BUSINESS
APRIL 2026
PLATINUM
SILVER
BRONZE
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
April 2026 HELLO SPRING!
I do enjoy winter and the excitement of seeing snow, but there is something very special about starting a new season and welcoming Spring. Seeing new life start to pop up, trees bud and grass turn green, always lifts the spirits. It is a new year and a new season, and the Chamber is busy on working on new events that promote our members, bring the community together and that make Redmond the best it can be. We strive to be an outstanding Chamber of Commerce and to be champions for Redmond.
This year is special one, 2026, as our Nation gets ready to celebrate its 250th year of independence! As you can imagine, marking this momentous event is going to be community wide celebration, and we are working with the city to make sure this is an event to remember. One of the ways we are partnering with the city is to help raise sponsorships and bring in business to share in all the festivities scheduled for the celebration. Lay it Out Events will be coordinating all the activities for the city, so everything will be done to perfection. The Chamber will be hosting the flag display on the fourth, on behalf of Flag City USA and coordinating the set up and take down of all 2,000 flags. Immediately following the flag set up, the Chamber hosts, along with our co-host, the Redmond Kiwanis Club, Redmond’s largest parade, the 4th of July Parade. The parade has grown so much it takes more help than the Chamber’s small team of four can handle and we are thrilled to be partnering with the amazing people of Kiwanis. It takes months of preparations, to cover all the details, scheduling and attending city agencies planning meetings, communicating with all
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
the attendees, securing the insurance, street chalk, volunteer vests and whistles, all to make the event fun and safe for everyone. This year’s parade will be a parade to remember and one worthy of the 250th Celebration of our Nation. Of course, the parade theme this year is “Happy 250 Birthday America”. To learn more about how you can be part of the celebration, sponsorship opportunities and to register for the parade, go online or call the Chamber.
There really is no better way to be connected and to build your network than being a member of the Chamber. The Chamber is your partner in business, and we are here to help make your business a success. There is a philosophy among Chamber’s called the 3 C’s, and this philosophy rings true for what we do at the Redmond Chamber.
First, we are Catalysts - the Redmond Chamber acts as a catalyst for business growth and success in Redmond and Central Oregon. We work relentlessly to give Redmond economic competitiveness and to create a community that is an outstanding place to live, work and play.
Second, we are the Conveners - we bring together the leaders and influencers of our community and create opportunities for our members and community to meet, network, and develop creative new ideas.
Third, we are the Champions - The Redmond Chamber has the best job in the world, and that is to be the champions for our outstanding members and the community. Making
Redmond the best it can be is what we do!
To our 625+ members, thank you for your membership and we look forward to making Redmond the best it can be!
Are you taking full advantage of your Chamber membership?
The Chamber really does do a lot for our members and the community, are you taking full advantage of your Chamber membership benefits?
• Submit a new member profile.
• Regularly submit Business Bytes.
• Keep business information current with the Chamber for referrals (You can update your information online 24/7 with your member portal).
• Populate your online business listing, with photos, your business card, or offer a coupon.
• Advertise in the Directory, Visitor Guide, Visitor Center, Newsletter, and/or Website.
• Have your brochure or flyer available at the Chamber Office.
• Attend or host networking opportunities such as Coffee Clatter, Ribbon Cuttings and After Hours.
• Participate and promote your business in parades, the golf tournaments and other events.
• Have a booth at or attend the Central Oregon Business Summit or Business Hop
• Display your Chamber Member decal.
• Do business with other Chamber members.
• Have a link on the Chamber website and
utilize the Chamber Seal on your website.
• Read the monthly newsletter, making note of upcoming events on your calendar and welcoming new members with a note from your company.
• Tag the Chamber on your Social Media activities
• Have a booth at the Music on the Green Concert series.
• Reach potential new residents by supporting our relocation packet program.
• Receive weekly updates on what’s happening with the membership and community on the Redmond Buzz.
• Donate an item, product or service that showcases your company at the Chamber Awards Banquet, or at Coffee Clatters.
• Elevate your membership to a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze member.
• Become an Ambassador.
