Dear Oakdale Chamber Members,

Spring is in full bloom, and so is our vibrant community! As we welcome May, we're excited to share the latest updates, upcoming events, and opportunities designed to help your business thrive. From celebrating local successes to preparing for a busy summer season, there’s plenty to look forward to.

In this issue, you’ll find highlights from recent events, staff changes & new happenings, and ways to get more involved in the Chamber’s initiatives. Whether you're a longtime member or new to the Chamber family, we’re glad you’re here—and we’re here to support your continued growth and success.

Let’s make this May a month to remember!



Every story has chapters that leave a lasting mark—ones we return to because of the way they made us feel, grow, and come together. For the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce and our greater community, Bri Swan has been one of those unforgettable chapters. And now, as she turns the page to begin a new journey in the lending industry, we reflect with immense gratitude on the impact she’s had in her time with us.

Since joining the Chamber, Bri has been more than a team member—she’s been a heartbeat. With grace, creativity, and unwavering dedication, she has helped carry the Chamber’s mission forward, uplifted our members, and poured herself into making connections that strengthened the Oakdale community from the inside out.

To the Chamber board, Bri has been a steady voice and a thoughtful collaborator. To our members, she has been a reliable resource and a true advocate. To the community, she’s been a passionate force—present at events, offering support behind the scenes, and always showing up with heart. Her work has helped define a season of growth, connection, and community pride, and her presence will be deeply missed.

“Bri has been an incredible partner and a true light in our Chamber family,” shares Cher Bairos, CEO of the Oakdale Chamber. “She brings empathy, insight, and commitment into everything she does. It’s been an absolute honor to work with her, and while we’ll miss her dearly in this role, we’re so excited to see her flourish in her next chapter.”

Thankfully, this isn’t goodbye. It’s simply the beginning of a new page. Bri isn’t leaving Oakdale—she’s staying rooted in the community she’s helped nurture and plans to continue her involvement as a Chamber member. We’re grateful that even as her career path shifts, her heart remains close.

As Bri steps forward into this exciting new chapter, we send her off with immense gratitude, admiration, and support. Her story with the Chamber isn’t ending—it’s evolving. And we can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you, Bri, for everything. Your impact is lasting, and your presence will always be a part of the Chamber’s story.

Arrest Round-Up Raises Funds for Oakdale Chamber Scholarship Fund!

The Oakdale community came together for a fun-filled and unforgettable event at the Arrest Round-Up, where nobody was safe! From bosses to gym buffs, a dedicated posse was on the hunt to “arrest” local volunteers, who were then carted off to H-B Saloon to face their "crimes." Justice was served — with plenty of laughs along the way.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the volunteers who made the event possible, as well as to those who were good-natured enough to play along, allowing themselves to be “busted” for a great cause. We also want to extend our appreciation to those who took part in the arrests, making this a memorable and successful day! 

Thanks to the generosity of the community, the event raised $11,783.00, with $3,165.00 raised by CVAR. What a great community of “law-breakers” we have!! These funds will go directly to supporting the Oakdale Chamber Scholarship Fund, helping to support local youth and their educational journeys.

Keep an eye out for those awards and plan to join us for this annual even next year! 

Bri Swan

Amplified Human Resources, LLC

Sarah Sundberg, REALTOR 

RLW Properties

Old Oak Tattoo

Love Oakdale

Dark Horse Rentals

Chicken Ranch Casino Resort

We appreciate your partnership!

Haidlen Ford

Celebrating 65 years of Chamber membership!

The Chamber Ambassadors recently visited Haidlen Ford to celebrate their 65th anniversary as proud members of the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce! We were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of their impressive facility and learned about the rich history of this family-owned business, which has served the community for 70 years. With three generations of leadership and a legacy of Chamber involvement, Haidlen Ford continues to be a trusted name in the Central Valley. Thank you for the tour! 

Story Books + Toys

Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony!

Several members of the community gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of Story Books + Toys, marking an exciting new chapter for the local business scene. The event, hosted by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, welcomed residents to 150 S. 2nd Ave for an afternoon of celebration, good books, and great company. As the ribbon was cut, attendees were introduced to the store’s charming selection of books and toys, setting the stage for what promises to be a wonderful addition to Oakdale. The event marked the beginning of a bright future for Story Books + Toys, and the community eagerly looks forward to more fun events in the days to come!

The ADU Coach, Russ Gerber

Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony!

It was an exciting moment as the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for The ADU Coach: Russ Gerber! With over 30 years of experience in custom construction and property management, Russ is dedicated to making housing more accessible—one backyard at a time. Whether it’s creating a cozy spot for in-laws, a space for a college grad, or an income-generating rental, Russ and his team at The ADU Coach are ready to guide homeowners through every step of the process. Here’s to Russ’ exciting new venture and the future of ADUs in Oakdale!

Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2025

Crowning Ceremony at the Cowboy Museum

It was a beautiful evening at the Cowboy Museum as the Oakdale community gathered to celebrate the crowning of Gigi Forgnone as our 2025 Miss Rodeo Oakdale! Gigi takes on this honored role with pride, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations as she steps into her new position. A special thank you to Miss Lillian Crummey, our 2024 Queen, for a year filled with grace, poise, and rodeo spirit. Here’s to continuing Oakdale's rich tradition, celebrating our community, and honoring the incredible women who represent the heart of our town!

Congratulations, Dr. Mihok!

After years of dedicated service to the Oakdale community, we’re wishing Dr. Mihok a joyful and well-deserved retirement! Your commitment to care, compassion, and excellence has made a lasting impact. Thank you!

Congratulations, Dr. Scaeif!

Your years of dedication and care have touched countless lives, and Oakdale is better because of your service. Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter—you’ve earned it! 

A Night to Remember

Farm & Ranch to Table Dinner Fundraiser

What a night it was! The Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Ag Committee hosted a memorable Farm & Ranch to Table Dinner, celebrating community, agriculture, and some of the best local cuisine you can imagine.

From locally raised beef to fresh, field-to-table produce, every dish paid tribute to the hardworking farmers and ranchers who make Oakdale shine. But this event wasn’t just about enjoying great food—it was about investing in the future of agriculture.

Proceeds from this event will fund agriculture scholarships, helping the next generation of young people pursue careers in farming, ranching, and ag sciences. A huge thank you to our producers, volunteers, sponsors, and guests for your support in keeping the heartbeat of our ag community strong.

If you missed the event, make sure to follow our page for updates on future gatherings.

The Ag Committee operates under the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Chamber. Funds raised through the Foundation directly support scholarships and initiatives that give back to our local community.

Have a discount, event, or exciting news about your business?

Share it with us, and we'll feature it in our newsletter! Email your details to membership@oakdaleCAchamber.org

The board is excited to welcome Lindsey Holmes and Mindy VanTil to the Oakdale Chamber team! A heartfelt thank you to Bri for her dedication and impact—congrats on your next adventure in lending! We appreciate your patience and support as Lindsey and Mindy get up to speed and start shaping the future of Chamber events and initiatives.