We support and promote our local commerce through communication, advocacy and partnerships!
January 2023
We support and promote our local commerce through communication, advocacy and partnerships!
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.
Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce
1995 NW Vine Street • Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: 541.476.7717 Fax: 541.476.9574
Staff
GPCOC@grantspasschamber.org • www.grantspasschamber.org
Josie
Molloy President/CEOjmolloy@grantspasschamber.org
Art Dyer Customer Service Representative adyer@grantspasschamber.org
Christie Swafford Programs & Events cswafford@grantspasschamber.org
Karen Henningsen Accounting accounting@grantspasschamber.org
CHAIR/ Daniel Bifano - RE/MAX
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.
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.
Wednesdays
January
Jan 4th
CASA
Jan 11th
Taprock
Jan 18th
Network
Jan 25th
Our Mission is to support and promote our
commerce through communication, advocacy, and partnerships! Membership Info: 541-956-4102
JoCo
Is there a business book, magazine, or other item that you can’t find in the library? Suggest new purchases for the Josephine Community Library collection.
Fill out a short form on the library website to get started. https://josephinelibrary.org/catalog/suggest-a-purchase/
Need a library card? Visit josephinelibrary.org or stop by a
branch to sign up today. 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
Reflecting back on 2022, the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce had a great year! The Chamber focused on being a Catalyst for business growth, Convener of leaders & influencers who make things happen, and a Champion for a stronger community. As a voice for the business community, a primary role of that is advocacy. The Chamber continued to advocate for businesses by hosting forums, taking stances on issues, and meeting regularly with City Council members, County Commissioners, State Representatives, and Congressmen. We carefully monitored upcoming bills and legislation that would impact businesses. This included bi-weekly meetings with our State Representatives. We worked closely with the City on the Construction Excise Tax to include workforce housing. We spearheaded multiple community initiative discussions focusing on workforce housing, childcare, and adequate workforce. To further represent the business community, we engaged in the Homeless Task Force which brought the entire community together trying to find solutions. Most of all we relayed important information and concerns from our business community to decision makers.
After two years of delayed events, the Chamber came back stronger than ever bringing back community events, networking in person, and new programs. Our business networking program Greeters averaged 65-70 people each Wednesday! Our Awards Banquet was sold out. We are moving to a larger facility in 2023! Wine Stroll and Tap Walk also both had great attendance bringing around 500 attendees for each event to our downtown area. We hosted 22 ribbon cuttings and welcomed 76 new members.
We are successful due to our engaged members. I would also like to thank our amazing staff: Christie Swafford and Art Dyer. Christie is the reason all of our events were a success. Art continues to manage the Visitor Center. A big thank you to Karen Henningsen who is our accountant and Cat Bonney who manages our marketing.
Thank you to the entire Chamber Board of Directors for an amazing year. A special thank you to Trent Carpenter for his leadership as Chair. I would also like to recognize outgoing board member Hugh Griffiths for his many years of serving on the board.
I feel so lucky to be part of this great organization. 2023 is going to be a record year! Thank you to the community, members and businesses for your support.
Photo Credit: Gloria Cone Dana Pearce, [dpearce@grantspassoregon.gov] Economic Development Manager for the City of Grants Pass
Dana was born in Corvallis and raised in Sisters, Oregon. She studied at Southern Oregon University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology. She married a Grants Pass local, Curtis Pearce, and moved to Josephine County in 2002. Over the years, she worked in social service as a case manager and job developer. With a drive to shift into for-profit business, she completed her Executive Master’s in Business Administration and entered into a partnership at a permanent placement staffing firm. Simultaneously, she began working with her husband in his small manufacturing business startup. As his business grew, so did the demand for Dana’s support. For the past 10 years, she helped to build mechanical hand tool products from start to finish and grow both a manufacturing and powder coating operation. She has hands-on experience with business administration, human resources,
accounting, sales, and production. Dana has 2 daughters, now a Senior and a Sophomore at Hidden Valley High School. The entire family enjoys playing basketball. Dana’s passions include whitewater rafting, gardening, playing music, traveling, and enjoying the natural world.
