Eugene Chamber of Commerce

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

Batter Up! Eugene Chamber Sponsors Baseball Team

Posted Monday, June 29, 2009 by Events Team

This spring the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored a boys baseball team made up of 2nd graders from Irving and Malabon elementary schools in Eugene's Bethel School District. The Eugene team made Oregon news early in the season when the first "chamber civil war" took place against the team sponsored by the Springfield Chamber. The teams played in the Emerald KIDSPORTS Blackberry Division.

We thought we'd share a few photos of our team in action against the McCornack/Twin Oaks elementary team last Saturday afternoon.

Making it to first base

Eugene Chamber baseball team waiting to bat.

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.

Eugene Ranks Third in U.S. Hotspots for Young, Talented Workers

Posted Sunday, June 21, 2009 by Young Professionals

Where are the best cities for the next generation to live and work? Eugene ranks third in the cities with population of 100,000-200,000. Small but significant, these “Mighty Micros” don’t have all the amenities of the Super Cities, but they more than make up for it in their accessibility and ease of getting around.

Rank/ City/ State
1 Fort Collins, CO
2 Charleston, SC
3 Eugene, OR
4 Cedar Rapids, IA
5 Springfield, IL
6 Cary, NC
7 Ann Arbor, MI
8 Sioux Falls, SD
9 Pueblo, CO
10 Gainesville, FL

Read the full report here.

All local young professionals are invited to attend the next Eugene Chamber Young Professionals Network event on Thursday, July 9th. Register for the event now.

UPDATE: COMMISSIONERS APPROVE FUNDING FOR JAIL BEDS

Posted Friday, June 19, 2009 by Public Policy Team

Chamber advocates for improved public safety

On Wednesday, Lane County Commissioners voted to approve funding to re-open 84 jail beds at the county jail. Commissioners also voted to remove allocations for increased personal staff. The Eugene Chamber of Commerce and its members lobbied the commissioners in written correspondence and with public testimony for these changes to the 2010 county budget, as well as the reinstatement of Lane County’s portion of funding for the Lane Metro Partnership, our regional economic development organization.

The Register-Guard has news coverage of the testimony and the commissioners’ decision.

You can read Eugene Chamber President Dave Hauser’s letter to the Commissioners HERE and watch the testimony HERE (Chamber testimony at 2:27:04)

This is an important first step in local efforts to improve our public safety system, but we still have just a fraction of the jail beds, sheriff’s deputies, and prosecutors needed. The larger, systematic funding problem remains to be solved. How do we gain the necessary funding to put our public safety system on stable footing? Where does public safety rate as a priority for you? What should the Chamber’s role be in addressing the remaining budget shortfall?

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?

Oregon's Green Economy Growing

Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by Public Policy Team

Oregon is among three states, including Colorado and Tennessee, having large and fast-growing energy economies, according to a study conducted by Pew Charitable Trusts.

Pew Charitable Trusts looked at green economy of all states, plus Washington, D.C.

Oregon had 19,340 green jobs in 2007 and a 4.77 percent growth of such jobs from 1998 to 2007. Of the total 1,902,294 jobs in Oregon, 1.02 percent are considered green, which is the highest percentage of any state and Washington, D.C.

Pew Charitable Trusts’ definition of the clean energy economy includes jobs in clean energy; energy efficiency; environmentally friendly production; conservation and pollution mitigation; and training and support.

Could you Give me a Summary of the Leadership Eugene-Springfield Program?

Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by Events Team

I am interested in the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program, but I am not entirely sure what it all entails. Can you give me a brief summary?

Leadership Eugene-Springfield is a joint program between the Eugene and Springfield chambers that has been active for 25 years. In that time we’ve graduated over 500 individuals. The purpose of the program is to create leaders for the community, whether it be working for a local organization or even those who aspire toward a place on the city council, budget committee, etc. There are eight days covering eight different community issues including: education, health & social services, public safety, government & community planning and more. In addition to the community information presented,leadership skills are woven throughout the day.

The program begins in October and runs through May, always the second Wednesday of the month from 7:30am to 4:30pm. The classes meet in a variety of locations throughout Eugene and Springfield.

For more information about the program plan to attend a briefing on June 16 or July 15. Download the program's brochoure/application now.

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.

How Well Do You Know Your City Councilor?

Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by Public Policy Team

Match the name of the Eugene city councilor and the ward they represent to the fact.

George Brown, Ward 1
Mike Clark, Ward 5
Andrea Ortiz, Ward 7
George Poling, Ward 4
Chris Pryor, Ward 8
Jennifer Solomon, Ward 6
Betty Taylor, Ward 2
Alan Zelenka, Ward 3

A. Public relations and marketing consultant, avid vegetable gardener.

B. An emergency room nurse who is a product of Lane Community College’s nursing program, past Bethel School Board Member.

C. Retired Staff sergeant in the Marine Reserves, retired law enforcement officer.

D. Marist High school Graduate, Chamber Leadership Eugene-Springfield graduate.

E. Owner of The Kiva grocery store, ardent Civic Stadium supporter.

F. Retired English teacher with a passion for the environment.

G. Energy Consultant, former Emerald PUD employee, Chamber Leadership Eugene-Springfield graduate.

H. CEO, American Red Cross, Oregon Pacific Chapter, past 4J School Board Member, past Chamber Leadership Eugene-Springfield Steering Committee Member.

ANSWERS:
A. Ward 5: Mike Clark, B. Ward 7: Andrea Ortiz, C. Ward 4: George Poling, D. Ward 6: Jennifer Solomon, E. Ward 1: George Brown, F. Ward 2: Betty Taylor, G. Ward 3: Alan Zelenka, H. Ward 8: Chris Pryor

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.

Oregon Ranks 13th in Home Internet Use

Posted Sunday, June 7, 2009 by Public Policy Team

Oregon’s household Internet use is the 13th highest in the U.S., according to information recently released by the U.S. Census.

According to the Census, New Hampshire has the highest rate of household Internet use, with 82.6 percent of its residents having access to the Internet in their homes. In Oregon, 72.3 percent of residents have access to the Internet in their homes. The U.S. average is 67.1 percent. Mississippi is the lowest, with 52.8 percent.

Among age groups nationwide, 73 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds use the Internet, 56 percent of people 3 to 17, and 35 percent of people 65 and older.

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