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The Alliance and its staff are always looking for new opportunities to save our members money, time and resources. One way we do this is through our various affinity and Member-to-Member programs. By partnering with some of our members, we have the opportunity to offer great services and products at special prices, which benefits both sides.

These group savings programs range from deals on products such as office supplies, to promotional, sales and advertising opportunities that can help raise your visibility and build your business. When you take advantage of these programs, you not only save your business money, but you support and connect with other Alliance members.

So if you're looking to give your employees a leg up and increase your company's sales, you will appreciate our newest affinity program with Sandler Training's sales seminars. If you're small business with a limited budget for advertising, the Alliance advertising partnership with KMHD radio station is a unique opportunity. Another program with Engaging Media provides your business with the opportunity to have a video about your company on our online business directory. Check out members like Huber's Cafe and Judith Arnell Jewelers who have already taken advantage of this new affinity program. You can read more about our newest programs here. And remember, you can always access information about all member discounts on the Alliance Web site, which is updated daily.

New partnerships and programs are in the works; you will probably hear more about additional discounts in future newsletters. Until then, I encourage you to look into these great offers, as well as the offers in the Member-to-Member section of Members Only to see which ones can help your business. Let us know if your business is interested in being a future Member-to-Member partner!

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PUBLIC POLICY

2. First Mayoral Debate, March 20

Mayoral candidates Sam Adams and Sho Dozono will square off in a debate sponsored by the Alliance, Portland Tribune and Portland State University on March 20. This debate will be the first of the 2008 electoral cycle, giving candidates an opportunity to introduce their platforms to voters.

A small panel will ask the candidates select questions about specific public policy areas including transportation, economic development, and public safety. The debate is a free event for community members to attend. The event will be held at Portland State University's Smith Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

3. Meet with lawmakers on the annual Washington, D.C. trip

The Alliance's annual trip to Washington, D.C., is set for May 5-7. The trip provides business and civic leaders from the Portland region with the opportunity to meet with the Pacific Northwest congressional delegation and discuss important regional business issues. Representatives from businesses of all sizes are encouraged to join the group. To find out more about how you can participate, call the Alliance at 503.224.8684 or email B.J. Bachmeier at bbachmeier@portlandalliance.com.

4. Green Team event gives members a chance to share best green practices

On Tuesday, March 4 the Alliance hosted a regional networking forum for volunteer green teams, which are groups within a business or organization that are focused on making sustainability a key component of their workplace environment. More than 75 companies and organizations from the Portland region were represented. The Alliance created the event after hearing from members that there was a need for a forum where green teams could meet, share resources and contacts and discuss best practices.

Mike Winslow of The Standard kicked off the event welcoming all of the participants. After the introduction, each participant attended a general networking session led by the Alliance's Sustainability Steering Committee. At tables of 10, the attendees were asked to discuss the successes and challenges of their individual green teams.

Later, the participants were divided into five topic groups including energy use, evaluation, electronics, office product recycling, and composting. The event was an excellent opportunity for volunteer green team members to hear what's going on in different industries. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Portland Green Team Forum, please contact RJ Cervantes at 503.552.6772 or at rcervantes@portlandalliance.com.

5. Alliance members speak out about Fareless Square

During the month of January, Alliance members weighed in on the debate over downtown's Fareless Square. The poll, posted on the Members Only page of the Alliance Web site, asked members how they felt about change to the system. The majority of respondents, 73 percent, felt that Fareless Square should be retained. Fifteen percent of those who answered felt that Fareless Square should have restricted hours. Only 5 percent felt that it should be eliminated entirely.

An Alliance task force is reviewing policies related to Fareless Square, and will recommend a position to the Board of Directors. That is expected to occur in the fall.

This month's poll question asks, "How important is it to job development and business retention in Portland that the next phase of this fee and tax relief take place?" Submit your answer online.

MEMBER SERVICES

Win jetBlue tickets during the month of March just by logging in to Members Only on the Alliance Web site. Members are entered to win every time they log in. In February, one lucky Alliance member won a new iPod, courtesy of MacForce.

The Members Only portion of the Alliance Web site has been redesigned, with refreshed content to better suit the needs of Alliance members. There are more than 40 money-saving discounts offered by Alliance members at Members Only. As an Alliance member, you can save on everything from advertising, plumbing supplies, room rentals and massage therapy. New discounts are added all the time, so check back frequently.

