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

Chamber Membership

An Investment in Your Business and Our Community!

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

Staff

Chamber of Commerce Contact Information

Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce

1995 NW Vine Street • Grants Pass, OR 97526

Phone: 541.476.7717 Fax: 541.476.9574

Josie Molloy President/CEO jmolloy@grantspasschamber.org

GPCOC@grantspasschamber.org • www.grantspasschamber.org

Executive Board of Directors

CHAIR/ Daniel Bifano - RE/MAX

Art Dyer Customer Service Representative adyer@grantspasschamber.org

Christie Swafford Programs & Events cswafford@grantspasschamber.org

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

Karen Henningsen Accounting accounting@grantspasschamber.org

CHAIR ELECT/Kate LaskyJosephine Community Libraries

VICE CHAIR/ Alan Meyer - Pacific Power

TREASURER/ Clay LeedyWild River Brewing & Pizza

PAST CHAIR/ Trent CarpenterSouthern Oregon Sanitation

Chamber Foundation

Lowell Gibson - Chair; NiceBadge/RS

Roy Lindsay - Vice Chair

Rebecca Stoltz- Director; JCLF - Secretary

Greg Roe - Director; B&GCRV - Treasurer

Lawton Lesueur - Director; Mid.Emp.Ins.

Terri Wiley- Director; Evergreen Fed Bank

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 ~ Starts at 8:00 am

Doors Open @ 7:30 for Networking

July 2023

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

July 5th

No Greeters

July 12th

Banner Bank - North Branch 1409 NE 7th

July 19th

Wednesdays 8:00 AM

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

Bristol Hospice 230 Espey Rd • Grants Pass Golf Course

July 26th

Habitat for Humanity The Hivve • 164 SE G

Learning with The Library Library Resources to help Grow your Business!

Summer Reading Program: June 10 through August 5

It’s not too late to join the annual Josephine Community Library Summer Reading Program! Join us in July for the following events for all ages in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek.

• Wayward Girls of the Rogue Valley | Grants Pass | Thursday, July 6 | 5–6:30 pm

• Wayward Girls of the Rogue Valley | Illinois Valley | Saturday, July 8 | 12–1:30 pm

• Everyday Civics for Youth | Grants Pass | Wednesday, July 12 | 4–5:30 pm

• V is for Voting Storytime | Grants Pass | Thursday, July 13 | 11:30 am–12:30 pm

• History of Grants Pass BearFest | Grants Pass | Saturday, July 22 | 1–2:30 pm

• Bugs-R-Us Reptiles & Amphibians | Grants Pass | Tuesday, July 25 | 10:30–11:30 am & 1–2 pm

• Bugs-R-Us Reptiles & Amphibians | Williams | Wednesday, July 26 | 1:30–2:30 pm

• Bugs-R-Us Reptiles & Amphibians | Illinois Valley | Thursday, July 27 | 11:30 am–12:30 pm

• Bugs-R-Us Reptiles & Amphibians | Wolf Creek | Friday, July 28 | 12:30–1:30 pm

• LEGO Club | Grants Pass | Saturday, July 29| 1–2 pm

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

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

Chamber of Commerce life is hard to describe because no day is the same. Our schedule changes each week! The beauty of a local Chamber of Commerce is we can and do adapt quickly. As a private non-profit that operates like a business, we know time makes a huge difference!

The Chamber is lucky to have an extremely talented staff and a great board of directors that focuses on improving our business community. All of this is due to our passion for our community and businesses. Just to give you an idea of what is happening in the Chamber of Commerce world, here is a snapshot of some of the projects that happened in June. Some may call it chaos, but we call it a typical month.

Advocacy

• Sheriff funding taskforce regarding Tax District.

• Food Truck municipal code discussion with City of Grants Pass.

• Legislative session: Oregon State Chamber legislative bill tracking and legislative calls with Representative Morgan and Representative Goodwin.

Community

• Young Professional Network community service project at Josephine County Food Bank.

• Concerts in the Park- three, free shows already! Living Loving Led with over 1,600+ attendees!

• Window Decorating Contest

Education/Leadership development

• Hosted Strategic Development free webinar with BBSI.

• Lemonade Day sign ups and Resource Fair. We have 225 kids signed up so far!

• GP Downtown Road Map; Destination Downtown Committee; and Merchant Meetings.

