1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 What does Bend’s next chapter look like as the community continues to grow? In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Sara Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, for a wide-ranging conversation about Bend’s evolving business community, population growth, housing affordability, workforce challenges, and the decisions shaping Central Oregon’s future. Sara shares her path from political consulting and public policy in Colorado to entrepreneurship in Bend, including launching Work Collective just before the COVID-19 pandemic. She also discusses how that experience ultimately led to her work with the Bend Chamber and her perspective on the challenges facing local businesses today. Brian and Sara explore: • Bend’s changing economy and business environment • Housing affordability and workforce recruitment • The rising cost of living in Central Oregon • Childcare and healthcare challenges • Why collaboration matters as Bend grows • The Chamber’s role in regional policy and economic issues • Developing Bend’s next generation of leaders • What an additional 30,000 residents could mean for the community • Why Sara remains optimistic about Bend’s future BendBeat brings together the people helping shape Bend and Central Oregon through conversations about business, housing, community, growth, and the future of the region. Hosted by Brian Ladd Learn more about BendBeat: https://bendbeat.com/ Presented by The Ladd Group, Bend’s leading real estate team. https://www.laddgroupre.com/ #BendOregon #CentralOregon #BendBeat #BendChamber #BendBusiness #CentralOregonBusiness #BendRealEstate Sponsored by: The Bulletin BendBEAT http://bendbeat.libsyn.com/website <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/43186708/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/207153663