August
2009 Newsletter
Top
Stories
1. From the chair: Alliance helping members
save money
2. Alliance
introduces new Health Savings Card program
Public
Policy
3.
Alliance supporting efforts to repeal job-killing
tax increases
4. Alliance weighs in on city and county's
Climate Action Plan
5.
Need help recycling at your company? The Alliance
can help
Downtown
6.
Alliance members participate in SAFE community
meetings
7.
Sidewalk Ambassadors team beefs up for summer
activities
Membership
8.
Alliance hosts first Member Wine Tour
9. Network (and play some golf) with 144 business
leaders on Sept. 11
10.
Engage with Alliance members on the Web
Member
News
11.
Intel adds electric vehicle charging stations
to campus
12.
FTC extends "Red Flags" Deadline to November
1
13. Oregon Red Cross has information on new
AED legislation
14. Americans for the Arts Members Awarded
Stimulus Grants
15.
Pacific University Dedicates Building
16. PSU School of Social Work looking for
office furniture
17. Standard TV and Appliance celebrates
one-year anniversary with Alliance
Member
Events
18. 16th Annual Oregon Small Business Fair,
Sept. 19
19. Continuing Education Session on Identity
Theft, Sept. 23
20. Get on the move to end Alzheimer's,
Sunday, Sept. 27
21.
Upcoming meetings
FROM
THE CHAIR
1. Alliance
helping members save money
 By
Charles Wilhoite, Chair,
Alliance Board of Directors
What is
top of mind with almost everyone these days? Saving money.
So what are we at the Portland Business Alliance doing? Seeking
out new ways to help you and your employees save dollars wherever
you can.
Today,
the Alliance is launching a new program to help our member
companies' employees save money on health-related purchases.
This
program, the Health Savings Card, will reduce the cost of
many prescriptions, eyeglasses and other health-related products
by up to 75 percent (though the average savings is about 30
percent). The card can supplement your company's health care
insurance and can be made available to all employees.
This savings
card is the result of a new partnership program that the Alliance
formed with Oregon Rx and is administered by United Networks
of America (UNA), which is the largest affinity benefits organization
in the country. The sign-up is very simple and you can start
using the card today. More about the program
can be found below.
It is
our goal to continue to support our members and provide savings
programs that provide meaningful savings. Another Alliance
program that helps members reduce costs is through a partnership
with Office Depot. Members can order their office supplies
online, receive items the next day and save money.
In addition
to the two programs described above, members post discounts
exclusive to other Alliance members on the Members
Only section of the Web site. You can find savings on
advertising, hotel stays and even kayaking!
As I stated
in last month's column, it is my goal this year to keep the
Alliance focused on supporting our region's businesses as
much as we can. Helping our member companies manage their
costs is one of the ways to support businesses through this
challenging economic period. If your business can offer savings
to other members, please contact Brenda Falash, Director of
Membership, at bfalash@portlandalliance.com.
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2.
Alliance introduces new Health Savings Card program
 Today,
the Alliance launched a new program, called the Health
Savings Card, aimed at helping members reduce their
healthcare costs. The program, which is free to all
Alliance member companies and their employees, provides
savings of up to 75 percent on prescription drugs (average
savings are roughly 30 percent) and other health-related
products such as eyeglasses, pet medications and other
products.
The
program is simple. Go to the link on the Alliance Web
site, sign up for the card, print out the card and take
it with you when you buy your next prescription or other
healthcare-related item. The pharmacist scans or enters
the card information and you receive the discount. Members
interested in obtaining a free card can go to www.portlandalliance.com
and look for the program icon. Permanent cards can also
be requested. See Web site for more information.
"We
know that our member companies are not only looking
for ways to reduce costs, but employers also want to
help their employees as much as possible and this savings
programs enables them to do just that," said Charles
Wilhoite, managing director of Willamette Management
Associates and chair of the Portland Business Alliance
board.
The
Health Savings Card has no restrictions and is accepted
at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies
around the country. Members and their employees regardless
of their insurance coverage can use the program. So
members without insurance or those who have limited
or even full health insurance coverage can use the savings
card. Additionally, people who have prescription coverage
can use this program for non-formulary or non-covered
drugs.
The
Health Savings Card is administered by United Networks
of America (UNA) who is the largest affinity benefits
organization in the country. The Alliance will not have
access to any personal information or information about
purchases made and UNA will not share, sell, or distribute
personal information for any reason.
