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Bend Chamber Weekly
October 30, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's Highlights
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Looking toward 2010
| Economic Forecast Breakfast is brought to by: |
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Are you interested in our current economic outlook? What will 2010 hold for Central Oregon?
Mark your calendars and join fellow Chamber members on November 9 for Economic Forecast Breakfast - Vision 2010. Attendees will hear from Dr. Tom Potiowsky, Oregon State Economist, about our economic outlook for 2010. This is one event you don't want to miss!
Potiowsky served as Oregon's state economist for six years until 2006, when he returned to Portland State University to teach economics and pursue the establishment of an economic and business research center. Potiowsky returned to being Oregon's state economist in January, 2008 and we are lucky to have him join us again this year as he forecasts our local, state, and national outlook for 2010.
Corporate Tables are $595 and include 10 seats, priority location, name in the program, and the company logo on the table signage. Individual seats (open seating, not reserved) are available for $45. To register, go to www.bendchamber.org/efb. |
Get Your Blitz Update!
The end of October is here and the Bend Chamber Board of Directors are neck and neck with the Ambassador Council for the Bend Chamber's first Annual Membership Drive. There are only a few hours of competition left! Stay tuned for final results in an upcoming issue of Chamber Weekly and the Business Journal.
Both teams will be featured on the cover of the December Business Journal. As you know, to keep things interesting, the losing team will be required to dress up in costume for the photo.
The 2010 Preferred Business Guide will be wrapped in November so it's important for new members to get signed up as soon as possible to ensure they are listed in the annual guide.
If you would like to help a business become a member and be included in the Preferred Business Guide, please call or email Greg Ford at 382-3221 or greg@bendchamber.org. |
Promote Your Restaurant or Catering Business at the Bend Chamber Holiday Party
| Bend Chamber Holiday Party is brought to you by: |
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Attention vendors! The Bend Chamber is hosting one of the biggest and best holiday parties in Central Oregon and we'd like to offer you the opportunity to showcase your business.
Each year, the Chamber's Holiday Party attracts nearly 600 attendees for a two-hour party, which provides a great opportunity for you to offer a sampling of your products.
Ten food vendors are needed for the Holiday Party. This year we will promote the event as "Join us for a Bend Chamber Sampling of the Holidays!"
There is no charge to join us and offer your best sampling to nearly 600 Bend Chamber members.
If you are interested in signing up as a vendor, or would like more information, contact Gayle Najera at 382-3221 or by email at gayle@bendchamber.org. |
Join the revolution, Create an E-coupon
There are many free and low-cost ways to maximize your Chamber membership. Here's a great tool to offer discounts to other Chamber members and customers through the Internet.
The Chamber's E-coupon site receives about 300 views per month, and it is free to set up! Utilize your username and password in the Member's Only section of our Web site to access your information, and create the E-coupon. These are available for visitors, relocators as well as other members to look for special savings. If you need your username and password contact Kelly Charon at kelly@bendchamber.org.
If you are looking for some discounts yourself, check out the E-coupon section by clicking on the Local Discounts button on the left-hand side of our Web site. Next, click on Money Saving Coupons and then explore what other members have posted. |
In the News
Rail Road Crossing Closed on Deschutes Market Road: As of October 28, the existing at-grade railroad crossing on Deschutes Market Road is permanently closed to traffic. Traffic will be routed onto the new railroad overcrossing back on to Deschutes Market Road. Construction will continue on the overcrossing structures so drivers are urged to use caution. Drivers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes during construction. Hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cooler Temperatures Can Turn Irrigation Systems Into a Liability: With the temperatures turning colder, irrigation systems that are still operating can be a liability for local businesses. Freezing nights and mornings can turn irrigation overspray into dangerous ice hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. If you have not had your system turned off yet, the City of Bend Water Division recommends turning off or adjusting all irrigation run times and spray patterns. This will help to prevent the creation of ice on walkways and streets from overspray. Starting in January of 2010, when paying for the winterization of your landscaping system, Oregon Law requires the use of a licensed landscaping business with proper equipment and training to avoid potential damage to the irrigation system and public water system. For further information or tips, go to www.ci.bend.or.us.
