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VOlUME 11, issUE 6
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UPSWING!
HOW CHAMBER EFFORTS PUT BUSINESS BACK ON THE RISE IN EUGENE
THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNGPROMOTiNGiNFORMiNG BUsiNEss
Publisher
contents
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 /J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3
DECEMBER 2012/ JANUARY 2013
David Hauser, CCE Editor Susan G. Miller, Director of Publications & Information Systems Eugene Chamber Executive Committee Marvin ReVoal, Chair Pacific Benefit Planners Sheryl Balthrop, Chair-Elect Gaydos, Churnside & Balthrop PC Ann Marie Mehlum, Vice Chair Summit Bank Eric Forrest, Past Chair Pepsi Cola Bottling of Eugene Cathy Worthington, Treasurer Worthington Business Services Advertising
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FOR BUSINESS
VOlUME 11, issUE 6
UsA $3.95 CANADA $6.95
FEATURES
A look at the Regional Prosperity Initiative and its role in helping the local economy. The Chamber has been a voice for lobbying local and state governments on behalf of the business community.
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UPSWING!
HOW CHAMBER EFFORTS PUT BUSINESS BACK ON THE RISE IN EUGENE
THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNGPROMOTiNGiNFORMiNG BUsiNEss
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce 541.484.1314 Design/Layout Asbury Design 541.344.1633 Printing TechnaPrint, Inc. 541.344.4062 Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce 1401 Willamette St. Eugene, OR 97401 541.484.1314
EUGENE / SPRINGFIELD
PORTLAND / VANCOUVER
THERIGHTBANK.COM
541-686-8685
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Eugene Chamber Newsletter ~ 7.375 X 4.8125 ~ 4C ~ December 2011 Insertion ~ Charley Snellings
Networking with the Chamber gives members the opportunity to expand and add credibility to their businesses.
The Chambers efforts to revitalize downtown Eugene pay dividends in the form of new construction and new energy.
COLUMNS/ DEPARTMENTS
CHAMBER@WORK
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How the Chambers collaborative efforts have maintained and created jobs while ensure the livability of the region.
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BUsiNEss NEWs
www.Facebook.com / EugeneChamber Open for Business: A publication of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce (USPS978-480). 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 2012 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
ADVERTISER INDEX
18 14 21 20 23 16 Attic Media Century Bank Chambers Productions/KEZI Downtown Athletic Club Eugene Airport Evergreen Roofing 15 6 5 17 2 24 EWEB Hershner Hunter, LLP Home Federal Bank Imagine Group Isler CPA Kernutt Stokes 15 19 2 Lane Community College McKenzie Willamette Medical Center Pacific Continental Bank 17 Servicemaster Commercial Cleaning 10 Sitttner & Nelson 16 Siuslaw Bank 18 Summit Bank
CH A MBER@WORK
W. James Clarke, President Andy Clarke, Vice President Clarkes Industries, Inc.
The Chamber honored 2012 Women Business Leader Award finalists Susan Cox, Holt International Childrens Services and Nancy Cary, Hershner Hunter LLP, and winner Anne Marie Levis, Funk/ Levis & Associates. Seen here with WBL chair Barbara Rae of Melaleuca, The Wellness Company.
My Metal Expert.
My Industry Leader. My HomeFed.
At Clarkes Industries, Inc., we do it all. From R&D to problem solving, product design to manufacturing, we are a one-stop shop. When we were looking for a bank, we wanted a team of nancial experts who could offer us everything we needed in a single place. HomeFed proved their mettle by customizing their service to our unique nancial needs.
MyHomeFed.com
Michelle, Administrative Assistant Membership; Carrie Russo , Administrative Assistant Downtown Eugene, Inc. and Laura Potter, Director of Business Advocacy.
