February
2009 Newsletter
Top
Stories
1. From the Chair: Speaking out on tough issues
2. Monthly poll question - Tell us what you
think
3. Last
month's poll results
4. Member-to-Member
Savings Showcase
5. Leadership
Portland: Applications for Class of 2010 Due March 31
6. Edelman
Trust Barometer Event: Tuesday, February 17
Public
Policy
7.
2009 legislative agenda adopted
Member
Services
8.
Membership survey results are in!
9.
A packed Green Hour event at CH2M Hill
10.
New member profile: Alaska Communications
Systems
Downtown
11.
Downtown Census Needs Your Input
12. Downtown Marketing Initiative continues
"Seek the Unique" promotion
13. Portland Transit Mall Upcoming Milestones
Alliance
Events
14. February Forum: Mayor Adams Talks
Business
15. Business Leads Exchange @ The Rose
Quarter February 10
16. Business After Hours @ Wilf's Restaurant
& Bar, February 11
17. ShopTalk @ Grand Central Restaurant
& Bowling Lounge, Feb. 17
18. Cornerstones: What is social media
and what can it do for my business?
Member
Events
19. Self-Enhancement Inc.'s Gospel Brunch
- February 22
20. Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety
& Health Conference, March 9-12
21. Time Management: Strategies for
Success, February 19
Member
News
22. Portland International Film Festival
Feb. 5 - 21
23. Morton's extends lease in KOIN Center
Building
24. Nike joins PGE Park, Beavers, Timbers
in community and business partnership
25. Two Portland students named Intel Science
Talent Search Semifinalists
26. NWEA headquarters moving to downtown
Portland
27. Upcoming
meetings
FROM
THE CHAIR
1. A
New Year Brings New Leaders
 By
Steve Holwerda, Chair,
Alliance Board of Directors
To me,
the Portland Business Alliance is a microcosm of America -
a diverse and vocal group that is committed to our organization's
success. Similar to our country, no one opinion dominates
the organization. Members constantly voice their thoughts
on business issues and get involved in public policy matters
and other issues that impact business in our region. As the
current board chair, I feel it is my responsibility to listen
to what you - the membership - have to say on the questions
that impact our region.
Each year,
the Alliance studies and speaks out on a number of issues
- some of which are more complicated than others. This past
month, the Alliance board of directors engaged in a series
of discussions at its annual retreat about our 2009 legislative
agenda (see more in the public policy section), which included
debates about how the state can address the growing budget
deficit, workforce development improvements, education funding
and healthcare reform. Not everyone agreed on every issue
or the positions we should take, but every voice was heard
and these conversations will continue as the legislative session
heats up.
We also
had one of our more difficult discussions in recent memory
about the current controversy surrounding the Mayor of Portland.
Our board members shared many opinions, expressing concerns
about the mayor's truthfulness, his behavior and his capacity
to effectively lead, as well as the Alliance's ability to
maintain a working relationship with the city. The opinion
expressed by the board, and circulated to all of you, came
out of that long discussion.
At the
end of the day, the board agreed in their disappointment with
the mayor and the situation. They also felt that the mayor
needs to earn the public's confidence back and demonstrate
that he can be an effective leader. At the same time, the
Alliance needs to work to maintain a good relationship with
all elected officials in City Hall in order to move our business
agenda forward. Read
full board statement >>
This difficult
discussion was not the first time the board has tackled a
controversial or complicated topic that would impact its membership.
We have endorsed or sometimes chosen not to endorse candidates
for office and local and statewide ballot issues that members
feel strongly about. I anticipate that more difficult discussions
are on the horizon as the region and state struggle through
this economic downturn. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome
and I hope that you will share them with the board, Alliance
staff and me.
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Mayor
Sam Adams originally set an ambitious agenda for his
first 100 days in office. Given recent events, will
he be able to achieve these goals?
Take
the poll >>
Look
for new questions each month by visiting www.portlandalliance.com.
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3.
Last month's poll results
January's
poll question asked your opinion on what should be the
state's top legislative priorities during the 2009 session.
