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Bend Chamber Weekly
July 24, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's Highlights
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2009 Bend Chamber Fall Invitational Golf Tournament
This is the event you have been waiting for and it will be here before you know it. Join us on Monday, September 14 at Brasada Ranch for a great day of golf. While the golf experience is fun and the sponsors stationed on each tee add to the festivities, the day culminates with a fine dinner and networking on the deck of the clubhouse as the sun sinks into the west.
Last year we attracted golfers with handicaps ranging from 1 to 35. Some players don’t play enough golf to even determine a handicap so we just average their last three scores. This process helps the golf staff at Brasada determine a team handicap to level the playing field. We pay out prizes for both the low net and low gross teams. Start making plans now. If you don’t 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’ll create a team for you.
If you are not a golfer, we also have some great options for you.
1. Donate an item for the tee bags (given out to each golfer and sponsor during registration). Golfers love snacks and treats!
2. Sponsor a tee and greet four new golfers about every 10 minutes as they tee off from your location.
3. Donate four similar prizes for a team prize.
4. Donate a gift certificate or product for use in our raffle.
5. Or just attend the dinner and network with a crowd of fun people.
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Board of Directors seeks candidates for open positions
The Bend Chamber of Commerce is seeking members who have a desire to become involved with the Board of Directors. This is a great way for members to become actively involved not only in the community, but also the Chamber.
The annual election for the four open positions will be held later this fall. The Board of Directors is seeking a diverse group of Chamber members to run for the open positions. Interested parties must be a current Chamber member and have time to devote to board responsibilities and Chamber activities. A term on the Board of Directors is for three years starting January 1.
Interested? Complete the following questions and return them, with a cover letter to the Nomination Committee Chairman no later than August 10, 2009.
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.
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Town Hall Forum Recap: Road to Recovery
Last Friday's Town Hall entitled, "Road to Recovery: Lessons from the past, and where are we now?" allowed Chamber members the opportunity to speak with local business leaders about the challenges they faced during the recession in the 1980's, the lessons they learned, and how they are surviving in today's economic climate. The panel of local business leaders included Mike Hollern (Brooks Resources), Jack Holt (Murray & Holt Motors), and Steve Scott (Steve Scott Realtors). The forum was very interactive and had questions ranging from how to plan for the worst case scenario to future jobs, to the future of entrepreneurship.
Listed below are just a few questions asked at Town Hall with abbreviated answers:
Q: How do you plan or even prepare for situations like this?
A: Mike Hollern: We all need a plan B, but I find it helpful to think in terms of a plan C. Plan C is the worst possible case you can think of. Write it down so you have all the details. You will probably find once you have done this, it's still not the end of the world, and there are pieces of your business that you can salvage. This is a great exercise because it prepares you mentally for that worst-case situation.
A: Steve Scott: It's critical to adjust our values, and what we spend our money on. We recently got all fat, sassy, and spoiled with the money we were making. Now is the time to recognize the golf membership, gym membership, second homes, etc. cost money. We need to start letting go and do what fits our lifestyle. Another way to get through is with a war chest. A war chest is not only money, but mental capacity and commitment to stay afloat. It's an attitude ... it's trim ... get lean and mean and do what you need to do. Also network, have conversations, and be aware of what's going on around you. Get informed.
A: Jack Holt: Be in charge of yourself. You are the one with the investment and you have to take care of yourself. The less charge you have, the more charge someone else has. Also, look at reality. Everyone has a different perception, but it's important to look through what the appearance is, to what really is. Everyone is looking for the magic formula. For now, the magic formula is working, paying attention, and seeing where this thing is going. Remember to be prepared, and be in charge of yourself.
Q: We need growth to happen in the long term. Where do the jobs come from? How do we create the jobs?
A: Jack Holt: I'm concerned about that. We are doing some things in the community to attract new businesses, but we also need to concentrate on helping the businesses that are already here. A lot of that is doing business with each other. As for a new economy or jobs ... it now appears there are a lot of businesses and people just getting by, I don't know how that will change.
A: Mike Hollern: One of the most important things is to continue to create the environment that brought people here in the first place. We also need to start looking at teens, and those in their 20's and 30's to see what it would take to get them here. Businesses will come here over time.
A: Steve Scott: It's amazing to know the top average earning category right now is that of the government employee. There are also more government employees then those in professional or financial services. Bend could attract more government jobs. An idea that has been floating around is having a Federal Court in Bend. That employment base could be at least 100 people. It's just unclear at this time where the next growth of jobs will come from.
Q: Entrepreneurship usually increases after a down cycle. However, right now there is not a lot of financing to be found. How can we help to finance entrepreneurs, how can we loosen the purse strings?
