Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Lack of Jobs Leads to Sobering Revenue Forecast for Oregon
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Lack of Jobs Leads to Sobering Revenue Forecast for Oregon
Oregon doesn’t need more taxes, it needs more taxpayers
Last Thursday, as the state economist was delivering a sobering prediction for state revenues, an overlooked part of the presentation shed critical light on Oregon’s economic future. While legislators sat in rapt attention waiting for news on how much money the state would lose over the course of the biennium, the state economist delivered an economic and jobs report that should have policymakers re-doubling their efforts to make Oregon an attractive place for business, investment, and job creation.
Without critical efforts to regain Oregon’s footing as a place for business and jobs, legislators will continue to hear quarterly revenue forecasts such as last week’s with state revenues plunging once again by over $377 million – fueled by massive drops in personal income tax receipts. Projected tax receipts have dropped by over $1.2 billion since the legislature adjourned its regular session in June 2009.
In the meantime, the promises that the tax increases in Measures 66 and 67 would fix the state’s budget shortfalls have been swept away by economic realities.
On a year-over-year basis, Oregon jobs decreased in the second quarter by 1.2 percent. Oregon’s unemployment rate now sits at 10.6 percent, essentially unchanged for the past nine months. In addition, the state economist noted that Oregon is showing a “pause” in economic activity through the summer. As a consequence, the employment forecast for the remainder of 2010 is dismal. Employment in Oregon is expected to see a net decline by over 0.5 percent through the end of the year, with significant job growth not expected until the 4th quarter of 2011.
The State of Oregon DAS reports the following high-wage, private sector industries have taken significant hits this year:
• The wood products industry will see a 3.8 percent decrease in employment in 2010.
• The computer and electronic product sector will shed 1.6 percent of its workforce in 2010.
• The transportation equipment sector will have 11.4 percent fewer jobs this year.
• Employment in the metals and machinery sector will decline by 8.4 percent.
• Non-durables, such as paper manufacturing, will see employment decline by 4 percent.
• Continued job losses of 12.5 percent in the construction industry.
• Trade, transportation and utilities will see slight declines this year of 0.2 percent.
• The financial sector will see employment decline by 2.4 percent in 2010.
• Professional and business services will continue its slide with a 1.9 percent reduction in workforce this year.
While each of these industries is expected to see modest job growth in 2011, the projected job growth is not enough to level out the job losses seen this year. At this point, the Oregon legislature will have some say in how Oregon industries are able to rebound in such a tough economic environment. Legislators would do well to take note of Oregon’s employment problems and vow, at the very least, not to add to the significant burdens already faced by critical private sector industries.
One positive development is that the Oregon Business Plan, a project being spearheaded by private industry leaders and their associations such the Oregon Business Council and AOI, is already talking to legislators across the state on the need for action in three critical areas: (1) a sharp focus on the promotion of employment and income growth; (2) changing the way the state budgets so that it comports with the economy’s ability to pay for services; and (3) changing the Oregon tax code to promote economic growth and stability.
Oregon lawmakers are now at a critical juncture.
Tags: job growth, Measrues 66 and 67, Oregon, Oregon's economic future, State revenues, tax increases
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Developer building net-zero apartment building
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Jean-Pierre Veillet is building a 20,000-square-foot, mixed-use apartment building that he hopes will become a net-zero energy building.
The building, called Eco Flats, is designed for people who are more concerned with being energy-conscious than living in a building with amenities such as a swimming pool, Veillet said. But their level of being energy-conscious will essentially determine whether this project succeeds or fails in its bid to achieve a net-zero energy rating.
The building will contain a common hydronic heating system and a 3,000-square-foot solar array of photovoltaic and thermal collectors. The system, attached to the fourth floor of the building, will attempt to produce enough hot water and energy for the entire building. This means that each of the 18 apartments in Eco Flats will have to work together to achieve goals set each month so that the building can operate on its own without having to pull power from the energy grid.
Read more at the Daily Journal of Commerce.
Tags: Eco Flats, energy-consious, net-zero energy
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Mt. Hood Cleaners honored by Clackamas County
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
Mt. Hood Cleaners in Sandy honored by Clackamas County for sustainable business practices
Mt Hood Cleaners and Laundry, located in Sandy, was honored earlier this month for its extraordinary commitment to recycling, waste prevention and other sustainable actions. Mt. Hood Cleaners received a BRAG Award (Business Recycling Awards Group) membership certificate and a recycled glass plaque from Sustainability Analyst Shannon Martin of the Clackamas County Office of Sustainability.
