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The economic news in the papers, radio and television regularly highlights the challenges that the U.S. economy and Oregon's economy are facing in the coming months. While we cannot ignore the obvious, we cannot ignore that commerce and business will continue to occur during this time, and we will come out stronger at the other end. Working in the heart of downtown Portland, I see that shops and stores are open for business and ready to serve their customers. One of the bright spots was the opening of the new hotel, The Nines, which sits atop Macy's. The downtown core is decorated for the holidays with new eco-friendly holiday lights illuminating the streets and inviting shoppers to enjoy the season.

A strong region needs a thriving central city. That's why a major focus of the Alliance continues to be on building and maintaining a first-class downtown and central business district, with great jobs, thriving retail and top quality office towers.

Job growth in downtown Portland has been steady the last five years, as total employment has climbed from a trough of 82,023 in 2002 to 86,769 at the end of 2007. The top four industries for providing jobs in Portland are: 1) Professional & Technical Services; 2) Finance & Insurance; 3) Public Administration; and 4) Hotel & Restaurant. These four categories provide 56 percent of the jobs in the downtown core. Because of robust job growth of 16 percent in the technical services sector, the number of jobs has increased by 3,000 since the peak in 2001 and by 4,300 since the trough in 2002.

The job growth is due to a variety of factors, including investment by national companies in Portland's core, such as Macy's and the lower cost of central city development as compared to other West Coast cities. Additionally, our region continues to benefit from population growth, driven by the things we love about Portland: accessibility to recreational opportunities, comparatively low housing costs, a great transportation system and mild climate. A lot of those people are choosing to live in the central city, which drove residential development in the core.

Portland is known for having one of the nation's strongest per capita retail markets, with the downtown area exemplifying how a city can thrive thanks to a mix of national and independent retailers. Our central city is unlike others nationwide as Portland boasts three major department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Nordstrom, and new national stores such as Brooks Brothers, plus smaller and locally owned stores like Moonstruck Chocolate Company, Powell's, Mario's and Mercantile. Each of these retailers is vital to the health of our city, and each offers an opportunity for us to support Portland business this holiday season.

Office development in Portland has also grown, although more slowly. Commercial real estate professionals tell me that occupancy rates in central city office towers grew substantially in the last few years, and many buildings are full or near full. Now, with Class A office space in high demand, developers are moving projects forward, with high-rise developments at First and Main streets and Park West in the core, plus office projects north of Burnside including The Lovejoy, Machine Works and Overton Office.

Portland will not be immune from the national economic downturn. But we can reduce the impact if we work together to support local business vitality and job growth. News like the Vestas announcement that it will expand its North American headquarters at South Waterfront - adding some 850 jobs in the central city - shows the power of business and government working together to make job development happen.

As it has done in the past, the Alliance will continue to advocate for policies that encourage long-term job growth in the Portland region. And we will keep our special focus on the health and vitality of the central city. If you want to join this effort, contact the Membership Department at 503.224.8684, to learn more about what we are doing. Together, we can make a difference.

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How is the economy impacting your holiday plans?
Take the survey >>

Look for new questions each month by visiting www.portlandalliance.com.

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3. Alliance enters the blogosphere with new Cornerstones Conversation blog

This month the Alliance launched a new online communications format designed for members to share information and discuss business issues. The blog is based on the Alliance event series Cornerstones Conversations, where business experts share helpful information with members about timely business issues. The experts then weigh in online and continue the discussion with members. You can join the blogversation and see what members are saying. The current discussion topic is about the latest Cornerstones event "Closing the Books on 20008, Gearing up for 2009." Go to: alliancepdx.blogspot.com to join in the blogversation.

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4. Weigh in at Oregon Leadership Summit Dec. 11

On Dec. 11, area government and business leaders will present ideas on how to jump-start our economy in light of the current downturn, as well as focus on key initiatives critical to Oregon's long-term economic strength: investing in education, industry innovation and transportation, healthcare reform, creating an attractive environment for renewable energy and clean technology companies and ensuring that our public finance system is stable, adequate and efficient enough to meet these goals.

