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1. From the Chair: We're making progress - together
By Judy Peppler, Chair, Alliance Board of Directors
As we look over the results of the last year, it is clear that the Alliance's vision of a stronger business voice has been realized. We made progress on some of the most important public policy issues facing our local business community –
including issues that we have worked on for many years.
Taxes
This year, the Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commission both unanimously adopted the first major reform of the City's Business License Fee and the County's Business Income Tax since those taxes were created 30 years ago.
These actions were important signals that our elected leaders recognize the value of business; especially our small locally owned firms.
Regional Business Plan
Regional cooperation was a major focus this past year. We partnered with almost 20 business groups from throughout the region to publish a second-year update of our Regional Business Plan. The Regional Business Plan continues to be a
galvanizing force for bringing diverse interests to the table, and it has provided the framework for discussions that led to such important developments as completion of a statewide transportation agenda and creation of the four-county
economic development corporation.
Rainy Day Fund
We also joined with the state's leading business organizations to work with the Governor and legislative leadership on the creation of Oregon's first Rainy Day Fund. This would not have happened without the cooperation and urging of
business organizations, like the Alliance.
Education
In the area of education, we joined with city and county leaders to devise a funding plan that kept school doors open in Portland and Multnomah County this year. Then we worked with school and community leaders to pass a five-year
operating levy for Portland Public Schools, bringing some much needed financial stability to our state's largest school district. We supported the efforts of other school districts in the region to stabilize their funding.
Central City
As the Portland-region's chamber of commerce, the Alliance has a broad public policy focus. But we also take very seriously our role as the chief steward and advocate for Portland's Central City core. And we have had a fantastic year for
Portland's downtown. Our focus at the Alliance is to promote the Central City, and to make sure that it remains safe and inviting for everyone. We are making that happen.
Through our Clean and Safe program, funded by downtown property owners, we continue to partner with Portland Police on public safety, and, working together, achieved an overall 15 percent drop in crime between 2004 and 2006 in the Downtown
Business Improvement District.
The Alliance has had a number of successes this past year, but we have achieved them only because we worked closely with other individuals, organizations and government leaders. We appreciate that our partners have been open to the needs
of business, and that they have worked with us to build a healthy community.
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Public Policy
2. Charter Election Results
On Tuesday Portland voters approved three of the four proposed amendments to the city of Portland charter. Approved were changes that will: expand the number of "at will" managers in city bureaus, giving the city council greater authority
and discretion in dealing with senior bureau staff; require regular updates to the city charter every ten years; clarify city council's role in establishing policy and budget for the Portland Development Commission. The fourth measure,
which would have made the Mayor the city's chief executive, was defeated.
The vote by measure was as follows:
26-89 (Periodic Charter Review)
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 56,949 75.80%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,180 24.20%
26-90 (Civil Service Changes)
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,788 53.67%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35,216 46.33%
26-91 (Form of Government)
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,719 23.77%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,036 76.23%
26-92 (PDC Governance)
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,279 52.99%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,623 47.01%
Voter turnout for the election was 24 percent.
The Citizens to Reform City Hall spent approximately $250,000, making about 25,000 voter identification calls, mailing 90,000 likely voters four times, running radio ads, producing lawn signs and generating more than 13,000 get out the
vote phone calls.
The opposition raised about $225,000, mostly from public sector labor unions.
The approved measures go into effect January 1, 2008.
3. County moves toward Business Income Tax relief
On Thursday, April 12, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to increase the gross receipts exemption and owners compensation deduction to more closely align the county's business income tax (BIT) with the changes
recently approved by the city council to Portland's business license fee (BLF).
"We want to thank the Multnomah County Commission for their leadership on this issue," said Sandra McDonough, president and CEO of the Alliance. "Getting the city to reduce taxes on businesses was a huge step. Getting the county to follow
suit is just as important. This is a great day for businesses in the county and the city."
To read more,
click here.
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Membership
4. Crowd packs room for Annual Meeting
On May 10, more than 1,000 local business and civic leaders attended the Alliance Annual Meeting at the Oregon Convention Center. This year's keynote speaker, Richard Davis, President and CEO of U.S. Bancorp, called Portland a world-class
city, topping every list and rating for livability. He challenged the audience to make the region even stronger by continuing to develop and sustain alliances and strong partnerships.
Judy Peppler, President of Qwest Oregon and Chair of the Alliance Board of Directors, reviewed the Alliance's accomplishments over the past year, including successes for the business community in the area of taxes, education and providing
a clean and safe Central City. Mayor Tom Potter acknowledged the importance of a strong and active business community and thanked the Alliance for partnering with the City.
