The Bandon Oregon Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit (501c-6) organization. Leadership is provided by our executive director and volunteer board directors who are elected by chamber members. Meet our executive director and board of directors.
As an Oregon entrepreneur, I’ve seen and profited from the work of local chambers of commerce. I’m excited to explore ways to continue to protect and expand economic vitality and quality of life in our special community– building on my experience mentoring business owners through the Southern Oregon University Small Business Development Center in Ashland, Oregon.
I became a part-time resident of Bandon in 2013, dividing my time between Ashland and the coast. I accepted the executive director position with the Bandon Chamber, and became a full-time Bandon resident, in 2018.
In my entrepreneurial career, I opened multiple restaurants as well as a literary marketing firm. My experience in business strategy includes loan package development, SBA funding, design and construction, lease negotiation, and profitable business sales. I also created a career testing and training program for vocational rehabilitation. Management experience includes employee interviewing, hiring, training, and collaborative team management. I earned a BA in Rhetoric from the University of Illinois; additional professional training includes nonprofit legal structure and board development.
I look forward to working with South Coast business owners with strategies to make their businesses as profitable and efficient as possible.
Professionally, I have a history in public safety, including Coos County Law Enforcement and volunteer service with Bandon Rural Fire Department. In 2008, I came up with an idea to transform a hobby into a small business, so Freedom Graphics was born. I have proudly served on numerous committees and chaired the Cranberry Festival committee for the last 5 years. I also serve as an elected Director for the Bandon Rural Fire Protection District. I whole-heartedly believe that Bandon is a GREAT place to live and raise our families and am honored to be able to serve to help make sure it stays that way for many years to come!
Professionally, I have a history in public safety, including Coos County Law Enforcement and volunteer service with Bandon Rural Fire Department. In 2008, I came up with an idea to transform a hobby into a small business, so Freedom Graphics was born. I have proudly served on numerous committees and chaired the Cranberry Festival committee for the last 5 years. I also serve as an elected Director for the Bandon Rural Fire Protection District. I whole-heartedly believe that Bandon is a GREAT place to live and raise our families and am honored to be able to serve to help make sure it stays that way for many years to come!
After retiring from the U.S. Army, my wife Sheila and I returned to Bandon. We purchased Edgewaters restaurant in 2011 with my brother-in-law Chef Bob Grizzle. We’re proud to manage a family owned business, with more than 30 local and family-member employees. We believe in service to the community, and being on the Bandon Chamber Board is just one way that we can give back.
After retiring from the U.S. Army, my wife Sheila and I returned to Bandon. We purchased Edgewaters restaurant in 2011 with my brother-in-law Chef Bob Grizzle. We’re proud to manage a family owned business, with more than 30 local and family-member employees. We believe in service to the community, and being on the Bandon Chamber Board is just one way that we can give back.
I graduated from Bandon high school in 1994 and returned in 2009 to start my family. I love Bandon and the Oregon Coast. My business, Cardas Photography, has thrived since my move back. I believe Bandon has a lot to offer both its residents and its visitors, and I believe “a rising tide raises all ships!” I am excited to be involved with the chamber and I am looking forward to promoting Bandon to the best of my abilities through my photography and community participation.
I graduated from Bandon high school in 1994 and returned in 2009 to start my family. I love Bandon and the Oregon Coast. My business, Cardas Photography, has thrived since my move back. I believe Bandon has a lot to offer both its residents and its visitors, and I believe “a rising tide raises all ships!” I am excited to be involved with the chamber and I am looking forward to promoting Bandon to the best of my abilities through my photography and community participation.
Managing a family owned restaurant on the Oregon Coast is a long-time dream for our family. During my husband Larry’s military service, we traveled and lived around the states and abroad. In the Army community, we learned how to care for our friends and colleagues, and we apply that same care to our Bandon business model. Larry and I purchased Edgewaters restaurant in 2011 with my brother Chef Bob Grizzle. Since then, we’ve enjoyed building a family owned business and supporting our local community by participating in organizations such as the chamber.
Managing a family owned restaurant on the Oregon Coast is a long-time dream for our family. During my husband Larry’s military service, we traveled and lived around the states and abroad. In the Army community, we learned how to care for our friends and colleagues, and we apply that same care to our Bandon business model. Larry and I purchased Edgewaters restaurant in 2011 with my brother Chef Bob Grizzle. Since then, we’ve enjoyed building a family owned business and supporting our local community by participating in organizations such as the chamber.
Stillwagon Distillery opened in Charleston in 2013. And, my wife Karen and I now operate tasing rooms in Bandon and Florence. Our Old Town Bandon location lets us meet local and visitors from all over the world. Karen grew up in Charleston, and we moved to Oregon from Washington to be closer to her family. We enjoy collaborating with local brewers and wine makers and source produce for our spirits from regional growers. I am also a board member with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Bandon Association.
Stillwagon Distillery opened in Charleston in 2013. And, my wife Karen and I now operate tasing rooms in Bandon and Florence. Our Old Town Bandon location lets us meet local and visitors from all over the world. Karen grew up in Charleston, and we moved to Oregon from Washington to be closer to her family. We enjoy collaborating with local brewers and wine makers and source produce for our spirits from regional growers. I am also a board member with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Bandon Association.
As a member of the chamber board I look forward to the opportunity to give back to Bandon. We are a stronger community through partnerships and collaboration and my goal is to foster that. I love Bandon and am excited to be raising my family in this community. We have a responsibility to do what we can to help whenever and wherever it is possible for us to help. In addition to serving on the chamber board, I am the manager at Umpqua Bank, a member of the Bandon by the Sea Rotary Club, and serve on various other boards and committees. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Bandon and the business community.
As a member of the chamber board I look forward to the opportunity to give back to Bandon. We are a stronger community through partnerships and collaboration and my goal is to foster that. I love Bandon and am excited to be raising my family in this community. We have a responsibility to do what we can to help whenever and wherever it is possible for us to help. In addition to serving on the chamber board, I am the manager at Umpqua Bank, a member of the Bandon by the Sea Rotary Club, and serve on various other boards and committees. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Bandon and the business community.
Carolyn Reed is the Branch Manager for First Interstate Bank in Bandon, Oregon. She started with Bank of America in Bandon five years ago as a banker and worked through the transitioning to Bank of the Cascades and now First Interstate Bank.
She and her husband relocated to Bandon from California several years ago. Prior to leaving California, she worked for State Farm Insurance for twenty-four years.
Working at the bank has given Carolyn the opportunity to meet many people in the community. She loves to volunteer. In addition to helping with the chamber she volunteers with Bandon Showcase, the Bandon Historical Society and the Southern Coos Hospital Foundation.
When she is not busy with work and volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Carolyn Reed is the Branch Manager for First Interstate Bank in Bandon, Oregon. She started with Bank of America in Bandon five years ago as a banker and worked through the transitioning to Bank of the Cascades and now First Interstate Bank.
She and her husband relocated to Bandon from California several years ago. Prior to leaving California, she worked for State Farm Insurance for twenty-four years.
Working at the bank has given Carolyn the opportunity to meet many people in the community. She loves to volunteer. In addition to helping with the chamber she volunteers with Bandon Showcase, the Bandon Historical Society and the Southern Coos Hospital Foundation.
When she is not busy with work and volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family.
