This Week Around Town…

In Around Town this week, we would like to recognize a Sandy High student Rebecca Woodcock. Rebecca has chosen to hold a fundraiser for her senior project. This fundraiser is to help local 3-year-old Myiah raise money for therapy that is needed. Myiah has Rett Syndrome. Rett syndrome causes seizures, reducing mobility, and making it difficult to speak or swallow. If you would like to help Rebecca raise funds for Myiah’s therapy you can donate items for the rummage sale fundraiser she is putting together by e-mailing miracle4myiah@yahoo.com or call 503.668.8117. The Rummage sale will be held February 4th from 9am-2pm at the Sandy Community/Senior Center 38348 Pioneer Blvd.

Networking Events

Good Morning Sandy
Wednesday February 1st
7:30-8:30 am
Edward Jones Investments – Mike Pickett
38979 Pioneer Blvd

Good Morning Sandy
Wednesday February 15th
7:30-8:30 am
Ant Farm
39140 Proctor Blvd

Meet new people and support local businesses. Join us for some fun, networking, door prizes and refreshments.

Remember to bring a dollar for the 50/50 raffle!
The 50% not given to the winner is saved and used to “adopt” a local family in need in December.

Chamber Monthly Luncheon

Speaker:Jamie Johnk
Clackamas County Economic Development Coordinator
Date: February 8, 2012
Time: 12:-1:30 pm
Place: Sandy Fire Department Annex Bldg
$12.00 Per Person
Catered By: Tollgate Inn
RSVP to 503.668.4006

Supporting Our Members

New Members
Faiz Healing Massage
Terry Lenchitsky

Renewing Members
Boring Bark
Sandy Auto Body
Sandy Vision Center
Wave Broadband

Support Our Members
Looking for some Mountain Fun and something warm to drink?
Check out these Members:

Otto’s Ski Shop
Mt. Hood Meadows
Mt. Hood Roasters Coffee Co.
Mountain Moka
Cafe Coco
Charitea’s
Tollgate Inn Bakery & Cafe

Sandy Actor’s Theatre Grand Opening
The Sandy Actor’s Theatre is holding
a Grand Opening Ceremony now that
they are wheelchair accessible. Join
them Opening night of Marvin’s Room
February 10th at 7:15pm.
To Make Reservations for Marvin’s
Room call 503.668.6834.

Sandy/Clackamas County

First Friday’s Begin Again!
First Friday’s will begin early this year.
February 3rd from 5-8 pm will be the
First Friday kick off for 2012.

City Council Meeting
Monday, February 06, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Location: Sandy City Hall
Council Chambers
39250 Pioneer Blvd.
Sandy, OR 97055

Help for Your Business

Small Business Development Center
Learn Great Ways To Grow Your Business
Check out our fall/winter lineup of information-packed classes by visiting their website.

Our Table Sponsors

AEC
Alphabetix
Bull Run Electric
Clackamas County Bank
Full Throttle Construction
Gresham Ford
Hoffman Construction
Jerry Knowlton Inc.
John L. Scott Realty
June Jacobs
Kenway Benefits Group
Konell Construction & Demolition
LT Travel / Lisa Foster
Oregon Train School District
Pacific Pioneer Real Estate
River Ridge Counseling
Sandy Historical Society
The City of Sandy
The MacKenzie Group
The Sandy Liquor Store

Our Donors

Angelina Marino
Anonymous x 4
Artist Repertory Theatre
Avalon Facials
Becky Semler
Boring Bark
Cascade Auto Glass
Charles Waugh Fine Art Portraiture
Cindy Bloomer
Clear Creek Beadsmithy
Connie Athman
Connie Knittel
Cool Printing
Creative Landscaping
Creative Visions landscape
Cyndi McKenna
David Livermore
Deschutes River Adventures
Diane Noriega
Dita’s Chocolates
Dolly’s Pet Shop
Evelyn MacLean
Faiz Healing
Firwood Design
First American Title
Florence Adee
Fred Meyer
Geoff Kenway
Geren’s Farm Supply
Grocery Outlet
Heather Michet
Hollis and Dave Wenzel
Island Oasis Tanning
James Flori
Jude Welter
Judy Dillree
June Jacobs
Kathryn deVries
Kelli Grover
Kelly Allen
Ken Manske
Klobas/O’Neil Roofing
Laura Allen
Lee Laurtizen
Leslie Cheney-Parr
Lisa Foster
Lisa Johnson
Log Homz
Madeleine Enos
Marie Teune
Mark Benson
Mary Van Ingen
Meadowlark Ski Shop
Mike Benson
Mitch Speck
Mt. Hood Cleaners
Mt Hood Roasters
Nancy Hoffman
Geren’s Farm Supply
Grocery Outlet
Heather Michet
Hollis and Dave Wenzel
Island Oasis Tanning
James Flori
Jude Welter
Judy Dillree
June Jacobs
Kathryn deVries
Kelli Grover
Kelly Allen
Ken Manske
Klobas/O’Neil Roofing
Laura Allen
Lee Laurtizen
Leslie Cheney-Parr
Lisa Foster
Lisa Johnson
Log Homz
Madeleine Enos
Marie Teune
Mark Benson
Mary Van Ingen
Meadowlark Ski Shop
Mike Benson
Mitch Speck
Mt. Hood Cleaners
Mt Hood Roasters
Nancy Hoffman

