Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter: February 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

Jodi Wainwright,- Vice Chair; Jodi the Author

Rebecca Stoltz- Director; JCLF - Secretary

Greg Roe - Director; B&GCRV - Treasurer

Lawton Lesueur - Director; Mid.Emp.Ins.

Roy Lindsay- Director

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

Be involved with your Business Community

Wednesdays

Business For Breakfast ~ Greeter’s Meeting Meeting Time: 8:00

Feb 1st

Rogue Valley Shakespeare Fruitdale Grange • 1440 Parkdale Drive

Feb 8th

Epicure with Joy Hiler Fruitdale Grange • 1440 Parkdale Drive

Feb 15th The

Our Mission is to support and promote our local commerce through communication, advocacy, and partnerships! Membership Info: 541-956-4102

Feb

by Trey Guinn

Afirst in the new Business Essentials Series, this book is packed with must-know tools and strategies for the most important business (and life) skill of all communication.

Packed with insights, anecdotes, exercises, and essential takeaways to wrap up each chapter, Communication Essentials ensures you’ll walk away feeling fully equipped and prepared to put your skills into action right away.

Communication Essentials is available for checkout from your public library. Click here to check availability.

Sign up for an instant online library card today at: josephinelibrary.org/ library-cards Library Branches: Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, & Wolf Creek. For more information visit, josephinelibrary.org or Email info@josephinelibrary.org

Hi Members,

We are weeks away from the Annual Awards Banquet - and we are anxious to celebrate with you!

We are looking forward to sharing the accomplishments from 2022 and are also looking forward to presenting our goals for 2023.

The Awards Banquet is a time for the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate our members and volunteers. We also get to honor local enterprise and our business community! And even though we increased seats for attendance by an extra 100 tickets, we are almost sold out for the event !

This year we moved to a new venue at the Boys & Girls Club to allow us to continue to grow this event. A big thank you to Greg Roe for making this happen. The Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley has been an amazing partner of the Chamber and this wouldn’t be possible without them!

Throughout the year we are also partnering with Nick Alexander Films to showcase the positive impact the Chamber has on the entire community. So many times, what we do is behind the scenes, and we really forget to share our story. I am also excited because the films production happens to coincide with our 100-year anniversary in 2024! You will see Nick and his team at a lot of our events to capture the programs, events, and opportunities the Chamber provides. Stay tuned for the final product! We are excited to share our Chamber!

There is a reason the Chamber has been here for almost 100 years! Sometimes the work is tiring and stressful, but moments like the Annual Awards Banquet make it all worth it when our community shows up to celebrate together!

I hope to see you at the Awards Banquet Friday, February 17th!

Photo Credit: Mike Machado

GP Energy is transforming the convenience store experience for drivers and shoppers throughout Oregon and California with their Pinnacle 365 locations. Whether they’re on the way to work, running their kids to after-school activities, or passing through on a family road trip, customers can find everything they need in GP Energy’s modern, clean, and well-stocked convenience stores. As you witness Pinnacle 365 locations pop up in your community, here’s what you may not know about the company’s background.

GP Energy’s roots in Southern Oregon have been established for over sixty years. The company was founded in Grants Pass in 1960 as Colvin Oil, operating as an oil & gas distribution service. Colvin Oil expanded its business by partnering with the Andretti Group in May 2017.

The following year, Colvin Oil was renamed GP Energy. The company serves to help petroleum-based businesses grow by providing consultation and connecting them with products and services to increase their profitability. Today, GP Energy has expanded beyond its status of being an industry leader in oil and gas distribution to encompass fuel distribution, convenience stores, branded and unbranded fuel supply options, fleet fuel management solutions, lubricants, fast food, and carwash solutions.

In 2021, GP Energy embarked on their next endeavor to improve the convenience store experience for customers by rebranding all their convenience store locations in Oregon and California to the Pinnacle 365 brand and offering their Peak Rewards Program through them.

You can see their latest transformation taking place at the old Fireball Gas Station & Convenience store located at 1044 NW 6th St. in Grants Pass. Demolition of the old station began on January 9, 2023, in order to rebuild the location into a “state of the art” Pinnacle 365 Gas Station and Convenience store. The Grand Opening is targeted for late 2023.

GP Energy remains a local company with local employees who provide personalized service. The Grants Pass Corporate Office employs 44 retail and office managers, accounting and human resources team members, plus another 812 convenience store staff in Oregon. Learn more about GP Energy on their website at gpenergy1.com.

