With the economy being the lowest seen in decades, Chambers now more than ever are seen by small businesses as being an affordable and necessary asset in their marketing plan. The reason for that is simple, when money is tight businesses have to budget and use the most affordable marketing opportunities that can supply ‘The best bang for their buck’. As seen in our steady retention rates, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce without a doubt provides this for our members. We are a Chamber that prides ourselves on offering more complimentary benefits, which are included in your membership, than many other Chambers.
Let’s take for example a typically small business of 4 employees. Their membership investment would be $270 per year with the Wilsonville Chamber – equaling only about $22.50 per month. That member is able to be listed in our online and printed Business Directory (over 19,000 copies were distributed last year in our region); utilize our Hot Deals feature, Job Openings feature, and online Event Calendar. They can also list for free advertisements and announcements in our weekly email updates and monthly newsletters that reach over 700 local business people (not to mention the hundreds of co-workers that this is forwarded to).
In addition to that, they have the opportunity to attend over 70 events through the year that focus on networking, gaining referrals, business education, personal growth, and community involvement. All of these are also included in that annual fee. If someone was to pay for these events at a typical organization it could equal over $400 in registration fees alone! So clearly the benefit of Chamber membership is multiple times the cost that you pay. We also have a special arrangement through our membership software that allows you to upload the most current information about your business to be used by GPS units and a partnership through Office Depot that offers discounts on the basic office essentials that you need everyday – all as complimentary aspects of you membership.
If you are a small business, or even a medium or large business, don’t forget to use the most cost effective marketing in Wilsonville – your Chamber membership! There are many ways to take advantage of promoting your business – one way to learn about them all is to attend our Chamber 101 Membership Orientation session on Thursday, November 3rd. This quarterly free event provides a full overview of Chamber programming and walks you through how to utilize the many benefits that your membership includes. Contact Brandi Hereford, Membership Director, to learn more or register for Chamber 101 at Brandi@WilsonvilleChamber.com or 503-682-0411.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
August GAC Meeting
Your chamber’s Government Affairs Committee was active this August, conducting two different panel interviews of candidates running for state and local elected positions. On August 19, the board of directors voted unanimously to endorse the following candidates?
Senator Larry George
Senator George is the founder and co-owner of a number of successful companies. He started and ran one of the largest political consulting firms in the state of Oregon, and was elected in 2006 to represent Oregon Senate State District 13.
When asked by the chamber to identify his top priorities, Senator George listed three items:
Core-functions budgeting. “The Oregon state budget has grown from $48.1 billion (2007-09) to nearly $60 billion (2009-10) – a 24% increase. Yet, during this time we have made real cuts to K-12 education. We need to fund core functions of state government before we fund pet-programs.”
Re-connect to the federal tax code, especially as it relates to accelerated depreciation for Oregon's growing businesses.
Addressing the role of public employee unions in the political process. “Public employee unions are given about 1.5% out of each employee’s check to conduct organization and political activities. The amounts to $620 average per employee, or over $30 million per year for state employees alone. This does not include teachers, local government employees, or federal employees. This is creating an environment where anyone who opposes new programs, new spending, or maintaining the status quo can be overwhelmed by opposing campaign dollars. This lack of balance and transparency is forcing Oregon to an extreme position that is anti-business and anti-growth.”
Representative Matt Wingard
Representative Wingard is a third-generation Oregonian who runs his own public relations consulting firm in Wilsonville and has served in the Oregon State Legislature since 2008. He has been an active member of the Wilsonville and Sherwood Chambers of Commerce and has served on the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission and the Portfolio Options Committee of the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
During much of his career, Rep. Wingard has fought the increase of regulation, taxation and litigation coming out of Salem. “I continue to believe that Oregon's misguided public policy choices are the major impediments to reducing unemployment and raising revenues for public services,” he told the Chamber.
“Oregon has earned and maintains its reputation as a difficult place to do business. Many businesses who appear to thrive in Oregon have received government credits, grants or other subsidies. We cannot create new jobs over the next 10 years without a more broadly based pro-business attitude in Oregon.
Rep. Wingard also stressed that implementation of a rainy day fund is high on his list of priorities in the Legislature. “If Salem will limit budget increases to 6.5% annually and save the rest, services will never again need to be cut during economic recessions.”
Wilsonville City Council
Richard Goddard
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Richard Goddard is an engineering manager for PGE with an extensive business background. He currently serves on the Wilsonville City Council – was appointed this year – and previously served four years on the city’s Planning Commission.
Goddard brings a strong economic development background to the Council. He has worked with regional partners and development agencies in his career, has recruited companies and personally responded to dozens of site selection inquiries. “These companies are looking for a skilled work force, a supportive regulatory environment, and adequate land,” Goddard told the Government Affairs Committee. ‘We need to form a citizen committee to streamline the permit process and the development code.”
Goddard said “there is a perception that we are unfriendly to business, so the first step is to recognize that perception. We have not actively participated in economic development circles. We are not tuned in to other partners in the region. Instead of focusing on all the problems that will prevent a company from locating here, we need to look at the benefits they can provide to our community.”
Goddard committed to reaching out and seeking input from our community and business leaders and acting upon that input. He pledged to make sure the city spends dollars in a way that reflects the priorities of our community. “I have a strong sense of stewardship and a sincere interest in leaving Wilsonville a little better than I found it.”
Wilsonville City Council
Scott Starr
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Starr has been very active in our community. He served as board chair of the Wilsonville Chamber. For three years he was on the Wood Middle School Site Council, was a board member of the Wilsonville High School Booster Club for eight years and served 14 years as a Wilsonville Youth Sports and Willamette United Soccer Coach. Starr is chair of Wilsonville Young Life, which works with our middle school and high school youth.
Starr has been meeting with city leaders and chamber executives to improve communications, opportunities and the businesses environment. He is running because he wants to improve the city’s connectedness to the spirit and will of the community, reestablish personal property rights, help encourage private sector job growth, and reduce spending and size of government.
During the candidate forum Starr stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for businesses. “To attract businesses here, we need to have the right processes so we are best in class. We need to demonstrate that the city will work with prospective businesses. We don’t need to put in a lot of incentives but neither have we hung out the welcome sign.”
Starr believes this election will be a turning point for how Wilsonville governs. Adjustments must be made in response to the current events, and it is incumbent upon the business community to support them. “If we don’t adjust, we are not going to continue to enjoy the quality of life we have known.” Starr stressed the need to accommodate our citizens in this economy. “One of my biggest concerns is the urban renewal budget and how to get spending under control. I will be much more conservative on how we spend our money.”
Senator Larry George
Senator George is the founder and co-owner of a number of successful companies. He started and ran one of the largest political consulting firms in the state of Oregon, and was elected in 2006 to represent Oregon Senate State District 13.
When asked by the chamber to identify his top priorities, Senator George listed three items:
Core-functions budgeting. “The Oregon state budget has grown from $48.1 billion (2007-09) to nearly $60 billion (2009-10) – a 24% increase. Yet, during this time we have made real cuts to K-12 education. We need to fund core functions of state government before we fund pet-programs.”
Re-connect to the federal tax code, especially as it relates to accelerated depreciation for Oregon's growing businesses.
Addressing the role of public employee unions in the political process. “Public employee unions are given about 1.5% out of each employee’s check to conduct organization and political activities. The amounts to $620 average per employee, or over $30 million per year for state employees alone. This does not include teachers, local government employees, or federal employees. This is creating an environment where anyone who opposes new programs, new spending, or maintaining the status quo can be overwhelmed by opposing campaign dollars. This lack of balance and transparency is forcing Oregon to an extreme position that is anti-business and anti-growth.”
Representative Matt Wingard
Representative Wingard is a third-generation Oregonian who runs his own public relations consulting firm in Wilsonville and has served in the Oregon State Legislature since 2008. He has been an active member of the Wilsonville and Sherwood Chambers of Commerce and has served on the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission and the Portfolio Options Committee of the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
During much of his career, Rep. Wingard has fought the increase of regulation, taxation and litigation coming out of Salem. “I continue to believe that Oregon's misguided public policy choices are the major impediments to reducing unemployment and raising revenues for public services,” he told the Chamber.
“Oregon has earned and maintains its reputation as a difficult place to do business. Many businesses who appear to thrive in Oregon have received government credits, grants or other subsidies. We cannot create new jobs over the next 10 years without a more broadly based pro-business attitude in Oregon.
Rep. Wingard also stressed that implementation of a rainy day fund is high on his list of priorities in the Legislature. “If Salem will limit budget increases to 6.5% annually and save the rest, services will never again need to be cut during economic recessions.”
Wilsonville City Council
Richard Goddard
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Richard Goddard is an engineering manager for PGE with an extensive business background. He currently serves on the Wilsonville City Council – was appointed this year – and previously served four years on the city’s Planning Commission.
Goddard brings a strong economic development background to the Council. He has worked with regional partners and development agencies in his career, has recruited companies and personally responded to dozens of site selection inquiries. “These companies are looking for a skilled work force, a supportive regulatory environment, and adequate land,” Goddard told the Government Affairs Committee. ‘We need to form a citizen committee to streamline the permit process and the development code.”