Our Auction and Raffle Committee

Geren’s Farm Supply
Grocery Outlet
Heather Michet
Hollis and Dave Wenzel
Island Oasis Tanning
James Flori
Jude Welter
Judy Dillree
June Jacobs
Kathryn deVries
Kelli Grover
Kelly Allen
Ken Manske
Klobas/O’Neil Roofing
Laura Allen
Lee Laurtizen
Leslie Cheney-Parr
Lisa Foster
Lisa Johnson
Log Homz
Madeleine Enos
Marie Teune
Mark Benson
Mary Van Ingen
Meadowlark Ski Shop
Mike Benson
Mitch Speck
Mt. Hood Cleaners
Mt Hood Roasters
Nancy Hoffman

Our Event Volunteers

Aidan Wenzel
Anita Chilson
Danny Teune
Debbie Grimes
Julia Monteith
Kris Olson
Lisa Anderson
Lisa Foster
Marie Casteneda
Parker McKinder
Penny Johnson
Shannon Brown
Steve Brown

Thank you all for your contributions to making this such a successful event!

Nominees

Effective Leadership for the Advancement
of the Sandy Area Business Community

Jon Barker

Jon is the owner and operator of the U.S. West Taekwando here in Sandy. He has a military background with strong organization and leadership skills. He is a good communicator, is interested in education and has been active in fundraising and volunteering in the past. He also has experience in budgeting and as a researcher. He is very enthusiastic and dedicated to the Sandy community.

Rodney Barker

Rodney is the Executive Dean at Mount Hood Community College. He is also a small business owner who is spearheading a new innovation directive and will be including Sandy in that. As a property manager and practicing lawyer he would bring invaluable skills to our board. He loves the Sandy Area and has the time and is ready to commit to growing our business community.

Terry Lenchitsky

Terry was the owner of Honke Heating here in Sandy for many years and has passed the management of the business on to his son. He knows what it takes to grow a small business and would like to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He previously sat on the SACC Board for 7 years. He also serves on the Oregon Trail School District Board of Education. He sees working to partner kids and businesses as a key issue in our community. Terry is a good listener and values the input of many to come up with solutions. He also has treasury skills and a lot of past experience in non-profit leadership.

Lisa Foster

Lisa of L.T. Travel has been an involved volunteer with the SACC for many years. Her friendly, smiling face and willingness to step up and work hard have been very much appreciated. She has experience in budgeting, planning, and running a home-based business. She values having a positive attitude, working hard and building a stronger community.

How to Vote

All Chamber Members, may vote for four (4) board member positions. All ballots must be received back to the Chamber offices by Wednesday October 12, 2011 at 5 p.m.

You may also cast your vote at our Annual Chamber Meeting to be held at the luncheon on October 12, 2011 at the Fire Station Annex in Sandy. Write-in candidates will be allowed at the luncheon on October 12th. All candidates will be given time to speak at the luncheon as well.

Names are in alphabetical order with biographies submitted by each candidate.

Here is the updated list!!!

Check out the new updated list!
You can also pick up a new map and list at the Chamber/Visitor Center office.

Thank you to all who are getting involved and getting
to know your business community better

Visit Downtown Sandy for a night on the town!

Participating Downtown Sandy merchants will stay open late with special offerings for customers including in-store specials, samples, drawings, wine and beer tasting, sales, music, art and more!

A list of participating businesses and their offerings is available online at:
www.sandymainstreet.com

Brought to you by Sandy Main Street.

For more information contact Tracy Brown at 503.668.4886 or tbrown@cityofsandy.com
Friday, May 6 – Participating Businesses and Offerings

Presented by: Sandy Area Les Schawb Tire Center

2011 Event Facts

Located in the Sandy Centennial Plaza – Corner of Hoffman & Pioneer

Thursday July 7th, 2011
Family Night
5 pm to 11 pm
Featuring Anything Goes Band
(Band must stop during parade)
Free hot dogs 5 – 7 pm kids 12 and under

Food, Beverage
Prizes
Giveaways
Live music
Free to attend
All Ages

Friday July 8th, 2011
Talent Show
2 pm to 4 pm

After 6 pm – 21 and over only
$7.00 Cover charge
6 pm – 9:00 pm Dirt Farm Cowboys
9:00 pm – 12:30 am Crush

Saturday July 9th, 2011
After 6 pm – 21 and over only
$7.00 Cover charge
3 pm to 5 pm Open Microphone
6 pm to 9 pm Lock, Stock & Barrel
9 pm to 12:30 am Crush

Get $2.00 off cover charge coupons available at Sandy Les Schwab Tire Center

For more information call Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce at (503) 668-4006

Data on 2010 revenues gathered from nearly 2800 independent business revealed those businesses in communities with grassroots “buy local and independent” campaigns averaged a solid 5.6 percent increase over the previous year. This gain more than doubled the 2.1 percent increase reported by independent businesses in areas lacking such a campaign.

