The post Dry Canyon Arts Association Announces Inaugural Fundraiser: It’s a Roaring Good Time Speakeasy appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The Dry Canyon Arts Association (DCAA) announces its first-ever fundraising event, It’s a Roaring Good Time Speakeasy, taking place on October 3 at 5pm. The 1920s-themed evening will bring community members and art enthusiasts together for a night of vintage glamour, live entertainment and more, all in support of the art programs of DCAA.
In the spirit of the Prohibition era, the exact location of the event remains a secret. Guests will receive the Redmond downtown venue address and a mandatory entry password upon ticket purchase. Guests are invited to embrace the era with optional 1920s attire and enter the Costume Contest for a chance to win a custom portrait painted in costume.
The immersive evening will feature prohibition-era cocktails by Gompers Distillery, live jazzy music, fine art raffle with curated pieces donated by local artists and interactive games and surprises.
“This inaugural fundraiser marks a major milestone for our organization,” said Beth Hanson, DCAA board member. “Every ticket purchased directly funds our mission to provide accessible arts education, community events, and a permanent home for local creatives, including the upcoming expansion into 1,400 square feet of classroom space. We wanted our first major event to be unforgettable, and this speakeasy theme is the perfect mix of mystery, community, and celebration.”
The Dry Canyon Arts Association is a non-profit organization in Redmond dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community in the Central Oregon region. Through a public art center and gallery, educational programs, and community outreach, DCAA works to enrich lives by making the arts accessible to all.
Tickets are $100 per person and include a welcome drink, catered buffet and access to all games and entertainment.
To maintain an intimate and mysterious atmosphere, attendance is limited to 80 tickets. Due to the limited capacity, organizers anticipate the event will sell out quickly.
The post Dry Canyon Arts Association Announces Inaugural Fundraiser: It’s a Roaring Good Time Speakeasy appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post Central Oregon Locavore Needs $100,000 to Open Second Marketplace Before Thanksgiving appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>Central Oregon Locavore is launching a public campaign to raise $100,000 to complete its new Discovery West marketplace, with the goal of opening the doors before Thanksgiving.
The nonprofit began the Discovery West project with an ambitious $200,000 community fundraising campaign. Supporters brought Locavore within $15,000 of that original goal, providing the funding needed to move the project forward and begin turning the small westside space into a year-round local food marketplace.
Now, as construction has progressed, the organization has a much clearer picture of what it will take to finish the job.
“We are close enough now to see this marketplace come to life, and we don’t want funding to be the thing that keeps the doors closed,” said Nicolle Timm-Branch, executive director of Central Oregon Locavore. “Our community has already invested tremendously in this project. This final $100,000 gets us across the finish line and gives Central Oregon another permanent place where local food can move from the people who produce it to the people who want to buy it, in a convenient location, close to home.”
The new marketplace will carry fresh local produce, meat, dairy, and other products from regional producers, making it easier for westside residents to incorporate locally produced food into their everyday shopping.
But Locavore says the investment goes beyond opening another retail location.
“Local food doesn’t survive on good intentions,” Timm-Branch said. “Farmers and ranchers need reliable places to sell what they produce, and our community needs reliable places to buy it. Building that connection requires real infrastructure. Discovery West is about creating another piece of that infrastructure and making sure it is here for the long term.”
The opening comes at a time when consumers are increasingly aware of where their food comes from and the vulnerabilities of long national supply chains. Locavore sees strong regional food systems as a way communities can create greater choice and resilience while keeping more food dollars circulating closer to home.
The nonprofit is asking individuals, businesses and philanthropic partners throughout Central Oregon to help raise the remaining $100,000 needed to complete construction.
Donations of any size will support the final build-out. Locavore is also encouraging people planning charitable gifts this year to consider contributing now, including through donor-advised funds and RMDs. Eligible donors may also be able to support the campaign through Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs.
“If having a strong local food system matters to you, this is a very tangible way to build one,” Timm-Branch said. “A donation today isn’t supporting an idea that might happen someday. The space is here. The work is happening. The farmers and ranchers are here. We need to finish the marketplace and open the doors.”
Central Oregon Locavore hopes to complete the $100,000 campaign in time to open Discovery West before Thanksgiving.
centraloregonlocavore.org/discovery-west
The post Central Oregon Locavore Needs $100,000 to Open Second Marketplace Before Thanksgiving appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post The Future of Food is Local appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>A new publication launched this summer that highlights our region’s vibrant food culture with compelling storytelling, luscious imagery, and recipes to savor in every issue.
Available four times per year in print and digital formats, Edible Central Oregon shares stories of the people who nourish us and bring Central Oregon flavors to life, featuring a broad range of topics that appeal to foodies and novices, locals and visitors alike.
