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FOR BUSINESS

THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNGPROMOTiNGiNFORMiNG BUsiNEss


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VOlUME 10, issUE 6
UsA $3.95
CANADA $6.95
ANNUAL
REPORT
How business leaders rate
the Chambers performance
FEATURES
6
Chamber Business of the Year Levi
Strauss & Co. share the values that
helped them expand their business and win
their Emerald Award.
9
How Rani Gee went from sales
associate to business owner, and how
the Chamber helped her along the way.
17
A look at the
accomplishments from
the Regional Prosperity
Initative.

COLUMNS/
DEPARTMENTS
4
YOUR CHAMBER WORKiNG
FOR YOU

20
BUsiNEss NEWs
ADVERTISER INDEX
22 Attic Media
21 Bell + Funk
21 BRING Recycling
19 Cascade Health Solutions
15 Century Bank
24 Chambers Productions
13 Essig Entertainment
27 Eugene Airport
16 Eugene Area Chamber of
Commerce
20 Evergreen Roofng
25 EWEB
4 Hershner Hunter LLP
8 Home Federal Bank
2 Isler CPA
28 Kernutt Stokes Brandt
15 McKenzie-Willamette Medical
Center
2 Pacifc Continental Bank
7 PacifcSource Health Plans
14 Sandler Training
20 Siuslaw Bank
22 Summit Bank
23 SYTE Consulting
16 TechnaPrint
Publisher
David Hauser, CCE
Editor
Susan G. Miller,
Director of
Publications &
Information Systems
Eugene Chamber
Executive Committee
Marvin ReVoal, Chair
Pacifc Beneft Planners
Sheryl Balthrop,
Chair-Elect
Gaydos, Churnside &
Balthrop PC
Ann Marie Mehlum,
Vice Chair
Summit Bank
Eric Forrest, Past Chair
Pepsi Cola Bottling of
Eugene
Cathy Worthington,
Treasurer
Worthington Business
Services
Advertising
Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce
541.484.1314
Design/Layout
Asbury Design
541.344.1633
Content Editor
Tracy Ilene Miller
Printing
TechnaPrint, Inc.
541.344.4062
Eugene Area Chamber
of Commerce
1401 Willamette St.
Eugene, OR 97401
541.484.1314
Open for Business:
A publication of the
Eugene Area Chamber
of Commerce (USPS-
978-480).
Open for Business is
published bimonthly
by the Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce
in February, April, June,
August, October and
December. Circulation:
4,700.
Open For Business
2011
The subscription price
is $25, included in
membership. Periodicals
Postage Paid at Eugene,
OR.
POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to
Eugene Area Chamber
of Commerce, P.O.
Box 1107, Eugene, OR
97440-1107
FOR BUSINESS
THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNGPROMOTiNGiNFORMiNG BUsiNEss
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VOlUME 10, issUE 6
UsA $3.95
CANADA $6.95
ANNUAL
REPORT
Howbusiness leaders rate
the Chambers performance
Having gone from
sales associate to
business owner,
Rani Gee has found
the Chamber to
be great partner.
Page 9.
COVER STORY >>
10
See how four longtime members
rated the Eugene Area Chamber of
Commerces performance for the past year.
Pictured: Barbara Wirtz, president of Wirtz
Consulting; Mark Johnson, president of the
Western Oregon Region of Home Federal
Bank; Chris Meeker, president of the Imagine
Group
Photography by Loveall Photo
www.loveallphoto.com
Art direction and design by Asbury Design
www.asburydesign.net
contents
DE CE MB E R 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2
Eugene Chamber Newsletter ~ 7.375 X 4.8125 ~ 4C ~ December 2011 Insertion ~ Charley Snellings
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Y OU R C H A MB E R WOR K I NG F OR Y OU
Celebrating women leaders
and innovators
Florist and longtime owner of Dandelions
Flowers & Gifts, Shirley Lyons, was named the 2011
Woman Business Leader of the Year. The award
was created by the Eugene Chamber four years
ago to honor successful
women business leaders
in the community for
their business success,
career achievements
and community
contributions.
Businesses led by
women are and will
continue to have a
noticeable impact on
the local economy and
the Chamber believes
in the importance
of supporting them.
Nationwide, female
entrepreneurs are
starting businesses
at twice the rate of
men and 40% of all
businesses are now
owned by women across the country. The Women
Business Leader of the Year ceremony helps to
highlight the successes of these great female
innovators here at home.
Chamber advances award-winning
economic development effort
The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce was
honored at the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
(OSCC) 2011 annual meeting. The Chambers Regional
Prosperity Initiative economic development program
was selected for the 2011 OSCC Achievement Award.
The award recognizes a program or initiative that
elevates the role of the Chamber in their community,
highlighting innovation, and impact in the community,
collaboration and leadership.
Additionally, the Chambers recently redesigned
website and Open for Business magazine were
recognized as best in their class.
Eugene Chamber President Dave Hauser received the
Chambers award from Julie Miller, Executive Director
of the Bandon Chamber of Commerce and OSCC
Immediate Past Chair.
Christian Fox of Pacifc Real Estate Services shows-off PIVOT
Architectures beautiful new space in the Broadway Commerce Center.
Smart-Ups Pub Talks are designed to support
early stage companies through education and
networking opportunities. Smart-Ups November
Pub Talk was held at the new Broadway Commerce
Center in downtown Eugene. The developer of
the BCC, Beam Development, is a progressive
development and management real estate company
committed to developing fexible, affordable
working spaces. Smart-Ups attendees heard from
an expert panel that provided help on securing
the right space for new businesses. Attendees also
toured the new facility and heard about the exciting
startups that will operate at the BCC.
