mission statement...2020/07/07 · smart foodservice [email protected] • (541) 296-2265...
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT’S INSIDEResources ....................................02
Economics ..................................03
From the Board ..........................04
Investment Renewals ...............05
Business of the Month .............06
Ribbon Cutting ..........................07
All About The Cherry ..........08-09
Chairman’s Circle.......................10
Networking & Events ...............11
CGCC Skill Center ................12-13
Member Focus .....................14-15
MISSIONSTATEMENTTo provide value to our members
through advocacy and leadership,
promoting a vigorous economic
climate for business, community,
tourism, and education.
J U LY 2020
www.TheDallesChamber.com
R E S O U R C E S 2INVESTORSDIAMONDGoogle
PLATINUMMid Columbia Medical Center
GOLDU-Haul Co. of Oregon Hire ElectricCity of Moro
SILVERBeau Toi Day Spa & SalonBlue Barn & RV Park Inc. Brown Roofing CompanyCamp’s PlumbingCampbell Phillips PCCheri Belander Real EstateCity of The DallesCGCC Columbia RIver Dental CareCousins Country InnDiscover RentalsEllson Heating, AC, & DuctGorge Athletic ClubsGorgeUs ToursGOBHIHelping Hands Home Care NWHoliday Inn Express & SuitesInsituISU - The Stratton AgencyLast Stop Hotel & SaloonLilo’s Hawaiian BBQNorth Wasco County SD21One Main FinancialOregon Veteran’s HomePlatinum Marketing & DesignRivermark Community Credit UnionSatori Shilo InnSkycam Construction, Inc.StaplesSteamtrain GlassUnion Pacific RailroadWasco CountyWilson Orchard and Vineyard Supply
CHAMBER STAFFLISA FARQUHARSONPresident/[email protected]
BOARD OF DIRECTORSCHAIR: CONNIE FORD Zim’s Brau [email protected] (541) 296-2368
CHAIR-ELECT: MEGAN THOMPSON Cascade Cherry [email protected] (541) 980-6753
PAST CHAIR: ANDREW MYERSPeachey Davies and Myers, [email protected](541) 296-6375
TREASURER: JENNIFER GONZALEZ One Main [email protected](541) 296-4666
SECRETARY: MINDY MCHALE Hire [email protected] (541) 296-5574
DIRECTORS
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS
SHANNON RED CLOUD Pure Yoga [email protected] • (541) 296-5414
BILL TIMINISKY BET Construction, [email protected] • (541) 980-2886
ANDREW STANEK Spooky’s [email protected] • (541) 298-2211
BRIAN LAUTERBACHWindermere Real Estate Columbia River [email protected] • (541) 298-4451
JEFF NICHOLSJeff Nichols CPA [email protected] • (541) 769-1157
TERRY COBBCobblestone [email protected] • (541) 467-2262
JOHN GRANTSmart [email protected] • (541) 296-2265
LAURIE LIGHTFreebridge [email protected] • (541) 769-1234
ARYN RASMUSSENColumbia Gorge Regional [email protected] • (509) 767-0005
LINDSEY BRADYToasted [email protected] • (541) 300-8088
COURTNEY JUDAHColumbia Gorge Community [email protected] • (541) 506-6101
SHAWN WILKINSONAuction [email protected]• (541) 296-1012
STEVE KRAMERWasco County [email protected] (541) 506-2524
DAVID GRIFFITH Port of The [email protected] (541) 296-2271
NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
LISA RUNDELL Office [email protected]
JESSIE LAMPCommunications [email protected]
E C O N O M I C S 3YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALSU.S. SENATOR JEFF MERKLEY107 RussellSenate Office BuildingWashington D.C. 20510(202) 224-3753www.merkley.senate.gov
U.S. SENATOR RON WYDEN223 DirksenSenate Office BuildingWashington D.C. 20510(202) 224-5244www.wyden.senate.gov
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE GREG WALDEN1282 RayburnHouse Office BuildingWashington D.C. 20510(202) 225-6730www.walden.house.gov
OREGON GOVERNOR KATE BROWN160 State CapitolSalem, OR 97301(503) 378-6827www.governor.oregon.gov
OREGON SENATOR LYNN FINDLEY900 Court St, NE S-403Salem, OR 97301(503) [email protected]
OREGON REPRESENTATIVE DANIEL BONHAM900 Court St, NE H-483Salem, OR 97301(503) [email protected]
OREGON SENATOR BILL HANSELL900 Court St, NE S-423Salem, OR 97301(503) [email protected]
OREGON REPRESENTATIVE GREG SMITH900 Court St, NE H-482Salem, OR 97301(503) [email protected]
BUSINESS STATISTICS
WEBSITE STATISTICS
CHAMBER VISITORSLOCAL TOURISM
LODGING REPORT
PERMITS
WASCO COUNTY LABOR FORCE
MAY 2020Chamber Walk-in Count ..................................10Incoming Phone Calls ......................................99Facebook Impressions .......................... 169,746
MAY 2020 Visitors... .............................................. ..........2,240Page Views...............................................5,298
MAY 2020 LOBBY CLOSED
QUOTES FROM OUR GUESTBOOK: “Lots of information love this place” “Helpful and friendly staff” “We love it out here” “Loved the Neon Sign Museum and shop”
