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Bend Chamber Weekly
Aug 7, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's Highlights
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A Message to Chamber Members
Like many businesses, the Chamber is not immune to the current economic situation. If there is a positive message that can be found, it is the effort we are all making to ensure our businesses are more efficient and effective. We want to continue to provide you with the benefits you expect, without increasing costs. This requires us to make some changes to our staff and program structures. These changes will consolidate, eliminate, and lean down portions of our operations in order to continue to provide the best possible service to our membership.
It is our intention to maintain the principle ideas behind each of our councils. Over the next couple of weeks Chamber staff will be meeting with our councils to receive input and develop strategies to improve our programs. The end result will be a leaner, more effective education program with a greater focus on the needs of our members.
Becoming a more effective Chamber is what we strive for. I'm confident these changes will make us a stronger organization and provide you, our members, with an improved education program that makes more efficient use of your time.
This is one of many improvements we are developing to enhance your membership. I'm very excited about our future!
I always welcome your feedback; please feel free to contact me at 382-3221 or tim@bendchamber.org.
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Council approves open debris burn ban and COCC special planned district
In a 4-3 split decision, the Bend City Council approved a complete ban on open debris burning within city limits on Wednesday evening.
Councilor Oran Teater told fellow councilors he would vote against the ordinance because it is important for property owners who have larger acreage. "I still think we should leave it the way it is," he said. "We have more smoke in the air today, than if we had all those with permits burning at the same time."
Teater stated he has a one acre piece of property to take care of and he still has to use a dumpster each year just for pine needles.
During a May work session, several councilors indicated they had received requests from local citizens to increase the number of days for burning yard debris. City staff returned with amendments to the code that would increase the number of days from two to four.
However, during their June 17 council meeting, several councilors agreed to go forward with a complete open debris burn ban because of alternatives available to citizens.
Councilors Tom Greene, Mark Capell, Jodie Barram, and Jim Clinton voted in favor of the open debris burn ban ordinance. Mayor Kathie Eckman and Councilors Jeff Eager and Teater voted against the ban.
In other business, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is one step closer in its future development plans. The Bend City Council voted 6-0 with one abstention to approve the rezone and special planned district the college had requested.
COCC officials say the special district overlay will allow the college to have guidelines and standards for future development.
Councilor Jim Clinton decided to abstain from the vote citing a question of his bias for the college at the first reading of the ordinance. "One speaker two weeks ago implied I was biased in supportive statements for the planned district," he said. "I will abstain from voting in an effort to remove the possibility to have (my vote) used in some way against this application."
Mayor Kathie Eckman stated she appreciated Clinton's abstention to avoid any question to the proceedings.
Dr. Jim Middleton, COCC President, said the council's approval was an important step for the community and the college moving forward.
"We believe that this is a first step in creating and expanding an asset for the community, and we are committed to being strong stewards of the land." he said. "We do have immediate issues with both OSU-Cascades and COCC being able to address the enrollment crunch that is really overwhelming to us." |
City Council Highlights
Council approves extension on SDC Deferrals: In a 6-1 decision, the Bend City Council approved the extension of the deferral of System Development Charges (SDC). Though he voted in favor the of extension, Councilor Tom Greene stated when the extension comes up for renewal next year he would like to see more information about making the deferral permanent. The deferral program was created last year in response to the slowing economy. Councilor Mark Capell pointed out last year the council had no idea how bad the downturn would be, and the council was nervous about the impacts of the program at that time. Councilor Jim Clinton stated he wouldn't vote for the extension because it wasn't in the public's best interest. "The city goes out on a limb in building infrastructure it doesn't have, and it does that by borrowing money with the expectation that future SDC's will come in at a timely manner," he said.
Council recognizes Senator Chris Telfer: The Bend City Council took a moment to recognize the accomplishments of Senator Chris Telfer from her time as a Bend City Councilor to present. Telfer was excited to be back and stated it was almost like home being back in the building. "I loved being on the city council and I learned a lot that I was able to take with me to Salem," she said. "I believe that's why I was able to hit the ground running." Telfer also praised councilors for all their hard work.
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Thanks to local organizations and businesses who fought for Business Oregon Representative
In the wake of the 2009 Oregon legislative session and resulting budget cuts, Business Oregon (formerly OECDD - Oregon Economic & Community Development Department) made the difficult decision in mid-June to eliminate its longstanding Business Development Officer (BDO) position in the tri-county region.