Shirley Lyons, Woman
Business Leader of
the Year and owner of
Dandelions Flowers &
Gifts, began her career
in 1974 at the Saturday
Market and has grown
her company into one
of the top frms in the
country.
6 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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PSHP 5201 - START WITH-STATE-OR_8.5x11.indd 1 11/23/11 11:34 AM
Values-driven
Business of the Year Levis Strauss & Co. shows winning characteristics
B US I NE S S OF T HE Y E A R
By Tracy Miller
When employees and visitors walk into Levi
Strauss & Co. in Eugene, the writing is on the wall,
and it says this:
Driven to win
Externally focused
Innovative
Global mindset
Talent builder
Teyre just not words on a wall, says Kimberly
Dellinger, manager at Levi Strauss. We truly func-
tion within those characteristics every day.
For embodying those values and more, the lo-
cal Levi Strauss & Co. earned itself a Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce Emerald Award for Business
of the Year 2011.
Te Emerald Awards honor and acknowledge to-
days best-run companies, and Business of the Year
recipients demonstrate strengths in the four areas
of Growth, Community Caring, Environmental
Values, and Innovation.
In a show of incredible growth, the Levi Strauss
& Co. service center in Eugene increased its em-
ployee base by 42 percent in 2011. In addition,
an internship program formed with University of
Oregon students that taps students with profes-
sional language profciency increased from two to
11 interns.
Although Levi Strauss & Co. globally instituted
Community Day in 2000, this year the Eugene
location extended that day by a month, to all of
May. Employees pledged more than 740 hours and
donated $70,000. Tey joined in community activi-
ties, including maintaining the grassroots garden
at Food for Lane County, painting the playground
at Guy Lee Elementary, and volunteering at an as-
sisted living facility.
As an environmental steward the facility has
instituted a number of projects to reduce its en-
vironmental footprint, including collecting more
than 260 pounds of denim to turn into insulation
and moving toward paperless business practices.
And after forming an Employee Engagement
team, employee satisfaction ratings on an annual
survey skyrocketed from 78 percent to 92 percent.
When you value your employees, that in turn
makes them want to come in, show up every day
and give their best, Dellinger says.
Its those and other values that have earned Levi
Strauss & Co. awards several times over.
Kimberly Dellinger and Debbie Vander Bogart, Levis Strauss & Co.
accepted the 2011 Business of the Year award at the Emerald Award
ceremony in November.
When you
value your
employees,
that in turn
makes them
want to ...
give their
best.
Kimberly Dellinger,
manager at Levi
Strauss & Co.
EugeneArea Chamberof Commerce
DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 9
By Stephanie Brathwaite
Having gone from sales associate to business
owner, Rani Gee has experienced nearly every
facet of business and found that the Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce has been a great partner
to have along the way. Gee was frst introduced to
the Eugene Chamber in 2008 through the Business
After Hours program when she began work at a lo-
cal information technology company. Te company
was a Eugene Chamber member for many years and
always encouraged its associates to participate in
Chamber events. Gee was hooked and immediately
began making meaningful business contacts with
just a small investment of her time.
Her participation in Chamber events increased
when she decided to serve as a volunteer on both
the Eugene Chambers Young Professionals Network
(YPN) steering committee and the Membership
Council as the chairperson.
I enjoyed serving on the YPN steering committee
in order to help plan the YPN events, explains Gee.
But the one hour each month I continue to spend
with the Membership Council is one of the best ROIs
I receive in business.
Gee fnds that the small group setting of the
Membership Council helps her remain focused
on her goals within the Chamber and gives her a
window into the business community that she fnds
invaluable.
In 2009, Gee started her own small business,
Oregon Serving & Bartending, and one of her frst
action items was to join the Eugene Chamber.
It was a no-brainer, she explains. I can say the
annual investment is easily paid for by the hours Ive
invoiced to Chamber members over the past two
years in business.
After two years, Oregon Serving & Bartending
was operating at a comfortable rate and Gee turned
to the real estate industry to fll extra hours. She
joined Elite Realty Professionals in May as a real es-
tate agent and immediately encouraged the principal
broker to take the same step she had and become a
Chamber member.
I know the success that can be found at the
Chamber, says Gee. When you invest in the Eugene
Chamber, it invests in you through support, net-
working and promotional opportunities, as well as
its work to help strengthen the local economy.
Successful partnership
Chamber membership has helped Rani Gee in several business ventures
S MA L L B US I NE S S S P OT L I GHT
When not
running her
small business,
Oregon Serving
& Bartending,
Rani Gee is a
real estate agent
with Elite Realty
Professionals.
EugeneArea Chamberof Commerce
P
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My Pizza.
