06/25 RDM Business News by Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB

JUNE 2025

REDMOND CHAMBER PREMIER LEVEL SPONSORS

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

JUNE 2025

BY ERIC SANDE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GETTING INVOLVED

Welcome June! I can never wrap my head around how time seems to pass so quickly, and here we find ourselves halfway through the year. June always seems to be when we hit the accelerator pedal and shift into high gear. To get everything done that we have scheduled for the summer season we rely heavily on our awesome members, dedicated Board of Directors, volunteers and our outstanding Ambassadors. Involvement by so many individuals with a passion to help better the Community and Chamber is the key to our ability to accomplish all that we do.

I feel very fortunate to be involved in so many aspects of our community, and it is the reason for my longevity. Involvement with projects that you are passionate about and have an interest in keeps you motivated and engaged. Some of the various boards, committees and organizations I have the privilege to serve on include the Redmond Airport Committee, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership Redmond Steering Committee, COIC’s Loan Committee, Deschutes Cultural Coalition, Visit Central Oregon- Board of Directors, Deschutes County Library Art Committee and others. All of these diverse groups and committees allow me

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RYAN CHURCHILL INITIATIVE BREWING PRESIDENT

JUDY LAPORA

CROOKED RIVER RANCH AND MAINTENANCE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

BRADY VELIKONIA

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY CENTRAL OREGON 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

to contribute to various aspects of our community and to share my knowledge and insights. The knowledge and insight I have gained from working and talking with you, our members, and the community at large. It is a fun and unique position, and I am honored to help build our community.

So how can you get involved? Well, being part of the Chamber is an excellent resource, we always have events we are working on and could use help, attend Coffee Clatters and connect with other Chamber members and organizations, and seriously, if you announce at Coffee Clatter you are looking to get involved you will have opportunities open up. Another great way to get involved is by participating in Leadership Redmond (applications will be available online coming in July for September enrollment). This program will open your eyes to all the ins and outs of what makes the Redmond community function 365 days a year and you will have a “lightbulb” moment when you find something you are excited to be involved with.

Events

Speaking of events, the Chamber has a host of events scheduled for this summer, starting with Music on the Green on the last Wednesday of the month (new location this year - American Legion Park). The value this event brings to the community is more than just good music, it provides an activity that brings people and community together and yes, it is economic development, showing that the community is rich in activities, arts and culture. Vendors and businesses are encouraged to participate, and applications are online or call the Chamber.

The Fourth of July Parade is scheduled for 10am on the 4th and registration is open online. Be sure to sign up to be part of this beloved community celebration. This year’s theme is Made in America! We look forward to seeing you there, and it’s also not too soon to sign up for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament in August!

There is so much going on this summer, we hope to see you at one of the many Coffee Clatters, Lunch and Learn, Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings and more. Have a great June!

Legislative

We continue to follow what is happening in Salem via our partnership with Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) and post their weekly updates on our website. The Legislature is down to the last five weeks of the 160-day legislative session. By Constitution, the session must adjourn by 11:59pm on Sunday, June 29th. OSCC is reporting that legislators are talking openly about finishing up on June 20th. They also reported that all of the policy committees are now closed and the only committees that are open for business now are the Joint Ways and Means Committee with its seven subcommittees, Joint Tax Expenditures, and Joint Transportation Reinvestment, as well as the House and Senate Rules Committees and House and Senate Revenue Committees. As the Legislature races to the finish line you can keep informed by following their updates as we post them on the visitredmondoregon. com website, under the Chamber tab, under News and Updates.

