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On November 4, every American 18 years or older has an important job to do - vote. Because we in Oregon can get started a little earlier with our mail-in ballots, I want to take this opportunity to explain the positions the Alliance Board has taken on several ballot measures that we believe are important to the economic health of our region. In this time of economic crisis, it is more important than ever that we support measures that will help see our community through this downturn and oppose those that make things worse. Our Government Relations and Endorsement committees reviewed each of the ballot measures, and recommended that we take a position on six - two at the city level and four at the state level.

First, the City of Portland measures: the Board voted to support the renewal of the Children's Investment Fund (CHIF) and support the Portland Community College Bond Measure. The Board believes both measures are important to the future of our region. Tens of thousands of Portland's neediest kids have benefited from early childhood programs, after school and mentoring, and other programs funded by CHIF. By continuing to support CHIF, we will be making an investment today in childhood development that will pay significant dividends in terms of lower costs for social programs in the future. Renewing this measure provides critical programs for the kids in our community that need them most, particularly in this economic downturn.

The other city measure supported by the Board is to fund PCC's expansion of workforce training facilities and programs, which becomes even more important during the down cycle so that workers are prepared when the economy rebounds. As the largest post-secondary educational institution in Oregon, serving 86,000 students, PCC's facilities must have the capacity to train workers for our area businesses. Its physical plant is stretched near its limit and it is important that we stay ahead of the curve by supporting this measure. PCC is one of the educational leaders for the region's future nurses, welders, educators and other skilled workers.

At the statewide level, the Alliance and other business organizations worked hard in the 2006 legislative session to create a Rainy Day Fund to provide stability to the state budget. There are a number of measures on the ballot that will significantly impact the state's budget, exacerbating the impacts of the economic downturn and harming past efforts to ensure budget stability. The Board is opposing Measure 59, which would allow Oregonians to deduct an unlimited amount of their federal income taxes. Because the majority of Oregon's General Fund goes to education, health care and public safety, the cuts required by Measure 59 will deeply hurt basic services, including those critical to our economy. The measure also increases pressure to raise taxes and fees on businesses and would reduce Oregon's competitiveness and our ability to maintain and create jobs in an increasingly international marketplace.

Another measure that would dramatically impact the state's budget is Measure 61, which would increase drug and theft sentences, costing $161-274 million per year and $1.3 billion borrowed for prison construction. This required spending would jeopardize funding in other critical services that we view as very important. The Board, therefore, decided in favor of Measure 57 as a more effective approach. Measure 57 is a more thoughtful approach and would put less strain on the funding of critical services and requires addiction treatment, a more affordable and effective tool for decreasing drug and property crimes.

Lastly, the Board voted in support of Measure 65, which creates an open primary and would allow citizens, to vote for their preferred state candidate, regardless of party. The Board felt that an open primary would encourage candidates to appeal to a broad voter base, and therefore, produce a more balanced approach when focusing on solutions to the state's most pressing issues.

The voice of business is critical to the outcome of the election and the future direction of our city, state and country. I hope that the Board's recommendations can shed some light on the important issues on the ballot this November. If you have any questions about the Board's position on these measures or others, please contact Bernie Bottomly at 503.224.8684.

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2. Alliance endorsements on candidates, and bond and ballot measures

At this week's board meeting, the Alliance Board of Directors voted to endorse candidates in races for Portland City Council, Multnomah County Commission and Clackamas County Commission and endorsed two more bond levies one for public safety in Gresham and one for the Centennial School District. The endorsements were made based on a process that includes the formation of an endorsement committee, interviews of the viable candidates for various political offices and then the development of a set of recommendations, which are presented to the executive committee and the board.

In endorsing the bond measures and levies, the board acknowledged that that we are in uncertain economic times but determined that the education and public safety investments funded by these measures are important to the long-term economic health of the region. See below for a list of candidate, bond and ballot measure endorsements. More information about political endorsements can be found on the Alliance Web site.

Additionally, the Portland Business Alliance took positions earlier this month on several ballot measures in conjunction with Associated Oregon Industries, the Oregon Business Association and the Oregon Business Council. The organizations took the unusual step of issuing joint public positions because of the negative impact the measures 59 and 61 would have on the competitiveness of Oregon companies. The groups also weighed in on Measure 65.

