The Bend Chamber proudly announces its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of supporting the Bend business community since its inception in 1926. Originally called the Bend Commercial Club, the name was officially changed to Bend Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 26, 1926:
“The Bend Commercial Club became history, and the Bend Chamber of Commerce came into existence as the result of action taken today noon at the chamber’s weekly forum luncheon. The change of name from commercial club to chamber of commerce, referred to the forum by the directors, passed by a unanimous vote.” ~ Bend Bulletin
To celebrate this historic milestone, the Bend Chamber will launch a year-long Centennial campaign, highlighted by a Centennial Celebration Gala on May 21 from 6-8pm at the High Desert Museum. Attendees can look forward to catered food, beverages, live music, and a festive atmosphere as the community gathers to honor Bend’s business history and future.
In addition to the Centennial Gala, the Chamber will celebrate throughout the year by sharing stories from the past, partnering with longtime Chamber member Deschutes Brewery to create a commemorative collaboration beer, offering special membership promotions, and more.
“For 100 years, the Bend Chamber has been a steady force for business—supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening our local economy, and helping shape the community Bend has become today,” said Sara Odendahl, Bend Chamber CEO. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re honoring the generations of leaders who built this organization while also looking forward with purpose. The next century will demand bold collaboration, strong advocacy, and innovative solutions — and the Bend Chamber is ready to lead alongside our members as we build a thriving future together.”
Supporting the anniversary announcement is a new website and specialized brandmark featuring a “100 Years” banner. The new site, designed and developed by Chamber member fare*well, showcases a contemporary layout, expanded brand color palette, and easier navigation, and is an outward expression of the continuous improvement mindset embraced by the Chamber.
“Our new website is designed to better support our members and the business community — making it easier to access resources, stay informed, and engage with the Chamber,” said Lisa Nielsen, marketing lead for the Bend Chamber. “As we celebrate 100 years, this update reflects our ongoing commitment to listening, evolving, and serving the businesses we support in meaningful ways.”
Over the last 100 years, the Bend Chamber has grown into the second largest chamber of commerce in Oregon, with nearly 1,650 business members statewide, second only to the Portland Metro Chamber with approximately 2,400. This sizeable membership enables the Bend Chamber to strongly advocate for the business community at the local, county, state and federal levels.
“The Chamber provides one stop shopping for new and existing businesses to have access to both the services the Chamber provides as well as a place to meet local business leaders to collaborate on mutual challenges. I have yet to meet anyone either working at the Chamber directly or Chamber members that were not willing to help or share information. The Chamber has been invaluable to starting business in Bend and keeping up to date with a changing economic/policy environment,” shared Gary North, Bend Chamber Board Chair.
More recently, the Bend Chamber has been a champion for increasing workforce (middle market) housing, making childcare more accessible and affordable, and spearheading the creation of a bipartisan Central Oregon caucus and Regional Business Alliance. In addition, BendNEXT Foundation, the community investment arm of the Bend Chamber, focuses on strengthening the entire workforce continuum, including community leadership programs, educational events and local talent development.
The mission of the Bend Chamber is to create an environment where businesses, their employees and our community excel together through collaboration, advocacy, resources and leadership to meet Bend’s business challenges.
BendNEXT strengthens our businesses, economy, and our community through workforce development and retention, leadership development, and activating partnerships to tackle our region’s most pressing issues. Our initiatives address obstacles to a robust workforce, including employee needs for housing, affordability, childcare and other essential supports as well creating a business culture of belonging in an informed and connected community.
