BEND, Ore. – The Bend Chamber is inviting local businesses and emerging professionals to strengthen the regional workforce through the new 2027 Bend Emerging Talent (Bend ET) Passport Program. Offered through the BendNEXT Foundation and powered by U.S. Bank, the program blends practical leadership training, mentorship and professional networking over a twelve‑month period.
Program details
The Passport is designed for early‑ to mid‑career professionals and aspiring leaders. Participants receive access to nine interactive Expert Labs covering strategic thinking, people management, communication, conflict resolution and project management. In addition, the schedule includes three Coffee Socials, six Evening Socials and a year‑long peer‑mentorship cohort.
“Leadership development works best when people can apply what they learn and keep building relationships over time,” said Kathleen Quinney, Leadership Programs Lead for the BendNEXT Foundation. “The Bend ET Passport gives emerging professionals that opportunity while giving employers an affordable way to invest in the people who will help their organizations grow.”
Pricing and assistance
The Individual Passport costs $250 and provides year‑long access for one person. The Business Passport is $350 and grants an organization a seat at each Bend ET event. Financial assistance is available to ensure participation remains accessible.
Economic impact
According to Gallup’s 2026 report, “How Managers Impact Team Productivity,” teams led by managers who completed strengths‑based development saw 21‑28% lower turnover than comparable teams, underscoring the business case for leadership training.
Participant perspective
Program participant Maggie Keynton of Partners In Care said, “I joined Bend Emerging Talent to network, but it’s given me much more. The ET Expert Labs have helped build my confidence and support my professional growth, while connecting me with people at different career stages who share a passion for learning. You get out what you put in—and you may be surprised by what happens when you put yourself out there.”
Next‑up leadership track
For professionals ready for more focused development, the BendNEXT Foundation is also accepting applications for the 2027 NEXTUp Leaders program through December 4, 2026. This track targets employees moving from individual contributor roles into team or project leadership and includes workshops, facilitated Deep Dive Learning Labs and real‑world project work, plus the benefits of an Individual Bend ET Passport.
Interested candidates can learn more and ask questions during a virtual information session on Nov. 9. Registration details are available on the Bend Chamber website.
How employers can get involved
Employers are encouraged to incorporate the Bend ET Passport and NEXTUp Leaders opportunities into their 2027 professional‑development plans and identify team members who would benefit from additional leadership support.
Purchase a 2027 Bend ET Passport by Dec. 31, 2026 at bendchamber.org/bendnext/emerging-talent/passport. Apply for NEXTUp Leaders by Dec. 4, 2026 at bendchamber.org/bendnext/nextup-leaders.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
