Nate Stice
North Central Regional Solutions
Coordinator

Thursday
January 8, 2026

Join us for Community Affairs with Nate Stice, Coordinator for the
North Central and North Coast Regions with the Governor’s Regional
Solutions Centers. Nate works closely with state agencies, local
governments, and community partners across Hood River, Sherman, and
Wasco Counties to help connect resources, navigate challenges, and advance
regional priorities such as economic development and community capacity-building.
He’ll share insights on how the Regional Solutions Team supports local
efforts and how communities can effectively engage with state partners. 

JOIN HERE:
Online via Zoom

For past guests recordings click HERE

January 14, 2026
Drop in anytime between
7:00 am to 9:00 am

NEW LOCATION
The Coffee Shop
116 East 2nd Street
The Dalles, OR

Open to All
Connect, Network, Grow, Share!

Join us!
Wired with the Chamber
at The Coffee Shop!!!

Kathy Fitzpatrick
Senior Project / Mobility Manager / MCEDD

JOIN HERE:
Online via Zoom

Thursday
January 15, 2026

We’re pleased to welcome Kathy Fitzpatrick, Senior Project & Mobility Manager
with the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, as our featured speaker
for Community Affairs. Kathy has been leading regional mobility and transportation
initiatives with MCEDD since 2017, where she promotes a connected and accessible
transportation system throughout the Columbia River Gorge. In her role, she convenes
the bi-state Gorge TransLink Alliance, manages the Get There program across
Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties, and oversees a variety of
transportation contracts that support public transit coordination and planning.

With a master’s degree from San Diego State University and extensive experience
in government administration, land use planning, project management, and grant writing,
Kathy brings a deep commitment to enhancing rural transportation options. She believes
that expanded mobility not only strengthens economic opportunity but also advances
equity, health, social connectivity, and sustainability across our communities.

For past guests recordings click HERE

January 21, 2026
Drop in anytime between
7:00 am to 9:00 am

NEW LOCATION
The Coffee Shop
116 East 2nd Street
The Dalles, OR

Open to All
Connect, Network, Grow, Share!

Join us!
Wired with the Chamber
at The Coffee Shop!!!

Danette Utley
Alzheimer’s Education & Caregiver Support
Advocate / MCSC

JOIN HERE:
Online via Zoom

Thursday
January 22, 2026

Danette Utley is a local leader in Alzheimer’s education and caregiver support in Wasco County.
She has been instrumental in expanding dementia resources in our community and is a key force
behind the new Cherry Blossom Adult Day Program at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, which
provides much-needed respite care for individuals living with dementia and their families.

Danette is also widely recognized for her compassionate and informative Alzheimer’s
presentations, helping caregivers better understand available resources, support systems,
and next steps. She will share insights on how these new services are
strengthening care and support locally.

For past guests recordings click HERE

January 2026
Community Affairs Speakers & Dates

·    01/01/2026 NO MEETING
·    01/08/2026 Nate Stice, North Central Regional Solutions
·   01/15/2026 Kathy Fitzpatrick, Senior Project / Mobility Manager / MCED
·   01/22/2026 Danette Utley, Alzheimer’s Education & Caregiver Support Advocate
·   01/29/2026 AVAILABLE

January 28, 2026
Drop in anytime between
7:00 am to 9:00 am

NEW LOCATION
The Coffee Shop
116 East 2nd Street
The Dalles, OR

Open to All
Connect, Network, Grow, Share!

Join us!
Wired with the Chamber
at The Coffee Shop!!!

Patricia A. Neal
LegalShield Independent
Associate/Director

JOIN HERE:
Online via Zoom

Thursday
January 29, 2026

Trish Neal is a longtime member of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce and
has been with LegalShield for more than 18 years. LegalShield, founded in 1972
and available in all 50 states, provides affordable legal and identity protection
solutions for individuals, families, and small businesses — helping level the
playing field with big-business resources at small-business budgets.

In recognition of Identity Theft Awareness Week (January 26–30),
Trish will share practical insights on how identity theft happens, how
it can impact you, your family, or your business, and steps you can
take to protect yourself. She’ll also discuss how to spot common
scams and what to do if your personal information is compromised.

For past guests recordings click HERE