04/25 RDM Business News by Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB

APRIL 2025

REDMOND CHAMBER PREMIER LEVEL SPONSORS

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

APRIL 2025

BY ERIC SANDE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SPRING IS HERE!

Welcome to April - spring has sprung! Each year I am excited to welcome spring and the new life that starts to pop up. It is a new year and a new season, and even the Redmond Chamber is entering a new season of self-sufficiency and reemphasizing our focus on our members. We will continue to strive to be an outstanding Chamber of Commerce and work to promote our members and community. We recognize the impact tourism plays in our community and to our members, and we will continue to serve visitors to Redmond and direct them to our Chamber members. Now more than ever your support and our focus on you will make Chamber membership an even greater value. This year we have added 25 new members since the start of the year. We are so excited to welcome all of our new members to the Chamber and to connect them to the Community. 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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RYAN CHURCHILL INITIATIVE BREWING PRESIDENT

JUDY LAPORA

CROOKED RIVER RANCH AND MAINTENANCE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

BRADY VELIKONIA

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY CENTRAL OREGON 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

• 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 an 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

DUSTIN HEWITT

BROKER - WINDERMERE REALTY TRUST PAST PRESIDENT

SEAN NEARY FITCH & NEARY PC

LAURA GARCIA MAZATLAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT

DEBBIE BUTLER REDMOND INDUSTRIAL PARK

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 tournament and other events.

• Have a booth at or attend the Central Oregon Business Summit and Expo.

• 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

SUSAN SIMONSEN AMERITITLE

MAARTY LEUNEN SUMMIT BANK

RANDY GRAVES REDMOND SENIOR CENTER

SUSAN BAKER

DESCHUTES COUNTY SOLID WASTE

BRANDI EBNER

DESCHUTES COUNTY FAIR & EXPO

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.

HANEY

Eric Sande Executive Director

Joe Luelling Events Director

JUSTY

Amanda

Connor Cubic Marketing Director Evelina Davidson Membership/Finance Director

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Bryant Emerson, LLC

StevenBryant 888 SW Evergreen Avenue, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-548-2151

www.redmond-lawyers.com

JenCourt Environmental Services LLC, dba Roto-Rooter Redmond, Bend Oregon Marsha Bour and Dawn Sherwood

335 SE Jackson St, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-389-2000

roto-rooter.com

Michael Brackenbrough 3826 Sw Cascade Vista Dr, Redmond OR 97756, US 5415279944

Tinshield.net

Lone Pine Legacy, LLC

Dana Beebee

8483 NW Lone Pine Road, Terrebonne OR 97760, US 541-610-7066

www.lonepineevents.com

First Community Credit Union

Matt Nicassio

2265 NW 4th St., Redmond OR 97756, US 541-382-7280

www.myfirstccu.org

MEMBER BYTES

Rimrock Trails

Rimrock Trails is proud to announce the receipt of a $10,000 grant from St. Charles Health System, which will contribute to the Peer Support Specialist Program. At Rimrock Trails, it is recognized that the unique contributions of each staff member are essential to the overall success of the organization. Staff members actively engage in leadership and program planning, as exemplified by the work of Peer Support Specialists. These individuals possess lived experience in overcoming substance use and mental health challenges. Their shared characteristics and experiences foster a sense of mutual identification, trust, and reliability for those undergoing treatment. Understanding the suffering caused by stigma and discrimination, peer support specialists are dedicated to upholding dignity and promoting equal opportunities for individuals in treatment. They work to reduce barriers to essential social services and emphasize an integrated approach to health and wellness. Funding from St. Charles Health System of $10,000 establishes a Peer Support Specialist fund to ensure that the clients in treatment can participate in essential enrichment activities and have access to basic need items that will assist them towards the relief of their mental health symptoms and success in recovery.

Rimrock Trails is proud to recognize St. Charles Health System as one of our top donors and a Hero of Hope Community Partner. Partnerships bring strength, and together, we are committed to building a healthier, stronger, and more hopeful community.

