business Plans, Home Video Surveillance, Senior Health Care, Health & Wellness

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

Carden Industries LLC

Carden Industries LLC

Address: Grants Pass, OR 97526

Phone: 541-226-2182

Primary: Dennis Carden

Email: cardenindustriesllc@outlook.com

Website: https://business.grantspasschamber.org/list/ Member/carden-industries-llc-13615

Category: Paint Contractor

Description: Painting and Handyman company

Twisted Finishes

Twisted Finishes

Address: 4040 Highland Ave

Grants Pass OR 97526

Phone: 541-450-0662

Primary: Corey Wilson

Email: info@twistedfinishes.com

Website: http://twistedfinishes.com

Category: Powder Coat/Sandblasting

Description:

Trust Us With Your Powder Coating, CERAKOTE® Ceramic Finishes & Sandblasting.

The Young Professionals Network is for young professionals in the target age range of 18-45 who are looking for networking opportunities with other young professionals, connections to the community and business leaders, community engagement, and professional development. The network holds monthly luncheons, quarterly socials, and community service projects.

Asante, Banner Bank, NiceBadge

First Interstate Bank, Logan Design, Midland Empire Ins., Weekend Beer Co., People’s Bank of Commerce, Jim Sigel Automotive, Hampton Inn & Suites, and RE/MAX Integrity-Bifano Home Team

In July YPN group meet for a Panel Discussion on Grant Writing. Our goal was to dive into tips and tricks for grant writing from different perspectives. Our panel consisted of Teresa Stover from the Josephine Community Library for a writing perspective, Rene Brandon of the Southern Oregon Early Learning Services for a grant recipient perspective, and Amy Renfro with the Oregon Community Foundation for a funders perspective.

Topics of discussion covered what a grant is, steps in writing a grant, how to make your grant stand out, along with common mistakes. This was such an information packed session with so many great takeaways, some stand out information; ensure your grant proposal fits in line with the funder’s goals and mission, the funder does not care about what you’re doing with your business as they care more about what you are doing for the community and if you were not awarded the grant, ask for feedback to aid you in future grant proposals. Our group was excited to learn that NOA offers Rogue Valley Nonprofit Workshops on grant writing. Thank you to Asante for hosting our group in your beautiful facility and for providing a delicious taco bar for our attendees.

For August, we will have a volunteer opportunity on the 4th at 5:15pm for the Adopt-A-Street program. We meet at Weekend Beer Company. On the August 17th we will be hosting our Quarterly Social at Partake Shop, Lounge & Dine. This will be a 21+ event. For event information and registration, please visit our Community Calendar at www.grantspasschamber.org. Visit our Community Calendar at www.grantspasschamber. org for more information.

To learn more about the Young Professionals Network, please email Christie Swafford at cswafford@grantspasschamber.org. Follow us on social media or sign up for text alerts by texting GPYPN to 38316

Chamber of Commerce Text Messaging Program

General Messages - Text GPJC to 38316

To join the YPN group - Text GPYPN to 38316

To join the Greeters groupText GREETERS to 38316

To join the Merchant groupText MERCHANT to 38316

Amp Pro Electric, LLC DBA Pro Electric

Barnstormers Theatre

Bill’s Glass & Windshield - Grants Pass

BookStayHop, LLC

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley

Britt Music & Arts Festival

Double J Electric, Inc.

Energy Trust of Oregon

Evergreen Federal Bank

Grace Roots

Holiday Inn Express

Josephine Community Library Foundation

Just-in Time Appliance

Kairos

King Jewelers

Laura L. Johnson, NP, PC

Metal Masters inc

Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc.

Nations Lending

New Hope Christian School

Northwest Community Credit Union

Open Door Family Dentistry

Out ‘N’ About Treehouse & Zipline

Parkway Village

People’s Bank of Commerce

Premier Oil Change

REACH - River’s Edge Academy Charter School

Rogue Florist & Gifts

Rogue Valley Independent Retirement Living

Rural Metro Fire Department

Superior Inspections, Inc.

The Laughing Clam

The Salvation Army

The Wolf Creek Inn

WorkSource

Rogue Valley

Young Life of Grants Pass

Zitavex Foundation

MONTHLY UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Greeters- “Business for Breakfast”

Every Wednesday - 8:00 am

Connect w/Enews & Calendar for Locations

Government Affairs Committee

1st Monday - 9:00 am

Young Professionals Network Committee (YPN)

2nd Monday - 12:00 noon

Business Retention & Expansion Committee

2nd Tuesday - 8:00 am

Chamber Board Meeting

2nd Thursday - 8:00 am

Ambassador Committe Meeting

1st Wednesday - 7:00 am