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 prosper ity 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 GPCOC@grantspasschamber.org • www.grantspasschamber.org
President/CEO jmolloy@grantspasschamber.org
Customer Service Representative adyer@grantspasschamber.org
CHAIR/ Trent CarpenterSouthern Oregon Sanitation
CHAIR ELECT/Daniel Bifano - RE/MAX
VICE CHAIR/ Kate LaskyJosephine Community Libraries
Christie Swafford Programs & Events cswafford@grantspasschamber.org
Frank Matz Membership & Business Dev. fmatz@grantspasschamber.org
Karen Henningsen
Accounting accounting@grantspasschamber.org
TREASURER/ Clay LeedyWild River Brewing & Pizza
PAST CHAIR/ Lawton LesueurMidland Empire Insurance 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
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 discus sions 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 Com munity 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
Angell Webb - First Interstate Bank
Nathan Miller - Rentec Direct
Hugh Griffths - SBDC
Alan Meyer - Pacific Power
our world has changed drastical
leadership style
Hosted
not. Because
itself, and the choices we have for where and how to work and live, leadership must also adapt. From the bestselling author, Stephen M. R. Covey, learn a revolu tionary new way to lead.
& Inspire is available for checkout from your public library.
Need a library card?
josephinelibrary.org or stop by a local 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
As many of you know, Fall is my favorite time of the year. There is something special about the changing of seasons as we watch the leaves fall and weather change. It is like a new beginning. Not only do we see it in the season, we also feel it every year with business. Summer and vacations are over and people are ready to get down to business before we move into the holiday season.
The Chamber is very excited to kick off October with our membership campaign: Engage for Change! I hope you will join us! The Chamber had a fantastic year, and we can’t wait to continue to grow. We are stronger together!
As we look back on the year and start our membership campaign, let’s recap on what the Chamber accomplished in 2022. We revived our annual events, kicking off a wonderful line up for Concerts in the Park, Greeters [consistently bringing in 75+ attendees], and local favorite’s - Wine Stroll and Tap Walk.
We also focused on key issues in our community. We opposed the Construction Excise Tax and have continued to work with City management and Councilors to make sure workforce housing is addressed, we actively participated in the homeless task force to address the home less crisis, and we have continued to focus on workforce and leadership development. We have extended our presence and relationships with a younger generation through Lemonade Day and Young Professionals Network.
In 2023, we are also adding a Leadership Development class to meet those demands of the much-needed leadership training.
To capture the needed data as we move into recovery from Covid, we are conducting our local business survey with questions on important issues such as workforce development, employee training, childcare, public safety, supply chain, and remote work.
Frank Matz also joined our team as the Membership & Business Development Director. Frank will be focusing all of his time on membership which will include finding new prospects and working with our current members to make sure they are taking full advantage of benefits and resources.
It is truly a pleasure to work with all of our members and community partners. We are looking forward to a successful membership campaign and a wonderful, busy fall!
TheGrants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce conducted a poll of Chamber Members regarding the proposed Retail Activities Tax that will be on the November Ballot in Josephine County.
The response from the Chamber membership was overwhelming negative--Of the respondents, 87% opposed the tax.
Businesses were also asked what they would support to fund law enforcement. Of the responses received, the majority supported a property tax levy or permanent taxing district. Other solutions included funding law enforcement first, seize properties/assets on illegal marijuana grows, regional sales tax, collect fair share of state taxes, cut other departments, increase traf fic control/tickets, and a recreation fee.
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly as champions for public safety funding and finding a solution. This proposed sales tax is not supported by the business community. This is the first time the Chamber has not endorsed a proposed public safety funding op tion.
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is in favor of working together with stakeholders to find a solution businesses will support. On November 14, the Chamber Government Affairs committee meeting is dedicated to a public safety funding discussion. The Chamber wants to be a part of the solution.
TheOld Town Mail House has been serving Grants Pass for about 30 years. Today it is veteran-owned and family-operated by me, Jeff Javelona, and my son Jordan. Together, with our awesome team, we strive to offer you the best experience while you’re here. We believe in old fashioned customer service that you’d expect from our small town.
Most people know the Old Town Mail House as the place to go when you want to pay your Pacific Power bill but did you know that you can pay ALL your utility bills here? There are over 300 different companies that we can accept payments for. If you’d like to know if we accept pay ments for a particular company, stop in and we can look it up for you.
As our name implies, we offer all things mail related like private mail box es, mail forwarding, packing/ shipping, and packing supplies. We are a FedEx Au thorized Ship Center, UPS Access Point, and can mail utilizing the United States Postal Service.
