Thursday, February. 23, 2012 Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 205 Riverside Dr., Ste. A. Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97601. Ph: 541.884.5193
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2009 Press Releases

Klamath Energy Forum
December 2009

Saturday January 23, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

$10 registration fee includes Wubba's lunch, with a choice of vegetarian or meat
Participants are asked to bring a donation (food or check) for the Klamath-Lake County Food Bank

The public invited to the Klamath Energy Forum on Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 9 am to 1:30 pm at the Community Health Education Center (2210 North Eldorado Avenue). Presenters will help explain the difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation, the value of energy audits and how energy dollars are misspent by lack of information. Keynote speakers will include Elizabeth McNannay, Outreach Director for Energy Trust of Oregon, and Gloria Kellar, Energy Educator for the Klamath Basin Senior Center.

Attendees are asked to choose one of the following breakout sessions for more specific information:

After the breakout sessions, the presenters will share key questions and answers raised during the breakout sessions. Tom Chester, Director of the Oregon Renewable Energy Center (OREC) at OIT, will present ideas about building community awareness in energy conservation and efficiency. The forum will close with a lunch and a chance to talk informally with the presenters.

Registration is $10 and includes Wubba's lunch with a choice of vegetarian or meat. Scholarships are available. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the Klamath-Lake County Food Bank. Interested parties are asked to register prior to the forum. For more information, contact Leslie Lowe at 882-6509 or email inharmony46@charter.net.

This forum is sponsored by: American Association of University Women, Amerititle, Andy Cooke, Diamond Home Improvement, Eco-Solar, Energy Trust of Oregon, Home Depot, Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, Klamath County Economic Development Association, Klamath-Lake Community Action Services, Klamath Sustainable Communities, League of Women Voters of Klamath County, Sky Lakes Medical Center, Washburn Way Building Products

Registration Form (PDF, 12k)

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2009 Snowflake Parade Winners
December 2009

Rich in tradition and ingenuity, the 2009 Snowflake Parade marked the 26th anniversary of the Snowflake Festival. "This year was our largest Snowflake Parade so far. We had 104 different organizations and individuals enter the parade," said Courtney Forney, a member of the parade committee. The parade theme was Snowflake Fantasia. Rachael Spoon of the parade committee said, "We encouraged the parade entrants to make their floats magical and whimsical and they didn't disappoint. The creativity displayed in the parade definitely set the bar high for next year."

"The success of the annual Snowflake Parade is dependent on the support and participation of the community. I continue to be amazed and thankful for the number of people who support this event," said Jennifer Sanborn, parade committee member. The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce and its parade committee would like to thank the many businesses, clubs, churches, bands and individuals that entered the parade.

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Announces Annual Award Gala Event Sponsor
November 2009
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce announced today that South Valley Bank & Trust has become the event sponsor for its 89th Annual Awards Gala scheduled for January 23, 2010 at the Ross Ragland Theater. South Valley Bank and Trust has committed to sponsoring the gala for the next five years through 2014. Bill Castle, President & CEO, states, "It's an honor for South Valley to host the Premier Corporate Sponsorship of the Annual Chamber Awards Gala for a five year term. It's important to ensure the future success of such a significant event. The Gala serves as a venue to acknowledge the many vital and determined businesses that co-exist to prosper our community."

The Chamber's Executive Director Charles Massie says, "South Valley Bank and Trust has generously sponsored our annual awards ceremony since 2005. I am pleased they are continuing their participation." The event has changed venue this year and will be held at the Ross Ragland Theater. Each year the Chamber presents awards at the annual gala including Distinguished Service, to an individual in an organization who has done extraordinary work on behalf of Klamath County in economic development; First Citizen, to an individual who has dedicated countless hours of service to Klamath County and our communities; and the Member of the Year, to a member of the Chamber of Commerce who has given extraordinary support to the Chamber, its events, programs, membership and the community.

The 89th Annual Awards Gala is scheduled for January 23, 2010, at the Ross Ragland Theater. Tickets are on sale now for $25 per person. For more information please call the Chamber at (541) 884-5193.

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce to Host Victorian-Themed Holiday Open House
November 2009
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual holiday open house on December 18th from 4 to 7 pm. This year's event will be a Victorian-themed celebration sponsored by Servpro of Klamath and Lake Counties. "This event is our way of saying thank you to our members and the community," says Charles Massie, the Chamber's Executive Director. The open house will feature food, fun, and networking. Appetizers and drinks will be provided by local businesses and the public is invited to attend.

