Tillamook Chamber Chatter Podcast

In this episode of Tillamook Chamber Chatter, we sit down with Clatsop County Commissioner Courtney Bangs as she shares her journey running for Oregon State Senate District 16. From her 25-plus years as a teacher to navigating rural community needs, Commissioner Bangs breaks down the challenges facing local small businesses, the critical need for economic prosperity, and her passion for community advocacy. Tune in to hear her perspective on representing rural Oregon and the vital importance of making your voice heard on election day.

To learn more about Courtney Bangs visit: https://www.courtneybangs.com/

Want to take the guesswork out of your business financials? On this week's Chamber Chatter, we chat with Laura Shepard, founder of Momentum BK. With over many years of executive operations and bookkeeping expertise, Laura is passionate about empowering our local business community. She breaks down her tailored "Concepts, Terms, and Tasks" methodology, showing entrepreneurs how to make sense of their numbers without feeling overwhelmed. From surviving audits to protecting cash flow and reading balance sheets, Laura shares essential advice for building a resilient, successful business right here in Tillamook.

To learn more about Momentum BK visit: https://momentumbk.com/

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

In this episode of Chamber Chatter, we sit down with, founder and chair of the Tillamook Office of Mediation (TOM).

Tune in we break down how mediation works, why addressing conflict early is essential, and the wide range of services available to local residents and businesses. From no-cost workplace, landlord-tenant, and neighbor mediation to conflict coaching, youth classes, restorative justice, and tailored workplace communication workshops (including handling frustrated customers), learn how TOM is helping our community navigate tough conversations and build stronger connections.

To learn more about Tillamook Office of Mediation visit: https://www.tillamookmediation.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573432131833

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

In this episode, we sit down with Nonda Zwald to chat about her deep community roots and her and her husbands newest business, Pyrat's Perk. Nonda shares her journey through various roles in Tillamook County - from working in real estate and managing local water systems to co-founding the "Mutt Strut" and helping establish local animal rescue efforts.

She shares the story behind starting Pyrat's Perk alongside her husband Ken, the heartfelt meaning behind the cart's name and logo, and how they built a thriving local coffee stand serving up signature drinks, milkshakes, and hearty menu items. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation about family, resilience, and giving back to the community.

To learn more about Pyrat's Perk, visit: https://pyratsperk.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pyratsperk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pyrats_perk/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pyratsbrewsandbit

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

In this episode of Chamber Chatter, Sara Gurath, Head of School at Neskowin Valley School, shares how outdoor exploration and experiential education empower students from ages three and a half through fifth grade. Tune in to discover their unique outdoor curriculum, homeschool enrichment programs, and an exclusive first announcement about new adult and family community education classes launching this fall!

To learn more about Neskowin Valley School visit: https://www.neskowinvalleyschool.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neskowinvalleyschool

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

In this episode of Chamber Chatter, we sit down with Ken Henson, founder of Refettorio Consulting, to explore what it takes to build a thriving, sustainably profitable hospitality business. Bringing over 30 years of business experience across kitchens, restaurants, and tourism leadership—ranging from local bars and counter service to white-tablecloth fine dining—Ken offers a unique, holistic perspective on hospitality, tourism, and food systems.

Ken breaks down why so many independent operators struggle with razor-thin margins and demonstrates how executing on core operational levers—like routine inventory tracking and smart labor management—can immediately protect your bottom line. Beyond the data, he emphasizes how operational excellence creates genuine engagement with guests and staff, proving that a strong workplace culture is the real driver of long-term success.

To learn more about Refettorio Consulting visit: https://www.refettorioconsulting.com/

Be sure to give him a thumbs up on Facebook as well: https://www.facebook.com/RefettorioConsulting

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Chrissy Smith (Executive Director) and Carol Parks (Programs and Communications Coordinator) from Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS. In this episode, they reflect on the organization's 20-year evolution—from a dream envisioned by founder Jim Mundell to a full-fledged non-profit delivering hands-on STEAM education, tide pool explorations, and community stewardship programs.

Discover how WEBS works to break down barriers to outdoor learning, partner with regional school districts and tribal partners, and host unique community initiatives like their upcoming 20th-anniversary event. Tune in to learn how to participate in free local events, become a STEAM coach, or support their mission to conserve Netarts Bay.

Website: https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NetartsBayWEBS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/netartsbaywebs/

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

On this episode of Chamber Chatter, we sit down with Dr. Robert Bare and Dr. Taylor Krueger, the dynamic co-founders behind NW Coastal Tradewinds. Bringing a powerful blend of high-level expertise, spanning Robert’s 23 years in law enforcement, city management, and international business consulting alongside Taylor’s deep background in business strategy and digital innovation, they offer hands-on, practical consulting tailored specifically for Oregon Coast entrepreneurs. From navigating local seasonal swings to grant writing and structured operational resets, they share how proactive planning and strategic networking help local small businesses and nonprofits thrive.

To learn more about NW Coastal Tradewinds visit their website: https://www.nwcoastaltradewinds.com/

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

Bobby Poppe joins us on the Chamber Chatter and shares the Walker family’s long history in the industry, which spans five generations from 1917 motorized trucks in Portland to celebrating the company's upcoming 70th anniversary in Tillamook. The conversation covers the realities of working in waste collection, highlighting how the job provides dependable pay and job security and why Bobby chose working outdoors over a windowless engineering lab.

The episode also dives into local operations, detailing how garbage moves from curbside pickup to how the system prevents environmental harm, and what items residents can drop off for free at the 12th Street recycling lot. Listen in to hear what happens to Tillamook's trash after it leaves the curb.

To learn more about City Sanitary Service visit their website: https://citysanitaryservice.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citysanitaryservice

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!

Welcome back to Chamber Chatter, your local connection to Tillamook County businesses! In this episode, hosts Renee and Meg sit down with Patrick and Amanda King, the passionate couple behind Country Squire Kitchen.

Discover how a shared love for the outdoors—from fishing and foraging to gardening and canning—fueled Patrick and Amanda’s dream to swap city life for the Oregon coast. They open up about moving to Tillamook, launching their business, and the local roots that inspire their menu. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at what they’re building behind the scenes for the future!

To learn more about Country Squire Kitchen visit their website: https://www.countrysquirekitchen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countrysquirekitchen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countrysquirekitchen/

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

• Website: TillamookChamber.org
• Facebook & Instagram: Tillamook Chamber
• Email: [email protected]

Don't miss out on what's next. Subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to share it with your friends and family!