Business Retention

• Final BR&E Local Business Survey report emailed and printed!

• Regional Innovation Hub taskforce discussion and planning.

Promotion & Marketing

• Chamber Chatter Radio show every Thursday morning with a business guest.

• Kickstart event- helping new members and existing members develop their profile on our business directory.

• Three ribbon cuttings: Grants Pass Mural, JL Insurance, and Catalyst Pizza!

• Pregnancy Care Center Groundbreaking Ceremony.

• Weekly Greeters meeting with 70-80 attendees. Tourism

• Revive the Bowl promotional video for RCC Foundation.

• Tour of Weekend Beer Company with our Visitor Center volunteers.

• Welcomed over 540 visitors to Grants Pass at the Visitor Center!

• Created 600 welcome bags for community events. It was a busy rewarding month! Still advocating for you and your business! Have a wonderful July!

Photo Credit: Just Jeri

Orange Torpedo Trips

America’s Unique River Adventures

Since 1969 - Orange Torpedo Trips has provided guided whitewater adventures on the Rogue River. Whether you are looking to paddle an inflatable kayak through Hellgate Canyon out of Merlin, raft through the class IV rapids out of Gold Hill or experience Southern Oregon’s crown jewel, the Wild and Scenic Rogue River - OTT has a trip for your family. Our guides are dedicated to making any day on the river memorable. As rafters and kayakers ourselves, we know how important it is to have reliable equipment on your trip. If you are looking to beat the heat and need to rent some equipment for a day of fun on the river, Whitewater Cowboys can help! We help facilitate getting your group and equipment to and from the river for a DIY adventure. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for up to date information about the Rogue River.

email

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. Connect with us to confirm your eligibility.

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

Welcome

Drew Lakey, PA-C

Drew is a diplomate fellow with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

Prior to our office, Drew practiced at the Skin and Cancer Institute in Bakersfield, CA.

a senior who wants

Unless a major conflict is occurring where the United States is involved and played continually on mainstream media, our service members currently serving are mostly forgotten. However, their families feel the void at every turn and with every breath they take. All of the missed “firsts”, family and holiday meals, birthdays, baptisms, graduations, weddings and funerals…virtually any and every event where a photo is taken….they are missing. Even with the convenience of social media and technology, many enlisted personnel can’t or aren’t allowed to call or message home whenever they want, leaving their families to constantly wonder, worry and pray.

What is RED Friday? For service members who are deployed the act itself, civilians wearing red items of clothing on Fridays, probably doesn’t equate to a tangible gain.

However, when service members see the public’s support via social media or in an e-mail, it can definitely boost morale within a unit. The support does give many service members a sense of purpose downrange and a feeling that the nation is behind them. The simple act of wearing a red shirt on Friday can lead to support of troop-related programs that provide concrete support to the soldiers while they are deployed.

Learn More - “Everything you Need to Know about R.E.D. Friday”

- https://www.usamm.com/blogs/news/what-is-red-friday

Boyd, Ramona and Terri have sons currently deployed in the US Navy.

The Chamber is honored to continue to offer this FREE gift to the Community. Concerts would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors and community partners. Thank you all!

and

LIFE JACKET STATIONS

Under an arrangement with the Josephine County Parks Department, the Middle Rogue Steelheaders manage, maintain, and stock life jacket stations at the Indian Mary, Schroeder, and Chinook Park boat ramps. At each of those locations, life jackets of varying sizes are available for free use by members of the public. The deal is that anyone who needs one is welcome to borrow it with the understanding that it should be returned after use. However, that doesn’t always happen. So, from time to time the stock has to be replenished and the station to be cleaned up.

The club gets the jackets by purchasing them, or from its own surplus stock, or from donations. The Steelheaders who see to this all are Big George Stavroulakis and Otto Rogers. Otto checks the stations on the first and third weeks of every month and George on the second and fourth weeks of the month. The jackets are stocked just before Memorial Day weekend and taken away for storage just after Labor Day weekend. We have been contacted by Josephine County Parks with a request for MRS to relocate the station at Indian Mary Park, moving it right down to the water’s edge at the boat ramp. George will soon be looking for volunteers to help with the relocation.

