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MChamber Membership
embership 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 contribute to our business community. Come visit us about joining the Chamber and add your energetic voice to the community.
Chamber of Commerce Contact Information
Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce 1995 NW Vine Street • Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: 541.476.7717 • GPCOC@grantspasschamber.org
Board of Directors
Mark Stutzman - Farmer’s Bldg Supply
Patrick Sharp - Asante
Executive Board of Directors
CHAIR/Alan Meyer - Pacific Power
CHAIR ELECT/ Donnie Garnett - People’s Bank
VICE CHAIR/ Meghan Boehm - So. OR Aspire
TREASURER/ Terri WileyEvergreen Fed Bank
PAST CHAIR/ Kate LaskyJosephine Community Libraries
EJeff Javelona - Old Town Mail House
Juliet Long - RCC
Lee Wassink - The Glass Forge
Brian Bouteller - Gospel Rescue Mission
Nathan Miller - Rentec Direct
Kelsy Ausland - Ausland Group
Kevin Gill - Clouser Drilling Co.
Kelsey Yoho - Weekend Beer Co.
Ryan Queener- MasterBrand
very Thursday Morning at 10:30 A.M. 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 A.M. 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 A.M.
Chamber Foundation
Lowell Gibson - NiceBadge - Chair
Roy Lindsay - Retired, Vice Chair
Rebecca Stoltz- JCLF - Secretary
Terri Wiley- Evergreen Fed Bank - Treasurer
Lawton Lesueur - Director; Mid.Emp.Ins.
Hyla Lipson- Director, GP Museum of Art
Kiana Stiles - Director
Sponsored
By:
This Month on Chamber Chatter: • Kairos • Network In Action • Cascades of Grants Pass • • Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! •
Terry Hopkins President/CEO
Christie Swafford Programs & Events
Trina Runyan Membership & Business Development
Shirley Liska Office Assistant
Colt Foster Accounting Contractor
Cat Bonney Graphics Contractor
As we close out 2025, I find myself reflecting on an extraordinary year of progress, partnership, and community leadership. This has been a year defined by momentum and by the tremendous people who make the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce what it is.
One of our proudest achievements was the launch of the Rogue Leadership Training Experience, an eight-month program that brought together our inaugural cohort of emerging leaders. Their commitment to personal growth and community impact represents exactly the kind of leadership our region needs for the future.
We also continued our long tradition of data-driven economic development through the Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Survey, giving local businesses a direct voice in shaping policy and priorities. The findings will guide our work well into 2026.
Our networking events including Greeters, Business After Hours, Peerspectives, and more saw record participation, strengthening the connections that keep our business community thriving. Our advocacy efforts, both locally and in Salem, ensured that the voices of small businesses were heard on issues ranging from taxes to workforce development.
This year also brought the return of Concerts in the Park to Riverside Park, along with signature community events like Tap Walk, Wine Stroll, and Lemonade Day, each adding vibrancy and economic value to our region. Our Ambassadors continued to shine, facilitating dozens of Ribbon Cuttings and celebrating the growth, grand openings, and milestones of businesses across Josephine County.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our Board, the work of our committees, and the commitment of our members, partners, and volunteers. You are the heartbeat of this organization.
Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your belief in the strength of local business. I look forward to building on this year’s success together in 2026.
Terry Hopkins President & CEO,
Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce
541-956-4100 • thopkins@grantspasschamber.org
Be involved with your Business Community
Wednesdays ~ Starts at 8:00 am • Doors Open @ 7:45 for Networking
Our Mission is to support and promote our local commerce through communication, advocacy, and partnerships! Membership Info: 541-956-4102
December 2025
Business For Breakfast ~ Greeter’s Meeting Meeting Time: 8:00
Dec 3rd
Attentive Painting
Fruitdale Grange ~ 1440 Parkdale Dr. Dec 10th
Kelly’s Automotive Service 1661 NE 6th Street
Dec 17th
St.Paul’s Luthern Church 865 NW 5th Street
Dec 24th
No Greeters - Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!
Dec 31st
No Greeters - Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!
Greeters is a powerful networking group where you can interact with an average of 75 business professionals on a weekly basis. Non-Members are invited to attend up to (3) times as a guest. Doors open at 7:45am. The Chamber Ambassadors collect $1.00 and a business card at the door. Refreshments are provided . The meeting commences promptly at 8:00 AM. Our host has 5 minutes to showcase their business/organization. Emcee’s review the meeting rules and begin introductions from business cards. When introduced you have 30 seconds to share your information. ~ We look forward to meeting you!
