Geffen Pearlson, a senior at South Eugene High School, has been named Eugene’s Future First Citizen for 2009 by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. Each year the Chamber honors six area high school students who have made outstanding contributions to the community and their respective schools.

As involved as Geffen has been on issues of community and international importance she also has worked on peer education, which she says has taught her “the value of respecting people from all different backgrounds.” Geffen’s volunteerism, and her gifts for language, have meant she has, as a high school student, given mightily back to her local community. Her college plans include study of international relations and conflict resolution in the hopes that she may continue that contribution on a larger level, working as a diplomat to engage world leaders and international communities in peaceful resolutions to international strife.

The other candidates for Future First Citizen were Moira Cary, Marist; Lindsey Swensen, Willamette; Amber Lengele, Churchill; Oresta Tolmach, Sheldon; and Lisa Hiura, North Eugene. All candidates will receive scholarships whose funds are given by past Eugene First Citizens and by KeyBank, sponsor of the chamber’s Celebration of Business 2010. The awards were presented at the chamber’s annual Celebration of Business on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
 

Making international sales is challenging enough without having to worry about getting paid. Sometimes buyers demand credit can expose your company to commercial and political risks. Sometimes buyers simply default and leave your company with a loss.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank - www.exim.gov), the official export credit agency of the United States government, can substantially reduce the risk of nonpayment. Without this worry, your company can enter new markets and increase its international sales with confidence. In fact, Ex-Im Bank’s export credit insurance can cover your risk in over 150 countries.

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a roundtable with Ex-Im Bank representative, Jim Lucchesi at 10am on Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Chamber offices (1401 Willamette St.).  Mr. Lucchesi will explain how this agency's products can help your company enter new markets and increase sales in existing markets by:

• Extending credit terms to your foreign buyers and minimize nonpayment risks
• Obtaining working capital financing to fulfill sales orders
• Protecting your balance sheet from nonpayment risk

The program is free and you can register here, or by calling the Chamber at 484-1314.

If you wish to meet privately with Mr. Jim Lucchesi, please respond with your contact information ASAP to Dana Shannon at Business Oregon. You can reach Dana by e-mail dana.shannon@state.or.us or tel: 503-229-6053.
 

Next week the 2009-2010 class of the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program will reach the midway point in their community education experience.  The class, made up of up-and-coming leaders from businesses and nonprofits throughout the community, has studied leadership and communication styles; learned how to interact with the media; worked on meeting facilitation; learned about economic development challenges and opportunities in our region; investigated the management styles and government and cultural history of Eugene and Springfield; and examined local systems for meeting community health care and social service needs. 

Before the year is out, the class will have improved understanding of local public safety systems, land use planning and education, and been introduced to a variety of volunteer and appointed leadership opportunities.

The Leadership Eugene-Springfield class runs from October to May each year, with enrollment and admission each summer.  For more information about the program, or for an application for the 2010-2011 year, contact Jared Mason-Gere, Director of Business Advocacy, at (541) 242-2355 or JaredM@eugenechamber.com.

 

Over the past ten years the Eugene Chamber Economic Forecast event has become the region’s most comprehensive economic outlook conference each year featuring a panel of leading economists along with local experts presenting insights and predictions on the economic future for the region for the year ahead. This year’s event is set for Wednesday, Feb. 3rd at the Eugene Hilton and Conference Center. Set for 2:30-5pm, this year’s event will feature three components:

• Joe Cortright, President and principal economist for Impresa, a Portland consulting firm specializing in regional economic analysis, innovation and industry clusters will offer insights into community and university collaboration in economic development.
• Timothy A. Duy, Adjunct Assistant Professor and Director, Oregon Economic Forum, Department of Economics, University of Oregon and author of the University of Oregon Index of Economic Indicators will offer his insights into the economic future of the region.
• The event will conclude with the well-known economist panel of experts offering predictions on what’s to come in 2010 including: Bill Conerly, economist and financial consultant; Tom Potiowsky, former state economist; Brian Rooney, local economist for Oregon Employment Department; Timothy A. Duy, Adjunct Assistant Professor and Director, Oregon Economic Forum, Department of Economics, University of Oregon Ed Whitelaw, president of ECONorthwest; and John Mitchell, M&H Economic Consultants of Portland,