I hope you are all having a great spring and can take full advantage of your Chamber membership
Eric Sande Executive Director
Lacie Linek Events Director
Connor Cubic Marketing Director Evelina Davidson Membership/Finance Director
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
B-Law LLC
Diana L. Bartolotta
8080 11th Street #176, Terrebonne OR 97760, US 541-241-6076
b-law.com
Bremik Construction
Scott Meinig
404 SW 6th Street, Suite 102, Redmond OR 97756, US 971-322-4234 www.bremik.com
Thoroughbred Express
Lilly Jacobsen
2180 S Highway 97, Redmond OR 97756, US 425-387-3839
https://thoroughbredexpress.com/
Flynn Group of Companies
Isaiah McGarry
2605 SW 1st St. Suite 7B, Redmond OR 97756, US 458-757-4490
www.flynncompanies.com
Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck
Matthew Hardman 62211 Powell Butte Highway, Bend OR 97701, US 541-204-1625
Litsis Towing
Crystal Litsis
2241 SW 1st Street, Suite C, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-527-1999
www.litsistowing.com
MEMBERSHIP update
By: Evelina Davidson
Greetings To All Of Our Amazing Members!
Are you new to the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, or maybe you have been a member for a while and are wondering if there’s anything you’re missing from your Chamber membership? As the Membership Director, I am greatly honored to be given the opportunity to highlight our top ten tips for making the most of your Chamber membership and getting plugged into the business community. From events, to staying in touch, to getting involved with projects and initiatives across the city…here we go!
Build your business network, be inspired and learn something new at our events. Coming to events is a big benefit of membership, but that doesn’t mean you have to come to everything…we know how busy you are. I recommend starting by booking 1 to 2 events a month for you or your team, and you’ll soon see your network grow and your business relationship develop. Check out our Upcoming Events page on our Chamber website at www.visitredmondoregon.com/chamber-of-commerce/events/ to see what’s coming up so you can better plan for the type of events that you would like to participate in and capitalize on. Or, if you’d like a recommendation from the team, just get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction and help you make that decision.
Ask the team for introductions.
We’re here to help you meet the right people. Whether you’re looking for collaborations, warm leads, new business friends or suppliers, or are just a little shy with initially approaching new people, reach out and let us know who you’d like to meet and we can make that introduction happen through either email or at one of our many events. We are here to foster and help grow your business relationships so don’t forget to use us as a resource for doing just that.
Let’s chat about your business!
Book a call or set up an appointment with our membership team (aka…me), and we’ll see what help and ideas we can share. The more we know about you and your business, the more we can help, so let’s talk. You can reach me at (541) 923-5191 or at membership@ visitredmondoregon.com to set up a time to discuss your business, how we can help promote you, or to discuss membership opportunities in general.
Boost your online business profile.
Use your business profile on our Member Directory to share information about who you are and what you do, plus show off your business by adding images, video and links to your website and social networking channels. It’s also great for SEO, with active Chamber profiles having a much higher ranking on search engines. Go to www.visitredmondoregon. com/chamber-of-commerce/member-login/#myaccount to access our Member Login page and update your profile or contact me at the Chamber for more information and ways you can raise your business page on our platform.
Get involved with the Redmond Chamber.
Getting involved in some of the projects and events we run is a great way to give back to the community, and to be part of something that supports the place we love living and working in. From volunteering at and/or sponsoring one of our many community events like the Annual Awards Banquet, Redmond Business Summit, Music On The Green, 4th of July Parade, Redmond Brewfest & Nightglow, Annual Golf Tournament, Trick or Treat on 6th Street, Starlight Parade and Holiday Village Market to hosting a Coffee Clatter, Business After Hours, Ribbon Cutting, etc., getting involved in the Redmond Chamber of Commerce is one of the most effective ways to support our community and to bring exposure to your business all at the same time. If you’re interested in the different ways you or your business can get involved, contact us for more information.
Write a Member Byte for the Business Newsletter.
Share your knowledge and expertise or simply introduce your business and market an event by writing a Member Byte for our monthly Business Newsletter. Your Member Byte with us can be just the extra push your business needs to spread the word about who you are or the services you offer…plus it’s free for our members to do! We send out our digital Business Newsletter to our entire membership base monthly to maximize exposure and to keep our members updated on our upcoming activities so feel free to take advantage of this benefit each month if you’re inclined to do so.
