open for business magazine - february/march 2014 issue

FOR BUSINESS VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1

USA $3.95 CANADA $6.95

ThE EUgENE ArEA ChAMbEr Of COMMErCE: CELEbrATINg…PrOMOTINg…INfOrMINg bUSINESS

GenerationNextA look at the chamber’s efforts to attract and retain

young professionals in our area

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features

10Doing “what’s right” since 1993, Schweitzer’s Automotive Center has turned into a Eugene-area small-

business success story.

18Hear predictions for 2014 at The Chamber’s annual Economic Forecast, featuring expert

speakers and a keynote address by Governor Kitzhaber.

Columns/ Departments

5Chamber @ Work

6Four Questions

26Last Call by Dave Hauser

ADVERTISER INDEX

Publisher

David Hauser, CCE

editor

Susan G. Miller, Director of Publications & Information Systems

eugene Chamber exeCutive Committee

Sheryl Balthrop, Chair Gaydos, Churnside & Balthrop PC

Tom Herrmann, Chair-Elect Gleaves Swearingen LLP

Marvin Re’Voal, Past-Chair PBP Insurance

Cathy Worthington, Treasurer Worthington Business Services

advertising

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce 541.484.1314

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Asbury Design 541.344.1633

Printing

Shelton Turmbull 541.687.1214

eugene area Chamber of CommerCe

1401 Willamette St. Eugene, OR 97401

541.484.1314

www.Facebook.com /EugeneChamber

Open for Business: A publication of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce (USPS-978-480).

Open for Business is published bimonthly by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in February, April, June, August, October and December. Circulation: 3,800.

Open For Business © 2014

The subscription price is $25, included in membership. Periodicals Postage Paid at Eugene, OR.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1107, Eugene, OR 97440-1107

FOR BUSINESS VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1

USA $3.95 CANADA $6.95

ThE EUgENE ArEA ChAMbEr Of COMMErCE: CELEbrATINg…PrOMOTINg…INfOrMINg bUSINESS

GenerationNextA look at the chamber’s efforts to attract and retain

young professionals in our area

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Cover story

12How the Eugene Chamber is working to attract and retain young business leaders in our community.

Pictured: Brent MacCluer, partner at AHM Brands; Jenny Bennett, assistant vice president and director of marketing at Siuslaw Bank; andGreg Lyons, chief financial officer at Western Shelter Systems

Photography by David Loveall www.loveallphoto.com

Art Direction by Asbury Design www.asburydesign.net

THIS ISSUEf E b r U A r Y / M A r C h 2 0 1 4

Oakshire Brewing’s Travis Hanson on the value of Chamber membership. Page 6

$PAC-076_GAME_EugeneCham-OpenForBusMag_7.375x4.8125_AugSep13.indd 1 6/27/13 2:41 PM

24 Arts and Business Alliance16 Asbury Design15 Chambers Productions23 City of Eugene Bold Steps27 Eugene Airport 19 Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

21 Eugene Emeralds Baseball20 Evergreen Roofing 11 Feeney Wireless 8 Harrang Long Gary Rudnick PC4 Hershner Hunter LLP7 Home Federal Bank22 Isler CPA

28 Kernutt Stokes 23 LCC Small Business Development Center & Employer Training Services 17 McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center17 Moss Adams

2 Pacific Continental Bank 20 Parr Lumber 16 Summit Bank 2, 25 Trillium Community Health Plan

hink well. Be well.™

www.trilliumchp.com

541-431-1950800-910-3906

1800 Millrace Drive Eugene, OR 97403

hanks for sinking your teeth intoour Smiles Dental plan for small business :-)

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 2 0 1 4 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 5

Advocating for downtown EugeneThrough partnerships with organizations that have a stake in downtown, the Chamber continues to advocate for the increased prosperity of downtown Eugene.

We collaborate with the Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene; Downtown Eugene, Inc.; City of Eugene; and other entities to ensure that our city’s core continues to advance itself as the economic center of the community.

With more connection to the University of Oregon, continued investment and a steady stream of newly established storefronts, the Chamber stays on top of issues related to business advocacy, policy and overall quality of life in the downtown.

Our membership diversityIn 2013, the Chamber had an exceptional year for membership, with 212 local businesses joining, making 2013 one of the best in the past decade for membership growth. Here are some insights into the diverse types of businesses that make up the Eugene Chamber.

76%are small businesses consisting of fewer than 10 employees

Make a resolution to be more involved in 2014

Chamber members and their guests enjoy Business After Hours – one of many Chamber networking events.

