Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Committees

Ambassadors...The Chamber's red-coated welcoming committee greets visiting dignitaries, cuts ribbons at grand openings and assists with Business After Hours events. Meetings are held at noon the Friday following the first Board of Directors meeting each month at rotating locations. ($40 annual dues and purchase of red jacket required.)
Contact Deryl Beebe at 541-756-8876 deryl.beebe@charter.net

Economic Development... Advocate for business recruitment, retention and expansion activities in the Bay Area and throughout Coos County. Supports and encourages economic growth, new jobs, new technology that will benefit and strengthen the south coast region, and the infrastructure development that makes it all possible. Meets the 4th Monday of the month at noon at the Red Lion. Contact Chris Christoffer, 541-269-4253 cooschris@earthlink.net

Forestry/Fisheries... Supports two of Oregon's original key industries, working to educate the public on timber and fishing issues which effect our coastal community and our economy. Meets the third Friday of each month at 7am at the Red Lion Hotel.
Eric Farm 541-756-1193 efarm@campbellgroup.com
Rob Schab 541-267-3128 rob_schab@cbnbh2o.com

Government Affairs... Mission is to serve as an advocate for Chamber members and the business community in local and state issues impacting quality of life, growth, and profitability of member businesses and their employees. Purpose is to increase the Chamber's influence in the development of public policy concerning issues of critical importance to the future of the Bay Area and its businesses. Gets in on the action of the Oregon legislative session and helps shape local government decisions that will maintain a healthy business climate. Conducts candidate forums during election years. Meets quarterly at IBO.
Contact Timm Slater, 541-266-0868 timmslater@oregonsbayarea.org

Independent Business Operators (IBO) Forum Committee... The mission of the Forum Committee is "To provide an opportunity for businesses to network with each other, market products and services and expand their knowledge of the Bay Area business climate". This committee is charged with continuing the weekly Business Luncheon Forums (with an attendance from 50-100 persons per week). The Forums focus on the positive aspects of doing business in Oregon's Bay Area. Speakers and subject matter include new businesses moving to the area, business expansions, successful existing businesses and general information that pertains to doing business here. The weekly forum gives an opportunity for networking with other businesses with the prospect of expanding the individual business clientele. The IBO is always seeking new ways to educate the community and expand the value of networking opportunities. Lunch Forums are held each Wednesday from 11:30 to 1:00 at The Mill Casino-Hotel except for the summer months of June, July and August.
Contact Timm Slater 541-266-0868 E-mail: timmslater@oregonsbayarea.org

Leadership Coos... Participants gain a comprehensive awareness of our area as they prepare for new roles as community leaders and are introduced to businesses and services available throughout the area that they may not have been aware of previously. Speakers share information on the changing and dynamic Bay Area as they facilitate connections between the participants and volunteer opportunities within local community organizations.
Program commitment required: Tuition and one day per month from September through May. Enrollment is limited.
Contact Pam Cottrell 541-266-0868 pcottrell@oregonsbayarea.org

Membership Development...Our small but mighty team assists Chamber staff in reinforcing the value and benefits of membership to maintain a strong and viable organization. Assist with membership recruitment drives. Meetings are held on call of the chair.
Contact Johanna Dillard 541-756-6770 jdillard@uci.net

Tourism... Takes a leadership role in developing and improving tourism partnerships and communications on local, regional, county and state-wide levels. Provide ideas, resources, and programs to support new and expanding tourism-based businesses. One of the most active committees, this group takes action to increase the value and strength of the local tourism industry including everything from highway tour routes and mountain bike trails to hosting the 1999 Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism. Meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30am at the Red Lion
Contact Marty Giles 541-267-4027 mgiles@wavecrestdiscoveries.com or
Margery Whitmer 541-888-9021 fish@bettkaycharters.com

Transportation....Works continuously to insure that highways, rail and air services are maintained and upgraded to better serve the businesses and residents of the south coast. Meets the first Thursday of the month at 11:30am in the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay's conference room.
Contact Matt Whitty 541-756-8505 mattwhitty@uci.net or
Martin Callery 541-267-7678 mcallery@portofcoosbay.com