Goddard said “there is a perception that we are unfriendly to business, so the first step is to recognize that perception. We have not actively participated in economic development circles. We are not tuned in to other partners in the region. Instead of focusing on all the problems that will prevent a company from locating here, we need to look at the benefits they can provide to our community.”
Goddard committed to reaching out and seeking input from our community and business leaders and acting upon that input. He pledged to make sure the city spends dollars in a way that reflects the priorities of our community. “I have a strong sense of stewardship and a sincere interest in leaving Wilsonville a little better than I found it.”
Wilsonville City Council
Scott Starr
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Starr has been very active in our community. He served as board chair of the Wilsonville Chamber. For three years he was on the Wood Middle School Site Council, was a board member of the Wilsonville High School Booster Club for eight years and served 14 years as a Wilsonville Youth Sports and Willamette United Soccer Coach. Starr is chair of Wilsonville Young Life, which works with our middle school and high school youth.
Starr has been meeting with city leaders and chamber executives to improve communications, opportunities and the businesses environment. He is running because he wants to improve the city’s connectedness to the spirit and will of the community, reestablish personal property rights, help encourage private sector job growth, and reduce spending and size of government.
During the candidate forum Starr stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for businesses. “To attract businesses here, we need to have the right processes so we are best in class. We need to demonstrate that the city will work with prospective businesses. We don’t need to put in a lot of incentives but neither have we hung out the welcome sign.”
Starr believes this election will be a turning point for how Wilsonville governs. Adjustments must be made in response to the current events, and it is incumbent upon the business community to support them. “If we don’t adjust, we are not going to continue to enjoy the quality of life we have known.” Starr stressed the need to accommodate our citizens in this economy. “One of my biggest concerns is the urban renewal budget and how to get spending under control. I will be much more conservative on how we spend our money.”
CEO Corner
By:
Steve Gilmore
CEO
Under the leadership of Chamber President Ray Phelps the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce created an Economic Vitality Committee that will be looking at ways to grow our local economy. The committee is made up of representatives from our business community, city, county, and state economic development officials. Leading this committee is Chamber Board Member Bob Bennett, CPA and newly appointed Wilsonville City Councilor Richard Goddard, who actually was a member of the committee prior to his appointment, representing Portland General Electric.
The Committee met recently and determined that the most important place to focus their efforts was on business retention and expansion of existing business, rather than focusing on business recruitment. Business retention activities tend to achieve high returns on investment, because the vast majority of job growth is derived from existing businesses.
The Economic Vitality Committee determined that a business retention and expansion survey should be completed this fall that will set a benchmark to identify business issues, identify growth and employment opportunities, and provide valuable resources to existing companies in Wilsonville to help them achieve success.
The Chamber will be mailing out a survey to every business in Wilsonville asking a variety of questions. If a business identifies issues that are detrimental to their success or provide an expansion opportunity, the Chamber will act immediately and do everything possible to find the necessary resources to help that individual business. Our government partners are ready to assist us in this effort and their expertise will be very helpful.
The survey will also be used to help the Chamber develop a strategic long-term business retention plan that will have a positive economic impact to the South Metro Region for years to come. The Chamber is excited about this new initiative and the opportunity that it provides to grow the economic vitality of our region. Please call me at (503) 682-0411 or email me at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com if you have any questions.
Steve Gilmore
CEO
Under the leadership of Chamber President Ray Phelps the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce created an Economic Vitality Committee that will be looking at ways to grow our local economy. The committee is made up of representatives from our business community, city, county, and state economic development officials. Leading this committee is Chamber Board Member Bob Bennett, CPA and newly appointed Wilsonville City Councilor Richard Goddard, who actually was a member of the committee prior to his appointment, representing Portland General Electric.
The Committee met recently and determined that the most important place to focus their efforts was on business retention and expansion of existing business, rather than focusing on business recruitment. Business retention activities tend to achieve high returns on investment, because the vast majority of job growth is derived from existing businesses.
The Economic Vitality Committee determined that a business retention and expansion survey should be completed this fall that will set a benchmark to identify business issues, identify growth and employment opportunities, and provide valuable resources to existing companies in Wilsonville to help them achieve success.
The Chamber will be mailing out a survey to every business in Wilsonville asking a variety of questions. If a business identifies issues that are detrimental to their success or provide an expansion opportunity, the Chamber will act immediately and do everything possible to find the necessary resources to help that individual business. Our government partners are ready to assist us in this effort and their expertise will be very helpful.
The survey will also be used to help the Chamber develop a strategic long-term business retention plan that will have a positive economic impact to the South Metro Region for years to come. The Chamber is excited about this new initiative and the opportunity that it provides to grow the economic vitality of our region. Please call me at (503) 682-0411 or email me at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com if you have any questions.
CEO Corner
By:
Steve Gilmore
CEO
The Wilsonville Chamber recently sent a letter to the Joint Policy Committee on Transportation, which is comprised of local elected officials and they act as an advisory board to of our regional government Metro on transportation issues, in support of increased funding for freight transportation projects. JPACT was considering changing the allocation formula for how $20-24 million in federal transportation funds are spent. In the past the majority of these funds have been used for active transportation projects and only about 10% historically had been allocated for freight projects in the metropolitan area.
A coalition of business groups and individual businesses strongly advocated for this formula to be altered to provide more balance in how these funds are allocated. The final business proposal requested 60% for active transportation and 40% for freight allocation however this effort was not ultimately successful. On a 7-6 vote the freight distribution was increased to 25%, and not 40%. This is a mixed result however it is a small step forward in the right direction. This decision will provide an additional $2-3 million dollars more every year for freight projects, which will help with some of our most congested freight corridors. With the change of policy elected officials are becoming more aware of the need for additional road funding, however the reasonable proposal brought forth by the business community was not ultimately accepted. Two of Wilsonville’s representatives, Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers and Clackamas County Commissioner Ann Lininger, were strong advocates for the more balanced approach to funding. Their support on this important issue is appreciated and if you have a chance please thank them for their support.
This issue at Metro just represents a tip of the ice berg on the issues that the business community faces not just in Oregon but nationally on transportation funding. The Wilsonville Chamber will continue to be a strong advocate for freight and surface transportation funding because it is the lifeblood of our economy.
Steve Gilmore
CEO
The Wilsonville Chamber recently sent a letter to the Joint Policy Committee on Transportation, which is comprised of local elected officials and they act as an advisory board to of our regional government Metro on transportation issues, in support of increased funding for freight transportation projects. JPACT was considering changing the allocation formula for how $20-24 million in federal transportation funds are spent. In the past the majority of these funds have been used for active transportation projects and only about 10% historically had been allocated for freight projects in the metropolitan area.
A coalition of business groups and individual businesses strongly advocated for this formula to be altered to provide more balance in how these funds are allocated. The final business proposal requested 60% for active transportation and 40% for freight allocation however this effort was not ultimately successful. On a 7-6 vote the freight distribution was increased to 25%, and not 40%. This is a mixed result however it is a small step forward in the right direction. This decision will provide an additional $2-3 million dollars more every year for freight projects, which will help with some of our most congested freight corridors. With the change of policy elected officials are becoming more aware of the need for additional road funding, however the reasonable proposal brought forth by the business community was not ultimately accepted. Two of Wilsonville’s representatives, Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers and Clackamas County Commissioner Ann Lininger, were strong advocates for the more balanced approach to funding. Their support on this important issue is appreciated and if you have a chance please thank them for their support.
This issue at Metro just represents a tip of the ice berg on the issues that the business community faces not just in Oregon but nationally on transportation funding. The Wilsonville Chamber will continue to be a strong advocate for freight and surface transportation funding because it is the lifeblood of our economy.
President Talking Points- Richard Goddard Introduction
The Chamber congratulates Richard Goddard as the newest member the City of Wilsonville’s City Council. Richard works for PGE and is a member of our Chamber. I thought it appropriate for the Chamber to provide Richard with this opportunity to introduce himself to the Wilsonville business community. Richard took the oath of office on July 19th.
_____________
My appreciation to the Wilsonville Chamber and its members for the opportunity to introduce myself. To share a little about myself and my background. My wife and I have lived in Wilsonville for over 16 years raising our three sons and two dogs. We have volunteered in the schools and coached in their youth sports. I have served and chaired on the Wilsonville planning commission and been active in economic development efforts in the region. I currently serve on the chamber’s Economic Vitality committee.
We have a lot to be proud of in Wilsonville. We have good schools, good parks and great neighborhoods. We also have dedicated public safety employees and first responders that are committed to the wellbeing of our community. Mostly importantly, we have a diverse population of citizens that work hard every day to keep Wilsonville a wonderful place to live, work, and play. An important part of a livable community is a vibrant business community. In Wilsonville, we have a business community that has been dedicated to economic vitality and creating opportunities for our citizens. We are fortunate to have active and committed business owners, large and small, that operate businesses in this community but who have also become a fabric of Wilsonville through their support and volunteerism.
While I have announced my campaign for City Council in the November general election, I appreciate the opportunity the Council has given me to begin working now to serve the citizens of Wilsonville. There is much work ahead. I have attended many public meetings over the last few months to understand the important issues facing our community. I have also met with numerous elected officials, business leaders, and private citizens to listen to their views of what makes Wilsonville great, where they see opportunities for improvement, and how I can help as a member of the City Council. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead as I have gained tremendous insight and perspective by seeking and hearing from the citizens of this community. These valuable conversations have confirmed my belief that by working together we can take Wilsonville from good to great.