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DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 1 1 1 0 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
C OV E R S T OR Y
By Lewis Taylor
Photo by David Loveall
In assessing its performance for 2011, the Eugene Area
Chamber of Commerce enlisted several of its valued con-
stituents to provide letter grades in four key competencies
that have been deemed most relevant to local businesses. Te
graders were three business professionals who have followed
the organizations work closely over the years. Together, they
have a combined half-century of Chamber membership and
represent a broad spectrum of interests. Tey are:
n Mark Johnson, president of the Western Oregon Region
of Home Federal Bank
nChris Meeker, president of the Imagine Group
nBarbara Wirtz, president of Wirtz Consulting
Overall, the Chamber received high marks on its 2011
report card. Some of the areas where the organization scored
well include:
nIts customer service to members
nTe array of networking opportunities available to members
n Te ability to balance the needs of a politically and so-
B
+
A
B
Making
the
Grade
Three longtime Chamber
members assess the
organizations performance
for the past year
Chris Meeker, president of the
Imagine Group; Mark Johnson,
president of the Western Oregon
Region of Home Federal Bank ; and
Barbara Wirtz, president of Wirtz
Consulting; rated the Chambers
performance in four areas
DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 1 3 1 2 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
cially diverse community.
A few areas that could be improved upon,
include:
nPublicizing the Chambers political goals
and accomplishments
n Being more reactive to the immediate
needs of members
n Finding new ways to take advantage of
the Chambers unique position at the hub of
business activity.
Most of the comments from the Cham-
bers panel of graders were laudatory and
insightful. Even when being critical of the
organizations performance, the panel ex-
pressed its admiration for the tough job the
Chamber has.
1. Creating a Strong Local Economy
Average grade: B+
With the recent loss of thousands of lo-
cal jobs and unemployment rates nearing
double digits, the Chamber stepped up its
eforts to enhance the regions success in
2011. In addition to creating the Women
Business Leaders and the Latino Business
Network to support two areas of growth,
the Chamber received the generous support
of the Chambers Family Foundation and lo-
cal business leaders who intend to allocate
nearly $400,000 to economic development
through the Regional Prosperity Initiative
(RPI).
Meeker, who has been involved in the
Chambers angel investing initiatives,
found many reasons to be happy about the
organizations eforts in this category.
I was so impressed that the Chambers
Family Foundation chose to invest money
in the local community, he said. Its great
that they are wanting to make a stronger
community and one of the ways to do that
is through the creation of jobs.
Johnson also praised the RPI, calling
it an ambitious and creative approach to
fueling economic growth. He did raise one
point of caution, however.
Im concerned that if not done right the
concept of clustering can backfreon a com-
munity, he said. But Im confdent that
they are taking the right approach.
Wirtz, too, said the RPI was a step in the
right direction, allowing small growth in a
lot of areas that will, in the long run, have
greater payof. She cautioned that there was
no quick fx for the ailing economy.
I think each of us as a member
whether we are entrepreneurs, large or
small businesses must fgure out how to
improve our own economic condition even
in the slightest way so that we can create a
cumulative efect for our overall economy,
she said.
Promoting the Community
Average grade: B+
Recognizing the important role a vibrant
downtown can play in fueling new economic
development opportunities, the Chamber
mounted a year-long advocacy campaign
that led to the extension of the Downtown
Urban Renewal District and helped support
the more than $82 million in downtown
projects that are currently underway. Te
Chamber also threw its support behind the
arts as a founding partner of the Arts and
Business Alliance and worked with Travel
Lane County to secure $500,000 in air ser-
vice grants.
Wirtz zeroed in on the Leadership Eu-
gene Springfeld program as a good example
of the Chamber working to connect busi-
ness leaders with volunteerism in a way that
serves to improve the economy. She singled
out the upcoming Olympic Trials as an area
where the Chamber could work with busi-
nesses to promote the community, pointing
to the fact that many visitors to the last
Trials didnt venture beyond the university
area.
Te Chamber did a good job the frst
time and I think will do an even better job
the second time, Wirtz said. Making it
easy for people to move between the track
and other areas of town would help more
business around town beneft from the
infux of visitors.
Johnson singled out the Chambers ef-
forts to make the community a great place
to live and do business.
Providing Business Building
Opportunities
Average grade: A
Te Chamber continued its focus on
networking in 2011, ofering more than 80
events and opportunities, including: the
Greeters, who gather each week for presen-
tations and networking fun; the Chamber
Ambassadors, who conduct ribbon cuttings,
grand openings and other ceremonies; and
the popular Business After Hours mixers,
which regularly draw more than 250 busi-
ness people.
Being a company that is relationship-
focused, we fnd a tremendous value in the
Chambers successful networking opportu-
nities, Johnson said.
Meeker mentioned the Business-to-
Business Expo as a particularly successful
initiative.
Teres a great amount of learning that
happens just by being out of your own
workplace and speaking with others in an
easygoing environment, Meeker said.
Wirtz explained how the Chambers
networking opportunities function on two
diferent levels: one for the general mem-
bership (e.g., Business-to-Business Expo)
and the other for special interest groups
The Grades
1. Creating a Strong Local Economy
2. Promoting the Community
3. Providing Business Building Opportunities
4. Representing the Interests of Business with Government
1 2 3 4
Mark Johnson A B+ A B+
Chris Meeker B+ A A *
Barbara Wirtz B B A B
Average B+ B+ A B
Overall = B+
*Does not feel informed enough to assess a grade.
Being a company
that is relationship-
focused, we fnd a
tremendous value
in the Chambers
successful
networking
opportunities.
Mark Johnson president of the Western
Oregon Region of Home Federal Bank
The comments
Heres what the Chambers four graders had to say when asked to reward the
organizations efforts in areas outside the realm of its four key competencies:
The Chamber staff is excellent: They are competent, caring and cheerful. In
the 24 years Ive been a member, I cant think of one time when they didnt
bend over backwards to be helpful. Hats off to the Chamber staff!