DUSTIN HEWITT

BROKER - WINDERMERE REALTY TRUST PAST PRESIDENT

SEAN NEARY FITCH & NEARY PC

LAURA GARCIA MAZATLAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT

DEBBIE BUTLER REDMOND INDUSTRIAL PARK

Eric Sande Executive Director

Director

SUSAN SIMONSEN AMERITITLE

MAARTY LEUNEN

SUMMIT BANK

RANDY GRAVES REDMOND SENIOR CENTER

SUSAN BAKER

DESCHUTES COUNTY SOLID WASTE

BRANDI EBNER

DESCHUTES COUNTY FAIR & EXPO

HANEY

JUSTY

Amanda Joe Luelling Events

Connor Cubic Marketing Director Evelina Davidson Membership/Finance Director

WELCOME

NEW MEMBERS

Umpqua Bank

AJ Losoya

1502 SW Odem Medo Road, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-923-4401

www.umpquabank.com

Huntwood Cabinets - Redmond Showroom

Juliet Palmer-Furman

611 NE Jackpine Ct Ste 1, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-508-8383 www.huntwood.com

Firefly Fields Northwest LLC

Kasy S Notihger

3250 NW Odem Ave, Terrebonne OR 97760, US 5412972789

www.fireflyfieldsnw.com

Capstone Accounting & Tax

Zack Harmon

735 SW 9th Street, Redmond OR 97756, US 541-548-3569

https://capstoneaccounting.com/

Kaufman Commercial

Rob Steiner

835 NE Greenwood Ave, Redmond, OR 97756, Salem 5416410017

https://kaufmancommercial.net/

Ease Lending

Adele Krsek

64624 Deschutes Market Rd, Bend OR 97701, US 5418019839

www.easelending.com

Red Oak NW General Contractor Francisco Pena

977 SE Strawberry Lane, Madras OR 97741, US 541-604-1379

redoaknwgeneralcontractor.godaddysites.com

Redefined Beauty DBA Redefined Wellness

Katie McCarthy

405 SW 6th St, Redmond OR 97756, US 5032904028

www.redefinedwellnesscollective.com

Majestic Ridge Senior Care

Peggy Budnick

2520 NW Majestic Ridge Drive, Bend, OR, Bend OR 97703, US 925-640-8093

www.mrseniorcare.com

Bend Payroll and Insurance

Joy Anne Bunde

3790 SW Lava Ave, Redmond OR 97756, US 9074411313

https://www.BendPayrollandInsurance.com

BE SURE TO REACH OUT AND SAY HELLO!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

REDMOND OREGON

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Music on the Green, Redmond, Oregon’s beloved outdoor summer concert series, nestled right in Redmond’s backyard, is set to bring the community together once again with its exciting lineup of performances, starting June 25th.

Now hosted at American Legion Park, this series epitomizes the spirit of summer with its blend of live music, local food trucks, and craft and business vendors. Over the course of six concerts, attendees can look forward to a diverse array of musical acts, making it the perfect family-friendly event. Business vendors will be on-site as well, providing a great opportunity to learn about local enterprises and services.

Whether you’re there to enjoy the music, savor the food, shop for unique crafts, or simply soak up the atmosphere. Music on the Green is the event you won’t want to miss. It’s a chance to relax, connect, and make summer memories. So, mark your calendars for June 25th and get ready to experience one of Redmond, Oregon’s most anticipated summer events.

Does Solar Make Sense in 2025?

If Pacific Power is your utility, you know about their 50% rate increases since 2020. Many are suggesting that double digit annual increases will continue, due to increased grid demand, wildfire prevention and mandates towards “carbon free by 2040”. For Pacific Power customers, solar can be an effective way to reduce your power bills.

Customers of Central Electric are in a better position with respect to electricity bills, primarily because CEC is a nonprofit and buys directly from Bonneville. Solar can still make sense for CEC customers, but the economic benefits will be less due to lower rates. Things to keep in mind when considering solar?

What Kind of Panel?

Although installed cost per watt is always a consideration, “you get what you pay for” also applies to solar panels. Panels should be Tier 1 and carry a 20 to 30 year warranty. If the aesthetics are an issue, there are all black panel options.

Cost

The larger the system, the lower the cost per watt. Commercial rooftop systems will fall into the $2.00 to $2.65 per watt range, while smaller home systems are usually $3.00 per watt and higher.

Tax Benefits

The 30% Federal Tax Credit is a significant benefit and can be used over 25 years (3 back and 22 forward). Tax Credits can also be sold or transferred. Nonprofits can now get a check from the IRS in lieu of this Credit, which they cannot use. In addition to the 30% Tax Credit, 85% of the cost for solar are depreciated over 5 years and solar is exempt from property taxes.

The Administration is debating changes to the Tax Credit, but it appears at this point, commercial systems installed before 12/31/2028 should get the full Credit. If you are thinking about solar on your residence, however, try to get install this year, as the Administration has proposed eliminating Tax Credits in 2026.

