April
2009 Newsletter
Top
Stories
1. From the Chair: Why you need to be at our
Annual Meeting
2. Monthly poll question - Tell us what you
think
3. SAFE
Initiative up for renewal, send support to Portland City Council
4. Alliance
heads to China - Follow the trip on new blog!
Public
Policy
5.
Alliance working with other business associations
on tax proposals
6. Alliance
opposes tourism-related tax increase, spending of lodging
tax
Member
Services
7.
Leadership Portland deadline extended to
April 17
8.
Sign up now for 2009 Chairman's Cup
9.
Scott Clemo joins Alliance staff as new Business
Development Manager
10.
Post your member-to-member discount today
Downtown
11. Only a few days left to enjoy Delectable
Dining Deals
12. Development Committee working on central
city strategy
Member
News
13.
Billabong's first Northwest store opening
downtown Portland
14.
Another reason to travel the Oregon Coast
15. Quinn Thomas Public Affairs
16. USPS
helps businesses save money on postage
Member
Events
17. Tax Help for Small Businesses - April
11
18. Leading National Marketing Expert
Coming to Portland - April 28
19. OAME 21st Annual Conference and Trade
Show - May 7
20. Small Business Legal Center Launch 4-Part
Tax Series
21. Achieve Green Northwest - June 1
22. Upcoming
meetings
FROM
THE CHAIR
1. Why
you need to be at our Annual Meeting
 By
Steve Holwerda, Chair,
Alliance Board of Directors
This month
the Alliance celebrates its membership and its leadership
on business issues at our Annual Meeting on April 22. While
the theme "Showcasing Sustainability in Business" may appear
to be all about green business practices, we are also going
to be talking about the other green - money. How can being
sustainable help you sustain your business?
One business
that has used energy efficiency, packaging improvements and
other innovations to make their company more sustainable in
many different ways is Wal-Mart. Their Executive Vice President
of Corporate Affairs, Leslie Dach, will share their sustainability
story with us. Leslie has a unique background as a political
strategist for Democratic candidates and an advocate for environmental
organizations.
Some people
may be surprised that a superstore like Wal-Mart is a leader
in sustainability. Being a successful business and a leader
in sustainability are not mutually exclusive as many companies
in Portland have shown in recent years. I hope that you will
come and hear their story.
Our annual
meeting is also a celebration of you and your company. Roughly,
1,000 business owners and professionals along with our region's
civic leaders will be in the room. It is an opportunity to
see old friends and make some new ones. So come down to the
Oregon Convention Center and help us celebrate "Sustainability
in Business."
You
can register here >>
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The
Alliance recently hosted a sold-out event on social
media. How often do you use social media (Facebook,
Twitter, etc.) for business purposes?
Take
the poll >>
Last
month, the Alliance asked: In light of the economy,
how important is sustainability to your business?
Alliance members said:
-
About the same: 33 percent
- Less
of a priority for my company: 16 percent
- More
important than ever: 50 percent
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3.
SAFE Initiative up for renewal, send your support to
Portland City Council
Last
week, an opinion piece ran in the Portland Tribune
about the critical role the Street Access for Everyone
(SAFE) initiative plays in the vitality of downtown
and in providing services for homeless individuals.
A key part of the SAFE initiative, the Sidewalk Obstruction
ordinance, is scheduled to sunset next month and funding
for the day shelters is currently up for renewal as
well.
The
Portland City Council needs to know how important SAFE
is to downtown property owners, retailers, employers
and other people who work, live in and enjoy downtown
Portland. Therefore, Alliance is asking that supporters
of the SAFE initiative to contact Portland City Council
in the next few days and ask them to renew the SAFE
initiative. You can read
the story in the Tribune and learn more about
the services SAFE provides. A list of council members
contact information can be found on the Alliance
Web site.
4.
Alliance heads to China - Follow the trip on new blog!
This
month, 29 Alliance members are making the long flight over
to China to learn more about this important trade partner,
build stronger relationships with Chinese business leaders
and hear from U.S. companies doing business in China.
The
packed full itinerary includes meetings with Century 3,
King & Wood, SPS Technologies, Nike, Intel, Zimmer Gunsul
Fraca, Greenwood Resources and PCC Structurals and a tour
of the Yang Shan Deep Water Port. For pictures, check out
the photos
from China on Flickr.
You
can get daily updates from Board Chair Steve Holwerda and
Alliance President & CEO Sandra McDonough at the China
trip blog.
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PUBLIC
POLICY
5.
Alliance working with other business associations on tax
proposals
As
the Oregon legislature continues its 2009 session, the Portland
Business Alliance continues to be at the table on a series
of business tax discussions. The Alliance government relations
committee, headed by Intel's Jill Eiland, is working in
coordination with other state business groups such as Associated
Oregon Industries, the Oregon Business Association and the
Oregon Business Council on a number of tax proposals that
are being discussed.