Started in 1994, AllCare Independent Physician Association (IPA) is a team of local doctors and providers with one focus: preventing illness and promoting healthy lifestyles in our communities. We live here. We know you. Together, we are AllCare IPA. Changing healthcare to work for you.

AllCareHealth.com/IPA

New Patients Welcome!

(541) 471-3668

Get relief from sports injuries, heel pain, and all foot and ankle conditions with the most advanced and compassionate surgical and non-surgical foot care in Grants Pass.

1227 NE 7th Street, Grants Pass • gppodiatry.com

For over 30 years, Grants Pass Podiatry has been providing exceptional results to children, teens, and adults who suffer foot and ankle pain, diseases, and disorders that keep them from the activities they love.

Most insurances accepted.

Our entire team is dedicated to helping you and your child feel at home from the moment you walk through the door.

We’re proud to be members of the Grants Pass community and serve the needs of our children.

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grants Pass are working with Energy Trust of Oregon to bring energy savings to our communities.

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

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

• Decreases maintenance costs and time spent on frequent replacements or repairs

Your business or organization is eligible if it is:

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

• You have less than 20 employees Or

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

• 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

Call 1.800.326.2917 or email lighting@energytrust.org to confirm your eligibility. Energy Trust can also discuss other special offers for small businesses you may be eligible for. If you lease your space, let Energy Trust know and they can help share this information with your property manager.

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. 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.

IVChamber of Commerce makes their last loan payment to IVCDO

Megan Pugh, Executive Dir. IVCC and Jeremy Curtis

Monique Allen, President IVCC Board of Trustees

WELCOME New Chamber Board Member

My name is Donnie Garnett, and I am a career banker. I started as a part-time teller when I was 19 and haven’t looked back. I have spent the last ten years at People’s Bank of Commerce, having worked through most aspects of the retail and operational side of banking before deciding to pursue a career as a Commercial Lender. My long-term goal has been to support the businesses in the community by providing responsible access to capital. When I am not working, I do one of two things: spend time with my family – a beautiful wife and four-year-old daughter and play music locally with Gretchen Owens or A Band of Brothers.

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors and further support the businesses in Josephine County.

Donnie Garnett

UPCOMING EVENTS RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Hivve

February 15th, 9:30 a.m. (Following Greeters) 164 SE G St

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

Kim Ragsdale Portraits

Kim Ragsdale Portraits

1236 Merlin Rd, Merlin, OR 97528

(541) 621-6015

Kimberly VanHise

Email: kragsdale58@gmail.com

Website: http://www.kimragsdale.com

Category: Artist

Description:

Kim is a professional western pencil artist, winning many first place and best in show awards in juried art exhibitions and museum events throughout the western United States.

She has been a high school art teacher for years and teaches workshops and private drawing lessons year round to all age groups.

Climate City Brewing

Climate City Brewing

509 SW G St, Grants Pass, OR 97526

(541) 479-3725

Dustin Myers

Email: info@ClimateCityBrewing.com

Website: http://www.ClimateCityBrewing.com

Category: Brewery, Restaurant

Description:

Climate City Brewing Co. - where craftsmanship meets community. Established in 2014, now under the expert ownership of Dustin Myers of The Vine Restaurant, every sip and bite showcases our commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

We’re more than just a brewing company, we’re a beacon of betterment in our community.

Flora Farm & Design Studio

Flora Farm & Design Studio

1340 Kincaid Rd., Williams, OR 97544

(541) 846-0919

Stacey Denton

Email: stacey@weddingflora.com

Website: http://www.weddingflora.com

Category: Florist, Farm

Description:

Flora is a farm and floral design business. We grow flowers in our certified organic fields and have been providing exceptional blooms for weddings, events & discerning clientele for 10+ years.

Sunder Energy

Sunder Energy Grants Pass, OR 97527

(541) 660-8629

Travis Warren

Email: Travis.Warren@SunderEnergy.com

Website: http://www.SunderEnergy.com

Category: Solar

Description:

Solar Sales and services for Josephine/Jackson County. Contact us for Education, Unparalleled customer care, and Honesty. We give you all the information you need from the comfort of your own home. We pride ourselves with helping split apart from your power company and educating families on all the benefits when it comes to going solar.

We are a veteran-owned company that respects our communities. We want to help you break away from the inflation that is happening to all of us during these times.