Go to www.oregonleadershipsummit.org to register for this event, and to weigh in on the issues important to you. Once registered, you will be able to participate in an online discussion forum, reflecting on initiatives that the Steering Committee will be proposing and offering your own thoughts and ideas.

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5. Alliance Goes to China!

Alliance Board Member Dennis Rawlinson of Miller Nash LLP is leading an Alliance delegation to China in April 2009. The purpose of the trip is to build a deeper understanding of the business connections between the Portland-Vancouver Region and China, and to build relationships that will enable that relationship to grow in the years ahead.

The Alliance delegation will see how such member companies as Nike, Intel, Bank of America, CH2M Hill, PCC Structurals, the Port of Portland, ZGF and many others work in China. Members will also talk about how the region can export its expertise around sustainability and green building to the growing Chinese economy. Additionally, Mayor-elect Sam Adams recently announced that he will participate in the Alliance trip. If you are interested in attending, click here to learn more about the trip or contact Sandra McDonough, 503.552.6762, smcdonough@portlandalliance.com.

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PUBLIC POLICY

6. Congressman Earl Blumenauer discussed economic issues with members

At a Dec. 3 breakfast event, Alliance members heard from Congressman Earl Blumenauer about what is in store for the new administration and new Congress as a heavy legislative year begins in Washington, D.C. Congressman Blumenauer presented his overview of the economic issues Congress faces next year, and his approach to building economic stability while the country is struggling with the threats of global warming and deteriorating infrastructure. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask the Congressman questions about health care reform, the state auto industry and financial markets.

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7. Alliance, small business owners meet with Mayor-elect Adams

Portland Business Alliance Small Business Council Chair Debbie Kitchen, Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations President Jean Baker and local business owners met with Mayor-elect Sam Adams on Nov. 7 for a collaborative discussion on how to support the prosperity of small businesses both through the near-term economic downturn and into the future.

Mayor-elect Adams spent a majority of the forum listening and responding to the participants' concerns about doing business in Portland, including workforce training and availability, the education system, regulatory fees and codes and infrastructure needs. He also reviewed a number of city-led efforts aimed at alleviating regulatory and cost burdens on small businesses.

Business owners praised the city's work on business income tax and business license fee relief, an important step in reducing the overall cost of doing business in Portland. Receptive of the business leaders' suggestions, Mayor-elect Adams emphasized that the conversation about how the city can further support economic viability and help to secure a thriving future for small business in Portland will be ongoing.

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8. Small Business Council members weigh in with Portland Commissioner-elect Amanda Fritz

Portland area small business owners shared their thoughts on issues facing the Portland region with Portland City Commissioner-elect Amanda Fritz at the November Small Business Council meeting. Commissioner-elect Fritz listened to Alliance members' views on the Business License Fee, city budget priorities, permitting, the cumulative impact of fees and taxes, and other concerns.

9. Columbia River Crossing best practices tour

Alliance members, local officials and staff met with transportation officials and experts during a best practices trip to Vancouver, B.C., in November. The Canadian officials reviewed their work in addressing regional transportation challenges. The tour also covered how the projects were financed, and how greenhouse gas emissions and land use issues have been addressed in the development of infrastructure.

10. Post-election Review event featured top political experts

Alliance members seized the opportunity to hear top political minds Jon Chandler, Len Bergstein, Mark Weiner and Kerry Tymchuck review the 2008 general election and its implications for Oregon and the Portland region at a Post-election Review event in November at the Governor Hotel.

Participants got the inside scoop on what unfolded during the races and what the results mean for city politics, the state legislative session next year and the shaping of national policies.

DOWNTOWN

11. Holiday LED lights illuminate downtown Portland

The 2008 holiday shopping season kicked off with the unveiling of new, brighter strands of LED lights adorning trees throughout the downtown retail area Nov. 13. The new "green" lights are more numerous and more sustainable than ever before.

Downtown property owners, which fund the lighting program, invested in 22,000 strands of new LED lights for the roughly 700 trees along 70 blocks in the retail core. The energy savings from the LED lights totals 320,000-kilowatt hours, enough energy to power the 27-story Fox Tower office building for approximately two weeks.