First Community Credit Union Groundbreaking Event

Join us as we break ground on our newest First Community Credit Union branch in Redmond, Oregon!

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: 2265 NW 4th St., Redmond, OR 97756

We invite community members, local businesses, and leaders to join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. Stop by to meet our team and learn more about our commitment to serving Redmond as we mark the beginning of a new chapter.

First Community has been proudly serving Oregon since 1957. With $1.7 billion in assets and 89,000 members, we are among the strongest

credit unions in the nation. As a federally insured, not-for-profit, fullservice financial institution, we are dedicated to helping our members and communities thrive. We offer the benefits of a large financial institution with personalized, cost-saving, local services that put our members first.

We believe in building strong relationships and supporting the communities we serve. As we expand to Redmond, we look forward to bringing financial solutions, local service, and community-focused banking to individuals, families, and businesses in the area.

This event is open to everyone—we’d love to celebrate with you!

Tickets Available for Redmond Kiwanis Vintner's Dinner

Tickets are available for the 19th Annual Redmond Kiwanis Vintner’s Dinner and Auction. The event is a week earlier this year on Friday, May 9, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1720 NW 19th Street, Redmond. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Maryhill Winery from Goldendale, Wash., will be the presenting winery for the five-course, wine-paired meal catered by Core Catering of Bend. Diners will have a choice of three entrees, chateaubriand, crab-stuffed sole or vegetarian.

Tickets are $125 each, or $1,250 for corporate tables of eight. Other sponsorships start at $500 and include two tickets. The event sold out in mid-April, so Kiwanis recommends early purchases this year. For on-line ticket sales and more complete information, log on to the Redmond Kiwanis website: www.RedmondKiwanis.org. Diners should be prepared to make their entrée choice as they purchase tickets. The dinner is the largest fundraiser for the service club’s youth projects. The major beneficiary of the event again will be the natural park at the Redmond Area Park and Recreation District’s pool and recreation center under construction in southwest Redmond.

River Run Lodge

Hello there! We're River Run Lodge, a wedding and event venue in beautiful Redmond, Oregon! Our newly completed deck and ceremony site overlooks the Deschutes River offering the best views in all of Central Oregon! Contact us today to host your next event with us! Be sure to check out our seasonal family friendly taphouse opening May 2025 for local beer, wine and the best pizza around!

REDMOND OREGON

Reserve Your Advertising Space Today

Promote Your Business in the Ofﬁcial Redmond Visitor Guide & Business Directory 2026

Reach locals, visitors, and businesses across Oregon with an ad in the Redmond Visitor Guide & Business Directory—the only ofﬁcial guide to everything Redmond has to offer.

Why Advertise?

Unmatched Reach: Distributed statewide to key visitor centers, hotels, and attractions. Plus, directly mailed to thousands of residents and businesses.

Year-Round Exposure: A two-year publication ensuring your business stays top of mind.

Diverse Audience: Connect with tourists, local residents, and business leaders seeking services, dining, shopping, and activities in Redmond. Proven Success: A trusted resource visitors and locals turn to for planning their Redmond experience.

We offer options for every budget and goal, from full-page ads to smaller placements. Our design team is available to help ensure your ad stands out.

Advertising with Impact

Your ad will be seen by thousands of potential customers who are actively looking for what your business offers.

Secure Your Spot Today

Email us at info@visitredmondoregon.com to learn more about rates, sizes, and deadlines.

Be part of Redmond’s growth and showcase your business in a guide that connects our vibrant community with the world.

Music on the Green, Redmond, Oregon’s beloved outdoor summer concert series, nestled right in Redmond’s backyard, is set to bring the community together once again with its exciting lineup of performances, starting June 25th.

Now hosted at American Legion Park, this series epitomizes the spirit of summer with its blend of live music, local food trucks, and craft and business vendors. Over the course of six concerts, attendees can look forward to a diverse array of musical acts, making it the perfect family-friendly event. Business vendors will be on-site as well, providing a great opportunity to learn about local enterprises and services.

