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Member Columns |
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Stop Buying Technology…The Wrong Way!
By: Alan Clack, Cascade Telecommunications
There are a few things
in life that will remain constant till the end of time.
They include death, taxes, and the ever-changing world
of technology. As soon as we make a technological
purchase today it unfortunately becomes outdated
tomorrow. Just think about the last time you bought a
car. The moment it was driven off the lot the value
dropped instantly by a few thousand dollars. This same
scenario occurs in every technological purchase made by
a company. As a result, more and more owners and CFOs
are being slapped in the face with a basic “Business
101” question - Why buy a depreciating asset?
The method of buying technology on a lease agreement is
not new. Historically, both business communications
providers and equipment manufacturers have offered
leasing options. However, within the last year or so,
subtle changes by a select group of providers across the
country have made leasing versus buying the right
decision for any business. These changes have
eliminated technology's two greatest risks -
obsolescence and price (also known as “outright
ownership”).
Voice and data communications is the life-blood of
every company, and having the latest technology has a
major impact on an organization's efficiency,
profitability, and competitiveness. As a result,
Cascade Telecommunications launched the Current
Technology Assurance Plan (C-TAP). C-TAP ensures that
the communications environments are refreshed with the
latest advancements and value added solutions, thereby
eliminating technology's obsolescence. Updates to a
company's voice and data system can occur anytime after
24 months with no change in their monthly payment.
Additionally, both labor charges and software upgrades
are waived, thereby potentially saving the company
thousands of dollars.
C-TAP focuses on the cost of technology rather than its
price, thus eliminating the second risk. This is a mind
set change for owners and many business communications
providers not engaged in a program of this sort.
Because of C-TAP, companies are able to transfer
technology costs from a capital expense to a fixed
monthly expense absorbed by an organization's operating
budget. This enhances the financial health from both
tax and budgeting standpoints.
Programs like C-TAP have changed the way technology is
purchased now and forever. By taking control of the
purchase process in this manner, the owner is finally
experiencing a true win for their business because they
now have the means that will increase profitability,
while giving them a competitive advantage in their
marketplace.
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What's New |
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Chockstone Climbing offers new services
Chockstone
Climbing Guides in December announced new
services including roundtrip transportation
service from local schools, resorts and lodging
facilities. They are also launching a new
calendar with expanded course offerings, Teen
Climbing Camps, courses and guiding at top-notch
sites in Nevada and California, and professional
development programs including ropes course
activities. Owner Jim Ablao notes that
Chockstone will continue to create custom
programs and courses to suit your company’s
programming and service needs.
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Mid Oregon Credit Union Celebrates 50 years
On November 22,
Mid Oregon Credit Union celebrated its 50th
birthday as one of Central Oregon’s premier
financial institutions. The celebration, “Fifty
Years of Member Success,” kicked off at their
Annual Meeting at the new Riverhouse Convention
Center early this year, culminated with
celebrations at each of their four branches in
November.
Mid Oregon Credit Union has a long history of community
involvement and support, and is well-recognized
for their efforts. Named 2005 Business of the
Year by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, Mid
Oregon has also been among the top three
finalists for the past three years running for
the same award from the Bend Chamber. In
addition, for the last ten years, Mid Oregon has
been honored with the Credit Union Association
of Oregon’s Dora Maxwell Award, presented to
credit unions for outstanding community
involvement efforts.
Mid Oregon members and employees regularly raise funds
for various community causes and continues to
set the pace for United Way giving with a 100
percent company-wide employee participation rate
for 15 consecutive years. Their involvement
embraces the community by supporting countless
organizations, services and events, including
the Free Family Saturdays at the High Desert
Museum, Tools for Schools, Mini Grants for
teachers, and St. Charles Medical Center just to
name a few. The organization budgets more than
$60,000 per year to local efforts and over 2,500
volunteer hours.
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Climate Change
and the Future of Energy: Business Challenges
and Opportunities
Thursday, January 24, 2008
7:15am-9:30am (registration,
networking and breakfast from
7:15am-7:30am)
St. Charles Heart Center Learning Room
Climate change isn’t just an environmental
concern; it is a problem that applies to
businesses as well. Many businesses are
overwhelmed by the complexity of the issues and
their role in the bigger picture. However,
businesses have the opportunity to take the lead
on managing climate protection while improving
their bottom line and becoming better
environmental stewards. By managing the risk of
climate change and lowering impact on the
environment, leading companies are gaining
investor confidence, reducing their exposure and
increasing profits.
Join reSource to learn more about what climate
change means to businesses, what businesses can
do to make a difference, and how local
businesses have taken the lead on climate change
and energy issues.