I welcome and am committed to seeking your thoughts and perspectives on issues before the city. Please feel free to contact me directly or send me an email at RichardGoddard2010@gmail.com.
Again, thank you Chamber and members for your support. I look forward to working with you to ensure that Wilsonville remains a vibrant place to do business.
Best Regards,
Richard Goddard
_____________
My appreciation to the Wilsonville Chamber and its members for the opportunity to introduce myself. To share a little about myself and my background. My wife and I have lived in Wilsonville for over 16 years raising our three sons and two dogs. We have volunteered in the schools and coached in their youth sports. I have served and chaired on the Wilsonville planning commission and been active in economic development efforts in the region. I currently serve on the chamber’s Economic Vitality committee.
We have a lot to be proud of in Wilsonville. We have good schools, good parks and great neighborhoods. We also have dedicated public safety employees and first responders that are committed to the wellbeing of our community. Mostly importantly, we have a diverse population of citizens that work hard every day to keep Wilsonville a wonderful place to live, work, and play. An important part of a livable community is a vibrant business community. In Wilsonville, we have a business community that has been dedicated to economic vitality and creating opportunities for our citizens. We are fortunate to have active and committed business owners, large and small, that operate businesses in this community but who have also become a fabric of Wilsonville through their support and volunteerism.
While I have announced my campaign for City Council in the November general election, I appreciate the opportunity the Council has given me to begin working now to serve the citizens of Wilsonville. There is much work ahead. I have attended many public meetings over the last few months to understand the important issues facing our community. I have also met with numerous elected officials, business leaders, and private citizens to listen to their views of what makes Wilsonville great, where they see opportunities for improvement, and how I can help as a member of the City Council. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead as I have gained tremendous insight and perspective by seeking and hearing from the citizens of this community. These valuable conversations have confirmed my belief that by working together we can take Wilsonville from good to great.
I welcome and am committed to seeking your thoughts and perspectives on issues before the city. Please feel free to contact me directly or send me an email at RichardGoddard2010@gmail.com.
Again, thank you Chamber and members for your support. I look forward to working with you to ensure that Wilsonville remains a vibrant place to do business.
Best Regards,
Richard Goddard
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wilsonville Chamber Endorses Tom Hughes
The Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce is making history this election season by endorsing business-friendly political candidates. We are pleased to announce that in July your board of directors approved the Government Affairs Committee’s recommendation to endorse Tom Hughes for Metro Council President. His leadership, strong record of economic development, and his ability to bring people together made him the best choice for the Wilsonville business community.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. Oregon’s businesses are the economic engines and job creators for our region,” said Hughes. “I look forward to working with you to help grow our economy and create new jobs in Clackamas County.”
While both Tom Hughes and Bob Stacey, former director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, are impressive candidates, Hughes’ understanding of the interconnection between Metro and business issues such as transportation, urban growth, and livability will be critical to the economic vitality of the south metro region.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. Oregon’s businesses are the economic engines and job creators for our region,” said Hughes. “I look forward to working with you to help grow our economy and create new jobs in Clackamas County.”
While both Tom Hughes and Bob Stacey, former director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, are impressive candidates, Hughes’ understanding of the interconnection between Metro and business issues such as transportation, urban growth, and livability will be critical to the economic vitality of the south metro region.
Governmental Affairs Committee
by:
Wendy Buck and Elizabeth Peters
This year, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce will begin endorsing political candidates. This process not only provides recommendations to members of candidates who are friendly to small and large businesses, but it also allows those candidates to use the power of our name in their campaigns. Having the Chamber’s endorsement means a candidate has been thoroughly reviewed, interviewed, and tested as the right choice for business in our community.
The chamber underwent an extensive process in making this decision. Throughout 2009, volunteer leadership sought ways to utilize advocacy as a means of fulfilling its mission – To create and promote economic vitality for business in the south metro region. During the 2010 planning process in January of this year, the board set as its third highest priority to “improve the political voice for business through candidate advocacy.” On March 10, the members overwhelmingly approved bylaws amendments that paved the way for the chamber to endorse candidates. The board of directors approved a detailed endorsement policy, and a plan was created and approved by the Executive Committee for the 2010 election season.
Wilsonville will now join other area chambers that endorse candidates, such as Beaverton, Canby, Hillsboro, North Clackamas, Salem, Newberg, Vancouver, and Portland.
During July and August we will be hearing from candidates for seven races: State Senator, State Representative, Metro President, two Clackamas County Commissioner, and two Wilsonville City Councilor positions. These races were selected because they have the greatest impact on our member businesses.
A fair and open process has been established to evaluate every candidate who wishes to have the endorsement of the Chamber. First, a completed questionnaire must be received and reviewed in order for a candidate to be considered for endorsement. Completed questionnaires will be distributed to all voting members (Voting eligibility is determined by a Chamber member representative attending two meetings within the last six meetings and the current meeting) of the Government Affairs Committee in advance of review panels on July 14 and August 4 (held during a regularly scheduled meeting). All GAC members in good standing will participate in the review and discussion, and a private vote will be taken at the meeting. Candidates winning the majority of voting GAC members will be recommended to the board for endorsement.
This new step is an important way that the chamber can deliver greater value to our members. Many choose to be involved with the chamber because of its potential to represent their interests in the public policy arena. We know that successful business organizations have a strong advocacy component. Without a doubt, a chamber that can endorse candidates is able to become engaged in policy on behalf of its membership at a higher level.
Wendy Buck and Elizabeth Peters
This year, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce will begin endorsing political candidates. This process not only provides recommendations to members of candidates who are friendly to small and large businesses, but it also allows those candidates to use the power of our name in their campaigns. Having the Chamber’s endorsement means a candidate has been thoroughly reviewed, interviewed, and tested as the right choice for business in our community.
The chamber underwent an extensive process in making this decision. Throughout 2009, volunteer leadership sought ways to utilize advocacy as a means of fulfilling its mission – To create and promote economic vitality for business in the south metro region. During the 2010 planning process in January of this year, the board set as its third highest priority to “improve the political voice for business through candidate advocacy.” On March 10, the members overwhelmingly approved bylaws amendments that paved the way for the chamber to endorse candidates. The board of directors approved a detailed endorsement policy, and a plan was created and approved by the Executive Committee for the 2010 election season.
Wilsonville will now join other area chambers that endorse candidates, such as Beaverton, Canby, Hillsboro, North Clackamas, Salem, Newberg, Vancouver, and Portland.
During July and August we will be hearing from candidates for seven races: State Senator, State Representative, Metro President, two Clackamas County Commissioner, and two Wilsonville City Councilor positions. These races were selected because they have the greatest impact on our member businesses.
A fair and open process has been established to evaluate every candidate who wishes to have the endorsement of the Chamber. First, a completed questionnaire must be received and reviewed in order for a candidate to be considered for endorsement. Completed questionnaires will be distributed to all voting members (Voting eligibility is determined by a Chamber member representative attending two meetings within the last six meetings and the current meeting) of the Government Affairs Committee in advance of review panels on July 14 and August 4 (held during a regularly scheduled meeting). All GAC members in good standing will participate in the review and discussion, and a private vote will be taken at the meeting. Candidates winning the majority of voting GAC members will be recommended to the board for endorsement.
This new step is an important way that the chamber can deliver greater value to our members. Many choose to be involved with the chamber because of its potential to represent their interests in the public policy arena. We know that successful business organizations have a strong advocacy component. Without a doubt, a chamber that can endorse candidates is able to become engaged in policy on behalf of its membership at a higher level.
Exec. Corner
By:
Steve Gilmore
CEO
The Wilsonville Chamber just wrapped up a very successful Wilsonville Open Golf Scramble, presented by West Coast Bank. I would like to thank all of our sponsors for this event and to our sponsors throughout the year.
Through sponsorships and marketing opportunities, the Chamber aims to create and maintain win-win partnerships with our members. By helping businesses in the south metro region achieve their marketing objectives through sponsored events, publications and web pages, the Chamber helps fosters the growth of business. Every sponsorship dollar invested in the Chamber goes immediately back into our membership through additional no-cost networking events, educational forums, programming, and governmental affairs.
We are very fortunate to have a very generous and loyal membership that invests heavily into our organization. We could not be a successful organization without our partners and we appreciate all of you very much.
If you are interested in sponsoring or promoting your business with Chamber opportunities in the future please contact Brandi Hereford for more information at brandi@wilsonvillechamber.com or give her a call at (503) 682-0411.
As always if you have any thoughts or suggestions for the Chamber please feel free to contact me directly at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com or at (503) 682-0411. I love to receive your feedback, suggestions, and criticisms because it makes us better and helps us serve you better.
Steve Gilmore
CEO
The Wilsonville Chamber just wrapped up a very successful Wilsonville Open Golf Scramble, presented by West Coast Bank. I would like to thank all of our sponsors for this event and to our sponsors throughout the year.
