Skip to main content

Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter: June 2026

Page 1


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 • www.grantspasschamber.org

Executive Board of Directors

CHAIR/Donnie Garnett - Evergreen Federal Bank

CHAIR ELECT/ Meghan Boehm - SO Aspire

VICE CHAIR/ Mark Stutzman - Farmer’s Building Supply

TREASURER/ Terri Wiley - Evergreen Federal Bank

PAST CHAIR/ Alan Meyer - Pacific Power

EBoard of Directors

Lowell Gibson- NiceBadge

Patrick Sharp - Asante

Kaila Reinhart - RE/Max

Kate Lasky - Josephine Comm. Libraries

David Koehler - RCC

Brian Bouteller - Gospel Rescue Mission

Nathan Miller - Rentec Direct

Kelsy Ausland - Ausland Group

Kevin Gill - Clouser Drilling Co.

Kelsey Yoho - Yoho Holdings

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, Stiles Sign Painting

Steve Roe - Director, Roe Motors

Sponsored

By:

This Month on Chamber Chatter: • WFC - Shakespeare in the Vines • Grants Pass Downs - Opening Day• • Main Street - Downtown Fashion Show • Los Postres 5th Anniversary•

Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce ~ www.grantspasschamber.org

Terry Hopkins President/CEO
Christie Swafford Programs & Events
Wendy Mintey Membership & Business Development
Shirley Liska Office Assistant
Colt Foster Accounting Contractor
Cat Bonney Graphics Contractor

June Brings Momentum, Milestones, and Reasons to Celebrate Local

June is a month of celebration and renewed energy in Josephine County. As our local graduates walk across the stage, we are reminded of the bright future being shaped right here at home. These students represent our next generation of employees, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and civic leaders. Their success is our community’s success, and we congratulate every graduate, family, teacher, mentor, and employer who helped support them.

June also marks the beginning of the summer tourism season. Visitors are arriving to experience the Rogue River, downtown Grants Pass, local shops, wineries, restaurants, outdoor recreation, and the hospitality that makes our community special. Tourism supports small businesses, creates jobs, generates local tax revenue, and strengthens the quality of life we all enjoy.

This summer is especially meaningful as we kick off the 40-year anniversary of Concerts in the Park. For four decades, this free community tradition has brought families, friends, neighbors, and visitors together for music and connection in Riverside Park. It is a powerful example of what happens when business investment and community pride come together.

We are also celebrating the completion of the first year of the Rogue Leadership Training Experience. This inaugural cohort has spent the past eight months growing as leaders and building relationships. As they move toward their capstone projects, they are preparing to leave a lasting mark on Josephine County.

Momentum is also building for Lemonade Day, with sign-ups going strong. This program gives young entrepreneurs the chance to learn business basics, serve customers, and experience the pride of earning their own success.

As we move into summer, I encourage everyone to shop local, dine local, hire local, and support the businesses that support this community yearround. Every local purchase helps keep dollars circulating here at home.

June gives us many reasons to be proud and optimistic. Thank you for supporting local business and helping Grants Pass and Josephine County continue to thrive.

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

June 2026

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

June 3rd

Walport Family Cellars

Fruitdale Grange ~ 1440 Parkdale Dr.

June 10th

Cynthia’s Home Sweet Home Fruitdale Grange ~ 1440 Parkdale Dr.

June 17th

Cascades of Grants Pass 1400 Redwood Circle.

June 24th

Countryside Village 1700 Kellenbeck Ave

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!

Everyone needs tools to start, build, manage, and grow their business.

While starting a new business can be overwhelming, the Small Business Tool Kit provided by the City of Grants Pass will help you on your way to turning your dream business into a realty. It’s a friendly, easy-to-read resource to help you navigate the business tax certificate and the permit process.

https://www.grantspasschamber.org/small-business-tool-kit-gp/

Shonna Bouteller

Executive Director

Emcee- Terri Wiley, Evergreen Federal Bank

Shonna Bouteller, ROC Food Pantry

Emcee- Doug Bradley, Kensington Hotels June 2026

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer members access to a new group benefits program designed to help local businesses find more affordable, dependable, and flexible medical and primary care resources.