What does this mean for you? It means that when it comes time to ship your packages, we can give you options. Whether it’s the cheapest or the fastest way, we have an option for you. We also offer FREE pre-paid labeled package drop-off for any of those carriers. Do you have a package to return but no printer to print the label? We can do that for you.
Also, if you have clean packing material (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or air pillows) that you receive in a package and don’t want to dispose of it in your trash, we will take it. It’s our way of minimizing waste and maximizing re-use materials. We believe every little bit helps.
But that’s not all we offer; we have printing/copying, three notary pub lics, blank legal forms, faxing, greeting cards/postcards, sell postage stamps, and our latest addition…an ever growing selection of nostalgic candy that’s sure to bring back memories of your childhood. Our customers have referred to us as a one stop shop for all their needs. We also have a selection of crafts, art, and services provided by local artists and crafters in our community. We offer them a place to display their talents and give our customers a chance to browse and support them.
With the holiday season fast approaching, packing and shipping gifts to your loved ones and friends is where we excel. After shopping downtown Grants Pass, stop in and we will pack/mail your gifts so they don’t end up sitting in the back seat of your car until Christmas Eve. When they become available, we post ship ping deadlines on our website and Facebook page.
Day of Event ~ Downtown Grants Pass
Serving Southern Oregon’s local communities.
we work to deliver high-quality, patient-centered, and provider-led healthcare to those who live here.
97526
pediatricians have the gift— the ability to understand kids, listen to parents, and translate it all into the best care. It’s because we simply love children.
Member
dedicated professional
comprehensive vision
in
Pass and surrounding areas.
Park,
1,
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 profession als, connections to the community and business leaders, community engagement, and professional development. The network holds monthly luncheons, quarterly socials, and community service projects.
Asante, Midland Empire Insurance, First Interstate Bank, Logan Design, Farmer’s Building & Garden Supply, Jim Sigel Automotive, Hampton Inn & Suites, RE/MAX Integrity-Bifano Home Team, Weekend Beer Co., and NiceBadge
September is an important month for our YPN Committee as we meet to outline the plan for the following year i.e., delegating committee positions and duties, reviewing our mission and vison, and most important, com piling a relevant and fresh content filled schedule. Our goal is to grow our Network and continue to be a trusted resource for Young Professionals in our community.
While September means work for our committee, it also means we get to celebrate the accomplishments of our previous year with our Quarterly Networking Social which took place at Oregon Pizza & Pour Authority (OPPA). Even though this event did not feature a guest speaker or educational content, everyone who attended got to experience first-hand how impactful gathering amongst peers can be. Meeting new faces and discussing the diverse business climate here in the valley was refreshing.
Our next event will be the Monthly Luncheon on October 18th from 11:45am- 1:00pm at Hampton Inn & Suites. Our guest speaker will be Charlie Simons of Fields Home Center and lunch will be provided by Asante. This event is free and registration is required.
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 speak ers 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.
How does it work?
Our Speakers Bureau committee members are people with profes sional speaking experience and 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 speaking professional, the Grants Pass Chamber Speakers Bureau has what you’re looking for.
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 Frank Matz, fmatz@grantspasschamber.org or 541-956-4102
Fall is the perfect time to explore Jose phine County. The leaves are starting to change, harvest has begun, and our valley becomes alive with color!
October is a great month to celebrate our agriculture treasures in our county from wineries, farms, pumpkin patches, dairy, orchards, and more.
Fort Vannoy Farms is bringing back the Corn Maze and Pumpkin patch October 1-31. While picking out the perfect pump kin, you will also have the chance to launch a pumpkin in the pumpkin chunker, check
Fall days are also a perfect opportu nity to take a road trip and visit one of the many wineries. The Wine Enthusiast has se lected the Rogue Valley which also includes Applegate Valley as a nominee for the Wine Region of the Year. Troon Vineyard is also a finalist for American Winery of the Year.
One more road trip is a must to grab some local honey at Mountain Blossom Bees in Merlin.
Owners Scott and Kimberly VanHise have been commercially producing varietal honey since 2015 including Wild flower, Blackberry and Clover.
All their local honey is raw and unfiltered. Scotts works 300 colonies in 20 separate locations in Josephine and Jackson counties. Kimberly takes care of the mar keting and honey deliveries at several retail locations in Southern Oregon. Scott and Kimberly also bring a portable observation hive to schools, community events and tast ing experiences to educate about honey and beekeeping.
Mountain Blossom Bees has a road side honey stand in Merlin, 2.2 miles from the Merlin I-5 exit. They sell pints, quarts and 4-pack bears for gift giving.
Visit their honey stand for samples of their blackberry, clover, wild flower, lavender infused or their new orange cinna mon wildflower infused honey! Their honey is also sold at Farmer’s Building Supply, Rogue Roasters, and Grocery Outlet.