Chamber member costs include $450 Table for 10 - Preferred Seating; $40 Individual seat at table (non-reserved); $30 Individual seat - theater style. Non member costs $50 Individual seat at table or $40 Individual seat - theater style.

Economic Forecast is sponsored by Oregon Community Credit Union and Providence Health Plan. Register now.

The staff of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to:
 

• Providing promotion and networking opportunities for our members,
• Advancing responsible economic development projects, and
• Advocating for business-friendly public policy

for the Eugene/Springfield business community in the coming new year.

Happy New Year!

Poet Rita Dove summed it up well when she said, “There are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.”

When it comes to the topic of public safety in downtown and other commercial districts, a good part of the community dialogue often focuses on what is going wrong. In this issue of Open for Business we focus on the actions of business leaders who are facing the public safety challenges in their respective commercial districts. Examples of what is going right.

There is no denying the public safety challenges in downtown and other commercial districts. As a member of the Downtown Safety Task Team, a group of downtown and community interests formed to develop recommendations to city leadership, I helped identify four main areas that contribute to the problems in the city core, many of which could, at one time or another, could have applied to either the University District or Midtown area. They are:

• A lack of consequences for criminal behavior because of an inadequate police presence downtown and a shortage of jail beds, which served as a sanction for criminal activity.
• The presence of behaviors ranging from illegal to obnoxious.
• The lack of a cohesive, coordinated downtown public safety plan, including resources such as staff, facilities and treatment.
• The debilitated state of many physical spaces in the downtown (e.g., empty storefronts, dark corners), which invite illegal activities.

These are significant challenges. At the same time, there are positive stories to tell about how business and property owners have stepped up to address public safety challenges:

• Businesses in the downtown formed a special services district more than a decade ago, voluntarily agreeing to tax themselves to create resources to fund, through Downtown Eugene, Inc., the Downtown Guides, graffiti abatement and other strategies to make downtown clean and safe.
• University District businesses also formed a special services district to fund a portion of a police officer dedicated to providing community policy services in the district, West University Guides and more. Over the last decade the collaborative efforts of the University Small Business Association (USBA), the City of Eugene, University of Oregon and PeaceHealth Oregon Region have made significant strides in turning around a significant public safety challenge in the commercial district adjoining the University.

Through commitment, collaboration and good strategic thinking, I am confident that as a community we can make a difference in our downtown. The business community, through the Chamber and Downtown Eugene, Inc., has and will continue to move beyond complaining and, instead, actively participate in finding solutions to the public safety challenges in our commercial districts.

Dave Hauser is president of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. As the area’s leading business advocate, the Chamber 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.

The key trends shaping cities and region are fairly well-known: 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 one 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.”

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

•Young Professionals Network (YPN). The focus of YPN is to provide programs specifically targeted to meet the needs of young professionals for networking, professional and personal development, community involvement, awareness and influence.
•Entrepreneurial programs. Through Chamber initiatives such as the entrepreneurial support group SmartUps and the investor-focused Willamette Angel Network and conference, we’re supporting new ideas and business success.
•Partnership with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Since 1986, we’ve worked together to promote and foster the development of volunteer leadership. While not exclusively for young professionals, Leadership Eugene-Springfield (LES) has attracted participants who have used the program to establish meaningful volunteer leadership roles in our community that meet the area’s need for the active participation of informed, skilled and motivated community leaders.
•A central role in the creation of the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene (ABAE). This new group enriches the cultural life of our community by acting as a catalyst for creating dynamic partnerships between the art, 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 president of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. As the area’s leading business advocate, the Chamber 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.