Here is how the issues ranked:
-
Budget
deficit and revenue reform was top with 56 percent
-
Transportation
and educated tied, each with 44 percent
-
Business
taxes received 31 percent
-
Workforce
development and healthcare reform were viewed as less
of a priority with each receiving 25 percent
-
Carbon
emissions came in last at 12 percent.
Other
issues of concern among members are arts funding, immigration
reform and sustainability initiatives.
4.
Member-to-Member Savings Showcase
Wednesday,
March 4
3 - 6 p.m.
200 SW Market, Lobby Conference Room
Want
to decrease business costs and save money? Then come to
the Portland Business Alliance's new event Member-to-Member
Savings Showcase. Alliance members will be showcasing their
discounted products and services, which are offered exclusively
to other Alliance members. Discounts range from office products
to flower arrangements. Decrease costs, support the Portland
business community and take advantage of the savings your
membership affords you.
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5.
Leadership Portland: Applications for Class of 2010 Due
March 31
The
Alliance seeks its next set of leaders for the Leadership
Portland class of 2010. Now in its seventh year, this intensive
program provides skills and knowledge necessary for senior
leadership positions within companies, civic organizations
and government in the Portland region. The application deadline
is March 31, 2009.
The
Alliance created Leadership Portland in 2003 to provide
leaders interested in community service 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.
"Each
year, 36 people come together to form Leadership Portland,"
said Don Krahmer, the Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt partner
who serves as the Alliance Board liaison with the program.
"This group of people represents a broad spectrum of the
Portland region from the private sector and educational
institutions to non-profit organizations and government
offices. Together, they get an inside look at the challenges
that exist in our community and have the opportunity to
get their hands dirty addressing those challenges through
their group projects."
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 at www.portlandalliance.com/lp.
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6.
2009 Edelman Trust Barometer: How to Restore Trust in
Business
Tuesday,
February 17
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Avenue
 In
this epic year of lost trust, every sector from financial
services and manufacturing to government and the media
has come under fire. CEOs and elected leaders alike are
looking for answers to help regain stakeholder trust.
The 10th Annual Trust Barometer findings will be presented
by Edelman President and CEO Richard Edelman. The
survey represents the opinions of 4500 thought leaders
across 20 countries on five continents and is the first
major global study conducted since the financial crisis
began.
Joining
Richard Edelman for the presentation and responding to
your comments and questions is Douglas Schoen,
recognized as one of the most influential Democratic campaign
consultants during the past thirty years. Register
Now >>
PUBLIC
POLICY
7.
2009 legislative agenda adopted
At
the annual Board of Directors retreat in late January, the
board supported a number of policy positions related to
the 2009 legislative session that began in Salem last month.
Here is a short overview:
-
Education
and Workforce: The Alliance will support the 40-40-20
goal and initiatives that link education and business
experience and will encourage greater private sector involvement
in higher education policy discussions. The Alliance will
also look for opportunities to engage on issues of cost
containment and efficiency in education spending.
-
State
Transportation Funding: Transportation funding will
be one of the Alliance's top priorities. The Alliance
will seek opportunities to link the elements of a funding
package to the state's sustainability efforts, align with
the federal stimulus package and its efforts to generate
jobs.
-
Carbon
emissions: The Alliance will support efforts to find
mechanisms and strategies that reduce carbon emissions
and position the state strategically for job growth in
this area while also seeking to minimize or eliminate
job losses from increased costs.
-
State
Revenue Reform: The Alliance will work to support
budget and revenue reform efforts identified by the Revenue
Reform Task Force to develop a more stable source of funding
for the state.
For
questions about the legislative agenda, please contact Bernie
Bottomly at 503.552.6746.
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MEMBER
SERVICES
8.
Membership survey results are in!
The
Alliance conducted its annual membership survey from the end
of October through the first week in December with the goals
of measuring the value of membership, determining important
policy goals and improving communication with members. Overall,
members continue to see value in their membership with 83
percent of members planning to renew. Eighty-seven percent
of respondents would recommend Alliance membership to other
businesses (at 84 percent in 2007 and 85 percent in 2006).