Visit www.portlandalliance.com/membersonly to find the latest member-to-member discounts. If you don't know your Members Only login, contact Jason Little at jlittle@portlandalliance.com.

7. Leadership Portland applications due in April

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Applications for the Leadership Portland class of 2009 are due on April 15, 2008.

Participants in the Leadership Portland program build knowledge and insight on major issues facing the Portland community and region through monthly education days and community projects, and further develop their leadership skills. The program is a unique opportunity to connect with peers from a variety of Portland's businesses and nonprofits. Representatives from businesses and nonprofits of all sizes are encouraged to apply.

8. Take advantage of Alliance affinity programs

The Alliance and Sandler Training are teaming up to offer Alliance members a unique educational opportunity. Sandler Training will be presenting a series of eight seminars in 2008 on topics related to sales and sales management. These seminars will be significantly discounted for Alliance members and are geared towards individual sellers, business owners and sales teams. This series of seminars is designed to give Alliance members a broad selection of sales and sales management topics that are effective, practical and immediately useful. To view more about these seminars, click here.

Looking to market your message in a new way? Alliance member Engaging Media is a provider of streaming video solutions for businesses, and for a limited time, is offering discounted rates to other members. Engaging Media creates, brands and distributes video programs and marketing messages for delivery via the Internet to mobile devices and computers. The company creates short eVideo Postcards, longer Video Brochures for marketing messages that can be showcased online, or on DVD, or as 30- to 60-second Documericals. To find out more, go to Engagingmedia.tv. Contact Peggy Anderson with the Alliance at 503.552.6745.

For small business members, the Alliance is offering another great discount and an opportunity to raise their visibility in the Portland region. Through a partnership with KMHD 89.1 fm, Portland's jazz station, Alliance small business members can reach more than 110,000 public radio listeners. KMHD, a nonprofit arts organization that plays jazz, blues and NPR news, is offering a discounted rate especially for the Alliance small business members. The discounted advertising opportunity available will include radio spots plus advertising on the KMHD Web site. To take advantage of this opportunity, go to www.kmhd.fm/support.php and look for the Alliance discount.

9. Does your company have global vision?

In May 2007, the Distinguishing Portland initiative premiered at the Alliance Annual Meeting, telling the stories of how Portland businesses are driving the economy and improving the community. Since then, the Alliance has spotlighted dozens of member companies that are distinguishing the region and giving back to the community. Businesses dedicated to sustainability and community involvement were highlighted through videos and online stories.

This spring the Distinguishing Portland project will shift its focus to global vision. Portland is an international gateway, and local businesses are influencing markets overseas, exporting products and expertise, and developing new industries globally. The Alliance is looking for companies with a global vision to be a part of Distinguishing Portland.

Go to www.portlandalliance.com/story to learn more about the project and submit your story, or contact Megan Doern at 503.552.6754.

10. New Clean and Safe Director named

Norm Sharp joined the Alliance in February as the Director of Downtown Clean and Safe. He is responsible for programs involving the security, safety and cleanliness in the Business Improvement District (BID). He also oversees the Portland Ambassador Program and the BID's involvement in the Westside Community Court.

Norm grew up in the Tigard area and after military service became a Portland Police Officer, retiring as a Lieutenant after 25 years. Some of his assignments with the Bureau included, patrol, undercover vice and narcotics, SERT, Gang Enforcement Team, and patrol sergeant. His last assignment was as a Shift Lieutenant at Northeast Precinct prior to retiring in 2002.

After leaving the Bureau, Norm worked for Portland Patrol Inc. as contract security supervisor, and he brings the downtown security experience into his position with the Alliance.