 

The Joint Elected Officials, including the Lane County Commissioners, Eugene City Council, and Springfield City Council, recently voted to send the issue of a functional consolidation to the respective city councils for public input and council discussion. While both the Eugene and Springfield city councils expressed general support for the cost savings and increased efficiencies that could come of such a move, both are looking for feedback from citizens, and an opportunity to explore the best process for merging administrative functions. Unless schedules change, the Eugene City Council will consider this issue in January.
 
The Eugene Chamber has weighed in supporting proposal for cooperative services increases, or a form of merger between the Eugene Fire Department and Springfield Fire and Life Safety. Regardless what form the merger takes, the Eugene Chamber believes the increased collaboration will deliver an improved level of services and cost savings to improve overall community safety and free up funds for other essential services long term.

Independent consultants and fire department staff have estimated cost savings and cost avoidance that could add up to a total of $850,000 in savings annually through streamlined administration and staff attrition. The Eugene Chamber of Commerce in the past has congratulated Fire Chiefs Dennis Murphy and Randy Groves for thinking outside the box to try to best serve their communities and the region; while it is still early in the process, the city councils are to be commended for their willingness to take steps forward in considering these new methods of service delivery, and we encourage them to continue searching for cost savings and improved efficiencies. 

The Mayor and City Council can be contacted at mayorandcc@ci.eugene.or.us to express support for the consolidation.   

The full background and report can be found HERE.
 

The Eugene inventory of available commercial and industrial lands continues to proceed at a steady pace. Last week the city council adopted a resolution accepting the draft products of the assessment.  This puts the City of Eugene in compliance with the 2007 Legislation, House Bill 33337, that compelled the cities of Eugene and Springfield to undertake the inventory.

After concerns arose about the assumptions used by the city’s consultants to compile the current inventory, the Chamber worked with the Homebuilders Association and neighborhood representatives to encourage the City Council to adopt a revised timeline for adopting a final inventory. After accepting the draft language, the City Council will adopt the final, improved inventory in April 2010, then will still be on track to adopt a new Urban Growth Boundary in February 2011.

John Sheppard, owner of Sheppard Motors, has been selected to receive the prestigious 2009 First Citizen Award. Sheppard will receive the award at the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Business on January 20, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Hilton Eugene & Conference Center.

The First Citizen Award is given annually to an individual who made notable contributions to our community through business and community service efforts. The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has presented the award each year since 1938. Sheppard was selected by a panel of former First Citizen honorees.

John Sheppard has been owner and partner of Sheppard Motors since 1972. Sheppard has long dedicated his time to the community, including serving as Chair of the Board of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in 1990. He’s been a major supporter and contributor to the Rotary Duck Race for the past 15 years in an effort to help fight child abuse in Lane County. Sheppard has been a large supporter of the Arts, including the Eugene Symphony, the Eugene Opera, The Shedd Institute, and the Oregon Bach Festival.

• The Celebration of Business is one of the area’s premier professional events, with over 650 business and community leaders in attendance each year.
• The event includes celebrating the Future First Citizen: local high school students at top of their class pursuing their dreams as well as the best interests of others.
• Recognition of extraordinary Chamber volunteers, our Shining Stars.

Contact the Eugene Chamber of Commerce at 541-484-1314 for reservations. Tickets are $75 each, which includes dinner and the evening program.
 

This holiday season look no further than downtown Eugene for the perfect place to enjoy the holiday spirit. Downtown Eugene Inc., the Eugene Chamber and the City of Eugene are bundling up all of the seasonal events downtown and wrapping them up in one big, festive package.
 
There will be events and seasonal goodies for all ages! Theaters, including The Actors Cabaret and The Shedd, will host live performances of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. The David Minor Theater will show holiday-themed movies, including the old favorite, It’s A Wonderful Life. High school choirs will perform holiday carols before select events, and the Hult Center will feature live performances of The Nutcracker. Downtown Eugene is the season’s destination this year, with lights, music, movies, live shows and lots of shopping and dining.