You
can download a free card and search drug pricing and
participating pharmacies at www.portlandalliance.com.
PUBLIC
POLICY
3.
Alliance supporting efforts to repeal job-killing tax
increases
During
the 2009 legislative session, the Alliance worked closely
with other business organizations to support a plan that
would ensure continuation of vital state programs, while
also limiting permanent new tax burdens placed on our
state's private-sector employers. Unfortunately, moderate
plans for temporary revenue measures to solve temporary
funding problems were rejected by the Legislature, which
opted instead to pass $733 million in new, permanent taxes
on Oregon businesses and individuals. That was the biggest
tax increase in state history.
A
coalition of organizations representing virtually every
business sector in the state has been formed to refer
these measures to Oregon voters next January. The coalition's
message: these new tax measures harm Oregon's job-creating
economy at a time when the state faces one of the highest
unemployment rates in the country. Economists estimate
that the measures will result in the loss of thousands
of jobs - on top of those already lost in this downturn
- and ultimately will hurt the state more than help it.
The
Alliance has joined the coalition, and is supporting the
referral. Once voters reject these tax increases, we want
lawmakers to go back to the drawing board and come up
with a more moderate approach that will provide temporary
bridge funding for critical state programs while limiting
the harm to the state's private employers.
We
need your help. Getting the two measure on the ballot
won't be easy and our timeline is very short. Your contributions
are critical to the success of this effort. Making a contribution
is easy. Click
here to donate on line. Or mail a contribution to
Alliance PAC, 200 SW Market, Suite 150, Portland, OR 97201.
To
learn more about the campaign, go to www.stopjobkillingtaxes.com.
Here is a summary of the tax increases:
-
The
Alternative minimum tax for C-Corporations from $150 for
companies with Oregon sales of $500,000 or less, up to
a maximum of $100,000 for companies with Oregon sales
of more than $100 million.
-
Increased
income tax for corporations with net income over $250,000
to 7.9% in 2009 and 2010, declining to 7.6 percent for
2011 and 2012. Permanently increase the corporate income
tax to 7.6 percent for companies with net income over
$10 million.
-
Increase
S-Corp filing fee to $150.
-
Increase
state filing fee for all other corporations to between
$50 and $275.
-
Permanently
increase income tax to 10.8 percent for individuals with
incomes above $150,000 and households above $250,000 and
to 11 percent for individuals with income over $250,000
and households over $500,000.
4.
Alliance weighs in on city and county's Climate Action
Plan
The
city and county are in the process of updating its regional
Climate Action Plan and soliciting comments from the public.
Last month, the Alliance submitted its thoughts focusing
on the theme of the "triple bottom line" of people, place
and jobs.
"We
support the overall plan and a progressive approach to
the natural environment, but one that enhances the economic
and employment environment as well," said Charles Wilhoite,
chair of the Portland Business Alliance board.
The
Alliance highlighted a few areas of concern for the city
and county to take a closer look at including:
-
Requiring
building owners to publish energy consumption in commercial
buildings as building owners often don't control the energy
use of their tenants.
-
No
expansion of the urban growth boundary as Metro is going
through the state's mandated process that takes a sophisticated
look at job and population growth.
-
Requiring
carbon footprint analysis on a project-by-project basis
as analysis at the planning decision level may be less
costly and be more accurate.
Back
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5.
Need help recycling at your company? The Alliance can
help
In
partnership with the City of Portland's Recycle at Work
program, the Alliance is now acting as one of 10 pick-up
points for free recycling materials. Any Portland business
or not-for-profit organization may visit the Alliance's
office and collect free resources such as desk-side recycling
boxes, break-room recycling boxes, posters and stickers.
The
Recycle at Work program is an effort to make the Portland
community more sustainable. Portland City Council recently
adopted a new goal to reach a 75 percent recycling rate
by 2015. Portland businesses now recycle 63 percent of
all waste produced. That's a commendable rate envied by
cities around the nation, yet 100,000 tons of recyclable
paper, bottles and cans are sent to Portland area landfills
annually.
The
City of Portland is sending Portland businesses, government
and not-for-profit organizations a letter requesting increased
participation in recycling efforts. The letters are being
distributed through May 2010.
The
program asks that five easy steps be implemented in every
workplace: 1. Identify a recycling champion;
2. Recycle all paper, bottles and cans;
3. Make it easy for employees to recycle;
4. Train staff; and
5. Throw away less.
A
complete list of locations, an interactive E-training
tool and other helpful advice can be found at the city's
Web site, www.recycleatwork.com/portland.
