The University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium consistently ranks among the top 10 places in the nation to watch a football game. With an official capacity of 57,000, it currently is the largest sporting arena in the state.  It is also a significant economic force for the community with each home game producing a economic impact in excess of $2.5 million. And in these difficult economic times every bit of economic stimulus should be appreciated.   Here’s an outsider's perspective on the community and the experience at Autzen Stadium.

Keith Arnold is touring the country with his brother Phil invade a different college campus each Saturday during the football season and write about their experience.  Check out his blog entry from Eugene.

WorkTrends 2008, presented by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and Lane County Human Resources Association, is a one-day conference for business owners, managers, supervisors, and human resource professionals won’t want to miss!

Join us Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Hilton Eugene&Conference Center from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don’t miss this year’s keynote speaker, nationally renowned author and consultant Peter Block! Using the premise of his most recent book, “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” Block will discuss how to create a new sense of community through both leadership and change. He will provide insight on the conditions under which transformation occurs and define the type of leadership that can make those changes last.

Additionally, the daylong conference will feature sessions from both Deborah Reedal and Meri Justis. Reedal’s session, “A Coaching Approach for Business Communications,” will help participants dissolve barriers that get in the way of effective communication in which interpersonal relations are vital. Justis’s session, “Getting a Seat at the Table and Using it Wisely,” will help human resource professionals communicate with company leaders and managers more effectively, while having their voices and opinions heard.

For members of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce or the Lane County Human Resource Association, cost is $159, and $179 for nonmembers. The registration fee includes admission to the keynote address, workshops, continental breakfast, lunch, refreshment breaks and networking. 

Attention! If you are a certified human resources professional through HRCI, you may apply your attendance at this conference toward 6.5 recertification hour credits for PHR, SPHR or GPHR.

WorkTrends 2008 is sponsored by:
Lane Community College, Providence Health Plans, PeaceHealth, PacificSource Health Plans, Hershner Hunter LLP, SELCO Community Credit Union, Personnel Source, Jones & Roth CPA’s and Business Consultants, BBSI/Barrett Business Services, Oregon Community Credit Union, Wilson Heirgood Associates Insurance, Accountemps, University of Oregon Lundquist

The First Annual Woman Business Leader of the Year Award, a program of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, will be given to one of five finalists at a luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 13. The Award honors a successful woman business leader in the Eugene/Springfield area for her business success, career achievements, and contributions to the local economy and community.

The Chamber will honor all finalists and announce the winner at the Woman Business Leader of the Year Award luncheon to be held on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Hilton Hotel&Conference Center from 11:30am–1:15pm. Before and throughout the event the accomplishments of each finalist will be recognized and highlighted. Register to attend the luncheon. Learn more about the Chamber's Women Business Leaders. Congratulations to the five finalists:

Suzanne Arlie, Arlie & Company
Stacy Bierma, Harlequin Beads
Lindsey Johnson, Siuslaw Bank
Lorraine Kerwood, NextStep Recycling
Patty McConnell, Old Dominion Collision Repair Centers

"We exhibit every year; we wouldn't miss it!" "This was the best Expo ever!" Those were just two of the many comments we've received from the more than 1300 individuals who attended the Chamber's Business-to-Business Expo and After Hours last week.

Sponsored by SAIF Corporation and Waddell&Reed, the Expo sold out
all available booth space. With over 160 businesses, small and large, exhibiting, the theme "Building Business - Building Connections" was truly at work. 


Thank you to all the exhibitors who donated door prizes for the event. Check out the list of donors and lucky winners here.

Attendees enjoyed great food provided by the Lane Events Center. Music by Inner Limits set the mood for the evening. The Chamber's After Hours events are the largest networking events in the area. If you exhibited or attended the Expo let us know what you think. You can comment below.

Leadership Eugene-Springfield welcomed its 23rd class on October 8th. The program, sponsored jointly by the Eugene and Springfield chambers of commerce, is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to give volunteer leaders the skills and information they need to effectively serve the community.

This year’s 27 program participants were selected from more than 35 applicants. Since first launching in 1985, the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program has graduated more than 500 community volunteers.  

