BendBEAT

Brian Ladd sits down with Ranae Staley, Executive Director of Bend's local food pantry, The Giving Plate. Their mission is deeply rooted in compassion and hospitality, and they take a special interest in helping Central Oregon's food-insecure youth. Learn more about the staggering number of people, our neighbors, who are silently struggling as communities across Central Oregon face ongoing affordability challenges.

Learn more and donate today -

https://www.thegivingplate.org/donate

Brian Ladd is joined by Brian Rankin, the Long Range Planning Manager for the City of Bend, in our latest BendBeat episode. They explore the impact of Oregon's latest housing bill, which opens doors to more diverse and affordable housing options for Bend residents. While the city plays a role in helping fund affordable housing, given Bend's urgent housing needs, the state has stepped in to relax regulations on converting traditional homes into multi-family units (ADUs, duplexes, triplexes, etc.) to increase the supply of affordable, multi-family housing in Bend. Many of these new regulations were not permissible by the state before, so these significant changes are relatively new, and time will tell how it all plays out.

Rankin also delves into the concept of "complete communities," which is reshaping Bend's present and future neighborhoods. This idea, originally conceived by city planners in the 90s, is gradually becoming a reality. Its goal is to create neighborhoods with a blend of amenities that allow residents to live comfortably within their community without the need for extensive travel.

These topics and more are covered in this dynamic conversation that sheds light on how the city hopes to address Bend's "growing pains" with a vision for developing a city for everyone.

Brian Ladd talks to Eric King, Bend's City Manager for the past 16+ years. Get the inside scoop on how Bend is tackling pressing issues like homelessness, affordable housing, and evolving culture.

Despite the challenges, Eric exudes optimism, relying on Bend's entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative networks to conquer these urban dilemmas.

In this episode, discover Bend's strategies and insights on:

• Formation of a Human Rights and Equity Commission

• Emphasis on collective efforts involving local government agencies, nonprofits, and the business community.

• Exciting changes in Bend's future.

• Building a stronger community through understanding diverse perspectives.

• The value of slowing down to foster human connections.

• An innovative Block Party Trailer initiative to unite neighborhoods.

• The enduring commitment to maintaining a culture of warmth and openness.

Join us in the captivating 14th episode of Bend Beat, as we sit down with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Chris and Marianne Cox. This engaging podcast unveils the inspiring journey of two remarkable entrepreneurs who have left an indelible mark on their beloved community.

Episode Highlights:

• Entrepreneurial Insights: Get an exclusive peek into the entrepreneurial minds of Chris and Marianne Cox. Discover how they started their business ventures and what drove them to success in Bend.

• Bend's Changing Landscape: As Bend evolves, so do its challenges. Chris candidly discusses how the city's transformation affects his businesses and the hurdles they face in a city with rising living and operating costs.

• Marianne's Animal Welfare Crusade: Hear Marianne's heartfelt journey from entrepreneur to animal welfare champion. Learn how she founded Street Dog Hero, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to rescuing and caring for street dogs around the world. Discover the incredible impact this organization has had on both dogs and their communities.

• Navigating Non-Profit Territory: Marianne shares the challenges and rewards of running Street Dog Hero and her mission to make the world a better place for animals and communities through rescue, adoption, wellness, spaying/neutering, and education.

• The Decision to Sell: Dive deep into the pivotal moment when Chris and his partners made the decision to sell 10 Barrel Brewing Company. Understand the thought process behind this significant move and its impact on the business.

• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Chris and Marianne offer invaluable insights and advice for budding entrepreneurs in Bend and beyond. Learn about the determination and work ethic that have propelled them to success.

Bend Beat is not just a podcast; it's heartfelt conversations with individuals who have made a profound difference in our Central Oregon community. Join us as we explore inspiring journeys, the challenges that many have faced and overcome, and the unwavering commitment these community leaders are making to help make Bend a better place for all.

This podcast tells the inspiring story of entrepreneur, Preston Callicott, a Bend, Oregon resident who became civically active after his employees struggled to find affordable housing. Follow along as he works to make a positive change in his community and helps to address a pressing issue facing many entrepreneurs and businesses in Bend today.

"Planning sustainably and being good stewards for the next generation." City council member, Anthony Broadman, sits down with Brian Ladd to discuss the challenges ahead of Bend in the midst of exponential growth, and how to manage it.

Our latest podcast release introduces Anna Higgins, Assistant Superintendent at High Desert Education Service District in Bend, Oregon. Anna and Brian unfold the story of this organization, how they service our local education system, and how they have become the bridge between the community and school district.

Brian Ladd sits down with Mike Hollern. After helping to found Brooks Resources Corporation in the late 60s, Mike has had a large influence on the region over the last 50+ years. Mike guided Brooks Resources through the fat and thin years of the real estate industry, creating such memorable communities as Black Butte Ranch, North Rim, Awbrey Butte and NorthWest Crossing.

Learn more about Humm, their story, and how their success as a local business in Bend, Oregon relied heavily on the support of the local community. We were blown away by the refreshing perspective and philosophy Eric and Michelle shared with us about facing challenges of a growing town, what it means to be a true citizen in a community, and how each of us can contribute in our own way.

Watch the video interview at BendBeat.com

Brian Ladd sits down with Bill Smith, arguably one of Bend's greatest visionaries, responsible for reimagining Bend and taking it from a tired mill town to a thriving, desirable destination. Cementing himself in our community's history, Bill Smith along with his wife, Trish, have had an undeniable impact on Central Oregon.

"While the Old Mill District is Smith's signature piece, and widely credited as integral to Bend's rebirth, his prior work with Brooks Resources helped shape Central Oregon's evolution from timber outpost to outdoor mecca. From Black Butte Ranch, Sisters and La Pine to major developments in Bend, such as Awbrey Butte and Mount Bachelor Village, Smith oversaw work that helped transform Brooks-Scanlon from a mill operator to a purveyor of destination lifestyles—work that helped rebrand and redefine the region in the process. He launched William Smith Properties in 1985, extending his holdings to vast ranches in Eastern Oregon. His wife and co-owner of the firm, Patricia "Trish" Smith, has taken the lead on their significant civic and philanthropic work, supporting arts and culture, education, and healthcare in Bend and throughout the state."

Courtesy of Bend Magazine

Thank you to Monkless Belgian Ales for providing the location for this interview.