Edible Central Oregon acts as a community hub to amplify the work of local food growers and producers to an audience of 5,000+ readers, partnering with regional markets, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to share this message. High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) is one such partner.
“HDFFA is excited to partner with Edible Central Oregon because we share a commitment to celebrating seasonal, regional food and the people who produce it,” says Ann Pistacchi-Peck, HDFFA associate director and market manager for the Bend Farmers Market. “Connecting more people with local farmers, ranchers, and food businesses leads to a stronger local food system, which also boosts our entire economy.”
The magazine is free at distribution locations such as markets and boutiques; restaurants, coffeeshops, and breweries; and hotels, museums and visitor centers. Publication is made possible by a diverse and growing group of advertising partners.
If your business would like to reach a passionate, well-informed audience while broadcasting its support for a thriving regional community, Edible Central Oregon offers a small number of advertising placements each issue. The deadline to be included in the winter issue is October 8.
The post The Future of Food is Local appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post The Biggest PubTalk of the Season Is Coming appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>This is the PubTalk you don’t want to miss. Join us at Worthy Brewing’s outdoor stage for the biggest, highest energy PubTalk of the season on Thursday, September 24 as Central Oregon’s startup community comes together to watch ten early-stage companies compete for spots at the Bend Venture Conference this October.
Each founder will have just three minutes to make their case. The audience votes for their favorite pitches, with one company taking home a $5,000 cash prize from Washington Trust Bank.
Come early to grab a drink, connect with entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders, and soak up the energy as the road to the 23rd annual Bend Venture Conference gets underway. The ten pitching companies will be announced next week. Seats are limited, so reserve yours now.
Networking begins at 4:30pm, event starts at 5pm.
Thursday, Sept 24
Worthy Brewing
4:30pm Networking
5pm Program
The post The Biggest PubTalk of the Season Is Coming appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post Oregon’s Vote-By-Mail System Remains Secure appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The ruling addressed only the timing of the states’ lawsuit, not whether the executive order itself is lawful, and it does not change Oregonians’ ability to vote by mail this November.
“Vote by mail works, and Oregonians overwhelmingly support it,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D – Tigard, Metzger, S Beaverton). “Oregon will fight any and all attempts to undermine our elections system.”
Oregon’s elections remain governed by Oregon law, and the Secretary of State has directed county clerks to continue administering the November election under existing state procedures and timelines.
The post Oregon’s Vote-By-Mail System Remains Secure appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post Discovery West PorchFest Returns with Free Live Music Throughout the Neighborhood appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>Discovery West will host its second annual PorchFest roving mini-music festival on Saturday, September 12, bringing an afternoon and evening of free live music, food, drinks, home tours and family-friendly fun to the west Bend neighborhood.
Live music will take place on three stages throughout Discovery West, featuring a variety of local and regional performers and musical styles. The festivities will culminate at Discovery Corner with a 7:30pm headline performance by Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, the Portland-based band known for its high-energy blend of country and rock ’n’ roll.
In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy food and drink options, family-friendly activities and the Toe Tappin’ Tour, offering an opportunity to tour ten select new homes available throughout the neighborhood.
PorchFest is free and open to the public.
Details: Saturday, September 12, 2026; 4-9pm
Free live music on three stages throughout the neighborhood featuring Erin Cole Baker, The Rusty Frets, Wild Hare Band, Pete Kartsounes and Alicia Viani and students of the School of Rock.
Where: Discovery Corner, the central plaza in the Discovery West neighborhood 1125 NW Ochoa Drive, Bend. Music and activities will take place at multiple locations throughout the neighborhood, with the headline performance at Discovery Corner.
Sponsors: Title Sponsor: Discovery West; Mainstage Sponsor: Harcourts The Garner Group Real Estate; Kenyon Place Neighborhood Stage Sponsor: First Interstate Bank; The Nine Cottages Stage Sponsor: AmeriTitle; Toe Tappin’ Tour Sponsor: Discovery West Builders Guild.
The post Discovery West PorchFest Returns with Free Live Music Throughout the Neighborhood appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post Hundreds of Oregonians Rally to Demand Data Center Moratorium appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>At the rally, which was facilitated by Washington county farmer Jacob Roloff, attendees heard from speakers including Morrow County rancher Jim Doherty, Emily Waldron of the Data Center Defiance Coalition, Brenna Yellowthunder with Indigenous Environmental Network and Dr. Tammy Carpenter. Governor Kotek also spoke and expressed support for a state-wide moratorium on data centers.
The rally also included the “Raging Grannies” group, who led the crowd in songs, and the Sacred Organizing Coalition, who led a moment of silence.
