Eugene Business

Over 600 Businesses Pick up Software at Chamber

Posted Thursday, July 2, 2009 by Events Team

In an unprecedented one-day event, over 600 local businesses and entrepreneurs picked up at the Eugene Chamber offices their certificate for a copy of Business Plan Pro Premier. For today only, Eugene-based Palo Alto Software gave away its best-selling software at 85 Oregon locations. The company planned to give away more than 15,000 copies in the one-day event.

The giveaway kicked off at a news conference featuring Tim Berry, the company's founder

and Eugene mayor Kitty Piercy. People were lined up at the Chamber before the doors opened and individuals continued to stop by until the doors closed at 5pm. The certificates contained a password which would activate a downloaded copy of the software until Friday, July 3 at 5pm.

Hanging On To and Attracting The Young and The Restless Key to a Positive Economic Future

Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Dave Hauser

Demographics and livability may significantly contribute to our region’s economic recovery. At least the research of one Oregon economist says it’s so — and that bodes well for our region.

No matter that you are not an expert demographer. You can probably guess the key trends shaping all cities and regions: More baby boomers are planning to retire; the number of women joining the workforce has stabilized; and college attainment levels have plateaued. As a result, young professionals are becoming increasingly important to the economic health of growing cities, according to a recent national report.

The study by Portland economist Joe Cortright indicates that young, college-educated workers are capable of counteracting this impending economic shift because of their entrepreneurial nature and willingness to relocate. The key to growing cities will be to attract and retain young professionals, Cortright says in “The Young and Restless in a Knowledge Economy.”

And much is at stake in attempting to attract these young and talented 25 to 34 year olds who will determine the path of our economy.

These trailblazers are more concerned about quality-of-life issues than being in a hot market. They are 60 percent more likely to live in areas close to the core of a community. So you can argue that young professionals will not only influence the future of local economies, but their desire to live close-in will help drive long-standing planning goals of building and preserving healthy downtown cores.

Recognizing that opportunity, the Eugene Chamber of Commerce is leading and supporting a host of efforts to retain, engage and attract young professionals:

The creation of the Young Professionals Network (YPN). The focus of YPN is to provide young professionals with programming specifically targeted to meet their needs for networking, professional and personal development, community involvement, awareness and influence.
The development of programs that we believe will create a local climate that supports entrepreneurs and innovation. Through Chamber initiatives such as the entrepreneurial support group SmartUps and the investor-focused Willamette Angel Network and Willamette Angel Conference, we’re creating an environment that supports new ideas and business success.
Partnerships since 1986 with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce to promote and foster the development of volunteer leadership in our communities. Leadership Eugene-Springfield (LES) is a program designed to meet our area’s need for the active participation of informed, skilled and motivated community leaders. While not exclusively for young professionals, LES has attracted participants who have used the program to establish meaningful volunteer leadership roles in our community.
A central role in the creation of the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene (ABAE). The mission of the new group is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of our community by acting as a catalyst for creating dynamic partnerships between the arts, culture and business sectors.

Eugene-Springfield’s well-deserved reputation for outstanding livability, coupled with efforts to hold on to and attract talented young people, will be an important piece of an economic strategy that drives a prosperous future.

Dave Hauser is the president of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, a 1200-member organization dedicated to promoting a healthy local economy.

Eugene Chamber Hosts Business Software Give-away for Local Businesses

Posted Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by Events Team

Tomorrow, July 1, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce will host the local Palo Alto Software "Oregon Small Business Boost" event. From 9am – 5pm, on that day only, businesses can receive a free copy of the business-planning software, Business Plan Pro Premier. As supporters of entrepreneurship, Palo Alto Software believes in the value of business planning and is confident that Business Plan Pro can help give Oregon businesses a boost by making available a vital planning tool to better start, run, and grow their businesses.

Businesses can come to the Eugene Chamber, 1401 Willamette St. and pick up a certificate that contains a code which will allow the download of the software. The software must be installed and registered within 48 hours of pick-up; otherwise the code will expire. Only one certificate will be given per business/per person and is available only to Oregon residents 18 years of age and older. Software is for PCs only.

