The Klamath Community Leadership Foundation (KCLF) announced its promotional and fundraising partnership with the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce at the 90th Annual Awards Gala on January 29th. The newly formed 501 c 3 foundation will focus on providing scholarships for business, organizational and community leadership training.

“KCLF has a slightly different focus than many non-profit foundations” says Darin Rutledge, KCLF Committee Chair, “It will allow private businesses, non-profits and even individuals to apply for aid to attend or create educational programs that promote leadership in all its various facets.” KCLF’s mission is to develop community and business leaders by creating and promoting educational programs that build effective networks of collaboration and service throughout Klamath County.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is partnering as the fiscal agent for the foundation and will be providing staff and marketing support. A primary objective in the first year for the foundation will be to update and improve the Chamber’s “Leadership Klamath” education program and expand opportunities for residents to attend and benefit from a behind the scenes look at how the community operates.

Other KCLF objectives will be to:

• serve as an incubator of information on best practices in business and non-profit organizational development
• develop a “brain trust” of local leaders with expertise in areas of community concern: economic, environmental, health, educational and non-profit issues
• use leadership skills obtained through participation in the Foundation’s educational programs (mentoring, internships, non-profit Board service, etc.) to improve the business environment and identify the next generation of community leaders
• promote the development of students (High School through College age) as future community leaders.

“This foundation fills a real need in the development of business and organizational leaders.” says Charles Massie, Chamber Executive Director, he added, “Now is the time to begin educating future community leaders, and help build businesses and organizations that provide a solid base on which to grow economically.”

For more information contact KCLF at 541-884-5193 or email leadership@klamath.org . Contributions to the foundation are tax deductable and can be sent to the Klamath Community Leadership Foundation at 205 Riverside St Suite A, Klamath Falls, OR 97601

About the Chamber

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest active business advocacy organization (incorporated in 1905) in Klamath County. Chamber members provide support for a wide variety of community activities, events and charities. For information on joining the Chamber as a business, organization or individual please call 541-884-5193 or see us on the web at klamath.org.

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Contact: Heather Tramp (541) 884-5193

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Preferred Health Plan (PHP) is offering Chamber members an opportunity to participate in a Health Insurance Co-op that could lower costs and improve small businesses’ negotiation power. The co-op will attempt to:

• Obtain volume discounts for local employers
• Obtain financial and utilization reports not otherwise available
• Negotiate benefits that incent cost efficiencies
• Provide for sharing of potential profits back to providers and employers
• The ability to manage health insurance costs not simply go out to bid each year
• Participate in a committee comprised of local providers and employers to review health insurance issues as a team

The program could also offer local health education and assessment activities. PHP, in conjunction with Sky Lakes Medical Center, has some funds available to coordinate local programs to identify employee/family health risks for local employers. They also have the opportunity to coordinate local resources for health education services.

At this time, the Chamber is looking for members who have an interest in participating. There is no cost and no obligation to member businesses. With enough interest from Chamber members, employer representatives will be invited to participate in the PHP Committee that includes Sky Lakes personnel and local physicians.  PHP will then begin the process of negotiating with various plan providers.  Chamber participants will be given a final opportunity to opt out of participation prior to any final commitment.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Chamber at (541) 884-5193 or by using our e-mail form. You can also call or email for more information. Download Permission Form (PDF)

Close to 250 guests enjoyed a Hollywood-style awards show on January 29th at the 90th Annual Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala sponsored by South Valley Bank and Trust. The gala is the time when the Chamber recognizes dedicated efforts on behalf of the Chamber and entire community. Before the gala, Chamber members were asked to nominate businesses and/or individuals who showed support and dedication to our community. From the nominations, a committee selects the winner of each award.

Business of the Year was awarded to Klamath Falls YMCA for the exceptional services they provide as well as their support of the community. In the YMCA’s nomination, the nominator said, “The Y manages multiple children’s sports programs, day camps, after school care, pre-school, fitness classes and this year added a leadership day camp for older children. I’m guessing hundreds, if not thousands, of families benefit from the Y each year.”

