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Through the years, the Portland Business Alliance has tried to incorporate new technology into its services in order to provide members with greater access to information and its services. This tradition continues as the Alliance has recently launched a series of new communications tools designed to help you get more out of your membership.

The first new feature is the Web casting of our Cornerstones Conversations events, which focuses on topics related to small- and medium-sized businesses. We know you are busy so if you cannot get away to attend Cornerstones, you can sign up online and watch from the convenience of your office. The software is also set up so you can submit your questions and be part of the conversation. Archived videos of these events will remain up for a month so if you can't catch it live, you can watch a digital recording. Signing up to view the Web cast is just as easy as registering for any of our other events. Register for the April event >>

The Cornerstones Conversations are not limited to the events as a recently launched a blog, enabling the subject matter experts who participate as panelists and the audience members to continue sharing information. This blog's success has led us to creating another blog about the Alliance's upcoming trip to China. Look for its launch in the next few weeks. We will be posting from Beijing and Shanghai and hope you will check it out and comment on our activities.

The other new feature we've added involves one of our most popular event series: our monthly breakfast Forum where elected officials, business leaders and other notables from around the region share their thoughts with us. Up until now, only those in attendance could gain that insight so the Alliance now has footage of those events on sale for you to view. An archive of the past two forums are now available, so check out the Alliance Store.

We hope that you will take advantage of these new tools. If you have suggestions about how the Alliance can better use these new features or other technology that can benefit our members, please contact Megan Doern at mdoern@portlandalliance.com or 503.552.6754.

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The Alliance Annual Meeting on April 22 is called "Showcasing Sustainability in Business." In light of the economy, how important is sustainability to your business?
Take the poll >>

Last month's question about Mayor Sam Adams and his ability to achieve the goals in his 100-day agenda in light of the issues facing the mayor generated 60 responses.

37 respondents felt that his ability to achieve his goals has been damaged;
11 respondents want to focus on other issues;
7 respondents believe he can, but it will take longer to do so; and
5 people believe he can achieve his goals.

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3. Join 1,000 of your peers at the Alliance's Annual Meeting, April 22

This year's Annual Meeting is right around the corner, April 22, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. With Wal-Mart's chief sustainability officer serving as keynote speaker, this year's theme is Sustainability in Business. Tables of ten are available for $929.99 until April 1 or until available as this event sells out every year. Sign up now >>

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4. Business Images of the Portland Region hot off the press

What magazine brings out the best in the Portland region's business community? Business Images of the Portland Region, the third edition of Alliance's magazine promoting the region's business climate, opportunities and leaders is now available. You can contact the Alliance at 503.224.8684 for copies. Also, don't miss the magazine's expanded Web site with photos, videos and stories of all things Portland. http://imagesportland.com.

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PUBLIC POLICY

5. Alliance urges legislators to balance budget without rainy day funds

The Portland Business Alliance issued a statement in late February supporting the decision to balance the state's FY 2007-09 budget shortfall without accessing the state's rainy day funds.

"We understand the difficulty of adjusting budgets this late in the fiscal year. But we need to take a long view regarding use of the state's rainy day funds to ensure we can bridge the anticipated deep budget gap in next fiscal biennium," said Sandra McDonough, President and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance.

Oregon's most recent revenue forecast projects a shortfall of $855 million for the current biennium and $3.1 billion for the 2009-11 biennium.

In 2007, Oregon businesses gave up a more than $300 million in corporate kicker funds to seed the new rainy day fund with the understanding that the state would use those dollars only after other budget-balancing options no longer worked. With the anticipated budget gap and more problems expected in the next biennium, the Alliance cautioned state lawmakers about tapping that savings account too soon.

McDonough said business leaders are sensitive to the potential impact on human services and education, but noted that those impacts may worsen in the next biennium.

"We support leadership's decision now to make judicious use of the stimulus package and thoughtful budget reductions to put us in the best position for the tough choices we face in the next biennium," she said.

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6. Alliance Members heading to nation's capitol

This week, Alliance members and staff are headed to Washington, D.C. to meet with Oregon's federal lawmakers and members of the Obama Administration to discuss the Alliance's federal legislative priorities. Alliance members will discussion a number of topics including:

7. Lend your support to the Columbia River Crossing Coalition

One of the Alliance's top priorities is the Columbia River Crossing project. With daily congestion now lasting six hours and increasing to 16 hours in 2030, this international economic artery is failing needs the backing of the business community to be replaced with a new crossing designed for our region's growing needs. The Alliance, one of the founding members of the Columbia River Crossing Coalition, is urging its members to lend their support to the project through this coalition.

