Welcome to this week’s edition of What’s Up, Tigard?, your weekly rundown of how the Tigard Chamber has been championing local business and community vitality. From energizing networking events to behind-the-scenes advocacy at City Hall and beyond, we’ve packed a lot into the past few days and we’re excited to share the highlights with you. Grab your favorite drink and settle in for a quick read, and see how the Tigard Chamber has been working for you and the broader Tigard community.
This holiday season has been a whirlwind for our team as we execute our final networking events of the year, wrap up our meeting schedule and continue preparations for a strong start to 2026!
Our Ambassador Team kicked off the season of giving with our annual Holiday Happy Hour event at Al’s Garden Center where 80+ attendees gathered to toast to a successful year and help raise much needed funds for the event beneficiary, Comfort Zone: a program of New Narrative. It was a beautiful evening had by all! Thank you so much to our event sponsor, Pacific Concierge Physician, and to the local businesses who generously donated to the silent auction, wine wall, appetizers & desserts, and more. We are already looking forward to the event next year!
Momentum for our weekly Good Morning Tigard (GMT) networking event has remained strong in December as attendees were hosted by OnPoint Community Credit Union and Expedia Cruises.Our final GMT event of 2025 will be held this Thursday from 7:30-9:00am at the George Fox University Tigard Campus. Bring your business cards, your curiosity, and your smile and kick off your morning in Tigard!
In addition to holiday events, we have continued to focus on key business priorities and important business discussions. Our CEO Megan attended the 23rd annual Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit last week where leaders from across Oregon gathered to confront the forces shaping our state’s future and to chart a path forward. Together, business, community, and elected leaders faced hard truths with clear eyes, elevated new ideas, and explored the strategies required to build an economy worthy of Oregon and the generations to come. Megan has also been actively engaged in meetings with House Majority Leader Representative Ben Bowman, City Management, Tigard-Tualatin School District, Tigard CHART, Washington County Chamber Partnership (WCCCP), Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) and others. Our Membership Engagement Coordinator Ainsley attended the Women to Women Holiday Luncheon, the Explore Tualatin Valley Open House and led several of our internal committee meetings.
Are you hoping to partner with us more in 2026? We want to hear from you! Ainsley is actively working on securing Event and Program sponsors for next year and we have several opportunities available for consideration. Please let us know if you would like to learn more!
December was Nonprofit Day for our Leadership Tigard cohort and they had the opportunity to tour three local nonprofit organizations: Bethlehem House of Bread, Family Justice Center of Washington County and Family Promise of Tualatin Valley. Following the tours, the class heard from a nonprofit panel that included representatives from the Chelsea Hicks Foundation, the Foundation for Tigard-Tualatin Schools, the Tigard Kiwanis Club, the Community Partners for Affordable Housing and Broadway Rose Theatre Company. It was a great day of learning and collaboration!
Looking for something for middle-school kids to do over the holiday break?! Applications are officially being accepted for the 2026 National Civics Bee. Students in grades 6–8 are invited to write an essay identifying a community challenge, propose a solution, and share how civic principles can help bring it to life. Top essays will advance to regional and state competitions, with a chance to compete nationally for recognition and prizes – including a $100,000 education savings award for the champion. The application period is open NOW through February 3, 2026. Submit your application here: https://bit.ly/4pf2wSY
Happy Holidays from the Tigard Chamber! As we enjoy the season, let’s remember to shop and dine local – supporting the small businesses that make our community thrive!
That wraps up our week, but the momentum doesn’t stop here. If one of these initiatives sparked an idea, a partnership, or a question, let us know! Comment below, reach out to the team, or stop by the Tigard Chamber office on Main Street. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for next week’s events (check the Tigard Chamber Calendar for all the details). Together, we’re building a thriving and resilient Tigard one conversation, one connection, and one bold step at a time.
See you out there!
Your Tigard Chamber Staff