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One of the benefits of serving as Chair of the Portland Business Alliance Board of Directors is the opportunity to meet regularly with businessmen and women from all across the region at our Alliance events. I am constantly struck by the diversity in our organization. The Alliance champions the efforts of companies large and small, from nonprofit and women-owned institutions such as Central City Concern and InterWorks LLC, to internationally known corporations such as Intel and Nike. We work together with our various member organizations and their representatives for the benefit of regional business, and the larger community.

With 80 percent of our membership consisting of small businesses, we recognize the dynamic and important role small businesses play in keeping our economy vibrant. Our voice is strong because we bring together businesses large and small to advocate for issues in the region, which impact the entire Alliance membership base of more than 325,000 individual business people in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Yamhill counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington.

While the Alliance membership includes businesses of all sizes, we are also diverse in the types of companies. This diversity is one of the driving forces behind the effectiveness of our efforts. From professional service firms and retailers to social advocacy organizations and manufacturers, our membership is truly representative of the Portland metro area's businesses.

This wide range of companies also makes our business community stronger. Small businesses serving the local market such as Delta Systems and Brooks Staffing help to keep local companies competitive, and Portland institution Jacobsen's Florist continues to deliver its floral artistry to area businesses and families. Mid-sized firm American Waterways, which runs Portland Spirit River Cruises, keeps the area vibrant with tours of the Willamette River. In contrast, one of our largest employers and Alliance member company ESCO Corporation ships Portland-manufactured engineered metal products around the world.

As partners, we have come together repeatedly to work on policy, regulatory and other issues important to the broader business community, including work on Portland's business license fee, the Columbia River Crossing and workforce development. This month, the Alliance will highlight how businesses of all sizes can support small business at our Forum event on Sept. 17.

As Greater Portland's Chamber of Commerce, it is our duty to advocate for all of our members - of every size and in every industry. We encourage you, as members of this great organization, to take advantage of the opportunity to maintain an active role in the development of business in our region. To find out how you can get more involved in the Portland metro area business community through your membership in the Alliance, contact the Membership Department at 503.224.8684.

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2. Business Leadership Evening

Reserve your company's table at the Alliance's celebration of business event and join more than 500 business professionals and community leaders. Business Leadership Evening, Oct. 14 at the Governor Hotel will honor NW Natural CEO Mark Dodson with the William S. Naito Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership and service to the business community. The evening's keynote speaker will be Larry Miller, president of the Portland Trail Blazers. In the spirit of the event, Larry will share about his experiences as one of the most widely respected sports professionals in the country.

This event always sells out early, so register today: contact Christine Gatlin at 503.552.6742, or cgatlin@portlandalliance.com.

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3. Alliance to publish third edition of Business Images magazine

The 2009 edition of Business Images of the Portland Region (online at imagesportland.com), which showcases the region's many thriving industries and companies, is scheduled to publish in February. Portland Business Alliance businesses are encouraged to reserve advertising early, as space fills up quickly. More than 10,000 copies of the magazine will be distributed by Portland Business Alliance and key local partners, as well as at national trade shows, conferences and events throughout the year.

Business Images is a vibrant, newsstand-quality magazine that showcases the best of the Portland area through its people, places and progressive business climate. With all-new, original photography and editorial features, the 2009 edition will focus on specific areas of business and economic development. It will be used all year for the purpose of promoting the region to new businesses and prospective new residents and employees. To reserve your advertising space, beginning September 15, contact Andrea Joiner at ajoiner@jnlcom.com, or by phone at 503.552.6774.

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4. Alliance recognizes green member businesses through Business Directory

The Portland Business Alliance will further its green member recognition program through new logos identifying sustainable businesses in the Alliance online Business Directory. The green ribbon icon indicates Alliance members who are committed to sustainability and who have met green criteria awarded through at least one of the following programs: the City of Portland's Recycleworks Award; the U. S. Green Building Council's LEED Accreditation; a Green Seal Certification; or the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star. To see the member businesses that have been awarded the Alliance's green business logo, visit www.portlandalliance.com. To find out whether your organization qualifies for the green logo, contact RJ Cervantes at 503.224.8684.

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5. Business Directory offers more visibility options to Alliance members

Have you visited the Alliance Business Directory lately? In addition to the new green member recognition logo, you'll find a lot has changed. Members are now identified in multiple ways, including membership level, business descriptions, photos, maps and more. Take a look at your business listing by visiting the Business Directory. If your business would like additional recognition in the Business Directory, call the Alliance Membership Department at 503.224.8684.