A: Mike Hollern: Unlike what has happened in the past, we will probably see more entrepreneurs stay in their current jobs rather than start their own companies. There is actually a lot of capital out there that is looking for investment opportunities. And there are people willing to invest money. But when the strings will likely loosen, we don't really know.
Q: We have a more diverse economy now than 20 years ago. What is the next expansion? What should the state and our community do to influence that expansion?
A: Steve Scott: One thing would be land use laws. If you continually legislate against those things it will make things more difficult. If I want to do a remodel on a building on 3rd Street, I have so many issues with the ADA, environmental issues, ingress, egress, ODOT, stormwater, etc. We have to put a little pressure to go the other way and be less restrictive. Another idea would be going back to basics.
A: Hollern: I think it's more of a pendulum of issues. I really do believe in the land use laws and they have leed to a lot of values in the community.
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Last call for Leadership Bend Applications
Are you interested in becoming more involved in the community? How much do you really know about Bend? Do you have any interest in developing your leadership abilities? Would you like to connect with other committed citizens within the community?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, Leadership Bend is the right fit for you. If you are interested in joining the Leadership Bend Class of 2010, your window to sign up is closing. All applications must be turned in by July 27 to Gayle Najera, Leadership Bend Executive Director.
If you are interested in learning more about the program or receiving an application, contact Gayle Najera at 382-3221 or gayle@bendchamber.org. Applications are also available online at www.bendchamber.org.
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Rising temperatures increase risks for workers
With summer finally upon us, now is the time for employers and employees to make sure they take precautions when working in high temperatures. Working in the heat can not only be uncomfortable, but it also increases the risk of developing heat-related illnesses.
Oregon OSHA reports everyone should be familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. Some of the symptoms include the following: extreme fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, a headache, clammy and moist skin, a pale complexion, and a normal or only slightly elevated body temperature.
If a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, move them to a cool shaded area and do not leave them alone. OSHA recommends loosening or removing any heavy clothing and providing a small cup of cool water every 15 minutes. "If the (person) does not feel better in a few minutes, call 911 for emergency help," stated a recent OSHA release. "If heat exhaustion is not treated promptly, the illness could progress to heat stroke, and possibly even death."
There are many things employers and employees can do to prevent heat related illnesses. Here are some quick and easy tips from OSHA:
* Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-induced illnesses and what to do to help other workers.
* Perform the heaviest, most labor-intensive work during the coolest part of the day.
* Slowly build up tolerance to the heat and the work activity (this usually takes up to two weeks).
* Use the buddy system to monitor the heat (work in pairs).
* Drink plenty of cool water (one small cup every 15-20 minutes).
* Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing (such as cotton).
* Take frequent short breaks in cool, shaded areas - allow your body to cool down.
* Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.
* Avoid caffeine beverages (these beverages make the body lose water and increase the risk of heat illnesses).
For more information on prevention or to print out a "Heat Stress Safety" pocket reminder card go to Oregon OSHA's Web site, www.orosha.org.
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In the News
2009 Deschutes County Fair: The Deschutes County Fair will run from July 29 through August 1. This year the fair includes three free concerts; free, award-winning rodeo Wednesday through Saturday, rides, animals, exhibits, delicious food, carnival games for the kids and much more. Friday's fair includes free admission for everyone before 3 p.m., free admission to the rodeo, free Bulletin Kids Fun Zone, and free transportation to and from the Fair. New this year is additional transportation for everyone to and from the Fair including Bend, Redmond, La Pine, and Sisters. Day and Season passes can be purchased at all Les Schwab Tire Centers and the Ticket Mill at the Shops at The Old Mill. For more information about this year's Deschutes County Fair, please call the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center at (541) 548-2711 or visit www.deschutes.org/fair .
Open Line with the Bend City Council: The Bend City Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, July 27 at Mid Oregon Credit Union (1386 NE Cushing Drive) beginning at 6 p.m.
Traffic Update with Bend PD: From July 27 through August 2, the USA National Road Cycling Championships will be held in Bend. Races will include a Tetherow, Awbrey Butte Circuit race and Skyliners time trials. Drivers should expect traffic control points with 5-10 minute delays possible. On August 1, the Deschutes Criterium will be held in and around the Les Schwab Amphitheater. The Shevlin Hixon and Simpson roundabouts south bound will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. On August 2, the Downtown races will be held and Bond and Wall from Greenwood to Idaho will be closed. Other closed roads will include Franklin from Lava to Broadway. Roads will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Warning and detour signs will be in place. Drivers should expect heavy congestion along Franklin/Lava and streets going to Georgia and Broadway.
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