Chamber works to support Sandy’s future entrepreneurs, leaders

By Brit Allen, The Sandy Standard

When most people think of a chamber of commerce, they think mainly of an organization focused on supporting local businesses. While the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce is a huge local advocate for businesses, they also facilitate multiple programs to serve the community, including programs that educate and empower Sandy students. 

The Chamber’s Career & Education Committee has long hosted events like Principal for a Day, which allows community business owners to get a behind-the-scenes look at local school operations and engage with the schools’ faculty, as well as Thrive at 25, a program that gives students a chance to simulate their after-high school aspirations and see what that will look like economically. 

This past fall, the Chamber took over facilitating the community tradition of Camo Con, and alongside a handful of Sandy bars, they raised funds to help out a selection of local families in need during the holidays, and to start a scholarship fund for Sandy graduates. 

This scholarship fund is a work in progress, and the Chamber plans to raise funds for the program at their quarterly Bingo games (hosted at Wippersnappers), at Sandy Music Fair and Feast and through the next Camo Con as well. The committee hopes to raise $4,000-$5,000 to be able to grant scholarships to multiple students. 

Requirements and qualifications for these scholarships are still yet to be determined and are under discussion. The goal is to have scholarships available for the Sandy High School class of 2027 to apply for. 

Ways people can help contribute to this endeavor is to attend the Sandy Music Fair and Feast on July 9-11, attend Camo Con on Nov. 21, and/or participate in one of the Chamber’s Bingo nights at Wippersnappers. 

The next Bingo night will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Bingo night will include four regular games and one blackout. Admission is $10 for adults and kids individually, and kids who attend get access to the play place during the event. 

“Our students in the community are going to be our next business leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Chamber Director Khrys Jones. “It’s important to me to be able to support these students in pursuing their future careers. This program has been a longtime goal for the Chamber and I’m happy to see it (actualized).” 

For more information about upcoming Chamber events and its programs, visit sandyoregonchamber.org.