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PUBLIC POLICY

6. Business License Fee update approved by Portland City Council

The City of Portland Revenue Bureau proposed a change to the way the Business License Fee (BLF) is administered, which Portland City Council approved Aug. 21. Presently, the fee is administered in a manner that results in start-up businesses paying the BLF twice in the first business year.

The new law changes the fee to an after-the-fact fee; new businesses will pay only once in their first year and pay the fee in the last year of operation based on yearly earnings starting in 2009, easing the burden on small, start-up businesses. The city estimates it will see modest increases in revenue due to the proposed change, within five years of implementing the reform.

7. Share your input on the Central Portland Plan

Intended to guide the development of Portland's core over the next 30 years, the Central Portland Plan will update the city's existing Central City Plan, which was completed in 1988. The Plan is a major component of the Portland Plan, an inclusive, cross-bureau, citywide long-term planning effort that will be carried out in the next two to three years. Background and research for the Central Portland Plan has begun, and will continue as the initial phase of the project proceeds in 2008. Find documents and materials relevant to the Central Portland Plan and offer your input through the online survey on the City of Portland's Web site at www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=47907.

DOWNTOWN

Alliance staff and hundreds of other volunteers spent hours on Friday, Aug. 22, helping homeless people and families. Through Project Homeless Connect, which provides an opportunity for members of the community, civic and business leaders to aid homeless people, about 1,000 clients received support services including medical, dental, addiction and employment services and other assistance.

Project Homeless Connect puts the energy and commitment of individual volunteers and professionals to work to find creative solutions to end homelessness, providing homeless clients with individual attention and an array of support services. To learn more about Project Homeless Connect visit the City of Portland Web site at www.portlandonline.com/phb/index.cfm?c=43395, or contact Project Homeless Connect Coordinator Ruth Benson at 503.823.2392.

The Ambassadors assisted Tri-Met in August during the complete closure of MAX on the Steel Bridge, helping passengers with bus relocations due to the bridge closure and MAX stoppage. Additionally, part of the team offered information and literature regarding the Aug. 2-24 TriMet changes to merchants in the Business Improvement District near the Max line.

MEMBER SERVICES

10. Green Hour event date changed to Oct. 29

The Alliance's newest event, Green Hour, formerly scheduled for Oct. 1, has been rescheduled for Oct. 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The change was made to avoid a conflict with Go Green 08 mentioned below. The Oct. 29 Green Hour will be hosted by Vestas, which will provide a networking venue and feature the Vestas energy story. Register Now >>

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.

11. Green Business of the Month: Schoolhouse Supplies

It's a good thing Schoolhouse Supplies Founder Katie Gold was paying attention - for students, and for teachers. Gold, an environmentalist, noticed that both students and teachers sometimes needed more classroom supplies than they could afford, and that businesses sometimes ordered more pens and paper than they could use. Hence, in 1999 Schoolhouse Supplies was created.

"When warehouses got cleaned out, pallets of supplies got thrown into a dumpster," said Marketing Manager Erin Olinghouse. Now, the nonprofit diverts three school bus loads of reusable items from the landfill every year - just one of the many practices that make it a green organization.

Schoolhouse Supplies' sustainability efforts include: in-office recycling of paper, glass, plastics and cardboard; collection of used cell phone and ink cartridges from local businesses to be recycled; a commitment to in-office use of eco-friendly cleaning supplies and cups, silverware, and mugs instead of disposables; a switch to paperless communications including an e-newsletter, electronic acknowledgements for donations, electronic marketing and collateral pieces; creation of a "Virtual Backpack" which costs $25 and represents what it takes to supply one child with the tools they need for the year; and a partnership with E-waste, which is able to recycle non-usable metal and plastic items.

Schoolhouse Supplies connects members of the community with students in more than 130 schools throughout the Portland Public School system. The organization takes private and corporate donations of all kinds - from basics like pencils and paper to books, backpacks, and folders - and puts them in the hands of students. To learn more about Schoolhouse Supplies, or to donate, visit www.schoolhousesupplies.org.

12. New Alliance Member Services Director plans for success

On Aug. 18, Brenda Falash took the reigns as Member Services Director for the Portland Business Alliance. With 20 years of experience in sales and management, and as a prior small business owner, Brenda is enthusiastic about being a part of the Alliance community.

"My goal is to make sure our members are successful and I'm excited to be a part of that success," she said. "I've had the pleasure of working with different types of businesses. Service is really important to me and I plan to work hard to positively impact our members' ability to succeed."