MAY 2020Columbia Gorge Discovery Center ...... ClosedMaryhill Museum of Art ......................... Closed Old St. Peter’s Landmark ........................ ClosedWonderworks Children’s Museum ....... ClosedThe Dalles Wasco County Library ......... ClosedThe Dalles Farmer’s Market ................... ClosedSunshine Mill ............................................ ClosedRorick House ............................................. Closed
% OF OCCUPANCY/MAY 2019 2020Wasco County .................72.8% .........40.7%United States ..................68.6% .........33.1%
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 2019 2020New Construction ................................................................................. 30 .........................................78Additions ................................................................................................ 14 .......................... ..............11 Alterations .............................................................................................. 15 .........................................13
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS 2019 2020New Construction ................................................................................. 17 ........................................ 7 Additions ..................................................................................................5 ......................................... 3Alterations .............................................................................................. 13 ......................................10(County) Construction Value .......................................................$1,772,598 ................. $874,185
Source: Building Code Service Department
LABOR FORCE STATISTICS 2019 2020Civilian Labor Force .......................................................................... 12,620 ..........................12,000Unemployment Rate Seasonally Adjusted ................................... 4.2% ............................. 14.6% NON FARM PAYROLL EMPLOYMENTTotal Nonfarm .................................................................................... 10,300 ......................... ...8,210 Trade Transportation & Utilities ......................................................2,050 ............................. 1,820 Leisure and Hospitality ......................................................................1,370 ................................ 710
GOVERNMENTFederal Government ........................................................................... 290 .................................. 280State Government ............................................................................... 260 ........................... .......250 Local Government ..............................................................................1,430 ............................. 1,320
Source: Oregon Employment Department
NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
MOST VIEWED PAGES: 1# Home Page, 2#Support Your Local Restaurants, 3# Chamber Webinars, 4# Business Directory, 5# Fishing in The Dalles
MAY
MAY
I am not seeing any improvement on the Covid-19 cases. In fact, the numbers are increasing. Thus, more restrictions, as we continue to move ever so slowly toward everyone re-opening. I know that this is very frustrating for everyone and I am hopeful that we don’t slip backward. More restrictions would make it nearly impossible to provide good service, making it an enjoyable experience for the customers and the staff while still making a decent living with fewer tables.
With all of the racial turmoil that is taking place in our nation right now, it is hard to believe that this is America. C’mon people! My pastor reminded me of the chorus that we learned as kids in Sunday school: “...Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight: Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
This time of year, we need to extend congratulations to all of the 2020 graduates. Our schools and community really stepped up to help the students get recognized. WELL DONE, graduates, as you begin a new chapter in your lives.
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce website has everything you need to know about Covid-19 guidelines. Plus, PPP loan and EIDL loan information.
July is ALL ABOUT THE CHERRY! Watch the Community Connector for more details about where to vote for your favorite window display. Try all the specials on the Cherry Trail and don’t forgot to find all those wooden cherries. The more you find the more chances you have to win that gift basket valued at over $300. Don’t forget to enter the the great cherry bake off photo contest! So many ways to get involved!
