On Second Wednesdays, our Government and Economic Affairs Committee (GEAC) hosts the meeting and brings important presentations to the table. We'd also like to extend a thank you to Morningstar at Laurelhurst for allowing us to use their meeting room each month!
For October's meeting, we will be hearing some updates about the i5 bridge project through representatives of the Interstate Bridge Program.
The Interstate 5 corridor is a critical lifeline for the region and the nation, connecting Oregon and Washington to support jobs and move billions in goods each year. To meet the needs of today’s travelers and tomorrow’s growth, the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program is planning a modern, earthquake-resilient bridge across the Columbia River. IBR Program Administrator Greg Johnson and Assistant Administrator Ray Mabey will provide an update on important milestones, funding, and the environmental process, as well as the work that the team is undertaking to prepare for construction.
Sharon spent 20 years in the advertising and marketing industry. When she became a mom, she wanted to make sure that she was present and active in her child’s life. While considering what a ‘second act’ career might look like, a friend suggested design work, knowing Sharon’s love of a well curated home. Not long after, Sapphire Design Consulting was born, with the goal of creating homes that people love to live in by bringing together design and construction team members that can bring the vision to live while honoring the client’s design aesthetic and their respective budgets.
Join us at this member spotlight to learn all about Sapphire Design Consulting, where everyone deserves a home environment that nurtures and supports them.
We are looking forward to learning all about member Michael Jonas with Narwhal Law and Business Strategy! He is an attorney that specializes in nonprofits, small businesses, mutual aid groups, and mission driven entrepreneurs. Whether you are starting up or scaling up, he will help you build with confidence.
Breakfast served includes coffee, bagels, and juice. See you at Spielman Bagels on SE Division St.
*Please note that we will not have a Zoom option this week.
Workshop Overview: Build a Business That Grows on Purpose Running a business shouldn’t feel like guessing. If you’re tired of chasing every new marketing trend, working harder than ever, and still not seeing predictable growth—you’re not alone. These two sessions are designed to help you step back, think more strategically, and start building systems that support real, steady revenue. Session One (October 1): Get Clear On What You’re Really Building In this session, we’ll break down what it really means to think strategically in your business. You’ll learn how to create systems that attract and convert customers—without relying on hustle or hype. We’ll do a hands-on exercise to help you sharpen your market positioning and define what makes your business different. These are the building blocks for smart systems and stronger results. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear foundation and a simple assignment to apply the concepts to your own business. Session Two (November 5): Bring It Back, Break It Down, Build It Better We’ll kick things off with a quick recap of the big ideas from Session One. Then, we’ll dive into your homework—what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned in the process. You’ll have a chance to share what you created and get direct feedback in a relaxed, collaborative setting - getting closer to a real-world business growth strategy you can trust. Who This Is For If you’re a small business owner who’s done “marketing” before—but still doesn’t feel like you have a system that delivers results—you’ll get a ton out of this. Especially if you're ready to move beyond scattered tactics and start building something sustainable.
Join us for a casual lunch on first Fridays! We'll visit a different food cart pod each month.
For November FFFF, we will meet up at the ZED in Lents.
Got a suggestion for a future lunch? Let us know at info@eastportlandchamber.com!
For November's meeting, we will hear insights and updates on the Portland City Council and the issues impacting our community.
We're looking forward to our fall networking event. This one is a casual chance to meet some fellow chamber members and guests. We'll meet up at Threshold Brewing in Montavilla.
There is no cost to attend. Drinks and perogis are on your own dime. Arrive early to take advantage of their happy hour deals! (until 5 pm)
For this member meeting, we will welcome representatives from Deacon Construction to give us a status of the industry from a construction perspective. Stay tuned for more info.
The East Portland Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Annual Awards Breakfast on December 10, 2025 from 7:30 - 9 am at Colwood Event Center.
Our Annual Awards Breakfast is our chance to reflect back on the year behind us, and to begin looking forward to the next year. Save the date for now, and we will share additional details as we get closer.
Please join us for a buffet breakfast, entertainment, prizes, awards and recognition as we celebrate the past year. This event is open to the public. Please bring a wrapped gift ($20 value) for our gift exchange.
Our Annual Awards Breakfast is our chance to reflect back on the year behind us, and to begin looking forward to the next year. This year, our theme is "We're Stronger Together." We're inviting leadership and members of our fellow Chambers of Commerce and Business District Associations to celebrate our relationships and our successes throughout the year.
East Portland Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization
info@eastportlandchamber.com | 503-788-8589