open for business magazine - august/september 12 issue
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FOR BUSINESS A
UG
US
T/S
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12
THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNG…PROMOTiNG…iNFORMiNG BUSiNESS
Chamber program prepares future leaders for community stewardship
Rising to the Top
VOlUME 11, iSSUE 4 USA $3.95
CANADA $6.95
FEATURES
7 How Royal Caribbean’s strong
presence in Eugene and Springfield
reaches beyond its corporate investment in
the region.
22 Jenny Ulum shares
her reflections on
the Chamber Leadership
class of 1988.
COLUMNS/ DEPARTMENTS
4 YOUR CHAMBER WORKiNG
FOR YOU
15 QUESTiONS AND
ANSWERS
16 BUSiNESS NEWS
ADVERTISER INDEX
Publisher
David Hauser, CCE
Editor
Susan G. Miller, Director of Publications & Information Systems
Eugene Chamber Executive Committee
Marvin Re’Voal, 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
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
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: 4,700.
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
FOR BUSINESS A
UG
US
T/S
EP
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MB
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20
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THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CElEBRATiNG…PROMOTiNG…iNFORMiNG BUSiNESS
Chamber program prepares future leaders for community stewardship
Rising to the Top
VOlUME 11, iSSUE 4 USA $3.95
CANADA $6.95
Royal Caribbean’s Rita Stolze talks about the dual global-local nature of their company. Page 7
COVER STORY >>
8 The Chamber’s Leadership Eugene-
Springfield program develops
individuals interested in creating a positive
future for the community.
Pictured: Tenille Woodward (top left),
Manager, Employee Benefits Services, Kernutt
Stokes CPA’s and Consultants; Kip Much,
Community Relations and Government
Affairs Manager, NW Natural; Maylian Pak,
Development Director, Eugene Symphony
Association; Julie Grossman, Associate
Director, Eugene Family YMCA and Daniel
Chávez (seated), General Manager, Eugene
Phoenix Inn Suites
Photography by Loveall Photo www.loveallphoto.com
Art direction and design by Asbury Design www.asburydesign.net
contentsA U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2
EUGENE / SPRINGFIELD PORTLAND / VANCOUVER SEATTLE / BELLEVUE/TACOMA THERIGHTBANK.COM 541-686-8685
PAC-012 ~ Eugene Chamber ~ 4C ~ 7.375” x 4.8125”~ Aug/Sept 2012 ~ Vicki Gray
It only makes sense that the business partners you deal with day in and day out,
like Pacifi c Continental banker Vicki Gray, are fl uent in the language of your
business. At Pacifi c Continental, our bankers not only speak small business with
the agility of a CFO, they’re experts in delivering the fi nancial services you need,
when you need them…on your terms.
Banking on Your Terms Vicki Gray, Sr. V.P.Relationship Banking ManagerGreater Eugene
Working Capital
Remote Deposit
PayrollLLC
$PAC-012_EugeneChamber_4C_7.375x4.8125_Aug-Sept2012.indd 1 7/2/12 3:37 PM
5 Century Bank21 Chambers Productions/KEZI23 Eugene Airport16 Evergreen Roofing
8 Hershner Hunter, LLP6 Home Federal Bank17 Imagine Group2 Isler CPA
24 Kernutt Stokes 2 Pacific Continental Bank17 Servicemaster20 Sitttner & Nelson
18 Siuslaw Bank16 Summit Bank
A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 54 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S | E U G E N E A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Entrepreneurs pitch ideas at Chamber-led Smartups Academy
SmartUps Academy is a year-
long Chamber-led training program
for early-stage businesses seeking
investment. The Academy starts with
three months of intensive weekly
trainings followed by nine months of
check-in meetings to stay on course.
This year’s participants concluded the
twelve-week training session with an
Investor Demo Day in July, showing
their products and making pitches to
investors. Supporting entrepreneurship
and early-stage companies is a key
economic development priority for the
Eugene Chamber.
The following companies
participated in the Chamber’s first
SmartUps Academy: Magneto
Organics, developer of innovative
reactors that lowers costs and improve
efficiencies for biofuel producers;
Pathfinder Learning Systems, a
personalized textbook for users to
access and learn from educationally
relevant multimedia web resources;
GladSpace, an online ad network that
is reinventing the world of mobile
advertising; ProContact.Me, developer
of a mobile optimized, web based
“business card” that ties into a quickly
learned, lightweight CRM;Coyle,
designer and manufacturer of patented,
certified wood shell bike helmets with
cork impact protection; and CellFyre, a
biotechnology tools developer.