The Coalition provides business-driven communications with the public, decision-makers and the media about the crucial need for the new crossing and the essential safety, economic and environmental benefits it provides. One of the primary goals of the Coalition is to demonstrate widespread public support and help secure funding to make the Crossing a reality.

By signing up as a supporter, you are publicly acknowledging that you support the Columbia River Crossing project and the work of the Coalition. Your name and/or business will be listed on the website and you will receive regular email updates. Please view the Coalition website and join the supporter list at: www.crossingcoalition.com/crc_jn.aspx

MEMBER SERVICES

Are you or do you know a rising star within the Portland region? The Portland Business Alliance seeks its next set of leaders for the 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 Jr., 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.

9. BizConnect begins matching students with businesses

BizConnect, a program systematizing school-to-career efforts in a five county region in Northwest Oregon, is starting to bare fruit as matches between businesses and schools are beginning to occur.

One such connection has been made between a student at David Douglas High School and Children First for Oregon, a trusted, independent child advocacy organization committed to improving the lives of Oregon's children and families. According to Pamela Butler from Children First, "The internship is going very well, and the student will be going with staff from Children First for Oregon to legislative hearings in Salem in the next couple of days."

Opportunities like these are invaulable for students in our community, and are a no-cost way that the business community can reach out to help the schools better educate our youth in this time of financial hardship. Career related learning experiences help students relate their classroom learning to the business world and bring relevance to a student's education.

A team of BizConnect coordinators recruits businesses to offer career related learning experiences to high school students, and manages a database of these opportunities. BizConnect coordinators also act as a liaison between business and school partners to facilitate successful connections and ensure quality experiences for businesses and students throughout the region. If you are interested in learning how you can become involved in this initiative, contact Billy Solowski at the Portland Business Alliance at 503.552.6758 or email at bsolowski@portlandalliance.com.

DOWNTOWN SERVICES

10. New Downtown Retail Advocate begins work

This week a new retail expert, Cori Jacobs, takes on the role of Downtown Retail Advocate, which was vacated by Allyson Reed's move back East. With 15 years of experience in the retail and real estate industries, Cori is well prepared to help guide prospective retailers through the location scouting and leasing process. The Downtown Retail Advocate position is funded through a partnership between the City of Portland, the Portland Development Commission and the Portland Business Alliance.

In her latest role, Cori was the Vice President of Real Estate Strategy for the entire Gap Corporation, which included eight brands (Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapBody, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Outlet and Forth & Towne) with about 2,900 locations in the United States and Canada. She was responsible for working with each brand to develop store growth strategies, market plans, as well as providing oversight and guidance for the end-to-end real estate pipeline process.

At Gap Corporation, Cori also implemented a global portfolio process review, which facilitated business negotiations with key developers. Cori spent time working for the Gap and Banana Republic brands overseeing various aspects of their retail real estate processes, as well as in the Real Estate Law Department negotiating leases. Before working for Gap Inc., Cori worked for Limited Brands in Columbus, Ohio specializing in retail leasing issues.

11. Relief comes for Portland's small businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is making low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to Oregon small businesses economically impacted by the severe winter storms. The loans can alleviate temporary financial burdens small businesses are experiencing, including payroll and other bills they are unable to pay due to the storm's impact. SBA is offering working capital loans of up to $2 million at an interest rate of 4 percent with terms up to 30 years. Portland Mayor Sam Adams suggested this program to the SBA after the winter storms, with support from the Alliance and other business organizations.

SBA is opening a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Portland where business owners can obtain information and guidance about how an SBA disaster loan can help restore their financial stability; the center is located at the Gateway Children's Center Service Building at 10317 E. Burnside Street. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA's secure Web site.

12. Downtown Marketing Initiative bringing more attention to shops, restaurants

The Downtown Marketing Initiative (DMI) efforts to promote all that is unique about downtown has put its marketing activities planned for first quarter 2009 into high gear with radio spots, public relations efforts and email blasts. Throughout the mid-March and beginning of April, DMI will partner with the Portland Indie Wine Festival to celebrate and support downtown's local restaurants and Oregon craft wines by producing the new "Delectable Downtown Dining Deal" promotion, and is looking for restaurants to participate.

