Theme: “Stars, Stripes and Dairy Delights”
Date: June 27th, 2026
Time: 11am
Location: Downtown Tillamook
Written by: Meg Angier, Membership and Community Partnerships Manager
Two years ago, I attended my first Mornings on Main Street meeting at the Tillamook Chamber while working for Rob Trost Real Estate. At the time, attending anything related to marketing was my priority for representing RTRE, and these meetings sounded like the perfect way to do so. What I didn’t realize was that this would be something I was going to look forward to month after month. Not only does this monthly meeting offer a great chance to promote your business, but it also encourages connections with other businesses and grows your circle.
These meetings allow you to introduce yourself to the group and talk for 1-2 minutes about anything you like, whether you have an event that you’d like to promote, a job opening you’re looking to fill, or an update in your industry. The best part about these meetings is that you can choose to use the 1-2 minutes to talk, or you can pass the timer to your neighbor. There is a reason for you to join us each month, even if you don’t know it yet! If you are a new business owner, recently hired as a manager, or someone wanting to feel more connected to the community, this would be the meeting I hope you consider adding to your monthly calendar.
Recently, several regular attendees have shared success stories that all stemmed from connections made at Mornings on Main. Steve Clause, the new YMCA CEO, joined us during his very first week on the job. Through a connection made at the meeting with St. Peter Church Lutheran Church, the YMCA has since acquired the church property and has exciting plans in the works for its future. Lia Shimada, the new pastor at St. Alban’s, attended Mornings on Main shortly after arriving in the community to meet new people. As a result of conversations at the meeting, she was able to help St. Alban’s transition to a bank that better fits their needs. Brian Vitulli from the Transportation District joins us each month to provide updates on transportation services supporting Tillamook County. Recently, he connected with Jeremy from Pacific Coast Pressure Washing, who attended Mornings on Main to explore opportunities and learn more about the Transportation District’s building.
In addition to fostering meaningful connections, information about upcoming events shared during Mornings on Main is gathered by Sayde Walker and featured on her Hometown News segment on 95.9 KTIL. This partnership helps amplify local happenings and spread the word about events taking place throughout Tillamook County.
Mornings on Main continues to demonstrate how a simple monthly gathering can spark meaningful connections that can positively impact organizations in ways you might never expect. We hope to see you there for our next meeting on Tuesday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day attire is welcome and encouraged!
Written by: Meg Angier, Membership and Community Partnerships Manager
When I first started at the Chamber, one of the first members I had the pleasure of meeting was Laura Shepherd, owner of Momentum BK. Not only is Laura a dedicated Chamber member, she is also an incredibly talented educator and public speaker. She used the Chamber’s community meeting space to film her educational series on QuickBooks Online, a topic I admittedly knew very little about at the time.
I had the opportunity to sit in on one of her classes and quickly saw why so many business owners value her expertise. Laura has a unique ability to make technical information approachable, weaving complex concepts into clear, practical takeaways. Her creative teaching style and ability to adapt to questions in real time left a lasting impression on me. After the filming of her course was completed, Laura shared one of her professional dreams: to host a Lunch and Learn that would equip local business owners with some of the most valuable QuickBooks insights she has gathered over the years. That conversation planted a seed.
In the weeks that followed, I began researching Lunch and Learn programs offered by Chambers across the country. I connected with the Redmond Chamber after reading about their successful monthly series and spoke with their marketing coordinator, Conner Cubic, about how they structure and sustain the program. I was inspired by the way they partner with Chamber members to deliver consistent, high-quality educational opportunities. Thank you, Redmond Chamber!
During our annual Board Retreat, the Lunch and Learn idea gained momentum. The Board agreed that offering recurring educational sessions would provide tremendous value to our members. I wrote “Lunch and Learns” on my whiteboard as a goal, and from there, the vision started to take shape.
As the months went on, however, the Chamber’s calendar quickly filled with other priorities and initiatives. While the excitement around Lunch and Learns remained strong, we made the intentional decision to plan for a 2026 launch to ensure we could give the program the focus and energy it deserved. A few months later, Chamber Board President Lisa Greiner, owner of Oregon Coast Dance Center, and I met for coffee to revisit the idea and discuss logistics. Lisa shared that she, too, had long envisioned offering a Lunch and Learn series through the Chamber. Her enthusiasm and insight were instrumental in moving the idea forward.
