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• 2007 Commute Options Results
• Report on the BASE Summit 2008

• Bend Hosts two GM World Class Technicians
• Crossings restaurant prepares meals for Rachel Scdoris for 2008 Iditarod
• Charity Cars Team Up With Saving Grace To Provide Refurbished Vehicles To Victims Of Domestic Violence
• A merikanuak! Basques in the High Desert opens March 6 at the High Desert Museum
• Art Hop is Coming
• Assistance League of Bend Speaker's Forum Luncheon
• "Author Afternoon" Series at Des Chutes Historical Museum
• The 10th Annual Central Oregon Business Expo
• Central Oregon Home Health & Hospice offers free on-going support groups
• COTV-11 Continues Discussion: "Home, Loans & the Local Economy-Part II"
• Ruth Ann Clark's New DVD, Stability Ball Core Conditioning
• 8th Annual Diamonds and Dust
• Woody Biomass Heat: Central Oregon Biomass Boiler Initiative
• The High Desert Museum Offers unique programming
• Free Collaborative Core Values Exercise for Leaders
• Commute Options Executive Director honored by Bend Living

2007 Commute Options Results
By Jeff Monson, Executive Director
Commute Options for Central Oregon

     Each year, Commute Options receives funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation for its Central Oregon Rideshare & Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program. Commute Options provides a number of services with this funding that, in one way or another, fulfills our mission: Promoting Choices that Reduce the Impact of Driving Alone.
     We would like to share with you some of our deliverables for 2007. Some are told simply “by the numbers,” while others are ongoing efforts designed to create awareness and long-term effects. Whether in the schools, community, media, or local businesses, Commute Options has a presence in Central Oregon. Read below for some highlights of our 2007 Annual Report, and catch up on what we’ve been up to.

By the Numbers
     Buses and shuttles throughout Central Oregon transported more than 400,000 riders in 2007. Look at these impressive numbers!

Rides Performed:

• Bend Area Transit (BAT): 286,057
• Dial-A-Ride: 54,878
• River Run Shuttle (June 22nd to Labor Day): 2,921
• Fair Week Shuttle in August: 1,296
• Mt. Bachelor Super Shuttle and Employee shuttle: 76,328
• Central Cascades Line: approximately: up to 1200/mo.
• Ridership on COCC campus buses for 2007:  8,816
• Bikes Transported on BAT buses: 11,721

Commute Options Week
     Commute Options Week was held June 18-22, 2007. A total of 85 Central Oregon companies registered for the Commute Options Week Challenge in which similar-sized organizations competed to reduce the most vehicle miles throughout the week.

2007 STATISTICS FOR Commute Options Week

• Bike Trips: 1808
• Walk Trips: 451.5
• Carpool Trips: 1686
• Telework Trips: 244
• Vanpool Trips: 152
• BAT Trips: 78
• Other Trips:148 (including skateboard, canoe, motorcycle pooling)

Totals:

• 4588.5 total trips saved during Commute Options Week
• 45,885 motor vehicle miles eliminated (average of 10 mile-roundtrips)
• 2294 gallons of gas conserved, saving participants $5746 in gas money
• At $.70/mile Central Oregonians saved over $32,100 at the pump during Commute Options Week!
• Over 44,508 pounds of Carbon Dioxide eliminated from our air!
• Over 1835 pounds of Carbon Monoxide eliminated!
• 27,041 total employees were registered with 17% participation
• Record all-time high of 10 companies with 100% participation

Commute Options Employer Stats
     Commute Options works with employers throughout Central Oregon to help them encourage employees to reduce their air emissions and gasoline consumption. In 2007, Central Oregon’s 95 participating businesses – with 1700 participating employees – reported the following statistics (does not include Commute Options Week): 

• Number of miles saved (no vanpool): 1,160,616
• Number of miles saved (vanpool): 691,620
• Total miles saved: 1,852,236
• Gallons of gas saved: 92,612
• Cost savings @ $2.50 per gallon: $231,529.50
• Cost savings @ $.70 per mile: $1,296,565.20
• Pounds of CO2 saved: 1,796,668.92
• Pounds of CO saved: 74,089.44

For more information go to www.commuteoptions.org

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Report on the BASE Summit 2008: Oregon's Opportunity to Become Energy Independent