Retailers in “buy local” communities fared especially well. They enjoyed a 5.2 percent increase in holiday season sales, while independent retailers elsewhere reported average gains of just 0.8 percent.

Additionally, nearly two-thirds of respondents said public awareness about the benefits of locally owned businesses had increased in the last year and 55 percent believe their local campaigns increased customer loyalty.

Notably, the campaigns measured by this survey are all part of ongoing community coalitions affiliated with the American Independent Business Alliance (disclosure: I’m a co-founder) and the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies.

These local alliances, now active in some 140 communities, typically are started through collaborations between concerned citizens, business owners from all sectors, and civic organizations.

While local governments and chambers of commerce sometimes are allies in such efforts, these entities often introduce campaigns defining “local” so as to include corporate chains with a local outlet.

Stacy Mitchell, who conducted the ILSR survey, views these promotions skeptically. “These campaigns don’t resonate with people. According to our survey, what’s motivating people to change their buying habits is desire to support locally owned, independent businesses and wrest control of their economies away from big corporations. Slapping a ‘buy local’ sticker on a Walmart doesn’t work,” says Mitchell.

Local alliances typically get word out through community talks, generating media coverage, posters, bag-stuffers and a wide array of other means to make the benefits of doing business locally-owned an everyday message. Since these alliances typically start with modest investments by local businesses and citizens (though more local governments are beginning to fund genuine alliances), they rely on the exposure generated by each member using their own websites, windows, vehicles, etc. to spread the message.

Focusing on local ownership is a core component of effective campaigns, which encourage citizen engagement as well as shifting consumer choices. “Obviously, we want residents, businesses and institutions to do more business locally,” said Steve Bercu, co-founder of the Austin Independent Business Alliance. “But we also want citizens to recognize their right to influence local policy and level the playing field for independently owned businesses.”

The Austin IBA played a crucial role in successfully rallying citizens to stop a $2.2 million city subsidy intended to attract a chain competitor just a block from Bercu’s independent store, Book People. Tellingly, without the subsidy, the chain never came.”

While the ILSR survey doesn’t prove these alliances caused the respondents’ sales increases, strong correlation in each of the survey’s four years offers strong evidence that well-designed campaigns do shift local culture. Supporting evidence also was provided by a separate study recently released by the research firm Civic Economics. Their Indie City Index ranked all 363 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas according to estimated market share of their retail sectors held by independents. More than half of the top 36 performers are home to Independent Business Alliances or Local First groups.

Since the study measures metro areas, not individual cities and towns, some cities may fare dramatically better or worse in reality. Nevertheless, it offers a useful baseline for metro areas to gauge their future progress in sustaining their independent retail sector.

Civic Economics has conducted several economic impact studies for cities across the country (New Orleans, Austin, San Francisco and Chicago, for example) showing a powerful local multiplier effect that results from recycling of capital spent at independent businesses.

Mitchell believes this multiplier is a key to our economic recovery. “Spending and investing more with local independents is powerful economic stimulus for communities,” she notes. “And, when done right, campaigns to promote local independent business can play a vital role in enhancing that multiplier.”

The American Independent Business Alliance offers a primer on effective buy local and independent campaigns that is free on request.

by Jeff Milchen

In 2009, President Obama signed Executive Order 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance. Among other goals, the Executive Order called on GSA to lead the development of recommendations for greening the Federal supply chain and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This conversation will focus on those recommendations, broaden the conversation with the private sector, and address how we can move forward together to achieve these goals.

The GreenGov Supply Partnership is a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and its suppliers to create a greener, more efficient supply chain that will help build a clean energy economy.

The Greening the Supply Chain listening session will take place from 3:15PM – 4:45PM on February 1, 2011 at the Auditorium in the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, Oregon.

To register: Please click HERE to register and select “Register Online Now,” on the upper right hand side of the page. For additional information please contact Chelsea Waliser at (253) 931-7704 or chelsea.waliser@gsa.gov
*Video-teleconference sites are available in Seattle, Anchorage and Boise for those unable to travel to Portland. Please register through the “Register Online Now” button on the upper right-hand side of the registration page to participate via video teleconference.
We look forward to seeing you at the Greening the Supply Chain listening session.

Free Hot Chocolate and Coffee all day!
Artist Mike Blasdell, Food Tasting by Pacific Northwest Gourmet Foods.
Shop at the Gift Shop and receive a FREE ‘Sandy OR’ shopping bag with your purchase of $25.00 or more!

Join us Saturday December 4th for Hometown for the Holidays.

The Sandy Area Chamber will have Free Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Cookies all day.
Join the City of Sandy and the Sandy Area Chamber at the Christmas Tree Lighting and caroling at the Centennial Plaza
at 6:00pm!

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter describing interest in the position and any special qualifications by December 3, 2010. Letters should be addressed to:

Tracy Brown, Planning and Development Director, City of Sandy, 39250 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy, OR 97055.

For more information contact Tracy Brown at 503-668-4886.

Join us for our First Friday event in December!

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.

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.

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.