We are lucky to have Palo Alto Software in our community. Smart-ups is pleased by PAS's giveaway of their premier version of Business Plan Pro. Their software is a great asset to entrepreneurs starting or growing their business. Thank you PAS for your commitment to entrepreneurs." — Caroline Cummings, Smart-ups co-founder and director of entrepreneurial development, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Staffer Receives Scholarship to Chamber Academy

Posted Thursday, June 25, 2009 by Public Policy Team

Jared Mason-Gere, Director of Business Advocacy at the Chamber, is headed to the Western Association of Chamber Executives’ Academy in August, on a scholarship from the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce. Jared received the award from the state chamber organization on June 24^th.

The WACE Academy is an intensive program on organizational management for chamber executives and professional staff from throughout the western United States, covering a variety of managerial, development, and communications knowledge and skills that will help Jared continue to advance the Chamber’s advocacy and leadership development efforts.

Planning Efforts Warrant Business Engagement

Posted Wednesday, June 24, 2009 by Dave Hauser

A number of factors influence the health of a local economy. Day in and day out, we work at the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce to track and shape the many various policy decisions made in our community. While many of them appear relatively minor, they all affect different aspects of our business community and our larger community’s health and well being and therefore deserve attention from area business leaders.

Here are just a few items that are progressing quietly, but that could be very consequential:

The West Eugene EmX Extension would yield a bus rapid transit line along the West 11th Avenue corridor similar to that currently running between the downtown Eugene and downtown Springfield stations along Franklin Blvd. This may provide some relief and stimulus to an area that is experiencing significant development and transportation challenges. By bringing $75 million in federal and state funds to our community, Lane Transit District could begin construction on a major phase of the popular rapid transit lines. Following completion of federal environmental requirements, the final approval of the project is expected in 2010.
The Walnut Station Mixed Use Center is Eugene’s first foray into the use of form based codes. Form based code is a planning approach that stresses form over function. That is, code determines what the building looks like, but does not regulate, or regulates very loosely, the use of buildings in the area. The hope is that Walnut Station will become a walkable, vibrant, mixed-use center based around the EmX rapid transit line and the UO arena. The plan will require dramatic changes to Franklin Bvld and surrounding businesses. There is a lot of promise to this plan, but we’ll continue to play a role in efforts to ensure that it is properly implemented.
EWEB is moving ahead on a master plan for its riverfront property. While the future use is not yet determined, we’re hopeful that this space by the Willamette River will be used to create a vibrant, active area to attract local businesses and restaurants to the scenic area now occupied by EWEB facilities. The proximity to the river, the connection to the downtown area and the adjacency to Eugene’s federal courthouse area make this property a prime spot for development and for the future of the city’s economy.
The Eugene Comprehensive Land Assessment will help determine how Eugene addresses its shortage of commercial, industrial lands. In May 2008, Eugene hired a consultant to conduct a land study regarding the city’s Urban Growth Boundary. This project began in June 2008 and completion is anticipated by December 2009. This all needs to be accomplished to determine where new residents will live, where they will work, and how transportation and government services need to change over time. A variety of Chamber and business leaders sit on the Citizen Advisory Committee, helping lead the project forward to a productive outcome.

While we often grow frustrated with the slow pace of public projects in our community, there certainly is no shortage of processes at any time. As these various plans come to fruition, we should all be optimistic that they’ll help our region emerge from the recession poised to grow our local economy and capitalize on future opportunity. At the same time they are issues that call for the continued involvement of the Eugene Chamber and area business leaders to ensure that they equally compliment a vibrant economy and the livability of our community.

Chamber Represents Business Interests

Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by Public Policy Team

With official representation or active involvement on a host of planning and advisory groups, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce collaborates for a positive future and ensures business interests are represented:

Airport Advisory Committee: The Eugene Airport Advisory committee develops recommendations for City staff by providing an ongoing citizen perspective and review of Airport Capital Improvement Projects, environmental issues, airport finances, air service development and changes to Airport Administration policy (Dave Hauser)

EWEB Riverfront Master Plan Citizen Advisory Committee: A nine-member Community Advisory Team (CAT) has been appointed by the EWEB Board of Commissioners and the Eugene City Council to work with a consultant to create a draft master plan for the redevelopment of EWEB’s riverfront property (Dave Hauser; Gary Wildish, Mark Johnson, Tom Hoyt, Dean Pape).