Barbara Wirtz
Our community is truly blessed to have Dave Hauser as its Chamber executive.
His professionalism and leadership and sense of humor make him a perfect ft. I
think we have an outstanding Chamber.
Mark Johnson
The way that the Chamber staff brings businesses together and creates that
place for a community of business people is really exemplary Everyone is
working to champion business success in the community. Thats a great feeling
and a great group of supporters there at the Chamber.
Chris Meeker
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1 4 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
(e.g., Women Business Leaders).
It might be interesting for the Chamber
to combine these subgroups occasionally for
additional networking opportunities, she
suggested. Te Young Professionals Net-
work, the Latino Business Network and the
Women Business Leaders subgroups could
all learn from and support each other.
Representing the Interests of
Business with Government
Average grade: B
Te Chambers infuential 25-member
Local Government Afairs Council (LGAC)
continued to meet on a weekly basis to ad-
dress public policy issues that afect local
businesses. Te council notched numerous
achievements in 2011, including continu-
ing Eugenes Downtown Public Safety Zone,
helping to defeat a poorly crafted local per-
sonal income tax measure and successfully
supporting a fair and open redistricting
plan for the City of Eugene.
Johnson expressed his appreciation for
the important work the council took on.
Tat said, he felt the Chamber could be
better at communicating the organizations
successes to members.
Tey appear to be doing great work,
but I dont know about it, Johnson said.
Sometimes you have to toot your own
horn, and I understand that in this climate
its very difcult to do that because, if youre
successful, you dont want to throw it in the
oppositions face.
Wirtz agreed, saying that the Chamber
could work through its members to com-
municate the whats, whys and hows of the
Chambers positions to member employees.
Grade Point Average
Overall average grade: B+
Te Chamber earns a 3.4 G.P.A. when con-
sidering its scores across all four categories,
but the total isnt necessarily refective of the
organizations performance at least not
based on the comments of the graders.
When asked what the Chamber could do
to earn an A in one category, Meeker replied
with the following explanation.
Teyre doing it, he said. Its more the
general state of the economy that earned
them a B+ instead of an A.
And Wirtz, a 24-year member, said joining
the Chamber was and still is a great business
decision.
Ive dropped other memberships from
other professional organizations when I felt I
was spread too thin, but Ive always held on to
the Chamber (membership), she said.
Johnson said the Chamber is an outstand-
ing organization.
I would give it an A cumulative grade
point average, he explained. It is far and
away superior to chambers in other commu-
nities Ive lived.
Sometimes you have
to toot your own horn,
and I understand that
in this climate its
very diffcult to do
that because, if youre
successful, you dont
want to throw it in the
oppositions face.

Mark Johnson president of the Western
Oregon Region of Home Federal Bank
EugeneArea Chamberof Commerce
Hungerford, Creekmore & Co., LLC
Eugene, Bend & Portland
(541) 686-0993 / creekmore@sales-smarts.com
www.hcc.sandler.com
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By focusing on providing quality care for our
patients, we have received national recognition.
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center was
the only Oregon hospital recognized by The
Joint Commission for achieving excellence in
performance on four accountability measures
during 2010: Heart Attack, Heart Failure,
Pneumonia and Surgical Care.
So what does our being a top performer in
using evidence-based care mean for you?
Peace of mind in knowing that our local care is
among the top in the nation.
Find out more at our website: McKWeb.com.
Top Performer on
The Joint Commission
Key Quality Measures 2010
Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Pneumonia
Surgical Care
Nationally Recognized for Quality.
Our Scores Prove It!
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that
proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospitals medical staff.
58839_MMC_JC_7_375x4_8125c.indd 1 10/27/11 6:13 PM
DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 1 7 1 6 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A regional trade association has commis-
sioned three comprehensive surveys over the
last ten years, asking businesses (member and
non-member companies) what was relevant
to them and their perceptions of whether
their local Chamber of Commerce was
focused on meeting these needs. Te
data repeatedly emphasizes the need
for Chambers to focus on the follow-
ing core areas:
n Creating a Strong Local
Economy
nPromoting the Community
nProviding Business Building Opportunities
nRepresenting the Interests of Business with Government
With customer needs in mind, here is a brief summary of the recent work
of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is addressing four core chamber
competencies:
Creating a Strong Local Economy
With unemployment rates nearing double digits and the loss of thou-
sands of jobs in recent years throughout Eugene/Springfeld, the Eugene
Chamber is stepping up its eforts to enhance the economic success of the
region. Over the next three years, with the generous support of the Cham-
bers Family Foundation and local business leaders, we intend to allocate
nearly $400,000 to create an additional focus on Chamber-lead economic
development and job creation eforts that will successfully build on our
regions strengths. Te program is called the Regional Prosperity
Initiative and will focus in the following three areas:
n Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Advancing and building
local eforts to support new ventures through education, networking
and capital formation and the promotion of this region as great place for
entrepreneurs and new ideas.
n Building on our Strengths: Working to identify and support local in-
dustry clusters where new economic opportunities seem most likely.
nBusiness Retention and Expansion: Creating a proactive focus on tak-
ing care of and supporting traded sector businesses already existing in the
metro area through an on-going personal outreach by a trained economic
Call Shalena Jones at 541-242-2352
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of local
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95% read each issue of Open for Business
71% read the entire issue
97% say its appealing to read
94% say it has interesting articles
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FOR BUSINESS
THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNGPROMOTiNGiNFORMiNG BUsiNEss
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THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNGPROMOTiNGiNFORMiNG BUsiNEss
JUNE/JlUY 2011
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THE EUGENE AREA ESTABLISHES ITSELF
AS A FOOD-PROCESSING HUB
Y OU R C H A MB E R
Core benchmarks
What your Chamber is doing in four areas of competency
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DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 1 9 1 8 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
541-228-3100 www.cascadehealth.org
2650 Suzanne Way, Suite 200, Eugene
Occupational
Health Program
Occupational Medicine
MedExpress
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Corporate Health & Wellness
DIRECTION for Employee
Assistance
Onsite Occupational Health
Cascade Health Solutions
ofers comprehensive
programs that help business
owners and managers
promote employee health
and safety on and of the job.