Chamber
at work
In this year-end issue, we highlight the work of your Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in five areas. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A look at the Regional Prosperity Initiative and how its improving the economy. PAGE 8 PUBLIC POLICY: How the Chamber lobbys local and state governments on behalf of the business community. PAGE 9 NETWORKING: The Chamber provides opportunities to create deep connections and add credibility to their businesses. PAGE 11 REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN: The Chambers efforts to help revitalize downtown Eugene finally pay dividends. PAGE 12 BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS: The Chamber s collaborative efforts create jobs and ensure the livability of the region. PAGE 13
Your
WEVE BEEN
FAMILY
TO KEEP UP
RAISING OUR
At Hershner Hunter, weve been around for more than three generations. And that continuity is no accident. We understand the concerns of firstand second-generation business owners as you look to retire and transition your business, whether its to family, your employees, or a new owner. Thats why weve been growing a new generation of versatile legal experts to keep pace with you and the changing needs (and leadership) of your business. Youre raising a new generation of local business owners and energetic leaders. Were raising a new generation of dynamic legal talent. Lets have our people talk to your people. 541-686-8511 | hershnerhunter.com
WITH YOURS.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 /J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC POLICY
LGAC members (back l to r): Jim Welsh, Will Shaver, Rick Crinklaw, Rick Varnum, Rob Bennett, Mark Johnson, Larry Newby, Bill Whalen, J. Ingrid Kessler, Clayton Walker, Tenille Woodward, Larry Banks, Victoria Whitman, Debbie Jeffries, Jerry Harris, Tom Slocum. (front l to r): Philip Farrington, Travis Hanson
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Economic Development Continued from page 8 mentors. The coaching program has supported more than 100 startups over RPIs first two years.
Public Policy Continued from page 9 LGAC helped advance Measure 20-197 to improve street maintenance. Decaying streets are more than a nuisance; they are hazards that can be costly to drivers and bicyclists and give a bad impression to visitors and businesses looking to locate in the region. The recent passage of measure 20-197 authorizes $43 million in general obligations bonds to continue funding street repairs , bicycle lanes, traffic signals, street lights and other infrastructure projects that keep Eugene roads safe and smooth. Building a great community with a vibrant economy requires an active, informed voice from the business community. The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and the Local Government Affairs Council help shape the key issues that affect businesses including public safety funding, the Statewide Transportation Planning rule, economic development policy and more.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
NETWORKING
Industry Clusters
The Eugene/Springfield has the energy and assets to develop business development strategies that build on our economic strengths. The Chamber convened four industry cluster groups to identify and market to industries in which new economic opportunities seem most likely: Software/ IT; Food Processing/Manufacturing; Advanced Specialized Manufacturing; and Ed-Tech/Research. The Chamber completed a comprehensive industry and talent cluster analysis. The study allows our community to focus on industries that have the highest job growth potential and that match our local workforce skill set.
Deep Connections
The most valuable business networking involves more than swapping business cards or blind referrals. Real, lasting connections are developed when business people have the opportunity to exchange information, ideas and support. Eugene Chamber networks such as the Latino Business Network, Women Business Leaders, SmartUps, Eugene Greeters, the Dish, Young Professionals Network and Connect for Lunch all provide ample opportunity for area professionals to share valuable information and skills and develop focused peer-topeer connections.
ber also gives local organizations the opportunity to influence the decisions and policies that affect our regional economy. Chamber members not only connect with their peers, they also have the chance to drive and sustain economic growth through involvement in programs that make meaningful change in business development, entrepreneurship, business advocacy and more.
sumers were 51 percent more likely to be highly aware of business that were chamber members and 57 percent more likely to think positively of the companys local reputation. As a result, consumers are 63 percent more likely to buy goods and services in the future from a company they believe is a member of a chamber of commerce. The Chamber understands the value of making connections with other business people and local decision makers. Each year, the Eugene Chamber sponsors over 120 networking events, making it easy, affordable and fun to build an integrated, member-supported regional economy. For more information on Chamber membership and upcoming networking events, visit www.eugenechamber.com/chamber
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Reputation
Networking through the Chamber also adds credibility to a business. A national study by the Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based market research firm, revealed that membership in a local chamber of commerce can significantly boost a businesss image, with both consumers and other businesses. Con-
Influence
Networking with the Eugene Cham-
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REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
Leader in collaboration
Partnerships fostered by the Chamber help Eugenes livability
Creating a vibrant local economy is a collaborative effort requiring partnerships between business, government, non-profit organizations and the public. The Chamber has helped facilitate partnerships that advance the interests of
PHOTO By DAvID LOvEALL
the business community and address emerging economic issues. Our collaborative efforts maintain and create jobs and ensure the livability of the region. For instance, the Chamber works with the Emerald Valley High Performance Enterprise Consortium, a tices for companies operating in a lean/ high performance environment. The Consortium helps organizations learn the principles of lean manufacturing and promotes continuous improvement and waste reduction to make local businesses more efficient and competitive. The Chamber provides free administrative support to the Consortium to make sure that their programs are easy and affordable to access. Similarly, the Chamber provides free office space and support to the Willamette SCORE Chapter. SCORE offers free, unlimited, private and confidential face-to-face counseling for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Its 40 seasoned volunteer members all have significant business experience and have helped hundreds of local entreRenee Grube, Alan Evans and Jody Hall saw the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene launch the Eugene A Go-Go website in 2011 in partnership with the Chamber.
