Eugene Small Business

The A Champion in Education (ACE) Awards program is a collaborative effort between the Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce and the Eugene, Bethel, and Springfield School Districts with support from local businesses. The purpose of the ACE Awards is to recognize excellence in education among local teachers, administrators, classified staff and volunteers while reinforcing the important connection between education, business and a healthy local economy.

Twelve awards are presented each year with winners receiving a $1,000 monetary award for a project or program in their school. Winners are also honored at an elegant event at the Hult Center in Eugene on Thursday, May 6th. Over the past four years local schools have received over $45,000 through this program.

How can you support this program?

·         Nominate a deserving local educator

·         Participate as a Supporting Sponsor

·         Attend the event

Call Kim Clark, Events Manager at (541) 242-2354 or e-mail kimc@eugenechamber.com for more information.

The ACE Awards wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses including our 5th annual presenting sponsor Oregon Community Credit Union, reception sponsor Pacific Source Health Plans, nomination software sponsor All Academic, and supporting sponsors SELCO Community Credit Union, brass/Media Inc., Horace Mann Insurance, and Hamilton Construction.
 

Major community decisions are being made that will affect the future vitality of our downtown, and of our city as a whole. The planning process for the overall design concept for the EWEB Master Plan is coming to a head and the project consultants are preparing to present the overall design concept at a public meeting TONIGHT.   

Please attend the public meeting on TONIGHT, Wednesday, Mar. 3, at the Eugene Hilton at 6:30pm to make your voice heard, and give your input about what you would like to see happen on the EWEB site.

You don’t have to be a land use expert. Just show up, and share your perspective on this site. Register by email at eweb@rowellbrokaw.com or visit www.eugeneriverfront.com for more information. As you likely know, the Eugene Water & Electric Board is creating a new master plan for its riverfront property, much of which will be sold after they move their operations to Roosevelt Blvd, in west Eugene. 

Rowell Brokaw Architects, based in downtown Eugene, and a Chamber member, is leading the master planning process.

The process has been assisted by a nine-member Community Advisory Team, made up of community members from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, and co-chaired by Eugene Chamber President, Dave Hauser.

The outcome of this master plan process will have a major impact on the ability to connect our downtown to the river, and to allow increased river access by citizens and visitors. The success of this project could not have greater implications for our city’s livability, the vitality of our downtown, and the success of the business community.

We hope you will make time to participate on TONIGHT, Wednesday, Mar. 3rd. We look forward to seeing you at the Hilton at 6:30pm.
 

Join FireMed, Mac’s Catering and Parties to Go for a memorable networking experience at one of Eugene’s best kept secrets – the Veteran’s Memorial Building. Attend the Business After Hours on March 18th and learn about FireMed, check out the event facilities at the Vet’s Club, enjoy a smorgasbord of mouth-watering cuisine by Mac’s Catering and ambiance created by Parties to Go.

Register online at the Chamber’s website.

Nine months after it was enacted, the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 went into effect on Feb. 22, 2010, granting credit card holders new consumer protection rights.

This information, supplied by the Better Business Bureau, recommends that all consumers review the new provisions set forth by the Credit CARD Act of 2009:

More Notice for New Interest Rate Changes. Card issuers must give cardholders 45-days advance notice in the event of an interest rate change. Additionally, promotional rates must apply for at least six months and, unless disclosed up front, cardholders cannot have their rate increased in the first year.

Cardholder Opt-Out.  If there are significant changes made to the terms of the account, cardholders can choose to reject those changes and will have five years to pay off the balance under the original terms.

Older Age Restrictions Added. Card issuers are no longer allowed to issue a credit card to anyone under 21 unless they can prove they have the means to repay debt or if an adult over 21 co-signs on the account. Credit card companies also face new restrictions on how they can promote cards to college students and can no longer offer free gifts as enticements on campuses.

New Rules for Monthly Statements. In response to complaints that bill due dates were being moved up—and leading to increased late fees—monthly statements must now be mailed or delivered 21 days prior to the due date. Additionally, card issuers can no longer set a payment deadline before 5 p.m. and cannot charge cardholders if they pay online, over the phone or by mail—unless the payment is made over the phone either on the due date or the previous day.

Overpayments Go Toward Highest Interest Balances. If the cardholder has varied interest rates for different services or accounts, any overpayments must be applied to the account that is incurring the highest interest rate.

Over the Limit Opt-In. Cardholders must opt-in to be able to exceed their credit limit—and subsequently be charged an over-limit fee by the issuer. If a cardholder chooses not to opt-in, then he or she will not be able to exceed their credit limit and incur any resultant fees.

Increased Disclosure on Minimum Payments. Card issuers must disclose how long it will take the cardholder to pay off their bill if they only pay the minimum monthly payment as well as how much the cardholder would need to pay every month to pay off the balance in 36 months.

Say Goodbye to Double-Billing Cycles. When calculating finance charges, card issuers can no longer employ two-cycle or double billing—a method that causes cardholders to pay interest on previously paid balances.

For a comprehensive summary of new consumer protections through the Credit CARD Act of 2009, click here.

The February class of the Chamber’s Leadership Eugene-Springfield (LES) program studied the state and local land use system, and discussed some of the constraints that come with a lack of available commercial, industrial, and residential land. Class members also had an opportunity to participate in a group activity deliberating the prospect of urban growth boundary adjustment for Eugene and Springfield.

Each year, LES participants undertake an eight month course of study preparing them to assume increased volunteer, appointed, and elected leadership roles. With over twenty years of shaping leaders in the Eugene-Springfield area, the program provides members with a number of critical leadership and communications skills, coupled with a broad understanding of issues and challenges facing local governments and non-profits. 