Whether you are a small business trying to offer benefits for the first time or a growing employer looking for better options, this program may help you stay competitive while managing rising health insurance costs.

Chamber members with two or more employees may qualify, and owners count as one.

Learn more at: https://www.planstin.com/grants-pass-chamber

Learning with The Library Library Resources

Plant a Seed, Read

2026 Summer Reading Program

All ages are invited to join the free Josephine Community Library Summer Reading Program from June 13 – August 9. To join and earn prizes, register anytime beginning June 1 online at josephinelibrary.org or at a branch in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, or Wolf Creek. Don’t miss out on weekly events and themed crafts for children on Saturdays during open hours.

Library events are offered at no charge and are open to the public. A library card is not needed to participate.

Summer Reading Kick-off Party

Kick off the Summer Reading Program with a party at the library, indoors and outside in the parking lot! All ages are invited on Saturday, June 13 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Grants Pass branch to enjoy snacks, live music, craft stations, and free bookish fun for everyone!

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 Shady Cove!

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

Shady Cove 21990 Hwy. 62, Shady Cove, OR 97539 (541) 878-2022

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.

Chamber Voice at the Small Business Taskforce

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is proud to have a seat on the City of Grants Pass Small Business Taskforce, a newly launched advisory group focused on local business conditions, strategies for stabilization, and long-term business support.

This is an important opportunity to ensure the voice of our business community remains part of the conversa-

tion as the City considers economic development strategies and policies that impact local commerce. The Chamber will bring forward the collective perspective of our Board, committees, members, and business partners, along with tools and insight from our Business Retention & Expansion efforts and other strategic work happening throughout the community.

One of the first tasks of the Small Business Taskforce will be a local business survey. Please be on the lookout for a City survey toward the end of the month. Your feedback will help advise City Council on the steps that would be most impactful in supporting local businesses, strengthening our economy, and addressing real challenges facing employers. Your voice matters, and the Chamber is committed to helping make sure it is heard.

For over seven decades, Barnstormers Theatre has been a vibrant cornerstone of the local arts community, proudly standing as the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the state of Oregon. Originally established in 1952, Barnstormers has grown from its humble beginnings of staging performances in various local venues into a beloved local institution operating out of our historic venue on NE Evelyn Avenue. This year, we are incredibly proud to celebrate a monumental milestone: 40 years of dedicated partnership and membership with the Chamber of Commerce. Our enduring mission remains rooted in providing high-quality, accessible theatrical experiences that entertain, challenge, and inspire our community, while offering a welcoming creative home for local actors, crew, and volunteers.

As we mark this special anniversary, we are currently in the midst of an unforgettable theatrical season filled with powerhouse stories and stellar local talent. Looking ahead, we have a phenomenal lineup coming up in our 75th Season that we can't wait to share with our audiences. This includes the return of the riotous, high-stakes farce "Lend Me a Tenor", Agatha Christie's legendary whodunit "The Mousetrap", and our highly requested holiday tradition, "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." Our season will continue into 2027 with the midwinter favorite "Almost, Maine," Edward Albee's searing masterpiece "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", and the joyous, celebrated musical revival of "Cabaret." Season passes and individual tickets on sale now for the season at BarnstormersGP.com

Barnstormers Theatre

Civic Engagement is the key to Community Connection

Yesterday, I began my internship with the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce Office. The day started with a meeting about local events and the future and direction of Josephine County. Sitting in a room full of commissioners, business professionals, politicians, and engaged community members gave me a new perspective on the collaboration and leadership required to shape a community.

Listening to experienced leaders discuss both the strengths of Josephine County and the challenges that remain showed me how essential civic involvement and communication are in a thriving community. I have come to believe that everyone should attend a political meeting at least once to witness civic engagement and political efficacy firsthand.