Our team will show you the quality of our company, including our 25-year Production Guarantee, 10-year Workmanship Warranty, and Added Home Value.

Three Rivers School District

Three Rivers School District

8550 New Hope Rd, Murphy, OR 97533

(541) 862-3111

Wendy Giordano

Email: Wendy.giordano@threerivers.k12.or.us

Website: http://www.3riverssd.org

Category: School

Description:

Public School District throughout Josephine and part of Jackson County serving over 4,000 students. Our primary goal is life-ready students that have skills to be successful after high school.

Carol Dittmer

Carol Dittmer Grants Pass, OR Individual

Blue Phoenix Branding

Blue Phoenix Branding

1648 Brookdale Ave, Medford, OR 97504

541) 601-2053

Paul Ferris

Email: paul@bluephoenixbranding.com

Website: http://www.bluephoenixbranding.com

Category: Marketing

Description:

We’re your marketing agency without the agency fees. Combine the staying power of promotional products with the innovation of advanced printing techniques and add a creative twist... that’s the Proforma Advantage.

Our full-service marketing solutions put you ahead of the competition.

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.

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

Our January Luncheon had a great turnout to hear Carl Wilson of Grants Pass Broadcasting speak. Carl says it all began when he was five years old and his parents opted to chase a dream. He went on to say that his father knew in his heart of hearts that radio was a good fit and wanted him to be in the business. In 1957 Grants Pass gained a new radio station, KAJO-AM 1270, thanks to the Wilson family. After being in the family business for 10 years, Carl says he realized he really did not like it. At the urging of his father, they went to a broadcasting seminar which ultimately changed Carl’s mindset. Just like that, he was filled with enthusiasm for all things radio!

Our next event will be our Monthly Luncheon on Tuesday, February 21st, 11:451:00pm at the Hampton Inn.

Our guests will be Tim Sweeny, Superintendent from School District 7 and Dave Venezuela, Superintendent of 3 Rivers School District along with their Deputy Superintendent, Casey Alderson.

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 71441

If you have questions, feel free to call 541-476-7717.

*Customizable

Over $14,000 in Value Basic Benefits, plus*:

Website:

Major Sponsor Logo and Banner Ad

Membership Website Portal

2 Additional Category Listings

“Chamber News”Newsletter Ad

1/4 Page Size and Major Sponsor Weekly E-newsletter Sponsor

“PROFILE” Magazine Major Sponsor

All Major Event Recognition- plus,

(4) Forum Tickets

Exclusive Updates from Chamber President & CEO

Annual Recognition Event Exclusive for Legacy Partners

Business Tools: Free use of Boardroom(when Avail) Complimentary relocation and visitor packet inserts

Why Join?

Your

levels, ensuring that the interest of business are represesented. Your investment alllows us to operate and represent our community and businesses!

AllCare Community Foundation

Asante Three Rivers Medical Center

Ausland Group

Banner Bank - North Branch

Best Western Grants Pass Inn

Bristol Hospice-Rogue Valley, LLC

Carl’s Jr. #8185 & #8532

Caveman Travel

Century 21 J.C. Jones American Dream

Coldwell Banker Cutting Edge

db Pro Audio

Diamond Home Improvement

Discovery Inn

DJ’s Bump & Paint Parlor

Fields Home Center

Fox 26 Broadcasting Communications

General Credit Service, Inc.

Grants Pass Sobering Center

Grants Pass Toyota

Grounds

Guys Landscape Management

Hearts With a Mission

Hummingbird Estate

Josephine Community Library District

Josephine County Food Bank

KDRV - TV

Lamar Company

Logan Design

MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.

Office Technologies Inc

Options for SO Oregon

Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors, Inc.

OSU Extension Service ~ Josephine County

Payroll Specialties Inc

Platt Electric Supply

Premier West Properties LLC

Provolt Country Store & Deli

Real Estate Designed to Sell, LLC

Rentec Direct

River Valley Church

Riverside Ready Mix

Rotary Club of Greater Grants Pass

Sandi’s Candies

Schmidt Family Vineyards

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

The Human Bean

The Orchid Grill

Trees of Mystery

Troon Vineyard

United Finance Co

WaFd Bank - City Centre Branch

WaFd Bank ~ South River

Welch Investment Group LLC

Wild River Brewing & Pizza Co.

Wildlife Images

Youth 71Five Ministries

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