PHOTO By DAvID LOvEALL
Bennett Management Company principal Sarah Bennett overlooks her companys new Woolworth building located just a few blocks from several other new construction projects including Lane Community Colleges downtown campus.
preneurs navigate their way to small business success. The Chamber also facilitates the work of pro-business organizations through financial support. As an example, for more than 25 years, the Chamber has provided financial assistance to the Lane Metro Partnership, supporting their efforts to assist industries and business seeking to locate facilities in the area. The Chambers partnership with Lane Metro has brought businesses to the region and created thousands of jobs in the process.
To support and increase opportunities for businesses in Eugene/Springfield, the Chamber is constantly seeking out and developing new partnerships and programs. This year, we partnered with the Springfield Chamber; the cities of Eugene and Springfield; Lane Countys Community and Economic Development Department; and Lane Community Colleges Small Business Development Center to create Lane Business Link: a comprehensive online resource of local, state, federal and bestContinued on page 15
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more active at all times of the day. The new housing complex will ultimately bring 1,200 new residents downtown and have an annual economic impact of $5.2 million in the citys core. Just as important as what we hope to encourage downtown is what we hope to prevent. The Chamber strongly supports the Downtown Public Safety Zone, which has been successful in making downtown safer and more welcoming. The exclusion zone bars people whove been accused of certain crimes from entering downtown for a period of 90 days; if found guilty, the offenders may be barred for up to one year. It is a component of a more comprehensive downtown public safety plan and the Chambers support has helped extend it through at least 2013. The Chamber has also served as the contract manager of Downtown Eugene, Inc. (DEI) since 2008. By leveraging our leadership and administrative infrastructure, we have been able to advance DEIs mission to create a prosperous and inviting
Lane Community College president Mary Spilde stands in the middle of the schools underconstruction campus that has brought new energy to downtown Eugene.
of-the-web resources to help local businesses start and grow. In 2012, the Chamber also continued our partnership with and support of the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene. The Alliance is a joint venture of the City of Eugenes Cultural Services Division, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, Travel Lane County, Lane Community College and the University of Oregon. The Alliance is committed to promoting arts and business partnerships that support mutual economic and community interests and enrich the cultural life of Eugene. An important focus of ABAE is to position downtown as an arts and cultural district to draw visitors and entrepreneurs to the city center. Through our relationships with local government, businesses and other organizations, the Eugene Chamber works to build a healthy regional economy. Membership support drives the important work of the Chamber and helps us facilitate partnerships that guide action that will help businesses succeed.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Come see the SBDC award winning staffat our new downtown locationafter January 2nd
downtown by collaborating on strategies to advance a thriving mix of commercial and residential uses downtown. Because of the Chambers collaborative work with other agencies and businesses in 2012, the city has seen significant im-
provements downtown that are making it more vibrant and economically viable. The Chamber looks forward to continuing to promote business and community interests that will make the citys center the heart of the community.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS 1/2 page (7.375 X 4.8125) Due 11/15/12 an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution
Small Business Development Center LCC Downtown Campus 101 W. 10th Ave., Ste. 304, Eugene 541.463.5255 LaneSBDC.com
As a manager, Im always looking to lower xed costs, including utility bills. EWEBs business rebates and loans for energy e ciency projects made it easier to justify the upfront cost of lighting and HVAC controls. We saw the savings on our electric bill right away.
Outsmart energy waste. Call Eugene Water & Electric Board at 541-685-7000 or visit eweb.org/saveenergy
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Its all about the Relationship at Your Community Bank for Business
As part of our community, we take pride in the personal relationships weve developed with local businesses. Our loan decisions are made locally and involve short turnaround time. Stop by one of our 10 Lane County offices to see why at Siuslaw, its all about the relationship.
