Episodios

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

    Mayor Buck's Vision for Lake Oswego: 2026 and Beyond
    Apr 1 2026

    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 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    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
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    28 m
  • AI in Action for Restaurants, Professional Services & Nonprofits

    AI in Action for Restaurants, Professional Services & Nonprofits
    Mar 1 2026
    This episode of Business LO features Megan Notarte, technology team leader and co-founder of AI Portland, 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 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.” Visit AI Portland’s website and attend upcoming events and happy hours. Ethan Mollick on Factually! podcast 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 WebsiteVisit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034 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
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    32 m
  • Local Success Stories: Franchising in Lake Oswego

    Local Success Stories: Franchising in Lake Oswego
    Feb 1 2026

    In this episode of Business LO, hosted by Michelle O'Dell, Heather Graves Ramsey of Coach to Brilliance, and Chamber CEO Liz Hartman, we hear from local business owners and franchisees, Melissa Boatwright of ACE Handyman Services Lake Oswego, Portland and Vancouver, and Rosy Rojas of Woofie’s Southwest Portland, as they discuss their journeys into franchise ownership, their backgrounds, reasons for choosing the Lake Oswego area, and the unique challenges and benefits of operating a franchise. Plus, Liz Hartman provides updates on local initiatives, upcoming events, and new groups supporting the Lake Oswego business community with What You Need to Know in LO!

    For more information on TechLO, Young Professionals LO, and Women's Lakeside Leaders, go to LakeOswegoChamber.com

    TechLO - meets monthly, third Tuesday, location changes monthly (4:30-6 pm)

    Young Professionals LO meets monthly on the second Tuesday. Kick off Tuesday, February 10, at the AC Hotel, 3:30-5 pm

    Women's Lakeside Leaders meets quarterly. Kick off Wednesday, February 25, noon to 1 pm - Reservations only, no drop-ins.

    Ace Handyman Services Lake Oswego

    Woofie's - Southwest Portland Pet Care Service

    Other Franchises in the Area:

    Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

    Bee Organized

    Best Western

    Body 20

    Budget Blinds

    CarePatrol

    Certapro Painters

    Crumbl Cookies

    Expedia Cruises

    Forge Education

    Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers

    Goosehead Insurance

    Grocery Outlet Bargain Market

    Kumon Math & Reading

    McDonalds

    Minuteman Press

    Modern Chiropractic

    Mr. Handyman

    New Mom School

    OrangeTheory Fitness

    Pet Evolution

    Pickelball Kingdom

    Prime IV & Wellness

    Pristine Pros NW

    Radiance Natural Medicine

    Residence Inn

    Stretchlab

    Superior Fence

    The Bar Method

    The UPS Store

    TheKey Home Care

    Visiting Angels

    Welcome Wagon LO

    West Hills Montessori School ff

    Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    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
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    20 m
  • Live Your Brand: Successful LO Marketing Strategies

    Live Your Brand: Successful LO Marketing Strategies
    Jan 1 2026

    In this episode of Business LO, Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, dives into a conversation with Lisa D’Amore from D’Amore Law Group. Lisa shares insights on marketing and strategy, emphasizing the importance of authentic branding and community involvement. The discussion covers the lifecycle of businesses, the role of SEO and website management, and the unique challenges of marketing a law firm. The episode also highlights upcoming events and networking opportunities within the Lake Oswego business community, including an announcement about the Bob Bigelow Lifetime Achievement Award.

    D’Amore Law - D'Amore Law Group - WA and Oregon Personal Injury Lawyers

    How to Networking 2026 - Multi-Chamber Networking – register to attend Friday, Jan 9, 7:30-9:15 – AC Hotels

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | See Full Calendar

    Maven Wigs Ribbon Cutting – Wednesday, January 14 – 5 pm

    Clifton Larson Allen Networking – Friday, January 16 – 7:30-9 am

    Business Leadership Development – Registration due January 10 - Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce |

    January 23, Rooted Accounting at Vogelaar Advising

    January 30 – Mayor’s Business Breakfast, Reservations required. Call the chamber 503-636-3634

    Wednesday, February 25 – Chamber Honors, Ironlight

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    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
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    24 m
  • Behind Lake Oswego's Business Boom: A Conversation with Matt Evans

    Behind Lake Oswego's Business Boom: A Conversation with Matt Evans
    Dec 1 2025
    In this episode of Business LO, Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, interviews Matt Evans, the Chief of Economic Development and Business Research at the Lake Oswego Chamber. They discuss the Chamber's role in economic development, business trends, and its relationship with the city. Key topics include the status of office spaces post-COVID, the growth of new businesses, and the importance of buying local. Plus, Chamber CEO Liz Hartman updates listeners on insider information with What You Need to Know in LO- upcoming events and programs. City of Lake Oswego: Map of Business Districts | City of Lake OswegoBusiness in Lake Oswego | City of Lake Oswego Starting a Business in Lake Oswego | City of Lake Oswego Home-based Businesses | City of Lake OswegoZoning & Permits | City of Lake Oswego Signs and Signage | City of Lake OswegoBusiness Assistance Business | City of Lake OswegoEconomic Development Strategy and Resource Plan | City ofLake OswegoTree Lighting Sponsors – Nicoletta’s Table, Gracious Care Hospice, Travel and Cruise Desk, On Point Community Credit Union, Lakeside Heating and CoolingIronlight - Elevated Event Venue | Lake Oswego, ORBeaconCascade Hasson Sotheby’s Marcia Kies - Real Estate Broker in LakeOswego, OR | Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International RealtyFamily Law Attorney in Lake Oswego - Fischer Family LawAY Meisner Anastasia Yu MeisnerLake Oswego Review - Lake Oswego Review | News, Sports & Community in Lake Oswego, Oregon | Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Business Leadership Development Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce WebsiteVisit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034 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
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    29 m
  • Empowering Lake Oswego: Connecting with a Life Plan Community

    Empowering Lake Oswego: Connecting with a Life Plan Community
    Nov 1 2025

    In this episode of Business LO, Heather Graves Ramsey of Coach to Brilliance interviews Travis Duncan, CEO of Mary's Woods, a Life Plan Community. They discuss the organization's mission-driven approach, focusing on modernizing operations and enhancing resident experience without losing the community's unique essence. They also explore community engagement initiatives, economic contributions, and plans for future partnerships. Plus, Liz Hartman has the helpful insider info you want with What You Need to Know in LO, which includes details regarding the Tree Lighting Festival and the annual Holiday Party.