Stop by, pick up materials and help make Portland more
sustainable at the Alliance office: 200 SW Market, Suite
150.
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DOWNTOWN
SERVICES
6.
Alliance members participate in SAFE community meetings
In
June, Portland City Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Nick
Fish held two community meetings about the Street Access
for Everyone (SAFE) initiative and issues impacting homeless
individuals in Portland. More than 200 people attended
the two meetings. A number of retailers and Alliance members
participated in the meetings to share their perspective
on the need for community tools like SAFE.
The
meetings included an overview of the SAFE and the city's
10-year plan to end homelessness and other efforts to
address homelessness in the city. The overviews were followed
by small group breakout discussions between meeting attendees.
"I
appreciated the opportunity to share my thoughts on the
importance of SAFE and hear what others in our community
had to say," said J.E. Isaac, Sr. Vice President of Business
Affairs for the Portland Trail Blazers. "We need to strike
a balance between the various needs of our central city
and make sure it is a place where everyone feels welcome."
The
sidewalk obstruction ordinance, which is part of the overall
SAFE initiative, is not currently being enforced by Portland
Police. Although a Multnomah Circuit judge ruled the ordinance
constitutional last year, a different judge ruled in June
that the ordinance was in conflict with the state's disorderly
conduct statute. Portland City Council is currently seeking
clarification from the judge on what changes to the ordinance
could be made.
7.
Sidewalk Ambassadors team beefs up for summer activities
The
Alliance's Sidewalk Ambassadors are fully staffed for the
summer months with a total of six ambassadors. Last month,
the Sidewalk Ambassadors supported TriMet's Transit Mall
opening and assisted tourists and local riders with reliable
information on use of the Mall. The Ambassadors also delivered
more than 10,000 of the new Downtown Dining Guides at hotels
and other businesses throughout the Downtown Business Improvement
District.
The
ambassadors are also now armed with a new laptop and WiFi
in their kiosk so they can give residents and tourists visiting
downtown instant information about events and places to
go and shop. All six ambassadors are specially trained to
provide accurate information about downtown, and are also
connected by radio to the Clean & Safe dispatch center so
they can report cleaning and security issues as they occur.
MEMBERSHIP
SERVICES
8.
Alliance hosts first Member Wine Tour
 Alliance
members braved soaring temperatures at the end of July and
visited the Sokol
Blosser winery as part of a new wine-focused networking
event: Member Wine Tour. With transportation supplied by Raz
Transportation and hors d'oeuvres provided by Portland
Catering Company, about 30 members spent the afternoon
enjoying some wonderful wine, tasty food and the beautiful
winery located in Dundee Hills. Members toured the winery
and learned about Sokol Blosser's approach to sustainable
winemaking.
Another
tour is being planned for this fall. More information to come
- don't miss it!
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9.
Network (and play some golf) with 144 business leaders on
Sept. 11
One of
Portland's favorite golf events, the Alliance's Golf Scramble,
is right around the corner on Friday, September 11. Participants
get to network and make new business connections while playing
one of Portland's favorite courses - Pumpkin Ridge's award
winning Ghost Creek Course.
Players
will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a box lunch and dinner followed
by an awards reception featuring a raffle and silent auction.
A few spots are left so sign up today! Foursome: $900 Individual:
$225. Register
Now >>
The Golf
Scramble is also an effective way to get your company name
or product in front of Alliance members through a sponsorship
or auction donation. Hole sponsorships range from $600 to
$3500 and include a spot at the reception and dinner. While
the Alliance has already received a number of fabulous prizes
for the auction, more donations are welcome.
Call Christine
Gatlin, Alliance events manager, at 503.552.6742 for more
information about donating a prize or sponsoring a hole.
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10.
Engage with Alliance members on the Web
If
you are looking for more ways to network and meet Alliance
members, the Alliance has a Facebook
fan page and a group page on LinkedIn.
It is easy to become a member of the pages and is a great
way to engage with other members. Check them out and join
them today!
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MEMBER
NEWS
11.
Intel adds electric vehicle charging stations to campus
Expanding
Intel's commitment to environmental stewardship, two electric
vehicle-charging stations are now available to Intel employees
at the Jones Farm Campus. All of the monthly usage at the
charging stations is offset with renewable resources. The
renewable energy is sourced from approximately 85 percent
wind and 15 percent biomass power. The charging stations,
each of which can accommodate four electric vehicles at the
same time, are a pilot project initiated by Intel and Portland
General Electric (PGE). Oregon currently has about 36 electric
vehicle charging stations.