Y O U R C H A M B E R W O R K I N G F O R Y O U
Eugene Chamber brings connections, information to local business leaders
Chamber analysis pegs growth of industry segments
Chamber and community leaders recently
toured the Life Technologies (Molecular
Probes) campus in Eugene. Life Technologies
serves as the leading provider of novel
fluorescent reagents and detection solutions
that advance scientific and biomedical research
worldwide. With approximately 300 chemists,
biologists and engineers from all over the world,
Life Technologies is a significant bioscience
presence in the Pacific Northwest.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden meets with Vicki Gray, Senior Vice President of Pacific Continental Bank and Franklin Roome, Vice President-Sales and Marketing of Burley.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden joined
the Chamber’s July Manufacturing
Discussion Group to better understand
challenges and opportunities facing
Lane County manufacturers while
providing updates on federal policies
important to that group. Manufacturing
Discussion Group is an extension of a
Chamber-led “Focus-on Manufacturing”
effort that provides training and
peer-to-peer connections for local
manufacturing/distribution company
leaders.
New website helps Eugene and Springfield area entrepreneurs
Local entrepreneurs now have a new, powerful online
resource called LaneBusinessLink (www.lanebusinesslink.
com) thanks to a collaboration involving the Eugene and
Springfield Chambers of Commerce, the cities of Eugene
and Springfield, Lane County’s Community and Economic
Development Department, and LCC’s Small Business
Development Center. LaneBusinessLink is a comprehensive
virtual one-stop resource for business combining local, state,
federal and best-of-the-web resources to help businesses
start and grow.
Bill Boyington, GladSpace; Mindy Frisbee, Pathfinder Learning Systems; Dan Coyle, Coyle; Geoff Miller, ProContact.Me and Paul Bentley, Magneto Organics.
Y O U R C H A M B E R W O R K I N G F O R Y O U
Sarah Mizejewski, City of Eugene and Glenda Poling, Lane County, joined Life Technologies employees for a tour of the facility.
A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 7
Charting a steady course
S M A L L B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T
Chambers’ leadership program helps Royal Caribbean develop strong connections in the community
By Summer Young Jelinek
When Royal Caribbean opened its first remote contact
center in Wichita, Kan., the company’s reputation was
enough to entice seasoned travel industry professional Rita
Stolze to join ranks. “I was excited by the opportunity to work
for a leading global company in my own community,” she
said.
Fifteen years later, as the new site director of the Eugene
contact center, Stolze said the dual global-local nature of the
company remains an important part of Royal Caribbean’s
identity. “We maintain a strong local focus wherever our op-
erations are based,” she said. “From shore side to ship board,
Royal Caribbean is dedicated to making its communities
better places to live and work.”
Stolze said the Eugene-Springfield contact center is an
excellent example. The center handles nearly 75% of Royal
Caribbean’s North American trade inquiries and employs
more than 580 people locally. “The services handled at the
Eugene-Springfield site are absolutely critical to the com-
pany’s success, and the jobs created have had a significant
impact on the economy of Lane County,” she said.
But the company’s strong presence in Eugene and
Springfield reaches beyond its corporate investment in the
region. Since opening in 2005, Royal Caribbean has de-
veloped partnerships with many organizations and events
that strengthen the community. Through employee volun-
teerism, corporate sponsorships and in-kind giving, Royal
Caribbean has supported important community organiza-
tions such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Birth to Three
and Relay for Life.
The Eugene and Springfield Chambers’ leadership pro-
gram has helped Royal Caribbean develop strong connec-
tions in the community, said Stolze. “Our goal is to empower
employees at each of our site facilities to give back in ways
that improve the livability of their community,” she said.
“Having our managers complete the Leadership Eugene-
Springfield program has not only allowed them to connect
with community leaders and organizations that get them
more fully engaged in the community. It also helped them
hone their leadership skills so that they can effectively moti-
vate others to do the same.”Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce
Rita Stolze says the dual global-local nature of Royal Caribbean remains an important part of the company’s identity.
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A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 9
Investing in Leadership
C O V E R S T O R Y
Leadership Eugene-Springfield program develops individuals interested in creating a positive future for the community.
By Summer Young Jelinek
Photos by David Loveall
As enrollment opens for Leadership Eugene-Springfield 2012, steering
committee chairperson Tenille Woodward wants potential participants to
know: you’ll be glad you made the investment.
“People aren’t always sure they want to make an 8 month commitment,”
says Woodward. “But universally, people love it. If you care about this commu-
nity, Leadership Eugene-Springfield will give you the skills and connections to
really have an impact. It’s worth it!”
Woodward was one of five graduates – all leaders in their respective in-
dustries – asked to share their experiences in Leadership Eugene-Springfield.
Overwhelmingly positive about the impact it had on their lives, they reflected
on how well the program – a joint venture of the Eugene and Springfield
Chambers of Commerce – achieves its goal of nurturing leaders who are
It’s not just our current mantra; it’s a belief that has guided us for years. Ever since Jim and Dave
set the example by charting a dramatic new course for Hershner Hunter back in the 1970s. It’s why,
today, we’re ahead of the game, having recruited strong new talent to take over for our seasoned,
Baby Boom Generation attorneys. And it’s why you can be assured that our legal expertise is
guaranteed to be around for another generation. Or two or three.