Leadership Eugene-Springfield is the only comprehensive community training program offered in Lane County. Leadership participants learn a variety of skills, including how to advocate for and represent the community as a whole; to value the interaction of government, business and charitable institutions in creating a healthy Eugene/Springfield economy; and to be involved in creating a positive future for their community.

Meet the 2008-09 class members:

Nicole Banta, Public Relations Associate, The Ulum Group

"By strengthening my ties to the community through the program I will be able to use my skills where they are most needed."

Tricia M. Berg, AIA, Architect, PIVOT Architecture PC

"With this class, I hope to learn about organizations in our community that need assistance which my personal and professional skills would be useful for…"

Daniel K. Betschart, Senior Loan Officer, Lane Council of Governments

"My business focus is economic development with an ultimate goal of job creation. These experiences could be applied to provide solutions to issues that are of concern to the business community."

Chris Boone, Vice President/Associate Agent, Boone Insurance Associates

"Overall, I will work on getting a better macro view of the Eugene/Springfield business community, both to find better ways to improve the community on a daily basis and how to start the wheels in motion for great improvements into the future."

Tayah Lin R. Butler, MBA, FIC, Financial Associate, Lane-Douglas Associates/Thrivent Financial

"What I envision for our community is taking LEAD’s basic concept and create collaboration between a few small non-profit with some of their private sector supporters to serve the underprivileged youth in Eugene/Springfield and greater Lane County areas."

Charles F. Clarke, Operations Supervisor, Lane Transit District

"I’m extremely eager and excited to learn more about other businesses in the Eugene-Springfield area, and to be a productive member of this Leadership program…"

Courtney Cook, Branch Manager, Oregon Community Credit Union

"Experience gained in the Leadership program will provide me with a better means by which to continue seeking out opportunities to make a difference in our community."

Sidney T. Crenwelge, VP & Sr. Commercial Banking Officer, LibertyBank

"I expect my primary contribution to the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program will be a long-term dedication and commitment to make a difference in this community."

Kerry Evans, Reservations Program Manager, Royal Caribbean International

"My plan is to utilize this program to gain a better understanding of what’s available within the community and gain a sense of where I can volunteer my time and energy in a way that makes sense for me, to programs that speak to me and my interests."

Felicity Fahy, Sustainability Manager, City of Eugene

"Having a more in-depth understanding of the Eugene/Springfield community will allow me to identify opportunities where my skills and experience can be useful to help create a more healthy and vibrant community – across the triple bottom line of social equity, environmental health and economic prosperity."

Amber Fossen, Public Information Officer, Lane County Administration

"With many interests, I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what volunteer positions are available and how I can contribute."

Jason Genck, Deputy Superintendent, Willamalane Park & Recreation District

"…upon graduation of the program, I believe I will have gained important tools that will significantly enhance the success of my efforts within the greater community."

Lynn Gough, Commercial Banking Officer, Pacific Continental Bank

"I believe that the leadership program will help me develop the tools to not only become more active in the community through volunteering, but provide me the opportunity to make a difference."

Tina Guard, Civil Engineer/ Project Manager, Balzhiser & Hubbard Engineers, Inc.

"My main goal in participating in the program is to learn the avenues to community participation, primarily in animal welfare, senior support and Special Olympics organizations."

Sally Hales, Manager, Provider Network Administration, PacificSource Health Plans

"I view this program as a possible window of access to work groups, committees, service organizations, programs and associations committed to addressing the needs of our citizens."

Matt Hogan, Broker, C.W. Walker & Associates, Inc.

"My goal is to do whatever I can to continue to make this the best possible place to live and work."

Isbel Ingham, Development Director, NextStep Recycling

"…I have learned that I can’t predict where any given path might take me – and I’m very excited about what will open up for me as a result of being a part of this Program."

Rebekah Lambert, Assistant Executive Director of Programs, ShelterCare

"Through Leadership Eugene-Springfield, I will become a better educated and better connected citizen, able to move to a higher level of community Involvement."

Hillary McBride, Community Relations Office, Emerald People's Utility District

"I see my involvement in many smaller communities to be an excellent opportunity to share ideas, programs and concepts between areas."

