

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
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
Hyla Lipson- Director, GP Museum of Art
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
we’ve got you covered
Sept
Sept
Sept
In the last two decades, innovation, data analysis, and technology have driven a tectonic shift in the sports business. Game of Edges is the story of how sports franchises evolved, on and off the field, from raggedly run small businesses into some of the most systematically productive companies around.
In today’s game, everyone from the owners to the marketing staff are using information—data—to give their team an edge. For analysts, an edge is their currency. Figuring out that bunting hurts your offense? That’s an edge. Essential reading for anyone interested in sports, business, or technology, Game of Edges explores a world where winning the game is only the beginning.
It is almost time for my favorite time of year! Fall is just around the corner. I can’t wait for the pumpkin patches, crisp air, corn mazes, fall colors, and pumpkin flavored coffee! It also happens to be some of the busiest times for us as school is back in full session and it is budget time!
The Chamber has a lot of amazing opportunities for businesses to sponsor. As you are creating your budgets, please let us know if you want to be a major sponsor for an upcoming event or possibly take advantage of a higher membership level or advertising opportunities. The great thing about the Chamber of Commerce is we have opportunities for all types of budgets and sizes of businesses.
When you are considering the options, please keep in mind not only does your sponsorship allow us to create an amazing event for the community such as Concerts in the Park, but a higher membership level also allows us to continue to advocate for businesses at a more intense level.
The Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 private non-profit organization that prioritizes businesses! Everything we do is tied back to creating a strong economy and pro-business climate. We are one of the few organizations that advocate for businesses. I would be happy to sit down with anyone that is interested in the different opportunities as you are setting your budget. I will even buy you a pumpkin flavored coffee.
Between all the craziness of fall, I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the fall colors and our beautiful community. Happy Fall!
Photo Credit: Cate BattlesBoys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley has been serving the youth of Southern Oregon since 1970 with a mission to provide year-round positive, fun, and safe places for all youth, helping them to build self-esteem and develop skills necessary to make right choices, and become responsible, productive citizens. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of youth development, dedicated to serving the young people of our communities and giving them greater access to quality programs and services that enhance their lives and shape their futures.
We have four Club locations in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Phoenix, and Talent. Each location provides after-school and summer programs to youth in grades K-12 in order to ensure all youth have a safe and positive place to be during out-of-school times. All programs include meals and activities that are focused in five core areas of youth development: The Arts, Educations & Career Development, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, Character & Leadership Development and Health & Life Skills. Monthly Family Nights provide fun activities and hot meals at no cost to ensure positive family engagement experiences.
Teen Programs provide leadership and service opportunities for those in middle and high school, as well as experiences for career exploration, positive social recreation and mentorship and hot meals. In addition, monthly Friday Teen Night activities bring in extra fun activities and events. Teen Programs are free for all youth in grades 6-12.
We also have organized team sports, including volleyball, flag football and basketball where youth are able to learn and improve their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a fun, “fair-play” atmosphere.
We are a non-profit organization striving to ensure all youth have access to quality youth development programs during out-of-school times. Discover ways you can help by donating of your time or treasure at: www.begreat4kids.com
Are you interested in getting your child involved?
After-School & Summer Programs: Youth in grades K-12 can join as a Club Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley and free transportation is provided afterschool directly to our Club locations. Contact your local Club’s front desk for a membership application or to learn more.
Team Sports: Visit our website to find current registration dates and grade brackets for our sports leagues.
Grants Pass (541) 479-1923, 203 SE 9th Street, Grants Pass Illinois Valley (541) 244-8490, 24353 Redwood Highway, Kerby Phoenix (541) 897-5058, Phoenix Elementary School Talent (541) 292-4851, Talent Elementary School
is less than 20,000 sq. ft. (includes all buildings on site) organization that provides free or reduced-cost food, housing, health, services, or a religious center/place of worship
email lighting@energytrust.org to confirm your eligibility. Energy Trust special offers for small businesses you may be eligible for. If you lease Trust know and they can help share this information with your property
B
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?
BENEFITS OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING
• Reduces energy use, so you can save on utility bills and decrease monthly operating costs
Your business or organization is eligible if it is:
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.
• Located in Oregon in an existing commercial building, multifamily property, or industrial facility and served by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power And
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.