Terry Sherrill was honored with the Distinguished Service award for his efforts in economic development in Klamath County. “Mr. Sherrill has been an active business man in the community for well over 30 years,” said Jodi Kucera, the Chamber’s President, “He and his wife own several businesses that have been an asset in providing jobs, great products and services, and innovation.”

The First Citizen award was presented to Justin Pearlstein for his support of the community. In his nomination, Pearlstein was recognized for his support of many non-profits in the Basin including the food bank through his work with the Klamath Blues Society.

Chamber President Stan Gilbert honored Romig and Associates, PC with the 2010 President’s Choice Award for their support and dedication to the Chamber as well as the community. He thanked Romig and Associates, PC for their continued support of the Chamber and its programs.

Chamber Member of the Year was awarded to Simplexity Health. Executive Director Charles Massie said, “Simplexity Health has supported many Chamber programs and activities primarily through allowing employees to volunteer and assist in many areas. Fran Johnson, who received the award on behalf of Simplexity Health, is a long time Chamber Ambassador and can be seen helping at multiple events and networking meetings.” “An event like this requires a great deal of teamwork and support and I want to thank our event committee, sponsors, and guests for a job well done,” said Chamber Executive Director Charles Massie. He added, “Our volunteer committee put in countless hours to make this event a success and it wouldn’t have been possible without their help.”

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is urging more stable and predictable local agriculture water supply. In a recent letter to the Bureau of Reclamation Klamath Basin Area office manager (PDF, 144K), the Chamber suggested that Reclamation and fishery managers should focus management efforts by striving to ensure that Upper Klamath Lake is full at the beginning of each irrigation season. If Klamath Project irrigators face similar circumstances in 2011, the Chamber fears local businesses may face fatal results. The Chamber is urging federal agencies to manage Upper Klamath Lake this winter and spring to allow for full capacity water levels by the beginning of the next irrigation season.

This call to action came after several Chamber business members express concern that extra water – above and beyond the biological opinion guidelines – was released in 2009/2010 at the request of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and other downriver organizations. These members requested the coho biologic opinion be reviewed.

“It is the Chamber’s position that economic impact needs to be assessed and reflected in Klamath Project operations.” Says Dan Keppen, Co-Chair of the Chamber Government Affairs Committee, he added, “At the very least, the water releases should be held within the levels of the biological opinion.”

Agriculture provides tremendous direct and indirect benefits to the local and regional economy. For example in 2009 gross sales, or farm gate value for Klamath County was $241,299,000. The total contribution from farms to Klamath County was $482,598,000. For every $1,000,000 in gross farm sales, 15 full or part time jobs are generated. Food production is also a business sector that generates wealth and jobs. In 2007, farms in Klamath County Oregon contributed to the full time and part time employment of roughly 4500 people. When agriculture is viewed as a business entity within Klamath County County, it is one of the business sector’s largest employers.

A copy of the letter submitted by the Chamber to the Bureau of Reclamation can be viewed online at www.klamath.org/pr/201101-water.

For more information, please contact the Chamber at (541) 884-5193.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest active business advocacy organization (incorporated in 1905) in Klamath County. Chamber members provide support for a wide variety of community activities, events and charities. We are proud to represent 550 businesses located in or near Klamath County, and the economic health of many of these businesses relies on a healthy agricultural economy.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Russ McMahon and Jennifer Palmer will serve as Masters of Ceremonies at the Chamber’s 90th Annual Awards Gala. The Chamber is also excited to announce that Congressman Greg Walden has confirmed an appearance at the event. Congressman Walden and his staff plan to attend both the social reception as well as the awards show.

Russ McMahon is the Director of Athletic Development at Oregon Tech. His stage credits include performing in over 65 theatrical productions in 6 states. His Klamath Falls acting debut was recreating the role of Benny Southstreet in the 2007 Ross Ragland production of “Guys and Doll.” Recently Russ has turned his attentions to writing, producing and directing. Russ’ artistic writing and directing talents were seen in the 2009 and 2010 gala 1940’s era “Joy Ride Jazz Club” fundraisers for the Ross Ragland. This past December he started the long process of attempting to write his first stage play. Russ considers it a true joy to call Klamath Falls his home.