Maylian Pak, Development Director, Eugene Symphony Association

"Through this program, I hope to learn more about effective ways to increase support of the arts in our community."

Joel Pomerantz, Regional Representative, Oregon Restaurant Association

"One of the goals in my current work is to help position industry roles in their communities – including myself – in leadership roles in their communities. Participation in Leadership Eugene-Springfield is a natural outgrowth of that mission."

Robbie Roberson, Branch Manager, Oregon Community Credit Union

"I am excited to learn about the challenges and areas of need within the community that I am unaware of."

Brandon K. Rogers, Vice President, Umpqua Bank

"My desire for attending the Leadership program is in part to better prepare myself and further improve my abilities to be an effective contributor throughout my involvement in the community."

Elizabeth G. Sheehan, Business Development, TNT Specialty Advertising

"With a background in sales, graphic design and research, I have a broad scope of interests and strengths to offer my fellow classmates in dialogue and project work together."

Amy Sowa, Administrative Aide/ City Recorder, City of Springfield

"Upon graduation from the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program, I will continue to participate and coordinate community events and make a difference."

Carol Stineman, Assistant Project Manager, City of Springfield

"I am excited about the opportunity to learn about our local community, about leadership, and about volunteer leadership opportunities."

Juan Carlos Valle, Social Insurance Specialist, U.S. Social Security Administration

"My primary contribution to the leadership program is my ability to share, describe and convey my vision for our community in the next 10 years."

As the area’s leading business advocate, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce works to create an environment in which business will thrive. The chamber works with partners in business, government and education to improve the quality of life for local residents. For more information, call (541) 484-1314 or visit www.eugenechamber.com.

Investing in community infrastructure that supports economic health is central to the Eugene Chamber’s support of three local money measures to be decided by voters next month. While these uncertain economic times, the investments in education, workforce development and community infrastructure represented by these measures are important to maintaining the economic competitiveness of our community and region.

The Chamber supports Measure 20-142, Lane Community College’s $83 million bond measure to fund facility renovations, upgrades and remodels for workforce training and education. A total of 16 projects will be funded by the bonds. This is a 15-year bond which would continue the investment of approximately 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value that property owners are paying on the current bond. The Chamber believes Lane Community College plays an crucial role with respect to offering career and technical education programs that many local employers rely upon to meet their current and future workforce needs and that there is great value to local businesses and industries to have LCC’s workforce development capabilities enhanced to the greatest extent possible.

The Chamber supports Measure 20-137. This is a renewal of Eugene School District 4J’s Local Option Levy at the same tax rate for another five years to June 2015. The local option levy provides money for school operations, school programs, and staff. If approved, the levy would maintain current school programs and staffing levels. The Chamber believes there is an important connection between good schools, a competitive workforce and the economic vitality of the community. The Chamber has previously endorsed 4J local option levies as well as the school district’s capital improvement bond measure.

The Chamber support Measure 20-145. This City of Eugene Measure would provide $35.9 million over the next five years to fix approximately 70 miles of streets and 3 miles of off-street bike paths. In a recent survey 98% of Chamber members indicated that well maintained streets are important to business and the economy. The Chamber believes Measure 20-145 represents an equitable and accountable piece of a strategy to address a $176 million backlog in street maintenance needs.

In addition the Eugene Chamber Political Action Committee, a voluntary, non-partisan political action committee dedicated to fostering the election of candidates who value the important connection between a healthy local economy and the community’s livability, has endorsed Jim Torrey for Mayor and Bobby Green for County Commissioner.

From time to time I have members express concern that the Chamber sponosrs a PAC and endorses candidates. In a recent survey  members were asked to define the number one local government/public policy issue facing business. The answer: The quality of elected officals. So when we endorse a candidate it is because we beleive they are aligned with, or at least are in tune with, the Chamber's mission of promoting a healthy local economy the compliments our quality of life. I guess another way to look at the issue is, do local politics influence business success? I beleive it would be difficult for anyone to argue that they do not. Therefore, our leadership believes we have a political role to play.

Tell us what you think. Are we supporting the right measures and the right candidates for business?

How does a local community build a vibrant economy?