By Lara Gray, 3EStrategies
 

"Thank you for the outstanding conference!   Job well done!  Your staff are pros. I found (John Kitzhaber's) remarks to be compelling, motivational and clearly heartfelt...It's difficult to find statesmen like him these days."  - Mark W. Kendall, Sr. Policy Analyst; Oregon Department of Energy
     The recently concluded BASE Summit 2008 proved to be a visionary gathering of the investors, entrepreneurs, business owners and State Legislators whose continued innovation is keeping Oregon at the forefront of clean energy development and implementation.
     The Business Alliance for Sustainable Energy (BASE) Summit, committed at its core to bringing all sectors of the clean energy industry together, featured presentations of the latest trends and progressions from pioneers in wind, geothermal, biomass, small hydro, wave, biofuels, conservation efficiency, green building, solar and fuel cell technologies. 
     Featuring a powerful lineup of speakers and panelists from all segments of the energy industry, the daylong event delivered captivating presentations rich in content and powerful in vision. The new clean energy laws passed in the 2007 Oregon legislature were gracefully distilled and juxtaposed with case studies of their implementation in bringing clean energy projects online.
     By bringing together such a broad diversity of attendees from all facets of clean energy this unique gathering created a real vibrancy and pulsing energy felt by all that attended and provided unparalleled networking opportunities.
     We especially want to give a big thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters for helping to make this breakthrough event possible.  Our sponsors included: Oregon Business Magazine, Oregon Department of Energy, Energy Trust of Oregon, Johnson Controls, CleanEdge, Climate Trust and Northwest Facilities Expo.  We appreciate your commitment to a clean and sustainable energy future for Oregon and the world! Stay tuned for information on the next BASE Summit!  

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Bend hosts two GM World Class Technicians

     On February 21, 2008, Keith Hopko and Jeremy Johnson, of Murray & Holt Motors Inc., achieved the title of World Class Technicians by GM due to their hard work and dedication.
     Mr. Goodwrench technicians have the chance to become World Class Technicians in the GM STC training program, which provides technicians the opportunity to validate their knowledge and demonstrate their skills to employers and customers.
     Technicians achieve this status after satisfying the requirements for the Mechanical areas, which include obtaining Master Technician Certification in select categories.
     Service technicians achieve this status when they successfully complete 8 of 9 GM Master Certifications in the Mechanical area along with the accompanying ASE certifications. Hopko has completed 10 certifications and Johnson has completed 9 certifications.
     Certification involves taking web-based classes and passing the tests; attending live broadcasts and passing the tests; and attending the GM Training center and taking hands on tests. Because of the limited seating and class availability, it could take up to a minimum of 3 years to achieve World Class status.
     As of this date there are only 31 world class technicians in Oregon and there are only 2 in Bend.

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Crossings restaurant prepares meals for Rachel Scdoris for 2008 Iditarod

     Crossings at the Riverhouse, with the support of Sysco Foods and Aloha Produce, donated, prepared and packaged 27 meals and 30 snacks for Rachel Scdoris for this year’s Iditarod. 
     Chef Kevin Smith and his team at Crossings provided the local musher a variety of dishes based upon the preferences Rachel discussed with them. “We tried to balance her physical requirements with her desire for an appetizing meal to look forward to. In addition, we provided her with snacks during the day which included house made granola bars, a custom trail mix blend and her favorite, cheesecake,” said Smith. According to Rachel’s former handler, caloric intake can vary between 8000-10,000 calories per day.
     “We began the process by testing the final product ourselves,” said Smith. “We cooked every meal to a “par” level anticipating the reheating process would take the meal to its finished state. We then cooled the meal as rapidly as possibly to allow for a proper vacuum pack, and then froze the meal for several days at sub zero temperatures. We then brought it out and gave it the proverbial ‘Lobster dunk’. It turned out great.”
     “We’re thrilled to do our part to support Rachel,” he continued.

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Charity Cars Team Up With Saving Grace To Provide Refurbished Vehicles To Victims Of Domestic Violence

     Three victims of domestic violence received the incredible gift of a refurbished vehicle from local donors and independent business owners in 2007. Local businesses including Happy Danes Quality Auto Repair, Weisners Automotive, Cascade Truck and Auto, Consolidated Towing, and Baxter Auto Parts, teamed up through the nationwide Charity Cars program. The businesses donated labor and necessary replacement parts to refurbish automobiles for victims who have escaped domestic abuse environments and are in need of transportation.
     Along with Saving Grace (formerly Central Oregon Battering and Rape Alliance), these businesses were able to provide greatly needed vehicles to 3 women and their children in 2007.  The recipients, who must have car insurance, employment, and a current driver’s license, are often fleeing a very dangerous situation, and cannot fully move forward without reliable transportation.
     The Charity Cars program is new to Bend, but the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against domestic violence is clear. Donors to the program are eligible for income tax deductions based on the disposition of their vehicle donation. For more information, or to make a donation, please contact 1-800-CHARITY (1-800-242-7489) or Saving Grace at 541-382-9227.