Walnut Station Mixed Use Development Plan Stakeholders Group: Representatives from the Fairmount neighbors, University of Oregon, City and Chamber to attempt to indentify and address potential concerns that various stakeholders might have as the plan takes shape and moves to the City Council for Adoption (Jared Mason-Gere, Bruce Mulligan, Gary Wildish, Tim Campbell).

Eugene Comprehensive Lands Assessment (ECLA) Community Advisory Committee: The ECLA CAC is a 15-member committee that provides guidance to the City on the technical analysis that will occur throughout the project. Members represent key stakeholders and community groups and will ensure that the best available information is incorporated into the study (Bill Kloos).

Beltline Highway: Coburg Road to River Road Facility Plan Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC): The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is beginning a study to consider ideas for improving safety and operations on the Beltline Highway between Coburg Road and River Road. The study will focus on areas near the Delta Highway, River Avenue/Division Avenue, and River Road interchanges. The SAC will provide advice and guidance to ODOT during the study while striving to reach consensus on study issues (Ryan Pape).

City of Eugene Community Climate and Energy Plan Task Team: The goal of the Task Team is to "identify strategies to help the City reach goals of reducing carbon emissions, cutting fossil fuel usage in half by 2030, and adapting to the impacts of climate change in Eugene" (Josh Proudfoot).

Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene: The Chamber is a founding member of this group whose mission is to enrich the Eugene community through strong arts and business partnerships through increased awareness that the goals of the art and business sectors are congruent promoting community-wide awareness of the economic, educational, business benefits of arts and culture (Dave Hauser).

West Eugene Collaborative: This community based group was tasked with Develop an integrated land use and transportation solution supported by stakeholders that will facilitate movement of people and commerce from, through and to west Eugene and west of Eugene while enhancing community, business and the environment (Gary Wildish; Rusty Rexius; Larry Reed).

Eugene Chamber Welcomes Public Policy Intern Tim Taylor

Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by Public Policy Team

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Tim Taylor as a summer public policy intern. Tim is an undergraduate at the University of Oregon in the Planning, Public Policy, and Management program. Tim started with the Chamber on June 16th, and will work throughout the summer, continuing part-time into the school year.

Tim’s desire to work with the Chamber came from an interest in policy and its affects on a wide range of issues and people. Tim saw that the Eugene Chamber of Commerce truly impacts policy in action and the affects of decisions made at the governmental level, as it functions as a liaison between the private and public sectors. It attempts to create an environment in which businesses and policy makers can work together with a collaborative goal of improving the quality of our local community.

As an intern with the Chamber, Tim will maintain continuous research of local organizations including, but not limited to the Eugene City Council, the Lane County Board of Commissioners, and the Eugene Planning Commission. I will continue to events that occur throughout the local community such as Budget Committee meetings, Lane Council of Governments board meetings, and Neighborhood Leaders Council meetings. He will also lead research on solutions to transportation and public safety funding issues.

“I understand the need for fair implementation of policy, and I recognize the importance of sound judgment by those who have been chosen to make decisions that affect the entire community. I desire to learn more about this process, and I intend to pursue a career in public service,” says Tim. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Chamber has provided me, and I am excited for the time that I will be spending here.”

Tim can be reached at timt@eugenechamber.com. Please welcome Tim to the Chamber team.

Over 800 Attendees Make Crescent Village/Eugene Chamber After Hours Event A Success

Posted Friday, June 19, 2009 by Events Team

Last evening’s Business After Hours event at Crescent Village was by all accounts a huge success. Attendees enjoyed the warm, early summer evening and the networking with over 800 business people and guests. The event included

samples of fine food from Izumi Sushi, Cornerstone Café, B2 Wine Bar, Lago Blu Gelato and Mezza Luna Pizzeria and a fashion show presented by Joy's boutique with hair and makeup by bello day spa and salon. Music by The Essentials kept everyone in the party spirit.

Inkwell Building LEED certified

Those in attendance also were invited to take tours of The Inkwell, Crescent Village's ultra-green office building, designed by Rowell Brokaw and built by Chambers Construction. The building is currently seeking LEED Gold certification, with Arlie & Company’s space expecting LEED Platinum certification.