Dana is enthusiastic to be serving the public and supporting economic growth for the City of Grants Pass. She believes that thinking creatively and collaboratively to stimulate business development will help propel our community forward.
James Conway, [jconway@grantspassoregon.gov] Economic Development Specialist for the City of Grants Pass
James Conway has returned to the area and is originally from the Illinois Valley. He has 20 years of private sector experience where he was a customer service representative and project manager in the building supply industry. James has a passion for public service; he earned his two bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science and finished his master’s in Public Administration at the University of Oregon in 2021. He loves the game of baseball, outdoor activities, reading a good book and the culinary arts.
impact the community and businesses
build
local economy.
Greg and Jessi Powell are no strangers to feeling the heat. In 2010, with over 30 years combined experience with national grocery chains under their belts, the two motivated young professionals embarked on what would be come the most rewarding career choice they could have chosen, business ownership and a partnership with Grocery Outlet, Inc.
Theirs is a story of hard work paying off. From the Seattle market to Walla Walla, WA, Greg’s career took him from 12 years of Produce leadership to Store Director, and Jessi’s educational goals culminated in a Masters in Education. At a critical time in Greg’s career, he walked away from Albertsons to pursue a more rewarding pathway that allowed him to benefit from his long days, creativity, and dedication to caring for his team. He dedicated 22 years to the company, but he knew it was time for something better.
The couple’s first Grocery Outlet store was in Kent, WA. They spent 5 years turning an underperforming, relocated Grocery Outlet into a successful and thriving “Fresh Forward” shopping experience for a diverse and lively community on the East Hill. But when the Paradise, CA store became available, the two took a risk no one expected. They presented a business plan for improvements to the location, and that, paired with their track record, made them the perfect couple to turn that ship around! The Paradise store was tired, and in need of a fresh perspective. The two kicked it into high gear and took a marginally successful location to new heights! In just 3 years, the Paradise store became one of top performing stores in the chain. The thrill of growing the business, creating growth incentives for the team, and serving the Paradise community could have kept the two content until retirement. But fate had other plans....
November 8, 2018 was a normal morning, with bustling employees working together to “make Greg proud” while he was away on a hunting trip in CO. Jessi began her search for dry ice or a refrigerated truck to keep products cold during what PG&E said would be “planned power outages to protect surrounding areas.” Unfortunately, and with devastating consequences, those planned power outages never happened, and the 2018 Campfire did.
Now homeless and storeless, the couple was met with a life changing de cision to make. Keep their heads up and pursue an open store posting in quaint Grants Pass, or rest and recover from the traumatic relocation. Anyone who has met them knows that smoke often rolls off Greg’s feet as he makes his way through the store on a daily basis, straightening, filling, tidying, giving his cus tomers the shopping experience they deserve. So it was not really a decision, but a next step for the two.
Perhaps the best part of their abrupt relocation was the opportuni ty to take a brave, young group of Paradise employees with them to Grants Pass. The rental house was noisy, full of life, but the table was large enough to feed them all. The kids in tow would become store leaders, and in 2023, two of them will enter the Grocery Outlet “AOT” program (Aspiring Oper ators in Training), where they receive a mentorship style, intense training experience, culminating in store ownership at the end of 6-9 months. It’s about legacy at this point, making sure those who want to turn their own hard work into success are met with ample opportunity. The two couldn’t be happier for their proteges, but they will be missed dearly.
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce would like to honor Fred Borngasser who passed away in December.
Looking back on Fred’s involvement in the Community, he was a true leader since he moved to Grants Pass in 1988.
Fred was selected to be the Chamber’s Man of the Year in 2002. Then awarded the Chamber’s Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Fred served on the Grants Pass City Council for a year and half and was then elected to the Josephine County Commission where he served from 1991-1999.
As an active member of the Grants Pass Rotary Club since 1991, Fred served on the board of directors, was a member of several club committees, and was President for 2009-2010.