We’re proud that Mario Conte, a leader in our Litigation Practice Group, has been rec-ognized as one of Eugene’s 20 Under 40 Rising Business Stars. The award means that others see and recognize what we experience every day: a talented and committed attorney doing great things, both on and off the job.

But Mario’s not alone. He’s just one of our new generation of dynamic legal talent who are dedicated to helping our clients and community achieve their goals. Our stars are bright, and we’re proud of all of them. 541-686-8511 | hershnerhunter.com

Mario Conte Partner

ARE VISIBLE STARS

NIGHT AND

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CHAMBER@WORK

We all get bogged down with to-do lists, appointments and Inbox replies, which makes one more event email from the Chamber pretty easy to delete. Whether a long-time or recently joined member, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has some things worth your second look in 2014.

From our annual awards ceremony celebrating and recognizing local educational successes to a stress-free day out on the golf course to our monthly business networking events, your Chamber is working to open up doors for you to make new business contacts. Or perhaps you can just help introduce a friend on the job market, or meet other people in our community.

The benefits of networking can’t be oversold in a world where it’s all about who you know. Let us help connect you to your next business partner, your next advocate or your next employer.

11%are independent consultants in their field

8%are non-profit organizations

6%represent the food industry

7%represent the art and recreation category

8%represent the health and wellness field

9%represent the technical field

5%are businesses in the lodging/housing category

5%represent manufacturing

The remainder falls into the professional services category, including insurance, law, property management and financial services.

The Chamber celebrates its diverse membership. Where does your business land?

6 OPEN FOR BUSINESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Travis hansonOakshire Brewing

1. What was your first real job?I left college early to play profes-

sional baseball. Can you call that a real job? I learned more about teamwork, dedication, work ethic and communica-tion than I could have any other way. In the end, work is fun if you are doing what you want to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing professional sports or working for a brewery.

2. What is the best thing about being in business in Eugene/Springfield?

I’ve only been here for five years, but

it seems like we have some real positive momentum in the business community, and it is infectious. The more I talk to people, the more I hear about success and great things happening. I’ll admit that I’m

an optimist, because angry people make me mad, but many people who have been here for decades say that this is the most positive change and growth they’ve ever seen in Eugene/Springfield.

3. What would you tell your friends about the Eugene Area Chamber?

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is a great starting point for all kinds of conversations. Whether you are starting a new company, looking for leads for your current company or wondering if there are other business community members who feel strongly about a local issue, the Chamber staff can provide great advice or point you in the direction of someone else who can.

Continued on page 9

FOUR qUESTIONSWe asked three young professionals to respond to four questions that give insight into their lives and their work

Theron CooperDC Fine Homes & Interiors

1. What was your first real job?

I was hired as a corporate sales account executive for a wireless company in Port-land back in 2001. I eventually worked my way up into a marketing position.


I thoroughly enjoy how tight-knit this community is. I feel Eugene pro-vides ample opportunity for profession-al growth while offering an exceptional quality of life.

3. What would you tell your friends about the Eugene Area Chamber?

The Eugene Area Chamber is a great support to business professionals, providing endless resources to local businesses and to the community as a whole. The Chamber is truly passionate about the success of its members and the economic growth of the Eugene/Springfield area.

4. What is one piece of advice for other young professionals on how they can succeed in Eugene/Springfield?

My career in marketing has grown by building strong relationships with the people I do business with. I believe making the client’s goals your first priority is essential in order to have a true partnership with them and their business.

MyHomeFed.com

Call your local Home Federal Bank today!Eugene Downtown (541) 344-5424 Eugene Coburg Rd. (541) 345-9430 Eugene Santa Clara (541) 689-3313 Eugene West (541) 338-7650Springfi eld Gateway (541) 741-8280

My Personal Service.My HomeFed.

My Driving Force.

In the auto business, we know what good service should be. It’s more than just looking under

the hood or kicking the tires. At Autohaus, we promise our customers the best, and we expect

no less from the bank that works for us. That is why we depend on Home Federal Bank. They

take the time to really look at what we need and help drive us to succeed.

George Rode, OwnerAutohaus

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Will ShaverEmberex, Inc.

1. What was your first real job?While in high school in the late ‘90s

I spent a summer playing computer games. For money. Dynamix was still at the Riverfront Research Park, and busi-ness was great for the local, computer game firm.

Being paid to find the errors in computer games as a quality-assurance tester was far better than the odd manual labor jobs I’d done in the past, building fences, bucking hay and hanging drywall. It also gave me great respect for the importance of thorough software testing that has stuck with me throughout my career. After Dynamix was bought and shuttered, many of the key employees remained in the Eugene area and started a number of the well-known software firms in town.