During the event, representatives for the Marines Toys for Tots program will be in attendance accepting donations. From today through December 18th, the Chamber will serve as a donation point for the Toys for Tots program. Mr. Massie says, "Helping with the Toys for Tots drive allows us to give back to our community by helping children in need experience the joy of Christmas." You can help by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at the Chamber offices, 205 Riverside Drive, Suite A. All toys are provided to children in our local community.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce has served Klamath County since 1905. It is a member-based organization made up of businesses and individuals who work together with the Chamber to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional, and cultural life of our county. Membership is available to businesses (including non-profits) and individuals. If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber, call (541) 884-5193, visit the website www.klamath.org, or email heathert@klamath.org to schedule an appointment or request a membership packet.

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 2009 Membership Campaign
November 2009
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is holding a membership campaign October 1st through December 31st, 2009. The Membership Campaign spotlights the vast array of benefits making Chamber membership a must-have for companies that want access to new customers, area information, and local/state/national government. Executive Director Charles Massie says, "We are proud of the programs and benefits we provide to our members and the impact we make in the business community." With nearly 600 members strong and growing, the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for information, networking, and advocacy. With its many programs, the Chamber is also a vital marketing resource for any business.

Heather Tramp, the Chamber's Marketing and Program Coordinator, says, "Membership with the Chamber has never been more valuable to local businesses and we'd like to see more businesses take advantage of the many benefits we offer." She added the Chamber needs the support of the community to continue to have a strong voice for Klamath's businesses. Heather stated, "The Chamber needs equal representation from every sector of the business community to effectively make a difference. I encourage any one who is not a member to contact us and learn more about our organization." Heather also pointed out that new members immediately receive advertising and promotions valued at over $1500. These promotions include a write up in Basin Business (distributed in every issue of the Herald and News) and a directory listing on the website which receives 3,000+ hits per week. Additionally, during the membership campaign, the Chamber is offering prizes to new members.

During the membership campaign, the Chamber urges current members to recruit at least one new member to help strengthen the organization and make advocacy efforts in Klamath County and throughout the state even stronger. For each new member recruited by December 31st, the recruiter will receive one entry to win prizes including free advertising and other items to help promote their business. Any member who recruits 3 or more new members will be eligible to win VIP tickets to the Chamber's Annual Awards scheduled for January 23, 2010. The VIP tickets will include a night's stay at the Best Western Olympic Inn and limo transportation by Exquisite Limousine. The Chamber will recognize the recruiters in future issues of Basin Business.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce has served Klamath County since 1905. It is a member-based organization made up of businesses and individuals who work together with the Chamber to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional, and cultural life of our county. Membership is available to businesses (including non-profits) and individuals. If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber, call (541) 884-5193, visit the website www.klamath.org, or email heathert@klamath.org to schedule an appointment or request a membership packet.

Contact: Heather Tramp 541-884-5193 

City of Klamath Falls to Proclaim "Klamath County Chamber of Commerce" Week
October 2009
Mayor Todd Kellstrom and the City of Klamath Falls has proclaimed October 26th through the 30th "Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Week." Chamber President Darin Rutledge said of the proclamation, "We are very pleased that the City of Klamath Falls has formally recognized the Chamber's value in the community. As our staff, board and membership set off to introduce the Chamber to prospective business members, the timing of this announcement couldn't be better."

To celebrate, the Chamber has planned events to showcase its new office, its membership, and the benefits to being a chamber member. Festivities will begin with a ribbon cutting for the Chamber's new offices on Monday, October 26th at noon. On Tuesday, October 27th, the public is invited to "Business After Hours" from 5 to 7 p.m. The Chamber will wrap up the week by hosting "Greeters" on Thursday, October 29th from 8 to 9 a.m. These events will all be held at the new Chamber office located at 205 Riverside Drive, Suite A. The events are free and open to the public. Details can be found on the Chamber's website.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is holding a membership campaign from October 1st through December 31st, 2009. Through the campaign, the Chamber hopes to increase membership while increasing awareness of Chamber activities and its members. The Chamber offers important benefits including access to local and state leaders, educational programs, and networking opportunities. Executive Director Charles Massie says, "We are proud of the accomplishments of our chamber and our members. We want to take the next few months to celebrate these accomplishments while reaching out to non-members. Many may not understand all of the benefits that come with Chamber membership and our goal is to change that." During the campaign, the Chamber will offer additional incentives and prizes to both new and existing members. The campaign will include special events that will be open to the public. Dates, times and locations will be announced and posted on the Chamber website - www.klamath.org.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce has served Klamath County since 1905. It is a member-based organization made up of businesses and individuals who work together with the Chamber to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional, and cultural life of our county. Membership is available to businesses (including non-profits) and individuals. If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber, call (541) 884-5193 or email heathert@klamath.org to schedule an appointment or request a membership packet..

