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New Apparel Designs Debut at Tillamook County Fair

It’s almost that time of year again! Tillamook County Fair time! The air is buzzing with anticipation as preparations unfold across the county. Community members are busy preparing with activities ranging from getting 4-H exhibits ready, printing and framing stunning photography displays to demolition derby cars getting a final overhaul for Saturday night’s grand event. It’s evident that this fair is an exciting highlight of the year for both adults and children!

Here at the Chamber, we’ve been crafting a new line of apparel that we’re confident will be a great addition to your wardrobe. These designs have been carefully selected to reflect the spirit of our community. Wearing Tillamook apparel isn’t just about staying cozy and looking good; it’s a symbol that showcases our shared values and commitment to making Tillamook a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and visit.

Every year, families visiting Tillamook eagerly stock up on the latest apparel, turning it into an annual tradition or reunion of sorts. It’s always fun to see grandparents joyfully picking out items for all their grandkids.

All our clothing is printed locally by PSI Screen Printing & Embroidery Services, Signs & Vinyl Graphics, a proud member of our Chamber. By choosing to print locally, we’re not only ensuring the highest quality and craftsmanship but also supporting a local business that plays a vital role in our local economy.

The Tillamook County Fair runs from August 7-10 this year, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our new designs with you. Come see us in the main pavilion across from the Tillamook Ice Cream Booth. Whether you’re enjoying a thrilling ride, admiring the creativity on display, or cheering at the Pig-N- Ford races, make sure to stop by and grab your Tillamook apparel.

See you at the fair!

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Sip + Shop: A Growing Community Favorite

SIP + SHOP

Tillamook Chamber of Commerce’s Sip + Shop: A Growing Community Favorite

The Sip + Shop event in downtown Tillamook has become a beloved fixture, growing in popularity over the past year. Held on the second Friday of each month from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, it offers a fun evening of shopping, socializing, and sampling adult beverages, drawing both residents and visitors to downtown Tillamook.

This lively event owes much of its success to the enthusiastic participation of downtown Tillamook’s small business owners. Many of these dedicated proprietors extend their hours to welcome attendees, providing beverage samples—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—for guests to enjoy as they explore their stores. Their collaboration transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable community gathering.

Adding to the fun, Sip + Shop often features themed nights. Past themes have included Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, complete with a treasure hunt for a “Pot o’ Gold,” where participants could win exciting prizes.

The adventure begins at the Chamber HQ, where attendees receive a complimentary, reusable wine glass and their first sip of the evening. They’re also given a list of participating businesses offering additional samples as they browse. Regular attendees who bring back their glasses the following month are entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize, adding an extra incentive for return visits.

Jennifer Robitsch, owner of Madeline’s in downtown Tillamook, has been involved with Sip + Shop since its inception. “Sip + Shop seems to be turning into a fun ladies’ night out, and that makes it a lot of fun!” Jennifer shared. “It’s a great way to get out and visit the local businesses in the evening. It’s always a fun and festive event!”

As Sip + Shop continues to expand, it’s heartening to see how it fosters a sense of community while supporting the local economy. The event not only brings people together but also encourages residents and visitors to explore and appreciate the unique offerings of Tillamook’s small businesses.

Whether you’re looking to discover new treasures while shopping locally, enjoy a casual evening out, or simply mingle with fellow community members, Sip + Shop offers something for everyone. Although there will be no Sip + Shop in August so that everyone can enjoy the Tillamook County Fair, but Sip + Shop will be back in full swing on September 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

For more information, follow us, Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce, on social media for regular updates on upcoming Sip + Shop events and themes, or visit the community calendar Here

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Young Pros of Tillamook hosts Successful Kick-Off

Last week we hosted the first ever kick-off social for the Young Professionals of Tillamook. Roughly 80 people showed up, without knowing much about what the evening was going to entail or how they would fit in.

It was outstanding to see such a fantastic turn out, and my my hat is off to Chamber Board Member Beau Pulliam for spear heding this new group that I believe will have a substantial impact on the future of Tillamook County. Creating a young professionals group has been a goal that the Chamber has been working toward for several years as a way to connect and empower people in the community who might not yet consider themselves leaders.

So what is a Young Professional? A young professional is an individual that is or at the very least  feels young in spirit, is employed, and has time, energy, and knowledge to collaborate with like-minded individuals.