“Today made one thing abundantly clear: Oregonians don’t want AI data centers sucking up our water, raising our bills and putting our communities at risk,” said Food & Water Watch Oregon Organizer Aimee Stone. “Our elected officials must take up these calls and pass a statewide moratorium on data centers so we can determine the impacts of these facilities on our water and our communities.”
Data centers have been proposed across the country due to the explosion of generative AI. These facilities cause a host of harms due to their enormous and unsustainable consumption of power and water resources, already resulting in skyrocketing utility bills for families and small businesses.
Oregon is already experiencing dangerous drought and wildfires. Further, data centers have already supercharged the ongoing water contamination in Morrow County, which has been facing a nitrate pollution crisis due to overuse of chemical fertilizers by corporate-scale agriculture and dumping of industrial wastewater, which leach contaminants into the region’s groundwater.
“We need to hit the emergency brake on runaway data center expansion in Oregon,” said Kaleb Lay, director of policy and research with Oregon Rural Action. “The data center boom in northeast Oregon is built on secrecy, extraction, and exploitation, and data centers aren’t waiting around for us to solve the problems they’re causing. We need a moratorium now.”
“Data center proliferation along the Columbia River is escalating electricity and water use, threatening salmon recovery, and undermining Oregon’s clean energy goals,” said Kelly Campbell, policy director with Columbia Riverkeeper. “A statewide moratorium is a practical step that would allow Oregon to develop strong regulations to ensure that data centers are not harming our water, climate, and communities. It’s time to stop letting Big Tech call the shots.”
“Oregonians need a statewide data center moratorium now,” said Emily Waldron on behalf of the Data Center Defiance Coalition. “Throughout Oregon, we in rural communities haven’t been able to update our codes to deal with the influx of data center development. We need time to address this. Only the state can give us enough time.”
The post Hundreds of Oregonians Rally to Demand Data Center Moratorium appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post City of Bend to Participate in Clean Energy Series appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>This is one event that is a part of the Sunny September: Pathways to a Cleaner Bend series. The events are being organized by a variety of local organizations; for more information about each event, please contact the organizer.
The Go Clean Energy Conference brings together community members and professionals interested in clean energy solutions. The conference will feature five sessions covering electrification, policy and legislation, advocacy and community organizing, affordable building strategies and climate challenges. Panels include a wide range of experts from nonprofits, government, and industry, sharing practical insights and local perspectives. Attendees will learn about current laws and incentives, pathways to electrification and strategies for reducing emissions and costs. The conference also creates space for networking, connecting participants with leaders working to advance clean energy across Central Oregon and beyond.
Date and Time: Friday, September 18, 8:15am-4:30pm
Location: OSU Cascades, Edward J Ray Hall (No virtual attendee option or recorded sessions.)
Contact: Tristy Osbon (tosbon@350deschutes.org) or John Bates (jbates@350deschutes.org)
The Residential Construction Career Day is an event for people interested in and considering careers in green building and sustainable trades. The day is structured as a series of sessions with builders, trainers, energy professionals and workforce leaders, and will offer information about career pathways in new home construction, HVAC and heat pumps, building performance and other in-demand sectors. Register today to attend and learn how to get involved in sustainable construction.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 19, 8:30-1pm
Location: Central Oregon Community College
Contact: Megan Lee (mlee@bendoregon.gov) or Earth Advantage (workforce@earthadvantage.org)
Meet the homeowners, architects, builders, designers, and contractors behind some of Central Oregon’s most innovative projects. Learn how they reduced energy use, improved indoor air quality, embraced all-electric living, incorporated renewable energy and designed buildings that are better for people and the planet. Whether you’re planning a remodel, dreaming about building a home, curious about electrification, or simply looking for inspiration, the Green Building Tour offers ideas you can take home or to work.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 10am-4pm
Location: Across Central Oregon
Contact: Lindsey Hardy, (lindsey@envirocenter.org), 541-948-9915
Come celebrate the power of the sun at the second annual Sun Day Solar Fest! Happening on Sunday, September 27 from 11am-3pm, you can celebrate the power of renewable energy with other community members, learn more about clean energy and local opportunities, and engage with clean energy advocates based here in Bend. There will be a mix of fun for everyone! From games and activities, live music, educational materials, electric cars and bikes, there is something for everyone.
Date and Time: Sunday, September 27, 11am-3pm
Location: Drake Park
Contact: Tristy Osbon, (tosbon@350deschutes.org)
The post City of Bend to Participate in Clean Energy Series appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post Central Oregon Civic Action Project Accepting Applications for AI-Focused Civic Assembly appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>Thirty Central Oregonians will be randomly selected to participate in the 2.5-day assembly in December, where they will learn about AI-related issues, deliberate with one another and develop recommendations for how the public should be involved in local and state decisions surrounding AI technology and infrastructure.