Until next time, keep pressing forward!
Connie FordZim’s Brau Haus Restaurant & Sports BarChair of the BoardThe Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce
F R O M T H E B O A R D 4NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
HELLO EVERYONE!
Columbia Gorge Mentoring ProgramMeet Flora Gibson! Flora is a new intern working at The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. She comes to us from the Youth Success Program through Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC). This amazing program allows students to get real work experience paid for through the college.
The CGCC Youth Success Program is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This program offers eligible youth, ages 16 to 24 years, an opportunity to participate in training for certificate and degree programs thatwill assist them in obtaining marketable skills for employment in their desired field of study, or to explore careers and enter the workforce in their chosen profession.
CGCC Youth Success provides eligible students a full array of support services to assist them to reach their fullest potential. This unique program gives students real world experience in their chosen field through a partnership program with local employers.
If you know a youth that would be perfect for this program, or if you are an employer that may be looking for an intern, contact Matt Fitzpatrick at 541-506-6042 or Teresa Cummings at 541-506-6041.
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce thanks CGCC for the opportunity to be a part of this program. We encourage our members to contact Matt or Teresa to get signed up for this prospect to help your business and the youth of our community!
I N V E S T M E N T R E N E W A L S 5NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
MAY 2020 INVESTMENT RENEWALSThank you for your investment in The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. We are proud of our
business partners and community. We are here to work with and for you. Your support makes it possible for us to keep working hard for our community!
Bishop Sanitation Septic Service & Portable Toilet Rentals
Life Flight Network, LLCTake Two Live Musical EntertainmentWilson Orchard and Vineyard Supply
Blue Barn & RV Park IncCornerstone Church
Nikki Culver, Independent Scentsy Consultant
Post Canyon Coffee RoastersSign Age
The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center
Tierra de Lobos WineryThe Pines Tasting RoomCoastal Farm and Ranch
Columbia Laser Skin Center Clock Tower Ales
Pathfinder Writing and Career ServicesDean Dollarhide State Farm Insurnace
Windermere Real Estate Columbia River Gorge
Columbia Gorge HondaGorge Wine Library
Frutas Locas y mas, LLCFirst Interstate Bank
United Way of the Columbia GorgeTwisted Waters Guide Service
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'9 LegalShield. Legal Protection for Home Buyers and Sellers
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B U S I N E S S O F T H E M O N T H 6
The small business of the month program is designed to recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by small businesses within The Dalles community. The goal of the monthly award is to highlight a small business and give them extra marketing exposure to aid in growing their business.
We asked Spooky’s Pizza Restaurant, our 2019 Business of the Year, to select the Business of the Month. The business is selected based on their quality customer service, willingness to go above and beyond and overall impact to our community.
CONGRATULATIONS SALVATION ARMY!
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH BROUGHT TO YOU BY...
Spooky’s Pizza Restaurant
The business of the month for July is The Salvation Army! The Salvation Army is in the business of giving and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic they have not waivered. Our local Salvation Army continues to house the homeless, provide food boxes for people in need, provide hygiene kits, plus emotional and spiritual support. The Salvation Army has been quick to respond in helping and giving support to those within our neighboring communities who need assistance in Wasco and Hood River counties. The Dalles Salvation Army has offered support to many families providing prepackaged emergency food boxes available in a “drive thru” model. They have provided spiritual hope to many by offering Sunday sermons available through LIVE Facebook viewings. The Salvation Army is dedicated to meeting all human needs in every respect. Our community thanks you for all that you do now and always!
R I B B O N C U T T I N G S 7NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
JUNE
Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Opportunities From The Dalles Community PartnersGoogle, MCEDD, and The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce collaborated to create The Dalles Small Business Relief Fund to provide immediate grants to qualifying small businesses in The Dalles impacted by COVID-19. The Relief Fund received funding of $35,000 from Google Data Center, The Dalles.
The Relief Grant is open to all qualifying applicants; applicants do not need to be Chamber members to apply. The Chamber will act as the fiscal agent for the Relief Fund and will manage all contributions. A committee will review all applications and make all decisions regarding dispersal of grant funding.