Speakers include:
Phil Berry, Nike
Brent Giles, Powdr Corp.
John Mercer, Deschutes Brewery
$15 for
Sustainable Business Network Members
$15 for Non-Members
(breakfast included)
388-3638
www.resourceoregon.org
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Members on the M-O-V-E |
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PEOPLE
Tracy Campbell
of Design Solutions, LLC traveled to Danbury,
CT in October where she presented The
Info-Excellence Seminar at Boheringer-Ingelheim
Pharmaceuticals. The training experience
developed by Cohesive Knowledge Solutions of
Guilford, CT has helped corporations reduce
email volume by 20% and improve email quality by
35%.
Sharon Christensen was recently hired by Hire
Calling as an Administrative Assistant. With
more than 14 years of administrative/office
management experience, Christensen will greet
and assist candidates with the application,
interviewing and testing process.
Laura Hooton from Summit High School was named
the Center Foundation’s November High Desert
Hero. Laura has participated in a variety of
sports year round in addition to taking a full
load of advanced courses, working full time and
doing regular community service activities.
Kyle Frick, Vice President of Mid Oregon Credit
Union, delivered a motivating message to 13
credit unions in Belize, Central America, at
their Annual Credit Union Convention this
October. Addressing the topic of future
potential, and in conjunction with International
Credit Union Day, Mr. Frick demonstrated the
common threads between Central Oregon and the
country of Belize and offered constructive
solutions based on history and growth
comparisons.
Betsy Rafail of Yogatta Travel recently attended
a Tanzania training seminar presented by Big
Five Tours and plans to explore Eastern Africa
first hand next year. Information:
www.yogattatravel.com
Kristine Pareira has been named Regional Sales
Representative of Montana for Clear Choice
Health Plans. In this role, Kristine will be
responsible for all new sales, including
commercial large group, individual, and Medicare
Advantage, and will be providing services to
brokers and members throughout Montana.
Kristine can be reached toll free at
866-893-7883.
Barbara Seaman of MetLife Financial recently
returned from Atlanta, GA where she attended a
national Women’s Conference for financial
planners. Topics included Wealth Management due
to divorce or inheritance, as well as Long-term
care issues as caregivers for their parents,
spouses or themselves.
Mary Traughber has been promoted by Hire Calling
to the position of Staffing Manager.
Traughber’s role involves recruiting and placing
employees in a wide variety of temporary,
temp-to-hire, and direct hire positions.
Wayne Hanson has been named Business Development
Manager for Mid Oregon Credit Union. He will
assist the Vice President of Sales and
Marketing, Kyle Frick, in the identification,
planning, communication, development, and
organization of credit union relationships. |
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BUSINESSES
BBT Architects was selected to design and
construct a new two-story building for Dr. David
Coutin. The new facility, which broke ground on
Friday, October 19, will house new offices for
Dr. Coutin’s medical practice as well as tenant
lease space.
Cascade Telecommunications announced today that
it has joined forces with Forval International
to provide ElipServices, an affordable,
subscription-based managed IT service for small
to mid-size enterprises and back office network
operations. This will enable Cascade
Telecommunications to offer the highly sought
after IT services.
Compass Commercial is pleased to welcome Tara
Donaca to the brokerage firm. The addition of
Tara brings the agency’s practicing, licensed
brokers to eighteen. Tara works with both
landlords and tenants in the successful
negotiation of office, retail, and industrial
leases.
Prineville Bancorporation, parent company for
Community First Bank, reported today its
results for the quarter ended September 30,
2007: Net income for the third quarter was an
increase of 2.8% from the third quarter of 2006,
and year-to-date results were a 13.5% increase
from the first nine months of 2006. Earnings
for the third quarter of $.19 per share declined
from $.21 per share and year-to-date earnings of
$.54 per share for the nine months of 2007,
declined from $.55 per share.
Hire Calling unveiled a new logo in October that
signifies its connection with one of the most
progressive staffing companies in the western
United States: SOS Staffing Services. The
company’s new logo includes the symbol (a
crescent) carried by all its fellow SOS sister
companies. The crescent logo represents the
relationship that exists between Hire Calling’s
clients, job seekers and team members.
Human Dignity Coalition is looking for a few
good people to be a part of their board. Be a
part of the change you wish to see. People of
diverse backgrounds are encouraged to
apply. For more info contact the HDC office at
office at 385-3320.
