PROVIDING NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
Medford Chamber Leadership Class 2024 T he Medford Chamber Leadership class reconvened in January 2024 at the Cardinal Avenue location of the non-profit organization ACCESS, after a hiatus
Rogue Valley International Airport where the class was escorted by Brad Cozza (Director of Operational Security) and Mike Doil (Business Development Manager) through specific parts of the airport which included and the fire station as well as the operations and maintenance building. So, it was good to begin the year with a reminder of the vulnerable populations, especially as the last Leadership Class in 2023, ended on such a high note! The ACCESS team led by Chief Operations & Housing Officer, Joe Vollmar, Food Programs Director, Marcee Champion, and Melanie Doshier (Support Services Director) shared the various ways the non-profit agency provides food, warmth, and shelter through programs such as housing, food and nutrition, and energy assistance. ACCESS has a portfolio (163 units) of affordable housing solutions, and for anyone in need of shelter, or is a potential buyer or an existing homeowner, the organization offers education, counseling, and payment assistance. ACCESS programs include Veterans Rental Assistance, Landlord Engagement, Eviction and Homelessness Prevention, Rapid Rehousing, Medical Equipment Assistance and the Over the Top Wig programs just to name a few. Did you know that ACCESS operates 35 pantries including 2 mobile ones and even senior focused food pantries throughout Jackson County? Did you know that in 2023, ACCESS served 12000 residents in Jackson County through their energy assistance program (e.g., heater repair/heater replacement, etc.)? In 2023, the organization weatherized 66 homes (e.g., insulation, heating, cooling, etc.), assisted 100 people through the Wig program and provided bags of nutritious food to over 500 food insecure students through the Rogue Powerpack Program. To learn more about ACCESS, to donate or volunteer please click here. n
for the holiday season. The focus of this class was to gain firsthand experience and to better understand the impact of the organization to promote stability for vulnerable populations across Southern Oregon. When the group last met in November, particpants got a backstage tour of four key entities that brings people from all over the world and their economic impacts to our region. Here’s a quick look back: The group’s first tour was of the 15-ball fields, 132-acre Lithia & Driveway Fields which is owned and operated by the City of Medford. Rich Rosenthal, City of Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director, who guided the tour, shared that the world-class softball, baseball, and soccer/football fields hosts approximately 5500 games and generates over $12M in annual revenues for the city of Medford. The participants next traveled to the Visitor Information at Travel Medford where Mr. TJ Holmes welcomed the participants, introduced the staff, and gave a detailed explanation of the organization’s mission and the overall economic impact to Medford and the Rogue Valley as a premier West Coast destination. The penultimate stop was the Britt Music and Arts Festival Pavilion, where President and CEO Abby McKee facilitated the tour of the property and shared the rich history of Peter Britt with such exuberance we felt connected to his legacy while she spoke! Ms. McKee shared that the organization fully funds Arts education in approximately 70 schools and produces free family programs in the summer. With an audience capacity of 2200, it is estimated that the Festival generates $15M of economic activity. The day ended at
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The Business Review | March 2024
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