Tillamook Chamber Chatter Podcast

In this episode of  Tillamook Chamber Chatter , we sit down with Clatsop County Commissioner Courtney Bangs as she shares her journey running for Oregon State Senate District 16. From her 25-plus years as a teacher to navigating rural community needs, Commissioner Bangs breaks down the challenges facing local small businesses, the critical need for economic prosperity, and her passion for com...

Want to take the guesswork out of your business financials? On this week's  Chamber Chatter , we chat with Laura Shepard, founder of Momentum BK. With over many years of executive operations and bookkeeping expertise, Laura is passionate about empowering our local business community. She breaks down her tailored "Concepts, Terms, and Tasks" methodology, showing entrepreneurs how to make sense...

In this episode of  Chamber Chatter , we sit down with, founder and chair of the Tillamook Office of Mediation (TOM). Tune in we break down how mediation works, why addressing conflict early is essential, and the wide range of services available to local residents and businesses. From no-cost workplace, landlord-tenant, and neighbor mediation to conflict coaching, youth classes, restorative j...

In this episode, we sit down with Nonda Zwald to chat about her deep community roots and her and her husbands newest business, Pyrat's Perk. Nonda shares her journey through various roles in Tillamook County - from working in real estate and managing local water systems to co-founding the "Mutt Strut" and helping establish local animal rescue efforts. She shares the story behind starting Pyrat's P...

In this episode of Chamber Chatter, Sara Gurath, Head of School at Neskowin Valley School, shares how outdoor exploration and experiential education empower students from ages three and a half through fifth grade. Tune in to discover their unique outdoor curriculum, homeschool enrichment programs, and an exclusive first announcement about new adult and family community education classes launching...

In this episode of Chamber Chatter, we sit down with Ken Henson, founder of Refettorio Consulting, to explore what it takes to build a thriving, sustainably profitable hospitality business. Bringing over 30 years of business experience across kitchens, restaurants, and tourism leadership—ranging from local bars and counter service to white-tablecloth fine dining—Ken offers a unique, holistic persp...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Chrissy Smith (Executive Director) and Carol Parks (Programs and Communications Coordinator) from Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS. In this episode, they reflect on the organization's 20-year evolution—from a dream envisioned by founder Jim Mundell to a full-fledged non-profit delivering hands-on STEAM education, tide pool explorations, and community stewardsh...

On this episode of  Chamber Chatter , we sit down with Dr. Robert Bare and Dr. Taylor Krueger, the dynamic co-founders behind NW Coastal Tradewinds. Bringing a powerful blend of high-level expertise, spanning Robert’s 23 years in law enforcement, city management, and international business consulting alongside Taylor’s deep background in business strategy and digital innovation, they offer ha...

Bobby Poppe joins us on the Chamber Chatter and shares the Walker family’s long history in the industry, which spans five generations from 1917 motorized trucks in Portland to celebrating the company's upcoming 70th anniversary in Tillamook. The conversation covers the realities of working in waste collection, highlighting how the job provides dependable pay and job security and why Bobby chose wo...

Welcome back to  Chamber Chatter , your local connection to Tillamook County businesses! In this episode, hosts Renee and Meg sit down with Patrick and Amanda King, the passionate couple behind Country Squire Kitchen. Discover how a shared love for the outdoors—from fishing and foraging to gardening and canning—fueled Patrick and Amanda’s dream to swap city life for the Oregon coast. The...

Welcome back to Chamber Chatter, everyone! Today, we’re sitting down with Kevin Hancock of Hancock Photography, a local business owner who transformed a passion for photography into a small local business. In this episode, Kevin shares what brought him to the Pacific Northwest and how he fell in love with the stunning landscapes right here in Tillamook. From capturing breathtaking coasta...

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Marletto, the owner of West Coast Spas, to discuss the journey of building a local Oregon business from a single manufacturing facility in Woodburn to six retail locations. Scott shares how West Coast Spas elevates the entire customer experience by building, selling, delivering, and servicing their own custom hot tubs. We also dive into their exciting expans...