Host a Lunch & Learn.
Do you have the skills and desire to deliver a Lunch & Learn with us? Our Lunch & Learn sessions are one-hour, practical training, seminar or teaching sessions hosted by members for members and provide the opportunity to share your knowledge with other members, whilst raising your profile in the Chamber network. Each Lunch & Learn allows you to open up your presentation to Q&A’s both by Zoom and in person on your expert topic. If you’re new to the Redmond Chamber, we recommend you spend a bit of time getting to know the Chamber community. When you’re ready, get in touch with Amanda Joe, our Events Director, about hosting a Lunch & Learn in the future.
Don’t forget the Visitor Guides!
As a Redmond Chamber member, your business is automatically listed in our annual Official Visitor & Business Guide for the City of Redmond. Visitor guides are often the first resource tourists and individuals moving to the area turn to when they arrive in a new city. Being listed in this reputable guide means your business is put directly in front of a large audience actively looking for things to do, places to visit or for preferred vendors offering certain goods and services. We distribute our Official Visitor & Business Guides to thousands of businesses and individuals throughout the state, region and nation year round. Come by the Chamber and grab a handful of these guides to display and to show off at your featured business.
When in doubt, don’t forget to use the Chamber as a resource.
We’re here to help if you need anything from business information, to connecting you with in-depth business support and resources. Whether that’s help with finding grants and funding, local business support programs or using our network and many connections to help your business. Even if we can’t help directly, we probably know someone who can.
Don’t be a stranger!
Last and by no means least, if you’re more active and engaged with your membership, you’ll get much more out of it. Your membership is for you, and your team, to use. Stay in touch with what’s happening at the Redmond Chamber of Commerce by making sure you and your team are on our mailing list. We’ll send you thoughtfully curated content, upcoming events, business support, and exclusive member-only content.
I hope these top ten tips will be useful in your start to getting the most of your membership with the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. Let us know how we can better serve you and we’ll hopefully see you soon!
Evelina Davidson Membership & Finance Director Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Lunch & Learn has become one of the Redmond Chamber’s most valuable member programs because it is built on a simple idea: by members, for members. These sessions give Chamber businesses the chance to learn directly from fellow members who know their industries inside and out. Instead of broad, generic advice, attendees hear practical ideas from local professionals who are doing the work every day. That makes Lunch & Learn useful, approachable, and rooted in the real needs of Redmond’s business community. The Chamber’s strategic plan highlights monthly Lunch & Learn presentations alongside networking events like After Hours as core member offerings.
The primary focus of Lunch & Learn is education. Each session gives a host business the opportunity to lead a conversation on a topic they know well and share insights that can help other members grow. A financial professional might walk attendees through budgeting tips or cash flow basics. A marketing expert might share ways to improve social media, email campaigns, or brand visibility. A legal, HR, wellness, or operations-focused business can offer guidance that saves fellow members time, stress, and money. These are not sales pitches. They are educational sessions designed to create value, spark ideas, and strengthen connections across industries.
That member-to-member format is what makes the program special. When businesses teach one another, the Chamber becomes more than a networking organization. It becomes a place where expertise is shared, relationships deepen, and members leave with something they can actually use. Lunch & Learn creates room for thoughtful conversation, questions, and collaboration in a setting that feels supportive rather than formal. It also
gives host businesses a chance to showcase their knowledge and leadership in a meaningful way. Hosting a session is a great way to build credibility, introduce your business to new contacts, and be seen as a trusted resource in the community.
We would love to see more businesses step into that host role. Every member has knowledge worth sharing. You do not need a huge presentation or a complicated topic to make an impact. Some of the best sessions come from businesses that simply offer clear, helpful takeaways based on their day-to-day experience. Whether your expertise is hiring, customer service, bookkeeping, safety, technology, real estate, health, communication, or business planning, there is likely a topic that would benefit fellow Chamber members. By hosting a Lunch & Learn, you are not only promoting your business, you are helping strengthen the entire Chamber network.