ALLIANCE ENDORSEMENT RECAP

State Measures:
59 (Federal deduction): Oppose
57 (Alternative to 61): Support
61 (Extended sentencing): Oppose
65 (Open primary): Support

City of Portland Measures:
Children's Investment Fund: Support
PCC Bond Measure: Support

Other Levies:
Gresham Public Safety Levy: Support
Centennial School Levy: Support

Candidate Endorsements:
Portland City Council: Amanda Fritz
Multnomah County Commission: Mike Delman
Clackamas County Commission: Jim Bernard

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3. Members help connect students with real-world business experiences

Alliance Project Specialist Billy Solowski has been working on the BizConnect project, a partnership between Worksystems, Inc. and the Alliance to connect high school students with businesses. For just over a month, Billy has been contacting Alliance member businesses to identify opportunities for career-related experiences for students, and initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. So far, all of the employers that have been approached about the program have decided to participate. According to Billy, "It has just been a matter of figuring out what a business is capable of doing."

Businesses of all types and sizes have the opportunity to offer valuable career-related experiences to students, ranging from classroom presentations to informational interviews or internships, through the program. These opportunities are gathered in a region-wide database that will be utilized by career development officers in local high schools to help place students with businesses.

New Oregon graduation standards require students to participate in career related learning experiences in order to learn more about the wide variety of careers available.

To date, more than 100 businesses have been entered into a database of participants, and 30 have made verbal commitments to take part in this new program. For more information, or to involve your business in the experience and the excitement that the BizConnect program is generating, please contact Billy Solowski at the Portland Business Alliance at 503.552.6758, or e-mail bsolowski@portlandalliance.com.

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4. Alliance asks members to weigh in on issues important to you

How will Portland fare in the economic downturn? As representatives of the Portland metro area's businesses, it is important for us to know how our members stand on current issues. To help us get a better sense of what matters to you, we have created a monthly poll question located on the Alliance Home Page. Offer your input and ideas on the present economic crisis, and continue to participate in the survey each month. Take the poll >>

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5. Introducing new Alliance Controller Sylvia Hoffman

In August, Sylvia Hoffman began work as the new controller for the Portland Business Alliance. She brings a strong accounting background to the Alliance, having worked for more than 20 years as a controller. Most recently, Sylva worked for Heritage Rock LLC in Oregon City. We are excited for her to join our team.

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PUBLIC POLICY

6. Alliance luncheon features elected officials' views on economic crisis

Congressman Greg Walden and Oregon State Treasurer Randall Edwards weighed in on the economic crisis at an Alliance-hosted luncheon event Oct. 10. Attended by 60 individuals, the event presented a unique opportunity for Alliance members to hear the Federal and State perspectives in an open discussion style format on how the financial crisis will affect Oregon and the nation, and what changes should be implemented in order to prevent future crises.

7. Portland Business Alliance Board urges congressional action on financial crisis

In September, the Portland Business Alliance pushed for Oregon's members of Congress to work with their colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate to develop a plan to address the nation's financial crisis. "We believe the financial crisis facing this country is grave and will have an adverse impact on employers in the Portland-metropolitan region if relief is not forthcoming," wrote Steve Holwerda, Chair of the Portland Business Alliance and Chief Operating Officer of Ferguson Wellman Capital Management in a letter to the Oregon Congressional delegation.

"We understand that this is a very complex issue, and the legislation placed before you this week was unprecedented. We urge you to expedite review of the issue and to work with your colleagues in Congress to devise a plan to address the nation's financial crisis as swiftly as possible," wrote Holwerda.

The Alliance and Portland General Electric also hosted a press conference in conjunction with the Oregon Business Council for business leaders to discuss the crisis. Peggy Fowler from Portland General Electric, Malia Wasson from U.S. Bank, Michael Powell from Powell's, Debbie Kitchen from Interworks, LLC. and the Alliance's Sandra McDonough participated in the media event. Reporters from local television, radio and print outlets all covered the event.

The City of Portland is accepting applications through Oct. 31 for 12 community members to serve on the Community Involvement Committee (CIC) for the Portland Plan. The charge of the CIC is to review and make recommendations on the public involvement efforts and accomplishments of the Portland Plan. The Portland Plan is a comprehensive, three-year planning project lead by the City's Bureau of Planning. The purpose of the Portland Plan is to develop policies and actions to guide Portland's growth and development over the next 30 years.