Whether you’re there to enjoy the music, savor the food, shop for unique crafts, or simply soak up the atmosphere. Music on the Green is the event you won’t want to miss. It’s a chance to relax, connect, and make summer memories. So, mark your calendars for June 25th and get ready to experience one of Redmond, Oregon’s most anticipated summer events.

Redmond Business Summit –April

18, 2024 Empowering Businesses. Driving Innovation. Building Connections.

Join us on April 18th at the Redmond Business Summit, a premier event designed to equip businesses with actionable insights, innovative strategies, and valuable connections! This year’s summit features an expert panel of speakers tackling the hottest topics affecting our region, from economic trends and workforce challenges to AI, marketing strategies, and business growth solutions.

Get Your Luncheon Tickets Now!

Enjoy a networking luncheon with business professionals from across Central Oregon while gaining knowledge from industry leaders. Tickets are on sale now—reserve your seat before they’re gone!

Showcase Your Business – Booth Spaces Available!

Want to increase your business visibility? Sign up for a booth space and put your company in front of hundreds of professionals looking for connections, solutions, and partnerships. This is your chance to stand out, generate leads, and grow your brand!

Date: April 18, 2024

Location: Deschutes County Fair & Expo – North Sister Building Luncheon Tickets & Booth Registration: Click below

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and elevate your business at the Redmond Business Summit! Secure your spot today

By: Evelina Davidson

MEMBERSHIPupdate

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/memberlogin/#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 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

Tee

Up

for the 36th Annual Redmond Chamber Golf Tournament!

Mark your calendars! The 36th Annual Redmond Chamber Golf Tournament is happening August 15th, 2025, at the stunning Crooked River Ranch Golf Course—one of the most scenic courses in Central Oregon!

Calling All Businesses!

This tournament is not just about great golf; it’s about networking, business exposure, and fun! Become a Hospitality Sponsor and showcase your business while engaging with players throughout the day. From hosting a game at your hole to handing out swag or refreshments, it’s the perfect way to connect with local business leaders in a relaxed, high-energy setting. Spots are limited—sign up today!

Get Your Team Registered!

Gather your best golfing buddies or business colleagues and hit the green! Whether you're playing for fun or competing for bragging rights, this event is a can't-miss opportunity to enjoy a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition. Teams fill up fast, so don’t wait—register now!

We can't wait to see you on the course for a day of golf, great company, and community support. Let’s make the 36th Annual Redmond Chamber Golf Tournament the best one yet!

Champions for FAN

The 2025 FANtastic Tasting with Beyond the Vine raised over $50,000 for Family Access Network with the help of these incredible business sponsors:

Title Sponsor

Leader Sponsor

Partners for FAN

American Sprinklers

Eberhard’s Dairy Products

First Interstate Bank - Redmond

Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant

JCT 97 Storage

Friends of FAN

Cascade Natural Gas

Fitch & Neary Attorneys at Law

Gilmore Dental

Jeff Larkin Realty - Tara Doty & Lana Wittmer

Washington Trust Bank

Brian’s Cabinets

Newberry Landscape

The Oxford Hotel

Polar Bear Gas & Wash

Summit Bank

Redmond Industrial Park

Sleep Inn & Suites

Smith Rock Electric Alliance Professionals

In-kind Sponsors

Beyond the Vine Junction Roastery

Niblick & Greene’s

Redmond Chamber of Commerce

Redmond Kiwanis Club

Ridgeview High School: Cookies

Press Pros @ The Printing Post Voice Up, LLC

The Family Access Network improves the lives of thousands of children and their family members annually through basic-needs services across Central Oregon

