Madras‑Jefferson County Chamber updates visitor map, events and membership growth

Debbie Taylor, executive director of the Madras‑Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, told county commissioners and city councilors the chamber is working on a Travel Oregon recreation map for South Wasco and Jefferson counties that will be published in 2026 and is coordinating photography and asset mapping with land managers.

Taylor said the chamber is preparing a 2026 Jefferson County visitor guide, has engaged a Central Oregon photographer for marketing assets, and is partnering with regional organizations and Madden Media for wider marketing reach. She reported that the chamber had increased paying membership from about 89 to 141 since January and that new membership revenue met a goal of roughly $40,000 in new dues. Taylor said the chamber mailed postcards to more than 6,600 households to publicize strategic‑plan engagement and other outreach.

Taylor described planned events including "Taproom Talks," an elevated business networking meeting; a business Halloween costume contest; a Veterans Day celebration; a holiday lights parade and a community awards banquet in January 2026. She also said the chamber renovated its lobby and conference room, replaced the roof and HVAC and completed a lighting upgrade through the Energy Trust of Oregon, which reduced fixture counts and improved energy efficiency.

The commissioners agreed to keep the chamber on a rotating schedule for quarterly updates.

Why it matters

The chamber’s marketing and visitor‑guide work supports tourism and local retail. Membership growth and building upgrades reflect operational improvements that chamber leaders say aim to increase visitor spending and business connections in Jefferson County.