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If the Portland region is a human body then the Central City is the region's heart. The stronger the heart pumps, the better the body functions. This year, the Alliance conducted its Downtown Census and Survey, a check-up of sorts on how the Central City is doing. And the results showed that the heart has weakened a bit this past year with the loss of 3,000 jobs in the Central City.

Downtown has faced similar challenges in the past. The 2001 recession also hit downtown hard, and it took us five years to climb out of that job slump. Now we've slid backwards again. So what can we do to help retain and grow jobs in the Central City?

First, we need to make sure the Central City is a place where all people feel safe and welcome. While the survey results showed that the majority of people think downtown is safe and clean, there is more work to be done. The 83,000 people working downtown are not only employees of their respective companies but they are also patrons of hundreds of downtown businesses, keeping retailers and restaurants afloat.

We have heard from employers, visitors and retailers that aggressive panhandling has reached an all-time high, which many people attribute to the loss of the sidewalk obstruction ordinance. People's concerns were reflected in the survey as it was cited as the top issue that needs improvement.

The Alliance, as the manager of the Downtown Business Improvement District, has been working closely with the Portland Police Bureau to address livability crimes. And many Alliance members have reached out to city council members to voice their concerns and to urge council to come up with some more creative and effective ways to eliminate the aggressive panhandling. We encourage you to continue doing so.

Second, we need to work with both our public and private partners. The Alliance is working with the City of Portland to support its efforts to grow 10,000 jobs in the city in the next five years. A strategic plan has been developed and the Alliance is supporting those efforts. Under the auspices of the Regional Business Plan, the Alliance is working with the Portland Development Commission, Greenlight Greater Portland and Regional Partners to retain and grow area employers; many of which could be located in the Central City.

Third, we need to ensure the city, region and state are as appealing as possible for new private sector employers. Reducing the burden of city and county taxes and fees is an area that the Alliance has successfully been working for the past few years. And at the state level, we need to develop a tax structure that protects employers and state services.

Clearly, there are many issues that impact the health of downtown and we are working on them to ensure the Central City, the economic heart of our region, continues to beat strongly to the benefit of us all. More about the survey results can be found in the story below.

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2. Businesses need to get prepared for flu season now!

At a recent flu summit put on by the state, more than 800 people gathered to talk about the upcoming flu season and the impact that the H1N1 virus could have on schools, the elderly and business. Alliance President and CEO, Sandra McDonough, spoke about the potential impacts on business, steps businesses can take and what support business can provide the state and other entities.

An upcoming outbreak could have a high cost and could stilt the slow economic recovery because of high absences that could impact the productivity of business. To prepare for flu season, businesses should:

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3. Forum: A Conversation with John Kitzhaber, Sept. 16

September's Forum breakfast will feature Former Governor John Kitzhaber who recently announced his intention to run again for the state's top job. Moderated by longtime political advisor and author, Kerry Tymchuk, the conversation will not only touch on his decision to run again, but also current hot topics such as healthcare, private sector job creation, the region's economy and other current issues impacting business.

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4. Tax referral update: Sign e-petitions and donate today!

The campaign to repeal the two permanent tax measures passed by the state legislature is making significant progress in both the signature collection and fundraising efforts, but more needs to be done to meet the upcoming filing deadline on September 25 and communicate with Oregon voters. It is easy to do both.

The campaign Web site has made it easy to learn more about the issue, sign the e-petitions and donate to the campaign. Simply go to www.stopjobkillingtaxes.com. Please submit your e-petitions by September 23 so signatures can be verified. You can also make donations to the campaign via the Alliance's political action committee. Click here >>

During the 2009 legislative session, the Alliance worked closely with other business organizations to support a plan that would ensure continuation of vital state programs, while also limiting permanent new tax burdens placed on our state's private-sector employers. Unfortunately, moderate plans for temporary revenue measures to solve temporary funding problems were rejected by the Legislature, which opted instead to pass $733 million in new, permanent taxes on Oregon businesses and individuals. That was the biggest tax increase in state history.

A coalition of organizations representing virtually every business sector in the state has formed to refer these measures to Oregon voters next January. The coalition's message: these new tax measures harm Oregon's job-creating economy at a time when the state faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

The Alliance has joined the coalition, and is supporting the referral. Once voters reject these tax increases, the Alliance wants lawmakers to go back to the drawing board and come up with a more moderate approach that will provide temporary bridge funding for critical state programs while limiting the harm to the state's private sector employers.

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5. Alliance Land Use Task Force looking at region's future growth

The Alliance's Land Use Task Force is reviewing several important upcoming land use planning decisions impacting the region and city. The task force considered Metro's process to designate a 50-year land supply of areas reserved for rural (farm and forest) and urban (potentially developable) use. The land designation resulting from the process will steer future Urban Growth Boundary discussions and analysis.