I have a philosophy that I encourage everyone to follow: live in your paradise. Eugene is mine. I love our mild climate, our fitness-focused culture and the availability of local and organic food at every corner. Clearly the best thing about being in business here is being here.

3. What would you tell your friends

about the Eugene Area Chamber?The Chamber is what you make it. As

a member organization it has changed over the years with the community it draws from. If you get involved, the Chamber’s interests and membership will become more aligned with yours.


For any profession, and especially those in an entrepreneurship role, so much about success is who you know. How many new connections do you want to make in 2014?

Continued from page 6


Network. I am not very good at it and am constantly working on it. Networking doesn’t necessarily mean looking for a new job or lead. It means

building relationships that provide value in any one of many ways. You never know when a conversation over a cup of coffee will trigger an idea that leads you to make a major change in the way you do things at work, in the community or at home. I am so thank-ful for the relationships that I am trying to cultivate throughout the community, many of which started at the Chamber.

“The Chamber is what you make it. ... If you get involved, the Chamber’s interests and membership will become more aligned with yours.”

“I am so thankful for the relationships that I am trying to cultivate ... many of which started at the Chamber.”

four Questions

harrang.com541.485.0220

PORTLAND EUGENE SALEM

Business in Oregon is growing.

So are we.

Meet our latest additions!

Ranked Tier 1 in Eugene for:Commercial Litigation Employment Law for Management

Ranked Tier 1 in Portland for:Administrative/Regulatory LawAppellate PracticeCommercial LitigationProfessional Malpractice Defense

Rick LarsonBusiness & Estate Planning Attorney

[email protected]

Rick has over 30 years of experience and is well regarded in the Eugene community. He regularly assists clients with all aspects of estate planning and his business practice includes the formation (or restructuring) of

businesses, financial transactions, and commercial leasing.

“Decisions about structuring your company or creating a will or estate plan are some of the most challenging choices a person can face,” Rick said. “I enjoy alleviating my clients’ concerns around these processes by helping them articulate their goals and developing legal documents that achieve their desired outcomes.”

New Member of Our Eugene Business Team

New Shareholder Andrea CoitBusiness & Trial Attorney

[email protected]

We are proud and excited to announce that Andrea Coit is now a shareholder with HLGR! Andrea has been with the firm since 2001. Before being named shareholder, she was a senior litigation associate. Andrea is an experienced litigator whose practice includes a wide

range of civil defense matters in state and federal courts. Her practice focuses on defending clients in professional negligence, civil rights, products liability, and employment claims.

Regardless of the case, Andrea’s objective is to resolve her clients’ problems in the most pragmatic and efficient manner available under the circumstances. That may involve a mediated settlement or adversarial litigation; either way, she ensures her clients are fully informed and comfortable with the chosen strategy.

1 0 OPEN FOR BUSINESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Keeping business, cars running Doing what’s right is the mission of Schweitzer’s Automotive Center

Schweitzer’s Automotive Center started as a two-bay auto care facility in 1993. Since then, the shop has turned into a successful business servicing more than 2100 vehicles each year.

The 11,000-square-foot facil-ity features 18 vehicle bays with three technicians. Two of the technicians are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master techs, meaning they are certified in all facets of vehicle repairs.

“We do everything from basic oil filter changes, to fleet vehicles and custom street looks,” said owner Dave Schweitzer. “And, we are able to per-form diagnostics that other shops are unable to do.”

Since day one, Schweitzer and his team have been guided by their mission to “do what’s right” – take care of customers and give them great service. For their commitment to excellent service and top-quality work, the shop was certified as an ASE Blue Seal Certified Repair Facility and an AAA Rated Facility.

“Under the supervision of our service advisor, David Allen, our employees are dedicated to providing customers a memorable and exceptional experience,” Schweitzer said. “David is honest and friendly, and he treats customers the way he would want to be treated. This is a key aspect to our high rate of returning clientele.”

Schweitzer is equally committed to making his business an excellent place to work. In an industry where turnover is high, he has been able to retain valuable employees.

“It starts with treating your employ-ees like names instead of numbers,” he said. “I provide good benefits and take care of them, just as they take care of me.”

Schweitzer encourages anyone in the community to call or stop by.

Bring It.I don’t let wardrobe malfunctions get me down, just like I don’t let device malfunctions take business operations down. M2M technology is meant to thrive in an imperfect world. With my band of FW sidekicks, we’ll tackle anything life throws in our face…or yours.

Feeney Manfeeneywireless.com

Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce

Dave Schweitzer, owner of Schweitzer’s Automotive Center, says their mission is “do what’s right.”