BRAG Awards go to high achieving Clackamas County businesses – those that recycle all relevant materials regularly, prevent waste with at least six ongoing activities, consistently buy recycled products and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.
“We realize the importance of environmental responsibility,” said Maggie Lind, Business Development Manager for Mt. Hood Cleaners. “We are committed to researching and improving our facilities to make them more sustainable and to be a healthy member of our community.”
Mt. Hood Cleaners uses organic cleaning agents for all laundry and dry cleaning, works together with their group of businesses to recycle all plastic wrap, cardboard and metal that is used in each delivery, and recycles plastic bottles, cans and office paper. The company also works with Energy Trust to monitor utility usage and is reducing energy use in a variety of ways, including retrofitting energy efficient fixtures.
Lind added, “Our environmental efforts are ongoing, we are happy to be working with Clackamas County’s Recycle at Work staff and to practice sustainability in the future.”
The Clackamas County Recycling Partnership is a cooperative of local garbage and recycling companies; the cities of Barlow, Canby, Damascus, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Molalla, Oregon City, Sandy, West Linn and Wilsonville, and Clackamas County.
For more information, contact Shannon Martin at 503-742-4458.
Tags: BRAG Award, clackamas county, Mt. Hood Cleaners, organic cleaning agents, Recycle, Sustanable Buisness
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SANDY OKTOBERFEST Books Popular NW Bands for Friday & Saturday Nights
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
In an effort to appeal to the “younger crowd”, the SANDY OKTOBERFEST has booked two popular NW bands for the Biergarten main stage, playing a combination of 50’s & 60’s Rock, Country and Western.
The famous Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts will perform on Friday, September 10 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Admission at the door is $12 per ticket and $10 in advance. Tickets can be purchased at any East County location Bi-Mart or Clackamas County Bank branch. All seating is general admission so you should come early for best seats.
On Saturday, September 11 from 7pm to 11pm, the Country Rock Association from Seattle, Washington will be on the main stage for a four-hour concert and dance. This popular Seattle band plays a combination of country, country/rock, western and rock. Admission is only $5.00 at the door.
There is no charge for admission to the grounds, only the Biergarten and special concerts have an admission.
During the day on Saturday and Sunday, the crowds will be entertained by the Greg Meier German Band, Z-Musikmakers from Mt. Angel and the 9-piece Polkatones from Bellingham, Washington.
For fun, entertainment and dancing mark the weekend of Sept 10, 11, 12, 2010 for the SANDY OKTOBERFEST.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bud Abraham
SANDY OKTOBERFEST
buda@sandyoktoberfest.net
503.816.7304
www.sandyoktoberfest.net
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Sandy Oktoberfest Books Country Rock Music for Festival
Friday, August 6th, 2010
The SANDY OKTOBERFEST, adding a bit of “American-Style” to their popular German festival, has booked for the Biergarten main stage, two American music bands for Friday and Saturday nights, Sept. 10th & 11th to add a bit of the good old USA to the traditional German festival.
On Friday, Sept 10 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, the NW famous, 50’s & 60”s rock and roll band, Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts will perform a concert and dance. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at all Bi-Mart East County locations and all Clackamas County Bank branches or by contacting:buda@sandyoktoberfest.net
Seating is not reserved so come early to get the best seats and have dinner from one or more of our 15 plus food vendors at the festival. Personal chairs are allowed.
On Saturday, Sept 11 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm the Country Rock Association from Seattle, Washington will perform Country-Rock music for those who like a little more of the “down-home” American music. Tickets are available at the door only for $5.00.
No minors or pets are allowed in the Biergarten after 6:00pm.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bud Abraham
503.816.7304 Cell
buda@sandyoktoberfest.net
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Fiesta en la Plaza
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Fiesta en la Plaza
September 18, 2010
12n to 8pm
WHEN: Saturday, September 18th from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Sandy Civic Plaza
WHAT: Fiesta en la Plaza is a festival celebrating the music, dance, and food from Mexico and other Latin cultures. The Sandy Main Street program will have a display table located at the event. This is a great way to promote your business!
As a participating merchants you will:
1. Submit coupons for event attendees to pick up.
2. You can also sign up to give a one-minute “commercial” to advertise their business live on the entertainment stage.
a. The merchant will be required to donate one item or promotion from their business to be raffled off at the end of their commercial.
HOW: The cost of the event is free to attendees and participants.