The CIC will be made up of three Planning Commissioners and 12 members of the community at large. The committee will review past involvement efforts and results, preview upcoming involvement activities, and make recommendations to the Bureau of Planning on ways to continue or improve its public involvement activities to meet the overall goals of the public involvement strategy of the Portland Plan.

After Portland City Council passed the Portland Recycles! commercial plan, which calls for mandates on paper, construction, and food waste collection, the Alliance remained engaged as the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) submitted its recommendations for plan implementation. Alliance staff hosted a meeting with representatives from the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations and Small Business Advisory Council to develop a memorandum on business concerns in order to help guide the TAC process. As city staff assesses how to introduce the plan to the community and inform businesses about the new requirements, the Alliance and other business organizations will assist in educating members about the new regulations.

DOWNTOWN

10. Central City Concern names building, homeless fund in honor of Richard Harris

In honor of Central City Concern's former long-time Executive Director Richard Harris' work, the organization's 8NW8 building, as well as a fund dedicated to helping the homeless, has been named for him. The 180-unit 8NW8 building provides affordable alcohol-free and drug-free community housing in addition to community rooms and kitchens, and has served more than 1,100 individuals in their recovery efforts.

The Richard Harris Homeless Action Fund will help individuals and families escape homelessness by assisting with the provision of homes and recovery, health and employment services. The Richard Harris Homeless Action Fund task force, which consists of Central City Concern board members and other community leaders, intends to raise $2 million over the next three years, and eventually develop a $10 million endowment to sustain the fund. A luncheon benefiting the fund is slated for Thursday, Nov. 13; for ticket information, call 503.294.1681 or e-mail cpsd@centralcityconcern.org. To find out more about the fund and how to contribute, visit www.centralcityconcern.org.

11. TriMet awards riders for creative quotes inspired by mass transit

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, TriMet awarded its riders for their creativity. During a four-week-long ad slogan contest, TriMet received 1,200 submissions stating riders' public transportation-inspired thoughts. Officials chose 20 quotes to adorn 45 buses throughout the Portland metro area as part of the organization's Downtown the Easy Way campaign. Quotes include "Time to people watch," "I love my bus driver," and "Memorizing Shakespeare's sonnets," among others. Winners were presented with November TriMet monthly passes, were photographed with their winning entries and received prints of their quotes.

12. Alliance Economic Development Manager brings back lessons from San Diego

Alliance Economic Development Manager Carly Riter returned in September from a fellowship with new knowledge about how to help improve the livability of the Portland metro area - and what Portland is doing right. While working for the Gaslamp Quarter Association, a membership dues-based and business advocacy organization in downtown San Diego, Carly experienced the economic development challenges of a 16-block historic district and a retail and entertainment destination.

"It can be difficult to incorporate these two elements, as historic code is very rigid and retail branding is very dynamic," she said. "Yet still, the character and uniqueness of a historic district creates an appeal that attracts tourists, shoppers and club-goers."

Carly worked with the Gaslamp Quarter Association staff to address this dichotomy, consulting with businesses throughout the design review process in order to save time and ultimately money before dealing with the city's regulatory officers. She also organized business-led design meetings to address elements in the neighborhood that no longer worked functionally or aesthetically, and ultimately brought the recommendations to be financially implemented by the redevelopment agency.

Developers built around these industries, which are essential to the San Diego economy. But as they are finding, some elements just don't mix. Unlike Portland, which has created vibrant shared pedestrian, residential, commercial and industrial areas such as the Pearl District, San Diego planners are still learning how to mesh an active pedestrian downtown with industry.

Alliance Economic Development Manager Carly Riter can be reached at 503.552.6768, or criter@portlandalliance.com.

MEMBER SERVICES

13. Green Business of the Month: Northwest Staffing Resources

Northwest Staffing Resources is working to minimize their impact on the environment, every day. "We feel strongly that every individual and company should be concerned about the environment and make every effort feasible to reduce consumption and provide a cleaner and safer environment for the generations to come," said General Manager Molly Kalomiris.

In order to assess the earth-friendliness of their general practices and how and where improvements could be made, Northwest Staffing Resources hired an outside environmental consultant. "We have taken the audit findings and implemented the recommendations across the company," Kalomiris said. "After doing this, we were then audited by the City of Portland's Office of Sustainable Development and awarded the RecycleWorks award."