For more information

n To learn more about Schweitzer’s Automotive Center visit, http://www.thecardoctor.net or call (541) 342–1664.

small business sPotlight

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 2 0 1 4 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 1 3

Generation

NExTThe Chamber works

to develop, retain young leaders in our community

By TrACy ILEnE MILLEr PHOTO By DAvID LOvEALL

IF YoU WoN THE loTTERY, sure you might spend more time in Hawaii, but if you have to get up every day and work, there is no place else like Eugene where you can live the good life.”

Brent MacCluer has nothing but appreciation for Eugene.“I’m very pro Eugene,” he says. A partner at AHM Brands, which specializes in marketing

communications, MacCluer grew up in Myrtle Point, or-egon, and had every intention of moving to los Angeles after graduating from the School of Journalism and Communica-tion (SoJC) at the University of oregon. But first there was the opportunity of an internship at Fox affiliate KlSR, a sales manager position at Comcast, where he said he learned how to work for corporate America, and then he formed AHM Brands with his two partners 10 years ago.

“I think, with professional development, you can only get out of it what you put in it,” MacCluer says. “What Eugene has that other cities don’t is, it supports a lifestyle, the chance to have a good life while you put together your professional network.”

Young professionals of today show a preference for qualify of life, work flexibility and urban areas that they can live and play in. In a Monster.com survey, 37 percent of workers ages 18 to 29 valued balance and flexibility between work and life the most, whereas only 17 percent of young workers

Cover story

AHM Brands partner Brent MacCluer, Siuslaw Bank assistant vice president Jenny Bennett, and Western Shelter Systems chief financial officer Greg Lyons have used their Chamber memberships to help their respective businesses.

“

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 2 0 1 4 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 1 51 4 OPEN FOR BUSINESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

considered compensation their primary working motivator.

And in 2000, young adults with a four-year degree were about 61 percent more likely to live in close-in urban areas than their counterparts with less education, but in 2011, that jumped to 94 percent. In Eugene, 40 percent of individuals over the age of 25 have a college degree, 11 percent higher than the state of oregon overall.

“I didn’t think I would be here as long as I have been, but I know now I’m not going anywhere,” says Jenny Bennett, assistant vice president and director of marketing at Siuslaw Bank since 2003.

Bennett also graduated from SoJC and landed a marketing job at a local law firm. Thirteen years later, she has started a fam-ily and appreciates Eugene even more as a small city.

“I have friends from New York, and they are working from 9 to 9:30,” Bennett says. “Eugene does enable us to have more work-life balance.”

like others, Bennett cites the mul-tiple recreational opportunities, the good schools, diverse arts and entertainment venues that rival many other metropolitan areas and the University of oregon as at-tractions of Eugene.

“Geographically speaking, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in oregon,” MacCluer says. “You are 90 minutes from the desert, the coast and a bigger city.”

But it’s not only the quality of life, in terms of recreation and cultural opportuni-ties, that make such staunch boosters of Eugene in the business community.

“If people are looking at this area, small business is a true driver for local and regional economics,” says Greg lyons, chief financial officer at Western Shelter Systems. “The business community can be under the radar for outsiders, but it is going strong. Eugene is an interesting blend of social, cultural and political nuances, and then you add in the business community that we are excited to see continue to grow.”

lyons, 35, grew up in Eugene, and always intended to come back after gradu-ating from oregon State University, with a job offer he had from Jones & Roth, where

he interned while in college. He had a so-cial network in place and a small-business sense, as he grew up around the family business, Dandelions Flowers & Gifts, but he says that building a professional career is different, requires different channels.

“You have to do business networking as a growing professional in Eugene, it’s extremely important for getting out there and building relationships,” lyons says. “In the long run, these become more valuable than an immediate sales pitch.”

No matter where you go, MacCluer says, it’s hard for any young person to start out after college on a successful career, especially in a down economy. But what Eugene offers young professionals is a good life, without the pressure to succeed im-mediately, while providing a solid structure for developing their professional network.

“I think kids coming out of college have such high expectations for immedi-ate success,” MacCluer says. “Eugene has good training wheels when you graduate,

for developing your understanding of the concept of networking.”

Chamber involvementA decade after his return to Eugene,

lyons says the networking offered by the Eugene Area Chamber gave him the deep connections in the community he needed to be successful, to find people he could confer with and bounce off business ideas.

“I’ve been involved in the Chamber my entire career,” lyons says.

And so have MacCluer and Bennett. The Eugene Area Chamber has been a vital part of these professionals’ developing success as college graduates and maturing professionals.

For MacCluer, 40, there was no Young Professionals Network at the Chamber when he graduated, but he says it is an amazing development that offers huge ben-efits. He nonetheless has been very active at the Chamber, including most recently as chairman of the Economic Development Committee, from 2009 to 2013.

