The Chamber Minute

From the Desk of Rosey Thomas

In for another Chamber Minute, this is Rosey. With so much division popping up everywhere, I want to remind you of one simple truth: our business is helping your business.

Through economic ups and downs, that mission never changes. The Bay Area Chamber is your connector, to people, businesses, and resources. We’re here to support you with advertising opportunities, networking events, and access to the tools you need most.

Our Community Profile and Directory is more than just a member listing, it’s a guide to business resources, resources that offer advice and funding to job training and retraining. Thinking about expanding, or even starting a new business? We’ll connect you with the right partners to help you succeed.

Oregon may not always feel like the friendliest place for business, but here in our rural community, we make up for it by pulling together and keeping our economy strong.

Join us at Wednesday Business Connection luncheons 11:30am to 1pm at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort most weeks, September through May. Call the Chamber office for details, visit oregonsbayarea.org, like us on Facebook, and heart us on the Community Plus app.

Because We are creating a stronger tomorrow together!

From the Desk of Rosey Thomas

Rosey here. I’m speaking to you today with a heavy heart and genuine concern for our rural business community.

Yesterday, the Oregon House passed HB 3991, a transportation funding bill that now heads to the Senate. While it’s intended to fund critical infrastructure and stave off layoffs at ODOT, it also carries provisions that hit rural areas—like Coos County—especially hard:

· Fuel tax increases: the state gas tax jumps from 40¢ to 46¢ per gallon, starting in January.

· Registration and title fees rise sharply—including an extra $30 for electric vehicles.

· The payroll tax doubles from 0.1% to 0.2%, albeit temporarily, adding direct costs to businesses and workers. EV and hybrid drivers will now face a per-mile road usage charge, unless they pay a flat annual fee.

· The Governor gains the authority to appoint the ODOT Director, reducing legislative checks and oversight.

Let’s be clear: this package places the burden squarely on hardworking businesses and their employees in our rural communities to address problems—like graffiti cleanup and transit funding—that originate elsewhere.

Here in Coos County, I’m representing 450+ businesses. I can’t help but worry: How many of them can survive these hikes? How many jobs are at risk as businesses scramble to adapt? How many families will see shrinking paychecks while the cost of living keeps climbing?

Despite this, we will not stand down. At the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, we will continue fighting for a fairer deal. We’re not waiting for Salem’s timeline—we’re acting now:

· We’re redoubling efforts in education and business development, because a strong local economy builds resilience.

· Our Wednesday Business Connection Luncheons (11:30 am–1 pm, September through May at KoKwel Casino Resort) remain a lifeline for networking, support, and collective action.

· And yes—Jolene and I are already gearing up for our Platinum Productions presents “Rosey Knows” videos, with it’s Platinum members, up first Cardinal Services. Then onto Halloween at the Chamber… “the Chamber of Candy” initiative, where last year we welcomed 1,000+ kids. Filming begins now, and our community spirit remains unshaken.

There’s plenty to do—both in Salem and at home. Together, we’ll ensure rural Oregon’s voice is heard and our businesses thrive even in the face of tough policy.

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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

Ready to strike up some fun? The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to bring back our annual “Taking Care of Business” Bowling Event on Thursday, August 21st—and you’re officially invited!

Every year, the amazing team at North Bend Lanes BackAlley Pub & Grill treats us to a night of high-energy fun, complete with their state-of-the-art lanes, a delicious dinner, and a vibe that brings out the best (and funniest!) in our business community.

I’ll be your emcee for the evening once again—cheering, taunting, and boosting the fun as teams compete for glory… or infamy! Will your team walk away with the Strikers First Place Trophy? Or will you claim the title of Stinkers? Maybe you’ll win Best Dressed—yes, we have prizes for all three!

Here’s what’s in store:

· Bowling Tournament for teams of 4 to 6

· Dinner provided by North Bend Lanes Back Alley Pub & Grille

· Cornhole Tournament out back to keep the fun rolling

Whether you’re competitive or just in it for the laughs, this is a fantastic way to bond with coworkers, network with fellow professionals, and blow off some steam.

Spots fill up fast, so grab your team and register today at oregonsbayarea.org.

We’re taking care of business—and having a blast doing it. That’s what building a stronger tomorrow, together is all about!

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Hi friends, it’s Rosey with your Chamber Minute!