In addition to utilizing recycling, durable dishware and other green practices, Northwest Staffing Resources implemented an online application process including an electronic document storage unit in order to cut down on paper usage. The company also utilizes an online timekeeping system that allows its temporary employees to process their time electronically instead of using a paper timecard.

Northwest Staffing Resources believes that showing awareness of and commitment to sustainability has created an advantage over competitors because it is aligned with many of the same principles and goals of current customers as well as prospect customers.

Northwest Staffing Resources is a locally owned and operated staffing service with offices in Oregon, Washington and California. By taking on the task of becoming a sustainable company, as well as hiring directly from the local community, the company strives to continually contribute to a strong economic region. To find out more about the company and/or their green practices, visit www.nwstaffing.com.

14. Advertise in Small Biz Connection, reach small business owners

The Alliance's newest publication, Small Biz Connection, reaches 1,700 business people in the Portland metro region every two months. A full-color e-publication featuring stories and guest columns important to small business owners, the newsletter provides a great affordable opportunity for member businesses to reach this important sector. Take advantage of this opportunity to help your business grow by reserving your ad space in the Small Biz Connection: call the Membership Department at 503.224.8684, or visit www.portlandalliance.com/advertising.

15. Be on the Lookout for the Alliance Annual Membership Survey

Later this month, the Alliance will circulate a link to the annual membership survey. Responses from the Membership Survey will help guide our programs, communication tools and policy initiatives to better serve members' needs.

All survey information will be treated as confidential and will not be made public or shared with other entities. The Alliance will only release responses in aggregate form with the responses from other members. The survey will hit member inboxes at the end of the month.

ALLIANCE EVENTS

16. First-ever Green Hour launches Oct. 29

Don't miss the Alliance's newest event, Green Hour! The event, hosted by Vestas, will provide a networking venue and feature the Vestas energy story Oct. 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Green Hour was created to allow member businesses to showcase their green business practices, sustainable products and services. If you would like to showcase your organization's sustainable practices through a Green Hour event, please contact Membership Events Manager Christine Gatlin at cgatlin@portlandalliance.com, or 503.552.6742.

17. Breakfast Forum: The Oregon-China Connection Nov. 19

From computers to wood products, Oregon's exports to China continue to grow every year, reaching $1.4 billion in goods and services in 2007. Both large and small companies in the Portland region see China and its booming middle class as a key part of their businesses' future growth. Come and hear from business leaders and decision makers about their company's connection to China. Register now >>

MEMBER EVENTS

18. Adventist Health offers flu shot clinics

Beginning this month, Adventist Occupational Health will offer flu vaccines to employers through the clinic location at 10201 S.E. Main St., Suite 29, or at business worksites when 15 or more employees are able to participate. To schedule an on-site flu vaccine clinic for your company, please contact Steve Villanueva at 503.261.6904 or VillanSL@ah.org. Clinic hours for flu vaccine will be Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., after Oct. 15.

19. PSU hosts 12th Annual Chicano/Latino Scholarship Concert Oct. 19

Portland State University's 12th Annual Chicano/Latino Scholarship Gala event featuring a performance by musician Paco Padilla will take place Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. at Portland's Newmark Theater, 1111 S.W. Broadway in Portland. For more information visit www.psulatinogala.org.

20. Portland Area Radio Council offers PPM radio ratings class Oct. 23

Learn about the new way radio ratings will be reported through Portable People Meters (PPM) beginning in 2009 through a free class featuring VP and Manager for Dailey & Associates Jody Humfreville, National PPM Account Manager Tony Hereau, and Executive Director of the Portland Area Radio Council Melissa Kunde. The class will be held Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecotrust Building, 721 N.W. Ninth Ave. Lunch is included; seating is limited to 100 attendees. To register, e-mail Melissa@portlandradio.org.

21. PDC, partners organize Portland Region Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico in February

The Portland Development Commission and partner organizations invite you to join the upcoming Portland Region Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico. The delegation will visit Mexico City from Feb. 7-11, 2009, and Guadalajara from Feb. 11-14. The focus of this mission will be to expand business relations in key industries. Programs in each city will include direct business-to-business meetings, courtesy calls on key government officials, briefings from experts on the regional economy and business climate, and company tours.

