A Story of Community Dedication: Lisa Farquharson, CEO/President of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dalles Area Chamber Of Commerce
Lisa Farquharson
Lisa farquharson

Lisa Farquharson’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and community spirit in shaping the destiny of a town. Born and raised in The Dalles, Oregon, Lisa had a deep-rooted connection to her hometown. Her journey to becoming the President and CEO of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce was not just a career path but a calling to serve her community.

From a young age, Lisa displayed a natural aptitude for leadership and a passion for fostering growth and prosperity. After completing her education in The Dalles, she began work with a clear vision: to be an advocate for local businesses and to stimulate economic development in the region.

Under Lisa’s guidance, the Chamber of Commerce became a driving force for positive change in The Dalles. With her strategic vision and tireless work ethic, she implemented initiatives to support small businesses, attract investment, and promote tourism in the area. Through networking events, workshops, and marketing campaigns, Lisa sought to showcase the unique offerings of The Dalles and to create opportunities for businesses to thrive.

But Lisa’s impact extended far beyond the realm of business. She was deeply committed to the overall well-being of the community, championing causes related to education, healthcare, and social services. She forged partnerships with local organizations and government agencies to address pressing issues and improve the quality of life for residents.

One of Lisa’s most notable achievements was her role in revitalizing downtown The Dalles. Recognizing the importance of a vibrant city center, she spearheaded efforts to attract new businesses, renovate historic buildings, and create inviting public spaces. Her dedication to preserving the town’s heritage while embracing innovation earned her widespread praise and admiration.

During the COVID pandemic, Lisa and her team were instrumental in getting 1.2 million of PPE distributed to businesses in Wasco County.  She and her team provided recording after recording or trainings, ordinance changes, and distributed three grants in behalf of Google and City of The Dalles. Additionally, she wrote a grant to Google to provide training for all non profits in our area and received a grant from travel Oregon to provide outreach to our Latino businesses.

Throughout her tenure as President and CEO, Lisa has remained accessible and approachable, earning the trust and respect of Chamber members and community leaders alike. Her ability to bring people together, listen to diverse perspectives, and find common ground was instrumental in driving progress and fostering a sense of unity in The Dalles.

As Lisa Farquharson’s legacy continues to unfold, her impact on The Dalles remains palpable. She will leave an indelible mark on the town, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and to work tirelessly for the betterment of their community. In Lisa’s unwavering commitment to service and her boundless passion for The Dalles, she has truly embodied the spirit of leadership and civic engagement.

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The Blossoming Legacy: A Historical Overview of The Northwest Cherry Festival in The Dalles, Oregon

Nestled along the majestic Columbia River, The Dalles, Oregon, boasts a rich agricultural heritage intertwined with the bountiful harvest of cherries. Among the numerous festivities celebrating this heritage, none shines brighter than the Northwest Cherry Festival. As an emblem of community spirit and the region’s agricultural prowess, this annual event has become a cherished tradition, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Origins and Early Years

The roots of the Northwest Cherry Festival can be traced back to the late 19th century when The Dalles emerged as a key hub for cherry production in the Pacific Northwest. The region’s fertile soil, coupled with the ideal climate conditions, fostered the growth of succulent cherries, earning The Dalles its moniker as the “Cherry City.”

The festival’s genesis can be pinpointed to the 1920s, a time when local farmers sought to showcase their cherry harvest and promote community pride. What began as a modest gathering among orchard owners soon evolved into a vibrant celebration encompassing various events and activities.

Growth and Evolution

Throughout the decades, the Northwest Cherry Festival evolved in scope and scale, reflecting the resilience and dynamism of The Dalles community. In the 1950s and 60s, the festival expanded to include parades, carnival rides, cherry pie-eating contests, and live entertainment, captivating the hearts of both locals and tourists.

During the 1970s, amid a resurgence of interest in agricultural heritage and local produce, the festival gained renewed momentum. Orchards opened their gates for cherry picking tours, allowing visitors to experience the orchard-to-table journey firsthand. Educational workshops on cherry cultivation and sustainability practices further underscored the festival’s commitment to promoting agricultural stewardship.

Cultural Significance

Beyond its agricultural significance, the Northwest Cherry Festival holds deep cultural meaning for the residents of The Dalles. It serves as a testament to the community’s resilience in the face of adversity, such as the occasional challenges posed by weather fluctuations or market dynamics.

Moreover, the festival fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, bringing together residents, farmers, and visitors in a joyous celebration of shared heritage. For many, it’s a time to reconnect with friends and family, reminisce about cherished memories, and forge new traditions against the backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms.

Modern-Day Celebrations

As The Dalles continues to evolve, so too does the Northwest Cherry Festival. In recent years, organizers have embraced innovation, incorporating new elements while preserving the festival’s timeless charm. From farm-to-table culinary experiences featuring cherry-infused delicacies to eco-friendly initiatives promoting sustainability, the festival remains at the forefront of community-driven initiatives.

Furthermore, the festival serves as a platform to showcase local artisans, musicians, and performers, amplifying the region’s cultural vibrancy. Through art exhibitions, live music performances, and interactive workshops, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of The Dalles’ artistic and cultural heritage.

