COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL August 3, 2016
CHAMBER
9A
NEWSLETTER
Our Mission: h e Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote the economy and business environment of the Cottage Grove area so its citizens and businesses will prosper.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
h is month I’d like to take a moment to
acknowledge one of the biggest and best economic
development “wins” that Cottage Grove has seen
in over a decade. PakTech’s purchase of the old
Kwikee building at 230 Davidson Avenue will do
much more than just i ll an empty space. Moreover,
it took swit action and the support of many
people and organizations to make the purchase
possible. City staf worked closely with PakTech
to identify any potential roadblocks that could
eliminate Cottage Grove as a possible site for their
expansion. Once identii ed, there was quick action
from the city, not only to rally community support
from the Chamber of Commerce and Community
Development Corporation but they also worked
to get all of the necessary decision makers at the
table together to i gure out how to overcome some
signii cant logistical issues.
Emerald People’s Utility District General
Manager, Scott Coe recognized the importance
of this project for Cottage Grove’s economy as
well as the additional benei ts to the community
that will soon be realized upon completion. Not
only will PakTech have the power they need, but
EPUD’s other area customers will benei t from the
improved stability and redundancy being built into
the upgrades to their power distribution system.
EPUD’s leadership should be commended for their
ability to see challenges as opportunities, their
willingness to accelerate their long range plans and
for investing signii cant resources to strengthen
their partnership with Cottage Grove.
h e most obvious benei t of a company like
PakTech coming to our community is job growth.
h e projection of 35 jobs quickly growing to 100
or more family-wage jobs in Cottage Grove is
a substantial boon to our local economy. An
increase in the amount of good jobs leads to an
increase in consumer spending, which leads to a
better bottom line for our local shops, restaurants,
and other businesses.
An improved local
economy will also likely lead to more investment
in housing, infrastructure, retail, professional and
entrepreneurial industries, which will in turn create
even more jobs.
It’s not ot en that a town the size of Cottage Grove
can even attract the attention of a manufacturing
company, let alone have the ability to mobilize all
of the necessary people and resources to overcome
the many obstacles associated with development.
As a rural community, we simply aren’t able to
of er the millions of dollars in tax breaks and other
incentives that larger cities ot en resort to. What
we do have is the willingness to look at the unique
challenges and opportunities of each situation.
We can quickly identify and gather the people
and organizations that are in a position to help
and we will do whatever is possible to contribute
solutions that will ultimately benei t the entire
community.
On behalf of the Cottage Grove
Area Chamber of Commerce I hope you’ll join
us in welcoming PakTech to the community and
thanking Richard Meyers & city staf , Scott Coe
and the Board at Emerald People’s Utility District,
Lane County Commissioner Faye Stewart, and the
many others who have been supporting Cottage
Grove’s economic development ef orts. Our work
is far from over but we are certainly on a more
prosperous path.
AMERICAN PICKERS TO FILM IN OREGON
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are
excited to return to OREGON! h ey plan to
i lm episodes of the hit series AMERICAN
PICKERS throughout the region this September.
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that
explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on
History. h e hit show follows Mike and Frank, two
of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they
hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. h ey are
always excited to i nd sizeable, unique collections
and learn the interesting stories behind them.
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike
and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue
forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to
meet characters with remarkable and exceptional
items. h e pair hopes to give historically signii cant
objects a new lease on life, while learning a
thing or two about America’s past along the way.
Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the
years and are always looking to discover something
they’ve never seen before. h ey are ready to i nd
extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales
about them. AMERICAN PICKERS is looking
for leads and would love to explore your hidden
treasure. If you or someone you know has a large,
private collection or accumulation of antiques
that the Pickers can spend the better part of the
day looking through, send us your name, phone
number, location and description of the collection
with photos to: americanpickers@cinel ix.com or
call 855-old-rust.
AUGUST CONCERTS IN THE PARK!
Join us on Wednesdays at Bohemia Park
Amphitheatre from 6:30 – 8:00pm, bring a friend
and support the musicians and their sponsors by
attending. h ese concerts are made possible with
i nancial support through sponsorships. If you
are interested in being one of this year’s sponsors,
contact Travis Palmer at (541) 942-2411. Concerts
begin at 6:30pm.
08/03 Ian McFerron Sponsored by Banner Bank
Ian McFeron’s songwriting has been compared
to Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Ryan Adams.
Over the course of a decade-long independent
music career, he has gained a loyal following and
attracted media attention stretching across the
Atlantic. He currently tours in support of his 8th
studio album, Radio, recorded in Nashville, TN
with Grammy nominated Producer/Guitarist Doug
Lancio. Performers on the album have appeared on
records by Robert Plant, Nora Jones, Elton John,
Ray LaMontagne, Steve Earl, Patty Grii n, John
Hiatt, Buddy Miller, and Eli Young Band among
others. McFeron performs live with his Seattle-
based folky-pop Americana band, which includes
long time i ddler/cellist Alisa Milner as well as the
soulful bass and drum duo, Moe Provencher and
Aimee Zoe. McFeron’s writing explores musical
traditions ranging from rock to gospel, from folky-
pop to alt-country, Americana, blues and swing.