As a group, Young Professionals of Tillamook seeks to provide the solution to the question: How do you provide a supportive environment for both young professionals and small business owners in Tillamook? One of YPT’s  biggest goals is to highlight the aspects that many of us love about living and working in Tillamook County and engage the young people of Tillamook in a way that will encourage them to stay and build a career here.

By focusing on their four core pillars: leadership development, social engagement, community service and business revitalization, the YPT can help foster a community of young professionals and leaders that will carry the local businesses to the next level of success.  Being a member of the YPT means being a member of a community of professionals with a vision of empowering their members to be leaders in business and in the local community. It means accessing leadership learning opportunities to expand your career, connecting with local projects and non-profit entities that need volunteers, and providing mentorship, insight and assistance to businesses that are in need of a youthful outlook.

The intent of the YPTis to provide an outlet for social, civil, and professional development. Throughout the year, they will host events that are focused on social engagement and leadership development, and that of course, provide an opportunity to have an all-out good time. (I think we all saw that was true last week.)

If one, or all of these aspects interest you then a membership to the YPT might be for you. Consider it a chance to grow your skills, professional contacts,  and leadership abilities in the community, while simultaneously giving back and serving in ways that interest you and are valuable to others.

If you didn’t make it last week, but would like to learn more (or already know that you want to join and be a part of this quickly-growing group), you can email youngpros@tillamookchamber.org. They also have their own Facebook page, and you can follow what the YPT is doing there. Just go to Facebook.com/youngprostillamook.

Thank you to Pacific Restaurant for catering, and Pelican Brewing Co. for donating beer. Werner’s Gourmet Meat Snacks also donated the raffle gift basket.

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Tickets on sale for 2017 Cork & Brew Tour in downtown Tillamook

Tickets are on sale for the 2017 Cork & Brew Tour, hosted once again by the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.

Patrons of this annual event on June 16 will notice a few exciting changes this year. Most notable is the expansion of the launch party at Pelican Brewing Co.’s brand new bottling facility on the corner of Front Street and Grove Avenue. The launch party kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and “tour-ists” will be treated to live music, games, and brewery tours. Several of Pelican’s pro-brewers will be on hand to show guests around the expanded facility and provide samples and tastes of the different grains, malts and hops that define each style of beer. Tours are aimed to shed light on the brewing process and what goes into making their award-winning beer for the last 20 years.

At the launch party, each guest will receive a “passport,” that contains a list of the stops on the tour and highlights the breweries, wineries and restaurants that will be served. Several wineries will be on hand with bottles available for purchase of your favorite vintages- if you decide to fill your cellar, have no fear! Hosting businesses have agreed to hold any purchased bottles for pick up another day.

The official tour will begin at 6 p.m. and includes up to 12 downtown stops, each with a different wine or beer to sample and scrumptious appetizers to complement the beverages. New this year will be a stop at the Chamber’s new downtown location. This is a perfect opportunity to see the remodel up close and personal, view the new Visitor Information Center, and welcome the Chamber to downtown.

“We get excited for this event every year,” noted Sierra Lauder, the Director of Events and Downtown Development for the Chamber. “This year feels particularly exciting because we at the Chamber get to participate on a new level by being a tour stop and welcoming people to our downtown office.”

Lauder added that the goal of the Cork & Brew Tour event is to get people to experience downtown in a memorable way.

“You don’t have to go downtown to buy things,” she said. “We all know that you can do all, or most, of your shopping online. But you come downtown because it’s fun and it’s an experience. This event is both of those things – it’s a fun experience and hopefully it kindles your desire to come back to enjoy our downtown again in the future.”

In addition to Pelican, early confirmations have arrived from Fort George Brewing (Astoria;) Buoy Beer Company (Astoria); newcomers Werner Brewing Co. (Tillamook); and Reach Break Brewing out of Astoria, as well as McMenamins, Provincial Vineyards and DavenLore. In addition to these sponsors, the Chamber wants to make a point to thank Warrenton KIA, who is a Presenting Sponsor for the event.

Art Accelerated has graciously agreed to host the passport drop box right downtown, where they will host music, coffee and tea and some of the latest creations of local artists. All completed passports (one stamp for each participating location) can be dropped off before 9:30 p.m. and entered to win a prize.

Tickets are $35 a piece and can be purchased online at www.tillamookchamber.org or by visiting the Chamber office, Pelican Brewing Co.’s downtown Tillamook Tap Room, or Sunflower Flats. The event is expected to sell out again, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance.