In
this year's survey, the Alliance added a set of new questions
that focused on the recession, which revealed 76 percent of
members have been or feel that they will be impacted by the
recession. As a result, members are taking a number of actions
including freezing hiring (21 percent); decreasing discretionary
spending (72 percent); and shifting their marketing strategies
(52 percent).
In
response to these answers, the Alliance is refocusing on economic
issues with recent events on savings, e-marketing and encouraging
members to take advantage of networking opportunities.
Regarding
Alliance events, Business After Hours, Forum and Business
Leads Exchange were the most valued events. These results
mirror the up tick in attendance at Business After Hours and
Business Leads Exchange during the past year.
In
terms of Benefits and Services provided by the Alliance, civic
opportunity, business connections and savings were the most
important. Savings jumped in importance from last year, which
can be attributed to the economic recession. Members can view
the discounts available to by going to Members Only and clicking
on the discounts page.
The
Government Relations questions showed that economic prosperity,
a strong central city and local business taxes are important
to member businesses while law enforcement resources, trade
and education and workforce development are viewed as most
important to the business community. The Alliance is addressing
these issues at the city, regional and state levels (see legislative
agenda story above).
And
the winner is...
By responding to the survey, members were automatically
entered into a chance to win a night in downtown Portland.
Holly Patton won a night at the Portland Downtown
Waterfront Marriott and two tickets to Portland Center
Stage! |
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9.
A packed Green Hour event at CH2M Hill
More than
130 people packed the room at the Alliance's newest event
series, Green Hour, demonstrating how popular sustainability
issues are in Portland. CH2M Hill hosted this latest event
and focused on the "Oregon advantage" and how Oregon is leading
the way in sustainable business practices. CH2M Hill also
encouraged guests to come up with their own sustainable ideas
and will be sharing those ideas with attendees.
The
next Green Hour is March 19 at the Oregon State University
Food Innovation Center. Register
Now >>
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10. New
member profile: Alaska Communications Systems
Alaska's
leading telecom company, Alaska Communications Systems (ACS),
recently joined the Alliance. ACS just completed the construction
of a high-speed, high-capacity fiber optic system called AKORN
(Alaska Oregon Network,) connecting Alaska to the Lower 48
by way of
Florence, Ore.
ACS
also recently acquired Crest Communications, owner of another
undersea fiber optic cable between Alaska and Oregon called
Northstar. The Northstar cable lands at Nedonna Beach, and
like AKORN, ties into existing fiber routes to telecom hubs
in Portland and Seattle. This new cable infrastructure provides
customers with diverse and secure routes between Alaska, the
Pacific Northwest and beyond.
So
what do ACS' new investments in fiber optics mean for Oregon
businesses?
- More
choices for high-speed connections across the Northwest.
- Faster
and more affordable options for Oregon companies to do business
with Alaska, which has the highest disposal income in the
western United States, an economy is counter-cyclical to
the rest of the Pacific Northwest, and a business climate
with underserved consumer and business-to-business markets.
- The
opportunity to leverage Alaska's economical land costs and
natural cooling for affordable and environmentally friendly
remote data centers.
"Our new
high-speed, secure connections between Alaska, Portland, and
Seattle open up a host of business opportunities for our state
and our Pacific Northwest neighbors," said Paula Dobbyn, ACS
Director of Corporate Communications.
Learn
more by going to the ACS
products Web site. For investor information, click
here.
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DOWNTOWN
SERVICES
11. Downtown
Census Needs Your Input
The Portland
Business Alliance is conducting its eighth annual Downtown
Business Census and we need your participation. The Downtown
Business Census is a comprehensive data-gathering project
involving all downtown businesses, governmental entities and
non-profit organizations. The purpose of this project is to:
- Accurately
identify and count all the employees and businesses in the
downtown area;
- Obtain
feedback and responses from all downtown firms and organizations
that will help us better understand and respond to the existing
downtown market, as well as identify future opportunities
and challenges facing the market;
- Establish
benchmarks and trends of leading economic indicators for
tracking the progress of ongoing downtown development efforts;
- Create
a resource of information for prospective downtown tenants
or developers interested in conducting site analysis. The
census measures all businesses and employees within the
I-405/I-5 loop.