Comments included: "Fun time at the Eugene Chamber event at Crescent Village. Reason #112 why everyone should be a Chamber member!" "My guest and I had a great time. Can't wait till the next one." Many at the event said it was their first

Business After Hours and they indicated it won't be their last.

Did you attend the Business After Hours at Crescent Village? We invite your comments.

Don't miss the next After Hours on July 16th to kickoff the Great Rotary Duck Race.

Registration Opens for 35th Annual Joint Chamber Golf Classic

Posted Thursday, June 18, 2009 by Events Team

Described as a wonderful amalgamation of golf, business networking and fun, the Joint Chamber Golf Classic is set for Tuesday, July 21 at the Springfield Country Club. What makes the event so popular?

An afternoon flight with tee off at 12:30pm.
A scramble format that encourages golfers of all skill levels to participate.
From fiestas to ice cream there is food, beverage and fun at nearly every hole.
Great food, a great setting and plenty of Chamber hospitality.
Dozens of great prizes.

Cost for this year’s event is $175/participant and includes golf, cart, beverages and reception. Register by calling the Springfield Chamber, 7474-1651 or online at http://www.springfield-chamber.org.

The Joint Chamber Golf Classic is proudly sponsored by our Title sponsor: Marquis Care of Springfield and Tee & Green sponsors: Feynman Group, Hilton Eugene & Conference Center, Jerry’s Home Improvement Center, Jones & Roth CPAs & Business Consultants, NW Natural, Northwest Community Credit Union, Omlid & Swinney Fire Protection, Pacific Continental Bank, Safeway, Selectemp Employment Services and West Coast Bank.

Title Sponsor:

Business and Education Partner for Economic Prosperity

Posted Thursday, June 18, 2009 by Dave Hauser

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has always believed strongly that business–education partnerships are essential if we are to achieve both high-quality education at all levels and a diverse and vibrant local economy. The growing complexities of technology and the work process confer a premium on skilled, talented people. This, in turn, calls for first-rate education systems. Employers want to locate in areas with pools of well-educated workers; employees value strong schools for their children, and they want continuing education opportunities for their own job security and advancement. Talented graduates fuel the economy.

Consider the following:

90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States require education and training past high school
63 percent of high-wage, high-growth jobs in the next decade will require a bachelor’s degree
A 1 percent increase in college graduates in a region’s workforce increases wages by 1.3 percent

Businesses in Eugene-Springfield have long demonstrated a readiness to play an active role in educational enhancement. Frankly, their motives are appropriately self-serving — a steady stream of well-trained young men and women is a major contributor to the vitality of all companies. I have found businesses more than willing to provide tours, guest speakers, work-experience programs, mentoring, job-shadowing opportunities, curriculum support, grants, scholarships and much more.

This Chamber has advanced and supported programs to connect students with career information (Lane County Career Fair) and business mentoring that addresses middle school literacy (Literacy Partners). It has also celebrated excellence in our public schools (ACE Awards) and supported community stewardship (Future First Citizen).

If human capital is the driver of future economic prosperity, then our region — through a host of business and education partnerships — is well-positioned for success.

What Makes a Memorable Teacher?

Posted Friday, June 12, 2009 by Membership Team

Most of us have a teacher or mentor that we look back on as being an influential person in our life. We recently asked several Chamber committee/council chairs to share the reason why that person was so influential and/ or memorable.

I have three in this community: My DAD, for love of his kids, outside of the box thinking and creativity; Alan Evans for his patience and guidance and Linda Korth for her poise, and to "read what is not there" in documents.Tim Campbell, Broker, Campbell Commercial Real Estate, Local Government Affairs Council Chair

My most influential teacher was Clair Wiles at North Eugene High School. She shared stories of traveling the world and seeing new places and all of the adventures she had while in the United States Navy. She encouraged me to get out and see the world. To this day she has continued pushing me to do great things!Jonathan Driskill, Account Manager, Ambient, Inc., Membership Council Chair

Mrs. Nesith was my fourth grade math teacher. She made us do times tables over and over again. I hated it at the time, but it is a skill I use every day. Thank you! Eric Forrest, Co-President, MLF Group LLC,Chair of the Chamber Board 2009-1010