The application and more detailed criteria will be made public with a press release, email, and social media announcement 9:00 am Monday July 6th and will be open through Friday July 10th at 5:00 pm.
The following details and parameters define the Relief Grant’s initial round:
·Total number of grant recipients will be capped at 35·Standard grant award: $1,000
Businesses meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:
·“Brick and Mortar” businesses·Current business license number with the State of Oregon·Demonstrated negative financial impact from COVID-19·10 or fewer FTE (full time equivalent) employees
Tum-A-Lum Lumber240 Terminal Avenue | The Dalles, OR 97058
(541)296-5414 | www.tumalum.com
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce had so much fun at Tum-A-Lum Lumber’s “board cutting” last month! Thank you for inviting us to help you celebrate your new remodel. If you haven’t stopped by Tum-A-Lum Lumber to see the new changes yet make the time to do so today.
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IT ’S ALL ABOUT THE CHERRY 8NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
July is All About The Cherry! Get out and hunt for those wooden cherries, try the specials on the Cherry Trail and check out all the amazing window displays. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite! Thank you Columbia Bank and Columbia Gorge Toyota & Honda for sponsoring this event and making it all possible.
Present You
The Cherry Bake Off Photo ContestCalling all bakers! Do you love cherries? Do you love cooking? This contest is for you. Join The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the cherry by entering the cherry cooking contest. For the month of July we will be picking 4 winners (one each week). To be entered to win, submit your recipe and a photo of your entry. We will pick a winner each week at random. Week 4 will be a Chef’s Cook off and we want our local restaurants to join us! The winner of each week will have their recipe and photo shared on social me-dia and will receive a $25 gift card to a local business. The cham-ber will compile all the recipes and create an ebook. We can’t wait to see what you create with that amazing fruit, the CHERRY.
Ready, get set, bake!!!
All About The Cherry
Week 1 - DessertsWeek 2 - AppetizersWeek 3 - Main or Side DishWeek 4 - Chef’s Week
All the fun starts 4th of July
IT ’S ALL ABOUT THE CHERRY 9NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
The Great Cherry HuntJoin in The Great Cherry Hunt and search for the wooden cherry hidden in local businesses. Once you find the cherry, take a picture or let the clerk know you have found the wooden cherry. You will be given a sticker for participating and will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket valued at over $300. One entry per business is allowed so be sure to find them all to increase your chance of winning!
Window Decorating ContestTime to get out and vote for your favorite window display. Take a walk around town and check out all the amazing window displays. Once you have seen them all vote for your favorite. You can vote for your favorite at thedalleschamber.com/all-about-the-cherry/. The winner will be chosen by the community. The top three displays will win a prize.
1st Place: 3 months Website Banner Ad & Cherry Gift Basket
2nd Place: 3 months of Newsletter Ads & Cherry Gift Basket
3rd Place: 1 month Newsletter Ad & Cherry Gift Basket
The Cherry TrailDon’t forget to check out The Cherry Trail! Look for our list of cherry specials on our website. Help celebrate the cherry and support local businesses by trying all the cherry specials. Whether it is a cherry cocktail, a cherry dessert, or a special discount for wearing red, you are sure to have a sweetheart of a time! Help support our local spots and celebrate this amazing fruit.
C H A I R M A N ’ S C I R C L E 1 0NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the Chairman’s Circle. There are only 10 spots available at the table. Only one industry respresentative will be allowed. This group with bring community members together to create a conversation of change and improvement. Not only will this program provide you amazing advertising power, it facilitates a quarterly leads and economic development opportunities group. If you have a desire to create real change and build a stronger community this group is for you! Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation! If you have questions please call the chamber at 541-296-2231. We are always happy to help!
