Leadership Bend

08/06/2026

Your experience can make a difference.

The Bend Chamber is looking for business owners and senior leaders who are ready to give back to the community that has helped their business grow.

As a member of our Board of Directors, you'll help set the Chamber's strategic direction, champion a strong business climate and support the long-term success of Central Oregon.

Applications for four open Board positions close August 21.

Learn more and apply today: https://www.bendchamber.org/news/help-shape-the-future-of-bends-business-community

07/24/2026

The BendNEXT Foundation wants to hear from you! Help us better understand Central Oregon’s leadership development needs.

Complete a quick five-minute survey to help inform future programs and be entered to win two Mt. Bachelor lift tickets or a Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe rental certificate.

Take the survey now: https://www.bendchamber.org/news/bendnext-foundation-seeks-input-from-emerging-professionals-and-employers-across-central-oregon

07/14/2026

The Bend Chamber and BendNEXT Foundation are pleased to announce the Leadership Bend Class of 2027, the newest cohort selected for one of Central Oregon's longest-running leadership development programs.

As Leadership Bend enters its 34th year, this diverse group of professionals will spend the next nine months exploring the complex issues shaping our region, engaging with community leaders and decision-makers, strengthening their leadership skills, and building relationships across the business, nonprofit, civic, and public sectors.

Since 1993, Leadership Bend has graduated 758 alumni who continue to make meaningful contributions to Central Oregon through business leadership, board service, volunteerism, civic engagement, elected office, and countless other leadership roles.

Congratulations to the Class of 2027. We look forward to seeing the impact this exceptional group will make in our community.

Learn more about this year's cohort: https://www.bendchamber.org/news/leadership-bend-class-of-2027-cohort-announced

06/30/2026

Congratulations to the Leadership Bend class of 2026! After months of hard work, meaningful connections, and powerful community experiences, these incredible individuals have earned their place among over 730 Leadership Bend alumni shaping the future of Central Oregon. We could not be more proud of this graduating cohort.

05/12/2026

Are you thinking of applying for Leadership Bend, or would you like to refer a colleague or friend? Please consider attending the May 28 informational session at 4:30 pm to learn more about the program application, level of commitment, graduation requirements and more. Share with interested parties!

Learn About Leadership Bend + How to Apply

05/04/2026

The way we work is changing - and the BEST teams are changing with it. Our sister program, Bend Emerging Talent is delighted to host national speaker, author and workplace strategist Lisa X. Walden for a high impact and engaging keynote presentation on May 14 at 4:30 pm. Details at the link below. Wherever you are in your career, you'll benefit from actionable insights to shift mindsets, strengthen communication and create environments where people and performance thrive! Networking afterparty with food and drink to follow at Mountain Burger in NWX. See you there?

In this lively, insight-packed session, you’ll learn how to create a more authentic, empowering workplace.

12/05/2025

Incredible news! The Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund has awarded us a matching grant of $10,000! Help us make the match by contributing today and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Give to our matching grant, supporting the Leadership Bend, NEXTUp Leaders and Bend Emerging Talent programs - and double your impact. Thanks to the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, every contribution will be matched, up to $10,000. 

08/27/2025

A wonderful two days of connection and learning for the Class of 2026! Thank you to all the sponsors, speakers and supporters that make this annual retreat possible.

08/27/2025

06/10/2025

One last week to apply for the Leadership Bend Class of 2026. Share with interested parties - it's going to be another unforgettable year of learning, connection, reflection and action.

Please click the link to complete this form.