{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Can Bend Grow Without Losing What Makes It Special? | Sara Odendahl | BendBeat Podcast","description":"What does Bend\u2019s 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\u2019s evolving business community, population growth, housing affordability, workforce challenges, and the decisions shaping Central Oregon\u2019s 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: \u2022 Bend\u2019s changing economy and business environment \u2022 Housing affordability and workforce recruitment \u2022 The rising cost of living in Central Oregon \u2022 Childcare and healthcare challenges \u2022 Why collaboration matters as Bend grows \u2022 The Chamber\u2019s role in regional policy and economic issues \u2022 Developing Bend\u2019s next generation of leaders \u2022 What an additional 30,000 residents could mean for the community \u2022 Why Sara remains optimistic about Bend\u2019s 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\u2019s leading real estate team. https:\/\/www.laddgroupre.com\/ #BendOregon #CentralOregon #BendBeat #BendChamber #BendBusiness #CentralOregonBusiness #BendRealEstate Sponsored by: The Bulletin ","author_name":"BendBEAT","author_url":"http:\/\/bendbeat.libsyn.com\/website","html":"<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>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/207153663"}