Primary Care Clinic
Membership-based primary care
for as low as $45/month
Physicals, routine ofce visits
even mental health services
Pre-existing conditions welcome
Making life better at work
development professional with the intent of
identifying and addressing issues, concerns
and potential opportunities facing local
employers and assisting them to grow in our
community.
With growth rate that doubles of all busi-
nesses in the state Latino-owned businesses
are an economic opportunity. Tat is why
the Chamber created the Latino Business
Network (LBN). LBN provides Latino/His-
panic owned and/or managed businesses the
opportunity to gain information through
peer networking and customized education
programs.
Oregon ranks 12th in the nation in
percent of women-owned businesses and
theyre growing. To support their growth the
Chamber created the Womens Business
Leaders (WBL). Trough WBL women busi-
ness owners and managers meet to advise,
support and mentor one another in order to
promote the success of their businesses.
Promoting the Community
In a new economy attracting and retain-
ing talent to fuel new economic opportuni-
ties is essential. Cities with fun, active,
vibrant downtowns clearly have a leg-up in
attracting and keeping the creative class.
Tat is why the Chamber mounted a year-
long advocacy campaign, ultimately leading
to the extension to the Downtown Urban
Renewal District and with it, a host of proj-
ects totaling more than $82 million that
will transform and revitalize downtown
Eugene. In addition, the Chamber is the
contract staf to Downtown Eugene, Inc.
Te Chamber is one of the founding part-
ners of the Arts and Business Alliance of
Eugene (ABAE).
Te ABAE was formed to support and
build the relationships between businesses
and arts organizations that can catalyze eco-
nomic development; stimulate creativity and
innovation; and enhance businesses ability
to recruit and retain employees.
Quality air service drives quality
economic development. Tat is why the
Eugene Chamber, in cooperation with Travel
Lane County and other local partners, re-
cently led the way in providing a local match
enabling the Eugene Airport to secure a
$500,000 Small Community Air Services
Development Grant from the Federal Avia-
tion Commission. Te grant will be used to
establish net direct air service into San Jose.
Since 1998 the Eugene Chamber has been a
recognized leader in securing new air service
for the region.
Since 1986 the Eugene and Springfeld
Chambers of Commerce have promoted
and fostered the development of volunteer
leadership in our communities. Leadership
Eugene-Springfeld is a program designed
to meet our areas need for the active par-
ticipation of informed, skilled and motivated
community leaders.
Open for Business is an award winning
bi-monthly business magazine produced by
the Chamber that is committed to commu-
nicating the important contributions that
businesses make to our areas quality of life,
highlighting issues and topics important to
the economy and publicizing the important
role the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
plays in promoting a healthy local economy.
Te Chambers award winning web-
site receives over 350,000 visits a year. Te
site is used to promote the success of area
businesses by providing useful information,
serving as a portal for relocation prospects
and community resources and provide in-
formation about the Eugene Area Chamber
of Commerce in order to build and retain
Chamber membership.
Providing Business Building
Opportunities
Networking is one of the most crucial
skills any growing business must have. It
is an efective and inexpensive way to grow
business by meeting the key people who
could become your clients, suppliers and
support systems. Tat is why the Eugene
Chamber provides over 80 quality network-
ing events and opportunities each year,
including:
Greeters, a committee of the Chamber
whose mission is to promote networking op-
portunities, new business and connections
with chambers throughout the state. Each
week 70-90 Greeters gather for business
presentations, networking and fun.
Chamber Ambassadors conduct local
business grand openings, ribbon cutting cer-
emonies and serve as the ofcial welcoming
group at many Chamber events.
Business After Hours is an informal
social event co-sponsored by the Eugene
Area Chamber of Commerce and a Cham-
ber member frm each month. It regularly
draws over 250 business people who enjoy
business-to-business networking in a fun
and relaxed mixer.
Te Business-to-Business Expo and
After Hours is the areas leading business-
to-business trade show featuring the prod-
ucts and services of over 140 local business
exhibitors and over 1,200 business people in
attendance.
Te Celebration of Business has
become one of the premier business events
Cities with fun, active, vibrant downtowns
clearly have a leg-up in attracting and
keeping the creative class. That is why
the Chamber mounted a year-long
advocacy campaign, ultimately leading
to the extension to the Downtown Urban
Renewal District and with it, a host of
projects totaling more than $82 million.
in our community with over 650 of Eugene
and Springfelds business and community
leaders in attendance each year. Te event
features, among other things, the presti-
gious First Citizen and Future First Citizen
awards, the business year in review video
and more.
Te mission of Young Professionals
Network(YPN) is to provide young business
professionals with networking opportuni-
ties and relevant personal and professional
development topics. Each month nearly
90 YPN gather to connect and support one
another.