"Our
goal is to continue to be at the table so we can negotiate
the best possible position for employers," said Jill Eiland.
"This session continues to be one of the most challenging
in recent memory as legislators are looking to raise funds
and cut costs. It is critical that the state's business
leaders continue to work together and with the legislature."
The
Alliance will continue talking with legislators and working
with other business groups in the state in the coming months.
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6.
Alliance opposes tourism-related tax increase, spending
of lodging tax
The
Alliance recently expressed its opposition to an increase
in the state tax on rental cars and a change in how funds
from the lodging tax can be spent. The proposed car rental
excise tax would cost the consumer nearly double the average
national car rental tax per day and would position Multnomah
County as having the highest car rental tax in the nation.
The
legislature is also looking to change a longstanding agreement
by which significant portions of lodging taxes go to promote
tourism activities to support the businesses bearing the
burden of the tax. Changing what these funds can be used
for to include traditional general fund expenditures presents
a significant challenge to an industry that has worked
closely and cooperatively with local jurisdictions to
find appropriate and supportable levels and uses for lodging
excise taxes.
"We
felt that the excise tax increase would impose a significant
financial burden on tourism-related businesses throughout
Oregon and particularly in Multnomah County," said Steve
Holwerda, Chair of the Portland Business Alliance. "The
tourism industry should not be asked to shoulder a disproportionate
share of the burden for general services."
Tourism
is a critical driver of the state economy, and the recession
has already had a severe impact on the industry. Nationwide
travel has declined, resulting in less demand for tourism-related
activities, including car rental.
MEMBER
SERVICES
7.
Leadership Portland deadline extended to April 17
It
is not too late to submit your application for Leadership
Portland. The application deadline was extended to Friday,
April 17.
The
Alliance created Leadership Portland in 2003 to provide
leaders interested with an understanding of the challenges
the community and region face and how to work successfully
for positive change. During the nine-month program, participants
engage in interactive exercises and stimulating curriculum
to strengthen their leadership skills.
The
eighth year of Leadership Portland begins in September 2009
and concludes in June 2010, with class members meeting for
program days once a month. An
online application form is now available >>
8.
Sign up now for 2009 Chairman's Cup
The
Chair's Cup is a unique golfing experience providing a quality
venue for the region's top Chief Executive Officers and business
leaders. The playing field is limited to 72 to create an atmosphere
of intimacy and exclusivity. The event begins with a dinner
for players and guests followed the next day by golf, luncheon,
and awards reception. Presenting sponsor is The ODS Companies;
other sponsors are Comcast, KeyBank, Pacific Power, Qwest,
U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.
Details:
The cost is $1,200 per person. Dinner is Sunday, May 17, 2009,
5:45 - 8:45 pm. Golf is Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Portland
Golf Club and begins 12:00 pm Shotgun Start. Annual Chipping
Contest, Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres to follow. Register
Now >>
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9.
Scott Clemo joins Alliance staff as new Business Development
Manager
Starting
with the Alliance in March, Scott Clemo became the newest
member of the Alliance's sales team. Scott is a native Oregonian
and attended Portland Community College, majoring in business.
With more than 20 years of sales and networking experience,
Scott has sales expertise in high tech, green, industrial
and medical industries.
During
his time off he enjoys the great outdoors in Oregon, kayaking,
snowboarding, wakeboarding and fishing.
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10. Post
your Member-to-Member discount today
Looking
for a fast, inexpensive and easy way to promote your business
or a new product? Post a discount to the Alliance's Member-to-Member
discount page. Go to the Members
Only section of the Alliance Web site, login and post
today. If you need assistance, call Merlin at 503.552.6759.
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DOWNTOWN
SERVICES
11.
Only a few days left to enjoy Delectable Dining Deals
 The
Downtown Marketing Initiative (DMI) has launched a new prix-fixe
dining promotion, the Delectable Downtown Dining Deal,
in partnership with the Indie Wine Festival.
Similar
to "Restaurant Week" events in other cities, the Delectable
Downtown Dining Deal features 11 downtown restaurants that
offer a 3-course dinner for only $20.09 for four weeks, from
March 17th - April 9th. This new promotion is aimed at offering
value to diners while also supporting downtown Portland's
culinary and wine industries. As an added bonus to the promotion,
diners who purchase the Delectable Downtown Dining Deal will
also receive a $20 discount on a ticket to the 5th Annual
Portland Indie Wine Festival on Saturday, May 2nd.
Member
restaurants participating in the Delectable Downtown Dining
Deal include: H5O Bistro & Bar, Mama Mia Trattoria, Mother's
Bistro & Bar and Red Star Tavern & Roast House.
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12.
Development Committee working on central city strategy
The Development
Committee, a subcommittee of the Alliance's Central City Standing
Committee, was recently formed. The committee is working with
the Urban Land Institute to create a Commercial Development
Strategy.