He was also very active with a variety of non-profit organizations including United Way, Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce, Josephine County Park Board/Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Columbia Care Services, and he helped to finish Reinhart Volunteer Park and develop Morrison Park. He was also an elder at Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Thank you, Fred, for all your positive contributions and leadership. You made a lasting impact on Grants Pass!
gift— the ability to understand kids, listen to parents, and translate it all into the best care.
because we simply love children.
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
Happy New Year! 2022 was an INCREDIBLE year for Young Professionals Network. We had the great pleasure of hosting so many fantastic local speakers that shared everything from failures and setbacks to happy accidents and tips for success. We toured several facilities, volunteered in the community, awarded scholarships to two emerging business professionals, and managed to have a little fun along the way. We are so thankful for our growing group. As we continue to expand our presence, we are committed to creating an environment for young leaders and entrepreneurs to network and collaborate with other community leaders to develop professionally and engage with the local community.
Our next event will be our Monthly Luncheon on Tuesday, January 17th, 11:45-1:00pm at the Hampton Inn. Our guest speaker will be Carl Wilson of Grants Pass Broadcasting.
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
As your Chamber of Commerce, we constantly look for ways to help build your business and make it easier to run your organization.
Does your business or organization need professional speakers for trainings, conferences, or organization meetings? Or are you an industry expert wanting to find local opportunities to share your expertise? We’re launching a new program, The Chamber Speakers Bureau as the source and opportunity for professional speakers.
Our Speakers Bureau committee members are people with professional speaking experience who help vet those who would like to be on our speaker’s list. We want to ensure that everyone on the list has good speaking ability, experience & knowledge in their areas of expertise.
Our goal is to make it easy, whether you’re looking for a speaker for an upcoming program or event, or wish to promote yourself as an industry expert or professional speaker, the Grants Pass Chamber Speakers Bureau has what you’re looking for.
Interested?
If you’re interested in being on the speaker’s list, let us know & we’ll get you on our waiting list. If you have professional speaking experience and are interested in being on the committee, please let us know.
Contact Josie Molloy, jmolloy@grantspasschamber.org 541-956-4100
Josephine Community Library Foundation is kicking off the New Year with a crowdfund to purchase property in downtown Grants Pass for a brand-new library.
Library leaders and generous donors have already provided more than $1 million towards the purchase price of $1,924,603 for a new property located in downtown Grants Pass between Sixth and Seventh and between J and K streets.
The library foundation is excited to announce that the Four Way Community Foundation is offering a $250,000 matching capstone gift towards the purchase of the property for the new library in downtown Grants Pass. That means every donation made to the Next Chapters Crowdfund through April 30 will have double the impact. Being able to acquire this land would be the first all-important step to building a new Grants Pass library which will better serve the community and help it thrive.
Donations can be made online at: jclfoundation.org, by mail to PO Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR, 97528 or in person at any of the four library branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek by April 30th.
Dream
Immediately following the formation of the Library District in May 2017, community members, volunteers, and donors expressed concern about the state of the existing buildings, especially in Grants Pass where the current branch is overcrowded, with inadequate electrical infrastructure for new technology, and limited space for books and other materials, computers, storytimes, programs, customer service, and meeting rooms. Since serious deficiencies and nearly 50-years of neglect compromise the quality and level of service that can be provided, improving the library’s facilities is critical to the success of the library and the community.
Concept drawings of the interior and exterior of a new Grants Pass library features two floors, modern technology and a campus that connects the river district to the downtown corridor, located between Sixth and Seventh and between J and K streets.
Drawings by Hacker Architects
Library patrons enjoy the K9 Reading Buddies program at the library, where youth practice reading out loud to dogs in a non-intimidating environment.
Community members combed through books in the library parking lot during the Great Book Grab in 2019. The current library building is too small to house adequate materials for the population size.
A commercial building is currently on the land the library hopes to purchase for a new Grants Pass branch, between Sixth and Seventh and between J and K streets. Grants Pass Daily Courier photo, used with permission.
