Businesses For Community

09/26/2026

A thriving downtown doesn’t happen by accident. It takes investment, involvement, and a community that understands what’s at stake.

Small business owners invest their own money, time, and livelihoods into making downtown a place people want to visit, shop, eat, work, and spend time.

If we want a stronger downtown, we all have a role to play. Support local businesses. Show up. Get involved. Take care of the spaces we share.

A thriving downtown benefits the entire community.

09/22/2026

What makes Businesses for Community different?

We believe there is power in adding another voice to the conversation.

Our community is fortunate to have organizations working every day to advocate for businesses, strengthen our economy, and make Salem and the surrounding communities better places to live and work.

Businesses for Community adds to that work by bringing together local business leaders who understand firsthand just how connected business success and community success really are.

When local businesses thrive, the impact reaches far beyond their doors. They create jobs, support local families, sponsor youth programs, give to nonprofits, invest in community initiatives, and help create the strong economic foundation our entire community depends on.

Our role is to help amplify the value and impact of local business and bring another collective voice to the issues and opportunities shaping our community.

We’re not here to replace the organizations already doing important work.

We’re here to add to it. Strengthen it. And amplify it.

Because a healthy economy helps build a thriving community—and that benefits all of us.

Learn more about Businesses for Community and how you can get involved at businessesforcommunity.com.

09/18/2026

Two important Salem City Council meetings are coming up that local business owners should have on their radar.

September 21 | Special City Council Meeting
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed moratorium on data centers. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM at Loucks Auditorium, and public comment will be accepted.

September 23 | City Council Work Session: Financial Road Map – City Services
The City Council will meet from 6:00–8:00 PM to continue discussions around the City’s financial roadmap and services.

These discussions could shape future decisions affecting Salem’s businesses, employees, customers, and overall economic environment. Business owners should stay informed, understand what’s being considered, and pay attention to potential impacts on our local economy.

Check the City of Salem’s Public Meeting Calendar for meeting details, agendas, and opportunities to participate.

Business owners: mark your calendars, review the meeting information, and share this with another local business leader who needs to know. Staying informed is an important part of participating in Salem’s future.

09/18/2026

09/14/2026

September Member Meeting Recap!

Thank you to everyone who joined us Friday morning for conversation, connection, and updates affecting Salem’s business community.

We heard from Salem City Council Ward 8 candidate Chris Cummings and Interim Salem Police Chief Ditto, followed by thoughtful questions and discussion from our members and guests.

Businesses for Community brings local business leaders together around a shared belief: a healthy economy helps our entire community thrive.

Interested in getting involved? Become a member today!

09/11/2026

We will never forget.

09/09/2026

Tag your small business or any other businesses you love to support so we can follow!

08/31/2026

August is here, and there’s a lot happening in our community.

This month, we’re keeping Salem’s business community informed on the conversations, decisions, and opportunities that matter, from City Council discussions and upcoming work sessions to community events and our next BFC Membership Meeting.

Swipe through for this month’s updates, important dates, and ways to get involved.

And help us continue growing the conversation! Follow Businesses for Community, engage with our posts, and share our page with fellow business owners and community leaders who should be part of it.

Business leaders uniting for the good of our community.
Healthy economy = thriving community
Serving Marion & Polk Counties

Learn more:
https://www.businessesforcommunity.com/