Through sponsorships and marketing opportunities, the Chamber aims to create and maintain win-win partnerships with our members. By helping businesses in the south metro region achieve their marketing objectives through sponsored events, publications and web pages, the Chamber helps fosters the growth of business. Every sponsorship dollar invested in the Chamber goes immediately back into our membership through additional no-cost networking events, educational forums, programming, and governmental affairs.
We are very fortunate to have a very generous and loyal membership that invests heavily into our organization. We could not be a successful organization without our partners and we appreciate all of you very much.
If you are interested in sponsoring or promoting your business with Chamber opportunities in the future please contact Brandi Hereford for more information at brandi@wilsonvillechamber.com or give her a call at (503) 682-0411.
As always if you have any thoughts or suggestions for the Chamber please feel free to contact me directly at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com or at (503) 682-0411. I love to receive your feedback, suggestions, and criticisms because it makes us better and helps us serve you better.
ENGAGE YOUR EMPLOYEES IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP
By:
Brandi Hereford
Membership and Events Director
brandi@wilsonvillechamber.com
Do you wish that you could maximize your membership by having a visible presence at Chamber networking events, educational luncheons, or committees…but just don’t have the time? We have a solution for you – engage your employees in your membership!
If you hire someone to work for your business, wouldn’t you trust them to represent you inside and outside of your business? Having representation at the Chamber leads to referrals, cross-marketing, and countless opportunities to promote your brand. Think what the impact could be if you had a representative at every Chamber function! Hundreds of potential new clients!
Participation in the Chamber also is valuable for that employee as they are able to learn crucial networking skills, improve their public speaking, and become invested in the mission and purpose of your business. This involvement may lead an employee to seek a higher leadership role in the company or become your best salesperson.
Remember that your business is being referred everyday by each and everyone of your employees – so put them to work for you by encouraging them to attend Chamber networking events, educational seminars, and building a contact list.
Brandi Hereford
Membership and Events Director
brandi@wilsonvillechamber.com
Do you wish that you could maximize your membership by having a visible presence at Chamber networking events, educational luncheons, or committees…but just don’t have the time? We have a solution for you – engage your employees in your membership!
If you hire someone to work for your business, wouldn’t you trust them to represent you inside and outside of your business? Having representation at the Chamber leads to referrals, cross-marketing, and countless opportunities to promote your brand. Think what the impact could be if you had a representative at every Chamber function! Hundreds of potential new clients!
Participation in the Chamber also is valuable for that employee as they are able to learn crucial networking skills, improve their public speaking, and become invested in the mission and purpose of your business. This involvement may lead an employee to seek a higher leadership role in the company or become your best salesperson.
Remember that your business is being referred everyday by each and everyone of your employees – so put them to work for you by encouraging them to attend Chamber networking events, educational seminars, and building a contact list.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wilsonville Open
AN AFTERNOON OF GOLF….AND NETWORKING!!
Join us for the annual West Coast Bank Wilsonville Open Golf Scramble on Thursday, June 24th. The scramble is being held again at the gorgeous Langdon Farms Golf Course just south of the river. This popular event offers something for every skill level and a premier opportunity to network, market your business, have a great time and play a little golf on a course designed for any level of golfer.
Registration begins at noon and the driving range opens shortly thereafter. The shotgun start at 1:45 pm will send the golfers on their way. On-the-course contests include a putting contest, chipping challenge, a men’s and women’s KP (closest to the pin), men’s and women’s long drive, the money ball challenge, and a fun Poker Run.
Once again, a prize will be awarded for the most creative use of a sponsorship opportunity. Sponsors are encouraged to think outside the box and make the most of their tee or green sponsorship. “Tee and green sponsors can really get a lot of value from a very affordable sponsorship if they make it memorable,” noted Bruce Mack, Chair of the Scramble Committee. “There always seems to be one or two holes that stand out. Our goal is to make them all memorable!”
Foursomes are available for $500 and individuals for $125. Again this year, the registration fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, refreshments, team photo, hole-in one, driving range, long drive & KP contests and a post-scramble BBQ dinner.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Join us for the annual West Coast Bank Wilsonville Open Golf Scramble on Thursday, June 24th. The scramble is being held again at the gorgeous Langdon Farms Golf Course just south of the river. This popular event offers something for every skill level and a premier opportunity to network, market your business, have a great time and play a little golf on a course designed for any level of golfer.
Registration begins at noon and the driving range opens shortly thereafter. The shotgun start at 1:45 pm will send the golfers on their way. On-the-course contests include a putting contest, chipping challenge, a men’s and women’s KP (closest to the pin), men’s and women’s long drive, the money ball challenge, and a fun Poker Run.
Once again, a prize will be awarded for the most creative use of a sponsorship opportunity. Sponsors are encouraged to think outside the box and make the most of their tee or green sponsorship. “Tee and green sponsors can really get a lot of value from a very affordable sponsorship if they make it memorable,” noted Bruce Mack, Chair of the Scramble Committee. “There always seems to be one or two holes that stand out. Our goal is to make them all memorable!”
Foursomes are available for $500 and individuals for $125. Again this year, the registration fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, refreshments, team photo, hole-in one, driving range, long drive & KP contests and a post-scramble BBQ dinner.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
April Renewals
25+ YEARS
Wilsonville Spokesman
Since 1984
Michelle Te 503-682-3935
20+ YEARS
Animal Care Clinic
Since 1990
Brent Husband 503-682-1794
Boston's Pub & Grill
Since 1990
Hank Jarboe 503-682-0773
10+ YEARS
Elegant Catering
Since 1998
Dave Herber 1-800-507-7437
Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville
Since 1999
Brandy Hurley 503-454-5000
5+ YEARS
American Medical Response
Since 2003
Phil Moyer 503-659-8892
Dexter & Moffet
Since 2001
Catherine Dexter 503-582-9010
Glen's Professional Window Clng LLC
Since 2004
Glen Holzman 503-682-9444
Houston's Inc.
Since 2001
Bill Paolo 503-582-1121
Inner View
Since 2001
Karen McGeehan, MS, CN 503-682-3811
Maxine Lehl Interiors
Since 2001
Maxine Lehl 503-694-6221
Ornaments to Remember
Since 2002
Sarah Stanley 800-330-3382
St Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
Since 2001
The Rev. Dr. Anthony Petrotta 503-678-5422
US Crane & Hoist, Inc.
Since 2001
Tony Darcy 503-682-5881
1-4 YEARS
AKT Benefit Advisors LP
Since 2006
Mike Beyrouty 877-588-0002
Coherent
Since 2009
Linda Kooyman 503-454-5718
Impress Publications
Since 2008
Anne Smith 503-582-9201
Kinetics
Since 2008
Jennifer Peterson 503-454-7225
Kiwanis Club of Wilsonville
Since 2006
Donna Bane 503-694-1477
Massage Temps Northwest
Since 2009
Susan Petersen 503-682-1110
GOLD CLUB
Miraval at Villebois
Since 2008
Meagan Willis 503-682-2590
Wilsonville Spokesman
Since 1984
Michelle Te 503-682-3935
20+ YEARS
Animal Care Clinic
Since 1990
Brent Husband 503-682-1794
Boston's Pub & Grill
Since 1990
Hank Jarboe 503-682-0773
10+ YEARS
Elegant Catering
Since 1998
Dave Herber 1-800-507-7437
Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville
Since 1999
Brandy Hurley 503-454-5000
5+ YEARS
American Medical Response
Since 2003
Phil Moyer 503-659-8892
Dexter & Moffet
Since 2001
Catherine Dexter 503-582-9010
Glen's Professional Window Clng LLC
Since 2004
Glen Holzman 503-682-9444
Houston's Inc.
Since 2001
Bill Paolo 503-582-1121
Inner View
Since 2001
Karen McGeehan, MS, CN 503-682-3811
Maxine Lehl Interiors
Since 2001
Maxine Lehl 503-694-6221
Ornaments to Remember
Since 2002
Sarah Stanley 800-330-3382
St Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
Since 2001
The Rev. Dr. Anthony Petrotta 503-678-5422
US Crane & Hoist, Inc.
Since 2001
Tony Darcy 503-682-5881
1-4 YEARS
AKT Benefit Advisors LP
Since 2006
Mike Beyrouty 877-588-0002
Coherent
Since 2009
Linda Kooyman 503-454-5718
Impress Publications
Since 2008
Anne Smith 503-582-9201
Kinetics
Since 2008
Jennifer Peterson 503-454-7225
Kiwanis Club of Wilsonville
Since 2006
Donna Bane 503-694-1477
Massage Temps Northwest
Since 2009
Susan Petersen 503-682-1110
GOLD CLUB
Miraval at Villebois
Since 2008
Meagan Willis 503-682-2590
Exec Talk
By:
Steve Gilmore
CEO
June marks my second year as the CEO of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. It has been a wonderful ride and thank you all very much! We have accomplished much and your Chamber Board and staff pledge to continue to make the Wilsonville Area Chamber of Commerce the most vital business and advocacy association in the south metro region.
These successes are the result of many people who dedicate their time and energy to the Chamber, leaving a positive impact on the area in which we all live or work. With the economy being so difficult, the staff, Ambassadors, and leadership of the Chamber find ourselves out in the community even more, interfacing with businesses to try to help them through these rocky times. The Chamber will do everything possible to help our individual members, but the long-term solution to the challenges that our individual members have is to ensure that the business climate in Oregon, Wilsonville, and in the Metro region is more business friendly.
