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At last month's Annual Meeting, the Alliance celebrated business by looking at the historical accomplishments of Portland's Chamber of Commerce and the Portland business community. As I am wrapping up my term as Chair of the Alliance Board of Directors this month, I am proud of the progress made over the past year and the efforts put in by the Alliance members, staff and partner organizations to support business prosperity and our local economy. We accomplished a lot this year - we took on new challenges and reached out to the different communities throughout the region. Here is a quick look at the 2007-2008 year:

Community Relations
Last July, I started my tenure as the Alliance board chair with the goal of reaching out to the community. I had a vision of the Alliance and community groups, business organizations, and neighborhood associations talking about how to make our city even better. Since then, we launched a community relations outreach program. The goal of the program was to connect with and share ideas with many community groups from the Portland region. I met with representatives from local neighborhood business associations from across the city, young professionals and emerging leaders, and a number of minority chambers. I listened to their views on the challenges in our community and we started developing ways to address these concerns. Together we found some key areas and issues to focus on. In the coming year, we want to continue these conversations and building towards solutions.

Transportation
Our local transportation infrastructure is another area that took the efforts and input of organizations across the region. Transportation has been a major focus for the Alliance this year with the Columbia River Crossing project and advocacy work on dedicated transportation funding at the local and state level. Our work with the Columbia River Crossing task force and the governor's office has been crucial in the shaping of our region's transportation policies and plans. This work is critical to our region, and will continue to be a top priority in years to come.

Sustainability
Another milestone for the Alliance this year was our Green Team event, which brought together companies from all over the metro area to talk about an issue that has become essential to business: sustainability. This is an area that will become even more important and more of a focus for our members and the community as a whole. The Alliance's sustainability committee, and together with local businesses and organizations, will continue to make green business a priority.

Downtown livability and retail environment
The Alliance has made many strides in Portland's Central City, from working with the city to implementing the sidewalk ordinance in the Downtown and Lloyd business districts, to the ongoing work of our Clean & Safe program to increase downtown's livability and desirability. The results of our efforts are tangible: downtown crime dropped 16 percent in 2007.

In recent months, we worked with PDC and other stakeholders to ensure the continued health of downtown, by advocating for an early debt retirement for the Downtown Waterfront and South Park Blocks urban renewal districts in order to create a new urban renewal district. These discussions and efforts created more dialog with public agencies and officials, as the Alliance continues to advocate for our business members.

I have enjoyed getting to know so many great business and community leaders as the Alliance Chair. We set some ambitious goals for this year, and I'm proud to say that we've tackled with enthusiasm and determination. I have high hopes for what we can accomplish over the next year, under the direction of incoming Chair Steve Holwerda, of Ferguson Wellman Capital Management. His dedication to the business community and the health of the Portland region will take the Alliance in new and exciting directions.

Lastly, I want to offer my congratulations to Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams, who was elected to the City's top position last month. This year, the Alliance Board made the unusual decision to do a dual endorsement of Commissioner Adams and candidate Sho Dozono because we felt we could work well with both of these individuals. We know Sam well and we look forward to a strong relationship with him when he takes office in January. Congratulations also to Randy Leonard and Nick Fish, both endorsed by the Alliance Board, in their successful races for City Council.

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PUBLIC POLICY

2. Columbia River Crossing project reaches major milestone

With the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) last month, the Columbia River Crossing project has reached a critical stage. The DEIS triggers a number of public meetings and votes by government entities such as Metro and Portland City Council on which of the five options presented in the DEIS is the preferred alternative. Portland Business Alliance Board of Directors endorsed the replacement bridge with light rail and tolling option as its preferred alternative and is its number one priority.

Once the adoption of a locally preferred alternative is made by local government bodies, significant additional analysis will be done to address number of lanes, interchange configurations, tolling and other details that are needed. Prompt consideration and action by Metro and City Council is critical so that the project can continue moving forward and be eligible for federal funding opportunities.

If you are interested in expressing your opinion about the Columbia River Crossing project, you can submit comments through the project Web site.

The public comment period ends July 1. More information about the project and the replacement bridge with light rail can be found at www.columbiarivercrossing.com.

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3. Foreign Direct Investment Tour

Did you know that foreign companies are investing in Oregon? Congressional staff members learned more about why foreign companies are investing in our region on a recent tour, hosted by the Pacific Northwest International Trade Association (PNITA) on May 30. The tour highlighted the important role that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays in the growth of Oregon's economy and specifically, the state's renewable energy cluster.