Cash Incentives

Pacific Power customers can usually get a cash incentive from Energy Trust of Oregon but the amount of this incentive varies from year to year.

The USDA has a REAP Grant program, which can cover 25% to 50% of the cost of solar for agricultural entities and for most businesses outside of major metro areas meeting SBA “small business” standards. There is some current uncertainty as to whether the REAP

Grant program will change or by the current Administration, guidance is expected by the end of June, with applications due by September 30th.

Net Metering / Aggregation

Pacific Power customers can receive full retail credit for energy exported to the grid. With aggregation, they can also offset other meters without a physical connection to them. Depending upon rate schedules, this can be worth $.14 to $.21 per kWh.

CEC customers can net meter but receive a cash credit for exported energy at wholesale rates, currently about $.05 per kWh.

Economics

Overall, the economics for solar are a function of the net investment (after tax and cash incentives) compared to the energy savings over time. The higher your rates and the faster they rise over time, the better the economics for producing your own power.

Assuming a reasonable increase, the “simple payback” for solar is typically about 5 years. For those lucky enough to receive a REAP Grant, the payback can be 2 years or less.

Financing

In addition to talking to your bank, there are other financing options available which can cover 100% of the cost for solar with a 25 to 30 year term. This often means that the energy savings will exceed debt service, making solar cash flow positive from the start.

Carbon Footprint

Pacific Power still relies heavily on burning natural gas and coal to generate electricity. The latest figures from the Oregon DEQ show 1.2 pounds of CO2 for every kWh produced. If you are buying energy from Pacific Power, you are still contributing to global warming. CEC buys from Bonneville and it is therefore hydro.

Next Step?

If you want to see if solar makes sense for you, the first step is a site visit, from which a solar installer can model up the performance and pricing for a solar installation. They can also assist with financing and with securing whatever incentives are available.

Pure Energy Group is a member of the Redmond Chamber. Please contact Rob Aldridge if you have questions or want to arrange a site visit for your business or home.

Rob Aldridge rob@pureenergy.group 503-510-5206 (call/text)

Ask the Experts – Child Care Considerations for a Better Business

Q: I’m having trouble hiring staff because they can’t find child care. What are some key considerations for businesses in Oregon that might help?

A: Thanks for this question. We are hearing this as a consistent story across the state and nation, that child care is impacting the economic stability of American households and businesses.

An employer can take a leadership role in understanding their employee’s needs and provide a solution. Recent economic surveys show that employers that offer a child care benefit package as part of employment experience stronger recruitment, lower turnover, enhanced productivity and improved attendance.

A toolkit from Child Care Works for Oregon, childcareworksfororegon.org/foremployers, supports businesses and organizations in understanding the complexity of how child care is impacting their bottom line. Discover a range of approaches to support working parents and identify which will meet the needs of your employees. By identifying the specific challenges employees are facing, employers can develop effective strategies for long-term solutions.

Tools available through this resource include:

Absenteeism Calculator

Turnover Calculator

Cost/Benefit Analysis Tool

Employee Survey Tool

NeighborImpact Child Care Resources also has resources for businesses, available at neighborimpact.org/employer-supported-child-care, including how employers can help subsidize child care costs.

Local organizations like NeighborImpact, together with partners like Central Oregon Community College’s Early Child Care Business Accelerator Program, have recently generated over 800 new slots in Central Oregon.

The Early Child Care Business Accelerator Program is part of COCC’s Small Business Development Center, which offers free, confidential professional business advising and a variety of low-cost courses to help entrepreneurs through the business lifecycle: cocc.edu/sbdc.

About the Expert:

Kathryn Brown is the Early Child Care Program manager at COCC’s Small Business Development Center. Brown was named a “40 under 40 Trailblazer” by America’s Small Business Development Center Network in 2023.

By: Evelina Davidson

MEMBERSHIPupdate

Greetings To All Of Our Amazing Members!

Summer is creeping around the corner and will be in full swing before we know it. It is hard to believe that we will be halfway through the year by the end of this month…time sure does fly! June is full of graduation celebrations, prom nights, children starting their muchawaited summer breaks, and families planning their vacations. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and hustle of summer, but I hope that we all take a moment or two to slow down and take a break from our busy schedules to enjoy an evening summer breeze or a beautiful Central Oregon sunset every once in a while.

