On May 29, the chamber will host its latest What’s Brewing event, featuring survey results on what is most important to Central Oregon voters. The Oregon Values & Beliefs Center (OVBC) will feature data that highlights common ground and how Central Oregonians’ views may influence their vote. The center’s co-founder Adam Davis and executive director Amuary Vogel, along with Tammy Baney, executive director of Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, will discuss the center’s findings.
The Chamber’s goal from the event is to highlight how collaboration, cooperation and mutual respect achieves far more than divisiveness. Bend and Central Oregon are examples and beneficiaries of this philosophy. Entering an election season, it’s important to remember the lessons of collaboration while respecting each other’s wide-ranging views.
“As we enter the primary season and contend with escalating vitriol, voters need to understand our common ground when communicating with each other and future elected leaders who are running for office,” said Katy Brooks, Bend Chamber CEO.
Recent research by OVBC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan polling organization, highlights overlapping interests of Central Oregonians that will likely influence votes this year. Last fall, the center worked with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council on a study specific to Central Oregon. Their State-of-the-Region survey provided the intergovernmental council with data that showed we have much in common, what is important to us, and how we are diverse in our perceptions.
Topping the list in this research was concern for our natural environment. Central Oregon’s influx of new residents and visitors and a growing threat of wildfire and strain on water resources helped put our natural environment at the top, scoring 43 percent of responses. Next came how we value our community spirit, at 38 percent — something to note for any change agent or would-be elected official.
As an advocate for business, the Bend Chamber is deeply interested in OVBC’s research. Our key initiatives include workforce housing, affordable child care and workforce development. We see how Central Oregonians’ values could influence how we approach these issues, why they are important, and how they may affect legislation and policy.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Time: Doors open at 5pm, program starts at 5:30pm
Location: Tetherow Resort Event Pavilion
Cost: $25 for Chamber members, $40 for non-members
Registration: bendchamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/AZHByw0hdtdCN
What’s Brewing is powered by longtime Bend Chamber members Miller Lumber and SunWest Builders.
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.