The effort follows an online participative poll and community conversations that drew input from more than 400 residents on relevant local topics.
Those discussions found that beyond concerns about data centers, employment, education and surveillance, residents consistently expressed a desire for greater transparency and public involvement in AI-related decision-making.
“We want to give Central Oregonians a real seat at the table to discuss a topic that’s at the top of everyone’s minds. We’ve seen what happens when people from different backgrounds come together in good faith to tackle hard problems, and it’s time we do it again with the focus on AI,” said Josh Burgess, founder and executive director of COCAP.
Burgess said the assembly is intended for everyday residents throughout Central Oregon, not simply experts or government officials. COCAP’s broader goal, he said, is to bring residents directly into conversations with decision-makers and help strengthen relationships between communities and the institutions that serve them.
“What we’re interested in at COCAP is helping to helping to bridge the divisions that can exist between communities, and also between communities and their government officials, to ensure that people are addressing these pretty stress-inducing topics in in meaningful conversations that bring people together in the same room,” Burgess said.
“We bring people together in new ways to sit alongside decision makers, whether that’s local governments, local educational or cultural institutions, to ensure that you know it’s not just elected officials who rightfully have a role in decision making. It’s stronger when they’ve got citizens and residents sitting alongside them,” he added.
COCAP previously organized the 2024 Deschutes Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness, Oregon’s first citizens’ assembly. Burgess said recommendations from that process were later considered by the City of Bend, Deschutes County and state lawmakers, while participating delegates reported developing greater trust in their neighbors and government institutions.
Reflecting on the 2024 Assembly, Burgess said: “We heard from the delegates who participated that they were all more civically engaged than they had been before. They said they had more trust in their neighbors, and that they could get together, even though they had very different opinions, and find common ground.”
COCAP hosted an online public event earlier today to share findings from its AI polling and community conversations and formally open delegate recruitment. Registration will remain open for three weeks, with delegates selected by lottery in early October.
Those chosen to participate in the December assembly will receive a stipend. Financial supporters of COCAP include the Ford Family Foundation, Roundhouse Foundation, The Bend Foundation and the New Pluralists. The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council has provided in-kind support.
The post Central Oregon Civic Action Project Accepting Applications for AI-Focused Civic Assembly appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>The post Bureau of Labor & Industries Releases the 2026 State of the Worker Report appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>These annual reports are part of BOLI’s commitment to accountability, giving Oregonians clear insight into where the agency is making gains, where challenges persist, and what they can expect as BOLI continues working to deliver fast, fair, and reliable enforcement.
This year’s report shows that recent investments have begun to turn the tide. After years in which workers waited for wage theft investigations and civil rights complaints to be reviewed, Oregon has started restoring the enforcement capacity needed to deliver timely justice.
The report also outlines emerging threats to this hard-won progress. A lawsuit filed by business groups challenges the sustainable funding mechanism conceptualized by a bipartisan, bicameral workgroup and approved by the Legislature in 2026. If the lawsuit is successful, and if lawmakers do not move quickly to replace the funding, Oregon faces the risk of returning to the delays, closures, and capacity constraints that defined the agency for decades.
“Protecting workers has always required persistence and dedication in the face of adversity to those efforts. This lawsuit is just one more hurdle we must overcome to ensure Oregonians can count on the laws on the books to protect them,” said Commissioner Christina Stephenson.
BOLI remains committed to transparency about both its progress and its challenges. This year’s report makes clear how recent investments are being used, the measurable results they have produced, and what is at stake if Oregon’s enforcement system is destabilized. As the agency continues to modernize operations, reduce backlogs, and strengthen core protections, BOLI will keep releasing these reports so workers, employers, lawmakers, and the public can see precisely where the agency stands and where it is headed.
“We release these reports every year because Oregonians deserve to see exactly where the system is working, where it is strained, and what we are doing to fix it,” said Commissioner Stephenson. “Transparency builds trust, and we believe accountability is a cornerstone of public service.”
BOLI’s commitment is simple: We will continue showing our work. Oregonians deserve an employment and civil rights enforcement system that is fast, thorough, and responsive. This report reflects the Bureau’s determination to deliver the results Oregon workers and employers deserve—and its resolve to protect the progress made through years of sustained effort.
Led by Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, the Bureau of Labor and Industries protects employment rights, advances employment opportunities, and protects access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination for all Oregonians. If you believe you have been denied your rights at work or in public spaces, you can file a complaint online.
The post Bureau of Labor & Industries Releases the 2026 State of the Worker Report appeared first on Cascade Business News.
]]>