What does community banking look like? In this episode of  Chamber Chatter , we sit down with Shelley and Oliver from the Tillamook branch of  Oregon Coast Bank  to discuss how they are redefining local financial service—without a single sales quota in sight. Oregon Coast Bank has built its entire mission around supporting the neighbors, loggers, fishermen, and local business o...

Ever wonder how a rural, coastal community keeps the lights on? In this episode, we sit down with Joanna and Todd from the Tillamook People’s Utility District (PUD) to dive into the rich history and unique challenges of powering our county. From their humble beginnings in the 1930s to navigating a service territory with literally "more poles than customers," Todd and Joanna share what goes on behi...

What does it  really  take to build a stronger community? This week, Renee and Meg are joined by Briar Smith from Habitat for Humanity to talk about the vital work they’re doing in Tillamook County. While they are famous for building affordable homes, Briar shares how their life-changing repair programs and local treasure-trove ReStore do so much more to lift up our neighbors....

Welcome back to another episode of Chamber Chatter with your hosts, Meg and Renee! This week, we are diving into the world of alternative education opportunities right here on the Oregon Coast. We are joined by Taylor, the founder of Aletheia Courses an innovative educational monthly subscription designed to spark curiosity, challenge existing beliefs, question social norms, and help individuals g...

In this episode of Chamber Chatter, we sit down with Rob and Marilyn, the owner-operators behind Tillamook’s Grocery Outlet. They share the story of their transition from the big city to our small coastal town, and how they quickly found their stride meshing into the local community. As parents of seven kids, Rob and Marilyn know a thing or two about teamwork, logisitics, and dedication. They...

In this episode, we’re sitting down in the studio with Julie and Jason Maxfield, the passionate owners behind Green Coast Market in downtown Rockaway Beach. Fresh off celebrating their official one-year anniversary, Jason and Julie share the inspiring story of how their market came to be and what it takes to run a thriving local hub. Green Coast Market proudly partners with over 110 smal...

Join us as we sit down with Dusty Trost of Rob Trost Real Estate, who shares his personal journey into the real estate world. Dusty takes us down memory lane, reflecting on the deeply meaningful experience of working alongside his dad, Rob Trost, and building a lasting legacy together. He also takes a moment to shine a spotlight on his amazing team, offering immense praise for the dedicated agents...

Get ready to feel the rhythm of the coast as we dive into the high-energy details of this year's Bay City Pearl and Oyster Music Festival. In this upbeat interview, we sit down with the festival’s president, Kathleen Finn, to discuss the electric atmosphere and community heart behind this beloved August tradition.  We also get down to the music by name-dropping several of the incredible bands...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Jennifer Robitsch, the heart and soul behind Madeline’s Vintage Marketplace in Downtown Tillamook. Jennifer shares her story of how Madeline’s came to life and what it takes to curate a space filled with such unique character. From stunning antique furniture and rare collectibles to shabby chic furnishings and rustic treasures, Jennifer’s shop is a haven fo...

In this episode, we sit down with State Representative candidate, Christian Honl whose roots run five generations deep in the Pacific Northwest. Born and raised in Astoria, Christian’s family history is a tapestry of the region's primary industries. After a 30-year career as a Director of Engineering and Marketing Planner at Intel, he has returned home to apply his experience to a new mission: ser...

Ever wonder what it actually takes to keep a massive historic steam engine chugging along the rugged Oregon coastline? In this episode, we chat with Trevor Park, the Executive Director of the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Trevor’s journey to the helm of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic heritage railroads is as fascinating as the trains themselves, and he joins us to share the grit, the g...

In this episode of Chamber Chatter, we sit down with Vanessa Cham from the Tillamook Early Learning Center (TELC). Prepare to be inspired as Vanessa shares the deeply personal passion behind her work and the vital role TELC plays in supporting our community’s youngest learners. From heartwarming success stories to the vision for a brighter future in Tillamook, this conversation is a powe...

Welcome to the Tillamook Chamber Chatter podcast! In this episode, we have a very special guest with us, Lisa Greiner, owner and instructor at the Oregon Coast Dance Center. Lisa is a true asset to our community who stays busy wearing many, many different hats. Beyond the dance studio, she works tirelessly to keep our local arts scene thriving through her active involvement wit...