Bend Chamber of Commerce hosts BEND 101 event focusing on the growth of Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Chamber of Commerce had a Bend 101 event on Tuesday focusing on growth in Bend. A heavily discussed topic, as the city continues its massive expansion.

Several people were in attendance including Bend Chamber of Commerce Member and local business owner Brian Ladd.

KTVZ News spoke with Ladd to learn more about the event. 

"Bend is a community of collaboration and positivity. Nothing in Bend happened by accident. It's a very self-determined town and when we face issues, we face issues together," Ladd said to KTVZ News. "So what we are trying to do at Bend 101 is engage those that are either newer to the community or perhaps not engaged on the level they want to be."

Civic engagement is incredibly important in Bend, and making sure Bendites not only know the history of the area, but what is going on in the area, is incredibly important.

While the event seems to cater towards newer people, there were several people in the room who've been in bend for a while. 

KTVZ News asked Ladd about this.

 Ladd told KTVZ News, "Whether you've been here two months or two years or 20 years. I think Bend 101 is a really good forum for just about anybody to to really understand and connect with fellow Bend citizens."

Several people from all walks of life were here to enjoy the event. These events are held once every couple of months.