Last month we talked about how a membership with the Redmond Chamber of Commerce can increase visibility and exposure through the many advertising and marketing opportunities that are offered and available to members. This month, I would like to talk about networking…something most of us are familiar with but may not know the full benefits of.

The Redmond Chamber of Commerce hosts several networking events every month that provide great opportunities for businesses to meet and engage with other local professionals in the community. Do you know what they all are? Most of you do, but for those who are new to the Redmond Chamber of Commerce or need a refresher, here are all of our networking functions that are available to our members each month:

- Coffee Clatter (Every Friday – 8:30 AM To 9:30 AM)

- Business After Hours (Every 2nd Thursday – 4:30 PM To 6:00 PM)

- Lunch & Learn (Every Last Tuesday – 11:30 AM To 1:00 PM)

- Ribbon Cuttings

These networking events can play a crucial role in helping a business grow and

succeed, but despite the simple fact that networking is a fun way to be social, get to know your community better, and to have fun while promoting your business, I would like to touch on a few reasons how and why networking can be such an important part of growing a business.

Build Business Relationships: Connect with other professionals, potential clients, suppliers, and industry experts. Build relationships and establish a network of contacts that can lead to valuable partnerships, collaborations, and referrals.

Generate Leads: Attract like-minded individuals who are interested in forming business relationships or seeking solutions. By actively engaging in conversations and showcasing your products or services, you can generate leads and potential customers.

Share Knowledge & Learn: Share and learn from your own and other’s experiences, knowledge and expertise. Gain new insight from feature speakers, panel discussions and workshops that cover industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.

Access New Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of professionals and uncover new opportunities for business expansion, joint ventures, collaborations, or even funding. Increase the likelihood of discovering fresh perspectives and untapped opportunities from people and businesses of different backgrounds and industries.

Build Brand Awareness: Showcase your brand and expertise. By effectively conveying your business’s value proposition and unique selling points, you can raise awareness about your products or services among potential clients, partners, and influencers.

Gain Industry Insights: Engage in discussions with industry leaders and experts. These interactions can provide valuable insights into market trends, customer preferences, and industry challenges, helping you refine your

business strategies and stay ahead of the competition.

Enhance Professional Development: Improve your professional skills, such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, and negotiation. By actively engaging in conversations and presentations, you can enhance your abilities and build confidence, which can positively impact your business interactions.

Receive Feedback & Validation: Receive feedback on your business ideas, products, or services from experienced professionals. Constructive criticism and validation from industry peers can help you refine your offerings, identify areas for improvement, and validate your business strategies. Networking events sometimes don’t get the recognition that they deserve, but as we all can see, actively participating in such events offers businesses a multitude of benefits. I, of course, am a little biased and will shamelessly say, that the Redmond Chamber of Commerce just so happens to do a stellar job of hosting such networking opportunities for its members. So come join us for the next Coffee Clatter, Business After Hours, Lunch & Learn or Ribbon Cutting and see how you can tap into Redmond’s business community to promote growth and success of your business. Visit our website, Facebook page or contact us at the office for more information on dates, times and locations of our fabulous networking events. Until next month, enjoy the sun, breathe in the summer air and do what you love.

Evelina Davidson

Membership & Finance Director Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB

Tee Up for the 36th Annual Redmond Chamber Golf Tournament!

Mark your calendars! The 36th Annual Redmond Chamber Golf Tournament is happening August 15th, 2025, at the stunning Crooked River Ranch Golf Course—one of the most scenic courses in Central Oregon!

Calling All Businesses!

This tournament is not just about great golf; it’s about networking, business exposure, and fun! Become a Hospitality Sponsor and showcase your business while engaging with players throughout the day. From hosting a game at your hole to handing out swag or refreshments, it’s the perfect way to connect with local business leaders in a relaxed, high-energy setting. Spots are limited—sign up today!

Get Your Team Registered!

Gather your best golfing buddies or business colleagues and hit the green! Whether you're playing for fun or competing for bragging rights, this event is a can't-miss opportunity to enjoy a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition. Teams fill up fast, so don’t wait—register now!

Sign Up Today!

