February
2010 Newsletter
Top
Stories
1. From the Chair: A Call to Action
2. Candidates
for Metro President debate! February 17
3. Leadership
Portland: Submit your application today!
Public
Policy
4.
Coalition for a Prosperous Region makes recommendations
to Metro
5. Oregon Legislature bills of interest to
business
Downtown
6.
December downtown pedestrian count results
show downtown remains hub of activity
7. Business census and survey issued to downtown
businesses
Membership
8.
Membership survey prize winner
9. New staff members
Member
News
10.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air launch 'Join.
Fly. Fly Free.'
11.
Intel expanding its solar installations
in Oregon
12. Columbia Gorge Hotels to begin distributing
TRAVELHOST Magazine
13.
Oregon Business magazine to host award
dinner
14. InterWorks has won three Regional
Contractor of the Year Awards
15. IBEW Local 48 donates service hours
and funds to the community
16.
Hasson Company Relocates Uptown Portland
Office
17.
Lewis & Clark Law School's Small Business
Legal Clinic open house
18. Veterans Stand Down & Job Fair Event
on March 8th
19. Virginia Garcia's Second Annual Healthcare
Symposium
20.
Upcoming meetings
FROM
THE CHAIR
1. A
Call to Action
 By
Charles Wilhoite, Chair,
Alliance Board of Directors
In my
more than 10 years on the Alliance Board of Directors, I have
attended many annual board retreats. They have all been interesting
and thought provoking, but rarely have I seen board members
sit up and take notice the way they did with two of our speakers
at the 2010 Board retreat in January.
First,
Tim Duy, a professor of economics at the University of Oregon,
presented data showing that the Portland region has not added
new jobs in 10 years. Even more startling, he showed us that
per capita income and average wage in the region are dropping,
a clear indication that our region's economy is ailing and
good jobs are being lost. Measured against other similarly
situated metropolitan areas, like Denver, Minneapolis and
Seattle, Duy said, Portland lags behind on key economic indicators.
Then,
another speaker, economist and regional economic development
expert Brian Bosworth, told the board that economic development
is directly tied to the educational achievements of its population,
especially post-secondary achievement. Again, measured against
peer metropolitan regions, the numbers showed that the Portland
region's educational achievements do not fare well, and that
will impact our ability to retain and attract good, family
wage jobs over the long-range.
The challenge
from both Duy and Bosworth that resonated most strongly with
me was their urging that Portland needs to get out of its
"echo chamber." We appropriately celebrate and cherish the
many great aspects of this community - our people, our natural
environment and our commitment to sustainability - but we
also have to realize that in two key areas, job creation and
higher education achievement, we need to do more.
For the
board, these presentations became a call to action. We ended
the retreat with a clear vision of what we need to do as a
business community and as people who live and work in the
Portland region:
- We
need to do a better job of helping the broad public understand
how our economy works and how healthy businesses contribute
to healthy wages for local families.
- We
need to focus on creating a business environment that will
support retention and creation of family-wage jobs, bringing
our public leadership to the table to help make that happen.
- We
need to do more to support the foundational aspects of our
regional economy, like international trade, manufacturing,
small business and entrepreneurship.
- And
we need to focus more directly on educational achievement,
especially as it relates to higher education and community
colleges.
Over the
next months, you will see the Alliance take action to address
those imperatives. Clearly, the time is now to address those
issues that were presented in such a startling way at our
board retreat.
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2.
Candidates for Metro President debate! February 17
Wednesday,
February 17
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Avenue
Register
now >>
If
you do business in the tri-county area, you need to
be at the February breakfast Forum featuring a debate
between the three candidates running for Metro president.
Metro's responsibilities include urban growth boundary
management, transportation planning, preservation
of natural areas, long-range planning, habitat restoration,
solid waste management and recycling, and operating
the zoo and venues for conventions, exhibits, and
performing arts for the region.