Businesses must be given every opportunity to succeed. Some businesses will flourish while others will fail, however government should never be the reason that a business fails and that is why we must continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the business community. Past actions by the Chamber in opposing Measure 66 & 67, our strong support of transportation projects, and our current support of PGE’s 20/20 Plan is proof that we are willing to step up and do what is right on behalf of business.
Your membership to the Wilsonville Chamber not only benefits your business because of the benefits that you receive such as networking and the annual directory, but because we have a unified voice we can strengthen and grow our local economy which will ultimately help all of us.
Steve Gilmore
CEO
June marks my second year as the CEO of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. It has been a wonderful ride and thank you all very much! We have accomplished much and your Chamber Board and staff pledge to continue to make the Wilsonville Area Chamber of Commerce the most vital business and advocacy association in the south metro region.
These successes are the result of many people who dedicate their time and energy to the Chamber, leaving a positive impact on the area in which we all live or work. With the economy being so difficult, the staff, Ambassadors, and leadership of the Chamber find ourselves out in the community even more, interfacing with businesses to try to help them through these rocky times. The Chamber will do everything possible to help our individual members, but the long-term solution to the challenges that our individual members have is to ensure that the business climate in Oregon, Wilsonville, and in the Metro region is more business friendly.
Businesses must be given every opportunity to succeed. Some businesses will flourish while others will fail, however government should never be the reason that a business fails and that is why we must continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the business community. Past actions by the Chamber in opposing Measure 66 & 67, our strong support of transportation projects, and our current support of PGE’s 20/20 Plan is proof that we are willing to step up and do what is right on behalf of business.
Your membership to the Wilsonville Chamber not only benefits your business because of the benefits that you receive such as networking and the annual directory, but because we have a unified voice we can strengthen and grow our local economy which will ultimately help all of us.
President's Column
By:
Ray Phelps
Chamber President
MUST ATTEND MEETING. Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp and Tualatin Mayor Lou Ogden will make a joint appearance at your Chamber luncheon on July 13, 2010. These two very good community leaders will be sharing insights on many issues impacting both Cities. This is a must meeting so make plans to attend. I guarantee your time will be well spent.
SUCCESS! Your Chamber, the city, and many of our member businesses wrote to TriMet in late April opposing the agency’s proposed reductions in Westside Express Service (WES) commuter-train transit services. TriMet responded that it will not only continue the same level of WES service, it will work with SMART to identify and implement improvements to our current services. Everyone of us should be proud of our individual and joint efforts to achieve this outcome. This is a tremendous success
BUSINESS ADVOCACY – Oppose Unnecessary higher costs for energy. The Chamber has weighed in on the matter of Portland General Electric’s (PGE) alternative plan for the Boardman Plant in its 2009 Integrated Resource Plan. There is a process now underway to close this plant in 2014. PGE has proposed an alternative approach calling for the closure of this plant in 2020. PGE’s proposal would save PGE customers about $600 million over the next decade, compared to the 2014 closure. Obviously, PGE’s proposal will enable PGE to keep electricity costs reasonable for our businesses.
Your Chamber sent a letter late last month to the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) in support of PGE’s 2020 plan, adding your voice to the voices of several other businesses and business organizations supporting the PGE 2020 proposal. Today (May 14), your Board of Directors approved the Chamber to file a Petition to Intervene before the OPUC in support of PGE’s 2020 Plan. The Board took this action to vigorously represent the interests of business and our membership since the economic wellbeing is the Chamber’s first priority.
Additionally, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce has taken a leadership position as being the only Clackamas County Chamber to take an official supportive position of the Boardman 2020 plan and the only Chamber in Clackamas County to file a Petition to Intervene with the OPUC.
University of Oregon’s Index of Economic Indicators. As I promised you in January, the University’s index rose 0.2% in March 88.9 (1997=100) from a revised February figure of 88.7. KeyBank sponsors this report. The bank’s Wilsonville office has been a Chamber member since 2003 and is a Gold Club member.
Tim Duy, Director of Oregon Economic Forum, reported the pace of improvement slowed in March compared to previous months. For example, the Index for October 2009 was 84.8%. Most March 2010 index components were little changed compared to February 2010, with the exception of solid gains in consumer sentiment and new orders for core capital goods.
Overall, the steady gains in the UO Index – especially the large gains compared to six months ago – signal sustained growth in Oregon. Still, labor market conditions remain challenging, as economic growth falls short of that necessary to generate solid gains in hiring intentions. Although hiring is expected to improve as ongoing recovery improves business confidence, the pace of growth looks consistent with only slow improvements in unemployment.
Ray Phelps
Chamber President
MUST ATTEND MEETING. Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp and Tualatin Mayor Lou Ogden will make a joint appearance at your Chamber luncheon on July 13, 2010. These two very good community leaders will be sharing insights on many issues impacting both Cities. This is a must meeting so make plans to attend. I guarantee your time will be well spent.
SUCCESS! Your Chamber, the city, and many of our member businesses wrote to TriMet in late April opposing the agency’s proposed reductions in Westside Express Service (WES) commuter-train transit services. TriMet responded that it will not only continue the same level of WES service, it will work with SMART to identify and implement improvements to our current services. Everyone of us should be proud of our individual and joint efforts to achieve this outcome. This is a tremendous success
BUSINESS ADVOCACY – Oppose Unnecessary higher costs for energy. The Chamber has weighed in on the matter of Portland General Electric’s (PGE) alternative plan for the Boardman Plant in its 2009 Integrated Resource Plan. There is a process now underway to close this plant in 2014. PGE has proposed an alternative approach calling for the closure of this plant in 2020. PGE’s proposal would save PGE customers about $600 million over the next decade, compared to the 2014 closure. Obviously, PGE’s proposal will enable PGE to keep electricity costs reasonable for our businesses.
Your Chamber sent a letter late last month to the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) in support of PGE’s 2020 plan, adding your voice to the voices of several other businesses and business organizations supporting the PGE 2020 proposal. Today (May 14), your Board of Directors approved the Chamber to file a Petition to Intervene before the OPUC in support of PGE’s 2020 Plan. The Board took this action to vigorously represent the interests of business and our membership since the economic wellbeing is the Chamber’s first priority.
Additionally, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce has taken a leadership position as being the only Clackamas County Chamber to take an official supportive position of the Boardman 2020 plan and the only Chamber in Clackamas County to file a Petition to Intervene with the OPUC.
University of Oregon’s Index of Economic Indicators. As I promised you in January, the University’s index rose 0.2% in March 88.9 (1997=100) from a revised February figure of 88.7. KeyBank sponsors this report. The bank’s Wilsonville office has been a Chamber member since 2003 and is a Gold Club member.
Tim Duy, Director of Oregon Economic Forum, reported the pace of improvement slowed in March compared to previous months. For example, the Index for October 2009 was 84.8%. Most March 2010 index components were little changed compared to February 2010, with the exception of solid gains in consumer sentiment and new orders for core capital goods.
Overall, the steady gains in the UO Index – especially the large gains compared to six months ago – signal sustained growth in Oregon. Still, labor market conditions remain challenging, as economic growth falls short of that necessary to generate solid gains in hiring intentions. Although hiring is expected to improve as ongoing recovery improves business confidence, the pace of growth looks consistent with only slow improvements in unemployment.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Exec. Talk
By: Steve Gilmore, CEO
The economic news right now is all over the place and it is not clear if we have reached the bottom of the recession in Oregon. The numbers from the University of Oregon and other economic indicators show some improvements and some very troubling downward trends.
In Wilsonville we have several good news stories on the economy like the addition to the Oregon Institute of Technology, and several of our employers are adding new jobs to our local economy including Coke and Rockwell Collins as two examples. These are great stories and we are lucky that these companies are investing in Wilsonville. Those investments will help every type of business in Wilsonville and will help spur the economic vitality of our community.
If you are ever feeling a little down about our economy or our future in general, inspiration is not hard to find. Just look at our small businesses and entrepreneurs and they will give you great inspiration and hope. These people are extraordinary individuals who create more than 60% of all net new jobs, develop most of our innovations and inventions, and are the unsung heroes in our community. These “people” are YOU and with your hard work and dedication you will ultimately help pull this economy out of recession. You are the unsung heroes of our community and we thank you for everything that you do.
We cannot lose sight of what allows you to pursue your dreams, better your lives, and hire our friends and neighbors. It is the free enterprise system, which is the greatest economic system ever devised. It is very important that we continue to defend and advance this system during these difficult economic times.
The Wilsonville Chamber is honored to represent you and to defend the free enterprise system. As always please feel free to call me at (503) 682-0411 or email me at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com with your questions or concerns, because we are in this together and the Chamber is here to help you.
The economic news right now is all over the place and it is not clear if we have reached the bottom of the recession in Oregon. The numbers from the University of Oregon and other economic indicators show some improvements and some very troubling downward trends.