We can't wait to see you on the course for a day of golf, great company, and community support. Let’s make the 36th Annual Redmond Chamber Golf Tournament the best one yet!

NEWS FROM

the ranch

A homeowner’s association [HOA] is an organization in a planned community such as Crooked River Ranch that makes and enforces rules for the properties and residents. Its purpose is to provide standards, regulations, and guidelines for its community. These standards are upheld to preserve and enhance the community’s property values and quality of life. Homeowner’s associations are generally run by a Board of Directors who volunteer and live in the community. HOA fees are assessed to pay for common area maintenance, upkeep of facilities, road maintenance, administration and more. Those who purchase property within a HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members. Some associations can be very restrictive about what members can do with their properties. Others give residents more flexibility such as Crooked River Ranch.

Homeowner Associations usually have a committee of members who are elected to enforce and oversee the HOA’s Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) which are the community’s rules and regulations. CC&Rs impose the rules that determine the obligations of the HOA to its members and vice-versa. They often cover items such as property restrictions, property maintenance, and can include structural restrictions such as new homes, additions to the home and fences, to minor choices like paint color and solar power. CC&Rs also outline the penalties for violating the guidelines in the agreement. The penalties can be fees, forced compliance and unfortunately possible litigation.

CC&Rs cover the “what” of the HOA, and the Bylaws cover the “how”. An HOAs Bylaws establish the day to day governance and include things like HOA Board Elections, Number of Members on the Board, Length of terms, meeting frequencies, duties and responsibilities of Board Members, etc. Crooked River Ranch, as of 5/1/2025, has annual assessments of $600.00 which are billed semi-annually. Payment options include monthly pay plans of $51.67 per month. Typical HOA fees vary from under $100 to $10,000 or more for luxury communities depending on the size, number, type of amenities and if road maintenance is required. For Ranch members, our assessments cover a full Road Department, community swimming pool with staff and maintenance of the pool, a horse arena, tennis/ pickle ball courts, an onsite General Maintenance team, along with a full administration staff. Additional amenities include member pricing for one of the most beautiful golf courses in the northwest, along with their in-house staff and grounds crew and a highly rated RV Park. It’s been noted that Crooked River Ranch is the largest HOA in the state of Oregon.

The HOA staff, Budget/Audit Committee and Board of Directors work diligently to create and work within annual budgets. The Operating Budget addresses the day to day operations while the Capital Reserve Plan (CRP) outlines the saving and funding needs for capital improvements and replacements. Crooked River Ranch is financially stable with a robust CRP

What is a HOA? And how it affects Crooked River Ranch

-

by Brenda Cooper

and conscientious department heads that oversee their department’s operating budgets. This attention to detail and scrupulous oversight is a huge benefit to each homeowner and Ranch property values in our little piece of paradise here in Oregon.

Crooked River Ranch residents live in a quiet, high desert environment. Ranch members can have an active lifestyle that fits everyone from golfing, horse riding to hiking with a very close sense of community.

The HOA and its Board members make great efforts to make decisions that are in the best interest of the people and property of Crooked River Ranch.

BUSINESS WITH THE LIBRARY

by Liisa Sjoblom, Redmond Community Librarian

Liisa Sjoblom is a Community Librarian with the Deschutes Public Library. If you have a business research need or help finding grants for your nonprofit, contact her at liisas@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-617-7093.

Wall Street Journal Now Available with Your Library Card

Deschutes Public Library is pleased to offer free digital access to The Wall Street Journal! With your library card, you can now read one of the world’s leading sources for business, financial, and global news—anytime via WSJ.com. What’s included:

• Unlimited access to articles on WSJ.com

• A searchable four-year archive

• Digital replica of the daily paper

• Over 30 newsletters and customizable alerts

• Informative videos and podcasts

You can find The Wall Street Journal under Magazines & Newspapers in the Research & Learning menu on the Deschutes Public Library website. To access, simply authenticate through the library website using your library card, then create or log in with a Wall Street Journal account. Please note: Access is only available through the WSJ website and not through the mobile app.

Important Reminder: The Wall Street Journal requires that login credentials not be shared. Sharing accounts may result in the loss of access for all library users.

Stay informed and make the most of your library card with this valuable digital resource!