To learn how you can help, call (541) 693-5675 or visit familyaccessnetwork.org

NEWS FROM Crooked River Ranch And The Firewise Recognition Program

- by Brenda Cooper

In the Crooked River Ranch community, property owners are encouraged to be proactive and participate with fire abatement on their individual property for the benefit of their property, their immediate neighbors, and the bigger picture the community itself. One thing the ranch community has implemented is the Firewise USA Recognition Program. This consists of community members working directly with Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue. The Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program empowers neighbors to work together in reducing the wildfire risks around their community. The program provides benefits such as learning how to prepare a ‘defensible space’ around their home and driveway. In these defendable areas, firefighters can move safely and effectively to protect their homes and property from a wildfire. Firewise USA program provides fire professionals who are there to assist residents in creating an action plan designed to help them reduce wildfire risks around their homes and neighborhoods. This program educates residents on what vegetation to use, where to plant it and how to manage all the vegetation around their home, helping them to create a more fire-safe environment. Firewise Communities staff are knowledgeable about potential funding assistance programs that may be a valuable resource to the community. Helping ranch members to be more focused on

wildfire preparation and planning is what the Firewise USA specialty is. Active ‘fire abatement’ and the Firewise USA program are two important action plans for proof that the Crooked River Ranch community is being proactive to protect its residents against the possibility of a wildfire. First and foremost, Crooked River Ranch has an outstanding well-trained fire and rescue department right here in the community, secondly ‘fire abatement’ is a highly recommended action that each individual resident can do on their own property and thirdly with the Firewise USA committee creating a specific evacuation plan for the ranch community. Again, focus is on tree trimming, vegetation, burnable materials, fuel tanks and much more along with obtaining funding to assist the community in the cost of ‘fire abatement’. Today there are more than 1,300 recognized Firewise USA Communities nationwide.

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.

Business/Nonprofit Librarian Oﬃce Hours

New program to get help with your business and nonprofit information questions. Do you need help starting, expanding, or pivoting a business or nonprofit? Liisa Sjoblom, Community Librarian specializing in Business and Nonprofits, will be available at the Redmond Library on the third Tuesday of every month to assist with your business or nonprofit questions.

Th is program offers research training, reference assistance, and access to a wide range of resources for business and nonprofit needs. Library staff can help you find relevant research materials, provide guidance on their effective use, and refer you to suitable agencies or organizations.

Third Tuesday of Each Month

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Redmond Library

Service Spotlight: Book-A-Librarian

Can’t make it to the Redmond Business/Nonprofit Office Hours? Try our Book-A-Librarian service that offers personalized, one-on-one assistance from a professional librarian, matched to your needs. Whether you're looking for research support, technology training, or a group presentation, our librarians are here to help.

We’ve expanded this service to include training sessions and speaker requests for groups. If you have a topic in mind that isn’t listed, feel free to ask. If we can’t accommodate your request, we’ll do our best to connect you with other resources. Inquire using our online form to get the support you need.

Beyond

the Books: Discovery Pass

Explore Central Oregon’s top attractions for free! A Discovery Pass grants admission for up to four people. Please note: Discovery Passes are limited and must be reserved online.

• Deschutes Historical Museum – Step back in time at the historic Reid School and explore Deschutes County’s past.

• High Desert Museum – Discover wildlife, history, and culture across 135 acres of exhibits and hands-on experiences.

• Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory – Explore nature by day and the stars by night at this unique destination.

Check out a Discovery Pass today and start your next adventure!

Novel Idea

Novel Idea programming begins in April! Th roughout the month, readers can explore ideas found in Murder by Degrees and The Queen of Ocean Parkway. A Novel Idea programming culminates with the final author event on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Summit High School, and a visit from the youth edition author on Saturday, April 26 at the Downtown Bend Library. All programs, including the authors’ presentations, are free of charge thanks to the support of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation.

NEW

books

Why Are We Here? by Jennifer Moss

Work has changed dramatically, with AI fueling job insecurity and DEI initiatives underfunded or canceled. The debate over work formats intensifies, and employee dissatisfaction grows. Jennifer Moss, author of The Burnout Epidemic, explores these shifts, revealing why work has evolved and highlighting successful leaders and organizations fostering positive cultures.

Inner Entrepreneur by Grant Sabatier

Inner Entrepreneur by Grant Sabatier guides readers on unlocking their entrepreneurial potential. Blending personal development with business insights, Sabatier provides actionable strategies for cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, overcoming self-doubt, and building a successful venture. The book encourages readers to embrace creativity, take risks, and pursue their passions confidently.

