Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Develop, Promote and Connect your Business
The Bay Area, consisting of Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston, is a truly unique community. Located on the Southern Oregon Coast, home to some of the most spectacular beaches and sand dunes in the world, the Bay Area has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and retirees to experience living in the unspoiled beauty that surrounds us, and is the perfect nest for young families to grow.
Our business community accentuates individuality and character while our retailers strike a balance between distinctively local shops and nationally known chains.
So whether you’re a first time visitor, prospective new resident or business owner considering relocation, once you come here, you’ll never want to leave.
22 March 2023
The Chamber Minute 03/24/23
A few years ago Portland State University came out with its population projections for the next 25 years for all communities in Oregon. For Coos County they predicted 25 years of no growth. Having suffered with over 30 years of little growth, I’m not inclined to accept that future and I hope you are not either. It is truly time for a new path. The people of Manitoba felt the same concern about 11 years ago and found no solace in their elected leaders and their game plan. Hence arose, from the people, Manitoba BOLD and more. So, what is your BOLD idea for Oregon’s Bay Area and Coos County? BOLD is a community defining its vision, mission and values and collaborating with civic officials and leaders throughout the community to come together for the success of Coos County. Our area has survived because of the passion of the people that live here. Where would Oregon’s Bay Area be without the John Whitty’s, the Louie Simpson’s, the Gordon Ross’s or dozens of others throughout our history. Where would this county be without all of you? You are all leaders in some way. Everyone in this community plays a role in […]
14 March 2023
The Chamber Minute 03/17/23
Have you been to the Wednesday Business Connection lately? Well chances are some of your friends have, since 207 of you participated in our four sessions in February. We had a good mix of variety at WBC with the annual presentation of Arin Carmack from Cardinal Services, Marie Simonds on the work of the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, Stephanie Kilmer on our commercial airport operations and the latest information on the Elliott State Research Forest proposal. March has continued our variety of information with Brian Moore, CEO, of Bay Area Hospital sharing their challenges with service operations and Michael Gordon, CPA, alerting business to a significant issue impacting you. In the remainder of March you will hear an update on the containerized cargo project planned for the North Spit of Coos Bay, followed with insights about the Small Business Development Center at the College and how it can help your business and finally the Coquille Tribe will share the latest status of their work, with ODFW, on saving and promoting the salmon population in the Coquille River system. WBC offers you the chance (September through May) to network with others, promote your business or event with the weekly open […]
6 March 2023
The Chamber Minute 03/10/23
It’s almost Spring! Our thoughts turn to the daffodils, baseball and getting ready for visitors. Isn’t it amazing how your spirits rise with all that late afternoon daylight? Who do you expect to see enjoying our beaches, sand dunes, mountain bike trails or bistros? Seems like most people begin to travel in the Spring time. If you think your business isn’t a tourist related business, think again. In 2019 Coos County visitors spent $43 million on entertainment and recreation. They spent over $30 million in retail stores and another $26 million in grocery stores. In total, visitors spent some $277 million in Coos County and guess what, it’s your employees that keep them coming back. Remember when a person who had one bad experience used to tell 10 other people about it? Some 20 years ago, Travel Oregon estimated that each bad experience cost a community $20,000. With Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools, imagine what that costs equates to today. Now imagine what great experiences can do for your business. Visitors spend more and stay longer if they feel welcome. Consumers will pay 10% more for a product or service from businesses that offer great customer service. Also, […]