For more information, contact the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce at info@tillamookchamber.org or call 503-842-7525.

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June Dairy Parade and Festival

Mark your calendars: this year’s June Dairy Parade and Festival is set for June 24, 2017!!!

“60 Years on the MOOVE” will be the theme for the year, and we are excited to say that parade entries have already begun to roll in! In keeping with the theme, even the parade route will be “mooving” a little bit this year- the parade will stage and launch from the high school and TPUD, and officially be underway as it heads north on Main Ave.. The route will be up Main to Third, where it will make a right and head east along Third Street before officially disbanding at Goodspeed Park. Here is a link to download the ParadeRouteMap.

Want to join the fun?

Here is a 2017 June Dairy Parade Entry Form. If you would like to join the parade, please have your entry for returned by May 30th, 2017 to the Tillamook Chamber office.

We are also seeking nominations for both Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal. If you have a friend or family member that you think deserves this honor, please submit either the Grand Marshal Application 2017, or the Honorary Grand Marshal Application 2017.

The Tillamook Chamber also hosts a June Dairy Parade Coloring Contest! Children between the ages of 3 and 12 can enter before June 12th to win great prizes in several age brackets. Entry forms are available here: coloring contest, and are due back at the Tillamook Chamber office before June 12th.

Dairy Parade weekend is a big deal in Tillamook! We’re continuing to grow the Dairy Festival, and this year children of all ages are guaranteed to enjoy festival happenings downtown. Second Street will host a car show, community BBQ, and a carnival of family activities hosted by local businesses. Fans of last year’s Penny Scramble will be happy to hear that we will indeed be scrambling again! Be sure to rest up headed in to the weekend; in addition to the parade and festival, the YMCA Milk Run, the Tillamook Farmer’s Market, and the Tillamook County Rodeo are all happening June 24th!!!

 

If you have any questions or need more information about the June Dairy Parade and Festival, please call Tammy at the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce: (503) 842-7525, or email info@tillamookchamber.org

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Cork & Brew set: June 16, 2017!!!

Cork & Brew 2017 kicks off on the evening of June 16th at 4:30 in the Pelican Bottling Room with a Launch Party that will feature several new activities, including an interactive introduction to the brewing process, a blind tasting competition and an uncorking battle. “Tourists” will be set loose at 5pm, passports in hand, to explore downtown and revel in the experiences that each “Tour Stop” will have crafted. The official Tour will wrap up at 8pm. Art Accelerated will be the final stop on the tour at their cooperative member gallery in the Beals Building at the corner of 3rd and Main.  They will not be serving beer or wine, but will be accepting completed passports until 8:30 and will be offering coffee and tea and hosting an art exhibit. Tourists are invited to consider one of the “after-party” options being offered at downtown establishments.

Ticket Sales are OPEN online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-cork-brew-tour-tickets-33168375504?aff=es2

Tickets are available, and we’re announcing the first three breweries that will be sponsoring this year’s Cork & Brew!!!!

Pelican Brewing – Tillamook– What would we do without these guys??? Cork & Brew will once again kick off with a super fun Launch Party in their TIllamook Bottling Room. Pelican brewers will be on hand to give us behind-the-scenes tours of the ever-growing facility and talk about what makes beer, well, beer.

Werner Brewing Company– We love these brothers! If you can’t wait until June for a taste of their tasty balanced IPA and too-easy brown, try them on tap in Netarts at The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge or the Upstairs Bar & Grill. (Look for a Tillamook tap room opening this summer!)

Reach Break Brewing– More brothers! Josh and Jared Allison have recently opened their incredibly welcoming brewery and tap room just up the road in Astoria, Oregon. Centrally located, their tap room features a roll-up wall that allows for you and your family to soak up the sun on the patio during these long spring days. Reach Break explores styles, hops and flavors that assure they will become a primary reason to venture up the coast. Come for the juicy hazy NE IPA’s, stay and be wowed by the rest of the line up. Save me some of the saison- it’s AMAZING.

Cheers!

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Cash mob brings visitors, money to Manzanita

cash-mob2

Over the weekend, a mob hit Manzanita – a cash mob that is. The event was organized by the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to help the business community, which is still recovery after a tornado unexpectedly struck on October 14.