• Improves lighting quality and consistency, resulting in brighter, safer spaces for your employees and the people you serve •
• You have less than 20 employees Or
• Your business space is less than 20,000 sq. ft. (includes all buildings on site) Or
• You are a community organization that provides free or reduced-cost food, housing, health, economic or social services, or a religious center/place of worship
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
Kyle Villaruz, DPM
• Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
• Adults and Children
• Foot and Ankle Specialist
Dr. Villaruz interest in the foot and ankle began with his own injuries. As a sprainprone basketball player, he understood the constant stresses and demand that are required to stay “in the game.” Not wanting anyone to have that feeling of letting the team or themselves down, Dr. Villaruz goal is to help keep all his patients performing at a high level in all facets of foot and ankle care.
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce hosted Lemonade Day on August 4th. This year 280 participants signed up for the program. 90 lemonade stands were set up throughout Grants Pass and surrounding areas. This is a free program hosted by the Chamber of Commerce creating the next generation of entrepreneurs. These young entrepreneurs sold their final products on Lemonade Day. The creativity these participants brought was amazing from color changing lemonade to shaved ice, cupcakes, dog toys and more! Prizes were given to the best product and most creative stand. There was also a chance for the public to vote on People’s Choice.
Contest winners:
Best Product (Tie): Aloha Charlie’s Lemonade Stand & Lemon Ladies
Most Creative Stand: Red Mountain Lemonade
People’s Choice: Super Squeezed
Throughout the course of the program, these young entrepreneurs learned how to start, own and operate their own business- a lemonade stand. They learned business skills, financial literacy, goal setting, customer service 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 were also encouraged to spend some, save some for the future and share some with a local non-profit of their choice.
This is an annual event for the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce. This is the third year to host this event. Thank you to Northwest Community Credit Union for their continued Title Sponsorship. Also, thank you to Grocery Outlet for donating popcicles for the After Party.
The chamber continues to branch out to work with all ages in our community to develop our future leaders.
My first passion in my life has been my children. I have 2 daughters and 2 sons. I have been blessed with six grand kids. I have 4 granddaughters and 2 grandsons, so far.
My second passion in life has been my career. My athletic career directed me to my academic interest, Sports Medicine. After completing my first degree, I took my first real job as an exercise scientist. Eventually, my interests expanded to business management.
I started my management experience as an athletic director, then part of an executive team, then as a business owner running my own Sports Medicine Clinic. As a lifetime learner, I went back to school for my second degree and eventually, a third. I completed my MBA at the University of Notre Dame. This experience would change my life.
Shortly following my graduation, I sold my business and went to work for hospital systems. I operated their wellness centers, serving as their Executive Director.
I ended up working for 4 major hospital systems over the next 15 years. During this time, I was dedicated to transforming our healthcare system from a disease management system to a health creation system. It was during this time I had an epiphany.
I understood that the principles of business management are fundamental to all industries and all business models. I realized that business owners are passionate about their craft, not necessarily the business of running their business. I knew I could provide great value to business owners by teaching them how to balance the craft, with the art of running the business. The business of business.
This epiphany led me to the field of business consulting. Over the next 9 years I worked with many business owners, across many industries. This experience fed my hunger for problem solving and strategic creation and implementation. However, I missed being on the field, part of the team, rather than, on the sidelines, coaching.
This desire to return to the field and becoming part of the team is what fuels my desire to serve and become part of the Grants Pass community.
The Chamber Visitor Center welcomes our new volunteer, Janet Preston!
Janet grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In the seventies, she moved to Northern California. Her family soon followed and moved to Lake Tahoe. They enjoyed skiing and the fun things to do in the area.
Throughout Janet’s career, she varied from jobs including secretary, retail, wedding photographer and chef.
Over the years she learned to scuba dive and golf. She has also volunteered at River Valley Church, Humane Society, and Joe’s Place. She enjoys volunteering and learning all about Oregon and making new friends at the Visitor Center.
Janet volunteers every Friday afternoon. Stop in and say hi and pick up some ideas for the weekend.
#GPChamberAmbassadors
Our Chamber Ambassadors giving some of our newer members their welcome gifts!
True South Solar Horizon
Cloud 9 Consulting-Ian Cox!
Western Mortgage Brokers Inc-Valerie Powell,
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
Company: Zoom City Bar & Grill
Date: Friday, September 8th
Time: 4:00pm
Location: 241 SW G St.