The results
will be collected over a six-month period in order to receive
a 100 percent count of all employees, and a statistically
significant amount of survey information. Take
the survey >>
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12.
Downtown Marketing Initiative continues "Seek the Unique"
promotion
 The
Downtown Marketing Initiative's (DMI) holiday retail promotion
"Seek the Unique" was well received by the retail community,
press and online subscribers. The DMI plans to continue this
program, highlighting both local and national stores and exclusive
merchandise available only downtown, into Valentine's Day
and the spring. The program will be updated with new offerings
and new stores. To learn more, go to www.downtownportland.org.
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13.
Portland Transit Mall Upcoming Milestones
As
the Portland Mall Light Rail Project enters 2009, major changes
for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists are coming to 5th
and 6th avenues. The first change takes place January 12,
when bus operators will train in the new transit lanes and
with the new traffic signals: on 5th and 6th Avenues and on
NW Irving.
Parking
will be removed from the training blocks, and training buses
will not be accepting passengers. Training will continue until
bus service begins on the Mall May 24.
Motorists
and cyclists should only travel in the left-side traffic lane
on both 5th and 6th avenues. The right side transit lanes
are only for buses and light rail trains. Always stay to the
left of the bumpy, white divider between the traffic and the
transit lanes.
Stopping
will not be allowed in the car and bike traffic lane except
as required by traffic signals. At intersections, cyclists
and motorists may go straight or turn left, but right turns
from 5th and 6th Avenues will not be allowed. Obeying the
signals and traffic laws will help everyone travel safely
on the Portland Mall.
Key
2009 Portland Transit Mall Operation Dates
Jan. 12: Bus operator training begins
March 2-8: Mall Safety Awareness Week
May 3: Light rail operator training begins
May 24: Bus service starts on the Mall
Aug. 30: MAX Yellow Line service moves to the Mall
Sept. 10: MAX Green Line service begins
For
more information, please visit portlandmall.org.
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ALLIANCE
EVENTS
14.
February Forum: Mayor Adams Talks Business
Wednesday,
February 18
7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Avenue
Mayor
Sam Adams will discuss his plans to energize Portland's economy,
support small businesses and enhance downtown's retail core.
Register now >>
Event
Sponsor: Legacy
Health System
Series
Sponsors: Firestone
Complete Auto Care & Portland
Tribune
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to the top
15.
Business Leads Exchange @ The Rose Quarter, February 10
Tuesday,
February 10
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Lively
Discussion, Networking and Business Opportunities!
One of Portland Business Alliance's most popular networking
programs with about 80 business professionals in attendance,
Business Leads Exchange is geared toward building lasting
business relationships with focused networking, and facilitated
group discussion. Register
now >>
Event
Sponsor:
Broadway
Vision World
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16. Business
After Hours @ Wilf's Restaurant & Bar, February 11
Wednesday,
February 11
5 - 7 p.m.
A sustainable
company, located on the perimeter of Portland's Pearl and
River districts at Union Station. Wilf's remains a family-owned
restaurant built on a legacy of fine dining and personal service.
Jazz notes from the piano drift through the dining room as
the gracious waitstaff care for guests. Wilfs has become the
spot to hear Portland's best jazz artists perfom. Register
now >>
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17.
ShopTalk @ Grand Central Restaurant and Bowling Lounge, February
17
Tuesday,
February 17
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Grand
Central Restaurant & Bowling Lounge, provides Portland the
ultimate dining and entertainment experience conveniently
located near Portland's downtown district. ShopTalk is a networking
program hosted at the locations of different Alliance member
companies. The programs feature a networking session, member
introductions, a brief host presentation, and a door prize
drawing. Register
now >>
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18. Cornerstones:
What is social media and what can it do for my business?
Thursday,
March 5
7:30 - 9 a.m.
200 SW Market Street, Lobby Conference Room
At
the March 5th Cornerstones Conversations learn about the sometimes
confusing and intimidating world of social media. Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn - learn what they are, how they work and
if they can help you reach your audiences.
Series
Sponsors: Regence
& West
Coast Bank
You
can start the discussion now at the Cornerstones
Conversation blog.