In Wilsonville we have several good news stories on the economy like the addition to the Oregon Institute of Technology, and several of our employers are adding new jobs to our local economy including Coke and Rockwell Collins as two examples. These are great stories and we are lucky that these companies are investing in Wilsonville. Those investments will help every type of business in Wilsonville and will help spur the economic vitality of our community.
If you are ever feeling a little down about our economy or our future in general, inspiration is not hard to find. Just look at our small businesses and entrepreneurs and they will give you great inspiration and hope. These people are extraordinary individuals who create more than 60% of all net new jobs, develop most of our innovations and inventions, and are the unsung heroes in our community. These “people” are YOU and with your hard work and dedication you will ultimately help pull this economy out of recession. You are the unsung heroes of our community and we thank you for everything that you do.
We cannot lose sight of what allows you to pursue your dreams, better your lives, and hire our friends and neighbors. It is the free enterprise system, which is the greatest economic system ever devised. It is very important that we continue to defend and advance this system during these difficult economic times.
The Wilsonville Chamber is honored to represent you and to defend the free enterprise system. As always please feel free to call me at (503) 682-0411 or email me at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com with your questions or concerns, because we are in this together and the Chamber is here to help you.
Chamber Partners with Constant Contact® to Help You Grow Your Business with Email Marketing
Use the leading email marketing service to connect with your customers-and take advantage of a special member benefit
Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Constant Contact®, the leading email marketing service for small businesses, to bring you a great way to stay in touch with your most important audience: your customers. With Constant Contact, email marketing is easy, affordable, and effective.
In just minutes, you can:
• Send great-looking email newsletters, promotions and announcements
• Build and manage your email addresses
• Communicate consistently with your customers and prospects
Track which customers are opening your emails and what links they are clicking on.
And because you are a member of the Wilsonville Chamber, you qualify for a special discount. If you prepay for six months, you receive a 20% discount. Prepay for a year and save 25%! There's no better time to try email marketing.
If you haven't opened an account yet, you can start with a 60-day free trial. What have you got to lose?
If you already have a Constant Contact account and would like your discount, please send an email to businesspartner@constantcontact.com with your user name telling them you are a member of the Wilsonville Chamber.
Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Constant Contact®, the leading email marketing service for small businesses, to bring you a great way to stay in touch with your most important audience: your customers. With Constant Contact, email marketing is easy, affordable, and effective.
In just minutes, you can:
• Send great-looking email newsletters, promotions and announcements
• Build and manage your email addresses
• Communicate consistently with your customers and prospects
Track which customers are opening your emails and what links they are clicking on.
And because you are a member of the Wilsonville Chamber, you qualify for a special discount. If you prepay for six months, you receive a 20% discount. Prepay for a year and save 25%! There's no better time to try email marketing.
If you haven't opened an account yet, you can start with a 60-day free trial. What have you got to lose?
If you already have a Constant Contact account and would like your discount, please send an email to businesspartner@constantcontact.com with your user name telling them you are a member of the Wilsonville Chamber.
Points from the President
By: Ray Phelps, President
GREAT NEWS! I am sure by now all of you know Oregon Institute of Technology is planning to move to our community. Dr. Chris Maples, President, informed us he plans to consolidate OIT’s four Portland locations in the vacant InFocus building. Dr. Maples reported the school could start classes in 2012.
This move is especially significant for our member high tech businesses since the school offers several engineering programs critically important to these businesses. Council President Alan Kirk planted the seed for this move early this year and Mayor Tim Knapp helped close the deal. Good work gentlemen!
Your Chamber has been active in welcoming Dr. Maples to our community. Several of the Chamber’s board members hosted a luncheon for Dr. Maples to discuss OIT’s future plans with us, Mayor Tim Knapp and City Councilor Steve Hurst. We also introduced Dr. Maples to your Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee where he spoke briefly of his consolidation plan and of an immediate need for our help.
Dr. Maples shared with us information regarding a ballot measure that will be on the 2010 ballot at the May Primary Election. This measure, No. 69, amends the Oregon Constitution to allow lowest cost general obligation bonds to be used for expansion into existing buildings. Current Constitutional language does not specifically authorize the state to use low cost general obligation bonds to purchase existing buildings, which can be less expensive than new construction. If this measure is not approved, the Oregon University System will be forced to continue to use more costly forms of financing to pay for its capital needs. Your Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution supporting passage of this ballot measure.
Your Government Affairs Committee heard from Cynthia Thompson, Wilsonville Transit Director, and two representatives of TriMet regarding the proposed reductions in Westside Express Service (WES) commuter-train transit services. The Committee recommended to your Board of Directors the Chamber sends a letter to TriMet stating opposition to the proposed transit service reductions. The Board of Directors unanimously agreed with the Committee’s recommendation. You will have received before you read this comment a copy of the Chamber’s letter to TriMet stating the several reasons your Chamber opposes any transit service reductions.
Your Chamber wrote this month to the Oregon Department of Transportation in support of the City of Wilsonville’s Transportation and Growth Management Grant Application for $175,000 to update the city’s Transportation Systems Management Plan. This Plan is the master blue-print for all municipal road operations, transportation planning and transit programs. Obtaining this grant reduces the city’s need to look at property-tax revenues or other business charges to help fund transportation planning.
THANK YOU DAVE ANDERSON! Coca-Cola Bottling of Oregon, Chamber member since 1990, is consolidating three of its distribution centers into its operation in Wilsonville. This will add 150 employees to the company’s current Wilsonville work force when expansion is completed.
GOOD JOB CITY!! Mayor Tim Knapp reported this month at GAC that Coke’s investment was due in part to the city’s capital investment in the new Willamette River water treatment plant and the city joining with the company to obtain from Oregon Economic Development Department a $500,000 Immediate Opportunity Grant for increased capacity at I-5/Wilsonville Road interchange.
As I promised you in January, The University of Oregon’s Index of Economic Indicators rose 0.3% in February to 88.7 (1997=100) from a revised December figure of 88.4. KeyBank sponsors this report. The bank’s Wilsonville office has been a Chamber member since 2003 and holds a Gold Club membership.
Tim Duy, Director of Oregon Economic Forum, reported the pace of improvement moderated compared to gains reported for the previous five months. Still, the recovery remains intact, with six months annualized increase rising to 11.7 percent. It would be premature to conclude that the slower increase in the UO Index indicates the strength of the recovery is waning. The recovery increasingly looks sustainable, although the pace of growth in the absence of inventory correction and government stimulus may be insufficient to drive rapid improvement in the labor market.
GREAT NEWS! I am sure by now all of you know Oregon Institute of Technology is planning to move to our community. Dr. Chris Maples, President, informed us he plans to consolidate OIT’s four Portland locations in the vacant InFocus building. Dr. Maples reported the school could start classes in 2012.
This move is especially significant for our member high tech businesses since the school offers several engineering programs critically important to these businesses. Council President Alan Kirk planted the seed for this move early this year and Mayor Tim Knapp helped close the deal. Good work gentlemen!
Your Chamber has been active in welcoming Dr. Maples to our community. Several of the Chamber’s board members hosted a luncheon for Dr. Maples to discuss OIT’s future plans with us, Mayor Tim Knapp and City Councilor Steve Hurst. We also introduced Dr. Maples to your Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee where he spoke briefly of his consolidation plan and of an immediate need for our help.
Dr. Maples shared with us information regarding a ballot measure that will be on the 2010 ballot at the May Primary Election. This measure, No. 69, amends the Oregon Constitution to allow lowest cost general obligation bonds to be used for expansion into existing buildings. Current Constitutional language does not specifically authorize the state to use low cost general obligation bonds to purchase existing buildings, which can be less expensive than new construction. If this measure is not approved, the Oregon University System will be forced to continue to use more costly forms of financing to pay for its capital needs. Your Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution supporting passage of this ballot measure.
Your Government Affairs Committee heard from Cynthia Thompson, Wilsonville Transit Director, and two representatives of TriMet regarding the proposed reductions in Westside Express Service (WES) commuter-train transit services. The Committee recommended to your Board of Directors the Chamber sends a letter to TriMet stating opposition to the proposed transit service reductions. The Board of Directors unanimously agreed with the Committee’s recommendation. You will have received before you read this comment a copy of the Chamber’s letter to TriMet stating the several reasons your Chamber opposes any transit service reductions.
Your Chamber wrote this month to the Oregon Department of Transportation in support of the City of Wilsonville’s Transportation and Growth Management Grant Application for $175,000 to update the city’s Transportation Systems Management Plan. This Plan is the master blue-print for all municipal road operations, transportation planning and transit programs. Obtaining this grant reduces the city’s need to look at property-tax revenues or other business charges to help fund transportation planning.
THANK YOU DAVE ANDERSON! Coca-Cola Bottling of Oregon, Chamber member since 1990, is consolidating three of its distribution centers into its operation in Wilsonville. This will add 150 employees to the company’s current Wilsonville work force when expansion is completed.
GOOD JOB CITY!! Mayor Tim Knapp reported this month at GAC that Coke’s investment was due in part to the city’s capital investment in the new Willamette River water treatment plant and the city joining with the company to obtain from Oregon Economic Development Department a $500,000 Immediate Opportunity Grant for increased capacity at I-5/Wilsonville Road interchange.