The Young Professionals Network, manufacturing roundtables, workshops on business practices — in these and other ways the Chamber provides opportunities, lyons says, that help individuals thrive, as

“You have to do business networking ... it’s extremely important for getting out there and building relationships. In the long run, these become more valuable than an immediate sales pitch.”– Greg LyonsChief financial officer at Western Shelter Systems

a networking primer for young professionals“When I meet with University of Oregon students, I tell them there are two things you have to decide: What you want to do and where you want to live. If you’re uncertain about both of those things, that’s hard,” says Brent MacCluer, a partner at AHM Brands. “But if you decide that Eugene is the place you want to be, you will make it. Eugene is a small pond, but you can become a big fish in 10 years.”

And becoming involved in the Eugene Area Chamber is an important part of the growth and success of young professionals. Here’s how it maps out.

Phase 1: Attend all Business After Hours events.

Phase 2: Find other Chamber events to participate in.

Phase 3: Start to give back. Volunteer at the Chamber, either on a committee or help with a specific program, such as the Emerald Awards.

Phase 4: Outside of the Chamber, volunteer in the community.

well as businesses.Bennett started attending Business After

Hours events almost immediately upon graduating 13 years ago. She says it helped her form many important contacts. Bennett also joined the steering committee for the Chamber’s Women Business leaders group.

“I’m a big believer that, in order to be successful, you must surround yourself with people who are talented and successful,” Bennett says. “Pretty soon after graduating, I was able to develop a small network of contacts. That network expanded, and I credit a lot of the professional and personal relationships I have now to networking op-portunities provided by the Chamber.”

Community InvolvementNetworking and professional develop-

ment also comes strongly through involve-ment in Eugene community activities. It’s a big part of life, in general, in oregon, where community success is equated with community involvement and caring. Many

businesses allow employees to use work time to do volunteer work.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of strong women because of my involvement in the community,” Bennett says. “It is an easy place to find mentors.”

Bennett is currently the president-elect of the Shedd Institute of the Arts, a perform-ing arts company and educational institute, and a board member of the Relief Nursery, a non-profit child abuse and neglect prevention agency. She’s also on the steering committee for the marketing committee of the oregon

Bankers Association and past president of the Emerald Marketing Association.

lyons volunteers for the lane County Youth For Christ Board, oregon Track Club, is treasurer for the Shedd Institute, and has volunteered in the past for the Special olympics.

Bigger is not always betterIf a young professional chooses to be in

“... in order to be successful, you must surround yourself with people who are talented and successful.”– Jenny BennettAssistant vice president, Siuslaw Bank

Cover storyCover story

upcoming young Professionals network events

n February 6 - The Filling Station

n March 6 - Sweet Cheeks Winery

n April 3 - Boys & Girls Club

Events run from 5 - 7 pm. See www.eugenechamber.com for details.


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Eugene, because it is a small pond, it is easy to get traction, MacCluer says. You are not going to ever be just a number. The beauty of Eugene is its size.

“Eugene is small, and there are more limited opportunities than in a metropolitan area, but it has the full gamut of opportunity for people who want to be happy and suc-cessful,” MacCluer says.

“If you decide that Eugene is where you are going to live, start from the bottom, show up every day, participate in the Chamber, go to networking events, find some civic things you want to do, and you’ll find success.”

Strategies that attract, retain and engage energetic, educated and highly mobile young professionals ensure future workforce devel-opment needs will be met. At the center of those strategies are activities developed by the Eugene Area Chamber to promote and support their professional development, as well as promote businesses and a thriving downtown.


Cover story Did you know?According to the University of Oregon’s 2013 senior class exit survey, among those indicating an upcoming job location, 19.2% said that they were staying in Eugene, which beat out Portland (18.7%).

Also, among those who stay in Eugene, here are the areas they say their jobs are in:

Business and financial 20.7%/accounting Media 10.3%Science 6.9%Community and social 5.2%services Computer and 5.2%mathematical Office and administrative 5.2%support Education, training 3.4%and library Entertainment/sports 3.4%Transportation 3.4%Arts/design 1.7%

dA S B U R YD E S I G N

Better business websites.See our work at www.asburydesign.net


The 2014 Economic forecast features expert panelists and keynote address by the governor

The Eugene Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast 2014 features expert speakers providing insights and economic predictions for the coming year. This year’s program features:

Oregon’s Path to Prosperity – An examination of re-cent accomplishments, challenges and opportunities facing oregon’s economy featuring remarks from Duncan Wyse, President of the oregon Business Council and the Honorable Governor John Kitzhaber.