Beyond the Books: Test & Career Prep

Whether you're preparing for college, planning a career change, or just brushing up on skills, Peterson's Test and Career Prep is your one-stop resource—free with your library card.

Search thousands of college and graduate programs, explore a wide range of scholarships, and take practice tests for the SAT, ACT, GRE, and more. You can also build resumes, learn interview strategies, and dive into career exploration tools to help chart your path forward.

Discontinuing hoopla: Changes Coming June 30

Deschutes Public Library will discontinue its hoopla Digital subscription on June 30, 2025. Th is difficult decision was made as a result of increasing subscription costs. We encourage hoopla users to explore our other digital platforms, including Libby/OverDrive for eBooks and audiobooks, and Kanopy for streaming

movies, documentaries, and children’s content. Library staff are available to help you make the switch. Find more information and FAQs here.

It All Adds Up

Everything you get from your library is free—and that can save you thousands of dollars a year. Find out how much you save with this calculator.

booksNEW

The Whisper Way by Carrie Kerpen

The Whisper Way is a game-changing guide for women to turn their lifestyle businesses into sellable life-changing assets, closing the exit gap, and ensuring they earn as as much as their male counterparts-if not more.

When We’re in Charge by Amanda Litman

A candid, practical guide for millennial and Gen Z leaders, offering bold strategies to lead authentically, balance work and life, and challenge outdated norms— rooted in real stories and actionable advice from nextgen changemakers.

MARKETING memo

By: Connor Cubic

The rise of AI tools is reshaping how Redmond businesses approach marketing, operations, and customer engagement. But with so many options—ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot—how do you choose the right one? Below, we compare the four leading AI models used by business professionals, ased on usability, features, and business relevance. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases of each.

ChatGPT (by OpenAI)

Best for: Content creation, brainstorming, customer service, automation Versions: Free (GPT-3.5), Paid (GPT-4-turbo)

Pros:

• Generates human-like content with high accuracy

• Easily customizable for tone, voice, or brand

• Great for Redmond-specific posts, newsletters, or ad copy

• Offers plug-ins and code interpreter for power users

• Excellent for scripting social media, blogs, and emails

Cons:

• GPT-4 is only available via a $20/month subscription

• Free version (GPT-3.5) lacks advanced reasoning

• Doesn’t automatically browse the web unless enabled Ideal For:

Local businesses who need help writing Facebook posts, building content calendars, or answering customer FAQs. You can use it to script invites or generate custom messaging for promotions.

Claude (by Anthropic)

Best for: Long documents, thoughtful writing, customer support Versions: Claude 3 family (Haiku, Sonnet, Opus)

Pros:

• Reads and analyzes long documents better than others

• Known for safety, transparency, and less hallucination

• Excellent for editing bylaws, contracts, or press releases

• Haiku is very fast and lightweight; Opus is more powerful

Cons:

• Currently has fewer integrations and plug-ins than ChatGPT

• Less ideal for casual social media-style writing

• Still lacks full web browsing capabilities

Ideal For:

Banks, law offices, and professional services in Redmond that need precision. Claude can analyz bylaws, produce grant application drafts, or write formal advocacy letters to policymakers.

Gemini (by Google)

Best for: Integration with Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail, Sheets)

Versions: Gemini 1.5 (Pro and Ultra)

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Gmail, Docs, Sheets

• Great for summarizing emails, meetings, or form responses

• Multimodal (handles images, files, code, and text)

• Ideal for analyzing event registrations or survey data

Cons:

• May produce vague or overly cautious responses

• Still catching up to GPT-4 in creativity and nuance

• Limited third-party app support

Ideal For:

Those who already use Google Workspace. Gemini is great for automating email replies, building presentations for events, or summarizing surveys.

Microsoft Copilot (based on GPT-4)

Best for: Power users in Microsoft 365 environments

Versions: Integrated into Microsoft Office apps; paid tiers available

Pros:

• Fully embedded in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams

• Writes full reports, analyzes spreadsheets, or drafts emails

• Perfect for automating admin-heavy tasks

• AI inside tools your business is already using

Cons:

• Requires Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Enterprise plans

• Not as intuitive for casual, creative content

• Less useful if your team uses Google Workspace

Ideal For:

Mid-to-large organizationsusing Excel or Outlook daily. Great for builders, accountants, or nonprofits needing quick summaries, charts, or agendas.