The
debate will feature:
Rex Burkholder
Metro Councilor
Tom
Hughes
Former Hillsboro Mayor
Bob
Stacey
Former 1000 Friends of Oregon Executive Director
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3.
Leadership Portland: Submit your application today!
 Applications
for the 2011 class of Leadership Portland are now being
accepted! If you are interested in learning more about the
issues facing the Portland region, getting involved in a
community impact project and building lasting relationships
with a variety of people from the private, public and non-profit
sectors - here is your chance!
To
apply for the 2010-11 Leadership Portland program,
candidates must submit an application, signature
page and two letters of recommendation, one from
their employer and one from a community leader
by Friday April 2, 2010.
More
information about the program can be found here
>>
Back
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PUBLIC
POLICY
4.
Coalition for a Prosperous Region
makes recommendations to Metro
 On
February 8, representatives from Metro
and Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas
counties, known as the Core 4, agreed
to almost all of the urban and rural reserve
land designations they have deliberated
over for two years. The remainder of the
decisions will be made between Metro and
their respective county by the end of
February.
The
urban and rural reserves designate
a 50-year land supply of developable
land eligible for urban growth boundary
expansions, as well as a 50-year
protection of other portions of
land, saved for faming. This process
came out of the 2007 passage of
Senate Bill 1011, which replaced
the old system of making any urban
growth boundary expansion dependent
on agricultural soil classification.
The designation of urban and rural
reserves allows for employment and
housing development to locate close
to existing and planned infrastructure.
The
Coalition for a Prosperous Region, an
alliance of business and labor organizations
and groups advocating for regional land
use decisions that provide options for
economic development, has been involved
throughout this process. The coalition
and its members have commissioned relevant
materials such as studies, maps and peer
reviews that provide background and findings
for the Core 4 to make informed decisions
on providing appropriate and sufficient
land that will accommodate future industry
and housing needs.
The
coalition, which is staffed by the
Alliance, recently submitted a collection
of these materials to Metro in support
of the coalition's urban reserves
recommendations. These materials
are available through the Alliance
for interested members.
The
Coalition for a Prosperous Region
maps and executive summary >>
The
Coalition for a Prosperous Region
and the Alliance will continue to
track the developments in these
ongoing discussions. If you are
interested in joining the coalition,
please contact Carly Riter at 503.552.6768
or criter@portlandalliance.com.
Read
the Oregonian article on this issue
>>
Read
the Daily Journal of Commerce article
on this issue >>
5.
Oregon Legislature bills of interest to business
The
Oregon Legislature convenes for a special session
in February. Among the bills the business community
is watching with interest are the following:
-
SB
1045: Would prohibit most employers from using a prospective
or current employee's credit history as a reason to hire,
fire or demote the individual. Would not apply to most
banks and credit unions or in cases where the information
is "directly related to a bona fide occupational qualification"
and the information has a "substantial relationship" to
the employee's functions.
-
SB
1001: Makes application of automatic renewal provision
in consumer contract or promotional or free trial offer
unlawful trade practice unless provision or offer complies
with notice and express consent requirements. Makes charging
early termination fee for cancellation of consumer contract
unlawful trade practice unless charging complies with
notice and express consent requirements.
-
SB
1060: Establishes public right to recreational use
of certain waterways. Specifies extent and limitations
of right. Limits liability of owners of property immediately
adjacent to waterways. Requires Department of State Lands
to work with Department of State Police and other agencies
to resolve issues related to recreational use of waterways.
-
LC
152: Inclusionary Zoning. Would give local jurisdictions
the authority to require developers to include a certain
percentage of low income or affordable housing in certain
developments.
-
LC
148:
Expansion of the employer "gag rule." Expands on legislation
passed last session that prohibits employers from disciplining
employees who refuse to attend company meetings on religious
or political topics. Would expand the definition of what
constitutes religious issues and would include ballot
measures and other issues in the definition of political
topics.