The task force recommended that the process designate an adequate supply of employment land to accommodate diverse employment and housing uses for a prosperous region. The task force agreed that part of livability is for residents to have access to employment opportunities, and that Metro, the public, and elected officials must balance this critical priority with the ongoing efforts to preserve of open space. If you are interested in participating in the task force's work, please contact Bernie Bottomly at 503.552.6746 or bbottomly@portlandalliance.com.

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6. International trade update

PNITA hosted The Honorable John Burton, European Ambassador to the United States, at a luncheon at the Governor Hotel. Ambassador Burton met with PNITA members to discuss the global economic challenges facing both the U.S. and Europe and Trans-Atlantic cooperation to help bring both sides out of recession. Issues given special attention included international taxation, Europe's Common Agricultural Policy, Turkey's potential membership in the EU, and immigration.

PNITA is working with the New America Foundation in Washington, D.C. to bring Steve Clemons to Portland as a speaker this fall. NAF recently put out a report on the "Green Trade Deficit," that is the degree to which the U.S. is falling behind other nations in exporting green technology. We will be identifying a time when Steve can be in Portland to brief members on the study and lead a discussion.

DOWNTOWN SERVICES

7. Downtown Census Survey shows decline in jobs, other trends

The Alliance recently released the results of the annual Downtown Business Census and Survey. Among key findings were shifts in jobs and mass transit. Effects of the current economy are apparent in the loss of jobs and the increase in people taking mass transit. Positive sentiments about the safety and cleanliness of the Central City remained strong.

The survey showed a significant drop in jobs as well as a decline in the number of businesses expecting to expand over the next few years. The largest losses were experienced in the retail, information and warehousing sectors. Three areas added jobs: finance and insurance; arts, entertainment and recreation; and public administration.

Despite the downturn, attitudes about the safety and cleanliness of downtown remain positive. The responses show that 98 percent of downtown workers feel that downtown is safe while 78 percent feel it is clean. Though the survey cited that panhandlers and public inebriates are the top issues needing improvement, the overall response was good, and the Alliance has already begun to address those issues.

In terms of how employees are getting to work downtown, the census shows a drop in those commuters driving alone, from 42 to 37 percent, and a slight up tick in the number of people taking MAX or the bus, from 43 percent to 44 percent.

Read the full report here >>

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8. Portland Police Bureau continues efforts on livability issues downtown

Last week, Portland Police Bureau officers arrested three subjects who were purchasing and dealing a substantial quantity of heroin, using a pay phone located near SW 6th and Alder Street.

Additionally, the two subjects arrested in the mission admitted to using panhandling money to buy the drugs. The subjects had also received and challenged a number of sidewalk obstruction citations under the now-suspended ordinance. The female subject was involved in the case recently decided by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge.

The City of Portland has been alerted about the ongoing issue with drug dealing associated with the pay phone and has agreed to have it removed.

This news underscores the importance of not giving money to panhandlers. Employees and patrons of downtown businesses should be reminded not to give money to panhandlers. The Portland Business Alliance is a strong supporter of several outstanding homeless service providers such as Central City Concern, Transition Projects, Inc., JOIN and New Avenues for Youth, that are making a real difference in the lives of people struggling with addiction and homelessness. Supporting these organizations is the best way to help.

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MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

9. New Leadership Portland classes begin 2009-2010 year

This month, Portland Business Alliance's newest Leadership Portland class kicks off. For the first time, the Alliance has accepted 50 participants and will offer two classes that will run separately, but come together to share what they have learned at the end of each education day. For a list of participants, see sidebar.

"The new structure allows participants to build deep relationships with 24 other people, but have high quality exposure to an additional 25 individuals," said Don Krahmer, the Alliance board of directors' liaison to Leadership Portland.

The Alliance created Leadership Portland in 2003 to provide Portland's emerging business leaders with the skills and understanding necessary for future senior leadership positions within companies, civic betterment organizations and government.

The yearlong course starts in September with a two-day retreat. Each month's class focuses on a different aspect of the Portland region, exploring topics such as state government and public policy, criminal justice and public safety, cultural arts and education. The participants also team up to develop and complete community impact projects.

Among these individuals, 11 work for nonprofit organizations, three work for higher education institutions and 36 work in for profit businesses. The larger number of participants will benefit the Portland community even more as 10 teams will be completing community impact projects.

Applications for next year's program will be available on the Alliance Web site in November. Sponsorships for program days and other events are currently available. Contact Nick Viele at nviele@portlandalliance.com or 503.422.3786.

10. Connect with tomorrow's workforce - BizConnect breakfast, Sept. 17

In the next five years businesses in our region will need 200,000 new workers. Where are these new workers coming from and how are they trained? How do you attract them to your industry or business?