Just as an experienced investor knows the value of a balanced portfolio, local economic development efforts should also seek to find a balanced approach.  For the investor, "Safe" options like bonds and money market funds provide slow, steady returns. Yet it's the more aggressive investments that carry a higher risk, and also the greatest potential rewards. The same principles apply to economic development. Larger, more mature companies can help anchor a regional economy, even account for a significant share of its jobs and tax base. At the same time, an area’s entrepreneurial success can serve as a real catalyst for dynamic growth.

Work by the National Commission on Entrepreneurship, Embracing Innovation: Entrepreneurship and American Economic Growth, confirms the importance of entrepreneurs to local economic vitality:

• Small entrepreneurs are responsible for 67% of inventions and 95% of radical innovations in the U.S. since World War II. Such diverse products as frozen foods, air conditioning, and the helicopter resulted from the drive and innovation of small entrepreneurs. A churn of ideas allows new companies to grow, but also helps the better-established firms in a region succeed. According to the Council on Competitiveness "Large firms often depend on small firms for new ideas and technologies ... Procter & Gamble now gets about 35 percent of its ideas from outside the company, and its goal is to reach 50 percent ... as the pace of innovation increases, tapping into the creativity of entrepreneurs is the only way to keep up."
  
• A small group of high growth entrepreneurs, only 5% to 15% of all firms, created about two thirds of net new jobs in the late 1990s. In many parts of the country, these small entrepreneurial firms are contributing new jobs at the same time as larger firms are cutting back employment.
  In addition, a groundbreaking national, multi-year study, the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics, found that entrepreneurship is widespread in the U.S. across all racial and ethnic groups. At any given time, about 10 million adults are trying to create a new business. In addition, entrepreneurial firms employ a greater percentage of scientists and engineers than the labor market as a whole. Exciting, plentiful careers with fast-growing companies also help attract and retain more college-educated workers.

Now more than ever, entrepreneurship is the critical ingredient for a diverse, thriving economy and increasing a perfect fit for Eugene-Springfield. And by the way, the Eugene Chamber has embarked on effort to build and implement a comprehensive strategy to support small business and entrepreneurial growth for our area with an eye toward new jobs, new investments and a steady stream of new economic energy to drive this wonderful place.

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." -Author unknown

To those of you who took the time to purchase and donate school supplies to CASA at last month's Young Professionals Network, thank you! Your donation did so much more than help prepare a child for the coming school year as you can read here in the attached letter .

Over 400 individuals enjoyed networking at the turbo-charged Business After Hours event on August 21st. Those in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to meet the wonderful staff of Flightcraft, Inc. and the Eugene Airport, as well as see the new Business Aviation Terminal and take a behind-the-scenes airfield tour. Thanks to Derek Burge, FBO Manager of Flightcraft and Cathryn Stephens, Director of Marketing & Public Relations of the Eugene Airport for making this month’s Business After Hours another great hit. 

Congratulations to our many door prize winners: 
            Linda Apling               Rick Rose
            Stephen Bellissimo    Terry Sears
            Ric Jeffries                Monica Shovlin
            Jenny John                Ray Slaughter
            Sally Johnson            Gabriela Snyder
            Bryan Ranstad          Ted Utley
            Kasey Wheeler                

And a special congratulations to the grand prize winner, Ardyn Reyes Wolfe of Remax for winning the two round trip tickets to Phoenix on Allegiant Air! 

We hope you’ll join us on Thursday, Sept. 18th from 5–7pm for the Business After Hours hosted by Hawes Financial Group and Chambers Construction, along with their co-sponsors Eric Hall Architects and Umpqua Bank. Help us celebrate the inauguration of the new Hawes Financial Group corporate headquarters, the International Marketplace, and enjoy a fabulous evening of international fare! Click here to register.

Other upcoming events include:

• Emerald Awards at the Hult Center for Performing Arts on 9/24/08 from 5–7:30pm. Click here to register.
• Business-to-Business Expo 2008 and Business After Hours at the Lane Events Center on 10/16/08 from 4–7:30pm. Click here to register.

The announced closure of Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing America, coupled with lay-offs at a handful of the region’s most prominent employers, served to remind us all just how fragile our local economy can be. And while Eugene/Springfield has had its share of economic development successes over the past decade, recent announcements point out the need for a comprehensive regional economic development game plan.