-
SB
1050: Prohibits public body from providing public
subsidy for purpose of constructing, reconstructing, renovating,
altering, maintaining or repairing, or entering into contract
to construct, reconstruct, renovate, alter, maintain or
repair, structure(s) on real property unless iron, steel
and manufactured goods used in structure are made within
the United States. Provides that prohibition does not
apply if public body or contracting agency finds that
amount or quality of iron, steel or manufactured goods
made within United States are insufficient or if applying
prohibition would increase cost or contract price by more
than 25 percent.
If you
have questions about legislation highlighted above or other
issues before the Legislature, please contact Bernie Bottomly
at 503.552.6746 or bbottomly@portlandalliance.com.
DOWNTOWN
SERVICES
6.
December
downtown pedestrian count results show downtown
remains hub of activity
Despite
a rough economy, downtown remains strong
as pedestrian counts show a healthy amount
of pedestrian traffic. Counts were up from
2007 numbers on two key intersections: 6th
and Alder and 5th and Couch. Other intersections
saw a small decline. In 2008, the December
counts were canceled due to the severe winter
weather.
The
Alliance, as part of its role of managing
the Downtown Business Improvement District,
conducts pedestrian traffic counts at 15
intersections downtown during the months
of June and December each year. Many in
the commercial real estate industry use
this research for development and investment
purposes.
The
next pedestrian count will take place in
June.
7.
Business census and survey issued to downtown businesses
The
annual Business Census and Survey was recently sent out
to each of the 4,500 businesses, governmental entities &
non-profit agencies located in the I-5/I-405 loop. Data
collection for the 2010 census is underway, and results
should be finalized by late spring 2010.
Each
year, the Alliance's downtown services team collects information
relating to downtown real estate, development and Business
Improvement District (BID) services. This information assists
property owners and commercial real estate brokers and gauges
the overall health of downtown.
Last
year's survey results showed a dramatic decline in jobs
in the downtown core - roughly 3,000 jobs were lost. The
census and survey is used for a variety of activities including
advocacy efforts to promote job creation and the need for
a strong central city.
MEMBERSHIP
SERVICES
8.
Membership survey prize winner
 Thank
you to everyone who participated in the Alliance's annual
member survey! A record amount of responses-313-were received
this year. Congratulations to Brian Pearce, General
Manager of Unico Properties LLC, who won the two Jet
Blue Airlines tickets!
Survey
analysis is in process, and follow-up discussions and
actions will be taking place in the coming months.
Back
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9.
New staff members
The
Alliance welcomed two new staff members this year.
Mirabai
Vogt is the Alliance's External Relations Representative.
Mirabai is providing support for the Alliance's Communications
and Government Relations departments. Mirabai can be reached
at 503.552.6772 or mvogt@portlandalliance.com.
Jason
Little is the Alliance's new Membership Administrative
Assistant. Jason is helping to get members involved in
various events and services. Jason can be reached at 503.552.6759
or jlittle@portlandalliance.com.
MEMBER
NEWS
10.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air launch 'Join. Fly. Fly Free.'
Oregon
and Southwest Washington residents can benefit from Alaska
and Horizon Airlines' new offer. To take advantage of the
offer, you must sign up for the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plus
Program and fly by April 30. After flying one qualifying roundtrip,
(to, from or connecting in Portland), members will have accrued
25,000 miles. With 25,000 miles, members can claim one free
roundtrip Super Saver Awards Ticket on Alaska or Horizon Air.
More
information >>
11.
Intel expanding its solar installations in Oregon
Over the
next seven months, Intel will install 800 kilowatts of solar
electric installations in Oregon, which will generate approximately
2.5 megawatts of clean solar energy. Over 25 years, the new
solar installations will offset an estimated 32.8 million
lbs of CO2. Intel has also increased its purchase of renewable
energy credits (REC). As a result, the Environmental Protection
Agency again placed Intel at the top of its 2010 Green Power
Partner List as the largest voluntary, single purchaser of
green power.
Read
more about Intel's energy efficiency investments >>
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12.