The all-day bus tour visited Oregon Iron Works and highlighted the company's partnership with Canadian-based Finavera and other foreign companies on Wave Energy Devices, and other important projects. The next stop on the tour was the new SolarWorld AG facility in Hillsboro followed by a stop at the Vestas Business Academy. SolarWorld is headquartered in Bonn, Germany while Vestas calls Randers, Denmark home.

Throughout the day, a number of issues were discussed at each location such as wind and solar energy production tax credits and how foreign investments are increasing the demand for labor. More information about FDI, contact Doug Badger with PNITA at 503.260.3235.

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4. Pursuing the future: The Outlook for Greater Portland

June 4, 2008
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Portland Art Museum - 1219 SW Park Avenue

Greenlight Greater Portland invites you to a summit presented in partnership with the Regional Business Plan and Regional Partners. Registration includes a luncheon with keynote speaker Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class and Who's Your City? Register online today.

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5. Capitol trip focuses on transportation

In early May, members of the Alliance traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with the regional congressional delegation and Administration officials. Special thanks to Ball Janik, Tonkon Torp and The Gallatin Group for their sponsorship of the trip.

Participating members discussed the Alliance's federal legislative agenda and other key items of regional significance with the congressional members in meetings at the United States Capitol. Alliance members met with officials from the Bush Administration to discuss regional transportation priorities, renewable energy policy, and a planned Alliance trip to China in 2009.

MEMBER SERVICES

6. Leadership Portland Class of 2008 graduates, new coordinator to head up program

The latest Leadership Portland class graduates June 5. The 35-person class has completed a rigorous course schedule that has taken them across the Portland region and introduced them to new people and leaders throughout the state. As part of their graduation, the teams will present their community projects at the graduation luncheon hosted by NW Natural.

Monica Stewart, Leadership Portland's Coordinator, will also be honored at the luncheon, as she will be thanked for her hard work during the past several years. She will be moving with her family to Kansas City later this summer. Nick Viele, the former Executive Director of Schoolhouse Supplies, will be taking on the role as program coordinator. With the selection process for Leadership Portland class of 2009 well under way, those applicants selected for the next class will be notified shortly. The 2009 class will commence in September. Congratulations to the Class of 2008:

E.V. Armitage, Central City Concern
Simone Brooks, Brooks Staffing
Josh Caldwell, S.D. Deacon Corp of Oregon
Theresa Carr, CH2M HILL, Inc.
Katharine Coakley, Key Private Bank
James Coats, Ferguson Wellman Capital Management
Denise Crawford, Willamette University
Tracy Dannen, Kaiser Permanente
Michele Evans, DLR Group
Brian Fassett, Mercy Corps Northwest
Michele Follette, PacifiCorp
Randy Friedman, NW Natural
Sara Fritch, Acme Consulting
Richard George, Portland General Electric
Michelle Giguere, Ball Janik LLP
Mike Golub, Portland Trailblazers
Chris Hall, Perkins Coie LLP
Scott Hatley, Incight Company
John Hembroff, Hembroff Associates
Brodie Hylton, Zipcar
Scott MacLean, NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson
James McGrath, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP
Sue Melone, Boldtrek, Inc.
Ben McKinley, Cascade Web Development
Andy Nelson, Hands On Greater Portland
Tim Nelson, Bank of America
Roma Peyser, AIDS Project
Francie Rawson, M Financial Group
Dianne Raynor, Oregon Community Credit Union
Ann Smith, Standing Partnership
Kimberlee Stafford, Tonkon Torp LLP
Justin Stranzl, Daily Journal of Commerce
Terri Warpinski, University of Oregon

7. Save money through affinity programs

Are you taking advantage of all of the Alliance's money-saving affinity programs? The Alliance's partnerships with companies like Office Depot, KMHD FM radio, and Engaging Media allows members to get great deals that help their businesses prosper. The Alliance's newest affinity program allows members to save on their next vehicle purchase at Dick Hannah in Vancouver. Through the partnership, Alliance members have access to a corporate price on new and used vehicles, a significant discount on sticker price.

By calling 800.407.4835, Alliance members are connected to a corporate sales representative. Because members will be working by appointment, there is no hassle, making their vehicle-buying experience simple and efficient.

At the Alliance Annual Meeting in May, the newest installment of the Distinguishing Portland premiered. The new video focused on Portland as an international gateway, and the way local businesses are influencing markets overseas, exporting products and expertise and developing new industries globally. Alliance members with global vision were featured in the video, which can be found on the Alliance Web site. Go to www.portlandalliance.com/story to learn more about the project and submit your company's global vision story, or contact Megan Doern at 503.552.6754 or mdoern@portlandalliance.com.