Mrs. Cope influenced me with her gracious way of maintaining control in her classroom. Often I heard, "Bonnie, is there something you like to share with the entire class?" Lesson learned: Less is More! Bonnie B. Larson, Director of Marketing, SELCO Community Credit Union,Women Business Leaders Chair

Mike Alley taught math and coached football at Serra HS in Salem. He was great at math, but we learned the best lessons from him on the practice field. He gained a respect from his players on the field that made us want to learn in the classroom. Kip Much, Public Affairs, NW Natural, Past Chair, Leadership Eugene-Springfield Steering Committee

My energetic junior year high school English teacher, Mrs. Dall. She played "Another Brick in the Wall" on the first day of class and was always encouraging us to think creatively. Sarah-Kate Sharkey, Associate Director, CASA of Lane County,Young Professionals Network Chair

Who was your most memorable teacher and why?

Creating Opportunities

Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by Membership Team

Pearl Buck Center's Production Services was always well known for its processing, packaging and mailing services. But since its move to a new facility on 1st Avenue, Production Services has greatly expanded its programs and increased its production capacity.

The move prompted Production Services to bring in equipment that required a more technical skill set to operate and provided the space necessary to expand entire processes, such as woodworking and organic food packaging. The new configuration of space and process capability has expanded the spectrum of skill-level for Pearl Buck Center's clients with disabilities to apply themselves.

"Everybody has a particular skill-set within the full spectrum of ability. Our formula, regardless of who it is, is to create aides and technology and provide the proper training to enhance the skill-set," explains David Heggestad, Director of Adult and Production Services. "This way everyone becomes more productive, gets rewarded better, and can feel more fulfilled."

Production Services is now pleased to offer seven areas of production:

Processing: includes sorting, counting, weighing, labeling, packaging, pickup and delivery of products.

Packaging: box, shrink-wrap or clamshell products for delivery or shipping.

Processing Mail: folding, collating, tabbing, labeling and metering at competitive rates, from cards to parcels.

Woodshop: cut, shape, or construct a variety of wood products from rough to finished carpentry.

Metal shop: cut, grind, weld, shape and fabricate steel needs.

CNC Machine: the HAAS Series 2 vertical milling machine fabricates metals into almost any shape for almost any purpose.

Food Packaging: separate 'clean room' that is certified organic for packaging of herbs, spices and mixes.

"We take great pride in providing our customers with the highest quality products and services," says Heggestad. "We can save our customers time and money while providing a quality product at competitive prices."

Heggestad reminds us that when companies contract with Pearl Buck Center's Production Services, they contribute to the success of our more vulnerable citizens.

Call David Heggestad, Director of Adult & Production Services at 484-4666 or email david.heggestad@pearlbuckcenter.com

Or Robert Beam, Business Manager at 484-4666. Email at rbeam@pearlbuckcenter.com

Learning, Growing and Changing since 1968.

The Eugene Chamber's Top 10 Local Issues

Posted Monday, June 8, 2009 by Public Policy Team

Every day government officials at all levels make decisions that impact the local economy and the ability of businesses to succeed. The Chamber serves as the voice of business, ensuring that the interests of business are considered in local decisionmaking. The Chamber works on behalf of its members to help create and maintain an environment in which business can succeed.

1. Residential and Industrial Land Supply

2. Downtown Redevelopment/Renewal

3. Economic Development

4. Public Safety

5. Infill Compatibility Standards

6. Transportation Infrastructure

7. Mixed Use/Nodal Development

8. EWEB Riverfront Master Plan

9. Mass Transit/EmX

10. City and County Budget Shortfalls

Do you have comments about the Eugene Chamber's Top 10 list of local issues? Let us know your thoughts.

Leadership Eugene-Springfield Program Graduates 23rd Class of Community Leaders

Posted Friday, June 5, 2009 by Young Professionals

Twenty-five community members recently completed the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program. Leadership Eugene-Springfield, sponsored jointly by the Eugene and Springfield chambers of commerce, trains volunteer leaders who:

Will possess leadership skills.
Are knowledgeable about the communities and themselves.
Are connected and involved in the community.
Are motivated to take action.