Advertising for the event will include: City website, Sandy Main Street website, Facebook, utility bill mailings, Sandy’s Cable Channel 7, community reader board, event calendars, press releases, flyers, banners and posters. Just think of all of the exposure your business will receive!
Translations: Bilingual speakers (English and Spanish) will be present at the event to translate on-stage for business “commercials”. Also, the City can provide free translation service (English/Spanish) for written materials submitted for the merchant’s table. Simply submit the copy by August 13, 2010 and we can return the translated text for your coupons.
PARTICIPATING MERCHANT REQUIREMENTS: Participating merchants can elect to do one or both of the following (please check the box next to the selection(s)):
Sandy Main Street merchant’s table – Submit 100 copies of a coupon to be displayed at the Sandy Main Street table at the event. We suggest that coupons be printed six to an 11 x 8.5 page. Please submit them cut to size. Coupons are due by September 1, 2010. Please note that copy to be translated must be submitted by August 13, 2010.
One minute “commercials”- Each participating merchant will have one minute on the entertainment stage to promote their business. Participating merchants must submit an item for a raffle after their commercial. Raffle items can be gift certificates, but should have a minimum dollar amount of $25. Raffle items due by September 1, 2010. Space is limited. Just get up and talk about your business, or put together something more creative… or simply invite folks to come by.
Fiesta en la Plaza Merchant Participation Form
Tags: businesses, dance, Fiesta, food, latin cultures, local, mexico, music, promote, Sandy, Sandy Civic Plaza
Posted in Community Events, Networking Event, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Clackamas County seeks volunteers for Board of Property Tax Appeals
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners will soon be appointing two pools of county residents to serve on the Board of Property Tax Appeals, which offers reimbursement to board members due to the concentrated time commitment involved. The County is seeking non-office-holding county residents who are available during business hours.
Board members meet for a mandatory one-day training session prior to the board convening in February 2011. The board will hear property tax appeals between Feb. 1 and April 15, 2011. Terms of office end June 30.
Hundreds of Clackamas County property owners appeal to the Board of Property Tax Appeals each year to make sure they are paying no more than their fair share of property taxes. The board considers and decides these appeals.
Serving on the board is a demanding and time-consuming job, according to County Clerk Sherry Hall. “Because of the large time commitment, the county offers board members reimbursement,” she said.
Interested individuals need to complete an application form. Applications may be completed and submitted online by clicking here. For a mailed application form contact Citizen Involvement at (503) 742-5920 or (503) 655-8552 or call the board clerk, Merry Broughal at (503) 655-8662.
Applicants will be asked to attend an interview.
Application deadline is Thursday, Aug. 19.
For more information contact Merry Broughal, (503) 655-8662.
Tags: board member, citizen involvement, clackamas county, community, county, county residents, property tax, tax appeals
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Up the Down Staircase
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Sandy Actor’s Theatre Presents
Up the Down Staircase
by Bel Kaufman Directed by Berta Limbaugh
Come and see this family friendly performance put on by a young talented group!
July 16-31
Fridays 8pm
Saturdays 8pm
Sundays 3pm
Reservations call 503.668.6834
$12.00 General Admission
$10.00 Students and Seniors
Doors open 45 minutes before performances
Tags: actors, Events, play, Sandy Actors theatre, SAT, talent, theatre
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First Ever Ambassador Mixer
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Ever wonder about becoming an Ambassador for the SACC?
Ever wonder what they do and who they are, well here is your chance.
Bring your questions, hunger and thirst to Iris Healing Arts
Located at 17356 Strauss Ave.
Wednesday July 14th at 5:30pm
The Ambassadors will explain their hopes, dreams and goals for the next year while
you enjoy food and drink.
Catered by Paris Cafe
Space donated by Heather Michet
Tags: free, Sandy Area Metro, workshop
Posted in Chamber Spotlight, Community Events, Informational, Networking Event, Uncategorized | No Comments »
New Items From Artworks & Earthworks!
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Come and See….
Stop by the SACC Visitor’s Center and see our new additions from
artist kathyn de Vries with Artworks & Earthworks.
Kathryn de Vries has a wonderful fascination with textures and colors. Her favorite technique is forming bowls by a forging technique called ‘Raising’.
She has brought in beautiful pendant necklaces with matching earrings, purses and scarves… she will be bringing us more items for you to see and purchase!
Tags: Artisit, arts, businesses, crafts, handbags, jewelry
Posted in Artist, Local Artists, Uncategorized | No Comments »