Additionally, Pacific Power and Portland General Electric, the electric utilities serving the downtown area, arranged for the renewable energy credits to green the program. The Standard also purchased the Business Energy Tax Credits, which was critical to the affordability of the program. The lights, installed by A Light Up Company of Beaverton, will remain up through January 30. For more information about the program, contact: holidaylighting@portlandalliance.com or call 503.224.8684.

12. Downtown Portland's Business Improvement District celebrates 20th Anniversary

Twenty years ago, downtown property owners and businesses came together to form the Business Improvement District (BID) to ensure downtown's long-term vitality and economic health. Today, the BID is not only the second oldest BID in the country, but also one of the largest. Portland's BID is a model to other improvement districts in cities across the country.

The impact of the Business Improvement can be seen and felt everyday as security officers, street cleaners and Sidewalk Ambassadors keep downtown an inviting place to do business, shop and visit. Over the years, the BID and its board, made up of downtown businesses and property owners, have helped the city on a number of important issues.

In the 1980's, the BID was launched as "Downtown Clean & Safe" and teamed up with Central City Concern to employ formerly homeless individuals. Beginning in the 1990's, the BID initiated the first of several marketing initiatives for downtown retailers, tackled the central city's lack of childcare options, launched the "Real Change, Not Spare Change" program to fund homeless services, and convened city and business leaders for mapping out a strategic plan for downtown's growth.

In the last decade, BID funding launched the holiday lighting program, which lights up more than 700 trees in the retail core; played a major role in reducing crime downtown by roughly 30 percent; and established the Sidewalk Ambassador program, assisting thousands of people downtown each month.

Some of the original founders of the BID are still active in downtown issues today. Clayton Hering of Norris, Beggs & Simpson; Phil Kalberer of The Kalberer Company; Michael Powell of Powell's Books and Melvin "Pete" Mark. .

13. Construction Moratorium means more parking for downtown shoppers

A Construction Moratorium for this holiday season has begun in downtown Portland and will continue until Jan. 2, 2009, halting approximately 90 percent of construction within the retail core. The moratorium will free up at least 400 parking spaces that were previously reserved for construction activities. Don't miss this opportunity to shop downtown and support local retailers!

14. Downtown Clean & Safe provides employment plus a foundation for success

Portland Patrol Officer Jim Bare wanted to reward Tadimika Edwards for her efforts, and her strength. Having known her for three years through his work as a downtown patrol officer, he was proud to witness the changes she's made since she decided to turn her life around last October. "She's really done well," he said. "She's really a nice lady."

This October, close to Tadimika's one-year anniversary of being clean from drugs and alcohol, Jim had the pleasure of presenting her with a quilt for her new apartment.

"It's beautiful," said Tadimika. "I just love it. As far as I've come compared to where I was before; I'm just honored."

Tadimika is one of the many individuals employed by Clean & Safe each year, which offers recovering addicts and offenders the opportunity to re-enter the workforce, and start rebuilding their lives. "With the help of Central City Concern, my case manager and mentor, I've had a lot of good people standing beside me and helping me along the way," Tadimika said.

One of those individuals, Jim, plans to continue to reward the successes of Clean & Safe employees. "My daughter, myself and my wife… make a lot of quilts and donate them to charities," he said. "We decided it'd be something good [for recovered individuals] to start out with a new quilt for their bed."

With a bright quilt beautifying her apartment, Tadimika is now focusing on her work in a new position as janitor for Central City Concern, but she is also planning for the future. "I want to go back to school and become a drug and alcohol counselor," she said. "I want to help others because I've been there; I want to let people know that there's a way out and they can have a better life if they choose to."

GREEN BUSINESS

15. Green Business of the Month: CubeSpace

CubeSpace employees do what they can to preserve the earth, and have taken steps to make it easy for others to join in the effort. A Portland BlueWorks business and a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Portland, CubeSpace provides work spaces, meeting rooms and big office amenities to local entrepreneurs including programmers, investors, small business owners, writers and more.