With the help of the Four Way Community Foundation and the community’s matching donations through the Next Chapters Crowdfund, the land could be purchased this summer. Once the property is purchased, the library foundation can begin applying for federal, state, and local grants to build a new library in Grants Pass. This is just the first step, but a vital one.
Build
Today’s library users demand more than books and periodicals. Grants Pass residents are increasing their reliance on the public library to access broadband and technology, engage in civic life, and fulfill basic needs through early literacy and lifelong learning programs. The onsite computer appointments and loanable technology such as laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots have been especially vital over the past year.
The early concept design for the new Grants Pass library is cost-effective and efficient, and features a civic plaza, a large conference meeting room, modern technology for teens and adults, and economic development for surrounding businesses by connecting the river district to the downtown corridor. The new library building will be a place where everyone can come together to learn, work, meet, and grow.
Meghan Boehm is the Chief Financial Officer of Southern Oregon Aspire, Inc., a local non-profit organization with the mission of serving and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the life they choose. Meghan was born and raised in Grants Pass, and has two young daughters. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Oregon and achieved a Bachelor’s Degree from the Lundquist College of Business Honors Program with a concentration in Finance.
Upon graduating, she moved to Hillsboro and began her career in corporate finance at Intel Corp. She achieved several promotions and gained experience in areas of new business development, financial analysis, budgeting and planning, process improvement, controls and compliance, risk management, systems implementations and project management. After 11 years, she decided to leave Intel to start her family.
After a few years, she returned to the corporate finance world by joining Action Financial Services as a Business Management Specialist. When she found that Southern Oregon Aspire was looking for a corporate finance professional, she jumped on the opportunity to do something that would be rewarding and give back to her home community and those who live in it. Meghan has a strong passion for helping people and businesses and a desire to share her financial expertise to assist others in reaching their goals.
Meghan Boehm, CFO
Southern Oregon Aspire www.soaspire.org
The Emerging Leaders Internship (ELI) program matches recent graduates and low income college students from rural communities with paid internships at top companies across Oregon, with a focus on Jackson and Josephine counties. Since 2016, we have partnered with more than 200 companies and placed participants into 500+ internships, with many successfully transitioning into full-time roles.
What to know about Emerging Leaders Internships
All internships are paid ($$18+/hour)
Full time at 3 30-40 hours per week for 1 10-12 w weeks
Summer internships typically running J June – August
Host company provides consistent m mentorship to support intern's success
will be first in their family to graduate college
qualify for a Pell, Oregon Opportunity , or Washington State Need Grant
want support as an undergrad or recent grad from an ELI internship that values bringing their unique voice to the workplace
We invest in our Southern Oregon communities by being committed to the next genera tion of leaders.
J Join u us!
https://emergingleadersinternship.org/
“This was a great experience, especially to hold up a mirror and look at our office culture and our opportunities for growth.”
Company signs Memorandum of Understanding & pays program fee by J January 12
Students submit ELI application by J January 16
Company submits internship details by F February 16
Mock Interviews: F February 25 + March 4
March: ELI completes candidateinternship matching process to identify finalists
A April: Company interviews finalists
Company submits intern offer(s) b by April 30
ELI Company Orientation: l late May
ELI Intern Orientation: e early June
ELI Summer Programming
J June-August
ELI partners with organizations across all industries to place interns into positions within the following J Job Groupings:
• Technology
• Marketing & Communications
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Operations & Projects
• People & Engagement
• Finance & Accounting
—ELI Company Partner
“Chamber News”Newsletter Ad
1/4 Page Size
Chamber Website Standard Ad
Concerts In The Park Sponsorship
Business Tools: Two free uses of Boardroom
Complimentary relocation and visitor packet inserts
Multiple Business Listings
E-Newsletter Sponsor Events:
(8) Chamber Banquet Tickets
(3) Forum Tickets
*Customizable to fit your Business Needs
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
Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities
All Major Event Recognition- plus,
(8) Chamber Banquet Tickets
(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
Your
provides a strong and effective voice to influence change that creates economic vitality. The Chamber also maintains effective relationships with elected representatives and staff at the local, state and federal levels, ensuring that the interest of business are represesented. Your investment alllows us to operate and represent our community and businesses!
