The 2025 Oregon Main Street Conference on October 8 in Albany brought together community leaders, city staff, and volunteers from across the state to focus on one idea: keeping downtowns vibrant takes constant care. The presenter, Kathy LaPlante, is a longtime Main Street director. She reminded attendees “that downtown revitalization is never […]

This year, the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce has worked with Rural Development Initiatives to host a series of small group community conversations on three topics – Arts & Culture Economy, the Nature & Recreation Economy, and the Regional Small Business Economy. Please take 5 minutes to complete a survey from the Chamber […]

From the President I’d like to thank everyone who voted for this year’s board of directors. Approved at the August 29th meeting were Carol Tannenbaum, Jonnie Helfrich, Brittany Mason, Rosie Winters, Katherine K’iya Wilson, Erika Kappel, Dick Lauer, and Ken Engelman. Following the election, the board will elect officers, including the president, vice […]

Thanks to everyone who helped with this proposal to unite our rural communities along Hwy. 126. Following our three visioning sessions, the Chamber and Rural Development Initiatives will continue working together to secure more funding for the remaining phases, including community workshops and developing a regional leadership structure in the fall and […]

So far this year, I’ve met with several business owners to hear how they feel the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce can work with them. This ongoing process will help ensure that the business community will be a part of developing plans for responses to future events – like fires, storms, earthquakes, […]