The 2009-2010 class will graduate in May. The Chamber will begin accepting applications for the 2010-2011 program late this spring. To inquire about the program, or join the “interested parties” list for upcoming classes, contact Jared Mason-Gere, Director of Business Advocacy, at JaredM@eugenechamber.com or 541-242-2355.
 

The Local Government Affairs Council (LGAC) is a committed group of business leaders that meet nearly every Friday morning to study, discuss, and take action on the many pressing public policy issues that impact our community’s economic prosperity.  From enterprise zones to Downtown development to public safety funding, LGAC has led the charge for policies that encourage increased livability and economic vitality at the city, county, and state levels.

In January,  LGAC had several vacant positions, which attracted a tremendous level of interest, resulting in nearly fifteen applications from business leaders interested in helping chart the Chamber’s course and take a more active role in the Chamber’s public policy and advocacy work.   The Chamber works hard to maintain a broad representation of our membership.   We are excited to announce the following new Local Government Affairs Council members, who bring a wealth and breadth of perspectives and expertise:

o   Wendy Baker- Wendy J. Baker, Attorney at Law

o   Rob E. Bennett- Downtown Athletic Club

o   Julie Daniel- BRING Recycling

o   Jeanine Jackson- Pacific Benefit Planners

o   Ben Sappington- Pacific Continental Bank

o   Tenille Woodward-  Kernutt Stokes Brandt &Co.
 

We congratulate these members for their appointments, and thank them for their willingness to serve their Chamber and their community.
 

As part of its on-going effort to support entrepreneurship and innovation in the region, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is producing the Willamette Angel Conference, an investor conference, connecting early stage and seed businesses with angel and venture investors.  Entrepreneurs and start-ups can submit their business plans for review and coaching, ultimately vying for a minimum $125,000 investment.  The event is set for May 13, 2010 at the historic McDonald Theatre in Eugene. The Chamber is currently accepting business plan submissions from emerging growth companies, headquartered in Oregon, seeking between $200,000 and $2 million in investment capital.

Click here to learn more or to submit your company’s plan before midnight, Feb 16th in order to take advantage of the Early-Bird discount.

Learn how to measure and improve your business’ customer service. Join the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Holdings for this informative seminar on Tuesday, March 2 from 1-4 PM at the Lane Community College Center for Meeting and Learning. Discover how to:

·         Create a customer service culture

·         Make a big impact in a small window of time

·         Manage what you measure

Then join us for a Q&A session with some of this area’s top leaders in customer service including: George Rogers of Valley River Inn and Steve Smith of Les Schwab Tire Center. There are a limited number of seats available, so don’t miss out! Register early at the Eugene Chamber website.


            
 

Join the Eugene Greeters during the month of February for business and social networking and a chance to learn more about area businesses and events including:

2/12 Alyssa Barth: "Princess for a Day" with the Lane County Foster Group - designed to be a gift for nearly 200 foster children in the community.

2/19 Bev Smith: Kidsports – Children and Families Understanding the Value of Physical Fitness, Sportsmanship and Teamwork.

2/26 Jeannie Staton: How Business Success, Career Achievements and Contributions to the Community Made Her the 2009 Women Business Leader of the Year.

The Eugene Greeters meet every Friday morning at Mallard Hall from 7:30 – 9AM. Learn more.
 

Recently the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce received the City’s Community Recognition Award for two separate categories. The Community Recognition Award, a standard based on the goals of City Council, is awarded once a year to a group or organization that advocates and supports goals set out by the City Council. For their hard work and contribution to the drafting of form based code for the Walnut Station Node, the Chamber, along with the University of Oregon and the Fairmount Neighbors Association, received the Community Recognition Award for contributing to “Effective, Accountable Municipal Government.”

In a partnership with Downtown Eugene Incorporated, the Chamber received the Community Recognition Award, recognizing their commitment to making Eugene a safe place to live and work. For the downtown guides; a Chamber-sponsored program, we are honored to accept this year’s Community Recognition Award for contributing to a “Safe Community.” We are pleased to have the opportunity to help improve safety in Eugene.

We would like to give a special thanks to Tim Campbell, Bruce Mulligan, and Gary Wildish, from the Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Council, who spent hours working through the various aspects of the draft code language to ensure that developers will have the leeway they need in order to build, and existing businesses are protected in their current locations.
 

EUGENE – Geffan Pearlson, a senior at South Eugene High School, was 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 contribution to the community and their respective schools.

As a National Honor Society member and team leader, one of Geffen Pearlson’s roles is to encourage community service among her peers. Students at South Eugene High School get plenty of real-life encouragement, as Geffen is a student who models the saying: “Lead by example!” At Centro Latino Americano, Geffen uses her Spanish-speaking skills to do translation for Latino families seeking jobs and birth and marriage certificates. She also volunteers for the Eugene Middle East Peace Group, organizing events, providing childcare, and giving speeches at programs promoting peace in the Middle East.

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. But as Geffen speaks English, Hebrew, Arabic, and Spanish, her college plans include the 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 received scholarships whose funds were given by past Eugene First Citizens and KeyBank, sponsor of the chamber’s Celebration of Business 2010. The awards were presented at the chamber’s annual Celebration of Business on Wednesday, January 20.
 

Images Eugene offers opportunities for local businesses to gain exposure through print and online advertising avenues. Distributed throughout the year and available online at all times, Images Eugene provides relevant community information, highlights Eugene’s progressive business climate and showcases the region’s quality of place while also reinforcing advertiser credibility.

View the current online edition of Images Eugene at imageseugene.com.

For more information on becoming a part of Images Eugene contact Brian Sutton at (541) 484-1314, Toll-free at (800) 333-8842 or by e-mail at bsutton@jnlcom.com.

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.