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BEND, Ore. — The Regional Business Alliance has officially launched. It’s a program that aims to create a united voice for business owners in Central Oregon.
The RBA covers Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. Any business owner can join, regardless of how big or small their business is.
“It’s really an idea to bring together local businesses to also be at the table with others that are already advocating for Central Oregon businesses,” Jennifer Stephens, the program manager, said.
Stephens said businesses, especially in Central Oregon, have unique needs. This also means there are different challenges and opportunities that other regions may not have. Stephens believes all these needs should be communicated on a state level, which is what the RBA can do.
Stephens pointed to transportation and building as two topics that were discussed frequently throughout the counties.
The Bend Chamber is also working to help elevate the voices of business owners.
“Our needs are different out here. We’ve got lava in the ground. It’s hard to build. We’re not along the I-5 corridor from a distribution and transportation network perspective. So, the more we can talk about what makes Central Oregon unique, that’s going to be what brings home some successful policy changes for the community,” Sara Odendahl, the interim CEO of the Bend Chamber said.
In the most recent legislative session, lawmakers created the Central Oregon Legislative Caucus. It is made up of ten elected leaders from Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties advocating for actions that benefit Central Oregon.
“We’re hopeful that we’re going to be able to utilize the Regional Business Alliance to create some bi-directional communication between the business community and the caucus members,” Odendahl said.
There is a summit scheduled for Oct. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Redmond City Hall. Interested business owners can find out more about the group and the summit at this link.
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Currently in Bend
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