This bill recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce and honors its century of contributions to the economic and community development of Bend and Central Oregon.
Janelle Bynum
Representative
OR-5
This bill officially recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce in 2026, celebrating its century of service to the Bend and Central Oregon community. It honors the Chamber's vital role in the region's economic development, from its timber roots to its current diverse economy. The resolution commends the organization for its leadership programs and ongoing advocacy for business and community well-being.
Bend Chamber of Commerce Marks 100 Years: Resolution Honors Century of Community Impact
Alright, so you know how some organizations just become part of the fabric of a town? Well, this resolution is all about one of those, specifically recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. It's not a new law changing how you do business, but more of a shout-out, celebrating a full century of the Chamber's work in Bend and Central Oregon, tracing its roots all the way back to the Bend Commercial Club in 1926.
A Century of Bend's Backbone
This resolution essentially gives a historical nod to the Bend Chamber, highlighting its journey from the early days when Bend was a timber town. Think about it: 100 years ago, Bend was a very different place, and the Chamber was right there, helping local businesses navigate that world. The resolution points out how they advocated for sustainable forestry back in 1937, which, let's be honest, shows they were thinking ahead even then. Fast forward to today, and it's grown into one of Oregon's biggest chambers, representing almost 1,650 businesses, from your local coffee shop to tech startups. It’s a recognition of a long-standing player in the economic game of Central Oregon.
From Timber to Tech: A Guiding Hand
The bill specifically commends the Chamber for helping Bend transition from relying heavily on timber to building a diverse economy. We're talking tourism, outdoor recreation (hello, mountain biking and skiing!), advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and tech. For anyone who's seen Bend evolve, you know that shift didn't just happen by accident. The resolution also calls out their various leadership programs like Leadership Bend and Youth Career Connect, which are all about building up the next generation of local talent and leaders. Plus, it acknowledges their advocacy on tough issues like workforce housing, childcare, and infrastructure – things that hit close to home for pretty much everyone juggling work and family in Bend today. Basically, it’s a formal "thank you" for helping steer the economic ship through a lot of changes, supporting entrepreneurs, and trying to make sure the community keeps thriving.