Jennifer Palmer made her debut on the Ross Ragland stage in the 1989 encore production of “The Music Man,” and continues to be involved in local theater. She currently holds Board positions with the Ross Ragland and Linkville theaters and most recently appeared in the title role of Molly Brown in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”. When not performing, Jennifer manages a professional career in human resources, and is active in Rotary and related community volunteerism.

This year’s event is scheduled for January 29, 2011 and will be held at the Ross Ragland Theater. Entertainment will be provided by 8th Street and will include a Grammy-style tribute to all musical genres.

Tickets are $29.50 per person and include complimentary hors d’ouvres and drinks. To purchase a ticket, contact the Ross Ragland Theater at (541) 884-0651 or the Chamber at (541) 884-5193. Visit www.klamath.org for more information.

About the Chamber

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest active business advocacy organization (incorporated in 1905) in Klamath County. Chamber members provide support for a wide variety of community activities, events and charities. We are proud to represent 550 businesses located in or near Klamath County, and the economic health of many of these businesses relies on a healthy agricultural economy.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce board of director’s election is final. Three new directors were chosen by the membership to help lead the organization in the coming years. The new directors include: Mike Angeli of The Ledge and Yeti’s Lair; Rachael Spoon of the Klamath Basin Home Builders Association; and Reba Van Acker of The Epicenter. Ballots included two additional candidates: Randy L. Shaw of Coldwell Banker Realty and President of the Klamath County Realtors Association, and Gail Hildreth Whitsett representing State Senator Doug Whitsett’s office.

“We are thrilled with the participation and interest from all the candidates who stepped up to serve,” says Stan Gilbert, Chamber President, “The business community was well represented in the election and will be well represented in the coming years by the new directors.”

An added incentive to participate in the election was the opportunity to win four tickets to the 90th Annual Chamber Awards Gala on January 29th at The Ross Ragland Theater. The tickets for the event were won by Greenblade Bakery in a random drawing of all valid election participants.

In its December board meeting, the Chamber board elected its slate of officers for 2011. Jodi Kucera was elected as President, Barb Meng as 1st Vice-President, Stan Gilbert as 2nd Vice-President and Toby Freeman as Treasurer/Secretary.

“The Chamber board and officers served the membership very well in 2010 and I expect 2011 will continue with strong leadership and a solid focus on improving the economic outlook in Klamath County” says Charles “Chip” Massie, Chamber Executive Director. He went on to say, “It was exciting to see so much interest from the membership in proposing and electing good leaders for the coming years, I think it bodes very well for the organization as a whole.”

Following Chamber By Laws, an initial slate of nominees were presented by a nominating committee and certified by the Executive Director then presented to the membership in November of 2010, committee nominees included (shown in alphabetical order): Michael Angeli, Owner – The Ledge and The Yeti’s Lair, Chamber Member since 2004. Rachael Spoon, Executive Officer – Klamath Basin Home Builders Association, Chamber Member since 2000 and Reba Van Acker, Owner The Epicenter Family Entertainment Complex/Aftershock, Chamber Member since 2000.

The Chamber received additional nominations through the write in process and a final ballot was prepared featuring two additional nominees (shown in alphabetical order): Randy L. Shaw, Realtor – Coldwell Banker Realty and President, Klamath County Association of Realtors, Chamber Member Since 1997 and Gail Hildreth Whitsett, Chief of Staff – State Senator Doug Whitsett, Chamber Member since 2009.

Ballots were sent to the membership for voting in mid-December and five tellers, appointed from the membership, counted the ballots and declared the top vote getters.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest active business advocacy organization (incorporated in 1905) in Klamath County. Chamber members provide support for a wide variety of community activities, events and charities. For information on joining the Chamber as a business, organization or individual please call 541-884-5193 or see us on the web at klamath.org.