Nick Wherry Office Technologies
Emcee- Sherri Scott, Sherri Scott Real Estate Nick Wherry, Office Technologies
Emcee- Mark Stutzman, Farmer’s Building Supply December 2025
Learning with The Library Library Resources to help Grow your
JosephineLINK:
Your guide to community resources in Josephine County
JosephineLINK connects Josephine County residents to the resources they need. Access up-to-date information for hundreds of community organizations. It’s easy to use—browse by category or search by keyword—and updated regularly with the most current contact information, hours, and locations and links.
Explore JosephineLINK: JosephineLINK.org.
If you would like to check out physical items or ebooks, visit any of our library branches to get a library card. Please bring a photo ID and if your ID doesn’t reflect your current address, please bring another form of address identification such as a recent utility bill. If you like, complete the library card application ahead of time and bring it with you. Contact the library at 541-476-0571 or info@josephinelibrary.org if special accommodations ar needed. CLICK HERE for a LiBRARY CARD APPLICATION or go to our website.
AllCare Medical Group is a multisite medical practice that delivers provider-led, patient-centered healthcare to southern Oregon.
Offices in Grants Pass, Glendale, Illinois Valley and more to come!
Douglas 1585 NW Washington Blvd
Grants Pass, OR 97526 (541) 476-7000
Greater Glendale 101 1st Street
Glendale, OR 97442 (541) 832-5400
Illinois Valley 341 Cottage Park, Suite 1 Cave Junction, OR 97523 (541) 450-3625
Mountainview 741 NE 6th Street Grants Pass, OR 97526 (541) 471-2701
Rogue 201 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526 (541) 244-2197
WellSpring 1716 Williams Highway Grants Pass, OR 97527 (541) 474-6053
Monty, Grateful patient, Brookings, Ore.
Josephine County Food Bank
For 35 years, the Josephine County Food Bank has been a steady source of support for families across our region. What began in 1990 as a small, county-run program grew through community collaboration, first as a program operated by United Community Action Network after county funding cuts in 2005, then as an independent nonprofit with the construction of our warehouse and Raptor Creek Farm in 2014. From those early days, one thing has remained constant: our belief that no one in Josephine County should go hungry.
Today, that mission is more important than ever. Every week, local organizations come to our warehouse to pick up the food that will fill pantry shelves and stock meal programs, feeding over 21,000 people each month across Josephine County. Behind each of those numbers is a friend or neighbor: a senior living alone, a family juggling bills, a student trying to stay focused in school. Rural communities experience higher-than-average rates of food insecurity, and Josephine County is no exception. One in five children in our county is food insecure. For far too many, a daily meal isn’t a choice between foods but an impossible choice between food and other essentials like electricity, childcare, or medicine.
This is why our network exists: to ensure that people across our county have reliable access to the food they need to thrive. Through partnerships with local organizations, we supply food to a network of food pantries, meal sites, shelters, and after-school programs. When barriers arise, our mobile pantries bring food directly into neighborhoods where families are feeling the strain most intensely. We source food through many avenues: partnerships with state and national organizations, grocery recovery programs with our local stores, fresh produce from Raptor Creek Farm, and the generosity of our community. Last year, our network distributed 2.8 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 2.3 million meals shared with our neighbors. Every day, we work to ensure that healthy food is available to anyone who needs it.
This season brings particular challenges. Winter months, and the holidays especially, often mean harder choices for families across our county. Heating costs rise, seasonal work slows, and parents strive to create a sense of joy for their children. For many, putting food on the table becomes even more difficult. In moments like these, the strength of our community matters most. The food bank exists because this community believes in taking care of one another. As we enter the coldest months of the year, we invite you to join us. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply share our mission with a friend, you help ensure that not only food, but connection, support, and hope, reach every household that needs it. Together, we can nourish futures right here at home - because no one should be hungry!
TOURISM RECAP for 2025
Grants Pass is experiencing a remarkable surge in tourism, positioning 2025 as one of its strongest years since 2020. The city is not only attracting more visitors but is also encouraging them to stay longer and spend more, bringing significant economic benefits to the local community.
This positive momentum is projected to continue, with forecasts for the full year indicating sustained growth in visitor numbers and revenue.
Key Takeaways:
•Record-Breaking Tourism: 2025 is one of the strongest tourism years on record, with a 6.2% increase in visitor days compared to the previous year.