Purpose: Grand Opening
Company: Handprints
Date: Wednesday, September 13th
Time: 9:15
Location: 620 SW 6th St
Purpose: Grand Opening
Company: Just-In Time Appliance
Date: Wednesday, September 20th
Time: 9:15
Location: 600 Rogue River Hwy
Purpose: Opening of New Location
Chamber Ambassadors will be Attending the Ambassador Convention Sept 14-16 in KLAMATH FALLS
All routes take you along the newest section of the Greenway trail, which was funded in part by proceeds from this event. Then you will enjoy the beauty of the Rogue River on whichever route you choose to ride.
20 mile route - $35.00
40 mile route - $45.00
63 mile route - $60.00
After your ride you’ll want to stay for the after party with live music, beer garden and gourmet BBQ with vegetarian option
Meal tickets are $25.00
T-shirts are $20.00
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2023 PALMERTON PARK, ROGUE RIVER, OR
REGISTER NOW : www.ridetherogue.com
RVCOG and ODOT were able to secure funding to do a “route study” to analyze the most suitable path for the Greenway between Rogue River and Grants Pass. There are three potential options to be evaluated. One option would be to run the Greenway parallel to Hwy 99 (west side of the river), the second option would run the Greenway parallel to Foothill (east side of the river) and the third option would be to partner with the railroad
and run the path parallel to the railroad, sharing their right-of-way between the two cities. All of the options will likely be presented in detail at the completion of the Route Study. The local jurisdictions will review the completed report along with providing opportuni ties for the public to review the study and give input.
Public involvement is key to the future success of the Greenway. This Route Study is expected to start by the end of this year with a final report by the end of 2024.
There are many ways you can help. We need volunteers for landscape maintenance, fundraising events, and more.
Contributions can be made in a variety of ways including donated materials, volunteer labor, monetary contributions, and services. Please make a donation today online or via mail.
Every volunteer and dollar makes a difference
The Rogue River Greenway Foundation is dedicated to the development of a multimodal trail to promote healthy lifestyles, a safe non-motorized path for children, adults, and seniors whether residents or visitors. It is also dedicated to improving access to and use of our natural resource areas for hiking, fishing, rafting, cycling, equestrian, whitewater and wildlife viewing. The Foundation hopes to provide educational opportunities, encourage outdoor recreation while promoting stewardship of our lands and rivers as well as stimulating the local economy in Southern Oregon benefiting existing businesses as well as new business opportunities.
This project will provide much needed access to one of our most precious gems, the Rogue River.This project connects existing bike/pedestrian facilities, communities, cities and counties while connecting us all to the landscape in which we live and
This is a legacy project that is building paths to the future. With your support it
Revised February, 2023
More Info
www.RogueRiverGreenway.org
@RTRGreenway
Ride the Rogue 800-541-0925
Rogue River Greenway Foundation
P.O. Box 1439 Rogue River, OR 97537
and Recreation, Oregon Dept. of Transportation and numerous other local, State, and Federal agencies. Establishing public/private partnerships to help build and maintain the many sections of the Greenway and Recreational Corridor is key to its success as over 85% of the greenway will be located on public lands.
GRANTS PASS, Ore., Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Rentec Direct, the industry-leading property management software company, has been named to the annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for seven consecutive years, making it the only rural Oregon-based company to make the list every year since 2017.
With a three-year revenue growth of 85%, Rentec Direct has made the list as one of the most successful independent small businesses. Companies, like Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, and Patagonia, have gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. This prestigious list represents the most successful companies in the economy’s independent business segment.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized among so many exceptional companies, both in Oregon and across the United States,” said Nathan Miller, President of Rentec Direct.
“Our continued presence on this list underscores our strength as a small business and our team’s dedication to delivering unparalleled customer service for the thousands of landlords and property manager clients across the US who use our software to run their rental businesses. As a Southern Oregon-based company, we remain committed to giving back to the supportive Oregon community that has been instrumental in our journey.”
The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years.
“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”
For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to http://www.inc.com/inc5000
Rentec Direct offers industry-leading property management software and tenant screening solutions for real estate professionals. Features include online rent payments, tenant and owner portals, one of the industry’s largest vacancy listing syndication networks, full property, tenant, and owner accounting, 1099-MISC reporting and more. Rentec Direct was recognized as Real Estate Company of the Year in the 2022 American Business Awards®, named a SaaS Company of the Year in the 2022 American Best in Business Awards, was named one of the Most Customer Friendly Companies of the Year in the 2022 Best in Biz Awards, has been named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for seven years in a row. http://www.rentecdirect.com
Handprints Stationery & Gifts
620 SW 6th St.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: (512) 774-8132
Primary: Jessica Cunningham
Email: handprintsgp@gmail.com
Website: http://handprintsgp.com
Category: Retail/Specialty & Gifts
Description:
Stationery store and foil embossing studio. Thoughtful gifts for special and everyday use, handcrafted in Oregon’s Rogue Valley on a vintage foil press.