These are the benefits for Chairman’s Circle members:
Chairman’s Circle |$2500 Logo prominently displayed in every chamber newsletterLogo prominently displayed (with a link to your site) on the front page of the chamber’s websiteShared monthly through the chamber’s social media marketingLogo prominently displayed at all major chamber networking functionsLogo displayed in our annual business directory and visitors guide starting in 2021Logo displayed in signature line of every chamber employee emailLogo included in our marketing campaigns when feasible
Special Chairman’s Circle membership badge to display on your website and social mediaA 30-second video interview posted on the chamber’s social mediaIndividual business e-blast and social media post when you joinLimited to 10 member businesses, first commitment honored per sectorOne privately hosted reception per year with other Chairman’s Circle membersQuarterly leads and economic development opportunities
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has some exciting new networking opportunities on the horizon. Be watching for details about a new platform that will make our networking
events feel just a little more natural. A big shout out to Columbia Bank for making the purchase
of this software possible. At The Dalles Chamber we are always working
on better ways to serve and deliver for you, our partners! Watch our weekly e-blasts for more
details coming soon.
Exciting New Software Arriving Soon at The Dalles Chamber
300 x 600 pixels -
$200 per quarter
Website Sidebar
If you are interested in advertising on our website or any of our other
Publications, please send your artwork to
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce is here to work WITH and FOR you.
Website Square Ad
300 x 250 pixels -
$175 per quarter
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce | [email protected] | 541.296.2231
N E T W O R K I N G & E V E N T S 1 1UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS
The Dalles BeautificationVogt Fountain
300 East Scenic DriveThe Dalles, OR 97058
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Willow + Bark Boutique as members! We encourage everyone to take a minute and visit Willow+Bark Boutique the next time you are out shopping our downtown. Thank you Willow+Bark Boutique for your continued investment in the chamber and our community!
GET TO KNOW OUR MEMBER
THURSDAY
095:15 PM
It has been a year since Willow + Bark Boutique opened. They opened their doors on June 7, 2019 in a tiny 300 square foot room and in just a few short months, they were able to expand their business into the newly renovated American Legion Building in downtown The Dalles.
It has been a very busy year, full of many challenges and accomplishments. Who would have ever thought a pandemic would have had such an enormous impact on our businesses and livelihoods? These are interesting times and more than ever, we need to pull together as a community and support each other and our local businesses.
Willow + Bark Boutique would like to thank each and every one of you who have supported them throughout this first year and those who continue to show support. They are continuously growing the store’s merchandise and hoping to offer more variety in the days to come. They have lots of ideas for new products, so stay tuned for more styles and new updates!
NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
C G C C S K I L L S C E N T E R 1 2NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
When Columbia Gorge Community College requested Oregon Legislative support to build a skills training center back in 2013, it didn’t expect to be launching construction amid the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Yet that’s turning out to be the case, and if history is any indication, the new facility – scheduled for groundbreaking this summer – will be opening just in time to help displaced workers rebuild their lives.
Meanwhile, a second facility will help address the critical need for affordable student housing. The skills center, to be located on The Dalles Campus, will expand the college’s welding program into a state-of-the-art metal fabrication program. The new building, made possible through state legislative funding and the financial commitment of community partners, will also support a construction trades program and aviation maintenance training.“The expansion is designed to meet two longstanding unmet needs,” said Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, college president. “The first is a skills gap in our Mid-Columbia region, where employers have been unable to hire and retain employees with the right skills to help their companies grow in a competitive marketplace. The second need was the college’s own lack of suitable instructional space for industrial arts, carpentry and other trades of high demand in our region. The skills center will help us address both of these shortfalls.”
Likewise, the 2020-21 capital construction program will help address another critical shortage in the region, for affordable housing. Students seeking to enroll at the college have struggled with this challenge for years, as many live with friends and family – some even sleeping in their cars, according to a demand study the college completed in 2018.
In response, the college sought and received permission from Oregon Department of Justice to use a portion of construction funding on student housing. This will comprise approximately 50 beds in a new, two-story structure on The Dalles Campus.
“It’s so crucial for the sustainability of the college, and a much-needed addition for the community, whether in regards to the skill center or student housing,” said Kim Morgan, college board chair. “I have been a champion of this from the beginning, and I’m so happy we are going to be breaking ground soon, and greet this new era for our college. I believe that without this, Columbia Gorge Community College would have stagnated. I could not see that happen.”