Recognize the Symptoms of H1N1: As concerns over the H1N1 virus continue to grow, local health officials want to make sure people recognize the symptoms of the virus and know what to do. Most people will not need to seek medical care, and their symptoms will resolve over time with plenty of fluids and rest. The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People who have been infected with the virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Those who contract the virus may be ill for a week or longer. Health officials recommend those who are ill stay home. "You should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine)," stated a Deschutes County Health Services release. "For relief of fever, fever reducing medications are recommended such as acetaminophen or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs." For more information on the H1N1 virus, please visit www.deschutes.org/H1N1. |
Upcoming Events
| Economic Forecast Breakfast is brought to by: |
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November 9 - 2009 Economic Forecast Breakfast - Vision 2010 - Mark your calendars to join fellow Chamber members for this breakfast presentation. You will hear from Dr. Tom Potiowsky, Oregon State Economist, about our economic outlook for 2010. "Tom brings superb skills to this critical position in state government, as well as great professional integrity and discipline," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "The state economist helps determine the revenue outlook for the state, so we must enlist the help of an impartial analyst we can all trust. Tom has earned that trust." - Oregon Department of Administrative Services. Potiowsky served as state economist for six years until 2006, when he returned to Portland State University to teach economics and pursue the establishment of an economic and business research center. Potiowsky returned to being Oregon's state economist in January, 2008 and we are lucky to have him join us again this year as he forecasts our local, state, and national outlook for 2010. Corporate Tables are $595 and include 10 seats, priority location, name in the program, and the company logo on the table signage. Individual seats (open seating, not reserved) are available for $45. To register, go to www.bendchamber.org/efb.
November 10 - Professional Development Series - "Employee Benefits - In and Outside the Box" - News of employment and the economy is not a surprise to anyone these days. While businesses look for ways to lean down processes, make budget, and cut the bottom line, one item that is increasingly looked at is employee benefits. While there are the traditional benefits which include health insurance, dental insurance, etc., many companies are also looking at ways to offer non-traditional benefits to their employees. Some of the non-traditional benefits include medical reimbursement plans, health and wellness programs, engaging employees beyond the typical workday, and providing feedback for personal and professional growth. At this month's Professional Development Series Morning Session, learn about the current trends with traditional benefits, and what some local companies are doing with their non-traditional benefits to help employees. Our panel of experts from Johnson Benefit Planning, American Licorice, and Mid Oregon Credit Union will share their ideas and take your questions. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by Monday, November 9 at www.bendchamber.org. If you experience trouble signing up, call 382-3221.
November 10 - Young Professionals Network - Harold Ashford & Associates, Certified Public Accounts - Harold Ashford & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, is a full-service accounting firm that has been in Central Oregon for over 32 years. With our team of dedicated professionals, we provide guidance and service for our clients throughout the entire business cycle and tax year. The firm provides a wide range of tax and accounting services to both individuals and businesses offering personalized quality service. For more information about Harold Ashford and Associates, please contact (541) 382-1021 or visit their Web site www.ashfordcpa.com. November is Community Awareness Month and the Young Professionals Network has chosen to support Grandma's House. Please bring any of the following items: paper towels, toilet paper, newborn diapers, onesies, gowns, baby socks, and educational toys for little ones under a year of age. Items are also needed for mothers including twin sheet sets, towels, schools supplies, and backpacks. For each item you bring, you will get to place a business card in the drawing to win one of many great prizes. The more items you bring the better your chances to win! If you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP by November 9 at www.bendchamber.org. If you have trouble signing up, call 382-3221.
November 17 - Professional Development Series - Warning! Effective Presentations Are Closer Than You Think - Learn to be a Dynamic Presenter! We all have the capability, but not all are born to love public speaking. The great news is these skills can be learned. Effective presentation skills will guarantee your audience stays engaged, captivated, and will have a higher retention of material. In this interactive session, learn how to apply effective tools, tips, and tricks appropriate for presenting to any size audience. A. Lynn Jesus-Olhausen is a Project Advisor with Advisicon, Inc. with 13 years of experience in managing projects, mainly in the real estate industry. Interested in attending this session? Please RVSP by November 16 at www.bendchamber.org. If you have trouble signing up, call 382-3221.
November 20 - Town Hall Breakfast - Healthcare: Where is Central Oregon headed? Healthcare is an issue at the center of everyone's minds these days. From the national scene to local hospitals, what does the future hold? What issues are medical professionals and hospitals facing? How are local healthcare facilities planning for the future? At this Town Hall, Jay Henry, Chief Executive Officer of St. Charles Medical Center Bend, will discuss the hospital's strategic planning for 2010 and healthcare issues the local community could face. Please RSVP for this event by November 19 at www.bendchamber.org. If you have trouble signing up, call 382-3221. |
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