“They’re our neighbors to the north and we wanted to show them a little love and support,” said Justin Aufdermauer, Executive Director of the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.

Participants were encouraged to shop in Manzanita during the hours of 11 am and 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and bring their receipts totaling more than $50 back to the Visitors Center for a chance at some prizes.

Ninety-eight people turned in their receipts at the end of the cash mob, which totaled more than $9,850 – or an average of $100.52 a person.

“That was just the total of those who turned in their receipts,” Aufdermauer said. “I have been contacted by other shoppers who told me they didn’t turn in receipts but spent more than $50, so the actual total spent that day is much higher.”

Tspot – an eclectic boutique store at 144 Laneda Avenue – almost broke their sales record on Saturday. “It’s a hard record to break and so to almost hit that record was huge for us,” said Tspot employee Astyn Garvin.

Garvin said that for a good hour or two the store was “shoulder-to-shoulder” customers. “Even for a holiday weekend, I don’t think we ever could have expected to do that much business on a Saturday in November without the cash mob,” she said. “We would have considered half the sales we did to be a good day.”

cash-mob3

And, the mob brought new visitors to Manzanita.

“We had a great deal of customers who had never been to Manzanita before, and that is absolutely great,” said Aprilmarie Eckstrom with Manzanita Sweets. Eckstrom estimated that at least half of her customers on Saturday were participating in the mob.

Brenda Smith, manager of Salt and Paper at 411 Laneda Avenue said they experienced a higher number of people purchasing items rather than just looking. “Usually on holiday weekends we get a lot of window shoppers, but the cash mob crowd was making purchases,” she said. “The number of people we had in our store was quite a bit higher than usual and almost everyone was buying something.”

Nearly each shop participating had a special sale during the hours of the cash mob.

I think the shoppers really appreciated all the deals,” Garvin of Tspot said. “Everyone looked like they were having a good time and seemed to enjoy the experience.”

Aufdermauer said the Chamber intends to keep the cash mob energy flowing.

“We’ve seen what a success it can be and how it can make a difference on our small business community,” he said. “So stay tuned because we will be organizing more in the near future.”

 

 

 

 

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Let’s Mob Manzanita!

On November 12th, the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce is going to release a mob in Manzanita – a cash mob that is!

Why? We know that we have very few Chamber members in the Manzanita area. And it’s a little out of the way of what most would consider our “jurisdiction.” But sometimes you just have to set aside your policies and do what is needed. They are our neighbors to the North and when disaster hits your neighbor we all need to come together and surround them with support.

Even though it’s been weeks since the tornado struck the coastal village, the effects are still being felt by residents and businesses as they try to rebuild and shake the blow caused by the tornado. Nearly all of the businesses have been able to reopen their doors to customers – which is awesome – however, being closed for repairs can have a lasting impact on and we are planning to go up there and give them not only a shot of cash but a much needed morale booster.

This mob will be a little different from the cash mobs we’ve hosted in past years. This time, we are mobbing the entire business community! Sounds pretty exciting, right?

Here’s how it will work: The Cash Mob will run from 11 am to 4pm on November 12th. All open Manzanita businesses are fair game and you are welcome to show up and shop anytime that you please. Myself and others will be meeting first at the Manzanita Visitor’s Center, 31 Laneda Avenue, at 11 am. I encourage you to meet us there and get excited for what we are about to accomplish. Starting out as a large group brings a sense of excitement and collaboration, not only for us but for the businesses owners and employees as well. (Meeting at the Manzanita’s Visitor’s Center together also means we get to leave together and really emphasize the “mob” portion of this event. It’s fun, trust me.)

There are no rules, per say, to how much money you are supposed to spend. We do ask, however, that you spend at least $25. Plus, if you bring $50 or more in receipts back to the Manzanita Visitor’s Center we will give you a ticket for a free entree at one of many participating restaurants good for that day. And did I mention yet that several of the local businesses will be hosting drawings with awesome prizes? Yeah, it’s going to be a pretty fun day showing Manzanita a little extra love.

For more information and to help spread the word, find our Facebook event page: Manzanita Cash Mob.

We are hoping to see our community rally around Manzanita this time, but it doesn’t have to stop there. This could be the start of something awesome where we “mob” each community in Tillamook County. I have a feeling downtown Tillamook will be next – our business owners need it due to the impact of construction. So let’s have some fun, spend some money, support our neighbors, and plan to keep the energy going.

