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This week, Jolene and I just returned from training with the Western Association of Chamber Executives, where Chamber leaders from across the Western states came together to share ideas, challenges, and solutions.

We spent time digging into the issues that matter most to Chambers and businesses right now — effective advocacy, avoiding burnout in small but mighty teams, new ways to support local businesses, and best practices for events, marketing, and member engagement. Learning alongside peers who are doing this work every day helps strengthen how we serve you at home.

Now we’re back and putting those ideas into action. We’re already deep into legislative conversations with our Legislative Action Team, keeping a close eye on bills that impact our local business community and making sure we stay engaged and informed.

This year’s theme is Stronger Roots, Shared Growth, and that’s exactly what this work is about — learning, connecting, and advocating so our businesses, our Chamber, and our community continue to grow together.

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Awards Banquet Recap

This past weekend, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to host our Annual Awards Banquet, and what an incredible evening it was—with 320 people in attendance, celebrating the very best of our business and community leaders. Steven Duarte from the South Coast Shopper sang the National Anthem for us, and brought people to tears with his rendition!

We were honored to recognize Pacific Seafood as our 2025 Chamber Business of the Year, and Sommer Skogman of Midwest Coast Flooring as our Chamber Member of the Year. Our Citizen of the Year award went to Scott Cooper of Alternative Youth Activities (AYA), recognizing his outstanding service to our community.

We also proudly presented the President’s Award to Lisa Miller Farr of Farr’s Hardware for her dedication and leadership, and the Prefontaine Award to Bodey Lutes, a former Marshfield High School student whose perseverance and achievements inspired everyone in the room.

The evening was a powerful reminder of why the Chamber exists—to bring people together, celebrate success, and support those who are making a difference. A heartfelt thank you to KoKwel Casino Resort for their wonderful service and hospitality, and to everyone who joined us to make the night so special.

As we move forward into 2026, we do so energized and grateful—for our members, our volunteers, and a community that believes in supporting one another.

Because our business is helping your business.

We are collecting Teddy Bears at the BACC Office, located at 145 Central Ave; Through February 17th you can donate, Teddy’s will be tossed out at the Men’s Basketball game at SWOCC Feb 18th to benefit Kids HOPE Center.

Rosey here for another Chamber minute. As we move into an exciting season at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, we’re looking forward to one of our most anticipated events of the year—our Annual Awards Banquet. This special evening brings our business community together to celebrate leadership, innovation, and the people who make our region thrive. We hope you’ll join us as we honor outstanding businesses, community leaders, and install our new Board members.

Last Friday night, I also had the privilege of serving as a judge at Pitch Night, a fantastic program hosted by South Coast Development Council. Five local entrepreneurs took the stage, pitching innovative business ideas to a packed room at Nobe’s Taphouse. Every presenter walked away with funding, and even more importantly, encouragement and momentum. All five are receiving Free Chamber memberships and will be using their membership as a launchpad to turn great ideas into thriving businesses right here in our community.

As the short legislative session approaches, the Chamber continues its work advocating for business-friendly policies and representing your voice.

Now is the perfect time to get involved with your Chamber, because… ”our business is helping your business.”

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce attended Senator Jeff Merkley’s recent town hall in Coos County as part of its ongoing commitment to represent and advocate for the regional business community. While the discussion during the town hall focused primarily on broader national and social issues, the Chamber recognizes the importance of ensuring that the concerns of local employers particularly small and rural businesses are consistently elevated in policy discussions.

The Chamber continues to hear from members that the cumulative impact of taxes, fees, and regulatory requirements is creating significant strain on business operations. A key concern raised by local employers is Oregon’s Corporate Activity Tax (CAT), which is assessed on gross receipts rather than profit. This structure requires businesses to pay the tax before accounting for core operating expenses such as rent, payroll, utilities, insurance, and supplies, disproportionately impacting businesses operating on thin margins.

Chamber members consistently express that they want to do the right thing pay fair wages, comply with regulations, and contribute their share to the community and state. However, policies that do not account for profitability or regional economic realities can unintentionally penalize growth, reinvestment, and long-term sustainability, particularly in rural and coastal communities.

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to serving as a constructive, solutions-oriented voice for the business community and will continue engaging elected officials and partners to advocate for fair, balanced, and sustainable economic policy. As always “Our business is helping your business” Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Heart our page on the Community Plus App, also on LinkedIn and YouTube@bayareachamberofcommerceTeamRoJo

New Year, New Energy

January marks a brand-new year, and the Bay Area Chamber is starting strong! This month, we’ll gather for our Annual Awards Banquet and Member Meeting, where we’ll install our new Board Members and honor the Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and outstanding community leaders who make our region shine. This is your Chamber, and we expect our members to be there! Register now at oregonsbayarea.org.

We’re also excited to welcome back for its second time, a long awaited returning favorite—the Home Show, returning to the Pony Village Mall April 24th through 26th. Another great way we’re connecting businesses and the community.

And today—don’t forget—it’s the drawing for our Shop Local Baskets! Thanks to NW Natural, two outdoor fireplaces—stuffed with goodies from many Local Chamber Members shops —are heading home with lucky local shoppers. The Winners drawn today were Krisha Rasmussen from CCD Business and Mariss Stevens from National Real Estate.

Plus, WBC – Wednesday Business Connection is back and January 14th will be the State of the Cities address, featuring North Bend and Coos Bay with Mayors Engelke and Benetti.

There’s always something fun happening at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce—because our business is helping your business!

In for another Chamber minute is Rosey, The Chamber is Turning 45 today! It has been 45 years since Coos Bay and North Bend Chambers merged into a Chamber with a Bigger Voice in Government, By joining forces Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston businesses all banning together to take care of the rural business community here on the South Coast. So Happy Birthday to our Bay Area Chamber of Commerce! Your reputation representing businesses is very important to us! With year 2 of Chamber Certification training under my belt, we are more powerful than ever and stepping into what matters most for our community. Supporting not only our many non-profit members, but the Mom and Pop shops, and our larger businesses employing so many! We support you all and are here for your issues and your celebrations. We will continue educating and keeping our members informed about happenings important to business. We WILL continue honoring our Legacy businesses achieving 50 years or more in business. So if you haven’t reached out to us yet, please know my door is open and you can call anytime as well. Let’s sit down and chat. We WANT TO HEAR from you! As always “Our business is helping your business”

Don’t forget to like us on FB and heart our page on the community plus app.

Thursday 5-9pm Aug 21st, Its time for Taking Care of Business at NB Lanes and BackAlley pub & grille…..Teams forming now at oregonsbayarea.org