BUSINESS NEWS
PROMOTIONS/NEW HIRES
Photos appear left to right from top
BUSINESS NEWS
Annie Nagler, Silver Sun Travel and Educators Travel Network, has been elected to the Virtuoso Luxury Network board of directors. She also recently became certified as an accessible travel agent, signifying her qualification to help those who need travel assistance with oxygen, mobility and other accessibility issues. www.silversuntravel.com Lane Blood Center welcomes new board members K.C. Huffman, Thorp, Purdy, Jewett, Urness & Wilkinson, PC; Pat Force, Northwest Community Credit Union; Susie Johnston; and Lloyd Helikson. www.laneblood.org
Joining the Eugene office of Vox Public Relations Public Affairs are Bobbi Fondren, administrator, and Tiffany Nash and Summer Young Jelinek, public relations managers. www.voxprpa.com
Heidi Larwick has joined Pacific Continental Bank as a community relations officer. Pacific Continental is also proud to announce the promotions of John Raleigh, senior vice president, commercial banking manager and Denise Ghazal, president, greater Eugene market. www.therightbank.com
The Eugene Family YMCA welcomes its new board leadership for 2013-2014: Danielle Uhlhorn, board president, McKenzie River Broadcasting and Chip Radebaugh, vice president, Rainbow Valley Design and Construction. www.eugeneymca.org The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 7 awarded its 2012 Pacesetter of the Year Award to Mary Spilde, Ph.D., president of Lane Community College. Each district winner becomes a nominee for the national award announced in March. www.lanecc.edu
The Eugene/Springfield Chapter of the Risk Management Association has elected the following officers for 2012-2013: Greg Richichi (pictured), president, Century Bank; Teresa Freborg (pictured), vice president, Better Info Consulting; Kellie Fox, secretary, West Coast Bank; and Erik Jorgensen, treasurer, Umpqua Bank. Risk Management Association is a member-driven professional organization that advances sound risk management principles in the financial services industry. PIVOT Architecture is pleased to announce that Blaise Adkison has joined the firm as an interior designer. Blaise recently received her BFA in interior design from the Art Institute of Portland. www.pivotarchitecture.com
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Nikki Thaut has been named practice administrator of Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center. The Center has also hired two new patient navigators, Katie Burke and Anne Gallagher, to guide patients through cancer treatment by providing emotional support and helping them connect with resources. Colby Mazur is the Centers new oncology liaison. www.wvcancercenter.com
graphics
Signs. Banners. Tradeshows.
ImagineGroup.com
fleetgraphics
Vans. Trucks. Wraps.
photographics
People. Places. Products.
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BUSINESS NEWS
BUSINESS NEWS
regional manager for its greater Oregon commercial banking group in Eugene. www.wellsfargo.com
BUSINESS NEWS
Cafe Yumm! is No. 73 on the Inc. Top 100 List of Fastest-Growing Food and Beverage Companies in the US for the fifth straight year. Caf Yumm! also placed No. 2547 on the 2012 Inc. Top 5,000 List of FastestGrowing Companies. www.cafeyumm.com Curtis Restaurant Equipment was recently honored with the 2012 Vendor of the Year Awards, one of three prestigious hospitality industry awards presented by the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. www.curtisresteq.com McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center was once again named one of the nations Top Performers on Key Quality MeasuresTM by the Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America. www.mckweb.com
Summit Bank welcomes Jayson Davis, credit analyst; Kristen Bartels, teller and Susan Elsner, loan documentation specialist. www.summitbank online.com The law firm of Gleaves Swearingen LLP is pleased to announce that David L. Jacobson has joined the firm as an associate, focusing on business law. www.gleaveslaw.com InnSight Hotel Management Group recently announced the promotion of David Hill to their Eugene-Springfield sales team. www.insighthmg.com The nonprofit Childrens Trust Fund of Oregon in Portland has named Mike McEntee as treasurer-secretary. McEntee is a senior vice president at Wells Fargo and
Volunteers in Medicine welcomes two new members to its board of directors: Liz Chambers, Silvan Ridge Winery and John Mlynczyk, Kernutt Stokes. www.vim-clinic.org
541.684.7500 SUMMITBANKONLINE.COM 96 EAST BROADWAY EUGENE, OR 97401 Summit team members (left to right): Mike Mercer, Ashley Horner, Patti Stahr and Craig Wanichek.