Board member Anita Decker introduced the 2007 Rose Festival court and the Pacific Power executives who are acting as their mentors. Jeff Curtis, Executive Director of the Portland Rose Festival Association, highlighted the festival's
centennial celebration.
Growing companies honored
Ten fast-growing companies from around the Portland region were honored during the event. Four small, three medium and three large businesses were presented with Top Ten Growth Awards for their contribution to the region's vibrant
economy.
In the small business category, Tri-Star Search and Staffing won first place, followed by eventBuilders, PODS, and Executive Accounting, Inc. Miles Fiberglass and Composites, Inc., topped the medium business category, PREM Group ranked
second, followed by Rose City Mortgage Specialists.
In the large company category, Oregon Iron Works, Neil Kelly Company and S.D. Deacon Corporation of Oregon received awards. Sponsored by the Alliance and Oregon Business magazine, the annual Top Ten Growth Awards were created more
than 20 years ago to honor businesses that show growth in number of employees and revenues over a 12-month period.
5. Alliance launches "Distinguishing Portland"
Annual Meeting attendees were treated to the unveiling of a new Alliance video featuring local businesses that are making extraordinary contributions to the community through sustainable business practices.
The video is part of a new project called "Distinguishing Portland." Through print, web and a series of videos, the Alliance will illuminate the great work that businesses do to keep the local economy vibrant and strong, and distinguish
Portland as a unique place to live and work.
The Alliance is calling for the stories of businesses around the region, including the ways in which employers support sustainability, community investment, and global vision. Tell your story at
www.portlandalliance.com/story.
6. Leadership Portland application deadline is May 31
"Participating in Leadership Portland is a three dimensional experience – interacting with community leaders, gaining knowledge on Portland's issues, and engaging in a project to improve our city," said 2007 participant Eric S. Brown, CEO
of American Red Cross's Pacific NW Regional Blood Services.
The goal of Leadership Portland is to refine and develop leadership skills through participation in interactive exercises and a challenging curriculum. This intensive program runs from September through June each year. The program begins
with a two day retreat, and continues with eight education days throughout the year. Class members are also expected to complete and present a team community project.
"Leadership Portland has exceeded my expectations and has moved me closer to being a better leader in this great community," added Brown.
Only two weeks left until the application deadline.
Apply online now!
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Downtown
7. Sidewalk Obstruction Ordinance adopted
On May 9, Portland City Council gave final approval to a new sidewalk obstruction ordinance as part of a package that extends additional services to the homeless and improves Central City livability. The ordinance will go into effect on
June 9.
The ordinance was part of a package of recommendations from Mayor Tom Potter's Street Access for Everyone (SAFE) Group. The overall package also included creation and funding of day shelters for homeless individuals and the provision of
adequate seating and restroom facilities in key downtown areas. The Alliance has worked closely with Mayor Potter, who asked the Alliance to be a member of the SAFE group.
Read more.
8. Annual census shows businesses are improving downtown
Approximately 59 percent of downtown businesses feel that their business has improved over the last two years, according to the fifth annual Downtown Business Census conducted by the Alliance on behalf of Portland Downtown Services, Inc.
(PDSI). The census revealed that there was a net increase of 41 businesses downtown since 2005, with 1,579 more employees than last year.
The census also asked which issues impact downtown Portland businesses the most, such as cleanliness, safety and graffiti/vandalism. Ninety-six percent of respondents consider downtown to be safe.
The Alliance also recently released the annual Central City Development and Redevelopment Projects report. This report provides a comprehensive look at office, retail, housing and hotel development currently under construction, on the
drawing board or under discussion as well as a look back at projects completed since 2000.
Both the census and the report are available online at
www.portlandalliance.com.
9. Summer downtown: Stay in the know
 Have you been to
www.downtownportland.org yet? Log on to sign up for a monthly e-newsletter, which lists exciting upcoming events, the hottest new restaurants, retail promotions, contests, and fun ways to spend your time in
downtown Portland. This site, developed by the Downtown Marketing Initiative, has received more than 1.2 million hits since its launch last winter. Downtown "Retail Therapy" kicks off in June, and will take place throughout the summer.
Visit
www.downtownportland.org for more details!
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Events
10. April Forum: Forum: Vote with the Pros
June 20, 7:30 a.m.
Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Avenue
Register Now
Go head-to-head with political pros on the key issues addressed by the 2007 session of the Oregon legislature and see how your vote compares to theirs. Political analyst Len Bergstein of Northwest Strategies and Bill Lunch,
Chair of the Political Science Department at Oregon State University, will review this session's hot issues. Real-time feedback technology from MSInteractive will be used to help facilitate the discussion.
Event Sponsor: Available
Series Sponsors:
The ODS Companies and
Portland Tribune
11. Business After Hours - Wed. May 16
May 16, 5 p.m.
IronStone Bank, 309 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 102
Register Now
See a piece of history at May's Business After Hours, hosted by IronStone Bank in the historic Wells Fargo Building. IronStone Bank's office encompasses the basement and first floor of Portland's first skyscraper, and attendees will get a
glimpse of the building's original bank vaults. Enjoy networking, delicious food, and beverages provided by Bishop Creek Cellars. Special raffle drawings will be held with a grand prize to include one night's accommodation for two at the
Hotel deLuxe Portland and dinner for two at Gracie's Restaurant.
Event Sponsor:
IronStone Bank
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Economic Updates
12. Unemployment rate declines, Portland gains jobs
The Portland metro area's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in March, compared to February's rate of 5.1 percent. The jobless rate has been hovering around five percent over the past year. An estimated 60,300 metro area
residents were unemployed and looking for work; down 1,600 from a year ago.
The Portland metro area gained 1,200 nonfarm jobs in March on a seasonally adjusted basis. February's gain was revised upwards from 1,600 to 2,400. Most industries added jobs over the month.
Source: Amy Vander Vliet, Oregon Employment Department
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Member News
13. Ready for Rose Festival?
This month the Portland Rose Festival centennial celebration will kick off, with highlights including a centennial ball, the Rose Festival Fleet ships and the Grand Floral Parade. The Waterfront Village opens on Thursday, May 31. This year
the Rose Festival celebrates 100 years of Tradition, Innovation and Celebration with once-in-a-lifetime events. For more information, go to
www.rosefestival.org.
14. Oregon Partnership 2007 dinner and auction
On June 9, Oregon Partnership will host "June in the Jungle" at the Oregon Zoo. This event, Oregon Partnership's major fundraiser for 2007, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the zoo's Cascade Ballroom.
Oregon Partnership is a statewide non-profit agency committed to addressing the alcohol and drug prevention to insure a healthier community. OP promotes education and resources to reduce problems associated with substance abuse. General
Barry McCaffrey (Former US Drug Czar) will be the featured speaker and Oregon's First Lady, Mary Oberst, will be honored for her work in the area of alcohol and drug prevention. To sponsor a table or purchase dinner tickets, please contact
Barbara Caplan at 503.244.5211 or
bcaplan@orpartnership.org.
May Fitness Tip: Eating on the Go
By Sherri and Alex McMillan
You've got emails to answer, appointments and meetings to make, projects to complete…As business professionals, we can appreciate that sometimes life is so busy that it becomes difficult to stick to a healthy eating plan. But eating well
is what's going to provide you the energy and the mental stamina to perform at your best both professionally and personally.
Here are some quick solutions to eating when you're a Type A, on-the-go individual:
You have got to eat breakfast no matter how busy you are. Think of it as filling up on an empty tank. Imagine how much better your engine will rev when it's got what it needs. Try these balanced, quick breakfast options:
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low fat yogurt and some mixed raisins, granola and dried fruit
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cold or hot cereal with milk and fruit
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peanut butter and banana sandwich
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bagel with cream cheese and a piece of fruit
Are you rushing to business meetings on your lunch? Here are some easy, lunch ideas to go:
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raw veggies with a container of plain yogurt for dipping
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pita pizzas with vegetables and tomato sauce
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soup or chili made on the weekend
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baked potato
Wind down in the evening with one of these dinner options:
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pasta with marinara sauce
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salmon, tuna or other fish option with vegetables and rice
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vegetable stir fry with chicken, beef or fish
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chili
Sherri and Alex McMillan own Northwest Personal Training & Fitness Education and have been in the fitness industry for more than 18 years. They were recently awarded the 2006 IDEA International Fitness Directors of the
Year. Visit their web site at
www.nwpersonaltraining.com. |
16. Upcoming Meetings
May 22, Public Safety Sub-Committee, 8 am
May 23, Government Relations Committee, 7:30 am
May 23, Small Business Council, 3 pm
May 24, DRS Task Force, Noon
May 30, Membership Committee, 7:30 am
June 6, Central City Standing Committee, noon
June 8, President's Council, noon
June 12, Transportation Committee, noon
17.
View our online calendar
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