Holiday Window Decorating Contest!
Thank you to all the merchants who participated. Thank you to everyone who voted, participating by Shopping, dining and playing local!
TLC Creations
Sandi’s Candies
Rogue Roasters
Don’s Bike Shop
Gallery One at the Museum
Going Rogue Jerky
Grants Pass Florist & Gifts
Indy Jo
Admire Aesthetics
“in His timeframe”
Boys & Girls Club GP
Rentec Direct
Rogue Valley
Brewing Supply
Bristol Hospice
G.G. Sugarplums
Glass Forge
Dusty Deals
Red Eye Hut
Oregon Outpost
Grants Pass Toyota
Shoefly Oregon
Cowboy Corral
Elegance Antiques
Gallop n’ Glitz
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: THE HOME DEPOT
Chamber of Commerce Text Messaging Program
General Messages - Text GPJC to 71441
To join the YPN group - Text GPYPN to 71441
To join the Greeters groupText GREETERS to 71441
To join the Merchant groupText MERCHANT to 71441
If you have questions, feel free to call 541-476-7717.
1581 Redwood Ave., Grants Pass, OR 97527
(541) 472-4999
Wendy Eldridge
Email: wendy@rivercityrv.com
Website: http://www.rivercityrv.com
Category: Recreational Vehicles
Description:
River City RV has been providing the highest quality recreational vehicles to Southern Oregon since 1986. We have been, and will always be, a family operated store.
In July of 2022, Don Blacksmith retired and passed the torch to his son Gary. Together with his wife Mandy, Gary plans to continue taking care of his customers as if they are family and providing the superior service we have always been known for.
River City RV stocks 16 brands of new 5th wheels and travel trailers. We also stock a full collection of used motorized RV’s including Classes B, C, A’s and Diesel Pushers. Our #1 goal is that your experience with our company is an enjoyable one. At River City RV our salespeople are friendly, our parts department is well stocked, and our service department is knowledgeable.
19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523
(541) 592-5125
George Herring
Email: george_herring@nps.gov
Website: http://www.nps.gov/orca
Category: Tours
Description:
Deep within the Siskiyou Mountains are dark, twisting passages that await your discovery. Eons of acidic water seeping into marble rock created and decorated the wondrous “Marble Halls of Oregon.” Join a tour, get a taste of what caving is all about, and explore a mountain from the inside and out!
The Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is located high in the Siskiyou Mountains 20-miles south of Cave Junction, Oregon. The primary attraction is the Oregon Caves. Ranger-led guided cave tours are available late March through early November.
123 North Valley Drive
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 955-9199
Jeffrey Rowley
Email: Jeffrey.rowley@playcraftsystems.com
Website: http://www.playcraftsystems.com
Category: Manufacturing
Description:
Playcraft Systems has a simple but clear purpose – to produce the finest playground equipment in the industry while supporting communities and advancing the future of play.
Avista Utilities
Bicoastal Media
Brown Bear Masonry
Brownell’s Electric
Cascades of Grants Pass
Caveman Heating & A/C, Inc.
Cheri’s Creative Catering
Club Northwest
Country House Inns
Creative Supports, Inc
GP Energy
Grants Pass Kiwanis Club
Grants Pass Pharmacy
Hays Oil Co
Jim Sigel Automotive Center
Knife River Materials
Met One Instruments, Inc
Mid Rogue Imaging Center
Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures & Lodge
Powderhorn Cafe
Rogue Valley Humane Society
Smith Five Electric LLC
Steam Distillery
Ticor Title Company
Zonta Club of Grants Pass
MONTHLY UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Greeters- “Business for Breakfast”
Every Wednesday - 8:00 am
Connect w/Enews & Calendar for Locations
Government Affairs Committee
2nd 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