BizConnect, a program of the Portland Business Alliance, provides businesses with the opportunity to showcase themselves to tomorrow's workers and to give high school students career-related learning experiences.

These experiences can range from your business conducting mock interviews and tours to providing internships. More than 1,000 businesses are now involved and you can be too. Learn how at a no-cost breakfast event, Thursday September 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Alliance offices. Register Now >>

The event is co-sponsored by the BizConnect, Work Drug Free Oregon and the Oregon Business Leadership Network.

11. Inside look at the sustainable and historical Ladd Block - Green Hour, Sept. 30

The development of the Ladd Block is a great model for merging historical preservation and sustainable commercial development. It's the home of the Ladd Carriage House, the 1923 First Christian Church, and the Ladd Apartment Tower. See how all three buildings were developed by Opus Northwest to create a landmark block that's registered for LEED Platinum status.

This GREEN HOUR starts with tours of the three buildings (come at 5:30 to join a group), and then convenes for casual snacks at the very cool unfinished Carriage House. Register here >>

Whet your appetite for this event by watching some online videos of its development and the preservation of the Carriage House. Go to www.LiveLadd.com then click on the Videos/Press page and click on the first button.

Green Hours takes place quarterly. If your business would like to showcase its sustainable practices through a Green Hour event, please contact Christine Gatlin, membership events manager, at cgatlin@portlandalliance.com or 503.552.6742.

12. Jared Short new president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield

Starting earlier this summer, Jared Short became president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. Short is recognized as an established leader in the health care field with proven strengths in consumer directed health care, sales, marketing, research and finance.

During his previous tenure at Regence, Short provided critical leadership in the development of innovative programs designed to provide cost and quality information directly to Regence members, and to foster a community of health and wellness. At the time, this concept was relatively unknown in the industry and remains a cornerstone of Regence's efforts to increase transparency in the system. He returns to Regence from BlueCross BlueShield of Montana, where he was the Chief Marketing and Underwriting Officer.

13. Residence Inn Portland Airport at Cascade Station opens

As of August, the new Residence Inn opened on Cascade Parkway nearby the airport. The Inn is smoke-free and invites guests to "stay 'green'" by using such amenities as easy access to the MAX Light Rail, all-suite rooms with fully equipped kitchens, and bikes available for guest use. To see more information on the new, green hotel, visit www.marriott.com/PDXAP.

14. Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management recognized by Forbes

Willamette University has been named one of the top 75 business schools in the country by Forbes. The university has the highest-ranked program in Oregon and is one of only three programs in the Northwest to make the list. The schools are ranked based on the results of surveys from business schools across the United States on career services opportunities, placement rates and pre- and post-MBA salary levels. www.willamette.edu/mba.

15. Oregon Business: Named one of the top three business magazines

The American Society of Business Publication Editors recently named Oregon Business Magazine one of the top three business-to-business magazines in the country. The 28-year-old magazine, Oregon's only statewide business publication, received the honor in the 2009 Magazine of the Year competition in the under 80,000 circulation category. The magazine also was the recipient of a silver award for best cover in the Azbee Western region awards. www.oregonbusiness.com.

16. The Resort at the Mountain completes $14 million renovation

The Mt. Hood golf, spa and ski destination now features more spacious accommodations, revamped meeting and event facilities, the Altitude restaurant, upgraded golf courses, lush landscaping, and a new full-service spa. The Resort now features 18,000 square feet of technology-equipped meeting and event areas with views of the surrounding national forests. www.theresort.com.

17. Mercy Corps new global headquarters to open next month

The nonprofit and its contractor are completing the final touches on its new headquarters, the renovated Skidmore Fountain building in Old Town Chinatown. The expanded and LEED Platinum-certified building will officially open Oct. 9. The Skidmore Fountain building will have sustainable features including solar panels, a green roof, natural ventilation and resource-friendly landscaping. In an effort to engage the public, Mercy Corps' new headquarters will also include the Action Center, a comprehensive hands-on learning experience aimed at engaging the public in efforts to end world hunger and poverty. www.mercycorps.org.

18. Buy tax credits, support Oregon Production Investment Fund

The Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF) provides rebates to film productions that shoot in Oregon. Each year the Oregon Film & Video Office sells tax credits at a discount in order to fund OPIF. Due to an increase in the program, passed by the Oregon Legislature, an additional $2.5 million in tax credits will be available for sale in October. Credits will be available at the 5 percent discount. The forms may be found at: www.oregonfilm.org/incentives/taxcredits or e-mail susan@oregonfilm.org.

19. OIT student renewable energy project earns PGE Grant

A junior Renewable Energy Engineering major, April Placencia, at the Oregon Institute of Technology received a $9,000 grant from Portland General Electric for a renewable energy project. She will design and implement a monitoring system for a combined solar and wind power installation for David Douglas High School. The renewable energy will power the David Douglas Express, a light rail system to transport disabled students between buildings.

