Small-Town Strong
Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce
The Oregon Frontier Chamber unites Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman Counties in their efforts to build strong and diverse small-town economies. By combining their efforts, they make each other stronger.
Strength in Numbers
If you’ve ever visited the Painted Hills, fished on the John Day River, or headed east in search of fossils, you’ve very likely seen many of the small towns that populate northeastern Oregon—towns like Mitchell, Condon, Fossil or Sprague. With populations that rarely exceed 1,000 people, it would be difficult for these small towns to muster enough resources to start their own chambers of commerce to promote local entrepreneurs and small businesses—but that doesn’t mean the interest isn’t there — or the talent!
Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties have united to form the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce, bringing together resources from eleven small towns to strengthen them all. Rural Opportunity Initiative grants from Business Oregon (and funded by Oregon Lottery dollars) have helped the Chamber to finance these efforts. The goal? To support entrepreneurship for local artisans, makers, creators, and food producers along with Main Street businesses and revitalization. Funds also help support community events, enhancing community livability.
Frontier Chamber-related photos by K’Lynn Lane.
This program is among the most valuable and enriching programs ever to develop in our region. We are truly stronger when we work together.— K’Lynn Lane, Oregon Frontier Chamber Executive Director Oregon Frontier Chamber
The Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI)
ROI Grants: “Business Oregon’s strategic effort to empower rural communities to support entrepreneurs and small business growth through financial support, innovative partnerships, network expansion and access to business development resources.”
Business Oregon distributes Lottery funds to projects that fuel business development across Oregon. Learn more about their efforts in rural Oregon and across the state!
Condon is a great example of how you evolve and you want things to grow. A little bit of potential and all of a sudden it’s contagious!— Chiyanna Brooks, Rural Community Ambassador & Co.Starters Core Graduate
Festivals & Events Bringing People Together
Community events and festivals hold immense value for residents of small towns. They bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and highlighting the best features of rural living. They also bring in visitors and the dollars they spend while attending these events, strengthening the local economy while imparting an appreciation of Oregon’s rural communities.
The Oregon Frontier Chamber uses part of their lottery-backed ROI funds to support events across the counties they serve. Main Street parades, car shows, biking events and more — in Wheeler, Gilliam and Sherman Counties, your lottery play helps keep them going strong!
Even More Oregon Investment
Learn how similar ROI efforts are changing the farm-and-food landscape in Oregon’s Applegate Valley. Your lottery play helps support good things in Oregon!
Learn MoreFeatured Projects
LOTTERY DOLLARS DOING GOOD THINGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Economic Growth
State Parks
Outdoor School
Natural Habitats
Public Schools