After meeting with Nelia at the Pacific Restaurant, we confirmed the location. Beginning this March, Lunch and Learns will take place on the second Wednesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These monthly meetings are an opportunity to discover something new, dive into something that will help your team, and provide opportunities to network with other local business owners and managers. The space Nelia has created allows attendees the flexibility to order lunch if they wish, while also welcoming those who prefer to simply attend the presentation.
Coordinating presenters has been one of the most rewarding parts of this process. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with Chamber members who are highly skilled in their fields, including Ken Henson with Refettorio Consulting, and Mariah Surrat from Tillamook Coast Visitors Association, who are eager to share practical tools and insights with our local business community. I am excited to share that our very first presenter is the person who helped spark this entire initiative: Laura Shepherd of Momentum BK. Our inaugural Lunch and Learn will take place on March 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Pacific Restaurant and is free for Chamber members. RSVP will be available on Eventbrite, where Chamber Members can register anyone in their organization to attend.
This new series represents exactly what the Chamber strives to do: create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth. We can’t wait to see you there.
Written by: Meg Angier, Membership and Community Partnerships Manager
Downtown Tillamook was buzzing on Black Friday, and again on November 29th, as small businesses welcomed a steady stream of shoppers for the Tillamook Chamber’s annual Small Business Saturday event. From 10 am to 3 pm, the Chamber hosted a hot cocoa bar and raffles for participants who shopped downtown. For the past several years, shoppers have enjoyed an ornament hunt at participating businesses, receiving an ornament with each purchase, and this year, 15 locations joined in! Here is what some of our participants had to say:
At the Tillamook Coliseum Theatre, Sayde said they sold “enough gift cards for 117 movies,” a boost the owner described as especially meaningful during the final weeks of the year. “The cash-flow boost is helpful at the end of the year,” she said, noting that the event has remained “one of my favorite days of the year since I worked at the Chamber.” Madeline’s also saw ornaments fly off the counter almost immediately. With demand so high, staff quickly pivoted, offering a gift-with-purchase for the rest of their shoppers. The team said it was a “successful day with lots of locals that supported the store,” a reminder of the loyalty that keeps Tillamook’s small businesses thriving. Kimmels reported all ornaments were handed out as well, and staff proudly shared that “Packsaddle pellets are in!” — another reason customers had been eager to stop by. The Tillamook Feed Store summed up the sentiment felt by many participating shops: “The ornaments went quickly, and it was a fun day!”. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the ornament hunt, including: Country Squire, Janes Fabric, Jeannie’s Salon, Kit and Caboodle, Lucky Bear, Nappa, ReCurrent, Sugar + Air, Sunflower Flats, Sweet Begonia’s, and West Elliott.
As noted in a recent Headlight Herald article, downtown events have increasingly become Tillamook’s new “anchor”, drawing people into the heart of town and strengthening the economic ecosystem around local businesses. This year’s Small Business Saturday proved that point once again, demonstrating how community-centered gatherings create both meaningful experiences and real economic impact for the businesses that define Tillamook’s character. If you missed out this year, you can continue to shop local every day, but be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Small Business Saturday, November 28th, 2026 for a dedicated day of local shopping!