ALLIANCE EVENTS

13. September Forum: The Appeal of our Region's Small Businesses

Our region's small businesses have a big impact on our economy and the vitality of the region. Learn how the strength of this sector is attracting the creative class and retirees alike at the Alliance's Sept. 17 educational Forum breakfast, sponsored by Brooks Staffing, Liberty NW and the Portland Tribune. Panelists will touch on what we can do to support our small businesses and why businesses of all sizes should support this important part of our economy. Register Now >>

14. Business After Hours at Rogue Ales

In the heart of Portland's Historic Brewing District in the Pearl, Rogue Ales distillery pub will host Business After Hours on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Business After Hours offers an opportunity to create new business relationships by networking in a relaxed setting that offers delicious appetizers, door prizes, and refreshments from the no-host bar. Rogue Ales Distillery and Public House is located at 1339 N.W. Flanders. Register Now >>

MEMBER NEWS

15. Go Red for Women Luncheon raises funds for heart health

Gain a heightened awareness of your heart health, experience a passionate call-to-action and support education and research at this year's Go Red for Women Luncheon event Chaired by Portland Business Alliance President and CEO Sandra McDonough on Oct. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Governor Hotel, 614 S.W. 11th Ave. The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement seeks to provide women with the tools and resources they need to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. For corporate tables and Friends of Go Red ticket information, please email Christina Barnes at christina.barnes@heart.org, or contact her by phone at 503.595.2276.

16. Go Green 08 event Oct. 1 boasts 40 eco-visionaries

Enjoy an all-day educational conference that will inspire, motivate and educate aspiring and established business owners to "Go Green" at GoGreen'08 held Oct. 1. Spend a value-packed day connecting with 40 leading eco-visionaries, experts and like-minded individuals who will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make your business more sustainable and to take your business to the next level. Hear from Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams, PGE Renewable Program Manager Thor Hinckley, Travel Portland Sustainability Manager Veronique Muenier, and Zipcar General Manager Bill Scott, among others. Visit www.gogreenpdx.com for details or to register.

17. University of Oregon hosts Fifth Annual Oregon Economic Forum

An increasingly globalized world requires an efficient transportation infrastructure to facilitate trade. Does Oregon have what it takes to compete in such a world? Hear answers at a forum titled "Ships, Planes and Trains - Oregon's Links to the Global Economy" the morning of Oct. 16, 7:30-11:30 a.m. at the Oregon Zoo Convention Center, as University of Oregon economists and leaders in the business community discuss the importance of transportation infrastructure in sustaining economic growth in Oregon. Tim Duy, Director of the Oregon Economic Forum, will also present an update and forecast for the U.S. and Oregon economies.

18. Nike store to award $100,000 to local nonprofits in September

This month, Nike will award a total of $100,000 to 20 North Portland nonprofit organizations that host programs focusing on youth sports and recreational and physical activities, education and mentoring opportunities, and economic development opportunities focusing on minorities, women and youth. To celebrate these grantees, Nike is hosting a Back Your Block community event at the Nike Factory Store at 2650 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Alliance member grant recipients include Incight, Junior Achievement, Self Enhancement and the Oregon Zoo Foundation.

19. Portland Open Studios, Alliance members offer Members Only discounts

Once a year, during Portland Open Studios, artists put aside their solitary ways and invite you into their workplaces to see the creative process at work. This year, Alliance members receive a 20 percent discount on Portland Open Studios tickets purchased through Members Only on the Alliance Web site. Scattered throughout metro Portland, watch artists at work Oct. 11 & 12 and Oct. 18 & 19, in highly specialized rooms with kilns, presses and lathes or in more simple environments with tables and easels. Each studio offers a unique behind the scenes look at where, how, and why art is made in an up close and personal view.

Check out this offer and other Members Only discounts from A-Ball Plumbing Supply, the Auto and Work Injury Center, Windmill Inns of Medford, Northwest Resource Federal Credit Union and more at www.portlandalliance.com/membersonly.

20. SeaPort Airlines hosts kick-off celebration, commits to conservation

On July 23, SeaPort Airlines launched its Portland to Seattle flight service with a ribbon cutting ceremony, luncheon and demonstration flights. SeaPort Airlines offers regularly scheduled commercial air service operating between its own terminal at Portland International Airport and Boeing Field/King Municipal Airport in Seattle; the airline is initially offering eight 30-45 minute round trips daily on weekdays and four round trips on weekends, and plans to add additional flights in the fall. SeaPort also is donating the equivalent of carbon offset funds to help preserve forestland in the Pacific Northwest.

21. Oregon Cultural Trust FY09 grants announcement

In August, the Oregon Cultural Trust announced more than $1.65 million in grants awarded to cultural nonprofits in every county in Oregon for the 2009 Fiscal Year - an increase of 21 percent due to increased donations from Oregon citizens and corporations. The grant funds will go toward various arts and culture projects fostering eco and cultural tourism, radio broadcasting projects, preservation projects and historical exhibits.