MARKETING memo

By: Connor Cubic

Your Customers Are Talking. Are You Really Listening?

Every support ticket, email, survey, or sales call holds something incredibly valuable: insight into what your customers actually want. But too often, that insight gets lost in the noise. Businesses that learn to listen beneath the surface don’t just improve service—they build better products, spark loyalty, and outperform competitors.

Success lies in spotting patterns, interpreting signals, and turning feedback into meaningful change. Here’s how you can unlock the full potential of your customer conversations—along with five powerful ChatGPT prompts to guide the way.

1. Uncover What Customers Really Care About

Customers rarely walk in the front door and announce their deepest frustrations. Instead, they hint. They complain about side effects, not root problems. They make offhand comments or ask questions that reveal more than they realize.

Instead of guessing what your customers need, get curious. Explore their challenges from their perspective. You’ll start identifying the real pain points that drive buying decisions.

Prompt:

“Help me analyze feedback from my customers to identify their most urgent needs. First, ask me questions about my product or service and who I serve. Then suggest five strategic questions I can ask during customer interactions to reveal unspoken concerns or priorities. For each, explain the psychology behind the question and how to interpret the answers.”

2. Read the Room: Decode Non-Verbal Cues

A raised eyebrow, a sigh, a distracted glance at a phone—these aren’t just background noise. They’re signals. During presentations or sales pitches, customers constantly communicate with body language, often more honestly than they do with words.

Most teams overlook this entirely, pressing forward with their planned pitch even as attention wanes. But those who learn to read the room and adjust in real-time stand out.

Prompt:

“I want to better understand how to interpret non-verbal communication during meetings and pitches. Create a guide that outlines key body language cues—like facial expressions, posture, and gestures—and what they might indicate. For each, give me a practical response I could use to steer the conversation without making anyone uncomfortable.”

3. Mine Emails and Support Tickets for Hidden Insights

Customer communication is full of patterns—recurring complaints, repeated feature requests, or emotional undertones that suggest underlying needs. But it takes a trained eye (and the right tools) to turn this raw data into strategic decisions.

Go beyond keyword tracking. Look for emotion. Look for what’s not being said. When you identify gaps between what customers ask for and what they actually need, you gain a competitive edge.

Prompt:

“Help me analyze customer communications to uncover trends and insights. I’ll provide sample emails or support messages. [Insert here] Start by asking about my goals and the type of insights I’m looking for. Then evaluate the messages for recurring themes, tone, frustrations, and improvement opportunities. Offer actionable recommendations based on the analysis.”

4. Empower Your Team to Be Customer Insight Collectors

Your frontline staff hears things you never will—from casual remarks during onboarding to frustrations voiced in support calls. But without a system for capturing and acting on that feedback, it slips through the cracks.

Build a lightweight, easy-to-follow process for gathering and sharing customer insights across your team.

Prompt:

“Help me create a practical customer insight system for my team. Start by asking about our business, team structure, and how we currently collect feedback. Then design a framework that includes: key signals to watch for, guiding questions staff can use, a process for documenting feedback, and a regular review system to turn insights into improvements.”

5. Validate New Ideas with Real Conversations—Before You Build

The best business ideas come from customer conversations, not whiteboard sessions. Before investing months into development, test your concepts in the real world. Share your idea, observe reactions, and refine your pitch based on genuine feedback—not assumptions.

Prompt:

“Guide me in crafting a conversation script to validate a new business idea. First, ask me to describe the concept. Then help me develop a conversational framework that introduces the idea, encourages honest reactions, tests for purchase intent, and uncovers objections. Include specific follow-up questions and tips for interpreting different types of feedback.”

Don’t Just Listen—Act on What You Learn

Your customers are already telling you what matters most. It’s your job to hear them—clearly, consistently, and with curiosity. Whether it’s through direct feedback, non-verbal cues, or hidden signals in their messages, the insights are there.

Use them to refine your offer. Solve real problems. And build a business they won’t want to leave.