Looking Ahead

As The Dalles looks to the future, the Northwest Cherry Festival stands as a beacon of optimism and resilience. In an era marked by rapid change and uncertainty, this annual celebration serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds that unite communities and the timeless beauty of nature’s bounty.

As new generations inherit the mantle of stewardship, the legacy of the Northwest Cherry Festival continues to blossom, ensuring that The Dalles remains synonymous with the sweet taste of cherries and the enduring spirit of community for generations to come.

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The Heart of a Community: The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dalles Area Chamber Of Commerce

In the heart of The Dalles, Oregon, amidst the whispers of the Columbia River and the echoes of history, stands an institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping the town’s destiny—the Chamber of Commerce. Like a sturdy anchor in the turbulent waters of time, the Chamber has been a constant force for progress and prosperity since its inception.

The story of The Dalles Chamber of Commerce traces back to the late 19th century when the town was still in its infancy, a bustling frontier settlement teeming with promise. In 1886, a group of visionary businessmen and community leaders came together with a shared vision—to promote economic growth, foster collaboration, and champion the interests of local businesses.

Led by pioneers such as James F. Patterson, William A. Johnston, and William Michelbach, the Chamber of Commerce quickly became the driving force behind The Dalles’ burgeoning economy. Through advocacy, networking, and community engagement, the Chamber worked tirelessly to attract investment, stimulate commerce, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Steamer Bailey Gatzert
The steamer bailey gatzert

In its early years, the Chamber focused on supporting industries vital to the region’s economy, such as agriculture, timber, and transportation. As steamboats plied the waters of the Columbia River and railroads crisscrossed the landscape, The Dalles emerged as a vital hub for trade and commerce in the Pacific Northwest.

But the Chamber’s influence extended far beyond the realm of business. It played a central role in shaping the town’s identity, promoting tourism, and preserving its rich cultural heritage. From organizing festivals and events to spearheading historic preservation efforts, the Chamber became a beacon of civic pride, rallying the community around shared goals and aspirations.

As The Dalles entered the 20th century, the Chamber adapted to the changing times, embracing new technologies and strategies to meet the evolving needs of its members. In the aftermath of World War II, as the nation experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity, the Chamber played a vital role in guiding The Dalles through a period of rapid expansion and development.

In the latter half of the 20th century, The Dalles faced its share of challenges—from economic downturns to environmental concerns—but through it all, the Chamber remained steadfast in its commitment to the town’s welfare. Whether advocating for infrastructure improvements, supporting small businesses, or promoting sustainable growth, the Chamber continued to be a trusted voice of leadership and advocacy.

Today, as The Dalles stands on the threshold of a new era, the Chamber of Commerce remains a vital force for progress and innovation. With a renewed focus on economic development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, it continues to build upon the legacy of those visionary pioneers who first laid its foundations over a century ago.

As the sun sets over the Columbia River and the lights of The Dalles twinkle in the distance, the spirit of enterprise and collaboration that has guided the Chamber of Commerce throughout its storied history shines brighter than ever. And as long as there are dreams to chase and challenges to overcome, the Chamber will stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

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Adult Bullying In A Small Town

Bullies were a thing in Junior High/High school, right? We were told to watch our backs. Not to succumb to peer pressure. If you see something, say something. Guilty by association. And pretty much anything else that would steer us away from the grasp of a bully. But the thing is, we never liked bullies to begin with. They’re meanies. And after our share of middle school politics, we were tired of assholes. But now that you’re an adult bullies are no longer an issue, right? Guess. Again.

College was finally a break from the madness. It was time to time to drink beer and bond and make your lifelong friends. The bullies seemed to vanish, and we could rest easy. Phew!

That is, until we encountered one ourselves. Because the fact of the matter is, adult bullies are lurking everywhere.

They come in forms of mutual friends, work acquaintances, or social ringleaders. You might not catch them immediately, but eventually their true colors come out, and sometimes it’s too late. You’re already sucked in. And destroying a relationship in your adult years feels immature, catty, and beyond dramatic.

But ignoring their bully behaviors isn’t an option, either. It only reinforces their tendencies. So in order to be properly prepared for adult bullies, we have to brush up on our high school skills. We need to 1) know how to spot adult bullies and 2) figure out how to handle them.

So let’s roll. Here are some strong indicators that you might be intertwined with an adult bully:

1. The Silent Treatment

HOW TO SPOT IT: A classic tactic by almost all adult bullies. You have a foot in mouth moment? Silent treatment. You forget to text when you say you were going to? Silent treatment. You talk to someone else without them knowing? Silent treatment.

No matter what you do, eventually you will be met with their silence. Which also happens to be called emotional abuse.

They won’t actually *tell you* what you’ve done wrong. That’s way too much to ask. Instead they will smoke you out with their lack of communication until you break. Nobody likes to be ignored, and silence is typically the best way to “beat” someone without actually having to put yourself out there. It’s a cop out. Which is why it’s so popular amongst adult bullies.

HOW TO HANDLE: You have one of two choices.