I am a 2026 graduate of Grants Pass High School. This Fall, I will be attending the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College to major in journalism before pursuing law school and a career as an attorney. Although I am still early in my internship, I have already seen the importance of networking and getting involved in your community, from learning

the names of people at the front desk to introducing yourself and building professional relationships. The best way to get where you want to be is to surround yourself with people who are already there.

As someone hoping to pursue a legal career, I can already see the value of learning to connect with individuals who are motivated, engaged, and committed to improving their community. Being exposed to experienced professionals and community leaders has challenged me to broaden my perspective on public service and involvement.

This internship offers valuable opportunities to build connections and develop professional skills. From helping plan events to designing digital materials and writing, I am excited to continue learning and contributing throughout the summer.

Career Academy

Students Visit the Chamber

The Chamber was pleased to welcome students from Grants Pass High School’s Career Academy for a special visit focused on business management, administration, marketing and finance. Students were treated to lunch, a tour of the Chamber and Visitor Center, and a private session with Chamber President & CEO Terry Hopkins to learn more about local business, leadership and career pathways. Workforce development remains a key focus for the Chamber, and opportunities like this help connect students with real-world insight into future careers. We applaud the Grants Pass High School Career Center for helping students explore possibilities and build connections in our local business community.

Rita’s Curvy Fit 208 NW 6th Street
The Laughing Clam
Wild River Grants Pass Pub

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

Two Rivers Vineyard

Address: 2123 Riverbanks Rd. Grants Pass

Primary Phone: (541)472-8873

Primary Rep: Sara Dinsdale

Email: dinsdalesara@gmail.com

Website: http://www.tworiversvineyard.net

Categories: Agritourism - Winery

Description:

Our estate wines are a passion project that grew out of a firm belief that hard work and beautiful grapes are not meant to be wasted. We began collaborating with family friend and renown local winemaker, Linda Donovan, in 2010. She has been making the kind of balanced and unpretentious wines we want to drink ever since. Her minimal intervention style is a perfect fit for our vision. We put a lot of effort into growing the best grapes possible and we are fortunate to have a winemaker with the skill to let them speak for themselves. The Dinsdale Family has been farming in Oregon for five generations. The vineyard is a collaboration between Sara Dinsdale, her father Sam, and a dedicated crew.

Medicine Show Revival

Address: Grants Pass, OR

Primary Phone: (541)579-9950

Primary Rep: Banjo Youngblood

Email: banjo@medicineshowrevival.com

Website: https://www.medicineshowrevival.com/

Categories: Attractions, Events & Tours

Description:

The Medicine Show Revival is The Community Forward Circus. We travel from town to town with our three mobile stages aiming to empower, educate and entertain and to bring awareness to the medicine that is community.

The Medicine Show Revival is a 7 day celebration brought to small towns and rural areas that resources and delivers the medicine that is community and the pursuit of passion. With a mission statement of “Empower, Educate, Entertain” we hold a firm belief that community resilience starts with personal resilience. The Medicine Show Revival; Empowering, Educating, & Entertaining since 2011

Northridge Senior Day Care

Address: 1150 NE 9th St. Grants Pass

Primary Phone: (541)779-6943

Primary Rep: Cassandra Dent

Email: info@northridgesl.com

Website: http://www.northridgesl.com

Categories: Adult Daycare Services, Retirement Community

Description:

Northridge Adult Daycare emphasizes engagement, connection, and purpose. Participants build friendships and enjoy meaningful experiences through interactive brain games, crafts, outings, music, exercise, and other enriching activities. Care Levels are determined through an evaluation of each participant’s social, emotional, and physical needs to ensure personalized support. Our compassionate staff are trained to offer cognitive, behavioral, and physical assistance in a safe and supportive environment. For consistency and quality of care, attendance follows a schedule tailored to each participant’s needs. Families and caregivers can feel confident knowing their loved one is welcomed into a caring, engaging experience every time they attend.