Alliance members who were recipients of grants include: Literary Arts, Oregon College of Art & Craft, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Oregon Symphony Association, Portland Art Museum, Portland Center Stage and the Portland Opera Association.

22. Art, Etc. hosts First Friday event Oct. 3

Join Alliance member Art, Etc. for food, wine and local art at a First Friday celebration featuring artist Bob Gleason's cityscapes on Oct. 3 from 5-8 p.m. at 537 SE Ash St., Suite 11. For more information, email Mike Coleman at MColeman@art-etc.com.

23. Community Warehouse's Beds for Kids Campaign

This month, Community Warehouse is asking members of the Portland community to sponsor Beds for Kids to get kids off the floor and sleeping well. Since 2001, Community Warehouse has been collecting donated household items and distributing them to low-income families recovering from crisis, assisting as many as 70 households per week. A $40 donation sponsors a bed, allowing Community Warehouse to collect and distribute a donated mattress, box spring, sheets and blanket to a low-income child in need. The goal is to raise enough donations to provide beds to 750 children by the end of September.

24. Oregon College of Art and Craft breaks ground on campus expansion

On Tues., Sept. 9, the Oregon College of Art and Craft will celebrate the groundbreaking of the first of its new buildings in a campus expansion which will ultimately double the school's current facility size. The two-story building will utilize green building techniques and feature drawing and painting studios, photography studio space and expandable classrooms, and it is slated to open in summer 2009.

25. MBA Young Lawyers present CLE series on employment law

The Young Lawyers Section Professional Development and Education Committee presents a nine-part CLE series on the Fundamentals of Employment Law beginning Sept. 18 and concluding Nov. 13. For more information or to register, visit www.mbabar.org.

26. Mercy & Wisdom Healing Center holds 2nd Annual Three Treasures Auction

Mercy & Wisdom Healing Center will hold its Second Annual Three Treasures Auction Sept. 21 from 1-5 p.m. at the Laurelhurst Club, 3721 S.E. Ankeny. The auction will raise funds for expansion and longer hours at the clinic, which serves low income and uninsured individuals. The center will provide wine, entertainment and a great variety of auction items. Tickets are free to all Alliance members; call 503.558.8831.

27. The One Choice for HR Solutions presents Employers Conference Sept. 12

Discover practical information and new inspiration at The One Choice for HR Solutions (TOC) Management Services' annual conference for employers Sept. 12. The event will feature breakout sessions on employment-related topics including staying abreast of emerging trends, controlling costs and highlighting the positive in the workplace. TOC Management Services offers employers professional services in the areas of employee relations, employment law compliance, safety and employee benefits. To register for the event, visit www.toc.org.

28. Upcoming Meetings

September 12, President's Council, noon
September 23 , Central City Standing Committee, noon
September 23, Public Safety Sub-Committee, 8 am
September 24, Small Business Council, 3 pm
October 14, Communications Committee, 9:30 am
October 14, Transportation Committee, noon
October 15, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm

September 2008 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. Who are our members?

2. Business Leadership Evening

3. Alliance to publish third edition of Business Images magazine

4. Alliance recognizes green member businesses through Business Directory

5. Business Directory offers more visibility options to Alliance members

6. Business License Fee update approved by Portland City Council

7. Share your input on the Central Portland Plan

DOWNTOWN

MEMBER SERVICES

10. Green Hour event date changed to Oct. 29

11. Green Business of the Month: Schoolhouse Supplies

12. New Alliance Member Services Director plans for success

ALLIANCE EVENTS

13. September Forum: The Appeal of our Region's Small Businesses

14. Business After Hours at Rogue Ales

MEMBER NEWS

15. Go Red for Women Luncheon raises funds for heart health

16. Go Green 08 event Oct. 1 boasts 40 eco-visionaries

17. University of Oregon hosts Fifth Annual Oregon Economic Forum

18. Nike store to award $100,000 to local nonprofits in September

19. Portland Open Studios, Alliance members offer Members Only discounts

20. SeaPort Airlines hosts kick-off celebration, commits to conservation

21. Oregon Cultural Trust FY09 grants announcement

22. Art, Etc. hosts First Friday event Oct. 3

23. Community Warehouse's Beds for Kids Campaign

24. Oregon College of Art and Craft breaks ground on campus expansion

25. MBA Young Lawyers present CLE series on employment law

26. Mercy & Wisdom Healing Center holds 2nd Annual Three Treasures Auction

27. The One Choice for HR Solutions presents Employers Conference Sept. 12

28. Upcoming Meetings