American Electric
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: (541) 727-1212
Primary: James Speiser
Email: jrspeiser@gmail.com
Website: https://business.grantspasschamber.org/list/ Member/american-electric-llc-13785
Category: Electricians
Description:
Electrical Contractor
New York Life
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: 541-450-1359
Primary: Kennedy “Colt” Foster
Email: kcfoster@ft.newyorklife.com
Website: https://business.grantspasschamber.org/ list/member/new-york-life-grants-pass-13786
Category: Financial Planning & Insurance
Description:
Financial Services. Retirement Planning, Life Insurance, Business Solutions. Health and Life Insurance.
Mailbox Plus
1051 NE 6th St. STE 1C
Address: Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: 541-479-4957
Primary: Chelsea Rosenberg
Email: mailboxplusgp.com
Website: http://www.mailboxplusgp.com
Category: Mail Services
Description:
Mailbox Plus, LLC is owned and operated by the original family since 2000. We have many services that we offer including Physical & Virtual Mailbox Rentals, Notary Public, UPS & USPS Shipping, & more.
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.
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 didn’t let the August heat hold them back from volunteering or showing support to local businesses. Our Adopt-A-Street program was well attended which made for a quick cleanup and further proves “many hands make light work”. We have had great feedback from the residents and businesses within the area that our group maintains. If you are interested in learning how your group or family can Adopt-A-Street, visit https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/1002/Adopt-a-Street or call Grants Pass Public Works Department at 541-450-6110.
Later in the month, we were hosted by Partake Shop, Lounge & Dine for our Quarterly Social. Such a treat! This unique venue has several different offerings such as an International Bottle Shop featuring a large variety of quality wines, a fully stocked and inviting Lounge, a delicious Artisan Cheese Counter, and most recently added, Fine Dining featuring tastefully curated food parings. We heard from the wickedly talented Chef Wolf, who spoke of his passion for incorporating fresh local ingredients and his very intentional efforts in partnering with local vendors from around the Rogue Valley to produce some seriously delectable fares.
Our September event will focus on Team Building. We will be meeting with Pickleball Pro at Club Northwest on Thursday, September 21st, 5:30pm-8:00pm. For event information and registration, 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
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 - Kinzler & Co. Insurance & Financial
AMERITITLE
Apland’s Auto Body, Inc.
Bella Rogue Wellness Clinic
Canine Club
CASA of Josephine County
Century 21 Harris & Taylor
Colonial Decorators
Cynthia Harelson, CPA PC
First Community Credit Union - N
First Community Credit Union - S
GPHS Band and Guard Boosters
HASL Center for Independent Living
Hellgate Jetboat Excursions
Henderson’s Line-Up, Brake & RV
J.B. Steel LLC
Josephine County Search & Rescue
Kelly’s Automotive Service
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Grants Pass
Maslow Project
MERCY FLIGHTS, INC.
Midland Empire Insurance Agency of Oregon. LLC
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Oregon Pour Authority & Pizza Studio
RealWise Property Management
Rogue Birth Center LLC
Rogue Workforce Partnership
Scoops & More
Shoefly Oregon
Siskiyou Insurance Marketplace, Inc.
Siskiyou Pediatric Clinic, LLP
SOLID ROCK Church/Cherished Footsteps
Southern Oregon Goodwill
Sundance Distilling
Sunny Valley Campground
Team Senior Referral Services
The Boardroom
The Dove Media Inc
The Glass Forge Gallery & Studio LLC
Trendy Hair Salon Vista 222
Zero Gravity Tree Service
MONTHLY
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
This is the valley's premier craft beer event held in beautiful Grants Pass.
Participants travel from location to location sampling amazing craft brews, delicious food and surprises along the stroll!
Tickets Available at Chamber of Commerce 1995 NW Vine Street and ONLINE: www.GrantsPassChamber.org
**This is a 21 and over event. Children are NOT permitted to accompany adults. Each participant must personally check-in and have a valid ID.
Day of Event ~ Downtown Grants Pass
Check-In starts at noon and event begins @ 2:00 PM in front of Elegance II Antiques
331 SE 6th Street