When asked about the economic forecast for our region, the answer is simple: Jefferson County is growing at a paced-rate that is appropriate for our community. Ribbon cutting events welcome new businesses, childcare options have expanded, keys to new homes are being handed out, and Lake Billy Chinook continues to be a favorite destination with the hidden gem of Lake Simtustus being discovered.
Over the past two years, there has been a steady movement in leadership “leveling-up” our community. The transformation began almost immediately; within a week of my tenure, the Jefferson County Event Complex welcomed Bart Platt as manager, breathing new life into our local fairgrounds as an event destination. Shortly after, the Madras Airport took flight under the guidance of local pilot Lorraine Martinelli as the airport and FBO manager. The momentum continued forward by significant leadership shifts: new director for EDCO and the Community and Senior Center, three new Madras City Councilors, Culver’s first-ever City Administrator, and a County Commissioner filling a seat held for 16 years. These leadership changes are sharpening decisions toward a stronger future for Jefferson County.
As the Chamber adapts and levels-up information, events and tourism for our community, we have shifted our main networking opportunities to the following:
- Coffee Cuppers: Moved to Thursday mornings (8-9am) to ensure our members can network across the region in Redmond and Prineville on Fridays.
- Taproom Talks: Our monthly Business After Hours events have now evolved into quarterly professional social hubs in March, June and September, hosted at local taphouses.
- Community Awards Banquet: Our annual celebration of awards has moved to January, serving as a community-focused energy kickoff to the new year.
From local information to international exploration, our Chamber office remains a bustling hub for global travelers. Thanks to our unique partnership with the Crooked River National Grassland office — located right inside our building — we provide a one-stop shop for maps, road conditions and adventure recommendations for those exploring Jefferson County.
This year, we are not just welcoming tourists, we are becoming them. In partnership with Collette Travel, the Madras-Jefferson County, Redmond and Prineville Chambers are inviting you on a bucket-list journey to Northern Italy from September 24 to October 2, 2026. Imagine meeting at the Redmond Airport and letting the experts handle the rest of your transportation connections and hotel accommodations. From the canals of Venice and the rugged beauty of The Dolomites to the charm of Verona and Bassano del Grappa, this is an opportunity for you to explore the world together. Why not join our Chamber on this adventure and explore another region just as tourists do within Central Oregon?
Whether you commute through our county or recreate here on the weekend, we want you to know that delicious menus from restaurants, vibrant retail businesses and cozy resorts welcome you from Warm Springs, to the banks of lakes and rivers, to the golf course at Crooked River Ranch, to the headwaters of the Metolius River in Camp Sherman, to Stop, Stay, Play and Recreate in Jefferson County.
