This week at the Chamber, we are focused on both progress and supporting one another.

We continue to advocate for our community by writing letters of support to help local organizations secure grant funding for important projects that strengthen our region. This work is critical to ensuring continued growth, opportunity, and resources for the place we all call home.

We are also preparing for a full lineup of Wednesday Business Connection luncheons in April, featuring forums on local and state races that matter to our business community. These forums are designed to help you stay informed, engaged, and ready as we head into the upcoming elections.

Upcoming event is the Oregon’s Bay Area Home Show 2026 - Presented by Primal Property Management, on April 24-26 at the Pony Village Mall in North Bend. Friday 4pm-6pm (5-7pm Afterparty with the Chamber AFTER HOURS). Saturday 9am-6pm - Family Day, ends with Balloon Drop of Prizes. Sunday 10am-4pm - First Responder Vets & Seniors Day.

At the same time, our Chamber family is grieving the unexpected loss of one of our members. Like many of you, we are still processing this loss, and our hearts are with their family, friends, and colleagues.

If you are looking for ways to support, there is an active meal train being shared on Facebook, donations are being accepted at Banner Bank, and a GoFundMe has been established. If you need help finding this information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber.

This is what makes our Chamber so special—we show up for each other. In both celebration and in hardship, our members stand together and lift one another up.

As always, our business is helping your business!

Our Wednesday Business Connection luncheons continue to be one of the most valuable ways for our business community to stay informed, connected, and engaged.

Last week, we had the honor of presenting the Coos County Sheriff’s Office with a $4,161 donation gathered from Chamber members during our Annual Awards Banquet. Sheriff representatives shared how meaningful that support is—not only because the funds will help purchase much-needed equipment for the SCINT team, but because it reminds their department that the business community values the work they do every day.

The Sheriff expressed sincere gratitude, saying that with current funding shortages, fewer officers, and fewer resources, departments are being forced to find creative ways to continue providing public safety. He also shared that this donation lifted morale and reminded their team that their service matters.

Looking ahead, April’s Wednesday Business Connections will feature important public forums designed to help our members and community stay informed before the upcoming primary elections. These conversations matter, and informed voters make stronger communities.

Join us most Wednesdays at KoKwel Casino Resort Coos Bay, and be sure to check your email updates or visit on Facebook or on the Community Plus app on the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce page for the latest schedule and topics.

As always, our business is helping your business!

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We are kicking things off this Friday March 13th with a ribbon cutting for Coastal Photo Studio, 785 Virginia Ave in North Bend at 4:00 PM. Ribbon cuttings are always a great reminder that new ideas, entrepreneurship, and investment continue to grow in our community, and we encourage everyone to come help welcome Stephani’s creative new business.

Then next Friday, we will gather again at 4:00 PM for another ribbon cutting—this time for Acting Up inside Pony Village Mall. It is exciting to see new energy and creativity continue to fill local spaces, and these celebrations matter because they show support for the people choosing to invest right here in our region.

On Thursday, March 19, join us for Business After Hours at Coos Art Museum from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This will be a wonderful evening featuring student art on display, along with food, beverages, and the opportunity to connect with fellow business and community leaders. Business After Hours remains one of the best ways to strengthen relationships while exploring the unique places that make our community special.

And while March is busy, we are also looking ahead to one of our biggest annual events—the Oregon’s Bay Area Home Show happening April 24–26, presented by the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Primal Property Management. Planning is underway now, and we are actively looking for vendors who want to showcase their products and services. If your business wants visibility, direct customer interaction, and strong community exposure, this is your opportunity. Get more information at oregonsbayarea.org

Spring is bringing momentum, and your Chamber is proud to keep creating opportunities for businesses to be seen, celebrated, and connected. We hope to see you at these upcoming events as we continue creating strong roots and sharing in our growth.

Annual Directory Distribution & Business After Hours Celebration

What a fantastic evening celebrating our Annual Directory Distribution and Business After Hours at North Bend Lanes Back Alley Pub!

Our Chamber Board members hit the streets delivering the brand-new directories — hot off the press — directly to our members. There’s nothing better than personally thanking the businesses that make our community strong.

The celebration was a huge success and very well attended! A big thank you to North Bend Lanes for the delicious pizza and to Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay for the beautiful cake featuring our stunning 2025 Directory cover — a breathtaking sand dune photograph captured by talented local photographer Steve Ryan. It was truly a sweet way to celebrate!

If we happened to miss your business during deliveries, please stop by the Chamber office to pick up your copy — and grab a few extra for your lobby while you’re here.

We are incredibly grateful for our members and the energy you bring to our business community. We hope to see you at our Wednesday Business Connection luncheons every Wednesday at 11:30 AM.

Because at the Bay Area Chamber…

Our business is helping your business.