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

We support and promote our local commerce through communication, advocacy and partnerships!

Chamber Membership

An Investment in Your Business and Our Community!

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

Staff

Chamber of Commerce Contact Information

Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce

1995 NW Vine Street • Grants Pass, OR 97526

Phone: 541.476.7717 Fax: 541.476.9574

Josie Molloy President/CEO jmolloy@grantspasschamber.org

GPCOC@grantspasschamber.org • www.grantspasschamber.org

Executive Board of Directors

CHAIR/ Daniel Bifano - RE/MAX

Art Dyer Customer Service Representative adyer@grantspasschamber.org

Christie Swafford Programs & Events cswafford@grantspasschamber.org

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

Karen Henningsen Accounting accounting@grantspasschamber.org

CHAIR ELECT/Kate LaskyJosephine Community Libraries

VICE CHAIR/ Alan Meyer - Pacific Power

TREASURER/ Clay LeedyWild River Brewing & Pizza

PAST CHAIR/ Trent CarpenterSouthern Oregon Sanitation

Chamber Foundation

Lowell Gibson - Chair; NiceBadge/RS

Jodi Wainwright,- Vice Chair; Jodi the Author

Rebecca Stoltz- Director; JCLF - Secretary

Greg Roe - Director; B&GCRV - Treasurer

Lawton Lesueur - Director; Mid.Emp.Ins.

Roy Lindsay- Director

Every Thursday Morning at 10:30 am Chamber Chatter is Sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank, showcasing events and businesses in our area.

Chamber Chatter is fun and informative while discussions with the Morning Hosts of KAJO, KLDR and KRRM keep it lively and interesting.

Join us at 10:30 am each Thursday Morning to Listen to Chamber Chatter and find out what is happening in our Community for the weekend. Keep your radio dialed to 94.7 FM, 98.3 FM, 99.7 FM or 1270 AM 10:30-11:00 am on Thursdays.

Board of Directors

Win Howard - Asante TRMC

Kelsy Ausland - Ausland Group

Jeff Javelona - Old Town Mail House

Juliet Long - RCC

Lee Wassink - The Glass Forge

Greg Roe - Boy's & Girl's Club RV

Meghan Boehm - So. Ore. Aspire

Nathan Miller - Rentec Direct

Lawton Lesueur-Midland Empire Ins.

Donnie Garnett - People’s Bank

Co-Hosts: Kimberly VanHise & Ryan Hess

Wednesdays ~ Starts at 8:00 am

Doors Open @ 7:30 for Networking

May 2023

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

May 3rd

Nick Alexander Films

Fruitdale Grange • 1440 Parkdale Drive

May 10th

Mountain Blossom Bees

Fruitdale Grange • 1440 Parkdale Drive

May 17th

Wednesdays 8:00 AM

Siskiyou Field Institute 1241 Illinois River Rd, Selma

May 24th

Climate City Brewing 509 SW G Street

May 31st

NAMI

Fruitdale Grange • 1440 Parkdale Drive

Info: 541-956-4102

Be involved with your Business Community Business Book of the Month: “Trust &

Trust and Inspire is a new way of leading that starts with the belief that people are creative, collaborative, and full of potential. In his new breakthrough leadership book, Covey shows that though our world has evolved, our style of leadership still has not. Trusting and inspiring your team is defined by commitment from both sides, with a focus on effectiveness and fostering a growth mindset. It is based on the belief that employees are creative, collaborative, and full of potential; through trust, you can inspire them to do their best work.

This book is available for checkout from your public library in all formats including physical book, ebook, and audiobook. 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

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

Inspire” by M.R. Covey

Last month the Chamber, along with our economic development partners, gave a presentation to City Council. The best part of the presentation was how unified it showed all of the partners and how most of our projects and work are all connected.

Over the past three years, we have had a lot of changes in leadership. We were fortunate to have amazing leaders’ step into these positions. We all work very well together and are able to provide our businesses with the best resources possible to help them succeed. I wanted to highlight some of our partners.

Area Business Resource teams include:

Ruth Swain, RCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Executive Director

The RCC SBDC is a huge resource for any business. We are lucky to have one of the best centers in Oregon in our backyard. We refer businesses constantly to use their services. I also sit on their business advisory board. Ruth is always a pleasure to work with and a great partner to brainstorm and develop solutions for businesses.