•Economic Growth: Lodging tax revenue has increased by 5.6%, reaching over $2.1 million.
•Thriving Accommodations: Hotel occupancy is up by 5.5%, and short-term rental revenue per available room has surged by an impressive 19.6%.
•Outperforming the State: Grants Pass is significantly outpacing statewide tourism trends, demonstrating its strong appeal to regional visitors from Oregon, California, and Washington.
•Positive Outlook: The robust tourism sector is a testament to the collective efforts of our local businesses and community, with continued growth projected for the future.
For more information, connect with us at VisitGrantsPass.org
It’s the Most Meaningful Time of the Year
Small Business Season!
November 1st –December 31, 2025
It’s the most meaningful time of the year— Small Business Season! and we’re celebrating the heart of our community, our local businesses.
These are the places where memories are made, traditions begin, and connections grow stronger.
Think about what makes your holiday special: the café that knows your favorite drink, the boutique where you always find the perfect gift, the restaurant where celebrations become traditions, or the local spa that that gives you needed relaxation. When you shop or dine local, you’re purchasing more than a product. You’re supporting dreams and our community.
Every Purchase Has a Purpose This year’s theme reminds us that our choices matter. Every local purchase fuels jobs, supports local causes, and builds the kind of community we all want to call home. Join us as we kick off Small Business. explore the shops, restaurants, and experiences that make our area so special.
How to Get Involved
• Shop local. Dine local. Love local. Enjoy a meal at a family-owned restaurant or treat yourself to a local service or workshop. (Check our community calendar for ideas: GrantsPassChamber.org)
• Share your favorite finds and tag local businesses on social media.
• Leave positive reviews and encourage friends to support small. Your support has the power to transform our community.
This season let’s work together to ensure every purchase truly has a purpose.
Thank you for backing the people who make Josephine County special. Together, we can make small BIG!
Shop local. Dine local. Love local.
Meet the Rogue Leadership Training Experience Cohort
The Rogue Leadership Training Experience brings together emerging and established leaders committed to strengthening the future of the Grants Pass and Josephine County region. This inaugural cohort represents the first class to embark on an eight-month journey focused on personal growth, community impact, and collaborative leadership.
Each participant has made an intentional investment in themselves and in the long-term vitality of our community. Through monthly intensives, applied learning, mentorship, and real-world projects, this cohort is building the skills and relationships that will help shape Josephine County’s next generation of leaders.
We are proud of their dedication, grateful for their willingness to step up, and excited to see the difference they will make today and for years to come.
SI CASA FLORES
Toasted Barrel
Dollar Mountain Trail System
Farmhouse Networking
Slightly Stationary
Smart Tax Planning for 2026: Why It Matters — and How to Get Started
By Robert Reynolds, CPA, PC – Grants Pass, Oregon
As 2025 comes to a close, many individuals and business owners are surprised at how much can still be done before December 31 to meaningfully reduce taxes. Tax planning is not just for high earners—it’s a proactive approach that helps avoid April surprises, preserves cash flow, and supports long-term financial goals.
For small businesses, several powerful tools remain available under current tax law. Strategies such as implementing an Accountable Plan for home office and mileage reimbursements, evaluating whether an S-Corporation election makes sense, setting up Health Reimbursement Arrangements, hiring family members for legitimate work, and using depreciation incentives like bonus depreciation or Section 179 can lead to significant savings. Oregon business owners may also benefit from the Pass-Through Entity Elective Tax (PTE-E), which allows state income taxes to be paid at the business level.
Individuals also have valuable planning opportunities. The Augusta Rule allows homeowners to rent their residence to their business taxfree for up to 14 days per year when properly documented. Oregon’s 529 College Savings Plan continues to offer an attractive state tax credit, and maximizing retirement contributions—or even considering strategic Roth conversions—can lower taxes both now and in the future. Charitable giving strategies, including bunching deductions or donating appreciated assets, remain excellent year-end tools.
To help the community understand and apply these strategies, I will be hosting a Free 1-Hour Tax Planning Seminar at the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce on:
December 9 • 4:00–5:00 PM 1995 NW Vine Street, Grants Pass
The past few weeks I’ve been developing automation workflows using n8n (n8n.io), a platform that connects tools and streamlines processes. While nothing is live yet, the prototypes show significant promise.