Our future is bright and getting stronger. You can rely on the strength of our next generation
as you develop yours. 541-686-8511 | hershnerhunter.com
A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 1 11 0 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S | E U G E N E A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
ently and challenge yourself so that your
preconceptions don’t limit the impact you
can have.”
GROWING LEADERSHIP CAPACITY
Leadership Eugene-Springfield partici-
pants not only explore the issues and op-
portunities facing the area, they also learn
the leadership skills needed to effectively
impact the direction of the community as
volunteer, elected and appointed leaders.
“The skills taught in the program help
participants succeed in leadership roles
and become more aware of their own
leadership styles,” said Woodward. “These
are real-world skills that have made me a
better manager.”
Leadership Eugene-Springfield covers
a different leadership skill each month.
Presented by experienced leadership
training and development consultants,
topics include team building, facilitation
and conflict resolution.
Phoenix Inn Suites general manager
Daniel Chávez said that participating in
Leadership Eugene-Springfield helped
him hone his leadership capabilities. For
example, he said it helped him become a
better communicator in all areas of his life.
“You learn that what you say and how
you say it can impact someone else in a
really positive or a really negative way,” he
said. “Learning to be concise and specific
has helped me communicate more effec-
tively both as a minister and a manager.”
DEVELOPING MEANINGFUL
CONNECTIONS
The relationships Leadership Eugene-
Springfield participants forge with
their classmates and volunteer faculty
strengthen their professional and personal
networks. Every year, graduates stress the
important role the program plays in form-
ing and maintaining deeper connections
throughout the community.
Having gone through a Chamber lead-
ership program in Salem prior to moving
knowledgeable, skilled, connected and
motivated to make a difference.
UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY
INTERACTIONS
Effective community leaders un-
derstand the connections between the
economy, education, infrastructure,
government and other institutions. Lead-
ership Eugene-Springfield explores these
connections and the opportunities and
challenges that they present. Participants
emerge from the program with a better
understanding of how distinct parts of the
community fit together to make a cohe-
sive whole.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people
to get a glimpse into many different as-
pects of the community and develop a
deeper understanding of the nuances of
the region in which we live and work,” said
Maylian Pak, development director of the
Eugene Symphony Association.
Each Leadership Eugene-Springfield
class focuses on a different issue of im-
portance to the community and includes
presentations by leaders in the field. Pak
believes it is a great way to understand the
context in which individuals and organi-
zations operate.
“It’s important to have a global perspec-
tive for your work,” she said. “Now, because
I know a little bit about all of these different
issues, I am better equipped to contribute
to the well-being of my community and
find ways my organization can collaborate
with other organizations that might seem
unrelated at first blush.”
Julie Grossman, associate director of
the Eugene Family YMCA, added that the
program taught her that listening is an im-
portant part of the lifelong learning good
leaders undertake.
“Most of us seem to have our minds
made up even if we don’t know a lot about
a subject,” Grossman said. “The Leadership
class reminds you to really listen to other
people’s views, think about things differ-
“Leadership Eugene-
Springfield does a great
job of presenting multiple
perspectives on important
issues and building trust and
empathy between the parties
so that really meaningful
conversations can take place.”
— Julie Grossman, class of 2009 Associate Director, Eugene Family YMCA
“The program made me realize
how many passionate and
talented people put forth
incredible effort every day to
make our community a special
place to live. By meeting
these people and learning
the motivations behind their
efforts, I have a much
greater appreciation
for our community.” — Kip Much, class of 2005 Community Relations and Government Affairs Manager, NW Natural
A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 1 31 2 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S | E U G E N E A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Eugene, a comprehensive, community-
based planning process to develop a 20
year growth plan for the city.
“It was great to be able to come to
the table with other people in the com-
munity, filter information about the city’s
needs through my value system and
have the courage to express what was
important to me,” she said. “Leadership
Eugene-Springfield definitely bolstered
my confidence to add my voice to the
decision-making process.”
GOOD LEADERS, GOOD
COMMUNITIES
“A strong community needs strong
leaders,” said Chávez. Like the other four
graduates interviewed, he highly recom-
mends Leadership Eugene-Springfield to
anyone who wants to be more involved
in the community.
Woodward added that while the pro-
gram is a great introduction to the com-
munity for newcomers, even long-time
residents will benefit.
“It really doesn’t matter if you’re a na-
tive or a transplant, or whether you’re a
new or seasoned professional,” she said.
“Regardless of your background, you will
learn skills and build relationships that
will prepare you for effective leadership.”
to Eugene, Kip Much of NW Natural en-
rolled in Leadership Eugene-Springfield
because he knew it was a great way to
meet people.
“Despite the prevalence of electronic
communications, business is still pri-
marily about relationships,” he said. “The
leadership program is a great way to meet
key players in the community and begin
developing trust.”