Josephine County has an abundance of Agritourism. Enjoy the cooler weather and beautiful scenery while experiencing our agriculture treasurers.
Heather is stepping into this role at a key time for the organization, our re gion, and our state. Our region’s Local Workforce Board leaders have worked for many years with businesses, K-20 education, labor, and public workforce system part ners to create the systems alignment needed to fill the region’s talent pipeline. Given the long-term demographic and economic trends that are driving the current work force shortage, these efforts are needed now more than ever to address the needs of our region’s targeted industry sectors. Heather will use her expertise in system trans formation, in partnership with RWP staff and regional stakeholders, to accomplish this critically needed work.
Heather is expertly qualified to lead these efforts. She previously served as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Sector Strategies for the Rogue Workforce Partnership. She’s also previously served as a Business Partner at BBSI, Assistant Di rector of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Business Oregon, and other key lead ership roles in business development and K-20 education. This breadth of knowledge and experience positions Heather to lead our region’s ongoing workforce development efforts.
Longtime Executive Director, Jim Fong, retired from Rogue Workforce Partnership September 30th. With Heather’s ap pointment, and the addition of other new staff members at Rogue Workforce Partnership, the time was right for Jim to step aside and let the next generation of exceptional leaders drive the organization forward. Mr. Fong will remain involved on a limited consulting level to keep some key projects moving forward, but otherwise looks forward to spending more time enjoying a different pace of life with family, friends and nature.
It has been an honor and privilege to have Mr. Fong serve our community in this role these past years, and to have cultivated more meaningful connections, training experiences, and career pathways for career-seekers and businesses to thrive.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Heather Stafford into her new executive leadership role at the Rogue Work force Partnership.
Basic Benefits, plus*:
Website:
Basic
Website Portal
with Listing
Additional Category Listings
“Chamber News”Newsletter Ad
Page Size
Chamber Website Standard Ad
Concerts In The Park Sponsorship
Business Tools: Two free uses of Boardroom
relocation and visitor packet inserts
Multiple Business Listings E-Newsletter Sponsor
Events:
Chamber Banquet Tickets
Forum Tickets
to
Business Needs
Over $14,000 in Value
Basic Benefits, plus*:
Website:
Major Sponsor Logo and Banner Ad Membership Website Portal
Additional Category Listings
“Chamber News”Newsletter Ad
Page Size and Major Sponsor
E-newsletter Sponsor
“PROFILE” Magazine Major Sponsor
Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities
All Major Event Recognition- plus,
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
Basic Benefits,
Chamber
Chamber also maintains
and
elected
at the
state and federal levels, ensuring that the interest of business are represesented.
investment alllows us to operate and represent our community and businesses!
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Membership Campaign for the month of October. We are asking all of our members, supporters, and community partners to help us increase our membership footprint! We are stronger together!
Encourage colleagues, friends, clients, and partners to join the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce membership. For all referrals, the participant receives $25 when the membership closes.
The participant that brings in the most members within the campaign timeframe, receives an additional $250!
“I’ve been a member of the Chamber since 2011 and have watched how our chamber, repeatedly, steps up to support businesses in Grants Pass and Josephine County. Not only does our Chamber connect busi nesses to resources and marketing opportunities, but also advocates for our local community and gives us a voice in government when we need it most.”
~ Kate Lasky, Library Director, Josephine Community Library District
1832 Dowell Road, Grants Pass, OR 97527
(541) 479-6943
William Woody
Email: office.solidrockgp@gmail.com Website: https://solidrockgp.org/
Category: Churches
Description:
Solid Rock Church is a Southern Baptist Church that has been serving our community since 1948 as Fruitdale Baptist Church.
In the 1950’s we became the First Southern Baptist Church and in the late 1970’s became College Heights Baptist Church and in 2016 we became Solid Rock.
We have church services on Sunday morning at 10 AM. We also have a faith-based preschool where we minister to chil dren ranging in age from 2yrs old through 5yrs old going into kindergarten.
Adobe
9450 SW Gemini Dr PMB 95720
Beaverton, OR 97008 (408) 753-5826
Alexandria Haslam
Email: cit46532@adobe.com Website: https://www.adobe.com
Category: Computer Network & Hardware Support
Description:
Creativity is in our DNA. Our game-changing innova tions are redefining the possibilities of digital experiences. We connect content and data and introduce new technologies that democratize creativity, shape the next generation of storytell ing, and inspire entirely new categories of business.
We believe everybody has a story to tell. Adobe Cre ative Cloud unleashes creativity so anyone — from the most demanding professional to students just starting out — can make whatever they want, wherever they want.