We hope you enjoy every stop, sip and taste during Cork & Brew, but if you loved a particular sip you may find more information below. We have compiled a list of beverages and companies so you can read more and find where it is sold near you! We apologize in advance if some sips do not have more information or a link, not every sip has an available website but we hope the product name helps you find what you are looking for! Cheers 🍻
Beer: Avenue No. 7
Wine: Syrah (2019)
Beer: Fort George: Short Sands Lager – https://fortgeorgebrewery.com/
Wine: Villa Stellaria: Cab Sauvignon – https://www.vivino.com/US/en/villa-stellaria-cabernet-sauvignon/w/8212596?ref=nav-search
N/A: Sparkle Hops
Beer: Buoy Beer – https://buoybeer.com/
Wine: Provided by Nelia’s Pacific Restaurant
Beer:Hop Valley Brewing: Citrus Mistress – https://www.hopvalleybrewing.com/
Wine: Provided by Garibaldi Bistro: Fort George: Sparkling Rose – https://fortgeorgebrewery.com/beers/
Tillamook Chamber of Commerce
Beer: Werner Brewing – https://www.facebook.com/WernerBrewing/
Wine: Werner Brewing – Cider
N/A: Töst
Beer: Fort George: Fisherman’s Poet – https://fortgeorgebrewery.com/beer/fisher-poets/
Wine: Ace & Able: Pinot Noir – https://www.vivino.com/US/en/ace-able-pinot-noir/w/5509003?srsltid=AfmBOoqfWoAm3EJn7pYXsCJwda1Nm1yAgVmy2l9bSk8uwddG1U_r730p
Beer: Hop Valley Brewing: Stash Panda IPA – https://www.hopvalleybrewing.com/
Wine: Sweet Cheeks – https://sweetcheekswinery.com/
Beer: Buoy: Bohemian Pilsner – https://buoybeer.com/beer/buoy-bohemian-pilsner/
Wine: Tualatin Estate: Semi Sparkling Mascat – https://www.wvv.com/product/2022-Tualatin-Semi–Sparkling-Muscat?srsltid=AfmBOoqYIxTRoRmZTThZfg3cINS4pmlL4rIhJr5gn48orT8VMEVbx9rP
Beer: Hop Valley: Alphadelic IPA – https://hopvalleybrewing.com/
Wine: Blue Heron: Pinot Gris – https://blueheronoregon.com
N/A: Sparkle Hops
Beer: Breakside Brewery: Stay West & Pilsner – https://breakside.com/
Wine: Tualatin Estate: White Pinot Noir – https://www.wvv.com/product/2023-Tualatin-Estate-White-Pinot-Noir?srsltid=AfmBOoo9EwRIWZJ9h1CiVWhsdSKWtfs9JBuSOAvBjQuxgxrCrpExP54l
PS: Don’t forget to share some of your Cork & Brew photos with us, we can’t wait to see them and share in the memories made…Follow us on social media to see our photos too!
Written by: Renee Aufdermauer – Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to Hayden Bush on being selected as the 2024 June Dairy Parade Grand Marshal! Hayden is a
dedicated advocate for the dairy and agricultural industries, a passion deeply rooted in his upbringing on a family-owned dairy farm in Tillamook. From a young age, Hayden was immersed in the daily operations of farm life, fostering a strong connection to agriculture and a profound appreciation for the hard work it entails.
As an adult, Hayden channels this passion into various community initiatives, striving to give back to the community that shaped him. He is one of the Agricultural Science & Industrial Technology Instructors and FFA Advisors at Tillamook High School, helping students gain valuable skills for their futures while engaging them in agricultural topics. Hayden has coached multiple FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Teams to state-winning titles and notable national placements. He also works closely with local 4-H and FFA members, offering guidance to help them improve their dairy projects. Committed to ensuring the vitality and sustainability of the dairy industry for future generations, Hayden is devoted to bettering the Tillamook community that he loves.
Hayden is a third-generation dairy farmer who grew up on his family’s dairy farm, Gypo Jerseys, in Tillamook, Oregon. He is the son of Mike and Lori Bush. A 2010 graduate of Tillamook High School, Hayden went on to earn a Master of Science in Agricultural Education from Oregon State University. During his college years, he was an active member of the dairy club and came home every weekend to help run the family farm. Hayden and his wife Brooklyn, who are both agricultural educators at Tillamook High School, are co-advisors of the FFA chapter, forming a dynamic duo passionate about developing the next generation of dairy farmers and agriculturalists.
In 2021, he was recognized with the Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award, which acknowledges innovative early-career teachers with exceptional professional records. Under his mentorship, the Tillamook FFA chapter has achieved many successful years in dairy cattle evaluation, with teams consistently placing in top ranks at state-level competitions and attending nationals. Additionally, Hayden serves as a board member of the Oregon FFA Foundation.
Hayden’s engagement with the Tillamook community is evident from his continued dedication to both education and agriculture. Join us in celebrating Hayden Bush at the June Dairy Parade as we honor his contributions and enjoy the festivities. Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement on June 22 in Downtown Tillamook as we come together to celebrate our community!
*Information in this article was supplied from the nomination form and other sources.
Spring has sprung, and you know what that means for us at the Tillamook Chamber? We’ve kick started preparations for the annual June Dairy Parade! As we eagerly await the arrival of summer, let’s gear up for this cherished celebration in Downtown Tillamook.
As tradition holds the 67th Annual June Dairy Parade will take place on the fourth Saturday of June. So be sure to mark your calendars for June 22, 2024. Starting at 11:00 am the parade will showcase a variety of decorative floats, performing dancers, elegant horses, and other time-honored participants (just to name a few) making their way through the parade route bringing entertainment and smiles to everyone on the sidelines.