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MEMBER
EVENTS
19.
Self-Enhancement Inc.'s Gospel Brunch - February 22
This soulful
celebration featuring the Self Enhancement Sounds of Soul
Choir will be held at Self Enhancement, Inc. Sunday, February
22, 2009 at 11 a.m. Advance Tickets to the brunch are $20
each; general admission seating is available for $10 each.
You can purchase tickets online at www.selfenhancement.org.
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20. Oregon
Governor's Occupational Safety & Health Conference, March
9-12
For construction,
general industry, healthcare, manufacturing and public agencies,
the Oregon GOSH Conference runs March 9-12 at the Oregon Convention
Center and will feature exhibits, safety awards and much more.
Go to www.oregongosh.com.
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21. Time
Management: Strategies for Success, February 19
Are you
managing your job or is your job managing you? How do you
regain control? How do you get ahead of the game? How do you
determine what is really important and set strategies for
success? This seminar will give you the tools to get back
in the driver's seat. Thursday, February 19, 9:00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m. Metro Multifamily Housing Association, 921 SW Washington,
Suite 772, Portland. www.metromultifamily.com/education.
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MEMBER
NEWS
22.
Portland International Film Festival Feb. 5 - 21
The Northwest
Film Center's 32nd Portland International Film Festival kicks
off this month. Drawing an audience of more than 35,000, the
festival is the biggest film event in Oregon premiering more
than 100 international shorts and feature films to Portland
audiences.
Festival
Schedule: The full PIFF Program is available online at www.nwfilm.org.
Festival Box Office: Mark Building, Portland Art Museum, 1119
SW Park Avenue. Opens January 28 - Daily from 12-6. Advance
tickets by phone at (503) 276-4310 or online at www.nwfilm.org.
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23. Morton's
extends lease in KOIN Center Building
Morton's
of Chicago Steak House has recently extended their lease in
the KOIN Center Building, located in downtown Portland at
213 SW Clay. Morton's of Chicago, currently celebrating their
10th Year Anniversary here in Portland, has extended their
long-term lease in the KOIN Center until the year 2023. Morton's
Signature Menu and Award Winning Wine selection is a perfect
for special occasions, a business dinner or a pre- or post-theatre
bite to eat.
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24. Nike
joins PGE Park, Beavers, Timbers in community and business
partnership
PGE Park,
the Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers recently announced
they have entered into a long-term partnership with Nike to
support the Portland Beavers & Portland Timbers Community
Fund. In addition, Nike will become the official on-field
apparel and equipment provider for both the Beavers and Timbers.
Nike's partnership with the Beavers and Timbers continues
the company's philanthropic and on-field support of soccer
and baseball worldwide. The Beavers are the first professional
baseball team to feature Nike as its official on-field uniform
provider.
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25. Two
Portland students named Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalists
Two Portland
area high school seniors learned in January that they had
been named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search
(Intel STS). Portland's semifinalists are Timothy Bauman of
Central Catholic High School and Michael Loy of Oregon Episcopal
School. Each of the 300 Intel STS semifinalists receives $1,000
with an additional $1,000 to their respective school. STS
alumni have received more than 100 of the world's most coveted
honors including six Nobel Prizes, three National Medals of
Science, 10 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships, and two Fields
Medals.
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26. NWEA
headquarters moving to downtown Portland
Northwest
Evaluation Association (NWEA), a national non-profit educational
services organization, will be moving from its current headquarters
in Lake Oswego to the Port of Portland Building at 121 NW
Everett Street in downtown Portland. The lease will commence
in mid-2011. The Port of Portland will be moving to its new
headquarters at the Portland International Airport. NWEA currently
works with more than 3,400 partners (districts, schools, charter
schools, programs like Teach for America, etc.) worldwide.
Forty-two of NWEA's partners are located in Oregon.
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27.
Upcoming Meetings
February
10, Communications Committee, 9:30 am
February
10, Transportation Committee, noon
February
11, Sustainability Committee, 7:30 am
February 13, President's Council, noon
February 18, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm
February 24, Central City Standing Committee, noon
February 25, Small Business Council, 4 pm
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