Connect For Lunch is exclusive to Eu-
gene Chamber members and is a relaxed way
to grow your business in a comfortable social
setting in member restaurants.
Representing the Interests of
Business with Government
Te infuential 25 - member Local Gov-
ernment Affairs Council (LGAC) meets
on a weekly basis to review and take action
on public policy issues that impact business
and the local economy. From local land use
issues to regulations, LGAC is protecting and
advancing the interests of business. Among
the recent eforts of LGAC are:
n Successful continuation of Eugenes
Downtown Public Safety Zone.
nDefeat of a poorly crafted local personal
income tax measure.
n Championing the need of additional
job-producing land through the Envision
Eugene process.
n Successfully supported a fair and open
City of Eugene redistricting plan.
n Championing stabilized funding for
higher education.
n Supported and facilitated permitting
for Seneca Renewable Energy.
n Helped develop and pushed for adop-
tion of Downtown public safety plan.
n Supported and helped pass Police sta-
tion relocation and secured commitment for
a downtown sub-station.
nStopped a proposed local garbage hauler
surcharge.
Te Eugene Chamber works hard to make
sure business interests are represented in
addressing the future of the community..
Examples where business interests were rep-
resented through the Chamber are Envision
Eugene Community Resource Group, EWEB
Riverfront Master Plan Advisory Com-
mittee, Downtown Public Safety Advisory
Committee, Eugene Transportation Plan
Community Resource Group, Lane County
Economic Development standing Commit-
tee, and Airport Advisory Committee.
The Eugene
Chamber works
hard to make sure
business interests
are represented.
EugeneArea Chamberof Commerce
DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 2 1 2 0 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mid-Valley Glass & Millwork
has hired Lon Tiniakos to
join the sales and marketing
department. Tiniakos comes
to Mid-Valley after spending
16 years as general manager
of Eugene Mirror and Glass.
www.mid-valley.com
Northwest Community
Credit Union is pleased to
welcome new president and
CEO John Iglesias, after
the recent retirement of
previous CEO Helen Byrnes.
www.nwcu.com
Martin Marty Caldwell
has been selected as sales
manager for PeaceHealth
Laboratories to promote
PeaceHealths medical
laboratory services in
Oregon, Washington and
Alaska.
www.peacehealth.org
Dr. Mary Spilde, president
of Lane Community
College, was named CEO of
the Year by the Association
of Community College
Trustees.
www.lanecc.edu
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is
pleased to announce its board offcers for this
year: Laura Montgomery (pictured), president,
Gleaves Swearingen Potter & Scott LLP; Lisa
Korth (pictured), vice president, community
volunteer; Chris Storment (pictured), past
president, community volunteer; John Stacy
(pictured), secretary/treasurer, U.S. Bank. Also
serving on CASAs board of directors are Kellie
DeVore, United Way of Lane County; Dr. Paula
Jewett, Womens Care; Sid Johnson, retired
national child abuse prevention director; Kevin
Lamb, PeaceHealth; Ryan Lee, Monaco RV;
John Nepute, community volunteer; Mary Ellen
Riley, Holly Residential Care Center; Susan
Tate, self-employed; and Hon. Pierre Van
Rysselberghe, retired Circuit Court judge.
www.casa-lane.org
PROMOTIONS/NEW HIRES
Photos appear left to right from top
SMART (Start Making A Reader Today)
is pleased to announce the addition of
Andy Vobora, Lane Transit District, to the
organizations statewide Board of Directors.
www.ltd.org
Kernutt Stokes LLP
is proud to announce
the addition of Chris
Nystrom as marketing
director, the promotion
of Chris Palmer to level
two associate and John
Mlynczyk to manager.
www.kernuttstokes.com
Brandon Prentice has joined Tyree
Oil, Inc. as the companys manager of
development. Prentice will be responsible
for developing strategic projects and
opportunities within all departments of the
company.
www.tyreeoil.com
CAWOOD recently
promoted Kurt Booker
to Internet technology
manager and Nichole
Hayward from
administrative assistant
to project coordinator.
Lindsey Kate McCarthy was hired as an
account coordinator.
www.cawood.com
Amy Delaney has been
promoted to the position
of marketing manager
at Pacifc Continental
Bank.
www.therightbank.com
Longtime hotel executive Erik S. Cole has
been named general manager for the Inn at
the 5th.
www.Innat5th.com
BUSINESS NEWS
541.342.4000
siuslawbank.com
Jeff Gusinow
Senior Vice President & Manager
Medical & Professional Banking Group
Dr. Steven Ofner
Ophthalmology
Eugene Oregon Eye Care
Strength. Stability. Service.
Its all about the
Relationship at
Your Community
Bank for Business
As part of our community,
we take pride in the personal
relationships weve developed
with local businesses. Our
loan decisions are made
locally and involve short
turnaround time. Stop by one
of our 10 Lane County offices
to see why at Siuslaw, its all
about the relationship.
Receive free, practical advice to help your business minimize
waste and save money. You may qualify for fnancial incentives
and additional resources.
We provide hands-on assistance for:
wasteprevention&recycling
energyeffciency&conservation
waterconservation
waterquality
purchasing
ABRINGeducationprogram
www.bringrecycling.org
Waste less,
earnmore
Callnow
541-746-3023
One East Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 653-8969 bellandfunk.com
Newtimes call for newthinking.
David Funk, formerly of Funk/Levis,
has joined Jen Bell to form
bell+funk, a new marketing frm
dedicated to developing and
implementing communication
strategies for a new world.