Construction of the skills center and residential hall will proceed simultaneously starting in July. Completion is scheduled for the summer of 2021. The skills center will be located just west of the Ft. Dalles Readiness Center, adjacent to the campus access road. The residential hall will be downslope in the center of campus, overlooking the outdoor amphitheater.
The Oregon Legislature allocated $7.3 million for the project, contingent on dollar-for-dollar match through non-state funding. The college achieved that match in February 2019, thanks to commitments of $3.5 million from Wasco County and City of The Dalles, together with the college’s own full faith and credit bond. No new tax measure was required. The city and county share are made possible through an enterprise fund derived from the Google data center development at Port of The Dalles.
“We are excited for the opportunities this new facility will provide to both our youth as well as
our adults,” said Scott Hege, Wasco County Commission chair. “Providing training for a
career in the trades is essential and a great path for many in our region. We look forward to this facility being open to serve this need.”
“The City of The Dalles is pleased to partner with Columbia Gorge Community
College in an endeavor that will provide high-quality education and meaningful
workforce training for our citizens,” said Julie Krueger, city manager. “Supporting this project,
which will so positively impact our community, is an excellent use of enterprise zone funds. The skills
center and housing projects are well aligned with the city council’s goals of partnering with entities to improve coordination of services, promote economic development opportunities and enhance community livability.”
The Port of The Dalles is another key supporter, providing a $1.5 million low-interest loan to support construction pending enrollment in the new training programs.Other critical support came from North Wasco County School District, which is designated as a formal partner by the Oregon Legislature to foster the transition of high school students into community college, and Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue District, where an apprenticeship program will benefit from the campus housing project. Both the school and fire districts supported college access to the enterprise fund, ahead of their own priority projects.
“Supporting this project provides a worthwhile impact to our community and is a step forward in further enhancing Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue’s student volunteer program,” said Chief Robert Palmer. “The skills center, housing project and future paramedic program are well aligned with the fire district’s goals of collaborating with entities to improve
C G C C S K I L L S C E N T E R 1 3service levels, promote economic growth and further enhance the community environment,” Chief Palmer added.
A single project team is responsible for developing the skill center and residential housing: In addition to college leadership, these are project manager PlanB Consultancy of Lake Oswego; architect Opsis LLC of Portland; and construction manager / general contractor Bremik Construction, also of Portland.
“The design team here at Opsis, along with our partners at NAC Architecture, are excited to be involved with such an impactful project here in the Gorge” said Steven Nelsen, an associate principal at Opsis LLC, which has designed career-technical training facilities for community colleges and school districts across Oregon and Washington. “The Treaty Oak Skills Center will create much-needed space allowing the college to expand important educational opportunities for the regional community. The new student housing will help ease a very different demand for affordable housing while enhancing student life on campus.”
Project team members completed design development on both facilities in February and are now completing construction documents. College staff are working with community partners to establish a ground-breaking date for early July.
As it did with its previous major capital construction project in 2008, the college will be posting a live webcam link once construction begins. Meanwhile, Columbia Gorge Community College continues to offer all regular instructional programming, albeit almost entirely through distance education because of COVID-19 restrictions. The college plans a phased return to in-person classes later this
year, in accordance with state directives.
NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has
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M E M B E R F O C U S 1 4NEWSLET TER JULY 2020
At a time when so many Oregonians are experiencing hardships, Rivermark is pleased to be able to offer additional support to the Oregon Food Bank.
On June 2, 2020, Rivermark donated $10,000 to support its efforts to meet the unprecedented and growing needs of our communities. But that doesn’t come close to bridging their gap.
IF YOU CAN DONATE, PLEASE DO.Not all families or businesses are in a position to give right now. The effects of the COVID-19 crisis have been far and wide. But if you have been spared from the severe impacts of this crisis, supporting the Oregon Food Bank is one of the most direct and significant ways you can provide support for people who have been hit hardest.
RIVERMARK’S COMMITMENT TO RELIEVING FOOD INSECURITYRelieving food insecurity is one of Rivermark’s three pillars of community giving. Along with housing insecurity and protecting children’s health, they think addressing hunger is one of the most important things they can do for our community.
In late February and early March, before the social distancing guidelines were in place, Rivermark’s generous employees and members contributed over 102,000 pounds of food during the KGW Great Food Drive -- a campaign they have been proud to sponsor for the last four years.