Alongside Lunch & Learn, the Chamber also offers After Hours, which serves a different but equally important purpose. After Hours is casual networking. It gives members a relaxed space to connect, meet new people, and build relationships outside the workday. While Lunch & Learn is centered on education and shared expertise, After Hours is all about conversation and community.
If your business is interested in hosting an upcoming Lunch & Learn or After Hours, we encourage you to reach out. For After Hours hosting opportunities, please email Lacie at events@visitredmondoregon.com
Presented by Just-in Time Appliance Repair, with breakfast sponsored by High Desert Blinds, the Spring Business Hop is a morning built around connection, visibility, and community. This unique networking event brings multiple businesses together in one experience, giving attendees the chance to explore what each business has to offer, learn about upcoming promotions, events, and services, and build new relationships along the way.
Similar to Coffee Clatter, but the Spring Business Hop gives the spotlight to several businesses rather than just one, creating a dynamic, engaging atmosphere for both participants and guests.
Businesses are invited to sign up to feature their organization, share their story, and highlight specials, products, services, or upcoming events. Community members, fellow professionals, and supporters are encouraged to attend, meet local businesses, and make valuable connections.
MEMBER BYTES
Central Oregon Community College
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program, and we would truly love to see it run. At the moment, enrollment is lower than we need, and because some of our instructors will be traveling to participate, a decision will need to be made soon about whether there will be enough participants to move forward.
COSSI is held on COCC’s Redmond campus, June 22-25. The program is a unique and engaging opportunity for Spanish learners of all levels to build language skills, connect with others and celebrate language and culture in an immersive environment. It would be especially meaningful to make this 10th anniversary year a success.
For more information, please visit and share the COSSI webpage: cocc.edu/COSSI
Thank you for sharing with your members and for helping us give COSSI its best chance to run this year. Your support means a great deal.
COSSI Highlights:
• 12 hours of Spanish instruction (5 blended levels)
• 12 hours of Spanish-Culture Electivo Sessions & facilitated conversationExperienced instructors
• All courses are conducted in Spanish
• Returning for an encore keynote is Oregon 4th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge, Honorable Xiomara Torres for a lunchtime presentation
• Earn graduate-level professional development semester units/credits for COCC coursework through University of the Pacific
Safe Acres Animal Sanctuary
Safe Acres Animal Sanctuary of Redmond, needs your help to build an indoor hospital stall for emergency care. Emergencies never seem to occur when it is daylight or sunny - or between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm on a week day, which creates a need for an indoor, stall for our veterinarians and staff to bring animals inside, out of the dark, rain/ snow, and into a location to keep our handlers, veterinarians and animals safe!
Injuries require an animal to reside in a clean, dry environment - away from other animals and dirt. Safe Acres has a small stall that can house an equine, but it is not large enough to safely get an emergency crew inside with the animal.
We hope to build a 32' x 32' area that can house emergency animals and keep everyone safe.
Join us May 16th, 2026 for an evening of food and fun, to support our quest! www. safeacres.com/shop for more information.
The Environmental Center
The Environmental Center is thrilled to host our annual Earth Day Fair and Celebration on Saturday, April 25th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Alpenglow Park in Bend. This family-friendly outdoor event celebrates our community with music and dance performances, local food vendors, regional businesses and nonprofits, and an activity zone for all ages. See the press release attached to this email.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Alpenglow Park, 61049 SE 15th St, Bend, OR 97702
We look forward to celebrating Earth Day with you!
Music on the Green is right around the corner! Join us for Redmond's favorite FREE summer concert series, starting June 24 at American Legion Park. Music on the Green is brought to you by Republic Services and Brian Myers State Farm.
Interested in participating? We are looking for vendors! Sign up to be a vendor by going to the event on our website!