Assessing Eugene’s Business Climate – The strength of a community’s business climate is directly connected to local business success and effective economic development efforts. The Eugene Area Chamber, in partnership with the Eugene

Water and Electric Board (EWEB) will

reveal the results of the second annual analysis of our local business climate.

The register-Guard Panel of Economistsoregon’s leading economists analyze trends and help an-

ticipate the economic year ahead in a fast-paced, interactive, entertaining panel presentation featuring: Bill Conerly, Con-erly Consulting; Tom Potiowsky, Former State Economist and Professor of Economics at Portland State University; Ed Whitelaw, Founder and President of ECoNorthwest/Professor of Economics, University of oregon and Brian

Rooney, Regional Economist at the oregon Employment Department.

Economic Forecast features six of oregon’s leading economists, 600 top industry

and community leaders and a lot of information you can use to

help navigate your business. Register today at www.

eugenechamber.com.

eConomiC foreCast 2014

A powerhouse of information


Thank you To The following chamber members who supporTed The eugene chamber’s annual

membership dinner, celebraTe business 2014.

Presenting sPonsor: summit bank

“Friends oF the Chamber” table sPonsors: arnold gallagher pc, bigfoot beverages, builder’s electric, cawood, chambers construction, chambers productions, evans, elder & brown, funk/levis & associates, inc., gaydos, churnside & balthrop pc, hershner hunter llp, Jones & roth cpas, kVal-TV, lane electric cooperative, oregon community credit union, pbp insurance/cappelli miles, peacehealth, piVoT architecture, selectemp employment services, siuslaw bank, Trillium community health plan, wildish land company

additional suPPort Provided by: blue bus creatives, eugene wine cellars, hilton eugene & conference center, keZi 9 news & chamber communications, kVal-TV, past eugene first citizens, rhythm & blooms, silvan ridge winery, Valley river center

Thank youEconomic Forecast 2014n Monday, Feb. 10

n 2:30-5:00pm

n Hilton Eugene and

Conference Center.

n Keynote address by

Governor John Kitzhaber

n Register at

www.eugenechamber.com


Promotions/ New hiresPhotos appear left to right from top.

Lynne Swartz is the new executive director at the non-profit Parenting now!, formerly Birth To Three. The board of directors has elected its executive

committee, which includes: president Phil Weiler, University of Oregon; president-elect rachelle Bunnao villano, DDS, MS; secretary Laura Illig, Corinthian Consulting; and treasurer r L Widmer, CPA, Moss Adams LLP. The board welcomes Paula Kongsore, community volunteer, as a board member. www.parentingnow.org

Lane Transit District is pleased to welcome Shawna Bigelow, database/business intelligence analyst; Wayne rogers, IT technician; and Tim

Simon, service planner. www.ltd.org

Cindy roane has joined the U.S. Bank Business Banking team as a relationship manager. www.usbank.com

Kris redmond has joined Springfield/Eugene Habitat for Humanity as family services and volunteer coordinator. Donna Mcneil is the new executive assistant. www.sehabitat.org

Levett, Hamington and DeWolf.

Three new deans have joined the executive team at Lane Community College, including Dawn DeWolf, executive dean for Academic Affairs-Career Technical; Maurice Hamington, executive dean for Academic Affairs-Transfer and Kerry Levett, executive dean for Student Affairs. www.lanecc.edu

Wells Fargo Community Banking has named Kyle Banks affluent client segment sales coach. www.wellsfargo.com

PIvOT Architecture is pleased to announce the hiring of a new architect, Melody Meek, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Karen Williams, AIA, LEED AP BD+C as a project architect. www.pivotarchitecture.com

The Inn at the 5th has hired Jennifer nelson as its new general manager. www.innat5th.com

Funk/Levis & Associates is proud to announce the following new team members: Mindy DeForest, account manager and Trevor Steele, communications strategist. www.funklevis.com

Kayla Lamb and Sharlee Tergesen have been promoted to co-managers of staffing at new Horizons In-Home Care. www.eugeneinhomecare.com

Welcome Tayler Harrington, client services coordinator at KPD Insurance. www.kpdinsurance.com

Wells Fargo has appointed Trent Wagner to regional bank private banker in Eugene. www.wellsfargo.com

Tatiana Efremova has been hired by the WellMama board to be executive director. www.wellmama.org

Systems West Engineers has hired Tyler Bowers as mechanical engineer. www.systemswest

engineers.com

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Alexandra Hilsher has joined Hershner Hunter as an associate. www.hershnerhunter.