For the past two decades, the region's BDO has played an important role in business development projects, helping existing traded-sector employers grow and assisting in attracting new, high-paying jobs. The Bend Chamber, Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) and many other organizations, cities and counties, state legislators, businesses and individuals called and wrote letters asking Business Oregon to reconsider.
On July 23, top representatives from Business Oregon visited Bend to outline their direction at two public meetings held at COCC. Director Tim McCabe shared a new plan, which came together in the hours leading up to the meeting. The plan would again provide Central Oregon with a dedicated BDO, with an expanded territory that included Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties. Clark Jackson, who has served as the tri-county area's BDO for the past two and half years, was offered back his old position and new region to which he returned July 30, exactly one month after the position had been eliminated.
The Bend Chamber applauds the leadership of Business Oregon for listening to the concerns of Central Oregon leaders and for their creative and timely solution. Community response to the temporary loss of this important position also revealed the vital role that Business Oregon and its field representatives play on the team that is working to diversify and strengthen the local economy. For those Bend Chamber members who contacted Business Oregon; we believe it contributed, in no small measure, to this outcome. Thank you for making it happen.
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Deadline looms for Board of Directors open positions
Time is running out for those members who have a desire to become involved with the Bend Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The deadline for nominations/submissions is Monday, August 10.
If you are interested in an open position, complete the following questions and return them with a cover letter by the deadline above.
1. Why would you like to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Bend Chamber of Commerce?
2. What are your qualifications as a board member?
3. In your estimation, what are the four top issues facing the Bend business community, and what are your general thoughts relative to those issues?
Please send all questionnaires and information to Jade Mayer, Nomination Committee Chairman at the following: Jade Mayer, c/o Brooks Resources, 409 NW Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97701, or jade@brooksresources.com. |
In the News
Current economy takes toll on workers: According to a recent survey by ComPsych Corp., U.S. employees report the economy has a direct correlation on their working environment and overall psyche. Twenty percent of workers reported there is more conflict and stress among co-workers. The survey found 39 percent of respondents stating they did not receive a raise and their compensation has decreased, 10 percent are working more hours and unable to take as much vacation, and 11 percent state they are working more hours due to employee layoffs. One bright note from the survey...20 percent of workers stated the economy had no impact on their work.
Oregon ranks 8th for wind energy: The American Wind Energy Association released a report last week stating in the second quarter Oregon ranked eighth in the nation for wind energy. The U.S. wind energy industry generated 1,210 megawatts of capacity across 10 states. The report states this is enough to power about 350,000 homes. Oregon generated 45 megawatts. Other states that added wind energy include Texas, Iowa, Missouri, Washington, California, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming.
BendBroadband to enter Wireless Internet and Voice Market: BendBroadband recently announced plans to expand the company's service footprint in Central Oregon with a wireless data network. The wireless expansion project has been ongoing for the past 15 months. In a press release, President and CEO Amy Tykeson stated the expansion will help to "close the digital divide in rural areas of Central Oregon that currently have limited Internet access." The plans for expansion include wireless sites and towers extending as far north as Madras and as far south as La Pine. It will also extend east and west from Prineville to Sisters. Residents in those areas will now have high-speed Internet access. BendBroadband plans to offer three different products for homes and businesses including high-speed Internet, mobile broadband, and telephone service. |
Upcoming Events
August 11 - Professional Development Series Morning Session - An Economic Crisis is a Terrible Thing to Waste - Every time you turn around lately, someone is commenting on the current economic conditions. It has become an unavoidable topic that comes up at business meetings, social gatherings, and more. Many people are preoccupied with this topic, and it makes it difficult for them to keep a positive outlook. In this month's presentation, speaker David Rosell, President of Rosell Financial Group, will cover a variety of items, including the following:
- Where are we in this financial chaos and where are we going?
- Overcoming F.E.A.R.
- We become what we think about
- It is time to engage and not retreat
- Many an optimist has become rich by buying out a pessimist
- Bears eventually hibernate
- How to avoid self-destructive investor behavior
- Your new retirement plan: Doing ordinary things extraordinarily well
Take the time to gain new insight and outlook on this economic crisis. The PDS morning sessions are now free to attend, but please RSVP for this event by August 10 at www.bendchamber.org.
August 18 - Professional Development Luncheon Series - Employment Law Essentials for Supervisors and Managers - What are the most crucial dos 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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