NEWS FROM Native Plants of Crooked River Ranch
the ranch
Crooked River Ranch is home to many hidden gems, and one of the most remarkable is the Native Plant Interpretive Garden. Located near the golf course, pickleball and tennis courts, this beautiful space is hard to miss—and well worth a visit. Back in 2014, the raised planting area was overrun with invasive Myrtle Spurge and non-native cactus. Recognizing the opportunity for something better, Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) Native Plant Coordinator Marilynne Keyser envisioned a garden that would showcase the diverse native plants of the High Desert—species that thrive in our climate with minimal rainfall. With the help of dedicated volunteers, that vision became reality. The garden officially opened on June 11, 2015, featuring thoughtfully placed plants, informative signage, and a welcoming walking path. Key contributors to the design and development included Andria Truax, owner of Great Basin Nursery in Bend, along with native plant enthusiasts Linda and Wayne Buttolph. Together, they created a 160-foot-long raised garden featuring more than 500 plants representing over 40 native species. A key priority was creating an inviting walkway that allows visitors to observe the plants up close. A durable gravel path was chosen to ensure year-round accessibility and enjoyment. Additional plantings in April 2022, combined with a wetter-thanusual spring, helped the garden flourish even further.
According to Marilynne Keyser, the FANs educational garden is one the largest of its kind in Oregon. Despite occasional nibbling by local deer, the garden offers a vibrant display of native plants showcased by every season. Looking around the area, there are wonderful displays of other plants native to the high desert area such as the Yucca plant and wild grass
Crooked River Ranch warmly invites visitors to explore this special Native Plant Interpretive Garden—any time of year is a good time to experience its beauty and learn more about the region’s unique natural heritage.
- by Brenda Cooper
ENERGY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION ECONOMICupdate
Submitted by REDI Staff
What an incredible evening we shared recently at the REDI Investor Social!
This event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the investors who serve as the driving force behind business and community development in Central Oregon. Held at the beautiful new Hayden Homes | Simplicity by Hayden Homes Support Center, the workspace truly felt like home and provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of innovation and connection.
Fueling Prosperity in Redmond
Our investors are essential partners in REDI’s mission. Through their continued support, we are able to partner with local companies to drive:
Business advocacy and recruitment
Business expansion efforts
from his presentation included:
A Global Benchmark: The project recently created the world’s hottest Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), reaching record-breaking temperatures of 629°F
MW pilot in 2026, with plans to scale to a 200 MW development, eventually providing enough clean energy to power tens of thousands of homes and the next generation of digital infrastructure.
Workforce development and capital investment
Innovation at Our Doorstep: The Newberry Project
The highlight of the evening was a fascinating keynote address by Pete Lumley, Communications Director with Mazama Energy. He shared the "new frontiers" of energy generation currently unfolding at the Newberry Volcano project—a firstof-its-kind initiative right here in Central Oregon.
Lumley detailed how Mazama Energy is pioneering super-hot rock (SHR) technology to tap into volcanic heat at unprecedented depths. Key highlights
(331°C), with goals to reach 750°F in 2026.
Massive Efficiency: By harnessing super-hot rock, the system can produce 5 to 10 times more electrical power than conventional geothermal systems.
Sustainability: This technology uses 75% less water and requires 80% fewer wells than current approaches, providing a carbon-free, baseload power source that runs 24/7.
Future Scaling: Mazama is moving toward a 15
A Night of Community and Celebration The evening wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated sponsors. A special thank you to Western Title & Escrow for their 10+ years of support, as well as Columbia Bank, SunWest Builders, and TDS Telecom for their continued partnership. Guests enjoyed fantastic refreshments provided by Wild Ride Brewing, Stoller Wine Group, and All Elements Catering.
We closed the night by celebrating our prize winners! Thanks to Jonny’s Joint and General Duffy’s Waterhole for the drawings, and a huge congratulations to our grand prize winner of two VIP passes to the '26 Summer Kickin Concert Series! To all our REDI Investors: Thank you for your commitment to this community. Your investment is what brings prosperity to Redmond. Cheers to more success in 2026!
Keep up to date with the latest developments with the Newberry Volcano Project here: https://mazamaenergy.com/ newberry/
For more information about REDI and the work we do visit our website and sign up for our newsletter here: https://www. rediinfo.com/
BUSINESS WITH THE LIBRARY
by Liisa Sjoblom, Redmond Community Librarian
Liisa Sjoblom is a Community Librarian with the Deschutes Public Library. If you have a business research need or help finding grants for your nonprofit, contact her at liisas@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-617-7093.