Placing a high value on environmental and interpersonal sustainability, CubeSpace utilizes reusable utensils, mugs, cups and bowls in the break room, and paper products with high levels of recycled content in the copiers and bathrooms. The carpets on the floor are made from excess yarn and have recycled carpet backing. Even the computers at CubeSpace use green power, which boasts lower energy consumption than levels used by the average computer.

CubeSpace engages in value chaining, and enjoys working with businesses which try to keep the earth in mind, just as they do.

16. Enjoy the Alliance's newest event, Green Hour, Jan. 29 at
CH2M Hill

Start 2009 with a focus on sustainability at the Alliance's newest event series, Green Hour! The event, hosted by CH2MHill, will provide a networking venue and showcase the company's global projects including high-performance buildings, sustainability at the London Olympics and more, on Jan. 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Green Hour was created to allow member businesses to showcase their green business practices, sustainable products and services. If you would like to showcase your organization's sustainable practices through a Green Hour event, please contact Membership Events Manager Christine Gatlin at cgatlin@portlandalliance.com, or 503.552.6742.

17. Russell Development building wins Office Energy Showdown award

The Portland Metropolitan Association of Building Owners and Managers announced in November that Russell Development Company's 384,000 square-foot 200 Market Building was awarded "The Power Broker" for its outstanding energy savings. Building officials implemented strategies including dimming lights in the four-acre parking garage during periods of inactivity. The trophy is made entirely of recycled materials and was created by a local artist.

MEMBER SERVICES

18. Member-to-Member Discount highlight: Best Buy

Every day through the Members Only section of the Alliance Web site, members have the opportunity to highlight their businesses by offering discounts, or take advantage of great discounts offered by other members. This month, Best Buy is offering a coupon for a $5 gift card with a $50 purchase, a $10 gift card with a $100 purchase, or a $25 gift card with a $250 purchase. Check out the details for this offer and other Members Only discounts from Fishing with Bear, Northwest Cleaners, Northwest Resource Federal Credit Union and more at www.portlandalliance.com/membersonly. To receive your log in information, contact the Membership Department at 503.224.8684.

19. New Member Profile: Coastal Hotel Group

Whether you're looking for a personal or corporate Mt. Hood getaway, or a place for seasonal visitors or business guests to stay downtown, new member Coastal Hotel Group can help. Parent company of The Resort at the Mountain in Welches and Hotel Fifty in Portland, Coastal Hotel Group is committed to making lodging experiences positive and memorable.

Nestled in the western highlands of Mt. Hood an hour east of Portland, The Resort at The Mountain is a premier Oregon golf and ski resort. An ideal setting for business meetings and corporate retreats, the resort offers 18,000 square feet of diverse and acoustically balanced meeting and event space. The 7,040 square-foot main ballroom can be used for both weddings and banquets. Top-quality, professional assistance and catering help clients create a valuable and fruitful experience for groups of 15 to 750.

Hotel Fifty is a conveniently located, 140-room, full-service boutique hotel across from Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The hotel's Columbia Room, located on the second floor, offers easy access and a comfortable, private meeting space for up to 80 guests. Wireless high-speed Internet access and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment also add to the functionality of events from executive meetings to social gatherings. The Chef's Table private meeting and dining room is available for special occasions and private celebrations. The room offers wireless Internet access and dining service for eight guests. In addition, H5O Bistro & Bar accommodates up to 74 guests in the main dining room and 25 in the bar/lounge area.

Coastal Hotel Group manages or provides technical services for lodging properties in six states - Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Texas, and Kansas. To find out more about Coastal Hotel Group, visit www.coastalhotels.com.

