Q: What is the purpose of the Chamber? A: The mission of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the economic vitality of its members and the Sisters community.

Q: What areas are included in the support of the Sisters Area Chamber? A: The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce serves the greater Sisters community of, Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman, Suttle Lake, and Hoodoo.

Q: How many people are on the Chamber Board? A: 12-13 Board members (3 year terms), elected by the membership.

Q: How many staff and volunteers operate the Chamber and Visitor Center? A: There are 2 full-time staff members, 12 volunteers, 1 part-time person who works during the summer on weekends.

Q: What does the Chamber do? A: The Chamber provides the following services to it's members and the community:  Provide business resources Provide visitor resources and information for approximately 8,000 walk- ins 6,500 phone calls, 160,00 emails, and makes 1,323 referrals per year. Provide community information. Advocacy – represent the interests of business with local, state and federal government. Promote member businesses by: Business card & Brochure display in visitor center Referrals Monthly Newsletter Cooperative marketing and advertising opportunities Website Membership directory Networking opportunities (Mix & Mingles) Offer educational opportunities to members to improve business knowledge and practices.

Q: How does the Chamber achieve the mission? A: By working collaboratively with the City of Sisters and the Central Oregon Economic Development department to bring new businesses to Sisters. Coordinate efforts between businesses wanting to relocate to Sisters with resources for financing, workforce, information and facilities. And, by actively marketing Sisters to tourists and the local surrounding areas using the following methods: Website Advertising (GO Magazine, Sisters Magazine 5 times/yr., other regional publications) Working with travel writers (Sky West) COVA RCMP (www.travelcentraloregon.com) Trade Shows (Business & Consumer) Professional Associations Surveys Sponsor and coordinate several annual events Saturday in Sisters Summer Faires (July/August) Bead Show Antique Show Western & Native American Festival September Art Stroll Chamber Auction Sisters in Sisters Harvest Faire Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade Annual Installation Dinner Support other major events My Own Two Hands Sisters Rodeo Outdoor Quilt Show Sisters Folk Festival Chamber Committees: Special Events Marketing Economic Development Business recruitment & retention Business Advocacy & Government Affairs Visitor Information Services Membership Work in cooperation with other organizations on the Community Visioning process. Identify Workforce/Affordable Housing issues and implement strategies to solve problems associated with these issues.

Q: How is the Chamber funded? A: Chamber income is derived from three main sources: Events – 57% Room Tax – 18% Membership Dues – 16%

Q: What are the Chamber's primary projects or goals? A: Economic Development: Business recruitment & retention – Identify incentives, and assist with workforce training coordination; Community visioning – Work cooperatively with community agencies and organizations and the public to determine vision for Sisters and a growth management strategy.  Projected population in Sisters: 2,390 by 2010; 3,085 by 2015; 3,872 by 2020; 4,837 by 2025. 102.38% growth in 15 years 2010 – 2025. And, to market Sisters as a year-round destination.