Small Business Support from SCORE and the Deschutes Public Library
Starting a business or looking for ways to grow the one you already have? Need guidance on business planning, marketing, or finances? Through a partnership with SCORE, the public library offers free support for entrepreneurs and small business owners through drop-in counseling sessions the third Tuesday of every month from 5:00 to 6:30pm at the Redmond Library
In addition, Liisa Sjoblom, Community Librarian specializing in business and nonprofit resources, is available at the Redmond Library on the third Tuesday of every month to help answer your questions. Whether you’re starting, expanding, or pivoting a business or nonprofit, this program offers research training, reference assistance, and access to a wide range of helpful resources. Library staff can help you locate relevant information, show you how to use it effectively, and connect you with appropriate agencies or organizations.
Business/Nonprofit Librarian Hours, April 21, 4:00-6:00pm SCORE Small Business Counseling, April 21, 5:00-6:30pm
All sessions are drop-in on a first-come, first-serve basis and last for 30 minutes.
Resource Spotlight: Gale Business Insights
Gale Business Insights provides international business information and offers a comprehensive, convenient way to find case studies, in-depth statistical data, and detailed research. Users can also compare global economies, countries, and industries. The resource includes more than 450,000 company profiles, MarketLine industry profiles, Thomson Reuters financial data, Plunkett reports, and more. You can try it today from home or the office using your library card.
Beyond the Books: Library of Things
What do a food dehydrator, video conference equipment, and a sewing machine have in common? They’re all available for check out from your library! The Library of Things continues to grow; we have roughly 200 "things" available for check out! There are too many items to list here, so be sure to browse the full collection in our catalog. Items can be checked out for up to three weeks. Library of Things kits vary by library location, so the next time you’re in your neighborhood library be sure to check out what’s available.
A Novel Idea Programs at the Redmond Library
A Novel Idea brings fresh, engaging stories to readers across Central Oregon. The idea is simple: choose a great book, connect the community through thoughtful and relevant programs, and wrap up the experience with free, accessible author visits. Here is a selection of adult programs at the Redmond Library inspired by this year’s pick, Supersonic by Thomas Kohnstamm.
The Library Book Club, April 2, 1:00-2:00pm
Discuss this year’s Novel Idea selection Supersonic by Thomas Kohnstamm.
Hendrix: An Evolutionary Force in Pop Culture, April 7, 3:304:15pm
Learn about one of the most influential guitarists of all time.
Building a Storybrand 2.0 by Donald Miller
Now, the classic resource for connecting with customers has been fully revised and updated, making it even more powerful to prepare you for today's challenges. In Building a StoryBrand 2.0, Donald Miller teaches marketers and business owners to use his fully revised system of the seven universal elements of powerful stories to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.
Your Best Meeting Ever by Rebecca Hinds
Meetings are outdated relics that waste time and harm collaboration. This book argues they should be designed like products. Using seven design principles and examples from major tech companies, it shows how to reduce unnecessary meetings, improve communication, measure what matters, and turn meetings into purposeful tools that drive work forward.
Needle Felted Mini Landscapes, April 8, 3:30-5:30pm
Needle felt your way to a view! Registration required.
From Reefer Madness to Legal Cannabis, April 13, 6:00-7:00pm
Explore the history, science, and road to legalization.
“Seagulls” in Central Oregon?, April 14, 3:30-4:30pm
Join an entertaining and educational talk about an unexpected bird.
My Father Created D.B. Cooper, April 17, 5:00-6:00pm
Hear from an Oregon Historian about the legendary “Sky Pirate,” D.B. Cooper.
Boeing: Military & Commercial Aircraft Maker to the World, April 20, 6:007:00pm
A concise history of Boeing and the 2027 Supersonic Transport.
Central Oregon’s Neighbor Nations, April 26, 11:00am-12:00pm
Get to know our Indigenous neighbors.
Klondike Era Potato Leek Chowder and Fry Bread, April 28, 5:00-6:00pm @ Arome
Learn how to prepare a hearty one-pot potato and leek chowder. Registration required.
Central Oregon’s Most Important Crop for Over 50 Years, April 30, 6:00-7:00pm
Learn about when potato was king with the Redmond Historical Society.