The purpose
of the strategy will be to inform the Central Portland Plan
Update on how to maintain and improve the market position
of the central city as a competitive location for commercial
activity and to:
- Encourage
and enable commercial development in the central city;
- Support
retention of market share in the central city, and;
- Stimulate
the demand for central city office space.
The joint
committee meets generally every other week to address specific
topics impacting development and will generate a draft by
the end of June 2009.
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MEMBER
NEWS
13.
Billabong's first Northwest store opening downtown Portland
Coming
exclusively to the Northwest this spring, Pioneer Place will
open the newest Billabong store! A leader in active lifestyle
clothing and accessories, Billabong carries a worldwide customer
base of board riders that is sure to match Portlanders own
active lifestyle. Construction began March so look out for
the grand opening this spring.
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14.
Another reason to travel the Oregon Coast
Starting
March 15, SeaPort Airlines is offering a better way to get
up and down the Oregon Coast. For the first time in over a
decade, routes to and from coastal towns, Newport and Astoria,
will be offered at a low price with quicker travel time. Not
only will the millions of Puget Sound residents have more
access to the beautiful Oregon Coast, but also coastal residents
now have easier access to national flights via PDX. To find
flights and schedules visit www.seaportair.com.
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15. Quinn
Thomas Public Affairs
A new
business partnership has been newly formed by Doug Badger
and Rick Thomas: Quinn Thomas Public Affairs. The merger of
their two successful small firms will combine 40 years of
experience while extending capabilities for clients. The new
firm plans to put a heavy emphasis on strategic planning and
execution for selling, and pursuing clients' vision while
safeguarding their brand. To look into working with Quinn
Thomas Public Affairs, or for more information, visit www.quinnthomas.com.
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16. USPS
helps businesses save money on postage
Will the
next 90 days make or break your business? The US Postal Service
is reaching out to the American Public for the next 90 days
to share their partner/vendor free promotions and incentives
with the business community.
The USPS
can give your business a "boost" during this economic downturn.
They can show you how to cut costs, save time, become more
efficient and get the "biggest bang for your buck" compared
to other competitive carriers.
Get results
and ride the wave to improving your bottom line. If you are
interested, send us your company name, contact, address and
phone number. Email USPSBusinessEvents@usps.gov
or call 503.294.2246 for further information or an appointment.
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MEMBER
EVENTS
17.
Tax Help for Small Businesses - April 11
Just in
time for tax season, this class offered by Portland Community
College Small Business Development Center, will teach the
importance of integrating QuickBooks as the cornerstone of
your business' best practices. This class will give you a
better understanding of organization, how to best work with
a CPA and bookkeeper, cash versus accrual and much more! April
11, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuition: $150. More information at www.pcc.edu/business/small-business-development.
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18.
Leading National Marketing Expert Coming to Portland - April
28
Join Dr.
Shultz, a professor of Integrated Marketing Communications
at Northwestern University and leading authority on new developments
in marketing and communication, on April 28 at The Gerding
Theatre. The seminar offers compelling insights to consumer
media patterns and its dramatic shift in the past 5 years.
Dr. Shultz shares new market intelligence so you know that
every dollar spent works. April 28, 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.,
$50/non-member, $40/members. Visit www.portlandradio.org
for more information and registration.
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19. OAME
21st Annual Conference and Trade Show - May 7
Come
join more than 140 small and large businesses at the Oregon
Convention Center May 7th and support women, minorities and
small businesses to grow in and around Oregon. The Oregon
Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) is providing
a great forum for networking, sales, as well as valuable resources
for new and developing businesses. May 7, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.,
admission is free and booths are still available. For additional
information or to reserve your booth, contact OAME at 503.249.7744
or at www.oame.org.
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20.
Small Business Legal Center Launch 4-Part Tax Series
Small
Business Legal Clinic is putting on: Navigating the Tax Maze,
a 4-Part Series for New Businesses and Employers on Taxes
and Other Payroll Deductions. The first session is May 7;
participants will learn whether they should set your business
up as a Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Corporation, or LLC
and what kind of filing and payment responsibilities arise
with each type of entity. More can be found at: www.lclark.edu/org/sblc.
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21.
Achieve Green Northwest - June 1
This unique
two-day conference, held at the Oregon Convention Center,
will allow people from diverse sectors to network and receive
information and resources to take action to better themselves
and businesses within the economic and environmental spectrum.
To ensure the experience a success, attendees will develop
a virtual conference tool kit built specifically for their
needs! June 1-3
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22.
Upcoming Meetings
April
8 , Sustainability Committee, 7:30 am
April 10, President's Council, noon
April 14 , Transportation Committee, noon
April 15, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm
April 22, Small Business Council, 4 pm
April 28, Central City Standing Committee, noon
May 12, Communications Committee, 9:30 am
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