SELECTEMP Employment Services has promoted two employees: Sarah Kunz, front desk manager and KT Mortensen, staffing manager lead. www.selec-temp.com
Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C., announced that nine of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2013. They include: William F. Gary; Sharon Rudnick; James Mountain, Jr.; Susan Marmaduke; Frank A. Moscato; Jens Schmidt; C. Robert Steringer; Joshua Stump; and Kate Watkinson Wright. www.harrang.com
Allann Bros. Coffee Roasters is celebrating its 40th anniversary in December. Allann Bros. now operates nine beanery coffeehouses and sells its coffee throughout the United States. www.allannbroscoffee.com
Marketing agency CAWOOD has hired three new employees, two of which are filling newly created positions. Cres Swanson has joined the art department and will focus on logo and web design; Bob Passaro joins the firm as a writer and editor; and Jen Hagerman has been hired as an administrative assistant. www.cawood.com
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10/8/12 11:44 AM
BUSINESS NEWS
The Portland Business Journal awarded Siuslaw Bank the honor of being one of the 100 Most Healthy Companies in Oregon this year. The award is presented to companies that demonstrate and promote innovation and leadership in their wellness programs. www.siuslawbank.com Century Lighting is pleased to announce that it has launched an updated website and a new Facebook page with the help of Chamber member HEROWeb. Like them at centurylightingoregon. www.centurylightingoregon.com Pearl Buck Center honored the following members at their 60th anniversary celebration: PakTech, Business Partner of the Year; Dari-Mart Stores, Established Employer of the Year and Eugene Active 20/30 Club, The Apple Award for their dedication to the Pearl Buck preschool. www.pearlbuckcenter.com DCI Engineers, a structural and civil engineering firm based in Seattle, Washington, is excited to announce its recent acquisition of M.R. Richards, a local structural engineering firm. The companies are now functioning as one operation, known as MRR+DCI Engineers. www.dci-engineers.com
BUSINESS NEWS
KUDOS
NEDCO (Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation) has received the following grants: Oregon Community Foundation ($20,000) to expand the existing Hatch Business Incubator program to provide services to more microentrepreneurs; Union Pacific Foundation ($2,000) and Pap Family Foundation ($5,350) to Sprout!, a regional community food hub. www.sproutfoodhub.org Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has recently received the following foundation grants to train and support new volunteer advocates: Chambers Family Foundation ($20,000); Cottage Grove Community Foundation ($1,000); McKay Family Foundation ($10,000); the John Serbu Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation ($18,072); Taco Bell Foundation for Teens ($10,310); Central Lutheran Church Foundation ($1,000); Churchill High School Community 101 ($1,000); Levi Strauss Foundation ($1,000); Bill Healy Foundation ($5,000); Lipa/Trillium Community Health Plan ($2,500); Wheeler Foundation ($5,000); and RBC Wealth Management ($3,000). www.casa-lane.org Volunteers in Medicine received grants from the following supporters in 2012: Bank of America ($10,000); Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation ($15,000); Chambers Family Foundation ($15,000); The Collins Foundation ($30,000); The Giustina Foundation ($1,000); Rosaria P. Haugland Foundation ($15,000); Hayes Family Foundation ($5,000); NB Giustina Foundation ($20,000); McKay Family Foundation ($5,000); Meyer Memorial Trust ($50,000); Newburn Family Foundation ($5,000); Oregon Urology Foundation ($15,000); PacificSource Charitable Foundation ($50,000); Pacific Continental Bank ($350); Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation ($50,000); Doyle and Donna Shepherd Foundation ($10,000); Simple Actions Family Foundation ($3,000); Spirit Mountain Community Fund ($10,000); Storms Family Foundation ($25,000); Toyota Giving Program ($5,000); Walmart ($3,500); Wells Fargo ($5,000); Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund ($1,500); and Juan Young Trust ($8,000). www.vim-clinic.org
NEW MEMBERS
When 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. Were pleased to welcome these new members who have chosen to take advantage of the Chambers tools, resources and expansive network to grow their businesses: a+a studio www.aplusastudio.com Accounting Pros Addus HealthCare www.addus.com ARG Trans www.argtrans.com ASEA www.teamasea.com/wartopher Aurora Gallery & Tattoo www.auroragalleryandtattoo.com Bertelsen Self Storage www.bertelsenstorage.com Binder Family Dental www.binderfamilydental.com
Brenners Furniture www.brennersfurniture.com Capstone www.13andolive.com Caswell Business Coaching www.focalpointcoaching.com Catalyst Associates Collegiate Quest LLC www.collegiate-quest.com Delacata ElderHealth & Living www.elderhealthandliving.com Eugene Apartments For Rent Magazine www.eugene.forrent.com Eugene Christian School www.EugeneChristianSchool.com Intellectual Licensing LLC www.intellectuallicensing.com Legal Shield www.meghanrmccrone.legalshield.com Liberty Security & Investigations, Inc. www.libertysi.com