To make it even more convenient, the City of Eugene is offering FREE parking downtown from now through New Year’s Day. A total of ninety-four parking spaces will be clearly marked to indicate that parking is free for ninety minutes between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The holiday free parking program expands current free parking options downtown. Free parking is always available on the weekends and for the first hour on weekdays in the City’s downtown parking garages, except during signed events. Come be a part of the fun, the hustle and bustle, and the holiday spirit this month in downtown Eugene.
 

On January 1st, 2010, a law will go into effect that requires building owners to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available on the premises. The law affects facilities over 50,000 square feet where business is conducted AND twenty-five or more people will congregate or pass through in the course of the day. Note that this requirement pertains to building owners, not tenants. Private residences and places of worship are exempt.  Training is not required, nor are exact locations within a facility specified.
 
AEDs are portable electronic devices that can automatically diagnose and treat cardiac arrest. They are designed for use by a layperson. Most models cost between $1,000 and $2,500.

For more information, or to learn how to acquire an AED, businesses can contact the Health & Safety Institute. Health and Safety Institute provides AEDs and AED training, and is providing a special discount through December 31st to those businesses who mention “Oregon AED”. Contact HSI  through their AED webpage, www.hsi.com/oregonaed or call 541-284-3898 to speak to client services about the Oregon AED special.

If you saw the Profile about Birth To Three and David and Tracie Gonyea in November’s “Open For Business,” you also saw the Chamber in action.

Birth To Three is a recipient of “Chamber Cares,” the Chamber’s initiative to help area non-profits. Birth To Three was one of several selected. Each recipient is receiving support via a spotlight in Open For Business, inclusion in the monthly all-member mailing, and placement of a poster in the Chamber lobby.

Birth To Three’s executive director, Minalee Saks, says, “Any increase in donations in times of economic stress means Birth To Three will be better able to maintain parenting programs, thus continuing to help local families create the nurturing environment all children should have.”

Opportunities include the annual campaign and business sponsorships of Cirque de Famille. Learn more about Birth To Three at http://www.birthto3.org or on Facebook.

Marilyn Milne

Communications Director

Birth To Three

birthto3.org

541-434-4356

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce honored this year’s Emerald Award winners on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the sixth annual awards ceremony. The following winners were announced in four categories:
 

• Emerald Award for Community Caring: The Register-Guard
• Emerald Award for Environmental Values: Hamilton Construction
• Emerald Award for Growth: Cafe' Yumm!
• Emerald Award for Innovation: Avant Assessment

Palo Alto Software was previously announced as the winner of the third annual Business of the Year award.

Thank you to the Emerald Award sponsors: Isler CPA (presenting sponsor); Detlefsen Nel & Associates LLC; Jones & Roth CPAs and Business Consultants; Bank of America and Eugene Water & Electric Board. Media Sponsor: Chambers Productions.

To learn more about the Emerald Awards visit the Emerald Awards website.
 

If you've never been to the Eugene Emerald Awards you're missing the best business awards ceremony in our community.

Tomorrow night | Tuesday, October 6th At the Hult Center
Reception: 5:00 – 6:00pm; Program: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Register now Emerald Awards event or call the Chamber at 484-1314.
The cost is only $25 per person

Listen to remarkable stories about local businesses and the ways in which they contribute to the area’s quality of life in each of the award categories: Community Caring, Innovation, Growth and Environmental Values, and will culminate with a stellar presentation of this year’s Business of the Year award to Palo Alto Software.

Enjoy networking and making connections at an elegant reception featuring lively jazz music and delicious hors d’oeuvres followed by our award ceremony in the elegant Soreng Theater.
 
Be inspired by a keynote address from Richard Lariviere, President of the University of Oregon.