City of Grants Pass Economic Development Team: Brad Clark, Dana Pearce, and James Conway

Anytime a business needs help through the City, these are my ‘go-to’ people. They really are a great resource for all businesses navigating City programs and rules. We serve on several committees together and also have monthly meetings.

Visit Grants Pass, Executive Director Tori Middelstadt

Tourism marketing has taken on a new look under Tori’s leadership. Developing a new organization was a big undertaking. Tori came into the community and quickly adapted, working alongside all of us to continue improving tourism. We work on numerous projects with Tori and her team. Just recently the outside kiosk at the North Visitor Center and the Designation Downtown project. The Chamber also serves on the board. Also a shout out to Colleen Padilla of SOREDI and Marta Tarantsey of Business Oregon. They are also great partners that serve both Josephine and Jackson County. Colleen and Marta are critical assets to our businesses! The Chamber has worked on a lot of regional projects with them, most recently on the steering committee for the anticipated Southern Oregon Innovation Hub. The best part of these partnerships is we are all working together on one goal- to improve our community and help grow our economy! I feel very fortunate to work with some amazing counterparts in Josephine County.

Photo Credit: Cate Battles

541-479-1284

Cascades of Grants Pass - Senior Living

Welcome to Cascades of Grants Pass, Southern Oregon’s premiere senior living community!

Cascades of Grants Pass boasts a beautiful campus in Grants Pass, Oregon, along the Rogue River. Our community offers charming neighborhood-style clusters of independent living cottages along with residential apartments in Spring Meadow, assisted living in The Village, and memory care in The Pointe.

Here, we’ve created a family atmosphere where residents, their families and guests can relax and enjoy a comfortable, friendly community wherever they may be on their senior living journey.

A full range of senior lifestyles is offered in a cottage and neighborhood and three separate buildings. This means if more support is ever needed, there’s no need to leave the campus. And in the event a spouse or partner needs different care, it’s right here.

Independent living at Cascades of Grants Pass includes two options: The Cottages and Spring Meadow

senior apartments. Each offers an array of conveniences, activities, services and amenities.

We help expand the options by offering a lifestyle that provides stunning landscape, a wide variety of spacious cottage and apartment floor plans, diverse programs, great dining experiences, and a host of convenient services provided by a team dedicated to making the retirement living experience special. What’s not part of daily life: cooking, cleaning and home maintenance. Because we take care of the chores and maintenance associated with owning a home, life at Cascades of Grants Pass is easier. It’s a worry-free lifestyle that inspires new activities, new opportunities, new purpose, and new thinking.

Please reach out for a tour of our community, and have lunch on us! Cascades of Grants Pass can be reached at: 541-479-1284. Come see the difference between living and living well, at Cascades of Grants Pass!

#2

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

B R

IGHTER BUSINESS, B I G SAVINGS

We are working with Energy Trust of Oregon to help small businesses and non-profit organizations in our community save money and energy by providing free LED lighting upgrades.

Is this offer for you?

Your business or organization is eligible if it is:

• Reduces energy use, so you can save on utility bills and decrease monthly operating costs

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

• You have less than 20 employees Or

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

Josephine County Chamber of Commerce

Decreases maintenance

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

Angela completed her degree in nursing and family nurse practitioner in 2020 at Chamberlain University College of Nursing. She has worked as an RN, specializing in biologic therapy for autoimmune, immunodeficiency and digestive diseases.

In 2022, Angela and her family moved from Michigan to southern Oregon. Angela is excited to learn and grow in her practice with the local community.

Outside of work, Angela and her family enjoy doing outdoor activities and are looking forward to exploring all that the beautiful southern Oregon has to offer.

The Wine Stroll is the Rogue Valley’s premiere wine event held in beautiful Downtown Historic Grants Pass within local businesses. Participants stroll from location to location sampling amazing wine and delicious food.

Ticket pricing:

$40 Pre-Sale

$45 Day-of

Purchase ONLINE or at the Chamber O ce at 1995 NW Vine Street

Buy Tickets ONLINE at: www.GrantsPassChamber.org

Silver Sponsors

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2023 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Rebecca Stoltz, Executive Director

541-476-0571 x200

Josephine

Community Library Foundation

Library’s Next Chapters Crowdfund a success!

