Local Success Stories: Franchising in Lake Oswego

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherramsey1/], who specializes in Executive Coaching & Leadership Development. Guests Natalie Wood (Lakewood Center for the Arts [https://lakewood-center.org/] and Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts) and Eric Evans (Arts Council of Lake Oswego [https://artscouncillo.org/]) 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 [https://artscouncillo.org/] Lakewood Center for the Performing Arts - Lakewood Center for the Arts  [https://lakewood-center.org/] Lakewood Festival of the Arts – June 26-28, George Rogers Park and Lakewood Center LOFA 2026 – Lakewood Center for the Arts [https://lakewood-center.org/lofa2026/] LO Rotary Lobster Feed – Saturday, June 20 – lobsterfeed.org [http://lobsterfeed.org/], lakeoswegorotary.org [https://lakeoswegorotary.org/] Fourth of July parade - Star Spangled Celebration [https://www.lakeoswegochamber.com/events/july4] Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website [https://www.lakeoswegochamber.com/] 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 [https://www.modcastproductions.com/]  michelle@modcastproductions.com

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 [https://k20338.site.kiwanis.org/], 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,” [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-gala-2214]on June 7 at Monte Ferro Winery [https://winesbymonteferro.com/], 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 [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-gala-2214], shuttle parking at Uplands Elementary, and details and ticket links [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-gala-2214] via the Kiwanis Club of Lake Oswego website [https://k20338.site.kiwanis.org/]. Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website [https://www.lakeoswegochamber.com/] 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 [https://www.modcastproductions.com/]  michelle@modcastproductions.com

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherramsey1/], 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. [https://losfoundation.org/] Oregon Wine Walk tickets - Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Oregon Wine Walk [https://www.lakeoswegochamber.com/EVENTS/OREGONWINEWALK] Sip, Stroll, and Shop at Oregon Wine Walk May 9 in Lake Oswego | KOIN.com [https://www.koin.com/everydaynorthwest/sip-stroll-and-shop-at-oregon-wine-walk-may-9-in-lake-oswego/] 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 [https://www.lakeoswegochamber.com/] 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 [https://www.modcastproductions.com/]  michelle@modcastproductions.com

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 [https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/publicaffairs/lo-down-e-newsletter], 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 [https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/publicaffairs/lo-down-e-newsletter] – 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 [https://agents.farmers.com/or/lake-oswego/daniel-brown/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23346573020&gbraid=0AAAAACzo-T94Op8u5qWAFuwRY0Sih12Vr&gclid=CjwKCAjwvqjOBhAGEiwAngeQnTkIWWH5ajDxIFO5CsP2Wj9d5k8fhbVRusFJjQQ8va5nqzhwjMmpuxoCqwQQAvD_BwE]; 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 [https://oswegomortgage.com/].   Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website [https://www.lakeoswegochamber.com/] 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 [https://www.modcastproductions.com/]  michelle@modcastproductions.com

AI in Action for Restaurants, Professional Services & Nonprofits

This episode of Business LO features Megan Notarte, technology team leader and co-founder of AI Portland, [https://www.aipdx.info/] a 2,800-plus-member community focused on demystifying generative AI and bridging AI technology with practical business applications through monthly events. Hosted by Heather Graves Ramsey from Coach to Brilliance [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherramsey1/]and Michelle O’Dell, the conversation focuses on practical ways small businesses, restaurants/retail, professional services, and nonprofits can use AI. Megan recommends starting with AI as an assistant—drafting emails, repurposing marketing content across platforms, brainstorming, and using AI as an editor—rather than trying to automate an entire business. Key guidance includes maintaining brand voice, avoiding low-quality “AI slop” in customer-facing materials, using a “human in the loop” approach to proofread and verify outputs, and being mindful of privacy by anonymizing documents and removing identifying information. They discuss when paid versions of tools can be worth it for better models and suggest starting with tools already available through Google Workspace (Gemini) or Microsoft (Copilot). For professional services and nonprofits, they highlight meeting transcription/notes, summarizing and analyzing large datasets (including surveys, exit interviews, and feedback themes), and using natural-language queries to retrieve insights—while noting hallucinations still occur, and citations must be checked. Megan emphasizes approaching AI adoption from existing business pain points, change management, and balancing optimism with realism; resources mentioned include Ethan Mollick’s book “Co-Intelligence,” Nicolle Merrill's “Boring AI”, and AI Portland’s podcast “Supercharged by AI [https://www.aipdx.info/super-charged-by-ai-podcast].” Visit AI Portland’s website [https://www.aipdx.info/] and attend upcoming events and happy hours. Ethan Mollick on Factually! podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-ai-expert-challenges-an-ai-skeptic-with-ethan-mollick/id1463460577?i=1000743286077] Chamber Events in March Lake Grove Business Group Babica Hen - 15964 Boones Ferry Rd Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Pacific West Bank Grand Re-Opening Pacific West Bank - 5200 Meadows Rd, Suite 100 - Wednesday, Mar 4, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Coach to Brilliance - AM Networking Hosted at Oswego Heritage House & Museum - 398 10th Street - Friday, Mar 6, 2026 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM Ribbon Cutting - LO Coffee House Lake Oswego Coffee House & Wine Bar - 148 B Avenue, Suite 100 - Friday, Mar 6, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Young Professionals Lake Oswego Cut Supper Club (formerly The Gemini Club) - 456 N State - Tuesday, Mar 10, 2026 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM New Chamber Member Reception The Foundry - 320 Oswego Pointe Dr - Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM FREE Spring Home Organizing Event: From Chaos To Calm March 12, 2026  5:30 PM - 7:30 PM One Day Doors & Closets - AM Networking One Day Doors & Closets - 5795 Jean Road - Friday, Mar 13, 2026 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM LO Tech Connect Location TBD Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM West End Business Group Location TBD Thursday, Mar 19, 2026 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Meet the New LO Review Editor! Chamber of Commerce - 148 B Avenue - Thursday, Mar 19, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Tualatin Acupuncture - AM Networking Tualatin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine - 6464 SW Borland Rd - Friday, Mar 20, 2026 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM Pickleball Kingdom - AM Networking - 16800 SW 72nd Avenue - Tigard -Friday, Mar 27, 2026 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM     Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website [https://www.lakeoswegochamber.com/] 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 [https://www.modcastproductions.com/]  michelle@modcastproductions.com