ECONOMICupdate

Submitted by REDI Staff

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Award to be presented in June 2025

REDI CALLS FOR THRIVE AWARD NOMINATIONS

Redmond, Ore., (March 17, 2025) – Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is excited to announce the call for nominations for its annual Thrive Award. Launched in 2021, the Thrive Award aims to recognize and reward significant initiatives, programs, projects, or partnerships that have made a meaningful impact on economic development in the Redmond community. REDI seeks to publicly acknowledge individuals, organizations, and collaborations that play a vital role in enhancing the community's growth and vitality through their dedicated efforts.

Criteria for the award include:

Economic Impact: Demonstrates significant positive effects on community development through improvements in areas such as education, health and economic opportunities. Key economic impacts include job creation, expansion of the tax base, enhancements in education, workforce development, childcare support, business assistance programs, and foundational projects that foster long-term economic growth and success.

Community Impact: Secondary effects of the

project on the community, encompassing both anticipated and unexpected ripple effects that contribute to broader social and economic changes.

Innovation and Originality: The introduction of creative approaches in areas such as land packaging, property acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and financing methodologies.

Achievement and Results: The successful fulfillment of the organization's stated objectives, accompanied by measurable outcomes.

Community Relationships: The establishment of robust connections and engagement with the community, fostering widespread support and collaboration.

Relevance and Transferability: Aspects that have the potential for application in other communities, promoting adaptability and broader relevance.

Sponsored by Mid Oregon Credit Union, REDI was excited to hand out two Thrive Awards last year. One of the awards went to the Redmond Safe Parking Program, which

helps those experiencing houselessness by empowering those in need on a transitional basis and helping to build a local workforce. The second winner was the Dry Canyon Arts Association. The Association, through its educational programs, Lend Me Your Walls and first Friday Art Walk in downtown Redmond is testimony that a vibrant visual arts community contributes to a thriving economy by providing quality of life and livability through beautification.

Applications and further information about the Thrive Award can be found at https:// www.rediinfo.com/about-redi/thrive-award. Nominations are due by 5:00 pm, May 31, 2025. The winner will be announced at the 12th Annual Made in Redmond Tour on June 13, 2025.

About Redmond Economic Development Inc. (REDI)

Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1987 as a partnership between private business and the public sector to encourage economic development in the City of Redmond, Oregon. REDI’s Mission is to create prosperity through community and business development. rediinfo.com

INVESTORS:

About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.

Press Contact Mary Knight

REDI Admin, Marketing & Events Coordinator o. 541.923.5223 e. mary@edcoinfo.com

Boost Your Business Visibility with Website Advertising Opportunities

Are you looking to put your business in front of thousands of potential customers each month? The Redmond Chamber of Commerce’s website offers powerful advertising opportunities to help you reach professionals, influencers, and community members across the region.

Why Advertise on Our Website?

High Traffic: Our website attracts thousands of visitors every month, making it a robust platform for increasing your brand’s visibility.

Targeted Exposure: Reach the region’s most influential professionals, business leaders, and community decision-makers who turn to the Chamber as a trusted resource.

Custom Placement: Choose up to five pages for your ad to appear on, ensuring your message is seen in the most relevant areas of our site (subject to availability).

Affordable & Flexible Pricing

We offer two simple, effective ad placement options to suit your needs:

Full Banner (Top of Page) – $250 per month

Dimensions: 970 x 90 px

Format: PNG or JPG

Includes: 1 Link

Prime visibility at the top of the page for maximum impact.

Middle Page Square – $175 per month

Dimensions: 300 x 250 px

Format: PNG or JPG

Includes: 1 Link

Great for engaging viewers as they scroll through content.

Both options are priced per month, giving you the flexibility to tailor your campaign’s duration and budget. Plus, you can choose the pages that best align with your target audience for maximum effectiveness.

Ready to Get Started?

Take advantage of this opportunity to amplify your brand’s presence and connect with your ideal audience. To learn more about our advertising options and availability, Contact Us Today!