The DMI is inviting select downtown restaurants to participate in the Delectable Downtown Dining Deal, part of an on-going "Seek The Unique" promotional series DMI has created to generate traffic and spur sales for downtown merchants. Promotional activities include an advertising buy, featuring top-rated radio stations, KINK, KUPL and K-HITS, with radio spots, live DJ on-air mentions, and email blasts going to more than 70,000 listeners.

In addition, five restaurants will be selected for additional media exposure, including preparing a meal to be presented to radio DJs and the chance for a restaurant spokesperson to highlight restaurant offerings. Interested in being promoted? Contact Chris Finks at cfinks@downtownportland.org, 503.222.0181.

These new marketing efforts for March follow on the heels of radio spots that ran in February promoting downtown's Romance District just in time for Valentine's Day. One of DMI's radio partners, CBS Radio Group, produced a promotional give-away that included hotel packages from partners a number of hotels, restaurants and shops.

13. Portland Police Bureau retirees honored

Two hundred people packed the downtown Embassy Suites for the 34th Citizens' Police Retirement Committee in February to honor the sworn bureau personnel who retired in 2008. Chief of Police Rosanne Sizer presented the awards to the 32 retiring Portland Police officers. Master of Ceremonies for the third consecutive year, Fox 49's Andy Carson, shared highlights from the retirees' distinguished careers.

"This event is a special evening for not only the retirees, but also for the broader Portland community," said Mike Kuykendall, Alliance's Vice President of Central City and Downtown Services, who chaired the event for the second year. "These officers have given so much of themselves throughout their careers and this dinner honoring them is our way of saying thank you."

Anyone interested in getting involved in next year's event can contact Mike Kuykendall at 503.552.6766 or mkuykendall@portlandalliance.com.

14. TriMet preparing residents for opening of Transit Mall

Major changes for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists are now in effect on the Portland Mall. Motorists and cyclists on 5th and 6th avenues downtown now share only the left-hand traffic lane, while buses and MAX trains will travel in the right-hand transit lanes. When necessary, buses can move into the traffic lane.

TriMet bus operators will continue training in the new transit lanes and with the new traffic signals on several Mall blocks until bus service begins on the Mall May 24. Light rail vehicles will make intermittent test runs on the Mall. Light rail operator training begins May 3.

15. "Help your community! Fly a nonstop flight! Keep Portland global!

Did you know that PDX nonstops to Europe and Asia bring $241.5 million in revenue to our local economy, but nearly half of the travelers are not using the PDX nonstops to Asia and Europe, and if we don't use 'em, we'll surely lose 'em.

It's a tough economy, and we're not asking people to fly more often, but we are asking them to use our nonstops when they DO fly. Join the fun and enter a video contest that could win you a trip abroad. To learn more: flypdx.com.

16. TOC Management Services urges employers to send OFLA comments now!

Friday, March 6 is the deadline to submit written comments on whether the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) regulations should be updated in light of recent changes to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). TOC Management Services recently testified at hearings on this issue. If employers don't weigh in to make their views known, there is a real risk that BOLI may not initiate rulemaking. This would mean that most of the practical and helpful changes to the FMLA won't be available to Oregon employers for leaves that are covered by both FMLA and OFLA. TOC urges you to submit comments to BOLI, asking them to update their OFLA rules in light of recent changes to the FMLA. E-mail written comments to: Amy.K.Klare@state.or.us.

17. Local businesswoman now chairperson of a franchise board

Local businesswoman, Kristin Trevino, was recently appointed the Chairperson of the Signs Now Franchise Advisory Board (FAB) at the group's first meeting of 2009 at company headquarters in Sarasota, Fla. Trevino, owner of Signs Now Northwest, consisting of four Portland-area Signs Now centers, represents the company's Northwest region. She will be serving on the FAB through the end of 2010.

18. Nationally known marketing expert, Don Schultz, to speak at PARC event

Don Schultz, recognized as a leading authority on new developments in marketing and communication nationally respected marketing expert, will headline a Portland Area Radio Council event on April 28. Schultz is a Professor of Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois and is also President of Agora, Inc., a global marketing, communication and branding consulting firm also headquartered in Evanston. Schultz lectures, conducts seminars and conferences and consults on five continents. He is the author of eighteen books and more than 100 trade, academic and professional articles. April 28, 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Gerding Theater. For more info and tickets email Melissa@portlandradio.org.