Four Way Community Foundation matches for a total of $500,000

Grants Pass, April 24, 2023 — Josephine Community Library Foundation’s Next Chapters Crowdfund has raised $254,000 since January 16 towards the purchase of a downtown Grants Pass property for a new library. Through the support of hundreds of local donors, the foundation not only met the goal to raise $250,000 but exceeded it.

“We are so moved by the community’s support of its libraries,” said library foundation Executive Director Rebecca Stoltz. “This is a huge win for our community and the first step toward building a new downtown Grants Pass library.”

The library foundation signed an option to purchase the block between 6th and 7th Streets and J and K Streets for $1,924,603 in 2020. Thanks to library leaders and generous donors, the community has raised more than $1,000,000 towards the effort.

Four Way Community Foundation sponsored the crowdfund with a one-to-one match through a capstone gift up to $250,000. With this match and the amount raised, the library has raised $500,000 plus an additional $4,000 to support the purchase of property

In the coming weeks, the library foundation will finalize its capital budget and make arrangements to purchase the property by June 30.

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.

The Grants Pass library has outgrown its current building where it has been since 1959. Early concept designs for the new location include expanded children and teen spaces, meeting rooms, and outdoor community space. For more information about this project and Josephine Community Library Foundation, visit jclfoundation.org.

Four Way Community Foundation makes grants to nonprofits serving Josephine County and parts of Jackson County. For more information about Four Way Community Foundation, visit fourwaycommunityfoundation.org.

# # # # #

The Josephine Community Library Foundation is a nonprofit foundation established in 1987 to help keep viable and flourishing libraries available to the citizens of Josephine County. The Library Foundation raises money to help fund innovative programming, capital improvements, technology, and other special projects that are beyond the reach of the regular library budget. These resources enhance and improve the libraries in our community, supporting the library in building community and providing open access to information. For more information visit jclfoundation.org.

Southern Oregon Business Wins Oregon’s Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Award

PORTLAND, Ore. – The winner of the 2023 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Family-Owned Small Business of the Year is Clouser Drilling Inc. owned by Kevin and Helen Gill.

Clouser Drilling is a multi-generational family business, growing from humble beginnings to being one of the leading well drilling companies in Oregon. Founded in 1971 by LeRoy Clouser, the company was purchased by longtime team member Chuck Gill in 1995 who would eventually sell the business to his son Kevin Gill and his wife Helen in 2012. Their son Ryan joined the business in 2020. Clouser Drilling is a full-service water well contractor licensed in Oregon and California specializing in drilling residential, commercial, agricultural, environmental, and geothermal wells.

The SBA Portland District Family-Owned Small Business of the Year honors a family-owned and operated business which has been passed on from one generation to the next. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a 15-year track

record. Winners must also show growth in net worth and business expansion, increase in jobs and sales, innovativeness of products or services, response to adversity and contributions to community-oriented projects.

During this year’s National Small Business Week, April 30 to May 6, 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration will spotlight the resilience of America’s entrepreneurs, who are doing their part to power our nation’s historic economic comeback. And we’ll be sharing important information about the many services and programs the U.S. Small Business Administration offers to help start and grow your business, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation and increase America’s global competitiveness. This year’s event will honor the nation’s 33 million small businesses for their perseverance, ingenuity, triumphs and creativity. And the SBA, along with valued small business partners, will share important information about the many programs and services available to help businesses start and grow, continue to power our economic growth, strengthen our supply chains and deliver the products and services Americans depend on every day.

The National Small Business Week events will also include access to critical federal resources, opportunities for new business strategies, opportunities to meet other business owners and chat with industry experts. NSBW will include honoring small businesses around the country, educational sessions, online business resources and exciting speakers. Highlights of the week will include an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., a four-city roadshow tour, and a virtual summit where small business owners can visit virtual booths to develop one-on-one connections with public and private sector partners to create opportunities for collaboration and information-sharing in real-time.

“These incredible entrepreneurs show the vibrancy and grit of our nation’s small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “From Main Street to manufacturing hubs and tech centers, they are powering our economy. We hope their stories inspire and motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

“The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in our small business community is part of what makes life in the Pacific Northwest so special,” said SBA Portland District Director Martin Golden. “Entrepreneurs like Kevin and Helen Gill represent the thousands of small business owners who dedicate themselves every day to building a better life for their families, employees and are a source of strength for their communities.”