According to Wikipedia, economic development is the development of economic wealth of countries or regions for the well being of their inhabitants. I really like the last part of that definition… "for the well-being of their inhabitants." At the Eugene Chamber we have, throughout our 100-plus years of existence believed that a strong local economy and the livability of the community are linked.

So how is the local economy performing?

· According to a 2005 report provided to the United States Conference of Mayors, the Eugene economy created 400 new jobs in the period from March of 2001 to November 2004 earning us a ranking of 174 out of 318 metro areas in efforts to rebound from the recession of 2001.

· Manufacturing, an important building block in any local economy, has declined in recent years. Here in Lane County, wood products and transportation equipment have been particularly hard hit. But despite these losses in the county’s two largest manufacturing industries, overall employment grew by 1.5 percent in 2007 and, although slowing, remains positive in 2008 driven by gains in health care, retail and education.

Based on those numbers it might be appropriate to characterize local economic progress as measured and unspectacular. With another college football season upon us, it might be fair to say that if our local economy were a college football team we’d be struggling to become bowl eligible. That’s not to suggest that we haven’t had economic successes along the way. We have. Or that a host of local economic development organizations, including the Eugene Chamber, aren’t working hard to produce results. We are.

I believe what’s holding us back is the absence of a comprehensive regional economic development strategy. Today, there are no fewer than 14 economic development organizations in Eugene/Springfield, each working from a different business plan. If we were a football team we’d be trying to win a game with each player working from a different playbook.

We need a regional economic development strategy. A plan that defines the kind of economy we aspire to and a series of coordinated steps to achieve it. A plan that aligns the efforts of public and private economic development players. A plan that produces more results in local economic development that advance the well being of local residents.

The Eugene Chamber has made the active promotion and coordination of community collaboration in local economic development efforts its top priority. We’re committed to working with local partners to enhance local economic development efforts to produce results that work for our communities.

Business After Hours is set for Thursday, Aug. 21 from 5-7pm.  Hosted by Flightcraft, Inc.&the Eugene Airport; this is a turbo-charged event you won't want to miss.  Featuring:
 
 * Catering by Wings Bar and Grille
 * Beer and wine by Rogue Ales and Sweet Cheeks Winery
 * An opportunity to see Flightcraft's new Business Aviation Terminal
 * Behind the scenes airfield tours provided by airport staff
 * Validated parking in the Eugene Airport short- and long- term parking lots   
 * An opportunity to connect with hundreds of business people
 * Fantastic door prizes including a $500 Eugene Airport travel voucher

Registration is only $8 per Chamber member in advance and $10 at the door; or $15 for non-members in advance and $20 at the door.  Register online at www.eugenechamber.com

And… don’t miss these great Business After Hours programs for the balance of 2008.

  September 18 - Professional Credit Service
  October 16 - Business-to-Business EXPO
  November 20 - Sheppard Motors
  December 18 - Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

WorkTrends 2008 to Feature Keynote Speaker Peter Block
The Nature of Transformation

Imagine a workplace that emphasizes strengths over weaknesses, relationships over technology, listening over speaking and possibilities over problem solving. An environment that fosters a sense of belonging and commitment, right down to the physical spaces and structures themselves. Nationally renowned author and consultant Peter Block says it’s possible, and he’ll share insights for creating such workplace communities in his keynote address at WorkTrends 2008.

Using the premise of his most recent book, “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” Block will discuss how to create a new sense of community through leadership and change. He will provide insight on the conditions under which transformation occurs and define the type of leadership that can make it last.

In addition to “Community,” Block is the author of several best-selling books, including “Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used” and “The Answer to How Is Yes: Acting on What Matters.” He is a partner in Designed Learning, a training company that offers workshops to build skills outlined in his books.

For more information about this conference or how to register, please visit www.eugenechamber.com or call the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce at (541) 484-1314.

Acting upon the recommendation of the Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Council the Eugene Chamber’s Board of Directors has endorsed two measures that will appear on the November ballot.