Much said his participation in Leader-
ship Eugene-Springfield opened the door
to many relationships that have been
invaluable to his work as NW Natural’s
community relations and government
affairs director. “Through the leadership
program, I met many of the elected offi-
cials in our community, and was also able
to develop partnerships with some amaz-
ing nonprofit organizations,” he said.
CONTRIBUTING TO A HEALTHY
COMMUNITY
After gaining exposure to a host of
topics and leaders, Leadership Eugene-
Springfield participants often become
passionately involved in the community.
Many of the community’s current volun-
teer leaders – from local city councilors to
nonprofit board members – are Leader-
ship Eugene-Springfield graduates who
are using the knowledge, skills and con-
nections they gained in the program to
define and create a positive future for the
region.
“It’s amazing to see people become
empowered leaders through this pro-
gram,” said Woodward. “It helps them
identify what they’re passionate about
and realize that they do have the skills, the
knowledge and the connections to impact
the direction this community takes.”
“The program does a really great job of
connecting the dots between the issues
our community faces and the impact you
can have if you get involved,” said Gross-
man.
After going through the program,
Grossman participated in Envision Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce
“By explaining the social
and political intricacies
of the region, Leadership
[Eugene Springfield] helps
you redefine your work
in a community context.
— Maylian Pak, class of 2009 Development Director, Eugene
Symphony Associaton
“It’s easy to become
too comfortable in your
leadership style. ... The
program introduces people
to knowledgeable local
leaders whose insight can
help them develop their
own leadership capabilities
and effectively gauge when
change is needed.”
—Daniel Chávez, class of 2005 General Manager,
Eugene Phoenix Inn Suites
Be part of the next Leadership class
Class size is limited and
the application process for
Leadership Eugene-Springfield is
competitive. Each year, up to 28
participants are selected to join
this distinguished program. Story
on page 14
Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce
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L E A D E R S H I P E U G E N E - S P R I N G F I E L D
Application deadline approachingSince 1986, the Eugene and Springfield
Chambers of Commerce have jointly
sponsored Leadership Eugene-Springfield,
a program designed to meet our area’s
need for the active participation of knowl-
edgeable, networked, skilled, involved
and passionate leaders. The mission of
Leadership Eugene-Springfield is to de-
velop leaders who are involved in creating
a positive future for the community. The
program provides the opportunity for local
professionals to broaden their knowledge
and awareness of community issues and
develop their leadership skills. It also helps
participants build a network of contacts
among their classmates and presenters.
The Leadership Eugene-Springfield
program meets one full day each month
for eight months. The program curriculum
consists of two distinct elements, (a) an in-
depth examination of the Eugene-Spring-
field region and how it has developed, and
(b) a review of key volunteer leadership
skills. Each session is devoted to a different
community topic such as local govern-
ment, education, public safety, health and
human services, land use and the arts. A
host of current community leaders join
the class to discuss their expertise in the
topic at hand. A public safety presentation,
for example, may feature discussions with
local police chiefs, the district attorney and
a judge, as well as a tour of the federal court
house.
In addition to exploring a community
topic, each class day features instruction
in leadership skill building, led by local.
experts. Leadership skills addressed in-
cluds: meeting facilitation, team building,
conflict resolution, media relations, and
volunteer management.
Class size is limited and the application
process for Leadership Eugene-Springfield
is competitive. Each year, up to 28 partici-
pants are selected to join this distinguished
program. Tuition for the Leadership
Eugene-Springfield is $900 and covers all
program costs, meals and materials and is
typically provided by a candidate’s employ-
er, a sponsor or the candidate. Scholarship
assistance may be available to individuals
who otherwise would be unable to par-
ticipate. The application deadline for the
2012-2013 Leadership Eugene-Springfield
class is August 13.
For more information contact the Eu-
gene Chamber at 541-484-1314.
leadershipeugene-springfield
we create leaders
“The local leaders that Leadership Eugene-Springfield recruits to present topics are truly amazing. There were so many light bulb moments and I remember thinking ‘If everyone in the community had this opportunity to hear the issues from the source, we’d all be so much better prepared to address those issues in a positive way.’”
— Tenille Woodward, class of 2007 Manager, Employee Benefits Services, Kernutt Stokes CPA’s and Consultants
Q U E S T I O N S A N D A N S W E R S
Randy Hledik Director, General Services Wildish Land Co.
What motivated you to get involved
on the Eugene Planning Commission?
I chose to get involved specifically on
the planning commission after watching
previous members grapple with ever
more complex and challenging legal and
technical land use issues. I thought with
my educational background and work
experience I could contribute a level of
informed reasoning to the process.
What goal/work during your time
on the board/commission are you
most proud of?
There isn’t just one recommendation
or decision that stands out during the
7+ years I’ve served on the planning
commission. Rather, taken as a whole
I have found it rewarding to work with
all the other commissioners who, while
we each have our own perspectives and
biases, genuinely do our best to arrive
at conclusions that are based on sound
judgment and are as fair as possible to all
parties concerned.