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Amerikanuak! Basques in the High Desert opens March 6 at the High Desert Museum
     The exhibit, including a wealth of artifacts – from handmade dance shoes to a sheepherder wagon – tells the story of how an ancient culture from Europe helped make the High Desert a distinctly different part of the West.
     The exhibition includes some samples of the many aspens carved by roving herders.
     They frequently carved images of women, an indication of the herders’ lonely existences and perhaps their memories of their last visit to town. Other artifacts include many personal items such as a sheepherder’s wool cloak, personal bibles, shears and branding irons.
     An additional 1,000 square feet has been added to the exhibit since it debuted at the Museum from 1994 through 1996. It returns home from touring museums throughout the West, and closes on Sept. 28.

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Art Hop is coming and it’s time to sign-up!

     The bi-annual arts event is held on the first Fridays of April and October exclusively in downtown. Organized by the Bend Downtowners Association, the event seeks to bring people downtown while supporting the arts in our community. We encourage EVERY business to participate; it brings lots of people downtown and into your business!
     Artists are paired with businesses, the art can be of any medium, and artists are preferably local. You may choose to find your own artist to showcase in your business or we can help find one for you.
     Participating businesses will receive advertising via radio, print, Internet, and brochures. The participation fee is $50 (free to Downtown Members). If you are interested call Chuck Arnold at 385-6570 or go to www.DowntownBend.org.

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Assistance League of Bend Speaker’s Forum Luncheon

     The Assistance League of Bend cordially invites you to attend their Speaker’s Forum Luncheon on April 9, 2008, at St. Charles Medical Center Conference Facility with Jenna Bush as our speaker.
     Bush will be speaking on her New York Times Best Selling book “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope” which is about a 17 year old unwed mother that is HIV positive whom Jenna met while doing a year of volunteer work in Latin America for UNICEF.  
     Tickets are $50.00 each and include lunch. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Tickets are available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, or any branch of Umpqua Bank. Your ticket and photo identification will be required the day of the event for admission. Feel free to contact Connie Dean at (541) 383-1659 for further information.

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 “Author Afternoon” Series at Des Chutes Historical Museum Continues with Steve Lent

     Prineville historian and author Steve Lent, who specializes in tracking down Central Oregon place names, is the next featured author for the Historical Museum’s Author Afternoon series. Saturday, March 15 at 1:00 p.m., Steve will tell stories about this continuing adventure that has led to publication of Central Oregon Place Names, Volume I: Crook County and is leading to volumes on Jefferson and Deschutes counties. He’ll also talk about and sign copies of his recent Images of America series book on Central Oregon’s earliest town entitled, aptly entitled Prineville. The series is open and free to the public.
     For more information, please visit the Des Chutes Historical Museum Web site at www.deschuteshistory.org or call 389-1813.

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The 10^th Annual Central Oregon Business Expo

     Community First Bank proudly presents the tenth annual Central Oregon Business Expo. The Business Expo is Central Oregon’s premiere business-to-business networking event of the year; featuring an informative kick-off luncheon, Free business workshops, and the opportunity to discover the region’s growing business community all under one roof in one day. The event will take place at the Deschutes County Expo Center on April 24 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a Kick-off Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free to attend. Booth space is still available. For more information go to www.visitredmondoregon.com.

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Central Oregon Home Health and Hospice, offers free, on-going support groups  

Redmond Grief Support:
Central Oregon Home Health and Hospice
1245 4^th Street, Redmond
Tuesday, March 18 from 2 to 3 p.m.
    A free, afternoon CommuniTea of Caring for men and women grieving the death of a loved one. RSVP 541-382-5882, drop-ins welcome.

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COTV-11 Continues Discussion: “Homes, Loans & the Local Economy- Part II”

     “Homes, Loans, and the Local Economy-Part II” will be the topic of the next taping of COTV-11’s Talk of the Town, a televised town hall program, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Cascades Theatrical Company on Greenwood Avenue.
     “We skimmed the surface on the topics of local real estate, mortgages and the economy in our last program, and it is clear that there is much more to talk about,” says moderator Dave Jones.
     For more information, or to R.S.V.P. to be in the studio audience, contact Jamie Christman at 388-5814 or talk@bendbroadband.com.   Also, go online to www.talkofthetownco.com or via COTV Programs at www.bendbroadband.com .  Talk of the Town airs Mondays at 7 p.m. on BendBroadband channel 11.