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    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
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    20 m
  • LOSD Bond - What's in it for Your Business

    LOSD Bond - What's in it for Your Business
    Oct 17 2025
    In this episode of Business LO, 2025 LOSD Citizens’ Bond Campaign Chair, Heather Graves Ramsey, and the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce CEO, Liz Hartman, discuss the critical importance of Measure 3-628 on the November 2025 ballot for the Lake Oswego School District. This $245 million bond aims to address significant facility challenges across 11 schools, including outdated security systems, aging roofs, and increased demand for STEM and CTE programs, all without raising the current tax rate. The episode emphasizes the measure's importance to the safety, education, and economic stability of the community, and calls for immediate voter action to ensure the bond's passage.Thank you for your continued support and endorsement of the November 4th LOSD School Bond — our goal is simple: Get Out the Vote!This bond is a critical investment in the future of our schools. It ensures our learning environments remain safe, modern, and resilient, all without raising the current tax rate. To make this vision a reality, we need everyone all in.Below you’ll find easy ways to stay engaged and help us spread the word. Please share this with your networks — every voice matters!We’re so grateful for your support — and we can’t wait to see you out there! Ballots drop on October 15th and are due November 4thHere’s How You Can Help1. Vote and Remind your Neighbors, Family, Friends, Community Groups, and Co-workers to vote too! Every vote counts! 2. VolunteerJoin us for these key events:Canvassing: We need to get people out there! Knock on doors and leave information for key neighbors on 10/19 and 11/2 (both days 1-4pm)Honk & Waves: Show support at our schools!Community Outreach: Help us at Farmers Markets and Wellness Fairs- hand out flyersPlease introduce us to a community or group you’re a part of, and we’re happy to speak! Sign up to volunteer3. DonateThank you if you have already donated! We’re in the final stretch — with $20,000 left to raise, every contribution makes a big impact. Whether it’s $100 or $1,000, your donation helps us fund:MailersDigital marketingText bankingCrucial reminders in the final daysDonate here4. Spread the Word OnlineFollow, like, and share to keep the momentum going!Facebook: @GreatLOSchoolsInstagram: @great_lo_schoolsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2025LOSDbond5. Learn More and Help Share the Facts: Lake Oswego school district Website to learn the facts bond.losdschools.orgCitizen’s Campaign Website: buildinggreatloschools.comStumped by a question from your network even after checking our FAQ ? We know the technical details are challenging for the average voter, and we want you to feel comfortable answering. The district is here to provide clarity of information https://bond.losdschools.org/about-bond/campaigns/bond-2025! Listen to these episodes of the LOSD Podcast: Learning in Lake Oswego Robotics, Leadership and Launching Futures: https://learning-in-lake-oswego.simplecast.com/episodes/robotics-leadership-and-launching-futuresBuilding Safer, Healthier, and more Resilient Schools https://learning-in-lake-oswego.simplecast.com/episodes/building-safer-healthier-and-more-resilient-schoolsShining a Light on Community Transition Program https://learning-in-lake-oswego.simplecast.com/episodes/shining-a-light-on-the-community-transition-programYour Property Taxes Explained: https://learning-in-lake-oswego.simplecast.com/episodes/your-property-taxes-explained-investing-in-lake-oswegos-schoolsTogether, we can ensure strong, safe schools for every LOSD student — now and into the future. Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce WebsiteVisit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034 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
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    16 m
  • Empowering Leaders: Insights from the Business Leadership Development Program

    Empowering Leaders: Insights from the Business Leadership Development Program
    Oct 1 2025

    This episode focuses on the Business Leadership Development (BLD) program. Hosted by Michelle O’Dell, the show features insights from Executive Coach Heather Graves Ramsey of Coach to Brilliance, Pam Waldman, and Lara James of the Waldman and James Realty Group. They discuss their experiences with the BLD program, its impact on their leadership skills, and the practical tools they gained. Liz Hartman joins them with What You Need to Know in LO to share upcoming Chamber events and community initiatives, including the Wine Walk and the Wellness Fair.

    Click for more information:

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Business Leadership Development

    Heather Graves Ramsey, Coach to Brilliance / Business Leadership Development

    Keller Williams – Waldman & James Waldman James Realty Group | Pam Waldman | Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere | Lara James - Licensed Broker & Owner, Lake Oswego, OR

    Michelle O'Dell, Modcast Productions- HOME | Modcast Productions

    Lake Oswego Wine Walk - Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Home

    LO Wellness Fair - Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Wellness Fair

    LO Review - Lake Oswego Review | News, Sports & Community in Lake Oswego, Oregon | Lake Oswego Review

    LO Lifestyle - Home - Lake Oswego Lifestyle

    Shari Newman - Nicoletta's Table and Marketplace

    Kabir Bhatia, Hello Everyday - Hello Everyday

    Mark Waller, Reborn Bikes - Home - Reborn Bikes

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    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
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    26 m