This year’s theme is ‘Tractor Trails and Tailgate Tales’, so get your entries in and get creative with your floats, trucks or tractors! This theme is more than just a tongue twister, it is all about embracing the rustic charm and laid-back vibes of our beautiful community. Picture colorful floats decorated with rural landscapes, trucks transformed into lively tailgate parties, and tractors with festive decorations. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild and get ready to dazzle the crowds with your unique entry.
To enter is FREE and It’s a simple form that takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Visit https://tillamookchamber.org/junedairy/ and get your entry in by June 7th to ensure a spot in the lineup. Be sure to get your entries in early, and let’s make this year’s parade one for the books! Whether you’re a seasoned parade participant or a newcomer eager to join the fun, now’s the perfect time to unleash your creativity and let your imagination run wild.
Also, don’t forget to get your nominations in for the June Dairy Parade Grand Marshal. Nominate someone from the dairy industry who you believe embodies the spirit of our celebration. While a dairy industry background is a must for this role, the selection committee also values the nominee’s past community engagement as a leader and volunteer. You can find the nomination form and requirements on our website at https://tillamookchamber.org/grandmarshal/. The deadline for Grand Marshal nominations will be June 7th. Join us in honoring our dairy community’s finest at the June Dairy Parade!
So, whether you’re crafting a whimsical float or cheering from the sidelines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the June Dairy Parade. Join us as we celebrate our dairy heritage and embrace the joy of community togetherness!
This year’s parade theme, Tractor Trails and Tailgate Tales is sure to make everyone smile. The coloring contest is a fun way to bring this theme alive.
We invite children between the ages of 3 and 12 to enter their coloring contest masterpiece before the deadline June 20th, 2024. Coloring contest sheets will be displayed in the Chamber window on Main Ave as they are entered and the winners will be announced and awarded on June 26th, 2024.
Winners will be contacted and receive a fun and exciting prize along with a beautiful ribbon!
You may download the coloring contest sheet HERE. *Helpful info: If you download and/or print from this from our website, make sure to choose “Shrink to fit” or change your scaling % option on your print settings to allow for the image to print properly.*
You are also welcome to swing by the Chamber HQ to pick one up today!
We can’t wait to see the colorful creations start trickling in!
We often underestimate the power of a single individual in shaping our community. Those who strive for better, who lend a helping hand, who go the extra mile without seeking anything in return – these are the hidden heroes who make our community a better place. That’s why the Community Award for Citizen of the Year isn’t just an accolade; it’s a recognition of the relentless efforts and selfless spirit of our community citizens. Being nominated is an honor in itself, signifying appreciation for one’s contributions, and winning this award is a testament to the significant impact one can make. Let’s continue to cherish and encourage these community trailblazers – their dedication and commitment are truly worth celebrating!
So, without any more delay, let’s announce the fine Tillamook County nominees for Citizen of the Year!
Patrick Zweifel: Patrick Zweifel has always been committed to helping the community grow and flourish through his many entrepreneurial businesses including The Hydrangea Ranch, OCF Decorative Concrete and his non profit organization Ultimook. Most recently Patrick spearheaded the rescue of Alderbrook Golf Course from closing forever, and reinvigorated this community asset through incredible cosmetic improvements, creating another outstanding destination in Tillamook County.
Lonnie Eggert: For over two decades Lonnie Eggert has served the Tillamook School District in a variety of roles including a teacher, the Athletic Director, the Dean of Students and the head basketball coach and wrestling coach. During that time he has mentored hundreds of students providing them with guidance, supporting their needs, and teaching them the values of hard work and accountability. Lonnie has made it his life’s work to ensure that all students have the opportunities and tools they need to be successful in sports and in life.
Justin McMahan: Paston Justin McMahan of Living Water Fellowship has been instrumental in fostering programs that reach outside the church and benefit the entire community. As a pastor who believes we lead by example, Justin is constantly finding ways to mobilize the Living Water congregation to serve the community. In his time here he has developed a reputation for providing support and mentorship for anyone aspiring to bring about positive change for Tillamook County.
Suzanne Weber: Suzanne embodies commitment to community, spending most of her life in service making Tillamook a better place to live and work. Starting in her early years as a teacher when she was busy shaping young lives. Then moving into public service, serving __ years on Tillamook’s City Council, eventually serving as mayor for __ years. Most recently representing Tillamook in the state legislature for the past __ years, ensuring that our rural needs and voices are elevated to Salem.