Why would you encourage others to
get involved in the community?
Yes, of course, because as Shakespeare’s
Coriolanus said, “the people are the city”. A
person can sit on the side lines and grouse
about the way things are done, or he or
she can roll up their sleeves and engage in
democracy. It’s a challenging, frustrating,
invigorating and rewarding experience.
Jennifer Olson-Morzenti Project Manager, EHS and Facilities Life Technologies
What motivated you to get involved
on the Toxics Right-To-Know board?
I was motivated to get involved with the
Toxics Right-To-Know board by my desire
to learn more about the board and the
use of the information that manufacturing
companies, such as Life Technologies,
are required to report. It was also a great
opportunity to network with other local
business representatives and members of
the community.
What goal/work during your time
on the Toxics Right-To-Know board
are you most proud of?
Nanotechnology was the big buzz during
the time that I was on the board. Since Life
Technologies manufactures nanoparticles,
I took the opportunity to educate the board
about the process in which the particles
are made, how environmental and safety
monitoring is conducted and the usages of
the particles.
Why would you encourage others to
get involved in the community?
Getting involved in the community
provides opportunities to network with
other companies, to share best practices
and acquire help on like issues, and establish
relationships with local officials and
regulators.
James Manning Eugene Water and Electric Board Commissioner - Elect
What motivated you to get
involved on your various boards and
commissions?
What motivates me to get involved on
boards and commissions is the privilege
to voluntarily serve my community with
the people’s best interest in mind. I offer
my leadership and experience without
a personal hidden agenda. From a
government perspective, I believe that
Boards and commissions are designed to
give community members a voice in the
decision making process. A seat at the
table to take part in influencing decisions
that shape the quality of life for the people
and communities they serve. Participation
on a board or commission is one of the
most effective steps a citizen can take in
becoming an active voice in the community
or government.
Why would you encourage others to
get involved in the community?
I would encourage others to get involved
in the community because we need each
other. I believe that we are only as strong as
the most venerable amongst us. We need
wise caring leadership that promotes equity
and embraces community diversity. These
are key community essentials especially
during these economic depressed times.
I encourage others to get involved with
neighborhoods and other community
programs. Together we are the difference
makers. Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce
Open for Business talked with three local business leaders about their involvement in the community
Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce
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Merrie M. (Kim) Kelly of
Long Term Care Associates,
has been recognized by the
American Association for
Long-Term Care Insurance
with a 2012 Achievement
Award as a leading long-
term care insurance professional in Oregon.
Kelly also received the 2011 “Health Agent of
the Year” award from the State of Oregon
National Association of Insurance Financial
Advisors.
www.longtermcare-ltca.com
Evergreen Land Title Co. is pleased to announce the
addition of Deena Roche,
Christie Bonar and John Kapihe to Evergreen’s REO
escrow team. All three have
extensive backgrounds
in real estate lending and
will play a vital role in Evergreen’s new REO
department.
www.evergreenlandtitle.com
Brandon Richardson of the Golf with Freedom Lesson Center has been nominated for the
2011 Oregon PGA Teacher of the Year award.
Richardson has expanded his operations to
include programs in Eugene and at the Desert
Princess Country Club Resort and Spa in Palm
Springs, Calif. He has also added a new putting
workshop to his offerings.
www.golfwithfreedom.net
Sheryl Balthrop of Gaydos Churnside & Balthrop
has received the Lane
County Bar Association’s
2012 Andrew Clement Pro
Bono Award. The award
honors an individual who
has provided exceptional service to persons of
limited means. Balthrop was honored for her
work with ShelterCare.
www.oregonlegalteam.com
Sarah Brandenburg, JD,
has joined Roehl & Yi Investment Advisors LLC
as a financial paraplanner.
Bradenburg is securities
licensed and is a member
of the Oregon Bar. Her
responsibilities include client relations, financial
planning analysis and office administration.
www.roehl-yi.com
PROMOTIONS/NEW HIRESPhotos appear left to right from top
Oregon Community Credit Union announces
the following new
hires: Amy Brannan,
senior human resource
generalist; Chris Bernard
(not pictured), IT
manager; Dave Schiffer, director of finance; and Bob Potter, director
of credit cards.
www.oregoncommunitycu.org
Cosette Rees has been
promoted to the position
of manager of customer
and accessible services
at Lane Transit District. Rees has been with LTD
since 1996 and previously
held positions as a marketing representative
and as a public involvement specialist
working on the District’s bus rapid transit
project. She replaces Terry Parker, who
retired in June.
www.ltd.org
The Active 20-30 Club of Eugene #920 is
pleased to announce
their new board of
directors: Autumn Cummings (pictured),
president, Selectemp;
Shannan Odum (pictured), 1st vice president,
Industrial Source/National Fire Fighter
Corp.; Meghan McMahon (pictured), 2nd
vice president, Cascade Title Co.; Kate Miles, recording secretary, Levi Strauss &
Co.; Jeff Singer, treasurer, Umpqua Bank;
Justin Dougherty, director, Roehl & Yi
Investment Advisors; Grace Riggs, director,
Personnel Source; Rogelio Cassol, director,
Arnold Law Firm; Tate Namle, director,
Nationwide Agribusiness; Tenille Woodward,
activator, Kernutt Stokes; and Michelle Christensen, immediate past president,
Peacehealth.
www.eugene2030.org
WHEN
IT’S
GO
TIME.
