Dear First name / Friend, Well, can ya feel it? It's a new year, let's get it started right. Come share your ideas and meet your new Chamber President, Board Members and Partners at the OWC Coffee Kick-Off! on January 31st at Mane Street Coffee (drinks on us!). We have a new events calendar, new website, new benefits for our members… and most importantly, we're feeling a renewed surge of energy and excitement about what this year will hold - like the awesome NEW small biz grant opportunity that opens next week (read on to learn if you qualify and how to apply) and the once-a-year BIG opportunity to promote your business in the Eugene Cascades & Coast Official Guide (details below). There are so many ways we can all work together to elevate our OW communities and everyone who lives here (not just business owners and Chamber members, ya know?) If that strikes a chord within you too, would you start by filling out this short 6-question survey for us? Please and thank you! Now we're gonna kick the year off with some gratitude: The Oakridge Westfir Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Cities of Oakridge and Westfir for TRT contributions over the last few years. These funds have allowed the OWC to hire a part-time administrator, write grants, participate in community beautification projects, complete the new website, and grow both our newsletter and social media audience, in addition to being able to organize networking events and educational events opportunities for new and existing businesses. As 2023 kicks off, these contributions will continue to help us grow a strong partnership with local businesses, expand regional tourism marketing, and help shape economic development in Oakridge and Westfir communities. - Alissa Mayer Executive Assistant to the Oakridge/Westfir Chamber of Commerce PS - when you're posting or sharing awesome photos or content about our area in social media, let's all use the hashtag #stOakridge to boost our collective online presence! |
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Welcome to our newest Chamber Members |
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Been thinking about getting involved and joining the OW Chamber? We have membership levels for individuals ($25) non-profits ($50) and businesses ($125) and we'd love to have you! Get featured in newsletters like this one, in our Business Directory & social channels too! |
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Have you heard? The Events Calendar on the new Chamber site is open to EVERYONE to post local events, and it's super exciting to finally have one calendar to rule them all… or at least, that's our vision. ;) Below, find Member events coming up in the next couple of weeks (this is the Chamber of Commerce newsletter, after all). To see the complete calendar, visit our website. |
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Don't see your event? We can't do this alone! Please Submit your events online!!! It takes just a couple minutes to do (and everyone is eligible to submit local events, not just paid chamber members)! |
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New OR Grant Program Debuts to Assist Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19! |
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Grants will be awarded between $2,500 - $30,000 per business. Microenterprises whose owner meets who meet low- and moderate-income (LMI) criteria can qualify for up to $10,000 in grant funding. Small businesses can qualify for $2,500 per LMI employee retained up to $30,000 in funding. Eligibility Requirements: A microenterprise (five or fewer employees) or small business (more than five employees) that: - Was in business prior to March 8, 2019
- Can document COVID-19 impact (lost revenue, mandated closures, workforce issues, supply complications, etc.)
- Was generally stable/strong prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Has an owner and/or employees who meet low- and moderate-income (LMI) criteria
This program will launch on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and will close on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Applications for this grant program will be processed on a lottery basis. At the time of application closure, all submitted applications will be randomized and processed. To register and apply, visit www.ccdbusiness.org/oregonsbma. |
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TLC Promotion Opportunity!!! |
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- The guide is an ideal resource for visitors, business travelers, sporting event spectators, and is also an excellent resource for newcomers relocating to the region.
The City of Oakridge and the Oakridge/Westfir Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Community Page in the 2022/23 Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Guide. Limited Space Available - First Come First Serve - Single Tile: $185
- Double Tile: $370
Materials Needed · Horizontal Photo – JPG or PNG format · 35-word description · Business name, address, phone number, website Publication Details - Guides print March 2022
- Invoice sent April 2022
As Eugene’s official visitor information resource, 120,000 guides are delivered to consumers and newcomers via state-wide visitor centers, lodging properties, major attractions, travel planners, local employers, realtors, and regional meeting & convention services professionals – It’s also mailed FREE of charge by request and can be viewed 24/7 as a page-turning digital edition with live links to advertiser web sites. . |
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Stay tuned for more next month! Our Best, |
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- your ALL-Volunteer Oakridge/Westfir Chamber Board of Directors |
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PS - This newsletter is a free monthly resource, but you can go deeper and get involved by joining the O/W Chamber - individuals, non-profits and businesses are all welcome. Please consider becoming a member today. PPS - We'd love to have you in our network! If you're reading this online or someone forwarded this to you, make sure you are subscribed to this monthly email newsletter by CLICKING HERE! |
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