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Bend Chamber Weekly
August 14, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's Highlights
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Bend Chamber Board of Directors takes stance on recent tax increases
The Bend Chamber Board of Directors believes the recent tax increases imposed by the State Legislature will only hurt economic growth in Central Oregon.
Central Oregon and the State of Oregon are currently in the throws of the worst economic recession since the early 1980's. Bend has reached unemployment numbers ranking second in the nation, and Oregon is also one of the leaders in the nation in unemployment.
The Chamber Board feels job creation is critical and small business is the main creator of new jobs.
"Tax increases, personal or corporate, direct or indirect, and income or V.A.T. are 'job killers.' They should be avoided in every case where budget and spending cuts have not been implemented. This is especially true in times like this," stated a statement from the Board of Directors.
The Chamber Board also believes the increase in the corporate tax rates, based on gross, not ne,t revenues, is really a sales tax with another name. "It is not based in firm economic principles and will eliminate, not create jobs," stated the board. "The increase in the personal tax will stifle entrepreneurship and decrease jobs."
The taxing of health premiums is also a major concern. The Board believes taxing, while indirectly through the actual companies, will increase health care costs, increase cost to businesses, and stifle job creation.
While opposing the tax increases, the Chamber believes there were several solutions offered during the legislative session that could have avoided the increase of taxes. If the state simply maintained the previous biennium spending levels, taxes would not have to be increased. Also, tax increases were only required due to a $2 billion increase in spending.
The Bend Chamber believes the recent tax increases by the Oregon State Legislature are short-sighted and counter productive in economic growth. The Chamber is wholeheartedly supportive of efforts to repeal these tax increases and urges its members to be involved in efforts to overturn these job destructive taxes.
Above all, the Chamber has concluded the State of Oregon has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and should undertake efforts to cut expenditures rather than increase revenues.
The Bend Chamber is currently one of two sites for signature gathering to repeal the corporate and personal income tax increases. The other site is the Central Oregon Builders Association.
If you would like to sign the petition, the Bend Chamber offices are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Saving Grace Makes List of Top 100 Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon
Saving Grace, formerly Central Oregon Battering and Rape Alliance (COBRA), was included in the Oregon Business magazine's first annual 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For In Oregon.
The list and rankings were based on the confidential input of the 6,700 employees from more than 200 nonprofits across the state. Employees responded to a 60-question survey about workplace satisfaction including benefits, management, trust, work environment, and development.
"At Saving Grace we believe our greatest strength is our professional staff," said Janet Huerta, Saving Grace Executive Director. "It makes sense to take good care of our staff as they take good care of the people who come to us for crisis services. I'm delighted for Saving Grace to have an independent validation that the way we treat our staff is working. It will also help Saving Grace to continue to attract qualified job candidates and committed volunteers."
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Bend Police Department starts Merchant Notification Program
In an effort to create awareness of criminal activities among area merchants, the Bend Police Department is reaching out to businesses with the start of a Merchant Notification Alert program.
As crimes are reported, the department often sees patterns occurring among businesses, but has no way to relay that information. The alert program is an email designed to give businesses updates on shoplifting activities, identity theft, counterfeit money, bad checks, and more. Businesses who sign up to receive the email would get updates once a month on the latest trends, and immediate alerts on any relevant information.
Lt. Gary Mack says the new alert program will serve as a preventative tool for all retailers, large and small. "With the current economy, we have seen an increase in thefts, bad checks, shoplifting, and returning of shoplifted items for cash," he said. "With this new alert system we are trying to help businesses not take the bad checks or the counterfeit money."
Businesses who are interested in receiving the alert email should send a request to JLawrence@ci.bend.or.us with Merchant Notification Alert Request in the subject line.
The Bend Police Department hopes to see many businesses sign up to receive the alert.
Mack says the more knowledge businesses have, the better prepared they can be on criminal activities.
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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Information
The Internal Revenue Service recently released some information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The IRS would like Chamber members to know the impact of the ARRA. Below is the information contained in that release.
Making Work Pay Credit - Certain employees may now have too little tax withheld and owe additional taxes when they file their federal returns next year. These employees need to check their current withholding allowances and make any necessary adjustments as soon as possible to prevent a future tax bill.
American Opportunity Credit - Students or their families may receive a credit of up to $2,500 for 2009 and 2010 for qualifying expenses, including books, tuition, related fees, and other required course materials. This credit can be claimed for up to four post-secondary education years.
First-time Homebuyer Credit - Taxpayers who didn't own a principal residence during the past three years and purchase a home this year, before December 1, can receive a credit of up to $8,000 on either an original or amended 2008 tax return, or a 2009 return.
Unemployment Compensation - The first $2,400 of unemployment benefits an individual receives in 2009 are tax-free.
Nonbusiness Energy Credit - Homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient may be able to claim a total of $1,500 for improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010.
If you have any questions about these provisions, visit the AARA Information Center on irs.gov, or call 1-800-829-1040.