Join partners the Portland Development Commission, the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Portland-Guadalajara Sister City Association and the Portland Business Alliance in this historical trade mission. For more information please contact Senior Project/Program Coordinator Kevin Johnson at 503.823.1176, johnsonk@pdc.us.

22. Miles Fiberglass hosted Vote for Business Bandwagon Aug. 22

Aiming to register voters and make them aware of key business issues, the Vote for Business Bandwagon made a stop at Miles Fiberglass in Portland Aug. 22. During the month of August, the U.S. Chamber partnered with state and local chambers to bring the Vote For Business Bandwagon to the nation. The bus visited a number of destinations across the country to educate the business community about the importance of getting employees involved in the elections.

23. New member Pacific Benefits Group offers diverse insurance options

Representing more than 25 of the nation's top insurers, new Alliance member Pacific Benefits Group is one of the largest independent agencies in the United States offering a range of life insurance, health insurance and other coverage to individuals and business owners alike. Drawing from a broad base of insurance vendors to present options that best fit clients' needs, Pacific Benefits Group also features the capacity to regularly update benefit plans. The company's representatives routinely review insurance options, helping keeping premiums affordable according to individual and business needs through programs such as the AIG Accident Expense Plus plan, which covers expenses associated with an accident or critical illness. With strong financial ratings and underwriting units, AIG continues to be a viable insurance provider for current and future policyholders. For more information about Pacific Benefits Group, contact Thomas Blake at 503.334.8288.

24. Willamette University ranked No. 1 in sustainability by National Wildlife Federation

A report card from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recognized Willamette University for engaging in the highest number of sustainability activities of the 1,068 schools that participated in the federation's recent nationwide survey. Campuses were ranked according to their response to 18 items regarding the institution's commitment to sustainability; Willamette claimed 11 of the items - more than any other participating school. For more about the report card, visit www.nwf.org. To learn more about Willamette's sustainability initiatives, visit www.willamette.edu/about/sustainability.

25. Five Markowitz lawyers are the "Best Lawyers in America"

Five lawyers from Portland litigation firm Markowitz, Herbold, Glade & Mehlhaf will be included in the 2009 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. David Markowitz, Jeff Batchelor, Peter Glade, Bill Mehlhaf and Kerry Shepherd will be recognized for their work in the area of commercial litigation. The Best Lawyers lists are compiled through an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 25,000 of the top lawyers in the U.S. confidentially evaluate their peers. For more information about the methodology used, visit www.bestlawyers.com.

26. Upcoming Meetings

October 22, Small Business Council, 4 pm
October 28, Central City Standing Committee, noon
November 11, Communications Committee, 9:30 am
November 11, Transportation Committee, noon
November 12?, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm
November 14, President's Council, noon
November 19, Sustainability Committee, 7:30 am

October 2008 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. Alliance Board endorsements

2. Alliance endorsements on candidates, and bond and ballot measures

3. Members help connect students with real-world business experiences

4. Alliance asks members to weigh in on issues important to you

5. Introducing new Alliance Controller Sylvia Hoffman

6. Alliance luncheon features elected officials' views on economic crisis

7. Portland Business Alliance Board urges congressional action on financial crisis

DOWNTOWN

10. Central City Concern names building, homeless fund in honor of Richard Harris

11. TriMet awards riders for creative quotes inspired by mass transit

12. Alliance Economic Development Manager brings back lessons from San Diego

MEMBER SERVICES

13. Green Business of the Month: Northwest Staffing Resources

14. Advertise in Small Biz Connection, reach small business owners

15. Be on the Lookout for the Alliance Annual Membership Survey

ALLIANCE EVENTS

16. First-ever Green Hour launches Oct. 29

17. Breakfast Forum: The Oregon-China Connection Nov. 19

MEMBER EVENTS

18. Adventist Health offers flu shot clinics

19. PSU hosts 12th Annual Chicano/Latino Scholarship Concert Oct. 19

20. Portland Area Radio Council offers PPM radio ratings class Oct. 23

21. PDC, partners organize Portland Region Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico in February

22. Miles Fiberglass hosted Vote for Business Bandwagon Aug. 22

23. New member Pacific Benefits Group offers diverse insurance options

24. Willamette University ranked No. 1 in sustainability by National Wildlife Federation

25. Five Markowitz lawyers are the "Best Lawyers in America"

26. Upcoming Meetings