More Flu Activity
September 2009
With an increasing number of students missing school and employees staying home from work because of flu-like symptoms, Klamath County Department of Public Health is urging employers and businesses in the county to get prepared for more flu activity.

Although H1N1 and seasonal influenza may only last a week or two, if you are an employer, create a plan to ensure your essential work can get done if a large number of your workforce is absent for a long period of time. Consider cross training your employees to cover critical job positions. When people are ill, find ways to reduce personal contact, such as increasing use of e-mails or phone conferences.

Toolkits to help businesses create a written plan and prepare for the impact of H1N1 influenza in the workplace are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. The documents are titled Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Businesses and Employers and Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business.

Classic Car Show to Benefit Integral Youth Services Project
May 2009
Integral Youth Services (IYS) and the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce are partnering on a Classic Car Show featuring vehicles from the annual Nevada Rides Car Tour on June 1st. The event will be held in the evening at Shilo Inn, IYS will provide BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings and sides, proceeds will benefit IYS' planned tech center.

Seventy five or more classic vehicles will be on display and the drivers will be available to answer questions. The Nevada Rides Classic Car Tour was started in 2005 by a small group of friends who wanted to do something different: tour in their classic cars and put on car shows, but help people at the same time. As they travel to various small towns, they support charitable organizations and give 100-percent access to their vehicles.

IYS is using the event to kick off a capital campaign for the construction of a new Technical Education Center. This center will house programs that assist young people in discovering work focus interests and develop skills that offer strong employment potential. In particular it will have hands-on programs such as small engine repair, vehicle maintenance, auto/truck engine repair, construction and welding.

The youth that IYS works with do not have access to this type of program, and yet are the type of youth who would do well in these types of careers. IYS is a fifth of the way toward constructing the building and furnishing it with tools. To date the property has been donated by the City of Klamath Falls and IYS has received monetary donations that will allow the project to begin. All proceeds from the Nevada Rides event will contribute towards the purchase of a car lift.

For more information call the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce at 541-884-5193 or Integral Youth Services at 541-882-2053.

Chamber of Commerce is Proud to Announce Theme for 5th Annual Fourth of July Street Fair & Parade
March 2009

"Today's Achievements, Tomorrow's Opportunities"

"Today's Achievements, Tomorrow's Opportunities" will be the featured theme for this year's Fourth of July Street Fair & Parade. Klamath Falls downtown will celebrate our nation's birth with live music on the Courthouse steps, snow cones and patriotism. This is a wonderful way to spend the 4th of July with family and friends and best of all, attendance is FREE!

We are currently seeking vendors, parade entrants, entertainers and volunteers. For more information regarding these opportunities, please contact the Chamber Office at 541-884-5193.

Oregon universities holding contractor sessions for stimulus construction projects
March 2009

Sessions to be held in Portland, Salem, and Klamath Falls, February 26 to March 5th

To expedite $88 million in "shovel ready" capital construction projects on the seven Oregon University System (OUS) campuses funded in the state economic stimulus package, the Chancellor's Office will be offering contractor outreach sessions to encourage local bidding by firms. Projects will commence within the next few months on all of the OUS campuses: Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University.

On February 5, 2009, Governor Kulongoski signed Senate Bill 338, referred to as the Go Oregon! stimulus plan, by which capital construction projects at public facilities were authorized throughout Oregon. Go Oregon! is intended to stimulate the Oregon economy by quickly creating jobs for Oregonians, and sustaining the production of Oregon products.

OUS has developed a streamlined procurement process to expedite the bidding process so that contractors can initiate projects as soon as possible. By expediting the usual complex process involved in government contracting, the new process will promote contracts with minority-owned, women-owned, emerging small businesses, and Oregon-based businesses overall. All OUS institutions will post procurements on the accessible University Procurement Gateway which can be found at www.ous.edu. Contractors are strongly encouraged to go to the website frequently to find information and bid documents for all OUS Go Oregon! stimulus projects.