 

 

 

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Join Us in China!

Justin Aufdermauer at Great Wall of China

While we have several important things happening right now in the community, I wanted to give you a brief update on our China trip.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to experience another culture, look no further than the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce. We are hosting an all-inclusive trip to China on April 15-24, 2017. And, there is still time to sign up!

This trip is a partnership with Citslinc International and includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzou. There will be opportunities to visit historical sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, Tian An Men Square, and more. Not to mention plenty of opportunities to visit with local Chinese industries. An additional tour will take those interested to see the Terra Cotta Warriers.

This trip is perfect for all ages and we already have people signed up who range from six years in age to nearly 80 years old. You’re never too old – or too young – to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The cost is $2,299 and includes airfare from Seattle, hotel accommodations at 4- and 5-star hotels, three meals a day and professional drivers and tour guides.

I had the pleasure of taking this exact trip several years ago and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the experience. This is by far one of the most affordable ways to experience this unique country and learn more about the Chinese culture.

Citslinc Internationals only offers trips at this rate for Chambers of Commerce,. Myself and several Chamber Directors were treated to this trip so that we could experience it before offering the opportunity to our communities as a way to financially support the Chamber. The Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce wasn’t necessarily intending to offer a trip to China, however several members of our community have asked us for it so we decided to give it a go.

And it has been a great success already. So far, more than 60 people have signed up!  We have room to take a total of 80. There is a $100 discount if the fee is paid in full by cash or check. Otherwise, a $300 deposit is required to hold your spot. The remainder is due by Dec. 15, 2016.

You can find more details on our Facebook page ‘Tillamook Chamber China Trip’ or by contacting the Chamber Visitors Center at 503-842-7525 or emailing info@tilamookchamber.org.

The Chamber Board and myself value your input and insight. Feel free to contact us anytime at info@tillamookchamber.org.

 

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BOLI Supervisor Training Comes to Tillamook

Tillamook Bay Community College

With a variety of recent changes in workplace laws, the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Tillamook Bay Community College to bring a six-part supervisor training series to Tillamook. Trainers from the Bureau of Labor and Industries Technical Assistance Program will conduct the trainings. Each session is held at the TBCC campus.

“There has been a lot of changes in workplace laws in just this year alone,” said Justin Aufdermauer, the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “We wanted to offer an opportunity where supervisors, managers, and business owners could get up to speed on what these new laws are and how they may affect their business and business practices.”

Over the course of three months, the training will focus on the basics of supervision and employment laws. Each session is three hours and addresses a specific aspect of supervision and applicable laws.

Those interested can choose to attend only one session, pick a few, or take the entire series. Sessions build on knowledge skills attained from prior sessions, and useful reference materials and handouts will be provided.

“We want to make sure our business owners and supervisors feel supported as they navigate through these new laws,” Aufdermauer continued, “and that they come away from the series with the knowledge and understanding they need to implement best business practices.”

The first session begins Sept. 23 and the last one wraps up on Nov. 23. Each session is from 9am – 12 pm at the main Tillamook Bay Community College campus.
Attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time by contacting Tammie Samagaio at info@tillamookchamber.org or by calling (503) 842-7525. Sessions are $60 a piece, or $225 for the full series.

Schedule:

Session 1 – The Basics (9/23: 9am – 12pm)

Discussion of effective supervisory practices; at-will employment and its exceptions; Civil Rights laws and protected classes; and understanding and avoiding workplace harassment.

Session 2 – Hiring Employees (9/30: 9am – 12pm)

Effective and legal hiring practices; starting employees on the right foot; employee orientation; the use of employee handbooks and policies; setting goals and expectations.

Session 3 – Protected Leave (10/14: 9am – 12pm)

Basics of family leave laws including OFLA, FMLA, injured workers and ADA.

Session 4 – Basics of Wage and Hour Laws for Supervisors (10/28: 9am – 12 pm)

Hours worked; overtime; rest and meal periods; timekeeping; and paydays.

Session 5 – Employee Management – Part 1 (11/4: 9am – 12pm)

Setting expectations; position descriptions; performance appraisals; coaching for desired employee performance; and documentation.

Session 6 – Employee Management – Part 2 (11/18: 9am – 12 pm)

Workplace investigations; conducting disciplinary meetings; termination; post-termination issues; and best practices of effective supervisors.