Davids branding and creative skills,
combined with Jens experience as a
strategic planner for national brands
bring unparalleled expertise
to marketing communications.
Give us a call.
After 30 years,
it was time
for a change
DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 2 3 2 2 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
KLCC 89.7 FM has
hired Cheryl Crumbley
as development
director. She will manage
fundraising, marketing,
underwriting and
community relations for
this NPR affliate.
www.klcc.org
Hutchinson, Cox,
Coons, DuPriest, Orr &
Sherlock PC announces
that Samuel L. Roberts
(pictured) has joined
the frm as an associate
attorney. Retired frm
shareholder Bruce H. Anderson was
recognized by the Oregon State Bar with an
award for contributing the most pro bono
legal service hours in the state during 2010.
www.eugene-law.com
Larry E. Reed of JRH,
an engineering and
transportation and land
use planning frm, has
been appointed by the
Lane County Board of
Commissioners to the
Lane County Roads Advisory Committee
(RAC). The RAC reviews the need for road
improvements including the countys 5-year
Capital Improvement Plan.
www.jrbweb.com
Penny Sabath recently
joined the staff of
Brothers Cleaning
Services. In her new job
she will work in sales,
marketing and customer
service.
www.brotherscleaning.com
Home Federal Bank is
pleased to announce
Lisa Walters has been
promoted to vice
president and market
manager for the western
Oregon market. Operating
from the Eugene downtown branch, Walters
will provide leadership direction for all
Home Federal Bank branches in Eugene and
Springfeld.
www.myhomefed.com
Osteria Sfzio welcomes Franco DAmico as
general manager of the restaurant.
www.sfzioeugene.com
B US I NE S S NE WS
Linda Fleck has joined Oregon Imaging
Centers as director of fnance. Fleck
previously worked for PeaceHealth Oregon
Region as a fnancial analyst.
www.oregonimaging.com
Local professional
organizer Jan Lehman,
owner of Can the Clutter
, recently appeared in
an episode of the Emmy
nominated TV series
Hoarders on the A&E
Network. Lehman joined up behind the
scenes with the professional team of Matt
Paxton, to document the struggles of an
Oregon family working to overcome this
debilitating and often-stigmatized disease.
BUSINESS NEWS
Silke Communications has acquired the
Washington-based wireless communications
company County Communications. The
acquisition marks the companys offcial
entry into the multi-state market.
www.silkecom.com
The Meyer Memorial Trust announced
that the Eugene Symphony will receive
a $100,000 grant for the expansion of its
education and community engagement
programs. The grant will help establish an
education director position, and help launch
several new programs, including an in-
school music project in conjunction with the
4J, Springfeld and Bethel school districts
utilizing members of the Eugene Symphony.
www.eugenesymphony.org
DePaul Industries recently received the
Oregon Ethics in Business Award, which
honors those organizations and individuals
who have demonstrated ethical business
practice in its broadest interpretation:
in the workplace, the marketplace, the
environment and the community. In
October, DePaul Industries celebrated its
40th year as a not-for-proft organization.
www.depaulstaffng.com
Cascade sierra solutions (Css), a Eugene-
based nonproft dedicated to improving air
quality by assisting truckers with clean-
diesel truck upgrades, has received a Clean
Air Award for Innovative Transportation
Projects from the South Coast Air Quality
Management District. CSS received the
honor for its work in providing fnancing and
information about grant funding to truck
owners seeking to replace or retroft older,
high-polluting heavy-duty trucks.
www.cascadesierrasolutions.org
The Eugene Family YMCA has been
awarded a $5,000 grant from the Safeway
Foundation. The grant is designated and
will be used to support the Eugene Family
YMCAs Diabetes Prevention Program.
www.eugeneymca.org
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center,
an established regional leader in robotic-
assisted surgery, announced that it is now
the frst hospital in the region to use a dual-
console application.
www.mckweb.com
WHEN
ITS
GO
TIME.
541.684.7500
SUMMITBANKONLINE.COM
96 EAST BROADWAY
EUGENE, OR 97401
MOVE UP
Part of the Summit team (left to right):
Chris Hemmings, Mara Hooker and Krista Riddle.
DECEMBER 2 01 1 /J ANUARY 2 01 2 | OPEN FOR BUS I NESS 2 5 24 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
B US I NE S S NE WS
Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C. (HLGR),
a regional law frm with offces in Portland,
Eugene, and Salem, was named to U.S.
News & World Reports Best Law Firms
list for 2011-2012. HLGR was ranked as a
frst-tier law frm in Portland in the areas
of appellate practice and professional
malpractice law-defendants and as a
frst-tier law frm in Eugene in the areas of
administrative/regulatory law, appellate
practice, employment law-management,
and eminent domain and condemnation law.
www.harrang.com
CAWOOD was recently honored with
eight international marketing awards:
Communicator Awards for Audio Excellence
(writing/creative concept radio ad); Audio
Distinction Award (radio commercials); Print
Distinction Award (magazine print ad) and
Interactive Distinction Award (website).