Recruitment for the 2009-10 class will begin in June. Contact Jared Mason-Gere, 242-2355, for more information or plan to attend one of the program's informational briefings (June 16) (July 15).

Congratulations to the members of the 2008-09 class:

Nicole Banta, Public Relations Associate, The Ulum Group
Tricia M. Berg, AIA, Architect, PIVOT Architecture PC
Daniel K. Betschart, Senior Loan Officer, Lane Council of Governments
Chris Boone, Vice President/Associate Agent, Boone Insurance Associates
Charles F. Clarke, Operations Supervisor, Lane Transit District
Courtney Cook, Branch Manager, Oregon Community Credit Union
Sidney T. Crenwelge, VP & Sr. Commercial Banking Officer, LibertyBank
Felicity Fahy, Sustainability Manager, City of Eugene
Amber Fossen, Public Information Officer, Lane County Administration
Jason Genck, Deputy Superintendent, Willamalane Park & Recreation District
Lynn Gough, Commercial Banking Officer, Pacific Continental Bank
Tina Guard, Civil Engineer/ Project Manager, Balzhiser & Hubbard Engineers, Inc.
Sally Hales, Manager, Provider Network Administration, PacificSource Health Plans
Matt Hogan, Broker, C.W. Walker & Associates, Inc.
Isbel Ingham, Development Director, NextStep Recycling
Rebekah Lambert, Assistant Executive Director of Programs, ShelterCare
Hillary McBride, Community Relations Officer, Emerald People's Utility District
Maylian Pak, Development Director, Eugene Symphony Association
Joel Pomerantz, Regional Representative, Oregon Restaurant Association
Robbie Roberson, Branch Manager, Oregon Community Credit Union
Brandon K. Rogers, Vice President, Umpqua Bank
Elizabeth G. Sheehan, Business Development, TNT Specialty Advertising
Amy Sowa, Administrative Aide/ City Recorder, City of Springfield
Carol Stineman, Assistant Project Manager, City of Springfield
Juan Carlos Valle, Social Insurance Specialist, U.S. Social Security Administration

Fourteen Join Area's Largest Business Organization

Posted Tuesday, June 2, 2009 by Membership Team

Welcome to these new members who joined the Eugene Chamber in May:

CC Consulting, Inc.
Business management consulting
carolineineugene@gmail.com

Futurity First Insurance Group
Insurance and financial services
www.futurityfirst.com

Green-Eyed Girl Productions
Wedding and event coordinating
www.greeneyedgirlevents.com

Hitch Pro & Tow, Inc.
Trailer hitches
www.hitchpro.org

Image King Signs
Sign manufacturing
www.imagekingsigns.com

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Lane County
Plumbing drains and sewer cleaning
www.mrrooter.com/lane

Oregon Club of Eugene-Springfield
Non-profit organization
www.oregonclub.org

Pacific Pallet, Inc.
Pallets and skids
Phone: 541-688-2887

REI
Outdoor clothing and equipment
www.rei.com/stores/43

Securitas Security Services USA
Security and guard services
www.securitasinc.com

Sipping Dreams
Drinking chocolate
www.sippingdreams.com

Stifel Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
Full service brokerage and investment firm
www.stifel.com

The ‘wich House
Great sandwiches – open breakfast & lunch
840 Willamette St. in Eugene

The BoxMaker
Package Design and development
www.boxmaker.com

Crescent Village Hosts the Eugene Chamber's June Business After Hours

Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Events Team

Celebrate summer at Crescent Village! Crescent Village is hosting the June 18th Business After Hours (5-7pm) with a variety of activities, refreshments and entertainment, including: Tours of The Inkwell, Crescent Village's ultra-green office building; Tours of the townhouses on Lord Byron Ave.; A fashion show presented by Joy's Boutique with hair and makeup by Bello Salon and Day Spa; Samples of fine foods and beverages offered by Izumi, Cornerstone Café, B2 Wine Bar, Lago Blu Gelato and Mezza Luna Pizzeria. This is a Business After Hours event you won't want to miss. Register now.