You can either:

a) Call out the behavior immediately. Let them know that you do not appreciate the silent treatment and you would rather talk it out at their earliest convenience. Most bullies melt in the face of actual confrontation. They’re great behind screens, but not so much in person. You calling them out might just be enough to break their behavior (with you) for good.

or…

b) Ignore it. If you feel like this person is an adult bully, then you probably shouldn’t be friends with them. Ignoring the behavior is a great way to a) not reinforce it and b) let the relationship fizzle out.

If you truly believe you are dealing with an adult bully, then let their silent treatment be the demise of your relationship. There’s no need to have the tough conversation if you don’t want to be apart of the relationship anymore. Walk away and let their behavior be the nail in the coffin.

2. Isolation

HOW TO SPOT IT: By the time they reach adulthood, bullies have long concluded that victims are more malleable and impressionable when they are alone. So one of their most dangerous and effective tactics is to isolate their victims so that their punishment and behavior digs much deeper in the future.

Isolation comes in two forms: they will either manipulate scenarios to where you create distance between yourself and others, or they will actively tear you down so that others create distance from you.

Both have disastrous consequences.

The easiest way to spot this behavior is when a new person introduced to your life simultaneously brings tension with others. Some of this truly might be coincidence – healthy cliques fall apart every day over legitimate reasons and it has nothing to do with the introduction of new friendships. But more than not, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Tension is introduced because your new friend doesn’t want you to have other friends – and that’s to their benefit. Because when they decide to control your behavior, you don’t have a support system waiting to set you straight. You’re on your own – making their behavior tactics much more successful.

HOW TO HANDLE: If you suspect there is an external force driving a wedge between friendships you value, act against it. Make sure you are doubling down on your outreach. Talk about the tension and make sure you are clearing up any and all misunderstandings that might be circling around your social group. If you are starting to feel unsatisfied with your current friendships but can’t point a finger as to why, evaluate it. Carefully. Don’t let one person define your relationships. Support is crucial for handling adult bullies – so try to keep as much padding as possible.

3. Walking on Eggshells

Oof. This feeling is the freaking worst.

HOW TO SPOT IT: If you feel like you are tip-toeing around a friendship: certain topics are off-limits, activities have to be done behind their back, or you have to omit or conceal certain information as to not “rock the boat” – then you are walking on eggshells.

You feel like you can’t be your true self because your true self is either offensive, undesirable, annoying, narcissistic, nerdy, or simply not good enough. So you hide things and carefully maneuver the relationship so you can remain on good terms and somewhat enjoy yourself. But it’s exhausting. You are doing so much work to keep someone happy who doesn’t even appreciate the entire tapestry of YOU.

If you are playing a version of yourself to appease somebody else because you feel obligated to do so in order to dodge punishment and sustain the relationship: you are friends with an adult bully.

HOW TO HANDLE: Stop with the act. If there is a theme to your tip-toeing, put it out in the open. Come clean about what you are concealing and why you are doing it. Maybe there’s a chance this friend isn’t as virulent as you think and they deserve a chance to see your authentic self. If they respond with punishment – namely, the silent treatment, then you know what you’re dealing with. And thanks to Item #1, you also know how to handle.

4. Lowered Self-Esteem

HOW TO SPOT IT: Remember that bomb Halloween movie about the three witches? With Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker and someone else. Hocus Pocus! Yes. Ok remember how Sarah Jessica Parker & co. suck the actual life out of children so that they can all stay young forever??!?

Well that’s what adult bullies do.

Except they don’t *technically* suck the life out of you. They suck the self-esteem out of you in order to keep them confident. In the movie, SJP likes to kidnap the youngest and most innocent children she can find, because that yields more youth for her to absorb. So in that same vein, adult bullies don’t simply target insecure people – they create them. And the more self-assured, accomplished, and likable person they conquer – the more confidence they can ride until they find their next victim.

There is nothing better to an adult bully than tearing away someone’s self-esteem for the benefit of their self-esteem.

This process comes in the form of insults, cut-downs, backstabbing, gossiping, and anything else that will rattle your self-esteem. In the end, the goal is for you to rely on this person for any happiness you experience in your life. It’s controlling, it’s manipulative, and it’s scary.

So if you are noticing a correlation between a friendship and a hit on your self esteem, it’s best to do some due diligence to make sure that this correlation doesn’t actually mean causation.

HOW TO HANDLE: If possible, end the friendship. Friends don’t put friends down, and they certainly don’t make emotionally rejuvenating meals out of them, either. If ending the friendship is not possible due to uncontrollable circumstances (think work, mutual friends, family), then keep this friendship as arms length as humanly possible. Protect yourself. Understand that you don’t have to share things about yourself or be chummy chummy or open yourself up to any potential breach. Put yourself first and don’t let ANYONE manipulate your confidence.

Remember: You do NOT have to be friends with people you don’t like.

Period.

Sure, breaking off relations with adult bullies might cause tension in certain areas of your life, but I can almost guarantee that your life will be much less stressful WITHOUT them — even WITH those consequences.

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Sony confirms the PS5 won’t support SSD storage expansion at launch

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Songs You Need to Know

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Phillip Lim Redefines ‘Functional Fashion’

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