Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Summary of Bill: HRES 1276 (119th Congress)

Purpose and Intent

• A House of Representatives concurrent resolution recognizing and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce in Bend, Oregon.
• Reflects on the Chamber’s historical role in promoting economic opportunity, civic development, leadership, and regional collaboration in Central Oregon.

Key Provisions and Provisions Overview

• Declares that 2026 marks the Bend Chamber of Commerce’s centennial.
• Recounts the Chamber’s origins in 1926 (originally the Bend Commercial Club) and its evolution into a major business association serving roughly 1,650 member businesses.
• Highlights the Chamber’s historical leadership in:
  • Supporting economic development during Bend’s timber-driven growth (e.g., Shevlin-Hixon and Brooks-Scanlon mills).
  • Advocating for sustainable forestry practices and long-term regional economic planning (noting 1937 forethought on sustainability).
  • Guiding Bend through economic transitions from a timber-based economy to a diversified economy (tourism, outdoor recreation, manufacturing, health care, technology).
• Describes the Chamber’s ongoing programs aimed at leadership development, workforce development, and civic engagement, including:
  • Leadership Bend
  • Bend Emerging Talent
  • Youth Career Connect
  • Bend 101
  • NEXTUp Leaders
• Emphasizes the Chamber’s role as a business-led, independent voice that collaborates with employers, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government partners on issues such as workforce housing, childcare, economic competitiveness, and infrastructure.
• Acknowledges the Chamber’s broad-based collaboration across the community to strengthen Bend’s reputation and economic vitality.

Who or What Would Be Affected

• The Bend Chamber of Commerce and its members (approximately 1,650 businesses) would be the primary subject of the recognition.
• The designation underscores the Chamber’s influence on local economic policy, workforce development initiatives, and community collaboration.
• The resolution notes the Chamber’s partnerships with businesses, civic organizations, educational institutions, and public entities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Type: House of Representatives resolution (HRES 1276) recognizing a local chamber’s centennial.
• Submitted May 12, 2026 by Ms. Bynum.
• Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.
• No fiscal appropriations or regulatory changes are included; the resolution serves as formal recognition and commendation.
• The centennial is identified as occurring in 2026.

Impact and Significance

• Symbolic and ceremonial recognition intended to honor a century of leadership and service.
• May bolster public visibility for Bend Chamber of Commerce’s programs and ongoing community partnerships.
• Reflects bipartisan acknowledgment of the Chamber’s contributions to regional economic vitality and civic life.