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In the News
U.S. Congressman Greg Walden to appear on Talk of the Town: Talk of the Town will host U.S. Congressman Greg Walden on August 28. Walden will share a brief update on current congressional matters, including an up-to-date highlight of federal forestry and wildfire issues, followed by community discussion. The town hall program will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Cascades Theatrical Company and RSVPs are required due to limited seating. This event is open to the public and free to attend. If you are interested, contact Jamie Christman at talk@bendbroadband.com or call 388-5814. For more information on the event, go to www.talkofthetownco.com.
Oregon Stimulus Dollars Update: Oregon has received almost $1.7 billion out of the $787 billion stimulus package. According to data complied by ProPublica, this would amount to $440.45 per person in Oregon. ProPublica also reports the federal government has disbursed about $121 billion of the stimulus bill thus far.
BLM Seeks Comments on Wind Energy Project: The Bureau of Land Management is accepting public comments on a proposed transmission line to connect a wind power project on private land in Harney County to the area's transmission grid. The project would require transmission lines to cross public land in both Deschutes and Harney County, which needs BLM approval. Columbia Energy Partners (CEP) is looking at constructing a wind farm on private land near the northeast slopes of Steens Mountain. "We hope everyone in eastern Oregon will let the BLM know they support the project, support private landowners who are trying to hang on to private property, and help Harney County become part of the renewable energy economy," said Chris Crowley, President of CEP in a recent release. All comments must be received by August 26. Comments can be submitted by email to: OR_Burns_NS_Transmission_Line_EIS@blm.gov. Please include your name, return address, and the caption "Public Scoping Comments, North Steens Transmission Line Project," on the first page of your written comment. If you would like to mail your comments they can be sent to the following: North Steens Transmission Line Project Lead, BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Highway 20 West, Hines, Oregon 97738.
Changes in Bend Area Transit Route: As of July, there have been some changes made to the Bend Area Transit schedules. Route 11 will now serve Cascade Middle School, TouchMark, Westside Bend Memorial Clinic, Social Security, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Mt. Bachelor Park-N-Ride. Route 3 will serve the Northwest Crossing and Summit High School area with full-time service Monday through Saturday. Route 6 added a very short spur that goes up to 15th and Forbes Road. Stops were added at the Municipal Court and WorkSource Bend. "These route and service improvements were at the request of businesses, riders, and neighborhoods," said Heather Ornelas, City of Bend Transit Manager. "However, these changes did not increase service hours, total bus hours, or costs."
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Upcoming Events
August 18 - Professional Development Luncheon Series - Employment Law Essentials for Supervisors and Managers - What are the most crucial do's and don'ts when it comes to employment law, human resources and management? Karnopp Petersen's experienced employment law team will cover the essentials of state and federal employment law -- the laws managers and supervisors need to know most. Come for a lively and interactive discussion of the following:
- Documentation, discipline, and discharge
- Avoiding harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims
- Managing medical leave
- Wage and hour essentials
- Latest developments from the Oregon Legislature and US Congress
- And much, much more.
Supervisors, managers, and human resource professionals - both new and experienced - will benefit from practical tips and insights. Please RSVP for this event by noon on Monday, August 17 at www.bendchamber.org.
August 19 - The Young Professionals Network - The Insurance Center and Chiropractic Family Health Care - The Insurance Center and the Chiropractic Family Health Care in the Welker Building, invite you to a summer event on their deck for the Bend Chamber Young Professionals Network. The Insurance Center, founded in 1967, has ten insurance agents totaling 150 years of experience. Its decor has the flavor of the early 1900's, where their motto is "Old Fashioned Service." And it really is "Old Fashioned Service" with the use of high tech equipment giving high touch quality. As you enter their office, you will have a "WOW" moment! The "WOW" factor continues into their service, going above and beyond anything you have ever experienced! Chiropractic Family Health Care began in 2000. Dr. Welker and Dr. McLagan specialize in the examination and treatment of spine related disorders and injuries. They believe it is important to work with other health care providers to ensure the best communication and care for each patient. If you are frustrated with your pain and would like a different approach, call them for a free consultation. Join us for an evening of great networking opportunities, food, and prize drawings. Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 18 at www.bendchamber.org.
August 21 - Town Hall Breakfast - 2009 Legislative Overview: A recap with your local representative - Though there are still a few bills Governor Ted Kulongoski has to sign, the 2009 Legislative Session is closed. In this month's Town Hall, hear about the past session from local representative Judy Stiegler (D-Bend). Besides the budget, what were the most pressing issues representatives faced? What should businesses be concerned about in the next year? Were there any good highlights for Bend and Central Oregon? If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP by noon on August 20 at www.bendchamber.org.
September 14 - 2009 Bend Chamber Fall Invitational Golf Tournament - The summer is starting to fly by and that means the 2009 Bend Chamber Fall Invitational Golf Tournament will be here before you know it. Join us at Brasada Ranch for a great day of golf. We pay out prizes for both the low net and low gross teams. Start making plans now. If you do not know the names of your players, take the first step of securing a spot in the tournament by signing up online today at www.bendchamber.org/golf. We also encourage you to register as an individual and we will create a team for you. If you are not a golfer, but would like to participate in the tournament we have options ranging from sponsorships to donations for tee bags, team prizes, and more. For more information on the golf tournament or sponsorship opportunities, contact Gayle Najera at gayle@bendchamber.org or by phone at 382-3221.
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