Rachel Koljesky: Rachel Koljesky is committed to removing barriers so that everyone in Tillamook County can access health and life saving information. As the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Mobile Clinic and Event Coordinator, and Syringe Service Program Coordinator for Tillamook County, Rachel works collaboratively and tirelessly across service organizations, businesses, churches, community groups and individuals to ensure everyone has the information they need to live happier and healthier lives.
John Holland: In his role working for the mobile crisis team for Tillamook County, John Hollard spends his days helping those in crisis with unwavering compassion and empathy, and is directly responsible for saving several lives in the community. John’s irreplaceable services are an asset to all three school districts, the Tillamook County jail, and everyone experiencing a crisis who needs a lifeline.
We are immensely grateful to all who nominated candidates in our various categories. Your contributions have played a vital role in acknowledging the dedicated individuals who tirelessly improve our community. Each nomination illustrates the remarkable work being done in Tillamook County, and for that, we are truly thankful.
Each year the Tillamook Chamber’s Community Awards is rooted in community nominations, a process that effectively determines the nominees for all five categories. The nomination process, which ran until December 1st of this current year, uses a questionnaire process for each submission. The task of deciding the winners for each category is entrusted to a special committee made up of esteemed community members and past award recipients, excluding any Chamber staff or board members. The nominees from all categories will be honored and the much-anticipated reveal of winners will happen at our prestigious Annual Awards Banquet which is set to take place at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at 5:30pm.
For past nominations please see our blog or Facebook for other category nominations.
Community Awards Nominations Part 4: Program of the Year
Jessica Meyer
Director of Operations
We are thrilled to announce the nominees for Program of the Year. These nominations speak volumes about the passion, dedication, and hard work of everyone involved with a common goal of building and supporting our community in some aspect. These programs are the pulse of our community, fostering growth, nurturing relationships, and bringing about positive change each in their own unique way.
And without further ado:
Court 4 at the YMCA: has transformed an unused racquetball room into a hands-on space for youth over the age of 10 to gather and be creative. From virtual reality headsets to art supplies and even musical instruments, youth have a place to go to explore new hobbies, create something unique and even work together on public art projects.
Embrace Grace: Embrace Grace helps young women with unexpected pregnancies navigate this delicate time in their lives, providing a loving community for personal, spiritual and physical growth and support. Completely volunteer run, Embrace Grace encourages and supports these young women along their journey, giving them the tools, they need to build a happy, thriving family.
House of Grace: House of Grace provides faith based transitional housing for women who are ready to change their lives. Since they were established, they have housed over 50 women and 30 children. Every day they help connect women to local resources, organizations and offer wrap-around support to help them gain independence and become integral members of the community.
Many Hands Medical Supplies: Many Hands Medical Supplies provides medical equipment to those in need in Tillamook County – everything from syringes to hospital beds to wheelchairs they make sure no one who has a need goes without.
THS Drag Racing Club: THS Drag Racing Club is a hands-on approach to the technical skills needed to be ready for the workforce. Johnny Begin and parent leaders teach high school students more than just how to build and race cars; they teach the values of hard work, commitment, and community service, holding each of their club members and their cars to a high standard.
Tillamook Cowpies: Tillamook County Wellness is on a mission to increase financial literacy in Tillamook County and reduce the impacts of generational poverty. By partnering with local organizations like Tillamook Bay Community College, Helping Hands Outreach Center and all three school districts, these volunteer-led financial literacy classes are offered free of charge to students and adults of all ages in both English and Spanish as a direct way to improve the financial health and quality of life of both individuals and the community.
The process of community nominations plays a pivotal role in deciding the Community Awards nominees for all five categories. Nominees were selected via a structured questionnaires that were accepted until December 1st of this year. The determination of winners in each category is carried out by a select committee, composed of previous award recipients and esteemed community members, with the exclusion of Chamber staff or board members. The nominees from each category will receive recognition, and the winners will be unveiled at our distinguished Annual Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds come Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at 5:30pm.
Keep your anticipation high as we will be back next week for the prestigious and the highly esteemed “Citizen of the Year” nominations. In the interim, we invite you to follow our Facebook page for ongoing updates about the nominees. For a look at past nomination announcements, please visit our official website at tillamookchamber.org/blog.