Advanced CRMs

Address: Grants Pass, OR

Primary Phone: (888)912-2647

Primary Rep: Frank Hernandez

Email: frank@advancedcrms.com

Website: https://advancedcrms.com

Categories: Computer Software Developers, Network & Hardware Support

Description:

Zoho Wizard - Custom built business systems.

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

Drip’n Chik’n

Address: 1572 NE 7th St. Grants Pass, OR 97526

Primary Phone: (541)218-3873

Primary Rep: Stan Ware

Email: dripnchikn@gmail.com

Website: http://dripnchikn.com

Categories: Food Trucks

Description:

Hand breaded fried chicken, homemade sauces. No cap, our chik’n slaps!

Elysian Women’s Wellness

Address: Grants Pass, OR

Primary Phone: (541)761-5388

Primary Rep: Brooke Davis

Email: Coaching@elysianwomen.org

Website: https://elysianwomenswellness.com/

Categories: Health & Wellness

Description:

At Elysian Women’s Wellness, we work with women in their 30’s, 40s & 50’s who feel like their bodies suddenly stopped responding to what used to work. They are tired of strict diets, burnout cycles, and “fix it fast” plans that only made things worse.

Our personalized Metabolic Optimization Method is designed for this stage of life. Using a root cause, three phase approach, we help women lose 20 to 40+ pounds while restoring their metabolism, supporting hormones, and building habits that actually fit their busy lives.

If you want sustainable results without starving yourself or living on a treadmill, this is where things finally shift.

TFL Dawg Town

Address: Grants Pass, OR 97526

Primary Phone: (541)218-3800

Primary Rep: Jeff Nemeth

Email: jeff@thelabcatering.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577656868194

Categories: Food Trucks

Description:

Gourmet Hot Dogs, available for events.

Ridge Point Marketing

Address: Grants Pass, OR

Primary Phone: (541)529-9753

Primary Rep: Cassidy Almond

Email: ridgepointmarketing@gmail.com

Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWAC3m2lEVq/

Categories: Marketing Consultants

Description:

Social Media and Marketing Strategy

Park Watch

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

Address: Grants Pass, OR 97526

Primary Phone: (702)336-8795

Primary Rep: Del Aldridge

Email: del.aldridge@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1784277712029702/

Categories: Non-profit Organizations

Description:

The primary mission of Park Watch GP is to keep our parks clean and safe for kids and families.

True Juice

Address: 124 NW D St. Grants Pass, OR

Primary Phone: (541)441-4541

Primary Rep: Chris Walker

Email: truejuiceorganicgp@gmail.com

Website: http://www.truejuiceorganic.com

Categories: Restaurants

Description:

True Juice is your local organic health and arts hub –you can find fresh pressed juice and organic snacks – but also community, exercise, art, music, and more. Truly your hub for healthy community.

Abby Art OG

Address: 208 NW 6th St. #4 Grants Pass, OR 97526

Primary Phone: (541)373-0186

Primary Rep: Abby Faszer

Email: abbyartog@outlook.com

Website: http://instagram.com/abbyartog

Categories: Personal Services-Spas / Nail & Hair Salons / Barbers / Tattoo Shops

Description:

The Herb Shop

Address: 247 SW G St. Grants Pass, OR

Primary Phone: (541)479-3602

Primary Rep: Elizabeth Hall

Email: herbshop@bulkherbshop.com

Website: http://www.bulkherbshop.com

Categories: Health & Wellness – Products & Consulting

Description:

Our mission is to offer an unparalleled assortment of premium herbs, nutrients, and wellness formulas—including the renowned Essiac—to support your health journey. We pride ourselves on sourcing a majority of our botanicals from local cultivators in the lush Rogue Valley, emphasizing organic and wild-crafted options to ensure the utmost purity and potency. At The Herb Shop, our expertise shines through our curated selection, which features: •A vast array of bulk organic herbs, teas, and spices •The highest quality vitamins and supplements. •Potent herbal extracts. •A comprehensive range of aromatherapy products. •An extensive homeopathy collection. We are open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM PST, and welcoming visitors on Saturdays from 9AM to 5PM.