CAWOOD also won the following Telly
Awards: Bronze (Internet/Online Video-
Cultural); Bronze (Health and Wellness);
Bronze (Non-Broadcast Productions-Sales)
and Bronze (Internet/Online Video-
Information).
www.cawood.com
The Nature Conservancy honored local frm
CAWOOD in the Business Conservation
Leadership Award category. The awards
recognize individuals, community partners,
businesses and others for their leadership
in conserving Oregons natural lands and
waters.
www.cawood.org
Forests Today & Forever has been selected
as a recipient of the 2011 Mary Rellergert
Forestry Education Award. The award
is given by the Oregon Department of
Forestry and the Oregon Natural Resources
Education Program at Oregon State
University in recognition of signifcant
contributions to the advancement of public
information, education and understanding
of forestry.
www.foreststodayandforever.org
Eugene Water & Electric Board and PIVOT
Architecture announced that EWEBs
new Roosevelt Operations Center has
been awarded LEED Gold Certifcation
established by the U.S. Green Building
Council and verifed by the Green Building
Certifcation Institute.
www.eweb.org
www.pivotarchitecture.com
Feynman Group has launched its new Tuva
CMS-based website. A major aspect of the
new site is the use of Tuva CMS, a custom-
built Web application created by Feynman
Group developers, which utilizes the ASP.Net
MVC software platform. Feynman Group is
celebrating its 10th anniversary in December.
www.feynmangroup.com
Oregon Community Credit Union has
received the 2011 Best Practices Award
in the category of Sales & Service
Management from the CUNA Operations
Sales & Service Council. The credit union
was recognized for its innovative practices
in creating, cultivating, and sustaining a
successful sales culture through its grass-
roots training program called 360 Training:
Excelling in a Sales Culture.
www.oregoncommunitycu.org
NEW MEMBERS
When you join the Eugene Area Chamber
of Commerce, you become part of a vibrant
and prosperous community of creative
entrepreneurs, forward-thinking innovators
and visionary business leaders. Were
pleased to welcome these new members
who have chosen to take advantage of the
Chambers tools, resources and expansive
network to grow their businesses:
Click Refresh
www.click-refresh.com
Cody Jordan, Attorney at Law
www.cjordanlaw.com
Community Outreach Publications LLC
CORE Communications
www.corecomm.us
Divine Cupcake
www.divinecupcake.com
Emerald Hills Enterprises LLC dba Pink
Butterfy Aprons
www.pinkbutterfyaprons.com
Eugene Fastener & Supply Co., Inc.
Firestone - Complete Auto Care
www.frestonecompleteautocare.com
Grants Hearing Center, Inc.
www.grantshearing.com
Hut Airport Shuttle, Inc.
www.hutshuttle.com
LaneApex Disposal Service
www.laneapex.com
Meadow Outdoor Advertising
www.meadowoutdoor.com
Leland W. Nebeker, DMD
www.we-cater-to-cowards.com
Oslund Design Incorporated
www.oslund.com
Real Ladies of Lane County
www.realladiesradio.com
Real Pets
Silver Sun Travel and Educators Travel
Network
www.silversuntravel.com
KUDOS
Goodwill Industries and St. Vincent de
Paul helped the Eugene Active 20-30 Club
Coats for Kids campaign reach their goal
of 1400 childrens coats by donating nearly
30 coats.
At the Eugene Water & Electric Board, were
empowering businesses with resources to save
money and energy. Doctors Alex Morley and Howard
Stein, owners of Eugene Urgent Care, worked with
EWEB and BRING Recyclings RE:think Business
program to retrofit their T12 light fixtures with
more energy-efficient T8 fluorescent lighting.
EWEB incentives covered more than 80% of the
installation, and the doctors are saving $40 per
month on their electric bill. To find out about
EWEBs energy-saving programs for your business,
visit eweb.org/savemoney or call 541.685.7000.
Maybe yours will be the next powerful tale we tell.
EugeneArea Chamberof Commerce
Business News covers promotions,
hires, awards, business giving and
business news. E-mail items to
businessnews@eugenechamber.com.
2 6 OPEN FOR BUS I NESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
819
Number of Eugene Chamber
member companies and
organizations with ten employees or
less: representing 75% of the Chambers
membership.
130
Networking and business
building opportunities the
Eugene Chamber sponsors for its members
over the course of a typical year.
15
Regional and national Industry
honors and recognition received
by the Chamber over the past decade for
innovation, excellence and leadership.
43,000
Referrals to
members provided
by the Chambers award winning website
each day.
$132,000
Provided in
direct support
to local schools and scholarships over the
past decade through the Chambers Future
First Citizen and A Champion in Education
programs.
$85 million
in
new
construction underway in downtown
Eugene following a year-long advocacy
campaign, ultimately leading to the
extension to the Downtown Urban Renewal
District.
$500,000
invested
in local
start-ups through the Chamber sponsored
Willamette Angel Conference since 2009.
48
Number of meetings each year of
the Chambers infuential 25 member
Local Government Affairs Council (LGAC)
in order to review and take action on public
policy issues that impact business and the
local economy.
116
Number of companies the
Chambers Business Retention and
Expansion program proactively met with and
assisted in 2011.
75
Number of early stage, entrepreneurial
companies assisted and coached
through the Chambers Regional Prosperity
Initiative.
$200,000
The amount
of money the
Eugene Chamber has committed to local,
sustainable job creation in 2011.
190
local businesses became members
of the Eugene Chamber in 2011,
choosing to become partners in the progress
of a healthy local economy.
F OOD F OR T HOUGHT
By the numbers
EugeneArea Chamberof Commerce
Fly easy...
PO Box 1107
Eugene, OR 97440-1107
kernuttstokes.com
1600 Executive Parkway, Suite 110, Eugene, Oregon 97401 541.687.1170
Its good to know where youve been.
Its better to know where youre going.
We can help you get there.
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