The first is Lane Community College’s $83 million bond measure to fund facility renovations, upgrades and remodels for workforce training and education. A total of 16 projects will be funded by the bonds. This is a 15-year bond which would continue the investment of approximately 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value that property owners are paying on the current bond. The current bond retires in 2009.

The Chamber Board believes Lane Community College plays an important role with respect to offering career and technical education programs that many local employers rely upon to meet their workforce needs. The Board believes there is great value to local businesses and industries to have LCC’s workforce development capabilities enhanced to the greatest extent possible. Passage of this measure would help the college achieve that objective.
Additional information can be found at www.lanecc.edu

The second measure to be endorsed by the Chamber Board is Ballot Measure 20-137. This is a renewal of Eugene School District 4J’s Local Option Levy at the same tax rate for another five years to June 2015. The local option levy provides money for school operations, school programs, and staff. If approved, the levy would maintain current school programs and staffing levels. Without the levy the District believes it would need to reduce its budget by 10 percent beginning in 2010.

Here again, the Chamber Board believes there is an important connection between good schools and the economic vitality of the community. The Chamber has previously endorsed 4J local option levies as well as the school district’s capital improvement bond measure.

Evergreen Land Title did it again! We had more than 200 people in attendance on Thursday night at the annual YPN August Summer Bash. There seemed to be no shortage of mouth-watering food, beer, mixed drinks, or Evergreen's legendary jello shots!

Our sincerest thanks goes to each of you who brought school supplies or made a monetary donation to CASA of Lane County! Your school supply donation will help a child go back to school with the confidence they need to succeed.

Thank you Evergreen Land Title for another legendary August YPN event! Your drive to host the biggest YPN event of the year - every year - allows YPN members the opportunity to network with hundreds of business associates in a fun and relaxed setting. We appreciate all that was put into hosting YPN this month, thank you!

Rather than touch base with your contacts once a year, maintain those connections at next month's YPN event, hosted by BRING Recycling on Thursday, September 11. BRING Recycling is celebrating the completion of Phase 1 of an ambitious remodeling and expansion project!

Discover BRING Recyling's Planet Improvement Center, complete with the widest selection of used building materials between Portland and San Francisco, a new resale outlet, examples of reuse and sustainable building, as well as an education center. The event will be held in BRING Recycling's gallery where seven local artists exhibit work that elegantly disguises its reuse origins. Register early at www.eugenechamber.com!

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations for the 2008 Emerald Awards. This year, we set a record-breaking total of 90 nominations!

Here is the break-down of nominations received by category:

Business of the Year: 17 nominations
Community Caring: 29 nominations
Environmental Values: 17 nominations
Growth: 10 nominations
Innovation: 17 nominations

All nominations will be reviewed by the Emerald Awards Selection Committee. Finalists to be announced soon!

We hope you will join us to celebrate and acknowledge all of our nominees at the Emerald Awards ceremony to be held Wednesday, September 24th from 5:00 – 7:30pm at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.

To reserve your seat, please register at: www.eugenechamber.com

…or contact our office at 484-1314.

The Emerald Awards is generously sponsored by:
Isler CPA, Bank of America, Detelfsen Nel Associates, Jones & Roth CPA’s and Business Consultants, Smith Barney, Weyerhaeuser, KEZI, KMTR/NewsSource 16, Comcast

There is nothing more satisfying than watching something evolve, knowing that you had a hand in its inception. Such was the case for our 2008 Young Professionals Network (YPN) Chair, Chris Boone. Chris was one of a handful of key young professionals who envisioned a networking group of 20 to 30-year olds four years ago. For many, YPN is another opprtunity other than Business After Hours to be involved with a networking group and to connect among one's peers.

"It seems as though attendance at our YPN functions is a lot more manageable," explained Chris. "YPN averages around 70 people per function, so it feels less inundating when you show up not knowing anyone."

Chris added that members of YPN frequently arrange to meet each other at the next Business After Hours event anyway, but that YPN is a good opportunity to meet and gather in venues that couldn't typically hold hundreds of people. It's one more way to learn about the city.

"One of my favorite YPN events was at Hinman Vineyards when we got to go wine tasting," said Chris. "It was a totally unique experience in a totally unique environment, partially because the majority of us weren't wine drinkers."  