YMCA/CAVEMAN POOL

The Caveman Pool is our local outdoor community pool that has been a staple in our community for over 50 years. For the last few decades, the Grants Pass Family YMCA (the Y) has operated the City-owned pool - providing maintenance, staffing, community activities, and more. Taking management for the Caveman Pool was a natural fit for the Grants Pass Family YMCA.

The YMCA operates the largest indoor swimming pool in the Southern Oregon area, serving over a thousand people per month. The Caveman Pool will be open all summer through August 25th (expect July 4th), and will provide lap swimming, family swim, swim club, swim lessons, and private pool rentals. The Y does charge an admission fee, but families can also purchase a season pass and use the pool as much as they’d like all summer! You can find more information about the Caveman Pool schedule, fees, and passes by visiting grantspassymca.org.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 0-4. The Grants Pass Family YMCA values water safety and saving lives through programs such as swim lessons and Water Safety Day. The Y provides swim lessons for children of all ages - both group and private lessons.

The Y also held their first Water Safety Day, where over 260 lifejackets were provided to children in the community at no cost. Currently, the Y is offering FREE swim lessons for low-income children in the community. Free swim lessons are only available at the YMCA, not Caveman. Families may register for free lessons by visiting the Grants Pass Family YMCA.

Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass breaks ground for New Facility

Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass has operated as a life-affirming, Christian, non-profit in Josephine County since 1988 with more than forty-eight thousand individuals served. Services are provided free of charge to all and include pregnancy testing, options counseling, nurse consul tations, limited OB ultrasound, connections to local and other resources, parenting classes, school presentations encouraging positive sexual health decisions, and recovery classes for those who are struggling from a past abortion experience.

In June of last year, Pregnancy Center of the Illinois Valley, which had operated over the previous 35 years in Cave Junction, became part of Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass. Medical services at this facility now operate under medical director Dr. Jon Ermshar and we have begun to see increased appointments and parenting class participation from those residing in the area. Outreach strategies are underway to reach more of the 17,000 individuals living in the Illinois Valley.

We are also excited to announce that construction of a roughly 8,000 square foot building is planned to begin very soon which will be located next to the current Grants Pass facility on 8th and L Street. This project will provide further support to mothers, fathers, teenagers, and others in the community by adding an auditorium and kitchen for parenting and other classes/events, conference rooms to support other free Pregnancy Care Center program services, a larger boutique to provide increased supplies to new parents, and 10 additional offices. The project will also include 20 additional onsite parking spaces. The new building will allow the current facility located at 714 SE 8th Street to be used entirely for medical services to further support pregnant women and their unborn children.

All Pregnancy Care Center services have and will continue to be 100% supported through individuals, churches, businesses, and private foundations. Thank you for making this vital work possible. Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass

Ribbon Cuttings

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

• New Businesses

• Grand Openings

• Remodels/ New Construction

• New Ownership

•Business Anniversaries

Contact Brittni to schedule your celebration!

bbiller@grantspasschamber.org

New Mural - Corner of E & 6th Cate Battles, Artist & Ward Warren, Bldg Owner

Small Business Management Program

A "Best Practices" Approach for Growing Your Business

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

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

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

Our most successful participants have the desire to:

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

· Expand markets and sales using relevant online marketing platforms

· Learn innovative lean processes and quality improvement for specific industries

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

True South Solar

True South Solar

125 Clear Creek Dr., Ashland, OR (800) 947-1187

Michael Stringer

Email: info@truesouthsolar.net

Website: https://truesouthsolar.net

Category: Solar

Description:

True South Solar is your local premier solar panel installation company. They are also certified Tesla Powerwall installers. They are a local team that provides solar energy systems simply and affordably. They’ve been installing solar panels for 13 years with great service, expertise, and long-term commitment after the installation.

Horizon Commercial Realty

Horizon Commercial Realty

580 Southwest 6th St. Unit C, Grants Pass (206) 914-4470

Melissa Hayes

Email: melissa@horizoncommercialrealty.com

Website: http://horizoncommercialrealty.com

Category: Real Estate

Description:

Using my knowledge of the Rogue Valley and two decades of experience in business lending to assist clients in buying, selling or investing in commercial real estate.