The most developed prototype is an email drip campaign system that handles data aggregation, contact personalization, scheduled sending, and includes a double-confirmation approval step to prevent accidental sends. Instead of staff manually sorting contacts and crafting batches, tasks that currently take hours each month, n8n would handle this automatically. The architecture is solid and ready for refinement.
These automations could drastically lighten our operational workload once implemented. Long term, this lays the foundation for AI-supported tools that help interpret data, route tasks, and assist staff in real time to remove system friction so we can focus on members, partnerships, and community impact.
If your department has repetitive or time-consuming processes, I’d love to explore them with you, as real use cases directly influence the next round of development. The system isn’t live yet here at the Chamber, but the groundwork is in place and the potential is becoming clearer every day.
Advocacy Alert: Transportation Package Update
Oregon lawmakers recently approved a sweeping Transportation Funding Package that includes increases to the gas tax, vehicle registration fees, and a statewide payroll tax.
These changes were advanced as a response to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) projected budget shortfall, an issue that came to light after ODOT disclosed it had overestimated expected federal highway revenue by nearly $1 billion in the 2023–25 biennium. The shortfall stemmed from a long-standing error in the agency’s cash-flow model, which had been in place since the late 1990s.
Throughout the legislative process, the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill in both the House and Senate, citing concern for the cumulative financial burden on local employers, working families, and small businesses. We continue to believe that major tax and fee increases deserve broader public scrutiny and transparency, especially during a period of economic strain for many Oregonians.
For that reason, the Chamber is now supporting the statewide referendum effort to give voters the right to weigh in on these proposed increases.
Registered Oregon Voters can stop at the Chamber Visitor Center and Sign the Petition.
Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members
U-Save Gas & Tackle
Address: 935 Rogue River Hwy
Primary Phone: (541) 476-9871
Primary Rep: Derek Henkels
Email: usavegas50@gmail.com
Website: https://usavegasandtackle.com/
Categories: Sports & Recreation
Description:
U Save Gas and Tackle has been a staple of the Grants Pass community for decades, proudly serving locals and visitors alike with fuel, fishing supplies, and friendly service. Known for its charm and reliability, our shop has long been a trusted pit stop for outdoor enthusiasts heading to the Rogue River or returning from a day on the water.
Rogue Gateway Rotary Club
Address: P.O. Box 14 Grants Pass
Primary Phone: (541) 476-7701
Primary Rep: Valerie Lovelace
Email: N/A
Website: https://roguegatewayrotary.org/
Categories: Associations, Clubs & Member Organizations
Description:
Rogue Gateway Rotary Club unites local leaders to serve Grants Pass through youth programs, public art, and community events. Meetings Thursdays at noon. All are welcome to get involved!
Sapphire Social Media Management
Address: Southern Oregon-based
Primary Phone: (916) 724-9592
Primary Rep: Alexandrea Browman
Email: info@sapphiresocialmedia.com
Website: https://sapphiresocialmedia.com
Categories: Web/Internet Design
Description:
At Sapphire Social Media, we provide social media management that celebrates your brand’s culture and the community that proudly represents it.
3
Leverage Increased Section 179 Expensing
Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members
4 Take Advantage of Enhanced Qualified Small Business
Photo Creations Studios Medford
Who qualifies Small businesses making new equipment or software purchases.
Address: 1600 N Riverside Ave, Medford
What to know
Primary Phone: (541) 500-1365
Primary Rep: Masao Williams
Email: photocreationsstudiosmedford@gmail.com
• The new tax law more than doubles the maximum amount that a small business may immediately deduct (expense) under section 179 to $2.5 million.
Website: https://photocreationsstudios.com
Categories: Graphics/Printing/Signage
• The expensing limit phases out for purchases that exceed $4 million.
Description:
• Both thresholds are indexed for inflation beginning in 2026.
Photo Creations Studios is Southern Oregon’s premier photography studio. As a photography studio, we offer the style and individuality you demand in your family photos.
Action item
Consider accelerating or increasing purchases of machinery, software, or other qualifying property to maximize this deduction.
5
Maximize the Enhanced Employer-Provided Child Care Credit
Who qualifies
What to do
All businesses providing employee child care; expanded benefits for small businesses (gross receipts ≤ $31 million for 2025).
• Claim a tax credit of up to $500,000 and up to 40% of qualified child care expenses.
• If your business qualifies as “small,” claim up to $600,000 and 50% for expenses.
• Pool resources with other businesses or use third-party providers to offer child care.