As I promised you in January, The University of Oregon’s Index of Economic Indicators rose 0.3% in February to 88.7 (1997=100) from a revised December figure of 88.4. KeyBank sponsors this report. The bank’s Wilsonville office has been a Chamber member since 2003 and holds a Gold Club membership.
Tim Duy, Director of Oregon Economic Forum, reported the pace of improvement moderated compared to gains reported for the previous five months. Still, the recovery remains intact, with six months annualized increase rising to 11.7 percent. It would be premature to conclude that the slower increase in the UO Index indicates the strength of the recovery is waning. The recovery increasingly looks sustainable, although the pace of growth in the absence of inventory correction and government stimulus may be insufficient to drive rapid improvement in the labor market.
Wilsonville Seeks to Solidify “Workforce Development” Infrastructure with Arrival of Oregon Institute of Technology
By Tim Knapp, City of Wilsonville Mayor
You may have heard the exciting news that the state’s premier university of engineering and technology training seeks to relocate to Wilsonville. The Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) plans to consolidate four Portland metro-area campus locations to the vacant, 140,000-square-foot InFocus building.
Over the years, the most-often repeated issue of concern that I have heard consistently from our city’s major employers revolves around workforce development — that leading businesses compete successfully in a global economy by recruiting and retaining the most innovative, well-educated employees. In particular, Wilsonville high-tech firms like Coherent, FLIR, Mentor Graphics, Precision Interconnect, Rockwell Collins and Xerox that are the employers of tomorrow need top-quality workers who are skilled in hard sciences and various fields of engineering.
As a center of higher education focused on science and engineering, OIT promises to provide area employers with opportunities for internships, advanced studies for current employees, a fertile ground of prospective new hires and potential new business spin-offs and other public-private collaborations.
Just as Wilsonville has made a significant public investment in basic infrastructure—high-quality roads, transit services, water and sewer—we can now leverage our close relationship with educational partners like the West Linn-Wilsonville school district and Clackamas Community College to work with OIT and cement the community’s reputation as a great place to live, work, play and learn. Strengthening our educational infrastructure complements the work the city has done with basic infrastructure and provides a solid foundation from which businesses may thrive and prosper in a competitive world economy.
The OIT proposal to relocate to Wilsonville is an exciting development, and city officials are working to enable it to succeed. OIT can make a strong contribution to the future of Wilsonville.
Coming to Wilsonville: Elements of OIT’s Decision
Oregon Institute of Technology’s decision to consolidate all four Portland area campuses to one Wilsonville site, the vacant InFocus building, was based on several factors:
• South side of Portland metro area: OIT has been looking for an appropriate site on the south side of the Portland metro area with good access to major highways and more central location to serve students on both east and west sides of Portland.
• Access to high-quality transit services: OIT was attracted to Wilsonville’s South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) services, which provide direct linkages with Tri-Met and WES to Portland and with CATS to Canby and Cherriots to Salem.
• Available facility at reasonable price: Purchase of the existing InFocus building, which could house all of OIT’s Portland programs and provide room to grow, would cost $20 million less than building a new facility from scratch.
• Warm Wilsonville welcome: Elected officials and business leaders reached out to OIT, initially for interest in helping to develop an optics/laser-optics technical training program and subsequently to opening a campus location.
Dr. Chris Maples, OIT President, reports that if the move to Wilsonville is successful, OIT anticipates opening in Fall 2012 for the first class of 600 students. Eventually OIT could enroll 1,000 students at the Wilsonville campus, which might include on-site housing.
In the Portland area, most students attend courses in the evening, and many students take six to seven years to obtain a degree. OIT graduates have a 90% placement rate with an average starting salary of $52,000.
Oregon Higher Education Funds, Ballot Measure 69, will appear on the May 18, 2010, election as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment. The measure clarifies that a public university may purchase an existing facility, rather than construct solely new buildings, with bond funds.
You may have heard the exciting news that the state’s premier university of engineering and technology training seeks to relocate to Wilsonville. The Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) plans to consolidate four Portland metro-area campus locations to the vacant, 140,000-square-foot InFocus building.
Over the years, the most-often repeated issue of concern that I have heard consistently from our city’s major employers revolves around workforce development — that leading businesses compete successfully in a global economy by recruiting and retaining the most innovative, well-educated employees. In particular, Wilsonville high-tech firms like Coherent, FLIR, Mentor Graphics, Precision Interconnect, Rockwell Collins and Xerox that are the employers of tomorrow need top-quality workers who are skilled in hard sciences and various fields of engineering.
As a center of higher education focused on science and engineering, OIT promises to provide area employers with opportunities for internships, advanced studies for current employees, a fertile ground of prospective new hires and potential new business spin-offs and other public-private collaborations.
Just as Wilsonville has made a significant public investment in basic infrastructure—high-quality roads, transit services, water and sewer—we can now leverage our close relationship with educational partners like the West Linn-Wilsonville school district and Clackamas Community College to work with OIT and cement the community’s reputation as a great place to live, work, play and learn. Strengthening our educational infrastructure complements the work the city has done with basic infrastructure and provides a solid foundation from which businesses may thrive and prosper in a competitive world economy.
The OIT proposal to relocate to Wilsonville is an exciting development, and city officials are working to enable it to succeed. OIT can make a strong contribution to the future of Wilsonville.
Coming to Wilsonville: Elements of OIT’s Decision
Oregon Institute of Technology’s decision to consolidate all four Portland area campuses to one Wilsonville site, the vacant InFocus building, was based on several factors:
• South side of Portland metro area: OIT has been looking for an appropriate site on the south side of the Portland metro area with good access to major highways and more central location to serve students on both east and west sides of Portland.
• Access to high-quality transit services: OIT was attracted to Wilsonville’s South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) services, which provide direct linkages with Tri-Met and WES to Portland and with CATS to Canby and Cherriots to Salem.
• Available facility at reasonable price: Purchase of the existing InFocus building, which could house all of OIT’s Portland programs and provide room to grow, would cost $20 million less than building a new facility from scratch.
• Warm Wilsonville welcome: Elected officials and business leaders reached out to OIT, initially for interest in helping to develop an optics/laser-optics technical training program and subsequently to opening a campus location.
Dr. Chris Maples, OIT President, reports that if the move to Wilsonville is successful, OIT anticipates opening in Fall 2012 for the first class of 600 students. Eventually OIT could enroll 1,000 students at the Wilsonville campus, which might include on-site housing.
In the Portland area, most students attend courses in the evening, and many students take six to seven years to obtain a degree. OIT graduates have a 90% placement rate with an average starting salary of $52,000.
Oregon Higher Education Funds, Ballot Measure 69, will appear on the May 18, 2010, election as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment. The measure clarifies that a public university may purchase an existing facility, rather than construct solely new buildings, with bond funds.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Points from the President
By:
Ray Phelps
Chamber members approved the recommendation of your Board of Directors to update and amend the bylaws. Doris Wehler, ex-officio board member, led this effort. Eighty-five percent of chamber members voting approved the changes in the bylaws. Thank you Doris for your great work!
The City Council adopted earlier this month changes to the city’s sign code. These changes were needed to respond to recent court decisions striking down signage requirements of many local governments due to the content of the signs. The city’s new signage requirements are now content neutral. The significance of the Council’s action enables the city to continue regulating the use of signs in our city in much the same way as in the past, which enables our businesses to continue using responsible signage to attract business.
Your Chamber weighed-in on one amendment considered by the Council. Initially, some folks wanted to repeal the provision in the current sign code authorizing the use of A-Frames for advertisement. The Chamber felt, and so informed the Council, that repeal of this provision would be detrimental to the financial interests of many businesses relying on this form of advertisement. The City Council heard the Chamber, and others, and did not repeal the use of A-Frames for advertising. Chamber member Mark Pruitt, Professional Sign & Graphics Co., was very helpful in this Chamber success.
The Chamber’s Transportation and Transit Committee, led by board member and committee Chair Keith Gibson, is examining the impacts of reduced WES service in the city. In addition, your Government Affairs Committee (GAC), led by board members and committee co-chairs Wendy Buck and Elizabeth Peters, will hear from representatives of SMART/WES on April 7th regarding the impact of reduced service for WES. GAC members will be asked to make a recommendation to your Directors on the direction the Chamber should take to let TriMet know how the business community feels about WES and the service it provides. More later.
The City and the West Linn-Wilsonville School District will be soon swapping land for construction of a new school. This is a very creative approach taken by these two organizations to help minimize costs in providing school buildings for the ever increasing population of students in our school district. The primary reason this exchange of land is being made is the slow development of Villebois Village.
The City is on the “move!” As most of us know from first-hand experience, there are a number of major road projects underway in our city, with more to come. This economic vitality is very beneficial to the many businesses operating in our city. Your Transportation and Transit Committee, with an assist from ex-officio board member and City Councilor Steve Hurst, continues to monitor these projects and will report to you from time to time on the progress of these projects.
As I promised last month to report, the University of Oregon’s Index of Economic Indicators rose 1.7% in January to 88.5 (1997=100) from a revised December figure of 87.0. Tim Duy, Director of Oregon Economic Forum, reported this is the third consecutive month of gains in excess of 1 percent. Data reflects an annual revision of state employment data, which enters the UO index by way of employment services payrolls.
