Bend Chamber marks 100 years of supporting business community; Centennial Celebration set for May
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of supporting the regional business community. The organization plans to commemorate the milestone with a year-long campaign and a Centennial Celebration Gala on May 21.
Founded in 1926, the chamber has grown into the second largest business advocacy organization in Oregon with nearly 1,650 members. The upcoming centennial marks 100 years since the organization unanimously voted to change its name from the Bend Commercial Club to the Bend Chamber of Commerce.
The organization was originally founded in 1926 as the Bend Commercial Club. The name was changed to the Bend Chamber of Commerce following a unanimous vote during a weekly forum luncheon on Wednesday, May 26, 1926. The directors referred the name change to the forum, which marked the official transition of the commercial club to the chamber.
Sara Odendahl, current CEO of the Bend Chamber, noted the organization has worked to support entrepreneurs and strengthen the regional economy for a century.
"For 100 years, the Bend Chamber has been a steady force for business—supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening our local economy and helping shape the community Bend has become today," Odendahl said. She added that the chamber is honoring past leaders while preparing for a future that requires bold collaboration and innovative solutions.
The Centennial Celebration Gala is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the High Desert Museum. The event will include live music, catered food and beverages. In addition to the gala, the chamber plans to partner with Deschutes Brewery to create a commemorative collaboration beer and will share historical stories throughout the anniversary year.
The chamber has grown to include nearly 1,650 business members across the state. It currently ranks as the second-largest chamber in Oregon, trailing only the Portland Metro Chamber, which has about 2,400 members. The strong membership allows the organization to advocate for businesses at local, county, state and federal levels.
Gary North, the Bend Chamber's board chair, said the organization serves as a central resource for both new and established businesses to collaborate on shared challenges.
"The Chamber provides one-stop shopping for new and existing businesses to have access to both the services the Chamber provides as well as a place to meet local business leaders to collaborate on mutual challenges," North said. He noted that members and staff have been invaluable in helping businesses navigate changing economic and policy environments.
In recent years, the chamber has focused on addressing workforce housing and child care affordability. The organization also led the creation of a bipartisan Central Oregon Caucus and the Regional Business Alliance. Its community investment arm, the BendNEXT Foundation, manages leadership programs and talent development initiatives to strengthen the local workforce.
The chamber also launched a new website and specialized brandmark featuring a "100 Years" banner to coincide with the anniversary. Lisa Nielsen, marketing lead for the Bend Chamber, said the site was developed by chamber member fare*well to provide easier navigation and resource access. "Our new website is designed to better support our members and the business community—making it easier to access resources, stay informed and engage with the Chamber," Nielsen said.
The year-long Centennial campaign will continue through 2026. The chamber will announce further details regarding special membership promotions and commemorative activities as the anniversary year approaches.