20. Lifewise Health Plan of Oregon adds new healthcare tools to member web site

The member section of www.lifewiseor.com includes new tools that help LifeWise members create personal health records to assess their health, track progress on personal goals, evaluate symptoms, and estimate the cost of some treatments. Members can also learn their "health age" by entering a few key numbers such as blood pressure and cholesterol and answering a short list of lifestyle questions. The Web site also includes a Treatment Cost Estimator and members can create "real time" estimates from their benefit plan and current deductible status, combined with the selected procedure and physician.

21. Small Gifts Add Up to Big Success for Work for Art

Work for Art recently closed out the 2008-09 campaign with a total of $665,863 raised - a 19 percent increase from the previous year despite the down economy. The campaign total includes gifts from workplace giving campaigns, corporations and foundations, plus $316,859 from a public matching challenge fund provided by the City of Portland, Clackamas County, Multnomah County and Washington County.

22. The Art Institute of Portland participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program

As a participant, The Art Institute of Portland will voluntarily provide tuition assistance to veterans to help offset all or some of their education costs. The program allows institutions of higher learning the ability to assist with tuition costs exceeding the GI Bill's current maximum benefit rate. The institute will contribute up to an additional $1,440 per year to eligible veterans to offset those expenses, and the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs will match the school's contribution.

23. Portland Creative Conference 2009

Presenters will talk about their creative process, influences and inspirations. The conference will benefit Keeping the Beat, a nonprofit that supports K-12 arts education in Oregon. The conference is Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Newmark Theater in the Portland Center for Performing Arts. The cost is $99 for the full day, and any Alliance member that signs up using the code PBA will receive a discount of $18.56. For more information, go to http://www.cre8con.com.

24. The Standard holds Portland's largest-ever volunteer expo, Sept. 11

The 2009 Volunteer Expo is a free event at Pioneer Courthouse Square that helps people and businesses connect with more than 80 nonprofits. Attendees can learn about unique volunteer opportunities, find the right match for their talents and interests, and enjoy live music. Friday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please visit www.standard.com/volunteer.

25. Kinetic Technology Solutions brings Disney Institute Professional Development to Portland Sept. 29

Disney Institute will bring its renowned professional development program, "Disney Keys to Business Excellence," to Portland. Sponsored locally by Kinetic Technology Solutions, the full-day event will give area professionals an opportunity to "experience the business behind the Disney magic." Program registration is $449 per person and includes all course materials. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information and registration, call 503.520.0555 or go to www.KineticOregon.com.

26. Reaction Productions brings Forbidden Broadway to Portland Center for the Performing Arts

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of this satire of some of the most famous Broadway plays. Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the show features only four performers and one pianist and has earned a 2006 Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. Thursday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Go to www.pcpa.com for tickets.

27. Upcoming Meetings

September 16, Small Business Council, 4 pm
September 17, Public Safety Committee, 8 am
September 22, Central City Standing Committee, noon
September 23, Government Relations Committee, 4 pm
October 9, President's Council, noon
October 13, Communications Committee, 8 am
October 13, Transportation Committee, noon
October 14, Sustainability Committee, 7:30 am

September 2009 Newsletter

FROM THE CHAIR

1. A thriving downtown means a thriving region

2. Businesses need to get prepared for flu season now!

3. Forum: A Conversation with John Kitzhaber, Sept. 16

4. Tax referral update: Sign e-petitions and donate today!

5. Alliance Land Use Task Force looking at region's future growth

DOWNTOWN SERVICES

7. Downtown Census Survey shows decline in jobs, other trends

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

9. New Leadership Portland classes begin 2009-2010 year

10. Connect with tomorrow's workforce - BizConnect breakfast, Sept. 17

11. Inside look at the sustainable and historical Ladd Block - Green Hour, Sept. 30

12. Jared Short new president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield

13. Residence Inn Portland Airport at Cascade Station opens

14. Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management recognized by Forbes

15. Oregon Business: Named one of the top three business magazines

16. The Resort at the Mountain completes $14 million renovation

17. Mercy Corps new global headquarters to open next month

18. Buy tax credits, support Oregon Production Investment Fund

19. OIT student renewable energy project earns PGE Grant

20. Lifewise Health Plan of Oregon adds new healthcare tools to member web site

21. Small Gifts Add Up to Big Success for Work for Art

22. The Art Institute of Portland participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program

23. Portland Creative Conference 2009

24. The Standard holds Portland's largest-ever volunteer expo, Sept. 11

25. Kinetic Technology Solutions brings Disney Institute Professional Development to Portland Sept. 29

26. Reaction Productions brings Forbidden Broadway to Portland Center for the Performing Arts

27. Upcoming Meetings