541.684.7500
SUMMITBANKONLINE.COM
96 EAST BROADWAY
EUGENE, OR 97401
Summit team members (left to right): Chris Hemmings and Mara Hooker.
B U S I N E S S N E W S B U S I N E S S N E W S
Vans. Trucks. Wraps.
fleetgraphics
People. Places. Products.
photographics
ImagineGroup.com 990 Garfield • Eugene, OR 97402 • 541.485.2994
Signs. Banners. Tradeshows.
graphics
A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 1 91 8 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S | E U G E N E A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Megan Livermore was
named 2012-13 president
of Oregon Women
Lawyers (OWLS) for
2012-13. Oregon Women
Lawyers is committed
to the advancement of
women and minorities in the practice of law,
including racial and ethnic minorities and
members of the LGBTQ community. With
more than 1200 members, OWLS is the third
largest bar organization in the state.
www.oregonlegalteam.com
Local marketing agency
bell+funk is pleased
to announce that Ali Fishner has been hired
as an account executive.
Fishner previously
worked at R/West in
Portland.
www.bellandfunk.com
Shirley Lyons, AAF, PFCI, owner of
Dandelions Flowers & Gifts, was selected
as one of eight judges for the Portland Rose
Festival’s 100th Anniversary Grand Floral
Parade.
www.dandelionsflowers.com
Citizens Bank is pleased to announce that
Chris Kline has joined its Springfield office
as vice president and commercial loan
officer.
www.citizensEbank.com
Valley Credit Service
is pleased to announce
the promotion of Alice Ray-Graham to chief
marketing officer for
the Pacific Northwest
region. Ray-Graham was
also awarded the President’s Award by the
Oregon chapter of Healthcare Financial
Management Associations (OHFMA).
Kathleen Downey has
joined Willamette Valley Restoration as
sales and marketing
manager. Kathleen will
focus on Willamette
Valley Restoration’s
continual development of relationships and
will coordinate marketing and business
development strategies.
www.wvrestoration.com
James Lindly, director
of the Lane Community College Small Business Development Center, received the Oregon
Small Business
Development Center
Networks 2012 STATE STAR designation.
The Lane Transit District board of directors has
elected new officers.
Greg Evans (pictured),
APTA Region VI
Representative and
Executive Committee
member, will serve a 2 year term as board
president; Doris Towery, vice president;
Gary Gillespie, secretary; and Ed Necker, treasurer.
www.ltd.org
Beverly Andrews is celebrating 30 years
as a wardrobe consultant with Doncaster Clothing & Accessories. Andrews hosts
trunk shows in her home boutique every
season.
www.doncaster.com
Can the Clutter ®,
Professional Organizing
and Productivity
Consulting Service, is
happy to announce
the addition of
Steve Schuler to the
Productivity Consulting side of the business.
Schuler has over 30 years of business
process improvement experience and will
be focused primarily on Can the Clutter ®
corporate clients.
www.cantheclutter.com
Elmina Mike, Hybrid Real Estate, received
the 2012 Realtor of the
Year award from the
Springfield Board of
Realtors.
www.hybridrealestate.org
Jessica Gee of Vibrant Health, is a certified
health coach, as well as a licensed massage
therapist and a personal trainer/weightlifting
coach.
www.jessicagee.info
Dave Dodge has been
hired for the position of
senior network analyst
at Pacific Continental Bank. Dodge will
work from the bank’s
headquarters in Eugene.
www.therightbank.com
BUSINESS NEWS
Jones & Roth CPAs and Business Advisors
has been named one of the Best Public
Accounting Firms for Women in the nation.
This is the third year the firm has won the
award, presented to just 10 accounting firms
nationwide.
www.jrcpa.com
The Eugene Symphony received nearly
$25,000 in grant from three Pacific
Northwest granting institutions: James
F. Marion L. Miller Foundation; Charlotte
Martin Foundation and Lane County Cultural
Coalition.
www.eugenesymphony.org
The legal and business office of Café Yumm! has been recognized by the Oregon State
Bar Sustainable Future Section as a “Partner
in Sustainability.”
www.cafeyumm.com
Johnson Crushers International (JCI) has
hired over 50 new associates between
January and June of 2012. That represents
a combination of assemblers, welders,
machinists, mechanics, shipping/receiving,
sales and engineering positions.
www.kpijci.com
Laurel Hill Center recently presented its
annual Community Award to three local
Episcopal churches, honoring them for
providing homeless people with Home
Starter Kits for the past 18 years.
www.laurel.org
Innsight Hotel Management Group was
recently honored by Marriott International
with six awards for their work in 2011.
www.innsighthmg.com
New Chamber member
Kayla Thompson Design
invites you to www.
kaylathompson.net for
your web and graphic
design needs.
