Timely, entertaining and provocative, the Forums feature presentations by well-known, respected - and sometimes controversial - business and community leaders. The Chamber’s monthly forum luncheon runs October through May and is held on the second Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted on schedule, from 11:45am to 1:15pm. Forum speakers are organized by the Chamber’s Past Presidents Committee. Different business members sponsor each month’s program.

The series kicks off with a grand celebration at the Salem Conference Center in celebration of Business

of the Year Award recipients. Every forum luncheon runs from 11:45am - 1:15pm with the exception of the

September kick-off and the June celebration which run from 11:45am - 1:30pm.



No reservations are necessary. Questions? Contact Cori Pratt at 503-581-1466 x 301 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Please Note: The luncheons alternate between the Red Lion Hotel & Convention Center and the Salem

Conference Center. Our May Forum Luncheon will be held on a Thursday. See schedule below.

2011- 2012 Forum Series

September 19, 2011
Business of the Year Awards
Presented by Umpqua Bank
Major Sponsors: Portland General Electric and VanNatta Public Relations, Inc.
At the Salem Conference Center
11:45am – 1:30pm

October 17, 2011
“A New Strategy for Wealth Creation in Oregon”
John Charles, President/CEO
Cascade Policy Institute
Sponsored by:  Express Employment Professionals
At the Salem Conference Center
11:45am – 1:15pm

November 14, 2011
Hank Hickox, General Manager
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Sponsored by: First Commercial Real Estate Services
At the Salem Conference Center
11:45am – 1:15pm

December 12, 2011
Speaker: Dr. Sandy Husk
Superintendent, Salem Keizer Public Schools
Sponsored by: Garrett, Hemann, Robertson P.C.
At the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
11:45am – 1:15pm

January 9, 2012
Congressional Update
Congressman Kurt Schrader
Sponsored by: Courthouse Athletic Club
At the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
11:45am – 1:15pm

February 13, 2012
“The State of Philanthropy: Opportunities and Challenges”
New President, Oregon Community Foundation
Sponsored by: U.S. Bank
At the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
11:45am – 1:15pm

March 12, 2012
Dave Dahl, Founder
Dave’s Killer Bread
Sponsored by: KeyBank
At the Salem Conference Center
11:45am – 1:15pm
Dave is the featured speaker for the Regional Sustainability Summit taking place at the same time.

April 9, 2012
Salem City Councilors/Mayor’s Candidate Forum
Sponsored by: Saalfeld Griggs PC
At Red Lion Hotel & Convention Center
11:45am – 1:15pm

May 10, 2012 (Thursday)
Vince Porter, Executive Director
Governor’s Office of Film & Television
Sponsored by: Huggins Insurance in partnership with Bliss Sequoia
At the Oregon State Fairgrounds
In conjunction with ShowBiz!
11:45am – 1:15pm

June 11, 2012
Business Rocks!
Co-Presented by: Maps and Integrity First Certified Public Accountants
At Salem Conference Center
11:45am – 1:30pm