Congressional Candidates Val Hoyle and Monique DeSpain to Appear at Bay Area Chamber Forum

COOS BAY, Ore. — The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Congressional Candidate Forum featuring Congresswoman Val Hoyle and retired Air Force Colonel Monique DeSpain on Wednesday, October 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in North Bend.

The forum will take place during the Chamber’s weekly Wednesday Business Connection (WBC) Luncheon and will be hosted by the Chamber’s Legislative Action Team, with Team Chair Ron Kutch serving as moderator.

This week’s WBC Luncheon is sponsored by Mariss Stevens with National Real Estate.

The forum will give members of the local business community an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates as they respond to questions developed by the Chamber’s Legislative Action Team. Questions will focus on issues important to local businesses, employers, and the economy of the South Coast.

“Having the candidates come to our business community and participate in this forum is an important part of our role as a Chamber,” said Rosey Thomas, Executive Director of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our Legislative Action Team has taken the time to develop thoughtful questions focused on the issues that matter to our members and our local economy. We want our members to have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on issues affecting businesses in our community. Bringing that conversation here before the election is one of the ways we can help our members be informed and engaged in the civic process.”

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce represents more than 460 businesses in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston and has eight active committees working on issues and initiatives important to the local business community and the region.

Media are invited to attend the forum and are encouraged to cover the event, capture video, and conduct interviews with the candidates and attendees, as appropriate.

The WBC Luncheon is held each Wednesday from September through May and brings together local business owners, community leaders, and professionals for networking, information, and discussion.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Congressional Candidate Forum

WHO: Congresswoman Val Hoyle and retired Air Force Colonel Monique DeSpain

WHEN: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHERE: Ko-Kwel Casino Resort, 3201 Tremont Avenue, North Bend

HOST: Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Team

MODERATOR: Ron Kutch, Legislative Action Team Chair

WBC SPONSOR: Mariss Stevens with National Real Estate

For additional information, contact the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

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