Mr. Duy points out that while the UO index is consistent with solid economic growth, this growth has yet to translate into significant overall job gains. The initially reported December nonfarm payrolls gain was revised to a loss, while January 2010 saw a rise of just 1,100 jobs.
Like the US economy, the Oregon economy is bouncing off the recession lows of last summer. The labor market response to improving conditions, however, has been tepid at best. While overall job losses have largely ended, concerns about the sustainability of growth appears to be leaving firms cautious about hiring; rising activity at temporary employment firms is a hopeful sign this caution is easing.
Ray Phelps
Chamber members approved the recommendation of your Board of Directors to update and amend the bylaws. Doris Wehler, ex-officio board member, led this effort. Eighty-five percent of chamber members voting approved the changes in the bylaws. Thank you Doris for your great work!
The City Council adopted earlier this month changes to the city’s sign code. These changes were needed to respond to recent court decisions striking down signage requirements of many local governments due to the content of the signs. The city’s new signage requirements are now content neutral. The significance of the Council’s action enables the city to continue regulating the use of signs in our city in much the same way as in the past, which enables our businesses to continue using responsible signage to attract business.
Your Chamber weighed-in on one amendment considered by the Council. Initially, some folks wanted to repeal the provision in the current sign code authorizing the use of A-Frames for advertisement. The Chamber felt, and so informed the Council, that repeal of this provision would be detrimental to the financial interests of many businesses relying on this form of advertisement. The City Council heard the Chamber, and others, and did not repeal the use of A-Frames for advertising. Chamber member Mark Pruitt, Professional Sign & Graphics Co., was very helpful in this Chamber success.
The Chamber’s Transportation and Transit Committee, led by board member and committee Chair Keith Gibson, is examining the impacts of reduced WES service in the city. In addition, your Government Affairs Committee (GAC), led by board members and committee co-chairs Wendy Buck and Elizabeth Peters, will hear from representatives of SMART/WES on April 7th regarding the impact of reduced service for WES. GAC members will be asked to make a recommendation to your Directors on the direction the Chamber should take to let TriMet know how the business community feels about WES and the service it provides. More later.
The City and the West Linn-Wilsonville School District will be soon swapping land for construction of a new school. This is a very creative approach taken by these two organizations to help minimize costs in providing school buildings for the ever increasing population of students in our school district. The primary reason this exchange of land is being made is the slow development of Villebois Village.
The City is on the “move!” As most of us know from first-hand experience, there are a number of major road projects underway in our city, with more to come. This economic vitality is very beneficial to the many businesses operating in our city. Your Transportation and Transit Committee, with an assist from ex-officio board member and City Councilor Steve Hurst, continues to monitor these projects and will report to you from time to time on the progress of these projects.
As I promised last month to report, the University of Oregon’s Index of Economic Indicators rose 1.7% in January to 88.5 (1997=100) from a revised December figure of 87.0. Tim Duy, Director of Oregon Economic Forum, reported this is the third consecutive month of gains in excess of 1 percent. Data reflects an annual revision of state employment data, which enters the UO index by way of employment services payrolls.
Mr. Duy points out that while the UO index is consistent with solid economic growth, this growth has yet to translate into significant overall job gains. The initially reported December nonfarm payrolls gain was revised to a loss, while January 2010 saw a rise of just 1,100 jobs.
Like the US economy, the Oregon economy is bouncing off the recession lows of last summer. The labor market response to improving conditions, however, has been tepid at best. While overall job losses have largely ended, concerns about the sustainability of growth appears to be leaving firms cautious about hiring; rising activity at temporary employment firms is a hopeful sign this caution is easing.
Exec. Talk
By:
Steve Gilmore
The first quarter of the year is behind us and we are pleased that our membership is growing, members are attending events in large numbers, and we are working aggressively on public policy issues to ensure that the south metro region and Wilsonville is a vibrant place to do business.
The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee hosted the three candidates for Metro Council President, and our members asked challenging insightful questions. One of these three candidates will shape the Metro area for years to come, so this race is extremely important. We hope to provide future opportunities in the future to hear more from these candidates.
Last month I mentioned that the Chamber has over 80 networking events, and since January we have done several firsts on the networking front. Nearly forty Chamber members attended our first ever Speed Networking event at the Conference Center at Stafford Woods and those attendees have encouraged us to hold these events at least quarterly. Everyone walked away from that event with over a dozen new contacts, and I know that several of those contacts have led to business relationships. The Chamber has also instituted a monthly evening event called “The Last Call” Business After Hours and the number of attendees is growing each month. The Small Business University program is a great member-to-member education opportunity, the feedback that we have been receiving has been extremely positive and the numbers of attendees are growing. I would encourage you to take advantage of our networking events as you pay for them with your membership dues.
It is exciting and gratifying all at the same time that our Chamber is flourishing in this down economy. I give all the credit to YOU our members! You have shaped the organization through your investment, voice and involvement. Thanks for all that you do and please let us know how we can continue to help you.
Steve Gilmore
The first quarter of the year is behind us and we are pleased that our membership is growing, members are attending events in large numbers, and we are working aggressively on public policy issues to ensure that the south metro region and Wilsonville is a vibrant place to do business.
The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee hosted the three candidates for Metro Council President, and our members asked challenging insightful questions. One of these three candidates will shape the Metro area for years to come, so this race is extremely important. We hope to provide future opportunities in the future to hear more from these candidates.
Last month I mentioned that the Chamber has over 80 networking events, and since January we have done several firsts on the networking front. Nearly forty Chamber members attended our first ever Speed Networking event at the Conference Center at Stafford Woods and those attendees have encouraged us to hold these events at least quarterly. Everyone walked away from that event with over a dozen new contacts, and I know that several of those contacts have led to business relationships. The Chamber has also instituted a monthly evening event called “The Last Call” Business After Hours and the number of attendees is growing each month. The Small Business University program is a great member-to-member education opportunity, the feedback that we have been receiving has been extremely positive and the numbers of attendees are growing. I would encourage you to take advantage of our networking events as you pay for them with your membership dues.
It is exciting and gratifying all at the same time that our Chamber is flourishing in this down economy. I give all the credit to YOU our members! You have shaped the organization through your investment, voice and involvement. Thanks for all that you do and please let us know how we can continue to help you.
Government Affairs Committee
Three candidates for Metro President addressed a packed room of business leaders and local elected officials at the last Wilsonville Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting. The committee hosted a unique forum to hear the candidate viewpoints, and to give members insight to how each would provide leadership for the regional government entity.
Rex Burkholder is a sitting Metro Councilor and has been for nine years. As a candidate, he feels that he brings Metro experience, record of leadership and a record of vision for the area. Before coming to Metro he had private sector experience. At Metro he has been working on transportation choices/investments that focus on outcomes. He supports investments in carbon-reducing light rail, bike and bus rapid transit options. He has championed efforts to protect green regions.
Tom Hughes has 30 years experience in local government, including 15 years on the Hillsboro Planning Commission and eight years as Hillsboro’s mayor. He said that during this time he learned to create an environment within which jobs could be created, stressing the important relationship between business and government. He believes that Metro should be more business-friendly and should help move the region toward full employment.
Bob Stacey has 35 years experience in four levels of government, including City of Portland, Tri-met, State of Oregon (working for Governor Roberts), and serving Congressman Blumenauer in Washington D.C. He was Executive Director and staff attorney for 1000 Friends of Oregon, a prominent land use and conservation group, and was also in private law practice. Stacey noted his hands-on experience with growth management and land use.
Each candidate responded to questions provided in advance by Chamber members. The session is detailed in the minutes, which will be distributed at our April meeting and are available to all members on request.
On April 7 at 12:00 noon the committee will hear from Cynthia Thompson of WES. She will provide a background and update on recent discussions regarding WES service reductions to Wilsonville.
Please read the Spokesman Article and see the video about the Forum here.
Rex Burkholder is a sitting Metro Councilor and has been for nine years. As a candidate, he feels that he brings Metro experience, record of leadership and a record of vision for the area. Before coming to Metro he had private sector experience. At Metro he has been working on transportation choices/investments that focus on outcomes. He supports investments in carbon-reducing light rail, bike and bus rapid transit options. He has championed efforts to protect green regions.
Tom Hughes has 30 years experience in local government, including 15 years on the Hillsboro Planning Commission and eight years as Hillsboro’s mayor. He said that during this time he learned to create an environment within which jobs could be created, stressing the important relationship between business and government. He believes that Metro should be more business-friendly and should help move the region toward full employment.
Bob Stacey has 35 years experience in four levels of government, including City of Portland, Tri-met, State of Oregon (working for Governor Roberts), and serving Congressman Blumenauer in Washington D.C. He was Executive Director and staff attorney for 1000 Friends of Oregon, a prominent land use and conservation group, and was also in private law practice. Stacey noted his hands-on experience with growth management and land use.
Each candidate responded to questions provided in advance by Chamber members. The session is detailed in the minutes, which will be distributed at our April meeting and are available to all members on request.
On April 7 at 12:00 noon the committee will hear from Cynthia Thompson of WES. She will provide a background and update on recent discussions regarding WES service reductions to Wilsonville.
Please read the Spokesman Article and see the video about the Forum here.
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