There’s no one-size-fits-all AI. Each tool shines in a different area:

• ChatGPT is the best all-around option for content, social media, and campaign planning.

• Claude excels in thoughtful, structured writing for policy, HR, or member communications.

• Gemini wins for Google Workspace users who want fast workflow help.

• Copilot is a must if you're deep into Excel, Outlook, or Word and need productivity support.

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AMAZON'S NEW FACILITY COMING TO REDMOND ECONOMICupdate

Submitted by REDI Staff

The news is out; Amazon has selected Redmond as the site of its newest delivery station. This has been a collaborative effort of more than three years in the making to add to the economic landscape of Redmond. The announcement of Amazon's plan to establish an 83,559-square foot facility in our city is a significant development that promises to bring notable economic changes. With the facility slated to open in the spring of 2026, it is expected to create approximately 170 jobs with a starting wage of $23.25/hour. This expansion could lead to diverse effects on the local economy, community, and job market.

One of the most immediate benefits of Amazon's new facility is job creation. The anticipated 170 positions will directly employ residents, providing a boost to local employment rates. This influx of jobs can help reduce unemployment and stimulate economic

growth, as newly employed individuals will likely spend more within the community, supporting local businesses and services.

Moreover, the presence of a large corporation like Amazon can attract additional businesses and investors to the area. Suppliers, logistics companies, and other service providers may see opportunities to partner with Amazon, leading to further job creation and economic diversification.

Infrastructure and Community Development

The establishment of a sizable facility often necessitates improvements in local infrastructure. Roads, transportation systems, and utilities may be upgraded to accommodate increased activity and traffic. These enhancements can benefit the broader community, making the area more attractive for other businesses and residents.

Additionally, Amazon's presence can lead to community development initiatives, as the company often engages in corporate social responsibility efforts. This might include investments in local education, environmental programs, and community services, which can enhance the quality of life for residents.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Despite the positive economic impact, the introduction of a large facility also presents challenges. An increased demand for housing and services might lead to further rising costs, potentially affecting affordability for current residents. Local governments and community planners will need to address these issues to ensure equitable growth.

Long-term Implications

In the long term, the presence of Amazon may help position Redmond as a hub for logistics and distribution, attracting more companies in related

industries. This could lead to sustained economic growth and increased opportunities for residents. However, maintaining a balance between growth and community wellbeing will be essential. Policymakers and stakeholders should work closely to ensure that the benefits of Amazon's investment are inclusive and support the city and region’s long-term development goals.

In summary, Amazon's new facility is poised to bring substantial economic advantages to Redmond, but it also requires careful planning and management to navigate potential challenges. With thoughtful strategies, Redmond can harness this opportunity to drive positive change and foster a thriving, dynamic community.

For more information about the work we do to build prosperity in the community visit rediinfo.com

Boost Your Business Visibility with Website Advertising Opportunities

Are you looking to put your business in front of thousands of potential customers each month? The Redmond Chamber of Commerce’s website offers powerful advertising opportunities to help you reach professionals, influencers, and community members across the region.

Why Advertise on Our Website?

High Traffic: Our website attracts thousands of visitors every month, making it a robust platform for increasing your brand’s visibility.

Targeted Exposure: Reach the region’s most influential professionals, business leaders, and community decision-makers who turn to the Chamber as a trusted resource.

Custom Placement: Choose up to five pages for your ad to appear on, ensuring your message is seen in the most relevant areas of our site (subject to availability).

Affordable & Flexible Pricing

We offer two simple, effective ad placement options to suit your needs:

Full Banner (Top of Page) – $250 per month

Dimensions: 970 x 90 px

Format: PNG or JPG

Includes: 1 Link

Prime visibility at the top of the page for maximum impact.

Middle Page Square – $175 per month

Dimensions: 300 x 250 px

Format: PNG or JPG

Includes: 1 Link

Great for engaging viewers as they scroll through content.

Both options are priced per month, giving you the flexibility to tailor your campaign’s duration and budget. Plus, you can choose the pages that best align with your target audience for maximum effectiveness.

Ready to Get Started?

Take advantage of this opportunity to amplify your brand’s presence and connect with your ideal audience. To learn more about our advertising options and availability, Contact Us Today!