Mint Creative Agency LLC www.mintcreativeagency.com Northwestern Mutual Financial Network www.nmfn.com Oregon CPR www.oregoncpr.net Oregon Social Learning Center www.oslc.org Our Home AFH www.eugeneourhome.com Papas Pizza www.papaspizza.net Pearly Whites of Eugene www.pearlywhiteseugene.com Red Cane Theatre/Phoinix Players www.theredcantheatre.yolasite.com River Road Medical Group www.riverroadmedical.com Scott Law Group www.scott-law-group.com Syntek Global www.thexftsolution.com
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
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and already on his way up the ladder as a Chamber executive, says Gretchen Pierce, president of Hult & Associates, LLC and chair of the search committee that hired Hauser. We thought wed be lucky if he stuck around for five years. Twenty-one years later, Hauser says he feels fortunate that the board still believes hes the right person to lead the Chambers business advocacy and economic development efforts. The job remains challenging and fun after all these years, he says, noting that the Chamber is constantly adjusting to address the current issues, and challenges of the needs
hen the Eugene Chambers board of directors hired Dave Hauser as executive director in 1991, they didnt expect to be able to hang on to him for long. He was young, enthusiastic
cilitator, and that more than anything else has enabled him to develop the trust and confidence necessary to move the Chamber to the forefront of public policy development says Gerry Gaydos, a lawyer with Gaydos, Churnside & Balthrop. Dave proved that under his leadership, the Chamber would be a responsible and community-focused voice for business, he says. He gained the respect of local government officials such that they now actively seek the Chambers involvement in economic planning decisions. By positioning the Chamber as a collaborative and helpful partner, Gaydos says Hauser has been instrumental in creating constructive partnerships with organizations like the University of Oregon that develop win-win solutions to the communitys ever-changing challenges. For example, the Chambers partnerships with various organizations have been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Eugene. The Chamber worked with the City of Eugene to expand the Downtown Urban Renewal district, paving the way for over $120 million in investments by Lane Community College, the Capstone Student Housing project and others. Hauser has also worked closely with the city, Lane County and the public throughout the Envision Eugene process to develop an economic growth plan that will meet the short- and long-range goals of the community. Hausers work at the Chamber is a natural extension of his personal commitment to community well-being. Dave isnt just a Chamber executive, Gaydos says. Hes a strong and dedicated citizen. Hes raised his family here and is committed to continuing to build a community in which all families can thrive. Hauser has also significantly increased the visibility of the Eugene Chamber; during his tenure, the Chamber has received 15 regional and national awards for innovation, excellence and leadership. Gaydos and Pierce say that recognition is well-deserved. I couldnt be more proud of him if he were my own son, Pierce says. He stepped in at a pivotal moment and has transformed the Chamber into a more relevant and important community voice than I think we could have imagined possible in 1991. I have no doubt that he will continue to grow and improve the Chamber on behalf of its members and our community.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
My name is Cale Bruckner and Im the Vice President of Concentric Sky. Our company creates apps and websites for companies and people on the move. The internet. Mobile apps. Information at your fingertips. We live in a fast-paced world. Being in Eugene allows us to keep up, but still enjoy a great culture of creativity, innovation and inspiration. Its the perfect place to call home while serving clients all over the world. To help them create and maintain their presence, we need to be able to move quickly too. Thats why we use the Eugene Airport. In a world that never stops moving, it fits my pace.
has changed at the Chamber since 1991. Before Hauser took the helm, Pierce says it was primarily a casual networking organization with little impact on public policy and economic development. Too often, the Chamber didnt get involved until policies were already decided, she says. The board finally recognized that in order to exert a real influence on the development of the region, we needed leadership that would proactively advocate for business interests. Hauser began doing just that. Immediately after he was hired, the City of Eugene announced the first of what would be many budget cuts to come. Hauser reached out to the city manager and council, offering to help with the crisis. The city accepted, and Hauser was able to build consensus around pragmatic, creative solutions that minimized the impact of the shortfall. The process highlighted Hausers skill as a balanced fa-
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kernuttstokes.com 1600 Executive Parkway, Suite 110, Eugene, Oregon 97401 541.687.1170