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Ruth Ann Clarke's new DVD, Stability Ball Core Conditioning, is now available 

     Through this video, you will learn how to effectively train your core muscles in conjunction with other parts of your body in order to prepare your body for all types of challenges.  Exercise progressions are presented to include all levels of fitness, from the beginner to the elite athlete.  This video is designed so people can perform the training anywhere, including in their own home.  To view a sample of the video, go to www.cascadesvideography.com, click on "Sports," then click on "Personal Training."  The DVD sells for $19.95, and you can purchase it by contacting Ruth Ann at Functional Fitness at clarkefitness@bendbroadband.com or (541) 420-0890.

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8^th Annual Diamonds and Dust

     Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center of Bend is announcing their annual fundraiser; Diamonds and Dust on Saturday, September 6. The 2008 Diamonds and Dust is an upscale event featuring dancing, live music, upgraded live and silent auction, dinner and the chance to win diamond jewelry from Saxon's. This annual event provides a significant amount of support for the organization.
     Healing Reins Riding Center works to provide a memorable healing experience to physically disabled, emotionally challenged, or behaviorally at-risk youth and adults through physical, social, and emotional interaction with horses, volunteers, and staff at a professionally staffed equestrian center. 
     The 8th annual event will be held at the Healing Reins Ridding Center at 6575 Billadeau Rd in Bend, Oregon. Tickets for this event are $75 with sponsorships starting at $1,000.
     For further information please contact Amanda Gow or Kim Thompson with P Inc Event Management at 788-7865 or Greg Johnson with Healing Reins at 382-9410.

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Woody Biomass Heat: Central Oregon Biomass Boiler Initiative

     Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) invites you to a presentation on the use of woody biomass to produce thermal energy. Explore the woody biomass heating potential for schools, recreational facilities, public and commercial buildings and industrial drying processes. Learn about feasibility and construction, technology options, financing, and air quality. Network with fellow project proponents and other entities that can help make the project happen and sign up for the Biomass Workshop to be held May 1-2. A series of three sessions will be take place on March 4, March 20, and April 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 2363 SW Glacier Avenue in Redmond. For more information email Robin Snyder at rsnyder@coic.org or call (541) 504-3310.

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The High Desert Museum offers unique programming 
     Here are just a few of the programs occurring in March.
     March 20-Portland Opera To Go La Bohème. A 50-minute, English-language adaptation of Giacomo Puccini’s classic. 7 p.m., $30. Members, $25. Includes dessert, coffee. Call for tickets: 541.382.4754.
     March 22- Lunch and Lecture: Animal Training. Learn from Museum wildlife experts how they work with animals, and learn tips to take home and use in training your pets! RSVP by March 19 to 541.382.4754. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  $15. Members, $10.
     March 24 – 28 Behind-the-Scenes Wildlife Tours, 2 p.m. See wildlife up close, in areas not open to the public, and learn about these animals from the people who know them best – the experts on the wildlife staff who care for them daily. A special, hour-long tour. $25. Members, $20.
     March 26 Kids Day – Wheels, Wagons, and Whips! A special day of learning activities and fun.
     March 29 Bitterbrush Band plays live bluegrass, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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FREE Collaborative Core Values Exercise For Leaders Tools for unleashing your team’s power 

Core Values Exercise For Leaders
March 18, 2008
4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
School Administration Building
520 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR
     Participants will receive a free hands-on demonstration of a collaborative core values game that helps employees discuss behaviors that build superior teams and behaviors that predictably cause problems.  Participants will play the game and learn multiple applications for anchoring trust, interdependence, genuineness, empathy, risk and success in your organization.
     This is a research based and independently validated core values process.  Space is limited and appropriate for business owners, executive directors, board presidents, founding entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders.  To secure your space, e-mail tigers@uci.net

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Commute Options Executive Director honored by Bend Living

     Commute Options for Central Oregon Executive Director Jeff Monson will be featured in the March/April issue of Bend Living as a local hero.  The article looks at how Monson and his team pursue their vision of a greener and healthier Central Oregon.
     For instance, Monson is a person with strong convictions who even in the most blustery Central Oregon weather will ride his bike to work. No matter the weather he will find a way to use alternate transportation.
     The article also highlights the Commute Options organization as well as its events. Commute Options Week is well received in the area and continues to grow every year.  

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