BestMed Urgent Care

BestMed Urgent Care

1890 NW 6th St., Grants Pass, OR (541) 507-0684

Katie Wright

Email: marketing@ccpartners.com

Website: http://www.bestmedclinics.com/oregon/ find-a-clinic/grants-pass

Category: Hospitals

Description:

Our name says it all. BestMed Urgent Care – Grants Pass aims to bring the best possible Urgent care to the Grants Pass area. Walk-ins welcome or check-in online at bestmedclinics.com

Axis Health Inc.

333 SW 5th St. Suite B, Grants Pass, OR (541) 471-0397

Kimberly Standridge

Email: axishealthteam104@gmail.com

Website: http://www.axishealth1.com

Category: Chiropractor

Description:

We are Axis Health, we have a clear vision to improve lives daily through our patient-centered approach. We are pleased to offer a variety of services such as Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Vestibular Physical Therapy.

Axis Health Inc.

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

Winn Homes Real Estate

Winn Homes Real Estate

144 SE H Street Grants Pass, OR 541-295-0537

Megan Parker

Email: info@winn-homes.com

Website: http://www.winn-homes.com/

Category: Real Estate

Description:

Winn Homes Real Estate is helping the folks of Southern Oregon with their real estate needs! Whether you are looking to sell your home or property, purchase your first home, upgrade, downsize, or invest, we got you covered!

Essential Wellness Bodywork & Massage

Essential Wellness Bodywork & Massage

849 NE 7th Street, Grants Pass OR 541-295-7148

Karen Suggs

Email: essentialwellnesssquare@gmail.com

Website: http://grantspassmassagetherapy.com

Category: Massage Therapy

Description:

At Essential Wellness Bodywork & Massage, LLC, our goal is to provide superior customer service, knowledgeable, friendly staff, and a tranquil environment for both body and mind. Our licensed massage ther-

pists, certificated reflexologists, and bodyworkers customize each appointment. Whether you are looking for relaxation, help with chronic musculoskeletal issues, or seeking help as you heal from a recent automobile accident, we are here for you.

You

$14.20 per hour

Standard Benton, Clatsop, Columbia, Deschutes, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, Wasco, Yamhill, parts of

$15.45 per hour Portland Metro Area * Clackamas, Multnomah, & Washington

$13.20 per hour Nonurban Counties Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wheeler

must be paid at least minimum wage. The rate depends on where you work.

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

Asante, Banner Bank, NiceBadge

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

Our Young Professionals continue to show up, engage, support, and serve in our community. Last month we had a large, dedicated group that volunteered out at the Josephine County Food Bank. While sorting food and building food boxes seems trivial to most, the impact it has for those with food insecurities is huge. A special thanks Weekend Beer Company and Si Casa Flores for treating our volunteers to cold beverages and delicious food!

Our next volunteer opportunity will be in August for the Adopt-A-Street program. YPN’S next upcoming event will be a Panel Discussion on Grant Writing held at Asante in the Outpatient building on Tuesday, July 18th 11:45-1:30pm. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Asante. To register and for event information please visit our Community Calendar at www.grantspasschamber.org. Visit our Community Calendar at www.grantspasschamber.org for more information.

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

Chamber of Commerce Text Messaging Program

General Messages - Text GPJC to 38316

To join the YPN group - Text GPYPN to 38316

To join the Greeters groupText GREETERS to 38316

To join the Merchant groupText MERCHANT to 38316

AirMedCare Network / REACH

AMR Ambulance

BUGS Northwest

Caveman Fence & Fabrication, Inc

Charles Rund

City Hall

Countryside Village Retirement Com.

Family Solutions

Fruitdale Grange #379

Galice Resort

Gates Home Furnishings

Grange Co-op

Grants Pass Equipment Rentals

Grants Pass Growers Market

Hart Jewelers

Investment Resources, Inc.

JL Insurance, LLC

Josephine Housing Council

Mountainview Family Practice

Move2Oregon.com

Pastrell, Buchanan & Hartzell Dentistry

Pepsi Beverages Company

Plaisance Ranch

RE/MAX Integrity

REACH - River’s Edge Academy Charter School

Redwoods Leavitt Insurance Agency

Revolution Benefits Group

Rogue Community College

Rogue Shred

Rogue Valley Assoc. of Realtors

Rogue Valley Symphony

RPM DIESEL

Sespe Consulting, Inc.

Soroptimist International River Valley Visiting ANGELS

Women’s Crisis Support Team

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