Welcome to These new Members who Joined the Eugene Chamber in April

Posted Friday, May 22, 2009 by Membership Team

Aspin Daga Casa LLC
Adult day care for people with Alzheimer’s disease
www.aspindagacasa.com

Axxiom Franchise Advisors
Franchise advisor/business consultant
www.axxiomfranchiseadvisors.com/kgoodwin

Wendy J. Baker, Attorney at Law
Employment law focusing on employers
www.employerlaw.org

Concentric Sky, Inc.
Internet products & software
www.concentricsky.com

Dougherty Landscape Architects
Creating inspired spaces
www.DLAdesign.com

FedEx Ground and Home Delivery
Delivery service
www.fedex.com

Fetch! Pet Care of NW Eugene
Pet services
www.fetchpetcare.com

Field to Table Private Dining & Catering
Catering with an emphasis on locally grown foods
www.fieldtotablecatering.com

Goldworks Jewelry Art Studio
Custom jewelry designers
www.goldworksart.com

King Medical Supply
Medical equipment & supplies
www.kingmedical.qpg.com

Network Charter School
Alternative community school
www.networkcharterschool.org

Northwest Greenways, Inc.
Landscape contractor
Phone: 541-998-8700

State Farm – Coulbourne Insurance
Insurance & financial services
www.michaelcoulbourne.net

The District
Coffee house & night club
www.thedistricteugene.com

Tracy and Keim Chiropractic
Chiropractic physicians
www.eugenechiropractor.com

Building a Roadway to a Prosperous Future

Posted Monday, May 4, 2009 by Dave Hauser

It is probably no secret to those in business that economic prosperity and transportation go hand in hand. While improved transportation networks alone do not guarantee economic well-being, the economic health of a region is difficult to create and sustain without regular investments in transportation. Local companies rely on efficient multi-modal transportation systems. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said it best, "At the end of the day, if you don’t have a big league transportation system, you’re going to have a little league economy."

Diminishing resources, multiple priorities and growing congestion on all transportation systems are challenging our ability to ensure a "big league" transportation system. Add to that a complex transportation planning program, where a project may take 20 years or more to move from concept to reality, and it is no wonder businesses are challenged to stay engaged. Yet we must come together to establish a vision for a local transportation system that fits the needs of our economy and community.

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce supports a regional transportation system that provides access to all modes of transportation. We believe the region should continue to advance the use of alternative modes while planning for the future and the increased capacity needs of our roadway networks. Most importantly, we need to champion strategic infrastructure investments that drive commerce; they are critical to our livability and economic future. And by the way, those investments are not likely to happen without the active support of this organization and its members.

Read the December08/January09 issue of the Eugene Chamber’s Open For Business magazine for more articles and information about local transportation options.

Marketing Your Business in Tough Economic Times

Posted Friday, May 1, 2009 by Membership Team

The Chamber recently asked member marketing and public relations firms to send us tips for businesses to consider when marketing themselves during these economic times. We share some of those tips with you here.

Don’t be timid: Spread the word about your product/service. Now’s the time to increase your marketing. If you don’t have money to spend, make your employees and customers your ambassadors. And toot your own horn.

Keep everyone in the loop: Keep your employees well-informed about business conditions, as they are your front line marketers/brand ambassadors.

Stay focused: Stay focused on what truly differentiates your services and products. Thoughtful strategy that produces sustainable value to your client – even after the "crisis" is past – will cement client relationships and build your brand in a way that a one-time price cut can’t.

Market for the long-term: Ensure that marketing is a long-term effort. Starting stopping, doing a little here a little there, is a failed policy. You might as well host a company BBQ and burn money instead of charcoal.

After Hours Networking Event Showcases Businesses

Posted Wednesday, April 29, 2009 by Events Team

It’s time again for our spring Eugene Chamber Business After Hours Greeters Showcase. This special business-to-business tradeshow is set for Wednesday, May 13 from 4:30-7:30pm at the Eugene Hilton and Conference Center. The Eugene Greeters Showcase features 60 businesses exhibiting their products and services in a fun and relaxed environment. Business After Hours is the area’s premier business-to-business networking event and combining the two events will provide you with one impressive evening of business connections and fun.

Sponsored by Harrang Long Gary Rudnick Attorneys & Counselors at Law and the Hilton Eugene & Conference Center, the Showcase will also feature fantastic door prizes and a silent auction. Register today!

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