Advocacy Corner
Measure 118 Headed for the Ballot With Largest Tax Increase in Oregon’s History
If passed by Oregon voters, Measure 118 would impose a 3% tax on a corporation’s annual gross sales over $25 million. The measure is essentially a gross receipts tax—it taxes sales, not profits, and businesses would be forced to pay regardless of whether they were making a large profit, small profit, or were losing money.
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Business Insights & Info
Bend Don’t Break with Katy Brooks
Bend Chamber CEO and President, Katy Brooks, sits down with host Aaron Switzer, Founder and Publisher of The Source Weekly. The conversation delves into Katy’s strategic plans for Bend’s future growth, with a focus on supporting the local workforce.
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New Jobs Drive Positive Hiring Outlook, Budget Constraints Pose Challenges
Hiring outlooks and expectations of workforce increases remain high, largely driven by expansions in work with many citing increased workloads and newly created positions. However, budgetary constraints may be stalling some companies’ growth.
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June Central Oregon Economic Indicators
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rates in the counties of Central Oregon have all declined since May. Crook County decreased from 6.3% to 6.1%, Deschutes decreased from 4.1% to 4.0%, and Jefferson decreased from 4.7% to 4.6%.
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WHAT’S BREWING:
Ballot Backfire—How Measure 118 Will Hurt Business & Consumers
September 17 | 5-7:30pm
Join us for a conversation with leaders from Oregon Business and Industry about the consequences should Measure 118 pass in November and learn more about the campaign to defeat the initiative.
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Cultivating Connection & Belonging in the Workplace
October 10 & 11 | 8:30am5pm
This engaging workshop is tailored for organizational leadership, owners, boards, HR professionals, and others in a position to implement connection and belonging practices in their business.
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Workforce Housing
BendNEXT Foundation Receives Grants for Workforce Housing Initiative
With the generous support of foundations and grant-making organizations, including GoWest Foundation, Maybelle Clark MacDonald Foundation and Wells Fargo Charitable Foundation, the Chamber has succeeded in addressing this pressing issue.
Celebrations & Connections
THIS WEEK! BIZ & BEVS @ LRS Architects
August 15 | 4:30-6pm
Join the Bend business community for Biz & Bevs at LRS Architects to network and hear insights from our host and featured non-profit, Friends of the Children-Central Oregon.
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Say Hey! @ OSU-Cascades
August 21 | 5:30-8pm
Say Hey! is the largest multicultural networking event in Oregon and southwest Washington. This event, hosted by Partners in Diversity, will focus on building community, deepening connections and creating an environment where everyone is welcomed.
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