PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Sharing Stories About Our Resilient Community – December’s Forum Sponsored and hosted by: Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians T he format of December Forum was a panel of discussion
with Brandon Thoms, Programs & Operations Director of Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity; Julia B. Beattie, President & Chief Credit Officer of People’s Bank of Commerce Foundation; and John Vinatieri, Council President Hoefling, Past President for the Board of Directors at the Craterian Theater, Past President for the Advisory Board of Junior Achievement, Board President of United Way, and Vice-President Retail Hub Manager at First Interstate Bank. Gratitude and thankful - of St. Vincent de Paul. Moderated by: Aaron ness were the theme of this month’s Forum, which fo - cused on “Rogue Valley Re- siliency.” The panelists went in-depth with the topic and shared the various actions implemented and partner - ships built amid the fires, and the pandemic through - out the past 18 months. The discussion gave the panelists an opportunity to share personal anecdotes about their involvement with the local community through different activities. Moderator Aaron Hoefling kept the presentation
December’s Forum panel included (from left to right) Aaron Hoefling, Julia Beattie, John Vinatieri, and Brandon Thoms speaking on the theme of Rogue Valley Resiliency.
flowing with a variety of questions. First, he noted how the community is still reeling from the effects of the wildfires and pandemic. Following that, he asked the panelists what impact those events have had on their organizations in the past 18 months. The answers varied, but all the panelists agreed that those two events continue to have a ripple effect on the community and local business of all sizes. Hoefling then moved onto another important topic currently on the minds of many in the Rogue Valley: homelessness. He asked the speakers what their organizations are doing to address the issue of homelessness in the community. This was a serious problem prior to the pandemic and wildfires, and the need for affordable housing has only increased. It will take creative and innovative solutions to address this issue in a meaningful and lasting way, which the panelists echoed in their answers. Everyone agreed strong partnerships will be
important as the community moves forward after the pandemic and wildfires. Next, the panelists were asked to describe how they have collaborated with other non- profits, and what the outcomes were, which gave Forum attendees insight into what these businesses have done for the community. Lastly, Hoefling wanted panelists to describe what they feel is the greatest challenge the community faces over the next few years. Even with challenges ahead, the feeling was that the community will continue to grow and flourish if we work together to create solutions and help one another. The December Forum was an inspirational and informative conversation, as three of the leading nonprofit organizations in our community shared their stories and experiences. It was a fitting way to end the year and segue into a brighter future ahead in 2022. n
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The Business Review | December 2021
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