In 2003, Kevin Gill left an executive level career to join the family business and his wife Helen took over the administrative duties in 2007. At this early stage in their new career paths, they knew they could use some help in running the family business. This help came from the Rogue Community Col-

lege Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Since 2006, the husband and wife team have worked with Rogue SBDC advising and training programs which include the intensive Small Business Management (SBM) program. In 2020, Kevin and Helen’s son Ryan joined the company as vice president and is enrolled in the SBM program anticipating the next level of succession planning for the firm.

Today, Kevin serves as the company’s president while Helen serves as its secretary helping to lead a 13 person team of operational staff, well drillers and expert welders. They are passionate about giving back to the people who have kept them in business for so long and are active in supporting community schools, local activities, and events. Additionally, the company boasts membership in the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce, Builders Association of Southern Oregon, the Rotary Club of Grants Pass, Associated Oregon Industries, as well as state and national ground water associations.

When COVID hit, SBA COVID Relief programs provided resources to ensure the company was to keep its team on the job as well as to meet the challenges and opportunities after the pandemic.

“We are blessed to serve our valued clients and communities,” said Kevin and Helen Gill. “The SBDC has been vital to our steady business growth and improvement. It is an honor to be recognized as Oregon’s Family-Owned Small Business of the Year by the SBA.”

Award winners from the SBA Portland District will be individually recognized throughout National Small Business Week to include the Oregon Small Business Person of the Year, Portland District Director’s Award for Excellence, Exporter of Year, Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, Nano Business of the Year and Small Business Champion.

Ribbon Cuttings

Tom Pearce Park Playground

May 4th at 3:30 pm

3700 Pearce Park Rd, Grants Pass

Growing Together

Family Community Center

May 5th at 4:30pm

310 SW H Street, Grants Pass

Rogue Credit Union

Grand Opening

May 12th at 10:00 am

340 Union Ave, Grants Pass

Rogue Valley Heating & Air

May 31st at 10:00 am.

2820 Foothill Blvd, Grants Pass

TUESDAYS

June 13th, 20th, 27th

July 11th, 18th

Food Trucks, Beer & Wine Garden Fun for ALL Ages!

All Concerts @ Midway Park Josephine County Fairgrounds

Oregon Rogue Farms

Oregon Rogue Farms

Draper Valley Rd, Selma

(541) 450-2941

Janice Egan

Email: oregonroguefarms@gmail.com

Website: www.oregonroguefarms.com

Category: Farm

Description:

Oregon Rogue Farms strives to produce the highest quality beef pork and eggs in Southern Oregon. We proudly feature grass raised, grain finished minimally processed beef with no artificial ingredients or antibiotics.

Our Farm produces all natural, high-quality pork with no antibiotics or hormones. Our hens wander our ranch daily, nibbling on wild plants and bugs, producing eggs that are tastier and full of nutrients.

Heroes American Cafe

Heroes American Cafe

943 NE D St, Grants Pass

(541) 291-9295

John Jackson

Email: john@heroesamericancafe.com

Website: www.heroesamericancafe.com

Category: Restaurant

Description:

Heroes offers amazing Gourmet Burgers, Subs, Bowls, and Salads. We have been voted the best Sandwich!

Brooks Farms and Gardens

Brooks Farms and Gardens

Grants Pass, OR 97526

(541) 659-0489

Charles Brooks

Email: chasbrooks@charter.net

Website: www.brooksfarmsandgardens.com

Category: Landscape Design, Installation & Maintenance

Description:

Landcape design and installation of fine gardens. We are a full service licensed landscaping company

Josephine County Historial Society

Josephine County Historical Society

512 SW 5th Street, Grants Pass

(541) 479-7827

Martha Metcalf

Email: jchsmartha@gmail.com

Website: www.jocohistorical.org

Category: Associations, Clubs & Organizations

Description:

Motivated by a group of Josephine County citizens with a passion for history, the Josephine County Historical Society was incorporated in May of 1960, following the celebration of Oregon’s 100th birthday. The purpose and goals of the Josephine County Historical Society were to establish a museum for artifact collections and exhibits and to organize a research library for paper documents and research.