ALLIANCE EVENTS

20. Come to the Alliance Holiday Open House Dec. 8!

Join us for the annual Alliance Holiday Open House Monday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. Get to know Alliance staff, board members and network with other members in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The Alliance will also be collecting canned food for the Oregon Food Bank; please bring two cans to donate, and help our community while having fun!
Register now >>

21. Dec. 10 Forum breakfast: The 33rd Recession and the 44th President

At "The 33rd Recession and the 44th President: 2009 Economic Forecast," hear from a leading economist about where we're headed over the next year as we manage the effects of the recent economic crisis. At this Forum, noted economist John Mitchell will provide an insightful outlook into the 2009 economy and discuss prospects, risks and opportunities in the coming year. Sponsored by Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc., Liberty Northwest and Portland Tribune. Register now >>

22. Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hosts After Hours Dec. 10

Experience the Marriott's award winning service and hear about the recent guest room improvement project at the next Business After Hours event Dec. 10 at the Portland Marriott Downtown, 1401 S.W. Naito Parkway, in Portland. Business After Hours offers an opportunity to create new business relationships by networking in a relaxed setting that offers delicious appetizers, door prizes, and refreshments from the no-host bar.
Register now >>

If you are interested in hosting Business After Hours, contact Merlin Varaday at 503.552.6759 or mvaraday@portlandalliance.com.

23. David Shipley: Why People Email So Badly - Mon. December 22

Workplace communication is now dominated by email - are you using it the best way? David Shipley, author of SEND: Why People Email So Badly and How to Do It Better, can tell you how. Shipley is not only an author, but also the Op-Ed editor and deputy editorial page editor of The New York Times. Shipley will discuss his book and will be available for signings - a great gift for all of those emailers on your list. 200 SW Market St., Lobby Conference Room, 4 - 5 p.m. Register now >>

24. Art Etc. First Friday celebration Dec. 5

Enjoy art and wine at Art Etc.'s first Friday event featuring works by artist Pam Greene Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 537 SE Ash St., Suite 11. For more information visit www.art-etc.com.

25. Center for Education & Training offers Overcoming Challenges for Veterans seminar Dec. 10

Employers, health providers and citizens are invited to hear from an expert panel on signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, depression, and substance abuse in soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Montgomery Park, 2701 N.W. Vaughn Ave. Cost is $50; includes lunch. To register,
e-mail Danny Slifman at dslifman@orpartnership.org, or call 503.244.5211. For more information, visit www.orpartnership.org.

26. Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts Holiday Artisan Market
Dec. 9-12

Holiday shopping just got a little easier! Portland Saturday Market will return to the square to host its Holiday Artisan Market December ninth through the 12th. Experience a bit of Saturday Market during the week and discover hundreds of unique items that are handcrafted by the people who sell them. You're sure to find that perfect gift for that special someone. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.pioneercourthousesquare.org/calendar_december.htm#market.

27. Oregon Statehood Commemorative Stamp issue ceremony
Jan. 14

The World Forestry Center will host the U.S. Postal Service's First-Day-of-Issue Ceremony for the Oregon Statehood Commemorative Stamp on Wed., Jan. 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. at 4033 S.W. Canyon Rd., Portland. Free. For more information, visit www.usps.com/.

28. Portland Habilitation Center celebrates completion of solar facility

Portland Habilitation Center Northwest hosted a commencement ceremony in November installing the last panel for the completion of an 858-killowatt solar array said to be the largest single rooftop solar array in Oregon. Comprised of 4,830 solar panels covering the facility's 72,000 square feet, the solar installation is a highly efficient array featuring high-power density panels with a 25 year-plus life expectancy. With good low-light performance and south-facing orientation, the rooftop array will optimize year-round energy generation. For more information, visit www.phcnw.com.

29. Mario's ranks ninth in DNR's Most Influential Men's Stores

The Nov. 10 issue of DNR ranked Mario's stores as ninth among 50 retailers setting the pace in men's fashion in its recent cover story "Most Influential Men's Stores," based on a survey of more than 110 sales executives at leading vendors. The article characterizes Mario's two flagship stores as the gold standards of upscale boutiques for men and women in the Pacific Northwest, and includes a special mention of the casual concept Mario's 3.10 store in Portland. To read the full article, visit www.dnrnews.com.

