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Behind the Scenes of Chamber Chatter Podcast

Written by Meg Angier, Membership and Community Partnerships Manager

When I first started at the Tillamook Chamber, one of my goals was to collaborate with Renee on a podcast that would give business owners the opportunity to connect with listeners and share how their businesses began, along with the goals and plans they are working toward for the future. My previous role in marketing helped me understand just how important it is for businesses to share the story behind their “why,” and these interviews do exactly that.

One of my favorite parts of interviewing local businesses is that no matter how much I think I know about them, I always end up learning something new. I love hearing each business’s origin story, whether they grew up in Tillamook County or were inspired by the beauty of the Oregon Coast to begin a new chapter here. I also love being able to then share those stories with visitors or locals who call or walk into the Tillamook Chamber office. Renee shares a similar perspective: “Connecting with and hearing the stories of our local entrepreneurs gives us the human side. We see the logo, see the Facebook ads, but to hear the story and passion behind why they started their business gives it so much more depth, inspiring me and hopefully others to think of them when in need of their service or product. That is one of the many reasons I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Chamber Chatter Podcast.”

Over the last several months of interviews, I’ve been reminded just how unique our county truly is. We have businesses that have been part of this community for more than 50 years, sharing stories about how Tillamook has changed over time and offering advice to new business owners just getting started. On the flip side, we have brand new businesses just starting out! No matter the episode, the entrepreneurial spirit in Tillamook County runs deep, and I hope hearing the stories behind these businesses helps connect you with our county in a new way. 

Whether you’re tuning in on your way to work, listening while doing the dishes, or clicking on an episode featuring one of your favorite local businesses, we are so grateful you chose to join us.

Catch the Chamber Chatter Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. You can also stay up to date by watching our latest episodes in our weekly newsletter.





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Spring Cleaning and New Life in Downtown Tillamook

There is something undeniably infectious about the arrival of spring. As the days stretch longer and the Oregon mist begins to give way to glimpses of sunshine, though as I write this, it’s actually pouring buckets of rain, we can finally see the world waking up. In Downtown Tillamook, that “new life” isn’t just happening in the flower beds; it’s happening in our storefronts, our parks, and the very bones of our historic buildings.

Have you noticed the buzz lately? It’s more than just the birds returning; it’s the hum of pressure washers and the sight of local business owners clearing away winter debris. We’ve seen incredible hustle from small business owners tidying up their curb appeal, while professional crews are hard at work prepping new retail spaces for upcoming entrepreneurs.

Another “bloom” to watch for is on the corner of 2nd and Pacific. A brand-new retail business is opening soon, and while we are keeping the details under wraps for just a bit longer, it’s a perfect example of the fresh energy hitting our streets. This momentum continues with the Beals Building, which is slated for a much-needed facelift over the next couple of years. At the Chamber, Justin has been working behind the scenes with local developer Terry Phillips to mesh this historic landmark’s classic soul with a fun, modern energy. It’s a transformation you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on!

Watching these renovations move forward highlights a vital truth: our downtown is the heart of Tillamook’s reputation. According to the Oregon Main Street Program, a vibrant downtown serves as the commercial and cultural center of a community. When our streets look bright and cared for, it signals a healthy, thriving economy to everyone who passes through.

As the program also notes, people are naturally drawn to “bright and beautiful” spaces. You’re simply more likely to step into a shop with a fresh coat of paint and a clean sidewalk than one that looks dark or neglected. By investing in these exteriors, we encourage residents and visitors alike to shop locally, keeping our hard-earned dollars right here in our own backyard.

If all this spring cleaning has you feeling inspired to beautify our streets, we have an easy way for you to get involved! Our Flower Pot Program is back, and it’s the perfect way to add a splash of color to our sidewalks without any of the heavy lifting.

We take care of everything. When you sponsor a pot, we handle the planting, the watering, and the ongoing maintenance all season long. You don’t even need to own a downtown business to participate, anyone can sponsor! We’ll even feature your name on a plaque to recognize your contribution to Tillamook’s bright and beautiful reputation.

From the major renovations at the Beals Building to the simple beauty of a blooming petunia, every bit of effort helps our downtown take on new life. Let’s keep this momentum growing!

To learn more about the Flower Pot Program, reach out to Meg at the Chamber HQ or email her at meg@tillamookchamber.org.

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Driving Downtown Vibrancy Through New Connections

Written by: Meg Angier, Membership and Community Partnerships Manager

As I approach my one-year anniversary with the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce, I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve learned in such a short time. This past month, I had the opportunity to attend two incredible professional development experiences – the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce Conference and the Oregon Main Street Conference – on behalf of the Tillamook Chamber. Both events connected me with chamber professionals and community leaders from across the state, offering fresh perspectives on how towns similar in size to Tillamook approach business engagement, economic development, and community growth.

Throughout both conferences, I participated in sessions that focused on collaborative policymaking, strengthening local economies, and creative ways to engage businesses through events and storytelling. One session that particularly stood out to me was titled “Experiences Are the New Downtown Anchor.” It explored how communities across Oregon are partnering with local businesses to design events and activities that prioritize local participation and build a sense of place.

I found this especially exciting because we’re already seeing the benefits of that approach through our growing Sip + Shop event, held the second Friday of each month from 5–7 p.m. Events like this not only drive foot traffic downtown but also give businesses an opportunity to showcase their personality and connect directly with locals. The session also offered inspiration on how to creatively utilize vacant or underused spaces for community gatherings. This concept directly influenced how we’re activating Henson Plaza this year for our Downtown Trick or Treat event on Thursday, October 31, from 3–5 p.m. Chamber members without a downtown storefront will have the opportunity to hand out candy and engage with families right in the heart of downtown.

These conferences reminded me that community development is about connection—between businesses, residents, and shared spaces. I returned home with new tools, creative strategies, and a deeper understanding of how to strengthen partnerships throughout Tillamook. I’m excited to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve already laid and to bring new ideas forward that celebrate collaboration, local pride, and the unique spirit of our community. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to expand on my skills and professional development. If you have an idea or would like to talk about ways we can collaborate, please reach out to me at Meg@TillamookChamber.org or stop by our office on Main Street.