Outage Map
By Courtney Cobb
A common challenge for many communities is finding citizens willing to invest their time and energy in becoming well-formed leaders who can make positive, lasting change.
“Developing leaders from young to old is critical to the community’s success,” says Eric Sande, executive director of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau and Leadership Redmond program facilitator. “Everyone has something to give back. Helping expose new leaders to those who make our communities function 365 days a year is just vital.”
In 2002, the city faced an interesting dilemma of having open city council positions with no candidates.
“It wasn’t because there was anything wrong,” Eric says. “It was because nobody knew they could run for a term on the city council.”
Leadership Redmond was created the following year. The Redmond Chamber of Commerce, Redmond Executive Association, and Central Oregon Community College joined forces to create a framework and curriculum for the program.
The premise behind the program is to chart a unique course that doesn’t replicate existing local leadership programs. Instead, it focuses on developing leaders who drive the community’s culture, know its history, manage the city’s departments and oversee nonprofits that support the community.
“Redmond is a very personal small town,” Eric says. “Doors are always open. We want to reinforce that by showing you can speak to anyone in this community with just a phone call or knocking on the door. This program is unique in that we don’t teach you how to be a leader. We teach you who the leaders are, what their issues are, and what makes Redmond run 365 days a year.”
Eric says people’s biggest misconception concerning involvement in various organizations and nonprofits is the belief they must have a degree or background in public service.
“It’s pure interest,” he says. “If you are interested, you can make a difference in your community.”
Bringing Redmond to Life
Imagine Redmond 20 years ago with no Maple Street Bridge, no art in public places, no historic preservation, no plazas, no Highway 97 reroute and a much smaller population.
The first Leadership Redmond class in 2004 consisted of 20 people who had their eyes opened to what others saw when visiting the city.
“1 of their homework assignments was to act like a tourist and take a picture of something you would as a tourist within the city,” Eric says. “However, it was a real challenge because they couldn’t take pictures of the mountains because that’s not in town. The only art in town at that time was at the airport, and it was the bronze eagles. That was it.”
The statue created by Skip Armstrong is called Cycle of Life.
Today, numerous sculptures, murals and monuments dot the city of Redmond’s landscape. Eric credits the area’s transformation to consistent messaging, discussions about art in public places and having Leadership Redmond participants view the city through the eyes of a visitor.
Now, several organizations and nonprofits dedicate time to maintaining and promoting beautification efforts throughout the city.
“(Art) really shows your community has more than just an appreciation for living,” Eric says. “It shows it has an appreciation for the finer things with art and creativity.”
1 day a month, from September through May, Leadership Redmond students gain exposure to everything in and around Redmond. The program covers such topics as tourism and recreation, public safety, waste management, transportation, business and industry development, nonprofits, and health care.
Eric laughs as he says 1 of the group’s favorite tours takes students behind the scenes at Redmond St. Charles Hospital.
“It is 1 of the most highly rated days because we typically only understand the system from 1 side, but we get to do a deep dive into the ER, the physical plant, radiology and more so you have a broader understanding of how that whole medical system functions in all circumstances,” he says.
The other high-ranking tour is the city’s wastewater treatment facility.
“We all flush a toilet, but we have no idea where it goes,” Eric says. “Where does the water go? What are the impacts of big RV rallies? It’s just a broader understanding of how our infrastructure systems work.”
Each day brings something different to the table for participants. Many come away with a new appreciation and passion for the community in which they live.
For 20 years, Eric says he has seen many aha moments by class participants and has watched the enthusiasm come alive.
“I tell every class that not every day will be a day that you are enthralled with, but I guarantee you will have at least 1 or 2 days where your lightbulb will go off and you will want to get involved,” he says.
Graduates of the program go on to be involved in various service clubs, parks and recreation, and area nonprofits. Some have served as city councilors.
1 of the biggest highlights of the program for Eric is graduation day and seeing the relationships that have been forged.
“You have become a family,” he says. “Every year, you can see the bond that has been created, and you know the community is in good hands going into the future.”
How to Get Involved
The Leadership Redmond program is open to everyone. Eric has seen teenagers and seniors go through the class.
“We are open to new and current residents,” he says. “Anyone who wants to learn more and how they can participate in the community.”
The program costs $800, and some partial scholarships are available to help.
“We have never denied someone from participating,” Eric says. “In fact, we have even had previous scholarship recipients pay it forward for other participants.”
Local businesses and organizations help by sponsoring scholarships and sessions and presenting on topics that affect Redmond. Currently, 10 businesses sponsor the day-long programs, including Central Electric Cooperative.
“CEC is proud to partner with programs like Leadership Redmond because they provide an invaluable experience affording participants to engage with the community at such a deeper and productive level,” says Brent ten Pas, CEC vice president of member and public relations.
Above all, Eric says Leadership Redmond helps make Redmond a better place and gets people engaged in their community.
“Everyone needs to feel involved or have that opportunity to be involved, so it’s just a great way to make their community better,” he says.
The next Leadership Redmond class starts in the fall of 2025. The Redmond Chamber of Commerce gathers names of those interested and reaches out when the registration period opens. Call (541) 923-5191 for more information.