At the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Team Rojo has been preparing for Coos County Fair and Rodeo; where we will have a booth on Friday passing out our Chamber Coins for Kids! Don’t miss your chance kiddos! 9am to 4pm on Friday ,July 25th. Get your Leadership Coos applications turned in seats are filling up fast for a September start! Hopefully, you are all enjoying the sun and each other! Life is too short to pass up a good July Sunny day. Make the most out of it. Wednesday Business Connection (WBC) Luncheons will also return in September with business-friendly programs being planned now. Don’t forget our regular Ribbon Cuttings & Business After Hours each month…See you soon Chamber Friends!

Summer is in full swing, and your Chamber calendar is packed! Visit www.oregonsbayarea.org to stay in the loop. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up:

“Taking Care of Business” Bowling Tournament at North Bend Lanes Back Alley Pub & Grill on August 21. Team up for fun, prizes, dinner, and upgraded tech on the lanes. Register your team now on our website!

As always, our business is helping your business—so stay connected! Like us on Facebook and us on the Community Plus App.

Until next time,

Creating a Stronger Tomorrow Together

—Rosey

From the Desk of Rosey Thomas

Hi friends, it’s Rosey with your Chamber Minute!

Oregon’s legislative session wrapped up this past weekend, and your Chamber’s Legislative Action Team (LAT) has been working tirelessly to keep our business community informed and engaged every step of the way.

Throughout the session, we hosted weekly calls with our local legislators, diving into the bills and policies that directly impact businesses here on the South Coast. From tax proposals and tourism funding to transportation and liability protections, our team has been advocating for common-sense solutions that support growth, not burden it.

A heartfelt thank you to the 20+ business leaders, partners, and advocates who’ve shown up each week, asked tough questions, and helped make sure the voice of our community was heard loud and clear.

While the session has officially ended, we’ll continue sharing updates this week as final decisions come into focus and more information rolls out. Your Chamber will keep you posted—because staying informed is key to staying ahead.

Remember: Our Business is Helping Your Business.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, heart our page on the Community Plus App, and subscribe to our YouTube channel @BayAreaChamberofCommerceRoJo.

From the Desk of Rosey Thomas

In for another Chamber minute - its Rosey! The New Year is here and your Bay Area Chamber Team is gearing up to make our Annual 2025 Community Profile  and  Directory a SMASHING SUCCESS, with over 5,000 copies distributed in and outside of the community! It’s just another VERY cool benefit our members receive, having their business listed in the beloved colorful directories here at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

We just finished our annual Economic Outlook Forum on Housing and  Development, and it gave us Hope in Housing! Seeing all the different agencies coming together to work on all sides and levels of housing, plus, hearing from developers and our cities on their priorities and ways to work together was VERY inspiring!

Our Business Development Committee is starting their Business Builders Series of classes FREE for businesses on January 9, 2025 at the Newmark Center, upstairs in Room 201. These expert-led monthly series aims to educate business owners, managers & employees to help your businesses thrive. Register ahead for one or more of the workshops. January 9 workshop will be “The Power of Partnerships.” You can sign up on the link at the top of our Facebook page or visit https://tinyurl.com/SWOregonSBDCclasses.

Finally, Save the Date  for January 25, 2025, for our Annual Awards Banquet where we will Honor our 2024 Citizen and Business of the Year, and much more! Joanna Goslin, local Comedian, will be our Emcee and we will have live music and a wonderful dinner. We look forward to seeing you there.  

“Remember our business is helping your business!” Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, heart our page on the Community Plus App, and now subscribe to our YouTube channel @BayAreaChamberofCommerceRoJo.

From the Desk of  Rosey Thomas

Wow, this month is going by quickly! I have two BIG announcements and/or reminders today. We hope everyone enjoys their Holiday time with loved ones, of course, spend every minute you can with those you love - it is good for the soul!

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for our Bay Area Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, where we will honor our 2024 Citizen & Business of the Year! Save the Date for

January 25, 2025! Nominate someone worthy, today! Check your inbox or go online at oregonsbayarea.org to nominate someone by December 31, 2024.

And...it’s back! The RETURN of the HOME SHOW at Pony Village Mall, coming this April 25-27, 2025 we are bringing back this beloved community event! Chamber members get EXCLUSIVE First access to Sponsorship opportunities and Vendor spots. Call the Chamber today at 541-266-0868 or check your inbox for details. Oregon’s Bay Area Home Show

(Home Outdoor Merchants Expo) is BACK! Merry Christmas to you and yours this season and remember “our business is helping your business”. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, heart our page on the Community Plus App, and now subscribe to our YouTube channel @BayAreaChamberofCommerceRoJo.

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