NorthWest Crossing announced in October that the
two newest buildings in its neighborhood center
have won the Grand Award for Green Building in
the 2008 Awards of Excellence administered by
the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The award recognizes achievements in the
national commercial building industry in design,
market appeal, energy efficiency, challenges
faced during building, and overall success of
the project.
The Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon was
awarded the 2007 Limelight Award for their work
completing a re-brand after over 40 years with
the same logo. The Opportunity Foundation
completed a brand renaissance this year with
Sublime Design, and is embarking on a detailed
marketing a public awareness campaign.
Saving Grace, formerly COBRA, has just completed
a brand renaissance with the support of Sublime
Design Group. After 30 years of serving all of
Central Oregon as the Central Oregon Battering
and Rape Alliance, COBRA decided to update its
name, tagline and logo. The new name is
accompanied by the tagline, “Imagine Life
Without Violence,” and a two-color logo
depicting a clipped wing on the mend.
Sortor Bushido Kai Karate congratulates December
Student of the Month Keegan Hunt. Keegan is a
6-year-old white belt student who is being
recognized for his focus, sharp technique and
diligence in practicing on his own. Keegan will
take his first belt test on December 1. Info:
www.SortorKarate.com
The High Desert Museum announces the winners of
the Gila Monster Naming Contest. The two
venomous reptiles will be named Pumice and
Obsidian, the winning names submitted by two
families: Amanda, Dustin and Lucy Cowell, and
Stephanie, Scot, Will, Luke and Delaney
Langton. Pumice and Obsidian debuted in their
new exhibit at the Museum on October 6.
NorthWest Crossing announced in November that
the Discovery Park Lodge senior affordable
housing project is now moving forward. Ground
breaking is schedule for early spring 2008, with
units available in summer 2009. The building
will be located northeast of Summit High School.
Every Idea, LLC, announces the launch of the
“Cooking Central Oregon Style Cookbook,” sold
for $10 exclusively at Newport Ave. Market
starting November 5, to benefit local hungry
families. A coupon is included in the cookbook
that can be taken to any register at Newport
Ave. Market as a cash donation.
Community First Bank announces its brand
new
location opening on the fourth floor of the
Franklin Crossing building at the corner of Bond
Street and Franklin Avenue in Bend. It offers a
quiet, private setting for clients to work
closely with banking experts, and a wireless
business center to meet clients’ needs.
The Green Spot is releasing its first Holiday
Gift Guide filled with green gift ideas,
seasonal eco-tips and local green businesses.
Look for it around town beginning early
November.
Margaret A. Atchison, EA, LTC completed the
Advanced Tax Problem Resolution Seminar in
Taxation conducted by the American Society of
Tax problem Solvers. Margaret A. Atchison is an
Enrolled Agent and licensed by the Federal
Government. She demonstrates professional
competence and meets annual professional
education requirements in federal tax matters.
EVENTS
The 6th Annual Desert Orthopedics Great
Nordeen Cross Country Ski Race will be
hosted by Mt. Bachelor Sports Education
Foundation on Saturday, January 12, 2008. This
year, participants can choose between a 15km or
a 36km course. Both races are freestyle and
start at Mt. Bachelor’s Sunrise Lodge.
LibertyBank Bend WinterFest will be held on
February 8, 9 and 10, 2008 in Downtown Bend
across from the Library. The event will include
the WinterFest Marketplace, live music, a
children’s area, snowboard and ski rail
competition, a cross country ski event, a winter
wine walk downtown, great food and much more.
A portion of all button sales goes to Girls Go Outside. Info:
www.bendwinterfest.com
StarFest, Eagle Crest Resort’s annual holiday light
display, will be illuminated on Thanksgiving and
will run through January 2, 2008. The lights
will be on display from 5:30 until 9:30
p.m. every evening. Along with the mile-long
display of lights, weekends will feature
horse-drawn wagon rides at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8
p.m. The wagon rides begin on November 23rd and
go through December 22nd. The Inn at Eagle Crest
will feature the Teddy Bear Suite, the StarFest
Gift Shop, carolers, coffee and hot cocoa,
cookie decorating, and on Friday and Saturday
evenings from 6 until 8 p.m. Santa and Mrs.
Claus will be there to visit with the young and
old alike. Mrs. Claus will also offer story time
around the fire place. Admission to StarFest is
free. We will be accepting donated canned goods.
Santa will be at The Shops at the Old Mill
District!!! Have your pictures taken with
Old Saint Nick, give him some ideas on the great
gifts at The Shops. December 19-23 from
10am-4pm
Enjoy a carriage ride through The Shops at the Old Mill
District. Donations and tips benefiting Kids
Center. December 19-23
www.theoldmill.com
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