About Us

Founded by Keely Stawicki and Rebecca Van Diest, The Columbia Gorge Business Network is a vibrant community dedicated to empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs. With years of experience in networking, Rebecca and Keely have witnessed firsthand how powerful connections and referrals can fuel both business growth and community development.

Our mission is to create a fun, supportive space where business owners and entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that when businesses lift each other up, everyone wins. Through regular networking events, educational workshops, and collaborative projects, we aim to foster an environment where meaningful relationships are built, opportunities are shared, and success is a collective achievement.

Join us at The Columbia Gorge Business Network and become part of a community that thrives on mutual support, shared knowledge, and the power of referrals.

Keely Stawicki

Owner of Rebel Funnels

Most people know Keely as the former owner of Bend in the Road Vintage, a beloved shop in the heights that closed its doors in 2020. Afterward, she launched her marketing agency Rebel Funnels and made the move to Mexico. Now, she splits her time between the stunning Columbia Gorge and the colorful Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

A self-proclaimed marketing and business development nerd, Keely has been an entrepreneur her entire life. She's a certified master in digital marketing with expertise in Facebook and Google advertising, Google reputation management, email marketing, and lead generation websites.

Inspired by her passion for helping others, Keely teamed up with Rebecca to co-found the Columbia Gorge Business Network. Their goal? To create a fun and supportive space where business owners and entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and build a referral network that helps everyone grow together.

Rebecca Van Diest

Owner of Clickers 2 Client

Rebecca began her journey in digital marketing in 2019, driven by a passion for helping small business owners succeed and a love for research and design. This combination makes online marketing the perfect field for her. Constantly eager to learn, Rebecca enjoys taking online courses to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the digital world and to explore new services to enhance her company's offerings.

In 2023, Rebecca moved to Wasco and is excited to connect with local business owners in the Columbia River Gorge. She’s dedicated to helping small businesses in the area grow and thrive through strategic marketing and networking opportunities.

When not immersed in her work, Rebecca enjoys fixing up her 1915 house, exploring the beauty of central Oregon, and spending quality time with her fur kids—Chloe, her new puppy, and Mr. Cuddles, her affectionate (retired) cat.

Networking In Person and Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We've got answers!

When do you meet online each week?

We meet on Thursdays from 8 am to 9 am PST. Our weekly meetings are held remotely on Zoom.

How do I get more involved and meet other business owners?

The best way to meet new people is to attend as many events as you can! Outside of our scheduled meetings, we also encourage business owners to schedule individual meetings to build deeper connections and be possible referral partners.

How do I get featured as a business on the website homepage?

Our team enjoys getting to know businesses on a deeper level and that's why we do interviews. We feature the businesses that we've done recent interviews with on our homepage. This way the community can learn more about what they do.

Do you welcome new businesses?

Everyone is welcome! Whether you've been in business for a week or for 50 years, we'd love to have you join us and let others know about how you help our community.