At May's Chair's Cup event, the competition was fierce among the golf teams made up of Alliance members. The winning team was included John Davidson of JJ Davidson, Steve Holwerda of Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Mike Rompa of Geffen Mesher and Marty Stewart of ODS. The Pacific Power Team (Cindi Crane, Pat Egan, Jim Gossett and Art Sasse) was runner up.

Judy Peppler of Qwest-Oregon was first place in the Women's Long Drive; Miller Nash's Brian Doherty was top place for Men's Long Drive. Steve Pratt of ESCO Corporation won first place in the chipping contest.

All 68 participants enjoyed 18 holes of golf and networking opportunities. The Chair's Cup dinner featured special guest speaker, Dr. Al Reichow, Global Research Director for Nike Vision.

10. Retail in the press

Portland's retail community has been a favorite of the national press in recent weeks as Women's Wear Daily featured Portland in an article highlighting many retailers throughout the downtown, focusing on the many independent retailers and unique stores Portland has to offer.
Read the article >>

Women's Wear Daily also printed a list of the top 10 U.S. markets for retail growth over the next five years, from the Grubb and Ellis 2008 Global Real Estate Forecast. Portland was number 10 with a score of 58.5, based on 15 demographic, economic and real estate variables, including population growth, job growth and barriers to entry. Other cities were (listed in order): Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft.Worth, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, Orange County, San Diego, and Chicago.

Lucky Magazine also featured Portland as its Shopping Guide Destination for the May issue. Citing Portland as a "hotbed of indie style," the magazine features several smaller and independent boutiques throughout downtown, the Pearl District and eastside areas.

11. Pioneer Place home to more high fashion tenants

Last month, two new premier retailers opened up stores in Pioneer Place. The Kate Spade store opened its doors on May 14, and was joined by Betsey Johnson on May 25. Pioneer Place also announced that Juicy Couture would also be moving in to a street level location in the mall in mid-July. Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson are exclusives in this market. Betsey Johnson returns to Portland after a 10-year absence.

12. Tri-Met and Portland Department of Transportation Update

Rail construction along the transit mall is ending; the last piece of track was laid May 9. Curb-to-curb construction and repaving will continue until the end of June. Sidewalk finish work will continue through the summer. The Steel Bridge will be closed to bus and car traffic June 10 to August 3rd while work is being completed on the transit mall project. Current MAX lines will not run over the bridge from August 2 through 24. Shuttle buses will detour MAX ridership and TriMet and Keep Portland Moving will publicize alternate transportation messages to the public about walking or riding bicycles over the bridge expanse during the closure.

EVENTS

13. Cornerstones for Success: Sustainable Business Practices

Green Strategies for Small Business Growth
June 5, 2008, 4-6 p.m.
200 SW Market St., Oregon Executive MBA L101

Doing business in Portland requires owners and managers to be socially and environmentally accountable. To meet the demands of customers, employees and the greater community your company must implement sustainable practices to lighten its environmental impact. The future of business depends on it. Learn what you can do today to conserve resources, lower costs and grow your business green. Register Now >>

14. Women's 9-Hole Golf Scramble

June 11, 2008
Colwood National Golf Club - 7313 NE Columbia Blvd.
Individual: $125; Foursome: $400

Whether you hook your drives or nail it straight down the fairway, bring your clubs and welcome in the summer golf season at the Portland Business Alliance's 1st Annual Women's Golf Scramble. Includes beverages, lunch and prizes for the top finishers, KP and long drive. Register Now >>

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event! For more information contact Christine Gatlin at 503.552.6742.

15. Forum: Making healthcare more affordable in the business community

Join Dr. Mark O'Hollaren, director of clinical outreach for Oregon Health & Science University, as he explores the truth and myths about high health care costs. Why does access to affordable health care matter to your business? What's driving up your health care costs? Do you really know why your business is paying more for health care, but your employees are receiving less? Are physicians paid too much? Why do we need an academic health center? Who controls the quality of health care? Dr. O'Hollaren will use MSInteractive's "instant survey" Perception Analyzer technology to direct his highly interactive presentation to the questions you want answered. Register Now >>

16. Sales Training: Cold Calling Clinic

Presented by Jeff Schneider and Mark Russell from Sandler Training
This seminar is for sellers and business owners that sometimes suffer from Call Reluctance. And that means every seller. You will learn:

Cold calling does still work. Come learn how to make it work for you. 30 minutes of networking followed by 2.5-hour sales training workshop. Register Now >>

17. Internet Strategy Forum Summit

Gain actionable insights at the Internet Strategy Forum Summit in July, which is co-sponsored by the Alliance. Engage with eight different executive keynote presenters from leading companies such as eMarketer, Forrester Research, Disney, Nike, Intel, IBM, WebTrends and Fandango. These experts will share their experiences and ideas on how to best leverage the Internet and integrate it into your overall business strategy.

