Bend Emerging Talent

We want to hear from you.

How is access to quality, affordable childcare impacting your business, employees, and workplace productivity?

Take our brief survey and help inform future conversations around workforce and childcare solutions in Central Oregon.

Survey: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/DCWstxA/childcare

Want a deeper understanding of the people, organizations, and issues shaping Central Oregon?

Applications for the Leadership Bend Class of 2027 are now open through June 22.

Leadership Bend offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from local leaders across business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofits, and more. Through immersive monthly sessions, you'll gain firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our region while building relationships with fellow leaders who care about making a difference.

If you're looking to grow your network, strengthen your leadership skills, and become more engaged in the future of our community, Leadership Bend is for you.

Apply today: https://www.bendchamber.org/bendnext/leadership-bend

Thank you to everyone who joined us for ET expert lab: leadership and teambuilding in a digital world with Erik Berglund!

The thoughtful questions, engaging conversations, and shared experience is made for a fantastic discussion on leading remote teams, navigating AI, and building trust in today’s digital workplace.

One take away: technology will continue to evolve, but human connection remains at the center of great leadership.

Special thanks to Erik for sharing his expertise, Partners In Care for hosting us in their beautiful conference room, and our Title Sponsor U.S. Bank, and our Community Sponsor Central Oregon Community College for supporting Emerging Talent programming. 

Are you ready to lead in a digital world?

The next Bend ET Expert Lab is happening June 10, and this one is for anyone who wants to show up stronger at work, whether you are already leading a team or building the skills to get there.

Erik Berglund, Founder of The Language of Leadership Academy, will lead a hands-on session on what it really means to be a digital leader today. You will explore how to communicate clearly in virtual settings, how to work alongside AI tools without losing the human element, and how to build trust and accountability on hybrid teams.

No matter where you are in your career, this session will give you real tools and a personal action plan you can put to work immediately.

ET Passport Holders: this event is included in your 2026 programming.

Register here: https://www.bendchamber.org/event/bend-et-expert-lab-leadership-teambuilding-in-a-digital-world

Tomorrow’s the day—and this is one you don’t want to miss.

Join Lisa X Walden, international speaker, author, and Co-founder of Good Company Consulting, for a powerful keynote:
The Future of Work is Human: The New Rules of Thriving Teams

The way we work is changing fast, and this session will give you practical tools to build stronger communication, deeper connection, and more high-performing teams in today’s evolving workplace. Whether you’re early in your career or growing into leadership, you’ll walk away with insights you can apply immediately.

And the experience doesn’t end there—keep the conversation going afterward at Mountain Burger in Northwest Crossing with complimentary food, drinks, networking, and prizes.

Spots are limited—grab yours before they’re gone.

Thinking about taking the next step in your leadership journey?

Join us for the Leadership Bend Information Open House on May 28 from 4:30–6:00 PM at Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village.

This is your chance to learn more about the program, ask questions, and connect with others interested in growing their leadership impact in Central Oregon.

Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring, we’d love to see you there.

Learn more here - https://www.bendchamber.org/bendnext/leadership-bend

🚨 This is one you don’t want to miss. 🚨

The way we work is changing—and the best teams are evolving with it.

Join international speaker, author, and workplace strategist Lisa X Walden for a high-energy keynote:
The Future of Work is Human: The New Rules of Thriving Teams

In this insight-packed session, you’ll learn how to build a more authentic, empowering workplace—one that drives real connection, stronger collaboration, and a future-ready mindset.

Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into leadership, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can start using immediately.

✨ And it doesn’t end there…
Keep the momentum going at our afterparty at Mountain Burger in Northwest Crossing—enjoy complimentary food, drinks, prizes, and a fun, low-pressure way to connect with other emerging professionals.

Spots will fill—don’t wait - link in bio!

ET Expert Lab Keynote Speaker In this lively, insight-packed session, you’ll learn how to create a more authentic, empowering workplace.

Join us in celebrating Helen McDonald, our featured AAC Member! ✨

After earning degrees in economics and biology, Helen moved to Bend in 2023 to grow her sustainably sourced rock and mineral business. Through her work and lived experience as a business owner, she developed a strong understanding of the challenges facing the Central Oregon workforce.

Today, Helen supports community enrichment, small business development, and workforce training programs at Central Oregon Community College, continuing her commitment to building a more resilient community.

“The Emerging Talent program creates gathering places that help peers build lasting relationships… It’s fun, empowering, and creates opportunities to grow together.”

We’re grateful for Helen’s passion and impact in our community!

Looking to engage with the next wave of talent in Bend? 🌟

See what it’s all about—link in bio!

Meet Lindsay, our featured April NEXTUp Leader!

Born and raised in Springfield, Oregon, Lindsay began her career in higher education at Central Oregon Community College in 2013 and now serves as Director of Student Engagement. She oversees orientations, student programs, athletics, the student newspaper, and student government—all while bringing a deep passion for supporting students and creating meaningful impact.

“NEXTUp Leaders has been a fantastic opportunity for both networking and professional growth… The program creates space to pause, reflect, and grow—both individually and as a community.”

Lindsay shares that returning to the “student seat” has been especially meaningful—gaining tangible skills she can apply immediately while discovering new ways to support growth in others.

We’re grateful for leaders like Lindsay who are making a lasting impact in our community.

Ready to connect with the next generation of talent in Bend? 🌟

Learn more here - link in bio!

Thank you to OSU-Cascades and Kristi Runberg for an incredible ET Expert Lab!

Attendees walked away with practical tools and fresh perspective on how to lead with clarity, build resilience, and show up as steady, trusted leaders when it matters most.

We’re especially excited about our evolving partnership with OSU–Cascades and the continued opportunities it creates to bring meaningful learning experiences to our community.