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Chamber Lunch and Learns: The Monthly Meeting You Don’t Want to Miss

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.

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Why We Love Tillamook

Green pastures, tractor, log truck, restaurant, cows in Tillamook County Oregon

At the recent Tillamook Chamber Banquet, guest speaker Kaylan Sisco shared a story that many of us can relate to. He spoke about the early days of his career, attending banquets and fundraisers, feeling the passion in the room, but not always having the extra funds to participate in the “Raise Your Card” portion of the evening.

During his time on stage, Kaylan asked the audience for a different kind of contribution. He invited everyone to write down what they loved about Tillamook County on the back of their cards, even if they couldn’t donate. He wanted us to give something that made a lasting impact: our gratitude.

Reading through those cards was heartwarming. It served as a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. We wanted to share some of the highlights with you because, honestly, we couldn’t agree more.

The recurring theme throughout almost every card was the people. There is a unique resilience here; no matter your background or your views, when times get hard, this community pulls together to help each other out.

“I love that Tillamook works hard to support its youth and empower them to succeed.”

Many of you also pointed to the intersection of our heritage and our daily lives, the way our industries shape our identity and our families.

“Tillamook is a great place to raise a family. Hunting, fishing, and the agriculture industry is amazing. The small-town feel and the love between neighbors is remarkable.”

“The people that make up the community and their backgrounds and diverse skills. Logging, farming, coastal living, and tourism. Tillamook is our Heaven on Earth.”

There’s a specific kind of magic in a place where a trip to the grocery store doubles as a social hour.

“I love Tillamook because you can’t go to the store without seeing/visiting with a friend. I love Tillamook because of its small-town devotion to community service; prime example: The entire community supports the Charity Drive.”

“Beautiful green pastures and wildlife.”

At the Tillamook Chamber, our mission is to see this community thrive, not just economically, but socially and culturally. Seeing the outpouring of love on the back of those cards reinforces why we are so proud to serve this area.

Tillamook isn’t just a collection of businesses or a scenic stop on Highway 101; it is a living, breathing ecosystem of support, tradition, and neighborly love. Whether you’ve lived here for generations or you’ve just moved here, you are part of what makes this community so special.

We are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who care so deeply. Thank you for sharing your heart with us and for making Tillamook a place we are all proud to call home.



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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.

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Sneak Peek: Helping Visitors Find Their Way

By Justin Aufdermauer, Executive Director, Tillamook Chamber of Commerce

At the Tillamook Chamber, one of our key strategic priorities is Business Growth. That goal is broad and often looks different depending on the project or season. Sometimes it means ongoing programs that support local businesses, and other times it’s unique initiatives that bring long-term value to our community. Earlier this spring, we launched one of those special projects in partnership with the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association: installing pedestrian wayfinding signs in downtown Tillamook.

The Chamber was actually the first to partner with TCVA and Partners in Design back in 2017. Their vision was to create a coordinated signage system that welcomes and guides visitors throughout the county. We developed a multi-phase plan – with the first phase focused on gateway or “Welcome” signs—those attractive markers placed at community entrances. Here in Tillamook, those gateway signs were completed in 2019 and have since been installed in other parts of the county as well.

Now we’re moving into phase two: pedestrian wayfinding. This system of signs and maps is designed to help people confidently navigate a city on foot. As residents, we often take our landmarks for granted. We drive past the kayak launch, the veterans memorial, or even another brewery without giving them a second thought. But for a visitor, discovering these places often requires a simple sign pointing the way. For example, if someone is enjoying an afternoon at Pelican Brewery & Taproom, wouldn’t it be helpful to direct them just a block away to another brewery, or to show them that a paddle on the river is just steps away?

Every time I encounter wayfinding signs in other cities, I feel instantly welcome. Their presence says: we care that you’re here, and we want you to explore what makes this place special. That feeling matters. Visitors who feel oriented and encouraged to explore are more likely to stay longer, shop, dine, and return. And the reality is, many of our local businesses rely on that support.

While these signs are designed with visitors in mind, I am also proud of what they represent for us as residents. They are a visible investment of lodging tax dollars, supporting not only tourism but also building community pride. They remind us that Tillamook is worth showing off.