3172 Upper River Rd., Grants Pass, OR 97526 (808) 783-2666
Jennifer Cavagnol
Email: Jen@laughinggrassinn.com Website: http://www.laughinggrassinn.com
Category: Bed & Breakfast Description: 420-friendly lodging.
1700 Seventh Ave, STE 2178, Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 623-7638
Pavel Buyeu
Email: localprobook@gmail.com
Website: https://www.localprobook.com
Category: Home Improvements Description:
Our LocalProBook project helps homeown ers find a local contractor for a wide range of home improvement projects.
Absolutely free service for the customer and the contractor.
111 NW C St. Grants Pass, OR 97526 (541) 659-9270
Pamela Rogers
Email: listenwithin9@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100085283409978
Category: Health & Wellness
Holistic Energy Healing! Crystals, Jewelry, Books! Open until 8pm on October 1st Friday with a tarot reader!
26th Astrology class, October 31st tarot
2019 Rogue River Hwy, Gold Hill, OR 97525 (737) 777-9909
John Ricketts-Tackett
Email: damseldudes@gmail.com
Website: http://mydamselpro.net/thedude
Category: Educational Services
Description:
I equip, empower, and educate men, women and chil dren about safety awareness, and assist with personal protective devices. I also have a wonderful children awareness line to help children with the safety awareness to pay attention too. Also, I assist others with a monthly affordable legal program with LegalShield number one law firm for whatever State and Province you live in all for a monthly price. Websites are: https://www.mydamselpro.net/thedude and https://johnrt. wearelegalshield.com
789 NE 7th St, Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 761-2193
Quin Pehrson
Email: quin@redwoodforeducation.org
Website: http://www.redwoodforeducation.org
Category: Non-profit Organization
Description:
The Redwood Foundation for Education provides schol arships and grants to students in schools throughout Southern Oregon. Awards are based on demonstrated leadership and co-curricular activities, academics, and need, and are funded by donations from individuals, businesses, service clubs and class alumni.
The Redwood Foundation for Education is led by a ded icated Board of Directors. They support the mission and work of the foundation in countless ways through their gifts of time, talent, professional expertise, and philanthropy.
980 SW 6th St, Suite 10, Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 512-75
Jennifer Rosales
Email: jen@bellaroguewellness.com
Website: http://www.bellaroguewellness.com
Category: Weight Loss
Description:
Finding your authentic self is a journey that uses a healthy mind, body, spirit. Reaching and maintaining your opti mal weight is key for all three of those pieces. So, let us help you along your journey by introducing you to our True You weight management program. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our exciting program.
A new program that allows workers in Oregon to take paid time off for some of life’s most important moments that impact our families, health and safety.
Family Leave – to care for a family member with a serious illness or injury, or to bond with a new child after birth, adoption or foster care placement.
Medical Leave – during one’s own serious health condition.
Safe Leave – for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking.
Employers will begin payroll contributions in January 2023, and workers will be able to apply for benefits in September 2023.
Up to 12 weeks of paid leave per benefit year (up to 14 weeks for pregnancyrelated medical leave). You can take leave a week or a single day at a time.
If you have been with your employer for more than 90 days, your job remains protected and safe while you use paid leave. Your employer cannot penalize you for using paid leave.
Benefit payments depend on your wages and/or income compared to the statewide average weekly wage; many will receive 100% wage replacement.
Any employee who has earned at least $1,000 during the year prior to claiming paid leave may be eligible. Most employees working in Oregon will be covered. Tribal governments, self-employed business owners, and independent contractors may choose to participate by notifying the paid leave program.
Active Club , Grants Pass
American Mineral Research, Inc.
AMERITITLE
Barrett Business Services, Inc. ~ BBSI
Baskets Beyond
Concierge Home and Business Watch
Darren S. Huddleston, D.M.D., P.C.
Double J Electric, Inc.
Family Nurturing Center
First American Title Company
Grants Pass Broadcasting Corp.
Grants Pass Clinic
Grants Pass Daily Courier
Heartland Dance Inc
Hillcrest Memorial Park
J.B. Steel LLC
John L. Scott Real Estate Grants Pass
Josephine County Eagle
Josephine County Search & Rescue
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Mini Mac Self Storage, LLC
Mock’s Ford
Northwest Community Credit Union
Oregon Pour Authority & Pizza Studio
Palm Industries, Inc Reality Marketing LLC
Roe Motors GM
Rosebud Media
Sheri’s Cottages LLC
YPN Monthly
CANDIDATE FORUMS-
Southern Oregon ESD
SPIRIT OF THE FAIR LLC
Star Automotive
Synergy One Lending Team Senior Referral Services
The Home Depot
The Wolf Creek Inn
Tom Randall Insurance - State Farm TSYS
Visit Grants Pass Vista 222
WorkSource Rogue Valley
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
am
