(Economic factors have contributed to a cautiousness among businesses and nonprofits in La Pine | Photo courtesy of Andrea Hine)
“Although the times seem more frenetic overall — possibly due to La Pine’s population growth and the energy of new entrepreneurs who have replaced many of ‘the old guard’ who have retired — I would describe our current business climate as one that moves much more slowly and deliberately than in the past,” said Ann Gawith, who has served as executive director of the La Pine Chamber of Commerce for the past 14 years.
“Economic factors such as high interest rates and increasing labor and material costs contribute to a cautiousness that is perhaps even more pronounced than a year ago,” she added.
“This attitude extends to nonprofits as well — including larger ones such as the Rotary Club of Sunriver — La Pine that have been hugely supported by the south Deschutes County population in previous years. There seems to be a pervasive yet mysterious reticence to spend as in the past,” Gawith said, “resulting in a big drop in sponsorships and donations that trickles to local events such as the Chamber of Commerce annual banquet and our popular Frontier Days 4th of July celebration.”
In contrast, membership gains at the Chamber of Commerce “have been very encouraging this past year, both in terms of new and established businesses,” Gawith said. “I would quantify this ratio as 50-50, with each segment realizing the value of being part of our organization.”
Recalling that “I was guilty of not engaging with the Chamber as I should have when my husband and I were full-time contractors,” Gawith said that “we weren’t doing more than occasionally attending meetings and having our names on the list of Chamber members. However, today the Chamber offers a number of benefits that weren’t available in the past — such as business-to-business discounts, and reduced advertising rates in our South County Shopper publication.”
“I will admit, however, that it’s still a challenge to get people to engage,” she said, “which is why we always emphasize that owners need to learn to work on their business, not just in their business.”
According to Gawith, “particularly in a small town like La Pine, business comes from word of mouth, and there is enormous value in face-to-face conversations. I strongly believe that we bring to ourselves what we put out there — and despite factors such as inflation and politics, we need to remind ourselves to stay positive.”