Alliance members receive a discount by selecting Association Member pricing, so registration starts under $250. More information is online at www.internetstrategyforum.org/summit.

MEMBER NEWS

18. Rose Festival in full swing

The 2008 Rose Festival kicked off on May 29, with the opening of the WaMu Waterfront Village. Named the best festival in the world in 2007, the Rose Festival will offer the traditional parades, activities and entertainment, including a new Grand Floral Walk sponsored by Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield. Check out all of the events still to come at www.rosefestival.org.

19. Willamette University offers course on cost accounting

Willamette University's Executive Development Center is offering "The Basics of Cost Accounting" in association with the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC) June 13-14. Delivered by Professor Kenneth Smith of Willamette University, the 1.5-day program will discuss the standards of cost accounting, new trends in reporting and budgeting and tools available to managers to make effective decisions. The course will be held at Willamette University Portland Center, 1120 NW Couch Street, Suite 450.

20. Art etc… hosts first Friday event

Join Alliance member Art, Etc. at its First Friday Art Opening on June 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Special guest Christa Grimm will be present at the event. Local Artist Christ Grimm will be present at the event. She is one of Oregon Art Beat's featured artists, and passionate about the regional landscapes. Art, etc... is located at 527 SE Ash #11 in Portland. Food and wine will be served.

21. Portland Classic Gallery adds two new artists

Portland Classic Gallery (Bridgeport Village) is announced that it will showcase two new artists. View sensual figuratives by emerging new artist Mara Light and take a glimpse of exquisite still-lifes by Malcolm Bryan by visiting Portland Classic Gallery. Contemporary original oils represented in Oregon and throughout the Northwest exclusively at Portland Classic Gallery.

22. Free business seminar and lunch about cross-cultural marketing

In recognition of the Portland area launch of Your World. Your Language., Alliance members are invited to a free business lunch and seminar on Monday, June 23, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at The Treasury Ballroom (325 SW Broadway). RSVP to Hfoudy@languageline.com by June 17.

Your World. Your Language. is a telephone-based service that allows limited English speaking consumers to communicate in their own languages with vital business service providers. Developed by Language Line Services and AT&T, the service is free to consumers, and connects callers with companies located within their local service areas. For more information, visit www.yourworldyourlanguage.com.

23. Portland Beavers offers Alliance members discounted tickets

The Portland Beavers are pleased to offer all Portland Business Alliance members discounted tickets to select Beavers home games. Go to www.portlandbeavers.com/grouptickets to purchase your seats. The Username and Password are both "Alliance".

24. Upcoming Meetings

June 4 , Central City Standing Committee, noon
June 10, Communications Committee, 9:30 am
June 10, Transportation Committee, noon
June 13, President's Council, noon
June 24, Public Safety Sub-Committee, 8 am
June 25, Government Relations Committee, 7:30 am
June 25, Small Business Council, 3 pm

June 2008 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. Where we've been and where we're headed

2. Columbia River Crossing project reaches major milestone

3. Foreign Direct Investment Tour

4. Pursuing the future: The Outlook for Greater Portland

5. Capitol trip focuses on transportation

MEMBER SERVICES

6. Leadership Portland Class of 2008 graduates, new coordinator to head up program

7. Save money through affinity programs

10. Retail in the press

11. Pioneer Place home to more high fashion tenants

12. Tri-Met and Portland Department of Transportation Update

EVENTS

13. Cornerstones for Success: Sustainable Business Practices

14. Women's 9-Hole Golf Scramble

15. Forum: Making healthcare more affordable in the business community

16. Sales Training: Cold Calling Clinic

17. Internet Strategy Forum Summit

MEMBER NEWS

18. Rose Festival in full swing

19. Willamette University offers course on cost accounting

20. Art etc… hosts first Friday event

21. Portland Classic Gallery adds two new artists

22. Free business seminar and lunch about cross-cultural marketing

23. Portland Beavers offers Alliance members discounted tickets

24. Upcoming Meetings