This fall, keep an eye out for a dozen new high-quality wayfinding signs in downtown. They will serve our visitors, support our businesses, and remind us all that Tillamook is a community worth exploring.

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The Farmers Market Is Still Buzzing

Fall into four more weeks of fresh produce, unique gifts, and family fun!

Many people think the farmers market season is over after Labor Day, but we’re here to tell you that’s not the case! We have four Saturday’s left, and the market is still bursting with fresh, vibrant produce. Now is the perfect time to stock up on all your favorites and enjoy the final days of the season.

More than just a place to shop, the farmers market is a true community hub. It’s where neighbors connect, kids play, and the air is filled with the sounds of live music. We enjoy featuring amazing talent each week, from local bands like N.E. Daynow and Mercury Coast to other incredible artists who bring our market to life. The vibrant energy is a celebration of local life and culture that you simply have to experience for yourself.

The bounty here goes far beyond fresh produce. Our vendors—a mix of old favorites and exciting newcomers—have filled the market with unique handcrafted goods and delicious foods. You can discover a wide range of unique items, from comforting freeze-dried soup mix and locally grown herbs to beautifully scented artisanal soaps. The market is also a great place to find treasures for your home, like intricate photography, whimsical handmade wind chimes, and vibrant tie-dye apparel. And if you’re looking for a snack, we have delicious treats like savory hummus and fluffy artisan cotton candy. You can even find beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers and a stunning selection of succulents to add a touch of nature to your space.

This year, we’ve been thrilled to welcome several new vendors who have quickly become market favorites. Sinfully Sweet Treats has brought a range of delightful baked goods, while Hall Family Farm helps gardeners get a head start on next year’s plans with their high-quality soil enhancer. And for a healthy and fresh bite, Apple Sprout Co. is selling their delicious variety of microgreens.

While you’re here, swing by the Farmers Market HQ to grab one of our new farmers market bags! Thanks to our sponsors, the Tillamook County Creamery Association and Fibre Federal Credit Union, these nice, sturdy bags are perfect for carrying all your new treasures and showing your market pride. We also offer a fun, hands-on craft for kids each week to keep the little ones happy and engaged. On Saturday, September 27th—our last market of the year—we’ll be decorating mini pumpkins! It’s a fall tradition you won’t want to miss.

Come on down and enjoy the final weeks of the season with us! We’re here Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the corner of 2nd and Laurel in Downtown Tillamook. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Second Main Street Grant to Revitalize Downtown Tillamook

I’m sure you’ve noticed the eye catching transformation happening on the corner of Pacific Avenue and Second Street, adjacent to the Henson Plaza as you make your way through downtown Tillamook. The historic National Bank Building has received a fantastic new facelift, thanks to the vision of local business owner and developer, Terry Philips. After a complete renovation, the building has a fresh new look. The clean white and gray paint job and new retail/ office space are just the beginning of some really exciting news for Downtown Tillamook.

Earlier this year, the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce applied for an Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant on behalf of Terry’s project. We were thrilled to learn that we secured a substantial $250,000 to help get this project going and address a critical need here in Tillamook.

So, what exactly does that mean for our community? This grant will be a huge help in transforming the upper floor of the National Bank Building into new apartments, including an ADA-accessible unit on the bottom level that will be easily accessible from Pacific Avenue. We all know how critical the need for housing is, and this project is a big step toward addressing that.

Some of you might remember that the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant Program also helped another local business owner and developer, Lisa Greiner, owner of the Oregon Coast Dance Center. She was awarded $200,000 from the OMSRGP in 2019 to kick-start her downtown housing project. After a lengthy but rewarding renovation, the Jones-Knudson apartments above her dance studio were finished and fully occupied earlier this year. The Chamber celebrated with Lisa and those involved in the process during a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially commemorate the completion of this project on February 8th, 2025. This milestone’s success is a powerful example of how these grants can boost vitality in the downtown community.

The Chamber is honored to play a role in working with these motivated developers. We love helping them secure the funds needed to turn their passion and vision into a reality, making downtown Tillamook a more inviting and thriving place to live, work, and play. There’s nothing better than seeing a great idea become a reality while also meeting a real need in our community.