Business LO

Michelle O'Dell, Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Marketing
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The Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce connects, educates, advocates and champions our business community. We have nearly 500 members, from international corporations to home-based businesses, and we serve them all. Each episode of Business LO gives insider information to the local business community and the neighbors who support them. This podcast is the go-to for the must-dos for your business success here in Lake Oswego.

  1. 4d ago

    State's Economic Health: Local Business Impact from Oregon's Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna

    This episode features Oregon Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna, interviewed by Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, who specializes in Executive Coaching & Leadership Development. We discuss how his office forecasts state economic conditions and revenues for the biennial budget, delivering quarterly public testimony to legislators and publishing materials via OLIS and the Office of Economic Analysis website. Riccadonna highlights Oregon’s strong civic engagement, explains how national and global forces shape Oregon outcomes, and describes forecasting as “art and science” using historical economic relationships while relying on and adjusting national forecasts. He warns small businesses about persistent, elevated inflation driven by multiple factors (including energy, wages, and tariffs) and a potential shift toward higher interest rates versus the pre-pandemic era. He urges focusing on fundamentals rather than recession headlines or calendar-based cycle assumptions. Chamber CEO Liz Hartman announces a meet-and-greet for new city manager Denzel Maxwell, a candidate forum, a Tuscany 2027 trip event, the Business Leadership Program starting in January, and endorsements for three City Council candidates. OLIS - Oregon Legislative Information System to listen to hearings and presentations Candidate Forum - Thursday, October 8 - 7:30 am, 8 am start time - go to Lake Oswego Chamber events  Spotlight on Tuscany = Thursday, October 8 - 4:30-6 pm - click here for a reservation  Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Leadership Development - Business Leadership Development - January-June - Call 503-636-3634 or go to Business Leadership Development LO Chamber city council candidate endorsement (candidate websites) Neil Tunmore  Neil Tunmore for Lake Oswego City Council Heather Graves Ramsey  Heather Ramsey for Lake Oswego City Council Brian Guiney Home | Bryan for Lake Oswego Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

  2. Sep 1

    Advocating for Local Policies While You Run Your Business

    On this episode of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce podcast Business LO, Chamber Member Heather Graves Ramsey interviews government affairs expert Paul Glass about how government affairs committees engage members, build relationships with elected officials, and advocate on issues affecting businesses, including regulations, permitting, fees, taxes, transportation, insurance costs, business retention, and land development. Glass emphasizes that “business friendly” means officials listen, understand business impacts, and apply consistent processes; he urges business owners to pay attention via chamber communications and city agendas, bring concerns first to the chamber, invite officials to visit businesses, and follow up to maintain accountability. He also advises prospective candidates to prepare for major time demands, fundraising, public scrutiny, and family impacts. Chamber CEO Liz Hartman shares chamber updates with What You Need to Know in LO, including September ticket sales for the October 3rd Wine Walk, booking 2027 networking hosts, rebooting the Downtown Business Group, and upcoming affinity group meetings, including Women’s Lakeside Leaders on September 23, 2026.   Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

    Advocating for Local Policies While You Run Your Business

  3. Aug 1

    Why Beautification Matters: Flowers, Pollinators, and the Big Picture (Rerun)

    This episode of Business LO is all about beautifying our fair city! We appreciate it so much that our podcast cover art highlights our love of the signature flower baskets all over town. You may be wondering who and what is behind all this. We are excited to feature Jonn Karsseboom, owner of The Garden Corner in Tualatin, also known as the "Garden Rebel." As he says on his LinkedIn profile, "Under the guise of 'work' I play the entire day long outside...creating all kinds of hanging baskets for every season and every occasion." We also have Beth Oliphant Hoover, Executive Director at The Oliphant Hoover Community Charity, who will discuss the story of our beautiful, bodacious baskets around Lake Oswego. Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, leads the conversation and specializes in executive coaching and leadership development.    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

    Why Beautification Matters: Flowers, Pollinators, and the Big Picture (Rerun)