Welcome Our Newest Chamber Members

Insurance Lounge

Insurance Lounge

1221 NE 7th St., Grants Pass

541-479-4975

Joe Voisin

Email: joe.voisin@insurancelounge.com

Website: www.insurancelounge.com

Category: Insurance

Description:

Insurance Lounge offers great plans in all major insurance categories. We will make personalized recommendations in home, auto, life, health, and retirement planning.

Chef Kristen Catering and Jefferson Farm Kitchen

Chef Kristen Catering and Jefferson Farm Kitchen

Jacksonville

541-531-6740

Primary: Kristen Lyon

Email: kristen@chefkristen.com

Website: www.JeffersonFarmKitchen.com

Category: Caterers

Description: Local, Organic Meals Made with Love

Oregonized Painting LLC

Oregonized Painting LLC

Grants Pass

(541) 295-6391

Primary: Richard Akers

Email: richardakers87@oregonizedpainting.com

Website: www.oregonizedpainting.com

Category: Paint Contractor

Description:

Veteran owned and operated painting company that provides Interior House Painting, Exterior House Painting, and Commercial Painting.

ServiceMaster

ServiceMaster

1616 Dowell Rd. Suite H, Grants Pass

(541) 476-7075

Primary: Andrew Bellamy

Email: info@servicemasterbylomroe.com

Website: www.svmcleaningspecialists.com/

Category: Construction Equipment & Contractors

Description:

ServiceMaster by LOMROE is proud to celebrate 12 years in Grants Pass!

We provide disaster restoration services including Water damage, Fire damage, Mold damage, and almost any other damage to your home.

Please call the local crew! 541.476.7075 - 24/7

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 YPN Monthly Luncheon featuring Giff Gates of Gates Home Furnishings was well attended. Giff spoke on things that shaped his life, on seizing opportunities, his mentors, and keys to his success which included “finding a need and presenting a solution”. As a proud and longtime Rotarian and a supporter of other local organizations such as the Sparrow Club and K-9 Angels, Giff’s passion for serving this community is unwavering. While Giff has a great gift for storytelling, it was a fun addition to have his son Nick Gates join us as the official fact checker. There were a lot of laughs and a lot of great information.

In May, we have two events: the Adopt-A-Street Clean-Up on Thursday, May 4th at 4:00pm launching from Weekend Beer Company and then for Professional Development on Tuesday May 16th, we will be touring the Josephine Community Library Grants Pass Branch from 9:00am-10:30am. 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

Allstate - Lewis Insurance Agency LLC

Bolt Grafix, LLC

Cascade Eyecare Center

Century 21 JC Jones American Dream - Aitchison

Team

Diamond Cannabis

Equus Workforce Solutions

Eye Care Group of Southern Oregon

Grants Pass Grocery Outlet

Great Northwest Music

Hampton Inn & Suites

JW Computer Service

NeoLife Nutrition ~ Musack & Chambers

Pacifica - A Garden in the Siskiyous

Partnerships in Community Living Inc.

Rogue Community College Foundation

Rogue Creamery Dairy & Farm Stand

Rogue Credit Union

Saint Germain Foundation

Shops and Lofts at 6 & G

Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association

Southern Oregon Sanitation

STS Productions

Taprock Northwest Grill

Trendy Hair Salon

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

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is bringing Lemonade Day back on August 4th!

This program continues to grow and evolve, preparing our next generation of entrepreneurs. The inaugural year 45 kids participated and last year 200 kids participated!

Throughout the course of the program, these young entrepreneurs learn how to start, own, and operate their own business- a lemonade stand. They learn business skills, financial literacy, goal setting, and teamwork. This experience helps spark an explosion of new confidence in their abilities and a new

vision of the possibilities for the future. Participants are encouraged to spend some of what they make, save some for the future, and share some with a local non-profit of their choice.

Ages in the program range from K-8TH grade. Each participant will learn valuable skills with lessons that include creating a budget, finding investors, customer service, product creation, selling tips and more.

As an annual event for the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber continues to branch out to work with all ages in our community to develop our future leaders.

Registration Opens: May 1.

Click here to register your child: https://lemonadeday.org/grants-pass