As Chris' time as the 2008 YPN Chair comes to a close, Chris is hoping that the next Chair will keep the momentum going in order to keep poeple involved.

"YPN has a lot of opportunity," said Chris. "If the next Chair can keep it simple and keep it fun, then the group will almost run itself."

What an exciting and yet challenging time this is for our community. The Olympic Trials, a beautiful new regional hospital, some exciting projects in our downtown.  All around us there are legacy projects and efforts that are the result of vision, years of hard work on the part of a number of people, collaboration and more.  At the same time our local economy is taking one shot after another.

The University of Oregon Arena project is clearly another legacy project and an important piece in keeping our economy moving forward. It is important to our community for a host of reasons:

·     It will enhance the entrance to the community and the University.

·     It will provide a significant economic impact at a time when there is uneasiness about the local and regional economy.  We have relied on a long list of major construction projects over the past decade to provide family wage jobs to a portion of an estimated 2,000 construction related workers in Lane County where the average wage is nearly $40,000/year…..well above the Lane County average wage of $31,000/year.  Longer term the arena provides another venue for events that can bring more visitor spending to our community to support local businesses.

·     It will require a commitment to alternative modes of transportation, much like we did during the Olympic Trials in getting 20-30,000 people in and out of campus on a daily basis with hardly a ripple.

·     As another in the going list of LEED-certified facilities, in Eugene/Springfield it has the opportunity to be another showcase of sustainable development.

This is a great opportunity for our City Council to be collaborative partners in making something very special happen in our community.  Sometimes in Eugene we become afraid that decisions won’t be perfect.  And in our effort to make them so, we often kill or otherwise weaken the opportunities in front of us.  We can’t afford that on the University’s arena project.

Want to help influence future public policy decisions in our community?  Well, there is no better place to involve yourself than by serving on any number of Eugene and Lane County advisory bodies.  And the time to apply is now.

Lane County Board of Commissioners are presently accepting applications for a vacancy on the Lane County Planning Commission.  The application deadline is August 8, 2008.  Application packets are available at their office which is located on the plaza level of the Public Service Building, 125 E. 8th Avenue in Eugene.

Meanwhile, the City of Eugene's annual recruitment process to fill vacancies on various boards, committees and commissions started today, July 14. It will run through September 5. 

Opportunities exist on the following:

• Budget Committee
• Planning Commission
• Police Commission
• Human Rights Commission
• Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee

Application materials are available in the City Manager's office at city hall.  Additional information can also be found at www.eugene-or.gov/bcc

As a business person, your professional network is one of your most valuable assets. Professional networking meetings are one of the best ways to continually revitalize and grow your network and in turn your business. The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding place to grow your network and to build contacts that will grow your business.

Our Business After Hours are, without a doubt, the area’s premier business-to-business networking event. Held monthly, Business After Hours is co-sponsored by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and a Chamber member firm. It allows business people to enjoy productive networking during a fun and relaxed mixer. Over the first 6 months of 2008, average attendance for Business after Hours is nearly 450!  Last month’s event hosted by Azumano Travel American Express and Royal Caribbean International had 620 people in attendance. Here is a rundown on recent attendance at Business After Hours:

March @ Imagine Graphics: 511 
April @ Musgrove Family Mortuary: 300
May  @ Greeters Showcase: 750
June @ Azumano/Royal Caribean: 620

If you have not attended a Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours lately, please join us. Next up is Business After Hours - Valley River Inn Style! Celebrating the Inn's 35th Anniversary&Open House with a '70's Theme. Wear your best '70's outfit and win a prize in the Best Costume Contest. Over-the-top food, prizes and entertainment. Great Food...Great People, and as always...Great Networking! Thursday, July 17, 5-7pm, 1000 Valley River Way. 

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with SAIF Corporation through a group insurance program now available to qualifying EACC members.  Businesses may be eligible for a 4% discount on their workers’ compensation insurance premiums.  To be eligible for the plan, businesses must be insured with SAIF Corporation, meet SAIF’s underwriting guidelines, and be a member in good standing of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.

To find out more about the program, contact the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-484-1314 or talk with your insurance agent.