  4. Jul 1

    Think You’re Too Small for HR? Think Again with Sage Notion

    Business LO, a Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce podcast hosted by Michelle O’Dell, features a guest-branded episode with Sage Notion founders Zoie Newman and Dylan Clifford, who provide Human Resources support for small and mid-size businesses. HR should be a trusted, human-centered resource, and proactive HR saves money, prevents culture damage, and improves retention through clear values statements, codes of conduct, and compliant processes. The conversation also covers Paid Leave Oregon—often misunderstood compared to FMLA—and how supporting employees through leave builds loyalty, with an example of helping an employee during a family emergency. They highlight Oregon compliance issues such as confidential employee files and required safety meetings or committees. Learn how training and development are key drivers of retention and productivity, and better understand the importance of encouraging healthy conflict while addressing abuse.   Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

    Think You’re Too Small for HR? Think Again with Sage Notion

  5. Jun 1

    How a Thriving Arts Community Lifts Every Business

    This Business LO episode explores how a thriving arts community benefits local businesses. Leading the conversation is Chamber Member Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, who specializes in Executive Coaching & Leadership Development. Guests Natalie Wood (Lakewood Center for the Arts and Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts) and Eric Evans (Arts Council of Lake Oswego) describe their organizations, including Lakewood’s theater, classes, Dee Denton Gallery, and the Festival of the Arts (June 26–28; 20,000–30,000 attendees), and ACLO’s stewardship of public art, Artspace, and the Gallery Without Walls (about 85 sculptures) with business sponsorships and guidebooks. They share data showing that visitors drive retail and restaurant activity, that many attendees are first-timers, that arts visitors spend more than locals, and that arts-related activity totals about $8 million annually. Plus, Chamber CEO Liz Hartman has insider info in What You Need to Know in LO, which includes the office move to 311 B Ave, Suite E; June 19 multi-chamber networking at The Foundry; and July 4 parade participation and sponsorships. ACLO - Arts Council of Lake Oswego Lakewood Center for the Performing Arts - Lakewood Center for the Arts  Lakewood Festival of the Arts – June 26-28, George Rogers Park and Lakewood Center LOFA 2026 – Lakewood Center for the Arts LO Rotary Lobster Feed – Saturday, June 20 – lobsterfeed.org, lakeoswegorotary.org Fourth of July parade - Star Spangled Celebration Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

    How a Thriving Arts Community Lifts Every Business

  6. May 13

    Kiwanis Club of LO Cares: Enhancing Lives, Strengthening Business

    Listen to our guest-branded episode with Chuck Smith, president of the Kiwanis Club of Lake Oswego, and past president Kevin Faris, who discuss how community involvement supports both community and business success through visibility and networking. They describe Kiwanis membership as flexible in terms of “time, talent, or treasure,” and highlight work including student scholarships, Hunger Fighters food insecurity support, SMART Reading literacy volunteering, and bike recycling rodeos. They promote the club’s first community fundraiser, “Toast to Community,” on June 7 at Monte Ferro Winery, aiming to raise $10,000 for underserved kids in the Lake Oswego School District, featuring Oregon wines, an Asian-inspired menu, auctions with trips and other items, $60 tickets, shuttle parking at Uplands Elementary, and details and ticket links via the Kiwanis Club of Lake Oswego website. Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

    Kiwanis Club of LO Cares: Enhancing Lives, Strengthening Business

  7. May 1

    How LO Schools Support the Business Community with Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele

