Hey there, Sweet Home folks!

I hope this message finds you in high spirits as we dive headfirst into the busy month of October. I'm your enthusiastic guide to all things exciting in Sweet Home, and I'm thrilled to spill the beans on the upcoming events that'll have you grinning from ear to ear!

**Harvest Festival - Saturday, October 7th, 11 am to 4 pm at Sankey Park**

Hold onto your pumpkin-spiced lattes because it's time for the Harvest Festival - my favorite event! Join us at Sankey Park on Saturday, October 7th, from 11 am to 4 pm for a day bursting with fall-tastic fun. We're talking pumpkin painting, live tunes that'll make you tap your toes, and local artisans flaunting their crafts. And the food? Oh, don't even get me started – it's a culinary journey through autumn's most delectable treats. Bring your family, friends, and neighbor's pet dog - everyone's invited! Let's make some memories and soak in the spirit of the season together.

As we continue to rock October, Halloween is sneaking up on us like a mischievous ghost. So, let's get ready for some spooktacular happenings!

**Downtown Trick or Treat - Tuesday, October 31st, 3 pm to 5 pm**

Picture this: little witches, pint-sized pirates, and tiny superheroes taking over our downtown streets, all on a quest for candy treasures! That's right, it's The New Era's Downtown Trick or Treat extravaganza on Tuesday, October 31st, from 3 pm to 5 pm. Costumed kiddos, be prepared to be showered with treats and giggles by our local businesses. And parents, you can get in on the costume action too – we won't judge!

So, grab your capes, witch hats, and jack-o'-lantern smiles, because October in Sweet Home will be an absolute blast!

Stay updated with all the fun by checking out our Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page.

Here's to an October filled with laughter, costumes, and sweet treats galore!


Sincerely Your Pumpkin Spice Loving,
Lagea Mull
Executive Director
Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
1575 Main Street, Sweet Home, OR 97386
Office: 541-367-6186
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10+ Tips for Saving Money on Your Business Expenses

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www.sweethomechamber.com
October 2023 Events At A Glance
Chamber members are adding events throughout the month. Check out our calendar for the most up-to-date schedule and details of the
17th ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL sponsored by 

Join us on October 7, 2023, for our Harvest Festival in Sankey Park at 847 14th Ave., Sweet Home, OR. 

FUN ACTIVITIES
  • Pumpkin Painting 
  • Tree Climbing 
  • Kid Zone Games
  • Wagon Rides 
  • Face Painting
  • Photo Booth 
  • Bouncy House and Slide
*All Free Activities and Snacks Are While Supplies Last*

We are looking for Volunteers to help with this great event.

The popular Pie Bake-Off Contest is back, sponsored by HomeSmart Realty Group: Melchers Home Sales and the Park and Tree Committee! You can taste the entries for a $3 donation. Donations go toward park projects.

The Chili Cook-Off is back sponsored by Travis Luttmer of County FinancialRadiator Supply House, and the charitable organization the Road Maggot Motorcycle Group. Admission will be $5 per person or $10 per family (limit 6 people per family). A ticket will be provided as proof of purchase for general admission. Purchasers will use their entry ticket as a ‘voting ticket’ for the People’s Choice Award. The ticket sale profits will go toward the Sweet Home Kids Food Pak.
  • Sweet Home Kids Food Pak was started 15 years ago by a couple who saw a need to feed kids on the weekends. They were being fed at school but not necessarily at home. Today, Kids Food Pak is serving around 130 kids each week. Bags of food are packed on Thursdays by a group of volunteers and taken out to the schools. In each pack, there are 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, juice and milk, pudding and either fruit cup or applesauce, and 2 snacks. We buy most of our food from the Linn-Benton Food Share and shop for the rest. Our money comes from private donors, businesses, churches, grants, and fundraisers. 100 percent of the money goes to food.
We hope to see you there!
Coffee with Colleagues
October 10th, 8:30-9:15am

This month's hosts will be 
Angila Tack Food Services & Moore Family Vineyards.
We will meet at Norden Hall, located at 1266 15th Avenue.
If you know anything about the two Angies,
you know there will be delicious food & and yummy drinks!

It's a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues and have some fun. Please bring your business cards and a raffle prize to add to the excitement!
Movie Night
This is Gina Riley's 20th Anniversary of helping local ladies and their battle with Breast Cancer. This is her 5th year of hosting a MOVIE NIGHT at the RIO! Thomas always supports the events! 🎥🎬PLEASE JOIN US! 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👦👨‍👦‍👦 Doors will open @ 5:30 pm. Regular seats are $12 per person. BIDS will be taken for recliners and Snack Bar Packages! 🍿 🥤🍫 STAY TUNED!
Productivity Bootcamp
Implement proven productivity strategies from the best-selling book,
"Buy Back Your Time." Register by October 8th for a chance to win a free book: 
Annual Fall Auction
5:30pm October 21, 2023
878 18th Ave, Sweet Home
We are bringing back the Fall Auction! It's Derby Day, Giddy up for the kids, presented by Tony and & Shelly Larson's Julegard Christmas Farm!