Thanks For Holding, a Eugene-based
marketing company, has changed its name
to In Business Media to better reflect
its expanded offerings. In addition to its
original telephone hold content services, the
company now operates a background music
service called Best Business Music and a
new business television content division
called Business Digital Signage.
www.inbusinessmedia.com
Laura Berry (pictured)
and Tim Berry have
started Eugene Social, a
social media consulting
company. Eugene Social
can help you learn and
manage your social
media presence, with an emphasis on
Twitter and Pinterest.
www.eugene-social.com
Serenity Lane Health Services Foundation
has selected its inaugural board: Larry Bradley, Chocolate Decadence; Dean Hansen, Pacific Continental Bank; James Koons (not pictured); Pat Straube,
Dari-Mart Stores and Paul Weinhold, UO
Foundation.
www.serenitylane.org
KUDOS
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Lane County (CASA) received multiple-
year grants from the Meyer Memorial Trust
($175,000 over 3 years) and The Collins
Foundation ($40,000 over 2 years). The
grants will support CASA’s 5 year expansion
plan to more than double the agency’s
service capacity and reduce its cost-per-
child by almost 40%. CASA’s goal is to
provide a volunteer advocate to every
abused child in need.
www.casa-lane.org
Kendall Toyota will continue to contribute
over $20,000 each month to the 4J and Bethel School Districts during the 2012-
2013 school year. Information on the
program and how individual schools can
earn cash at Kendall Toyota can be found at
www.KendallDriveForEducation.com.
The Oregon Ethics in Business (OEIB)
Awards, presented by the Rotary Club
of Portland and Willamette University’s
Atkinson Graduate School of Management,
have honored three Eugene Chamber
members 2012in 2012: George Rode, AutoHaus/Euro-Asian Automotive/Stadium Automotive in the individual
category; NextStep Recycling, not-for-
profit category; and Wildish Companies in
the business category.
Richard Wingard, president, Rotary Club of Portland; Jim Wildish, president, Wildish Companies; Yvonne Wildish; and Julie Olson, committee chair.
Steve Thorsett, president, Willamette University; and Lorraine Kerwood, executive director, NextStep Recycling.
Richard Wingard, president, Rotary Club of Portland and George Rode, AutoHaus/Euro-Asian Automotive/ Stadium Automotive. PhOTOS BY ANDIE PETKUS PhOTOGRAPhY
B U S I N E S S N E W S B U S I N E S S N E W S
541.342.4000siuslawbank.com
Jeff GusinowSenior Vice President & ManagerMedical & Professional Banking Group
Dr. Steven OfnerOphthalmology
Eugene Oregon Eye Care
Strength. Stability. Service.
It’s all about theRelationship atYour CommunityBank for BusinessAs part of our community,we take pride in the personal relationships we’ve 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, it’s all about the relationship.
A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 | O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S 2 12 0 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S | E U G E N E A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
For the sixteenth consecutive year, SELCO Community Credit Union has awarded
scholarships to Oregon high school
seniors for their scholastic achievement
and community involvement. Fourteen
deserving recipients were chosen to receive
$1,500 scholarships to be used toward their
college education.
www.selco.org
Ruby Porter Marketing + Design
announced BRING Recycling and NextStep
Recycling as winners of the Ruby Porter
Gives Back Program for the spring quarter.
The program is designed to honor nonprofit
organizations that make a difference and
inspire their local communities. Ruby Porter
awards up to $2,500 in design services per
quarter.
www.rubyporter.com
The Active 20-30 Club of Eugene #920,
through the club and its foundation, proudly
allocated monies to the following local
children’s charities: Birth to Three, $3500
(Club); Boys & Girls Club: $800 (Club) and
$1700 (Foundation); Courageous Kids:
$1000 (Club) and Willamette Farm & Food
Coalition Farm to School Project: $1500
(Club) and $1000 (Foundation).
www.eugene2030.org
The Lane Community College Small Business Development Center (above)
has received the 2012 Small Business
Development Center Excellence and
Innovation Award from the U.S. Small
Business Administration for both the SBA’s
Oregon and Southwest Washington District,
as well as Region X, which includes Alaska,
Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
www.lanesbdc.com
DePaul Industries president & CEO Dave
Shaffer was honored with the 2012 Ernst &
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in
the Pacific Northwest.
www.depaulstaffing.com
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center provided a unique educational experience
to a seventh grade class from Cascade
Middle School. The Cascade students
submitted the winning entry in The
Human Heart Contest, which was open to
all seventh grade classes in the Eugene-
Springfield area. Classes were asked to
submit a video, essay, collage, sculpture, rap
or other creative project that they felt best
represented the heart. Seven members of
the Cascade class wrote, acted, filmed and
edited the winning video, which was both
creative and humorous.