    This month’s episode features Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent of the Lake Oswego School District, discussing how LOSD connects with and benefits the local business community. She highlights Career Technical Education pathways—marketing, engineering, culinary arts, and computer science—plus internships, mentoring, career talks, and partnerships such as BIOTRONIK for Women in Science, OHSU research internships, robotics team mentors, and the Community Transition Program. The conversation notes 90–93% of graduates attend two- or four-year colleges, a state-required Career and College Readiness course, and a call for more business involvement. She also notes LOSD employs about 950 people (full and part-time) and discusses educator pipelines, affordable housing needs, and support through volunteering, the foundation, bonds, and levies. Leading the conversation is Chamber Member Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, who specializes in Executive Coaching & Leadership Development. Plus, Liz Hartman has Chamber insider info with What You Need to Know in LO, which includes the office move to 311 B Ave, Suite E, the May 9th Oregon Wine Walk, May networking events, and a May 19th LO Tech Connect event at Iron Light requiring reservations. Lake Oswego Schools Foundation - About the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation. Oregon Wine Walk tickets - Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Oregon Wine Walk Sip, Stroll, and Shop at Oregon Wine Walk May 9 in Lake Oswego | KOIN.com The Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce will be at the following address after Monday, May 18: 311 “B” Avenue, Suite E Lake Oswego, OR  97034 Liz Hartman, CEO Matt Evans, Economic Development and Membership Services Jen Petersen, Communications / Social Media Joyce Handa, Membership Sales To sponsor a segment on Business LO, contact Liz Hartman, 503-636-3634 $500 for your branded episode (all about you and your business) $250 to sponsor a Chamber episode with a one-minute explanation of your business Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

    How LO Schools Support the Business Community with Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele

  8. Apr 1

    Mayor Buck's Vision for Lake Oswego: 2026 and Beyond

    Business LO is thrilled to have Mayor Buck on again! CEO Liz Hartman interviews Mayor and business owner Joe Buck about City Council goal setting, business promotion, and leadership changes. He discusses council vacancies and the value of collaborative, community-first leadership, encourages business owners to invite councilors to their businesses, subscribe to the biweekly Lo Down, and describes how council distribution emails are handled under public-meeting rules. Buck defines local economic development as optimizing limited land use, adapting zoning amid post-pandemic office shifts, supporting existing businesses, and promoting Lake Oswego as a regional destination. Liz highlights upcoming Chamber events: Hop at the Hunt (April 4), the Oregon Wine Walk (May 9), and sponsorship opportunities for the July 4th parade and Lions Club pancake breakfast with What You Need to Know in LO! Write to City Council (all councilors receive this): Councildistribution@lakeoswego.city Joe Buck – jbuck@lakeoswego.city Ali Afghan – aafghan@lakeoswego.city Trudy Corrigan – tcorrigan@lakeoswego.city Massene Mboup – mmboup@lakeoswego.city Rachel Verdick – rverdick@lakeoswego.city John Wendland – Jwendland@lakeoswego.city The vacated seat for Council Rapf will be filled in the November 2026 election.  Three City Council spots will also be open: Councilors Afghan and Corrigan. Councilor Wendland is termed out, completing two terms this year. The fourth-place recipient of votes will take the remaining two years of Councilor Rapf’s term. All about city council: City Council | City of Lake Oswego LO Down – City Council summary every two weeks, subscribe at Sign up or www.ci.oswego.or.us/publicaffairs/lo-down-e-newsletter Hello LO – Monthly newsletter mailed to all households and businesses in the city limits. Economic Development resources: City – Megan Braunsten, Redevelopment and Economic Development Program Manager/Community Development Department, Mbraunsten@ci.oswego.or.us, 503- 534-5258 / 503-572-6395 Chamber – Matt Evans, matt@lake-oswego.com, 503-636-3634 HOP AT THE HUNT – Saturday, April 4 – 10 am – Lake Oswego Hunt and Equestrian Center, 2725 Iron Mountain Boulevard. Title Sponsor: Farmers Insurance, Dan Brown; Sponsors: Lakeside Heating and Cooling, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Sugarlump, Merry Maids, Woofie’s, NW Generator Pros. Oregon Wine Walk - Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Oregon Wine Walk sponsored by Oswego Mortgage.   Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E (next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's) We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

    Mayor Buck's Vision for Lake Oswego: 2026 and Beyond
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce connects, educates, advocates and champions our business community. We have nearly 500 members, from international corporations to home-based businesses, and we serve them all. Each episode of Business LO gives insider information to the local business community and the neighbors who support them. This podcast is the go-to for the must-dos for your business success here in Lake Oswego.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle O'Dell, Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Business LO