com

nEDCO is pleased to announce the addition of Lauren King, attorney with Leahy, Van Vactor, Cox & Melendy LLP, to

its Board of Directors.www.nedcocdc.org

The Board of Directors of the Eugene Symphony Association announced Dena Zaldua-Hilkene as

the new development director. www.eugenesymphony.org

Siuslaw Bank announced the promotion of Fawnda Thompson to vice president and manager of Siuslaw Mortgage.

www.siuslawmortage.com

Edward Tritcak has joined Hilton Eugene as a Portland-based sales manager. www.eugene.hilton.com

rick Crinklaw, Lane Electric general manager, was awarded the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA)

Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes managers of ORECA member systems for their outstanding

accomplishment and service to electric cooperatives. www.laneelectric.com

Siuslaw Bank announces the promotion of Jesse Williams from assistant controller to assistant vice

president and controller. www.siuslawbank.com

Gleaves Swearingen LLP is pleased to announce that Josh K. Smith and Cassie K. Jones, members of the firm’s litigation team, have been promoted to partners in the firm. www.gleaveslaw.com

Small Business Development Center 101 West 10th Ave., Suite 304, Eugene, OR 97401

541.463.6200 • LaneSBDC.com

Small Business Management

Program

an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution “Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration,

Oregon Business Development Department, and Lane Community College.”

Improve Your BusinessImprove Your Life

Congratulations to the 2014 Bold Steps Award Winner

Get in the running for the 2015 award.Learn more at eugene.gov/bold steps

Does your business have what it takes?

RaeJean Wilson and Alan Turanski of GloryBee Foods with Mayor Piercy

businessneWs

Gary Brandt, MD, has been named president of Oregon Medical Group and Karen Weiner, MD, has been named chief medical officer. Eric Sullivan is a new family physician

and Maureen McMahon is a new physician assistant at OMG’s Country Club Medical Center. Becky Howard, a board-certified nurse practitioner, has joined the Crescent Medical Clinic. www.oregonmedicalgroup.com

Anne Brix has joined Systems West Engineers as office manager. A graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in English, Anne is able to put her degree to work in

this multi-faceted role. www.systemswestengineers.com

Harrang Long Gary rudnick PC (HLGR) is pleased to announce that vaden Francisco, Jr. has joined the firm as an associate attorney in the Eugene office, Andrea

Coit has been named shareholder, and Jeff Heriot was recently promoted to director of administration and accounting manager. www.harrang.com

businessneWs



rachel Williams has launched Urban Fab Styling, a personal styling business that helps clients clear their closets of outfits

not to wear, put remarkable outfits together from clothing already owned and shop purposefully for new items. www.urbanfabstyling.com

KLCC news director Tripp Sommer has been named the 2014 Leo C. Lee Award recipient for his career commitment to public radio journalism, by the Public Radio News Director Inc. Under Sommer’s direction, KLCC has won more than 70 awards in PRNDI’s annual Excellence in Journalism competition and the station has trained hundreds of volunteer and student journalists. www.klcc.org

Tyree Oil, Inc. has purchased the Commercial Tank Wagon Fuel and Lubricants businesses of Tarr LCC. www.tyreeoil.com

The ALMA Foods ‘PDS’ (paste/dip/salsa) line from ALMA Catering is now available in 6 local locations: Capella Market, Olive Grand, Newman’s Fish Market, Long’s Meats, Benedetti Meats, and Marche Provisions....3 fusion flavors of Portuguese Red Pepper, Lemongrass, and Meyer Lemon/Olive will send your cooking creations over the top! www.almacatering.net

KudosOregon Community Foundation awarded Eugene Symphony Association $1,000 for afterschool music education and Pearl Buck Center $2,000 for the Comprehensive Preschool and Infant Programs within the Families with Special Needs Program. www.oregoncf.org

BrInG recycling has received a $35,000 grant from the following funds of the Oregon Community Foundation: Floyd Dement Charitable Fund; John and Betty Soreng Environmental Fund; R.W. Family Fund; and Redtail Fund. Funds will be used to complete the final phase of construction of the $3.2 million Planet Improvement Center, BRING’s headquarters in Glenwood. The Center combines an extensive retail outlet for used building materials with a conservation learning center. www.bringrecycling.org

ShelterCare was awarded the following grants: PacificSource Foundation, $29,902, to fund the medical respite program for homeless patients requiring housing and continued care to complete recovery; Barbara Emily Knudson Foundation, $10,000, to provide emergency housing and case management to homeless families in the Family Housing Program; and Trust Management, $5,000,

Sarah Maisel and C

raig Chee

Eugene a Go-Go is Eugene’s online hub for arts, culture and nightlife.

