What happens when you bring together passionate community members, innovative thinkers, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future? You get an evening that feels like the beginning of something truly special! On July 23rd, we gathered for an unforgettable event to celebrate the launch of the Bend Climate Collective as part of PNW Climate Week.
The energy in the room was palpable from the moment people began filtering into Mountain Burger. The conversations were inspiring, the connections were authentic, and the collective energy in the room made our mission feel both urgent and achievable. Every person who showed up helped plant the seeds for what we hope will grow into a powerful and lasting collective.
The evening brought together an incredible mix of people: environmental scientists, local business owners, community activists, students, and residents who all care about the future of our beautiful Central Oregon home. What struck us most was how genuine the connections felt.
Our panel discussion featured insights from Greg Collins (Zero Envy), Ekaterina Alexandrova (The Nature Conservancy), Shiv Shakti (Shakti Farm Design), Zachary Price (Goal 300), and Zachary Taie (OSU-Cascades Energy Innovation Center), each bringing unique perspectives on climate innovation and opportunity in Bend. From renewable energy initiatives to regenerative agriculture solutions, the breadth of expertise in our community became clear. The Q&A session ran long because people were genuinely engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own experiences and ideas.
None of this would have been possible without our incredible partners who believed in this vision from day one. Mountain Burger and Dan Hobin provided a beautiful and welcoming space for us to gather while Viridian Ecosystems' generous sponsorship showed that local businesses are ready to invest in Central Oregon's climate-oriented future.
Behind the scenes, Karen Christoph and Madeline Pickering worked tirelessly to create a visual identity that captures our mission beautifully. When you see the Bend Climate Collective brand out in the community, you'll immediately understand what we're about thanks to their incredible design work.
While the launch event was exciting, what really energizes us is what comes next. We're already planning our next major event for mid-October, while continuing our monthly Climate on Tap meet-ups at Crux Fermentation Project.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this vision a reality, and we hope to see you at an event soon!
Sustainably yours,
Annie
Founder and President, Bend Climate Collective