Tillamook Chamber Chatter Podcast

Ever wonder how a rural, coastal community keeps the lights on? In this episode, we sit down with Joanna and Todd from the Tillamook People’s Utility District (PUD) to dive into the rich history and unique challenges of powering our county.

From their humble beginnings in the 1930s to navigating a service territory with literally "more poles than customers," Todd and Joanna share what goes on behind the scenes at PUD. We discuss where our power actually comes from (hint: it’s mostly water!), the real impact of winter heating peaks, and how regional wildfire risks are changing the way the grid operates. Plus, get the inside scoop on everyday energy-saving tips, the future of "time of use" rate structures, and the absolute best ways to stay informed during an unexpected storm or outage.

To learn more about the Tillamook People's Utility District visit: https://www.tpud.org/

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TillamookPUD

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

To connect with us here at the Chamber:

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

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What does it really take to build a stronger community? This week, Renee and Meg are joined by Briar Smith from Habitat for Humanity to talk about the vital work they’re doing in Tillamook County. While they are famous for building affordable homes, Briar shares how their life-changing repair programs and local treasure-trove ReStore do so much more to lift up our neighbors.

Plus, listen in to hear what the future looks like for Habitat for Humanity and how they plan to expand their footprint of hope in our community!

Hit play to go behind the scenes of one of our favorite local non-profits!

To learn more about the Tillamook Habitat for Humanity visit: https://tillamookhabitat.org/

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551265610966

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 another episode of Chamber Chatter with your hosts, Meg and Renee! This week, we are diving into the world of alternative education opportunities right here on the Oregon Coast.

We are joined by Taylor, the founder of Aletheia Courses an innovative educational monthly subscription designed to spark curiosity, challenge existing beliefs, question social norms, and help individuals get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

With trust in higher education declining and hundreds of traditional colleges closing across the country, Taylor saw a massive gap between simply having access to information and actually knowing how to think. Taylor shares how Aletheia Courses was born as a direct response to a traditional education model.

Tune in as we discuss with Taylor why she started Aletheia Courses and what brought her to the Tillamook Chamber!

Want to learn more about Aletheia Courses? Visit: https://www.aletheiacourses.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585692030906

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 Rob and Marilyn, the owner-operators behind Tillamook’s Grocery Outlet. They share the story of their transition from the big city to our small coastal town, and how they quickly found their stride meshing into the local community.

As parents of seven kids, Rob and Marilyn know a thing or two about teamwork, logisitics, and dedication. They open up about their journey owning and operating the store, the hobbies they have outside of the store and why they’ve fallen in love with Tillamook.

Tune in to hear the inspiring "why" behind the faces you see in the aisles every week, and discover how this incredible family is making a lasting impact right here in our community.

To follow along on their Facebook visit: https://www.facebook.com/TillamookGroceryOutlet

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’re sitting down in the studio with Julie and Jason Maxfield, the passionate owners behind Green Coast Market in downtown Rockaway Beach. Fresh off celebrating their official one-year anniversary, Jason and Julie share the inspiring story of how their market came to be and what it takes to run a thriving local hub.

Green Coast Market proudly partners with over 110 small, local food producers and artisans to bring the rich bounty of Oregon to you year-round. Whether you're looking for heirloom produce, handcrafted cheeses, local ciders, or artisanal pastas and soaps, this coastal gem has something special waiting for you.

Tune in to learn more about why Green Coast Market is a must-visit spot for your weekly meal prep or a weekend treat!

To learn more about Green Coast Market visit: https://www.greencoastmarket.com/

or follow along on their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567082338492

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 as we sit down with Dusty Trost of Rob Trost Real Estate, who shares his personal journey into the real estate world. Dusty takes us down memory lane, reflecting on the deeply meaningful experience of working alongside his dad, Rob Trost, and building a lasting legacy together. He also takes a moment to shine a spotlight on his amazing team, offering immense praise for the dedicated agents and staff who keep the business thriving every day.

Looking ahead, Dusty gives us an exciting glimpse into what the future may hold for Rob Trost Real Estate. Plus, as a passionate local surfer, he shares the fun story behind those popular beach cameras keeping us all connected to the tides.

To learn more about Rob Trost Real Estate visit: https://www.robtrost.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!

Get ready to feel the rhythm of the coast as we dive into the high-energy details of this year's Bay City Pearl and Oyster Music Festival. In this upbeat interview, we sit down with the festival’s president, Kathleen Finn, to discuss the electric atmosphere and community heart behind this beloved August tradition. 

We also get down to the music by name-dropping several of the incredible bands set to take the stage throughout the weekend. Listen in as we talk about a fantastic weekend of free live music, local flavors, and summer fun in the heart of Bay City.

To learn more about the Bay City Pearl and Oyster Music Festival visit:

https://www.baycitypearlandoysterfestival.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 week’s episode, we sit down with Jennifer Robitsch, the heart and soul behind Madeline’s Vintage Marketplace in Downtown Tillamook. Jennifer shares her story of how Madeline’s came to life and what it takes to curate a space filled with such unique character.

From stunning antique furniture and rare collectibles to shabby chic furnishings and rustic treasures, Jennifer’s shop is a haven for anyone looking to add a bit of charm to their home. We also discuss the many hats she wears as a small business owner and the passion that drives her to keep downtown looking festive year-round. You won’t want to miss this conversation.

To learn more about Madeline's Vintage Marketplace, visit: https://www.facebook.com/madelinesmarketplace

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 State Representative candidate, Christian Honl whose roots run five generations deep in the Pacific Northwest. Born and raised in Astoria, Christian’s family history is a tapestry of the region's primary industries. After a 30-year career as a Director of Engineering and Marketing Planner at Intel, he has returned home to apply his experience to a new mission: serving the people of Clatsop and Tillamook Counties.

Christian shares the moving story of his father, a beloved local doctor whose life was changed by a traumatic brain injury in Vietnam, and how the Astoria community’s overwhelming support during his childhood inspired his own commitment to give back.

To learn more about Christian Honl, visit: https://www.votehonl.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!

Ever wonder what it actually takes to keep a massive historic steam engine chugging along the rugged Oregon coastline? In this episode, we chat with Trevor Park, the Executive Director of the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Trevor’s journey to the helm of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic heritage railroads is as fascinating as the trains themselves, and he joins us to share the grit, the grease, and the glory of steam preservation.

Trevor pulls back the curtain on the surprising statistics behind their operation, sharing the incredible volume of visitors they welcome every year that keeps the local economy moving. From the technical challenges of maintaining vintage machinery in the 21st century to the magic of connecting with the community, this conversation offers a unique look at how history and tourism intersect on the rails.

Whether you are a lifelong train enthusiast or just a fan of incredible local success stories, Trevor’s insights are not to be missed. All aboard for a deep dive into the heartbeat of the Oregon coast.

To learn more about the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, visit: https://oregoncoastscenic.org/

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!