30. Upcoming Meetings

December 9 , Communications Committee, 9:30 am
December 9 , Transportation Committee, noon
December 10 , Sustainability Committee, 7:30 am
December 12, President's Council, noon
December 16, Central City Standing Committee, noon
December 17, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm

December 2008 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. The Health of Downtown Portland

How is the economy impacting your holiday plans?
Take the survey >>

3. Alliance enters the blogosphere with new Cornerstones Conversation blog

4. Weigh in at Oregon Leadership Summit Dec. 11

5. Alliance Goes to China!

7. Alliance, small business owners meet with Mayor-elect Adams

9. Columbia River Crossing best practices tour

10. Post-election Review event featured top political experts

DOWNTOWN

11. Holiday LED lights illuminate downtown Portland

12. Downtown Portland's Business Improvement District celebrates 20th Anniversary

13. Construction Moratorium means more parking for downtown shoppers

14. Downtown Clean & Safe provides employment plus a foundation for success

GREEN BUSINESS

15. Green Business of the Month: CubeSpace

16. Enjoy the Alliance's newest event, Green Hour, Jan. 29 at
CH2M Hill

17. Russell Development building wins Office Energy Showdown award

MEMBER SERVICES

18. Member-to-Member Discount highlight: Best Buy

19. New Member Profile: Coastal Hotel Group

ALLIANCE EVENTS

20. Come to the Alliance Holiday Open House Dec. 8!

21. Dec. 10 Forum breakfast: The 33rd Recession and the 44th President

22. Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hosts After Hours Dec. 10

23. David Shipley: Why People Email So Badly - Mon. December 22

24. Art Etc. First Friday celebration Dec. 5

25. Center for Education & Training offers Overcoming Challenges for Veterans seminar Dec. 10

26. Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts Holiday Artisan Market
Dec. 9-12

27. Oregon Statehood Commemorative Stamp issue ceremony
Jan. 14

28. Portland Habilitation Center celebrates completion of solar facility

29. Mario's ranks ninth in DNR's Most Influential Men's Stores

30. Upcoming Meetings

December 2008 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. The Health of Downtown Portland

How is the economy impacting your holiday plans? Take the survey >>

3. Alliance enters the blogosphere with new Cornerstones Conversation blog

4. Weigh in at Oregon Leadership Summit Dec. 11

5. Alliance Goes to China!

7. Alliance, small business owners meet with Mayor-elect Adams

9. Columbia River Crossing best practices tour

10. Post-election Review event featured top political experts

DOWNTOWN

11. Holiday LED lights illuminate downtown Portland

12. Downtown Portland's Business Improvement District celebrates 20th Anniversary

13. Construction Moratorium means more parking for downtown shoppers

14. Downtown Clean & Safe provides employment plus a foundation for success

GREEN BUSINESS

15. Green Business of the Month: CubeSpace

16. Enjoy the Alliance's newest event, Green Hour, Jan. 29 at CH2M Hill

17. Russell Development building wins Office Energy Showdown award

MEMBER SERVICES

18. Member-to-Member Discount highlight: Best Buy

19. New Member Profile: Coastal Hotel Group

ALLIANCE EVENTS

20. Come to the Alliance Holiday Open House Dec. 8!

21. Dec. 10 Forum breakfast: The 33rd Recession and the 44th President

22. Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hosts After Hours Dec. 10

23. David Shipley: Why People Email So Badly - Mon. December 22

24. Art Etc. First Friday celebration Dec. 5

25. Center for Education & Training offers Overcoming Challenges for Veterans seminar Dec. 10

26. Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts Holiday Artisan Market Dec. 9-12

27. Oregon Statehood Commemorative Stamp issue ceremony Jan. 14

28. Portland Habilitation Center celebrates completion of solar facility

29. Mario's ranks ninth in DNR's Most Influential Men's Stores

30. Upcoming Meetings

How is the economy impacting your holiday plans?
Take the survey >>

16. Enjoy the Alliance's newest event, Green Hour, Jan. 29 at
CH2M Hill

26. Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts Holiday Artisan Market
Dec. 9-12

27. Oregon Statehood Commemorative Stamp issue ceremony
Jan. 14