19. Obama campaign social media strategist to headline Innotech conference

InnoTech recently announced that New Media Strategist & Member from the Obama campaign's Social Media Team, Rahaf Harfoush will present at the InnoTech Keynote Lunch on Thursday, April 23, 2009. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to hear, first hand, from a member of the social media campaign that redefined politics as space is limited to the first 500 registrants.

Last year, more than 2000 business and technology professionals converged at the Oregon Convention Center for the fifth annual InnoTech Oregon event, the region's premier business and technology innovation conference and expo. This year's InnoTech is approaching quickly, so sign up today at www.innotechconference.com/pdx.

20. Save the Date - The Oregon Arts Summit 2009

On May 13, the Oregon Arts Commission will convene The Oregon Arts Summit 2009, a one-day, cross-sector gathering of Oregonians who know that the arts are vital to Oregon's prosperity and to our quality of life. The gathering will be held at the Tiger Woods Center at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton. Simply click the following link to stay informed on future developments related to The Oregon Arts Summit 2009. www.oregonartscommission.org/ArtsSummit2009.

21. World Premier of Initiation at World Forestry Center

Come experience a exquisite and exhilarating theatrical showing of the world premier of Initiation, a multi-sensory meditation experience. Be transported with amazing transformational projected images, live music, dance, etherial props, and sound. World Forestry Center's Miller Hall in Portland for two shows only on March 21st at 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm.

22. Upcoming Meetings

March 10, Communications Committee, 9:30 am
March 10, Transportation Committee, noon
March 11, Sustainability Committee, 7:30 am
March 13, President's Council, noon
March 18, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm
March 31, Central City Standing Committee, noon
March 25, Small Business Council, 4 pm

March 2009 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. Harnessing the power of technology

The Alliance Annual Meeting on April 22 is called "Showcasing Sustainability in Business." In light of the economy, how important is sustainability to your business?
Take the poll >>

3. Join 1,000 of your peers at the Alliance's Annual Meeting, April 22

4. Business Images of the Portland Region hot off the press

5. Alliance urges legislators to balance budget without rainy day funds

7. Lend your support to the Columbia River Crossing Coalition

MEMBER SERVICES

9. BizConnect begins matching students with businesses

DOWNTOWN SERVICES

10. New Downtown Retail Advocate begins work

11. Relief comes for Portland's small businesses

12. Downtown Marketing Initiative bringing more attention to shops, restaurants

13. Portland Police Bureau retirees honored

14. TriMet preparing residents for opening of Transit Mall

15. "Help your community! Fly a nonstop flight! Keep Portland global!

16. TOC Management Services urges employers to send OFLA comments now!

17. Local businesswoman now chairperson of a franchise board

18. Nationally known marketing expert, Don Schultz, to speak at PARC event

19. Obama campaign social media strategist to headline Innotech conference

20. Save the Date - The Oregon Arts Summit 2009

21. World Premier of Initiation at World Forestry Center

22. Upcoming Meetings

March 2009 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. Harnessing the power of technology

The Alliance Annual Meeting on April 22 is called "Showcasing Sustainability in Business." In light of the economy, how important is sustainability to your business? Take the poll >>

3. Join 1,000 of your peers at the Alliance's Annual Meeting, April 22

4. Business Images of the Portland Region hot off the press

5. Alliance urges legislators to balance budget without rainy day funds

7. Lend your support to the Columbia River Crossing Coalition

MEMBER SERVICES

9. BizConnect begins matching students with businesses

DOWNTOWN SERVICES

10. New Downtown Retail Advocate begins work

11. Relief comes for Portland's small businesses

12. Downtown Marketing Initiative bringing more attention to shops, restaurants

13. Portland Police Bureau retirees honored

14. TriMet preparing residents for opening of Transit Mall

15. "Help your community! Fly a nonstop flight! Keep Portland global!

16. TOC Management Services urges employers to send OFLA comments now!

17. Local businesswoman now chairperson of a franchise board

18. Nationally known marketing expert, Don Schultz, to speak at PARC event

19. Obama campaign social media strategist to headline Innotech conference

20. Save the Date - The Oregon Arts Summit 2009

21. World Premier of Initiation at World Forestry Center

22. Upcoming Meetings

The Alliance Annual Meeting on April 22 is called "Showcasing Sustainability in Business." In light of the economy, how important is sustainability to your business?
Take the poll >>