Back
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12.
FTC extends "Red Flags" Deadline to November 1
If you
have a credit-based relationship with your customers, the
Federal Trade Commission is requiring you to have security
policies and procedures in place by November 1 (originally
set for August 1). Identity theft expert, Sue B Martines,
J.D., Certified ID Theft Risk Management Specialist, recommends
that your company has at least a designated information security
officer, a plan in place and your staff trained on procedures.
For more information, go to www.TheSilentCrime.com.
Back
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13.
Oregon Red Cross has information on new AED legislation
Effective
January 1, 2010, Oregon facilities and businesses with 50,000
square feet and at least 25 people on a normal business day
are required to have at least one Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) and trained personnel on their premises. Read
the new law here. To learn more about AED programs, visit
www.oregonredcross.org/aed
or call 503.528.5620.
Back
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14.
Americans for the Arts Members Awarded Stimulus Grants
The
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced direct grants
as part of the $50 million federal economic stimulus recovery
package. Several local Portland Americans for the Arts members
were awarded grants, including Portland Center Stage and the
Oregon Symphony. These grants will fund arts projects and
activities, preserving jobs in the nonprofit arts sector threatened
by declines in philanthropic and other support during the
current economic downturn.
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15.
Pacific University Dedicates Building
Pacific
University recently celebrated the dedication of Phillip D.
Creighton Hall on the Health Professions Campus of Pacific
University in Hillsboro. This honor recognizes Dr. Creighton's
extraordinary vision to establish the campus. Dr. Creighton,
who served Pacific University for six years, announced his
retirement in fall 2008. In his tenure, the school added graduate
programs in Dental Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Healthcare
Administration.
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16.
PSU School of Social Work looking for office furniture
The School
of Social Work will be located on the sixth floor of the new
LEED certified building on the south side of the Urban Center
Plaza in the new Academic and Student Recreation Center. For
businesses that are downsizing or getting rid of inventory
for any other reason, the School would appreciate any excess
office furniture or workstations. For more information on
what furniture the school needs, businesses can contact Kim
McNamer, CFRE, Director of External Relations for the School
at 503.725.8020 or kmcnamer@pdx.edu.
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17. Standard
TV and Appliance celebrates one-year anniversary with Alliance
Last month,
Standard TV and Appliance celebrated its one-year anniversary
of being an Alliance member hosting a ribbon cutting at its
flagship store in Beaverton on Hall Blvd. The Beaverton location
is one of five stores (including a used outlet in Beaverton)
in the state. Go
to www.standardtvandappliance.com
to see that latest in electronics and appliances.
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MEMBER
EVENTS
18.
16th Annual Oregon Small Business Fair, Sept. 19
The 16th
annual Oregon Small Business Fair is a free event for current
and prospective small business owners to get free counseling
on topics critical to them. Featured topics will include green
business, exports, e-commerce, finance, legal issues, operations,
marketing, and Web presence. Please note no food service provided.
Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information
and to see a brochure with the event schedule, please visit
www.oregonbizfair.org.
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19.
Continuing Education Session on Identity Theft, Sept. 23
All businesses
can do a few simple things to reduce liabilities, such as
appointing an Information Security Officer and training staff
on a plan. Michael McCoy, Co-Director of The Identity Theft
Prevention Institute, and Sue B Martines, J.D., Certified
ID Theft Risk Management Specialist, will be holding a continuing
education session on Sept. 23. For further information, contact
Mr. McCoy and Ms. Martines through their Web site at www.TheSilentCrime.com.
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20.
Get on the move to end Alzheimer's, Sunday, Sept. 27
Join in
the Alzheimer's Association's efforts to end Alzheimer's at
their upcoming Memory Walk. Meet at downtown's Pioneer Courthouse
Square and walk the two-mile course. Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9:00
a.m. check-in; 10 a.m. start. Call 503.416.0201 or email melissa.creger@alz.org
for more information.
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21.
Upcoming Meetings
August
6, Communications Committee, 8 am
August 7, Golf Scramble Committee, 8 am
August 14, President's Council, noon
September 8, Transportation Committee, noon
September 9, Sustainability Committee, 7:30 am
September 22, Central City Standing Committee, noon
September 23, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm
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