Tattoo Artist

Chamber Launches “VentureHub” Rogue Valley

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch VentureHub Rogue Valley, a new local platform designed to connect entrepreneurs, business owners, property owners, investors, and community partners with opportunities for business growth.

VentureHub serves as a centralized place to explore businesses for sale, commercial properties for lease or purchase, and combined business and property opportunities throughout the Rogue Valley. The goal is simple: make it easier for people to find their next opportunity, invest locally, and keep business activity moving forward in our region.

By creating this platform, the Chamber is continuing its work to support local commerce, strengthen economic vitality, and help businesses start, grow, transition, and thrive. VentureHub Rogue Valley gives our community a locally focused tool to connect the right people with the right opportunities.

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.

In May, our Young Professionals had two enriching opportunities to connect with their peers and engage with the community: the Quarterly Adopt-a-Street Trash Cleanup and a Professional Development session focused on Non-Profit Careers.

The Adopt-a-Street program has been a fantastic addition to our community service projects, thanks to the support from the Public Works Department. This program encourages citizens to take ownership of a street of their choice, organizing regular litter pickups to contribute to a cleaner and healthier Grants Pass. It’s an excellent way to network while engaging in a productive activity that benefits our community.

For our panel discussion, Chamber CEO Terry Hopkins facilitated an insightful conversation featuring three distinguished panelists: Greg Redfern of Project Youth+, Dan Horst of the Boys & Girls Club, and Brad Converse of the YMCA. Despite their different roles within the non-profit sector, all panelists emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and fostering community engagement. They agreed that ensuring a positive organizational culture and soliciting feedback from those they serve are crucial for maintaining engagement and relevance.

Panelists highlighted the need for a robust board that provides valuable perspectives and supports the organization’s work. Establishing structured systems ensures smooth operations and establishes a clear boundary between staff and board responsibilities.

A significant piece of advice was to “stay in your lane” by not duplicating efforts already addressed by others. Instead, focus on building relationships and leveraging partnerships with other organizations to create combined events and programs. Each panelist stressed the importance of having a genuine passion for the non-profit sector. While it may not lead to financial wealth, the rewards and fulfillment gained from this work are invaluable.

Lastly, shout out to our scholarship recipients, Bella Alexa Pepito of GPHS and Ava Castro of NVHS. We wish you endless success in all your endeavors. Congratulations class of 2026!

In June we will be hosting our annual Volunteer Project at the Josephine County Food Bank’s Raptor Creek Farms. Check the Chamber Community Calendar for details.

To learn more about the YPN or explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Christie Swafford at cswafford@ grantspasschamber.org. To keep up to date on YPN activities, follow us on social media and sign up for text alerts by texting GPYPN to 38316. Thank you to our sponsors, your contributions allow us to continue to offer quality events with relevant content all at no cost to attendees.

Allstate - Kinzler & Co. Insurance & Financial

Barrett Business Services, Inc. ~ BBSI

Bolt Grafix, LLC

Day, Driver, Fournier & Reinhart, LLP

Discovery Inn

Friends of Josephine County Fairgrounds

Grants Pass Active Club

Grants Pass Golf Club

Grants Pass Rotary Club

Hampton Inn & Suites

Josephine County

Josephine County Historical Society

JW Computer Service

LED Concepts USA

Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors

Our Foster Kids

Parkway Christian Center

Partnerships in Community Living Inc.

Rogue Shred

RPM Diesel

Seven Feathers Casino Resort

Siskiyou Pediatric Clinic, LLP

Total Performance Sports Medicine

True South Solar

Young Life of Grants Pass

ZenBusiness

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

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter: June 2026 by Grants Pass & JoCo Chamber of Commerce - Issuu