Join us at our Sweet Home Clubhouse Gym for a fun Derby-themed Auction and the opportunity to participate in a silent and limited live auction.
5:30 pm- Doors Open
6:00 pm- Silent Auction
6:30 pm- Dinner
7:30 pm- Live Auction

$700 A Table
Reserve a Table at:
Contact Courtney Paul for Sponsorship Opportunities at
Courtney@bgcgreatersantiam.org
541-512-7356
Holiday Market Bootcamp
Get your business in shape for the holiday market Season.
October 26, 2023
5:30pm-7:00pm
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel
1443 Long St Sweet Home
Get connected to the Sweet Home business community at
Business After Hours!
Bring your business cards and a raffle prize to add to the fun.
Oct 27, 2023
Mid-Valley Economic Indicators—
Linn County, August Data
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Linn County continued to decline in August and is now 3.8%, down from 3.9% in July. The statewide unemployment rate remained unchanged in August and is 3.4%, while the nation’s unemployment rate increased to 3.8% in August from 3.5% in July. Between July and August, seasonally adjusted employment decreased by 170 jobs, and employment is now 90 jobs or 0.2% above the February 2020 pre-pandemic employment level.

From August of last year to August of this year, total nonfarm employment declined by 0.8%, or by 360 jobs. The public sector had the largest employment gains over the year (+490 jobs), followed by the private education and health services industry (+340 jobs). The trade, transportation, and utilities industry had the greatest employment losses (-590 jobs), followed by the leisure and hospitality industry (-220 jobs) and the construction industry (-200 jobs).

HIGHEST & LOWEST PAID OCCUPATION GROUPS — In 2023, in the Mid-Valley, legal occupations paid the highest median hourly wage ($46.86), followed by management occupations ($46.10), and healthcare practitioners and technical occupations ($45.66). Food preparation and serving-related occupations, on the other hand, paid the lowest median hourly wage ($15.27) of any occupation group, followed by farming, fishing, and forestry occupations ($15.99), and sales and related occupations ($17.24).
Position Available:
Head of Allocations, Christmas Cards
The position title is a bit of a stretch but I'm hoping if I give it a fancy name then someone will jump at the opportunity to lead the distribution
of our giant Christmas Cards on December 2nd. .

Questions? Or need more information?
Contact me at 541-367-6186 or lagea@sweethomechamber.com

Sign up to Host a Networking Event
We are excited to offer Sweet Home Chamber members an exclusive opportunity to showcase their business and foster connections with fellow members through our networking events.

The Sweet Home Chamber hosts two monthly networking events: "Coffee with Colleagues" and "Business After Hours." We invite you to take center stage and be the gracious host for one of these gatherings, where you can create lasting impressions and strengthen your professional network.

  1. Coffee with Colleagues: A morning affair that occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This event allows for meaningful conversations and the chance to showcase your products or services.
  2. Business After Hours: An evening gathering that happens on the 4th Thursday of the month, January to October. This provides the perfect backdrop for building connections in a relaxed setting.

You can choose to host at your business premises or a venue of your choice.

Hosting one of these events comes with a multitude of benefits, including:
  • Increased Visibility: Promote your business to a targeted audience of fellow Chamber members actively seeking valuable connections.
  • Brand Recognition: Showcase your company's values, products, and services to potential customers and partners.
  • Networking Opportunities: Forge meaningful relationships within the business community, leading to potential collaborations and referrals.
  • Community Engagement: Demonstrate your commitment to Sweet Home's local economy and community spirit.

If you're interested in seizing this opportunity to host a networking event, please choose the date at your earliest convenience. Available dates for hosting are limited, so make sure to secure your preferred time.
Member Benefit
As a Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce member, you can post your events, job openings, community deals, and news items on our website.

Log in to the Info Hub now HERE and see how easy it is!
  • Deals - offer coupons and special deals
  • Job Postings - submit your job openings.
  • Advertise Events - add your events to our online event calendar; then share the calendar link on your social media, add it to your own calendar, or email it to others.
  • News - share your latest information to keep our community informed

Log in today at the Info Hub to gain access to all of these features, update your information, and more. Filling in your information will take very little time, making it convenient for your customers and partners to find you.

If you've not yet created your login account, go to the registration page HERE to create your login and start using your benefits immediately.*

Don't know your login? Enter your email address HERE to be sent a reminder.

Questions? Or need more information?
Contact me at 541-367-6186 or lagea@sweethomechamber.com
2023 Board of Directors
Christy Duncan, President
​Samaritan Health 

Shelly Larson,Vice President
Larson Family Foundation

Kevin Van Cleave, Secretary/Treasurer
Cascade Timber Consulting, Inc

Karla Hogan, Events Chair
HomeSmart Realty Group

Travis Luttmer
Country Financial

Wendi Melcher
Cadwell Realty Group- Sweet Home

Vance Monroe
Radiator Supply House