8/10
Annie Mae Rhodes Band Sponsored by
Cottage Grove Sentinel
If you like country-bluegrass-classics-originals-a
touch of gospel and an occasional blast from the
past you’ll enjoy the -Annie Mae Rhodes band...
long time area performers and great musicians that
play a lot of dif erent venues --fairs, conventions,
fundraisers/benei ts, birthday and wedding
celebrations, an avid supporter for Habitat for
Humanity at the Axe and Fiddle, and Habitat’s
annual Crab Feed Extravaganza...h ey will be
playing some songs from their “Bluegrass State of
Mind “ CD....available at the show...AND ..another
NEW original - “Put on Your Dancing Shoes” so
put on YOUR dancing shoes (or not ha...) It all
comes together with loads of energy-enthusiasm-
and fun-fun-fun...so don’t miss it ...you can’t help
but feel you are part of the show. Check out their
blog site for other events coming this summer at-
--annierhodesband.blogspot.com---see you there!
Annie Mae: mandolin & lead vocalist/songwriter,
Neil Fain: lead guitar/vocalist, Herb Hill: bass/
drums, Kelly White: rhythm guitar/bass, Brad
Markham: banjo.
8/17
Windy Ridge Sponsored by Lane
Community College and South Lane County Fire &
Rescue
At the very southern tip of the Willamette Valley,
deep in the mist covered hills east of Cottage Grove,
lies a secret. No, not that kind of a secret! It is a
rarity among bands. Five guys born and raised in
the same small town who have been playing music
together for over 35 years and still actually enjoy
each other’s company!
At er experiencing burnout, brought on by good
times and hard living playing in clubs and bars
throughout the state in the 70’s and 80’s, the
remnants of two Cottage Grove bands, Daybreak
and Hiwire, joined forces. In a small cabin on a
breezy hilltop the i ve guys came together in 1990
with a dif erent attitude. Older, wiser and united in
the belief that playing their own brand of music, and
the brotherhood required to make it work, was the
most important thing, Windy Ridge was formed.
h e band consists of the Munsell brothers, David on
guitar, keyboard and lead vocals, Curt: percussion
and lead vocals, Ken Bachelder: bass and vocals,
Joe Tennis: lead guitar, vocals, and Brian Gushwa:
drums and vocals. Blend together rock and blues,
throw in a little country and original material for
l avor and you have a tasty, eclectic musical brew.
So whether your thing is kickin’ of your shoes
and dancing, or just kickin’ back and listening, ‘the
Ridge’ has got just what you need!
8/24
h e Reveleers…Revisited Sponsored by
Jack Sprats
h e Reveleer’s, that li’l semi-famous, circa 1962-
1965 rock & roll band from Cottage Grove will
make their FINAL stage appearance EVER at a
free outdoor concert for their fans, family, friends,
and other hoodlums who want to show up at the
Amphitheater in Bohemia Park on south 10th street
in Cottage Grove from 6:30-8pm on Wednesday,
August 24.
It is being called “h e REVELEER’S RUMBLE”
which promises to be a fabulous party like the last
one back in 2014, with dancing on the grass and
several food carts nearby. (You can also bring
your own personal dinner and beverage, if you
wish.) h is is your personal invitation to help the
Reveleer’s celebrate the “really good” rock & roll
music of the early and mid-60’s that the 2 surviving
members Darryl Wetzell and Steve Whaley
performed together back then, and some newer
songs are included that you’ll probably recognize
that are of that same l avor and drive.
h e REVELEERS RUMBLE: it’s about “connecting
the dots” with friends and keeping the i res lit and
values shared between the generations. Come and
experience for yourself what it’s STILL all about!
8/31
Calvary Creek Sponsored by Cascade
Home Center & Wal-Mart
Calvary Creek is a group of eight people who
simply love music. It all began a few years ago with
two brothers, Scott and Jef Smith, playing and
singing old Beatles songs in cof eehouses for fun.
Jef pastors a Calvary Chapel in Cottage Grove and
has some fabulous musicians in his church. One
day he had the urge to create a band that not only
performed well-known pop, rock and folk songs
from the 1960s & 70s and beyond, but played with
excellence! So he set a concert date and began to
gather his group, one git ed member at a time, until
each song he chose could be performed as closely to
the original as possible.
What’s so fun about this group is the fact that it’s
multi-generational, with members in their 20’s
to their 60’s. Singers Amanda Hinkle and Lynell
h omas blend beautifully with Jef and Scott
Lance Quackenbush plays a sweet keyboard, and
despite his young age, loves this music! Bill Tatton
is an extremely git ed 6-string bass player, while
drummer Brad Helsel skillfully keeps the rhythm
Kevin Hampton and Jef handle various 6-string &
12-string guitars with i nesse, and Jef occasionally
adds harmonica.
