We Have a Seat at the Table – City of Bend Long-Term Financial Plan Task Force

     In a letter to the Bend Chamber from the City of Bend’s Finance Director, Sonia Andrews, dated November 7, 2007, Sonia invited the Bend Chamber to participate in a task force to launch a 5-year, long-term financial plan (LTFP). The LTFP will develop a process to include:

• Identification of city revenues, expenses, economic environment and debt trends
• Development of a financial forecasting model with key assumptions for forecasting revenues and expenditures
• Identification of financial challenges and opportunities
• Development of goals and standards for long-term financial stewardship
• Prioritization of financial resources of service level preferences, program alternatives and recommendations
• Development of financial strategies and action plan needed to close identified funding gaps

This task force, the letter stated, will consist of representatives from other government agencies, community leaders and engaged citizens. No date for starting the task force was given, but we should have more information after the November 19^th City Council meeting when a consultant contract is awarded. I’ll keep you posted as the task force takes shape and we begin our work.

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Mega-Mistakes Managers Make

     According the HR Daily Advisor, Today’s Tip for managers covers common goofs managers make.  Here are the four you may want to consider:

• Failure to Train – training is the key to encouraging appropriate behaviors and preventing inappropriate and illegal ones.
• Failure to Appraise Honestly – Too many mangers and supervisors almost automatically give “good” ratings to every employee and if those employees challenge a termination for poor performance, you’re going to look silly explaining your “good” ratings.
• Failure to Act – “I’m sure the inappropriate behavior will stop if I just hold off.” Don’t be guilty of condoning bad behavior in the workplace, when you become aware, investigate and take appropriate action.
• Failure to Document – The mantra for managers and supervisors is document, document, document. Documents that are incomplete, incorrect, embarrassing, or just plain missing are the cause of expensive legal downfalls.

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Juniper Ridge - the Master Developer

     In case you haven’t heard, the city’s Master Developer, Juniper Ridge Partners LLC, Ray Kuratek and Jeff Holzman have indicated they want out of the deal with the city for Juniper Ridge. In listening to members it seems clear the city would be wise to end this relationship. In the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the city signed with the partners in September of 2006, paragraph 11.5 requires the city to repay the development team up to 75% of their expenses.  As far as I can discover, the partners have not produced an itemized statement of their expenses. In an email shared with the chamber by the partners, they wanted as much as $3.5 million to walk away from the deal. In the coming weeks, Ron Garzini may be taking to the City Council a buy-out agreement.  In a meeting with the Central Oregon Association of Realtors, Ron noted he had three options to consider: 1) proceed with the MOU as stated and continue with the partners and agree on a development agreement; 2) buy out the partners consistent with the MOU; or 3) enter into a new deal with the partners. If I could be king for a day in this process, I would suggest they end their relationship with Juniper Ridge Partners LLC and work out a deal involving limited cash and some land to make the development team whole in this venture. What do you think? You may have the opportunity to let the City Council know if Ron recommends the buy out strategy.

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Request for Ideas – Owning our own facility

    At the General Membership Meeting in October, I announced the Bend Chamber has set a goal of owning its own building, either via an existing structure or building our own office. I want us to have an office where members can hold meetings, large and small; where our board is able to hold its meetings and we have space for start up businesses to have office space as they launch from their home business to their first office. To obtain a copy of the “Request for Ideas” facility requirements email mike@bendchamber.org and I’ll send you a specification sheet.  Along with the building goal in 2008, we’ll be announcing the launch of our capital campaign, a way for members to participate in making this dream a reality. Look for more information in the January 2008 Business Journal.

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Does Your Organization Need Volunteers

     The 2006-2007 Leadership Bend class has developed a Web site: www.getinvolvedbend.org which allows nonprofit organizations to post their events and the volunteers they are needing. Check out this great Web site. If your organization is looking for volunteers, post your need, and if you’re looking to volunteer, check out the site to see what the needs are. 

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Community Affairs Council – Town Hall Luncheons

     In 2008 a new council will be launched, the Community Affairs Council (CAC) hosting a monthly Town Hall Luncheon. This new council will use the popular “town hall” format designed to allow members to interact on hot topics, like Juniper Ridge and transportation; learn and discuss new economic development projects and how they will impact the economic vitality of the community as well as provide new business opportunities for members; and, discuss legislative matters and city and county ordinances and fees that affect businesses ability to do business in this region.
     The new CAC Town Hall luncheons will be held at Touchmark at Mount Bachelor Village in their Forum Theater. The 11 luncheons will be held on the third Friday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. If you sign up now you will save $55. No lectures! No speakers talking at you! No one-way communications.  To join the CAC Town Hall lunch series, see the ad in the center section of the Business Journal. So, reserve your spot for this new interactive council.  Make the third Friday of the month your “get-away Friday” by treating yourself to an early start on your weekend. You deserve it! Call Lindi at the Bend Chamber to reserve your spot: 382-3221.

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One Voice Trip – Speaking with One Voice in DC

     In late March or early April of 2008 (we’re waiting to see the 2008 schedule for Congress) the Chamber will once again be conducting its One Voice trip to Washington DC. The goal of this trip is to meet with our US Senators and Representative to discuss issues important to this community. If we can have a cross-section from the community; public, private, businesses and nonprofit organizations acting as “one voice” on the issues we present, the message is more powerful and less sounding like a special interest looking for its agenda to be addressed. If you’re interested in more details about the 2008 One Voice DC trip call Mike Schmidt at 382-3221. 

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Coming events