When the shut-down closed the Oregon Food Bank donation centers, Rivermark partnered with the local nonprofit JOINPDX to get the food out immediately to those in need. JOINPDX is an Oregon Food Bank distribution partner focused on serving those experiencing homelessness, and member of COVID-19 Mutual Aid Network.
JOINING TOGETHER, WE CAN EMERGE STRONGERTheir commitment continues as we all face challenging times. And they are confident that the generous spirit of our community will allow us to move past these difficulties and emerge stronger.
RIVERMARK CREDIT UNION & OREGON FOOD BANK PARTNER
NANA I KE KUMA OPENS STUDIO & GALLERY
Please consider a donation to the Oregon Food Bank today. Thank you Rivermark Credit Union for helping our communities as we navigate these difficult times. Together we can make a difference!
Nana I Ke Kuma has opened their studio and gallery at their new location on 413 East 2nd Street in The Dalles. Here is a little history on Theo and Imma.
Theo Ward and Imma Royal are Indigo Travellers LLC, teaching the joy of being human- simple methods to enjoy life.
Theo Ward began his journey on the largest family owned ranch in the United States, where he spent most of his life on a horse, herding sheep. He learned to walk with the Earth and understand the rhythm of the seasons as it relates to the life and birth cycles of the sheep. His gentle nature found another purpose after retirement from ranch life, when he stumbled upon an experience of continuous peace for six hours. From this point forward, he began to study the ancient wisdom to articulate that experience. His studies brought him to Hawaii for six years, where he studied Neural Linguistic Programming, wisdom of ancient Hawaii from the lineage of Kahunas and the natural rhythm of death through hospice work.
Imma Royal began her journey with 15 plus years in the mental health field. A near death experience propelled
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her to seek the occult, that which is hidden, with fervor. She found peace at a Buddhist mediation retreat before meeting her kindred spirit, Theo.
In 2004, Theo and Imma joined to form Indigo Travellers, LLC, where they studied Astrology, Tarot and Meditation. Imma continued her individual studies to receive a Master of Social Work and became a Yoga Instructor. She brings a focus that is trauma informed with a lens of attachment theory.
They have opend Nana I Ke Kumu- return to the source- Studio and Gallery. It brings to the community: Yoga, Life Coaching, Astrology, Tarot and Art. Its mission is Building Communication and Community. Stop by their space today and find out more about what they bring to our community.
MID-COLUMBIA SENIOR CENTER STILL MAKING MASKSThe Mid-Columbia Senior Center has stayed busy making masks. To date they have made over 2,800 masks that they have donated. The quilters club has continued to work away in the background. They are modest and have
been quietly working to meet the demand. Most recently they answered a need for 150 masks. The call came from local nurses who needed masks in a variety of sizes. They answered the call happily, making 3 different sizes for nurses to give out to children! If you would like to help support the quilters at
The Center they ask that you make a donation to the Mid-Columbia Senior Center!
You can now find their masks at The Dalles Farmer’s Market. This Saturday make sure you visit The Dalles Farmer’s Market, and while you are there buy a homemade fabric mask to help support Mid-Columbia Senior Center!
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce would like to give an extra special shout out to Corliss Marsh, who made us cherry masks to help show our community spirit for July. Don’t forget that July is All About The Cherry! Thank you Corliss for your hard work and kind heart.
Thank you to Mid-Columbia Senior Center and especially the quilters club, our community is so blessed to have such caring, hardworking citizens. To say we are proud would be a huge understatement. Keep doing what you do best! Please consider donating to the Center so these amazing folks can keep impacting lives.
404 West Second StreetThe Dalles, Oregon 97058(541) 296-2231www.thedalleschamber.com
AFFILIATED WITH:Associated Oregon IndustriesOregon State Chamber of CommerceOregon Festivals and Events AssociationTravel OregonColumbia Gorge Visitors AssociationOregon Tour & Travel AllianceColumbia Gorge Arts & Culture AllianceUS Chamber of CommerceAssociation of Chamber of Commerce ExecutivesWestern Assoction of Chamber Executives
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