Playing music from A (ABBA) to nearly Z (Young
Neil), the diverse mix in Calvary Creek’s repertoire
stirs up wonderful memories. h e band loves to see
the smiles in the audience as they begin a familiar
song. You’re welcome to sing along if you know the
words...and you probably do!
AUGUST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
US Bank will host Business At er Hours this month
Please join us on h ursday, August 18 from 5:30
– 7:00pm at 29 N. 7 th for a time to network with
others, learn something new, and have some fun
Bring your business card to enter the door prize
drawing. Your attendance reinforces the spirit in
which the Chamber provides these monthly activi-
ties. We look forward to seeing you there! Many
thanks to those who support our ef orts by attend-
ing this Chamber program.
Future Business At er Hours
September 15
Emerald People’s Utility District
October 20
PeaceHealth Cottage Grove
Community Medical Center
November17
Village Green Resort
CHILI IN JULY? YOU BET!
What a great time we had at the Chili Cook-Of on
Saturday! h e sun shine accompanied a light breeze
and the streets were i lled with people and cars for the
KNND Rock, Roll N’ Rumble Car show. For those
who thought it was too hot for chili…you missed out
h e public had a chance to let their voice be heard
by casting votes for their favorite. 3rd Place People’s
Choice went to Chili Knights/Pay It Forward, the
new chef, Benjamin Gerlach at Axe & Fiddle brought
his Texas roots to the kitchen to take 2nd place and
the winner of this year’s People’s Choice chili went
to Jack Sprats. A special thanks to our Judges for
accepting the challenge of blind tasting all the chili
and casting your vote. Cottage Grove Kiwanis Club
earned the Judges Choice 3rd Place ribbon, Chili
Knights/Pay It Forward took 2nd Place and Jack
Sprats chili was a hit with the judges earning them
the 1st place Judges Choice trophy! h e variety of
Chili all around was a hit this year as several of our
contestants ran out! Other contestants this year
were: 5 Flying Monkeys, Shampoo Dolls Salon
and State Farm who won the award for Most Festive
Booth with their Hawaiian l air! Great job everyone
We thank everyone for your participation and look
forward to your return next year! So start thinking
about what chili recipe you’ll want to enter and mark
your calendar for next year’s cook-of on July 22
2017! BIG thanks to our sponsors: Cottage Grove
Sentinel, Cottage Grove Speedway, EPUD, Lane
Community College, Pacii c Power, Wal-Mart
Weyerhaeuser, and contributors Cottage Grove
Garbage Service and Grocery Outlet. h anks
also to those from the Greeter’s committee who
volunteered their time to serve. We couldn’t have
done it without you!
Please help us support Chamber member businesses
and our local economy and “Shop Chamber
Members i rst”!
2016 Chamber Board of Directors,
Advisors and Staff
Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
700 E. Gibbs • Cottage Grove, OR
info@cgchamber.com • www.cgchamber.com
P. (541) 942-2411
2016 Chamber Board of Directors: Thank you for your hours upon hours of volunteer time,
commitment, and service!
Offi cers
Joe Raade, President
South Lane County Fire & Rescue
Candace Solesbee, Vice President Shampoo Dolls Salon
Rhonda Worley, Secretary
CJW, LLC
Amanda Akers, Treasurer
Commonwealth Financial Network
Tiffany Thackara, Past President
Emerald Valley Resort Event Center
Directors
Chloe Becks
Dean Kruschke
Lindsay Laycock
Gary Manly
Cameron Reiten
Danny Solesbee
Don Williams
Lloyd Williams
Judd Van Gorder
Jack Sprats
Cascade Home Center
Lindsay Laycock – Keller Williams Realty
Cottage Grove Sentinel
KNND
Five Flying Monkeys
Retired, Past Board President
South Lane Television
Carousel Delicatessen & Ice Cream Shoppe
Advisors
Garrett Bridgens
Tim Herrmann
Diana Knous
Richard Meyers
Mayor Tom Munroe
Shauna Neigh
South Lane School District
PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center
Public Utilities
City of Cottage Grove
City of Cottage Grove
Main Street Coordinator
Visitor Center Volunteers:
Heidi Abbott, Dottie Bittner, Tara Sue Hughart, Susan Jeppesen, Suzy Kanich,
Marie Longfellow, Jennifer Robinson,
2016 Chamber Goals
Sunny Kennedy, Chieko Tomasulo,
• Increase membership by 25/year
Sharon Van Gorder, Sherry Wendt,
• Increase networking opportunities by one/
Jim Vander Plaat, Penny Westling
month
Staff:
Travis Palmer
Beth Martin
Mavis Bradsby
Executive Director
Offi ce Manager
Bookkeeper
• Increase advertising ef orts outside Cottage
Grove
• Organize and be viewed as a business
conduit and resource for businesses
• Improve communication about legislative
issues af ecting business