Action item
Evaluate options for providing or expanding employee child-care benefits or programs; coordinate with nearby businesses if pooling is an option.
Fox Firearms LLC
Who qualifies Individuals and other non-corporate investors in qualifying C corporations.
Address: 525 NE E St
Primary Phone: (541) 479-1163
What to do
Primary Rep: Dianna Brown
Email: foxfirearms2@gmail.com
• Invest in the stock of qualifying small C corporations, the definition of which was expanded by the new law.
Website: https://foxfirearmsllc.com
• Hold the stock for more than five years to exclude an even greater amount of capital gain realized on its sale or exchange.
Categories: Firearms / Ammunition
Description:
Action item
Consult your tax advisor when planning such equity investments or dispositions.
Quick Checklist
Fox Firearms LLC is a licensed retailer offering firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. It is a community centered business that welcomes people in for coffee and conversation. Does the new law help grow your business? Tell us how.
Confirm QBI deduction eligibility and amount.
Identify and deduct all domestic R&E expenses; review past years for refund opportunities.
Maximize and plan for section 179 expensing.
Review QSBS eligibility when raising capital or investing.
Assess and implement employer-provided child care benefits; claim enhanced credits.
Talk with tax advisor about no tax on tips and overtime for your employees.
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.
Peoples Bank of Commerce, First Interstate Bank, The Hivve, Midland Empire Insurance, Nicebadge Robyn Lasky@RE/MAX Integrity, Kendon Leet Real Estate, Weekend Beer Co., Logan Design, Wild River Brewing, Si Casa Flores, and Cartwright’s
In November, our Young Professionals had two fantastic opportunities to connect and make a positive impact in our community.
We kicked off the month with our Quarterly Trash Cleanup as part of the Adopt-a-Street program. Despite the drizzly weather, we had a great turnout, and everyone enjoyed donning umbrella hats for the occasion. While picking up trash might not sound glamorous, it is always one of the most fun and rewarding experiences.
Next, we embarked on an Industry Tour at the newly opened Oregon Center for Creative Learning, the future home of the Children’s Museum. Executive Director Sunny Spicer, alongside Director of Education & Deputy Director Brittian Zimmerman, provided us with insightful information about their program. Their mission focuses on encouraging all children to learn and grow through play.
The Medford facility has been flourishing for over 20 years, and with their success in Jackson County, a dedicated group aimed to replicate that success here in Josephine County. Initially projected to take five years, the expansion moved swiftly due to significant interest, with Dutch Bros donating the building and other community partners contributing materials. As we toured the facility, it was clear that the Children’s Museum will be a remarkable addition. Planned features include a giant View-Master, a Dutch Bros drive-thru, Farmers Market, Makery Space, Train Station & lookout, Wildlife Rescue, Construction Zone/STEAM, and a climbing area.
As always, this event was free to attend and included lunch. If you enjoy attending our events, consider supporting the Young Professionals Network through sponsorship. Sponsorship is an excellent way to expand your marketing footprint, and our community partners enable us to offer these events at no cost. To learn more about the YPN or explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Christie Swafford at cswafford@grantspasschamber.org.
This month, we will be hosting our final event of the year, our annual Holiday Party at Weekend Beer Company to benefit the Josephine County Food Bank. Check the Chamber Community Calendar for details. We also encourage everyone to follow us on social media and sign up for text alerts by texting GPYPN to 38316. Your participation and support help us continue to foster a strong and connected community.
American Electric, LLC
Appliance & Mower Center
Bella Rogue Wellness Clinic
Bill Thorp State Farm
Canine Angels Service Teams
Caveman Kiwanis
City Plywood & Lumber Center
Compassionate Dentistry
Concierge Security, Inc.
CPM Real Estate Services
Farmer’s Building Supply
Grants Pass Florist
Guild Mortgage
Hellgate Jetboat Excursions & Hellgate River Lodge
Hill Dentistry
Jim Clark’s Consignment
KDRV - TV
KOBI - TV NBC 5
Les Schwab Tire Centers
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Grants Pass
Morrow Heights Assisted Living
Network In Action Oregon
Nicebadge
Old Town Antique Mall
Pacific Living Centers South LLC
Pacific Office Automation
Pacific Power
Partake Shop, Lounge & Dine
Project Youth+
Rogue Valley SHRM
Slightly Stationery
Swissmetric, Inc
The Perfect Bite
Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Visit Grants Pass
ZCS Engineering & Architecture
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
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