Whether you like electronica or ukelele, belong on the stage or in the audience, Eugene A Go-Go

is for you.

You’re Good

to Go-Go

A PROJECT OF THE ARTS BUSINESS ALLIANCE OF EUGENE

Brought to you by:

A partnership of:

to provide supervised care and activities for homeless children at the Children’s Resource Center at the Family Housing Program. www.sheltercare.org

The Eugene Symphony received a National Endowment for the Arts Art Works grant of $10,000 to support the 2013 Musician Development Residency, with Grant Llewellyn and Antonio Pompa-Baldi, which takes place in April 2014. www.eugenesymphony.org

New MembersWhen you join the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, you become part of a vibrant and prosperous community of creative entrepreneurs, forward-thinking innovators and visionary business leaders. We’re pleased to welcome these new members who have chosen to take advantage of the Chamber’s tools, resources and expansive network to grow their businesses.

Ameriprise Financial www.ameripriseadvisors.com/emily.secord

Chamber Explorations www.chamberexplorations.com

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit www.dickeys.com

Edward Jones Investments - richard Driessnack www.edwardjones.com

Elite realty Professionals www.jamiepaddock.com

Express PC Solutions 503.440.5057

Jennings Group, Inc. www.jenningsgroup.com

John L. Scott real Estate www.johnlscott.com/eugene

Metroleta Corporation http://metroleta.com/

MJM Law Office PC www.mjmlawoffice.com

Original Potted Christmas Tree Company www.pottedchristmastrees.org

Philyaw’s Cookout www.philyawscookout.com

Prospect Mortgage LLC www.MyProspectMortgage.com/TTorres

State Farm Insurance - Kirk Martin www.kirkmartininsurance.com

Tomlin Benefit Planning, Inc. www.tbplan.com

UplinkSpyder Web and Design www.uplinkspyder.com

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hink well. Be well.™

www.trilliumchp.com

541-431-1950800-910-3906

1800 Millrace Drive Eugene, OR 97403

hanks for hiring us to care for your small business employees.

Correction

In the Dec/Jan issue of Open for Business, the caption for the Startup Weekend photo should have said the event was organized by, not sponsored by, the Eugene Chamber.

2 6 OPEN FOR BUSINESS | EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IS IT PoSSIBlE that demographics and livability will significantly contribute to our region’s economic recovery? Perhaps they will, according to research by one oregon economist. And that bodes well for our region.

You don’t have to be an expert demographer to identify key trends that will shape all cities and regions. More baby boomers will retire, the number of women joining the workforce has stabilized and college attainment levels have leveled off. As a result, young professionals are becoming increasingly important to the economic health of growing cities, according to a recent national report.

My name is Bill Dion-Watson and I’m an account representative for Peterson Cat.

I consult with government agencies on large equipment purchases.

Traveling is very important to maintain exceptional customer service throughout my sales territory, so I'm out of town quite a bit.

I use the Eugene Airport because it's just so convenient. After a long trip it's nice to just walk off the plane, get into my car, and in 10 minutes I'm home.

Fly Easy,

last Call by dave hauser

Key to economic prosperity is attracting, keeping the young, restless

Conducted by Portland economist Joe Cortright, The Young and Restless in a Knowledge Economy 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 for growing cities will be to attract and retain young professionals.

And there is much at stake in attempting to do just that. These young and talented people who will determine the path of our economy are the 25-34-year-old trailblazers. These same trailblazers are 60 percent more likely to live in areas close to the core of a community. They are concerned more about quality-of-life issues than being in a hot market.

So you can argue that young professionals will not only influence the future of local economies, their desire to live close-in will help drive a long-standing goal of building and preserving a healthy downtown core.

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

We created 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. Every month 80-100 young professionals gather under the auspices of the Chamber.

We’re running programs that support local entrepreneurs and innovation. Through Chamber-supported initiatives such as SmartUps, Willamette Angel Network, Willamette Angel Conference and RAIN, we’re creating an environment that supports new ideas and business success.

We promote and foster the development of volunteer leadership. Since 1986, the Eugene Area and Springfield

Chambers of Commerce designed leadership Eugene-Springfield (lES) 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 many who have used the program to carve out meaningful volunteer leadership roles in our community.

We champion revitalization and reenergizing of our downtown in partnership with Downtown Eugene, Inc. and the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene.

The 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 an economically prosperous future.


PO Box 1107Eugene, Or 97440-1107

Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

1600 Executive Parkway, Suite 110, Eugene, Oregon 97401 | 541.687.1170 | kernuttstokes.com

Strength in numbersKernutt Stokes is one of the Northwest’s largest single-office accounting firms.

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open for business magazine - february/march 2014 issue

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