In order to continue to encourage Oregon contractors to bid on the Go Oregon! projects, OUS is collaborating with Governor Kulongoski, whose office houses the Advocate's Office for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Businesses, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, and Oregon community colleges to host a series of outreach events throughout the state. At each event, contractors will learn about the available projects, the expedited bidding process, and connect directly with project managers for Go Oregon! projects. The events will be held at the following dates and times:

Please go to governor.oregon.gov/Gov/MWESB/events.shtml for additional event information

The Oregon University System comprises seven distinguished public universities, reaching more than one million people each year through on-campus classes, statewide public services and lifelong learning. For additional information, go to www.ous.edu.

The Ross Ragland Theater And Klamath County Chamber Host Workshop To Boost Small Business Marketing Plans
March 2009
The Ross Ragland Theater and Klamath County Chamber of Commerce partnered to host a workshop designed to help local businesses use special events as a way to further their business marketing efforts and reach a greater audience. The event was held Wednesday, February 18 at The Ragland Cultural Center as part of The Chamber's on-going business education series.

The workshop was hosted by Ragland Executive Director, Cari McMahon and Chamber Executive Director, Charles Massie. McMahon and Massie discussed general marketing strategies and goal setting, partnerships with local special events, particularly the Taste of Klamath, logistics of special events and the importance of evaluation of results.

The workshop was free for both Chamber Members and non-members. For more information please contact Cari McMahon at 541-884-0651x16 or rrtexec@rrtheater.org, or Charles Massie at 541-884-5193 or cmassie@klamath.org.

Volunteers Needed for 2009 Fourth of July Street Fair and Parade
February 2009
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce has begun planning for the 2009 Fourth of July Street Fair & Parade and volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering for the event is encouraged to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:30 p.m., at The Days Inn (3612 S. 6th Street).

Every year, volunteers help make this event a success. From helping for a few hours on the day of the event to helping with the planning/organizing, a wide variety of volunteer opportunities exist. This meeting is open to Chamber members as well as the public.

For more information please contact Margie Hoffman at 541-884-5193 or margieh@klamath.org.

Lunch and Learn Series
February 2009
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce invites members to attend its new series - Lunch & Learn. The Lunch and Learn sessions are free, one-hour educational sessions scheduled during the lunch hour. The first session, 5 Simple Steps to an Effective Press Release, is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch.

The Lunch and Learn series will be held monthly. Guest speakers may be Chamber staff or one of the Chamber members. Members will benefit from the educational component as well as the opportunity to network with other members. Do you have a potential speaker or topic you would like to see at an upcoming Lunch & Learn? Contact the Chamber at 541.884.5193.

Grant Writing 101 - Writing Successful Grant Proposals
January 29, 2009
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring Grant Writing 101 Saturday, April 25, 2009 at Klamath Community College. The course will be held in Room 420, Building 4 at Klamath Community College from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Instructor Trish Seiler is a consultant to the non-profit sector in strategic planning, board development and fund development. Seiler has 30 years' experience in fundraising and grant proposal writing.

The class curriculum was created by the Grantsmanship Center of Los Angeles and is designed for the beginning grant writer. The course outline includes:

Seiler commented, "During these difficult economic times it is imperative that organizations explore all options for accessing scarce resources. This workshop takes the fear out of grant writing and helps non-profit organizations understand what it takes to be competitive in today's fundraising environment."

$80.00 Chamber Members

$100.00 Non-Chamber Members

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register contact the Chamber at 884-5193 or email heathert@klamath.org.

Grant Writing 101 - Writing Successful Grant Proposals
January 5, 2009
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring Grant Writing 101 Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Klamath Community College. The course will be held in Room 420, Building 4 at Klamath Community College from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Instructor Trish Seiler is a consultant to the non-profit sector in strategic planning, board development and fund development. Seiler has 30 years' experience in fundraising and grant proposal writing.

The class curriculum was created by the Grantsmanship Center of Los Angeles and is designed for the beginning grant writer. The course outline includes:

The course offers inside information and tips on the grant process, from research to submission of proposals to follow up with funders. A former student wrote her first proposal within six weeks of taking the class and received a $60,000 grant award.

Seiler commented, "During these difficult economic times it is imperative that organizations explore all options for accessing scarce resources. This workshop takes the fear out of grant writing and helps non-profit organizations understand what it takes to be competitive in today's fundraising environment."

$80.00 Chamber Members

$100.00 Non-Chamber Members

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register contact the Chamber at 884-5193 or email heathert@klamath.org.