ALLIANCE EVENTS

11. March Forum: Rip City Rising

Ever since legendary Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Schonely first shouted "Rip City," the city of Portland and his spontaneous catch phrase have been synonymous. And with a growing list of accomplishments on and off the court, the resurgence of Rip City is contagious. Trail Blazers President Larry Miller will discuss the business of basketball and how the franchise has become a model for the NBA. The return of Rip City has led to rising expectations, revenues and fun. Register Now >>

12. Celebration, global vision the focus of this year's Annual Meeting

The Alliance's Annual Membership Breakfast, held on May 14, is a chance to rub elbows with more than 1,000 local business people and elected officials. This event is one of the state's largest gathering of business professionals and civic leaders. This year's meeting, A Celebration of Business: Past, Present & Future, will recognize area business leaders who have made Portland's business community what it is today. Also hear from ESCO Corporation Chairman and CEO Steve Pratt and get a look at the global vision of some Portland companies impacting business trends and practices internationally. Register Now >>

Sponsors:
CH2M HILL, JetBlue, NW Natural, Pacific Power,
Providence Health & Services and Qwest - Oregon

Media Partner:
Portland Monthly

Media Sponsor:
Spirit Media

Visual Presentation by:
GuildWorks

13. 2008 Chair's Cup

The Chair's Cup is a unique golfing experience providing a quality venue for the region's top executives and business leaders. The event begins with a dinner for players and guests on Sunday followed the next day by a brunch, 18 holes of golf, a chipping contest and the awards reception. The playing field is limited to 72 players, so register today!

14. A Day with the Coveys, April 10

Join Dr. Stephen R. Covey and Stephen M.R. Covey in a rare dual appearance for an exciting day of learning and understanding trust as a hard-edged economic driver-and what that means to you as a leader in your business and your community.

MEMBER NEWS

15. Participate in Innotech 2008

The Alliance is proud to be a sponsor of the fifth annual Oregon InnoTech on April 16-17, 2008 at the Oregon Convention Center. Participants get two full days of networking and education opportunities at InnoTech's receptions and special events. This year's event features internationally sought-after speaker Don Tapscott, author of Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything.

For information on exhibits and sponsorship of the 2008 InnoTech, please contact Sean Lowery at 503.570.6295.

16. Take Your Small Business to the Next Level, March 25

Learn How to Do Business with Local Public Agencies
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Portland Community College, Cascade Campus, Terrell Hall
705 N Killingsworth Street
Cost: Free

17. New report looks at economic impacts of travel

Travel Portland recently released a new report prepared by Dean Runyan focused on the economic impacts of visitors to the Portland Metro region and new travel trends. The report found that travel spending in the Portland Metro area reached $3.6 billion in 2007, an increase over the preceding year. Visitors made approximately 9.6 million person trips to the Portland Metro area in 2007 and stayed 17.3 million days. Read the full report >>

18. The Hasson Company celebrates 25 years

This year, The Hasson Company celebrates 25 years as the premier independent real estate brokerage in the Northwest. Ranked No. 1 in the nation in sales volume per agent, The Hasson Company is the only remaining locally owned, managed and operated full-service real estate company in Oregon and Southwest Washington that competes with regional and national firms. To commemorate this significant milestone, The Hasson Company hosted a blowout party for its agents on March 8.

19. Member is first for copywriting course

Alliance member Phil Bernstein of Clear Channel Radio became the first professional copywriter in Oregon to complete Dan O'Day's Copywriting Masters Class. Once a year, radio copywriting guru O'Day holds a three-day seminar in Los Angeles. Limited to a dozen students each year, the Master Class has drawn students from all over the world. Bernstein is the author of The Seven Deadly Advertising Mistakes and How to Fix Them. Alliance members can receive a copy of this report at no charge by sending an email to philbernstein@clearchannel.com.

20. Regence CEO participates health care reform recommendations

In January, Regence President and CEO Mark Ganz spoke at the national press club as co-chair of The Aspen Institute Health Stewardship Project. Ganz and the other co-chair, former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman, urged candidates, policymakers and the public to use the principles and questions as a means to identify and address what truly ails the nation's health care system. The project is an initiative by the Aspen Institute to reframe and broaden the national dialogue on health care reform leading up to the 2008 presidential election and beyond. Read more >>

21. Upcoming Meetings

March 11, Communications Committee, 9:30 am
March 11, Transportation Committee, noon
March 14, President's Council, noon
March 18, Cornerstones for Success Committee, 3:30 pm
March 26, Small Business Council, 3 pm
April 2, Government Relations Committee, 7:30 am
April 2 , Central City Standing Committee, noon

March 2008 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. Working with businesses to save members money