Columbia Gorge Hotels to begin distributing TRAVELHOST Magazine
Hotels
in Hood River and Wasco counties in Oregon, and Skamania County
in Washington will soon provide TRAVELHOST Magazine inside
their guest rooms. TRAVELHOST of Greater Portland will increase
its in-room distribution to nearly 16,000 guest rooms as hotel
partners sign up in the Columbia Gorge. TRAVELHOST magazine
is the most widely available and used travel magazine in the
nation. The locally-owned Portland market edition is called
TRAVELHOST of Greater Portland. Check it out online at www.travelhostportland.com.
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13.
Oregon Business magazine to host award dinner
On
Thursday, March 4, 2010, the Oregon Business Magazine will
hold the Annual "100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon"
award dinner. The event will take place at the Oregon Convention
Center, Portland Ballroom, starting at 5:30 p.m. with a networking
reception. Dinner, a keynote address by Gary Conkling and
the Top 10 countdown will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
More
on the 100 Best event >>
Register
for the event here >>
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14.
InterWorks has won three Regional Contractor of the Year Awards
The National
Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) awarded InterWorks
LLC three prestigious regional awards, which recognize contractors
who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling
projects. The Northwest Region includes Oregon, Washington,
Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Alaska. Regional award
winners will compete for the National Contractor of the Year
awards to be announced in April in Phoenix, Arizona at the
remodeling industry's Evening of Excellence.
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15.
IBEW Local 48 donates service hours and funds to the community
On January
14, electrical workers from IBEW local 48 provided 1,200 service
hours to 30 community service projects and nearly $15,000
to Portland outreach programs and Haiti relief. A majority
of the service hours were provided for the Oregon Food Bank,
Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill. Various other non-profits
and individuals in need benefited from the community service
and funds. More
on IBEW local 48 >>
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16.
Hasson Company Relocates Uptown Portland Office
Hasson
Company Realtors recently relocated its Uptown office in Northwest
Portland, giving agents a new, state-of-the-art boutique space.
The new Hasson Uptown office is located at: 22 NW 23rd Place,
Suite 207. For more information, please visit www.hasson.com/uptown.
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17.
Lewis & Clark Law School's Small Business Legal Clinic open
house
Lewis
& Clark Law School's Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC) will
hold a grand opening reception of the new office space on
310 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 1000. Mayor Sam Adams will give the
keynote address, and attendees will have the opportunity to
meet some of the SBLC's clients, sponsors, and pro bono attorneys.
The event will take place on Thursday, February 11, from 5:30
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. RSVP to rcmg@lclark.edu.
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18. Veterans
Stand Down & Job Fair Event on March 8th
All Veterans
and their families are welcome at the Veterans Stand Down
& Job Fair - a free event with access to dozens of employers
and agencies on Monday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at
the Ambridge Event Center. Portland's Stand Down is organized
by Central City Concern in collaboration with Department of
Veteran's Affairs, Hire Oregon Vets, Returning Veterans Project,
Disabled American Veterans and Worksource Oregon. Call Central
City Concern at 503.226.7387 or visit www.portlandstanddown.org
for more event details.
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19. Virginia
Garcia's Second Annual Healthcare Symposium
This symposium
will bring together state, business, policy and healthcare
leaders to discuss various views on how the evolving healthcare
climate is impacting our lives and where we should go from
here. John Kitzhaber will be the keynote speaker. The event
will be held on April 7, 2010 at the Oregon Zoo Vista Room.
Doors open and breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m. Program runs
from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
More
Information and Purchase Tickets >>
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20.
Upcoming Meetings
February
12, President's Council, noon
February 16, Central City Standing Committee, noon
February
17 , Small Business Council, 4 p.m.
February 18, Public Safety Committee, 8 a.m.
February
24 , Government Relations Committee, 4 p.m.
March
9, Communications Committee, 9:30 a.m.
March 9 , Transportation Committee, noon
March 10, Sustainability Committee, 7:30 a.m.
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