www.mckweb.com
B U S I N E S S N E W S
Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce
The Arts Foundation of Western Oregon
Fund (AFWO) of The Oregon Community Foundation recently announced more than
$360,000 in grants to Lane County arts
organizations through the Silva and Hult
Endowments. Receiving grants from the
both the Silva and Hult Endowment were:
Eugene Ballet Company, Eugene Opera,
Eugene Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival;
and The Shedd. The Eugene Choir received
a grant from the Silva Endowment. www.oregoncf.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. 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:
American Family Insurance - Brian J. Westerberghttp://insurance-agency.amfam.com/OR/brian-jon-westerberg/
Association for Direct Instructionwww.adihome.org
Branches of Valorwww.branchesofvalor.org
EMERGENCEwww.4emergence.com
Eugene Socialwww.eugene-social.com
Full Life Programswww.fulllifeprograms.com
Johnson Crushers International (JCI)www.kpicji.com
ODS Companieswww.odscompanies.com
Representative Val Hoylewww.valhoyle.com
Premier Securitywww.premierprotects.com
Pressure Point Roofing, Inc.www.pressurepointroofing.com
Promised Land Consultingwww.promisedlandconsulting.com
Property Management Conceptswww.eugenerentals.com
Revoalutionwww.revoalution.com
Rivers Edge Events LLCwww.riversedgeevents.com
roseSoft Designwww.rosesoftdesign.com
Singing Dog Vanillawww.singingdogvanilla.com
Kayla Thompson Designwww.kaylathompson.net
Wireless Sourcewww.wirelesssource.us
B U S I N E S S N E W S
Business News covers promotions,
hires, awards, business giving and
business news. E-mail items to
businessnews@eugenechamber.com.
2 2 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S | E U G E N E A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
G U E S T O P I N I O N
Some reflections on the Leadership class of ’88By Jenny Ulum
I HAD NO IDEA WHAT to expect when I walked into my first Leadership Eugene-Springfield class
in September of 1987. A newlywed, I had just moved back to Eugene and was beginning a new
job in community relations for Sacred Heart General Hospital.
Sometime between the time I was offered the job and when I arrived in town, my boss had
signed me up for this program.
That first day, we went around the room to introduce
ourselves and describe why we were there. “I’m not sure”
seemed like a very unleader-like answer, so I probably
mumbled something about being grateful for the oppor-
tunity. My classmates’ self-introductions made clear that I
was in terrific, and more enlightened, company.
I quickly discovered that the program is a commit-
ment. It’s never easy to take a full day off work and devote
it to civic engagement. Telephone messages in the days
before voice mail were piling up in my absence and would
be demanding attention when I returned to the office.
Information came at us so fast and furious that my brain
was on “tilt” by the end of the day.
Still, “Leadership Days” were fascinating. A who’s who
of Eugene-Springfield came to us, and I learned more
about my community in those eight sessions than I could
have in years on my own. I learned about Robert’s Rules of
Order from the legendary Orlando Hollis, who could have
been the inspiration for the law professor played by John
Houseman in the 1980s TV series “The Paper Chase.” We
met in places I never knew existed and I made friends with
people I might not otherwise have met.
I distinctly remember a presentation by two women –
one from the city of Eugene and one from the Riverfront
Research Park – that was notable not only for the content
but also for the obvious camaraderie that existed between
them. I recall thinking that I would enjoy knowing them,
but it seemed unlikely. Not only do I now consider both
good friends, but I eventually had the privilege to serve on
the Riverfront Research Park Commission.
While the Leadership
program may not have
yielded as many candidates
for public office as was
originally envisioned, it
has certainly served as
a wellspring of talent for
this community’s many
nonprofit organizations.
Shortly after my graduation
I was taken to coffee by a
board member of the American Cancer Society, who had
seen that I’d been an ACS volunteer in Seattle prior to
moving to Eugene. Soon I was serving as president of the
local ACS chapter, and since that time I have served on
countless boards, committees and task forces, including a
term as chair of the board of the Eugene Area Chamber of
Commerce.
In 1995 I went off on my own and started a public
relations firm. It grew rapidly and many of my first clients
came from the connections I made in Leadership and
my subsequent chamber involvement. As often happens,
much of the information I learned in the program has
faded from memory, but the friendships we forged endure.
Successful people in business understand that leader-
ship is vital to any enterprise. Thanks to our local cham-
bers of commerce and the countless volunteers who have
built this program, we have made our community a better
place through the awesome power of leadership. Eugene AreaChamber ofCommerce
PO Box 1107Eugene, OR 97440-1107
kernuttstokes.com1600 Executive Parkway, Suite 110, Eugene, Oregon 97401 – 541.687.1170
Certified Public Accountants & Business Consultants
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