top ten whoppers from the Job stoppers

Transcription

published by the ch a mber of medfor d/j ack son count y
J a n ua ry 2 010
Business Review
WACE & OSCC
H e lping
Vo t e
Busin e s s
NO o n 66 a n d 67
i n
Newsmakers
Creating A
Strong Economy:
Future projections by expert on
natural gas in the Northwest.
Page 8
New members offer you great
variety of services. Page 18
Technology plays a vital role for
all areas of business in southern
Oregon. Page 14
Networking:
Preview the January Forum
on “Growing Through the
Leftovers.” Page 27
Representing
Business Issues:
Chamber joins forces with
statewide organization to repeal
job-killing taxes.
Page 4
Promoting the
Community:
Oregon’s NTA delegation attracts
tour operators attention. Page 16
Check out what is happening in
your community. Page 17
Succ e e d
Member FYI’s................................................ 6
New Members ............................................ 18
Marketing Advice......................................... 10
e v e ry
i s su e
Buy Chamber.............................................. 12
Calendar of Events . ................................... 17
Visitor Information.................................. 16-17
Renewing Members....................................20
Greeter of the Month ..................................23
Ribbon Cuttings..........................................20
Top Ten Whoppers from
the Job Stoppers
Whopper No. 1
There is no “third way” or “Plan B” or
“alternative” if voters reject these tax increases. If voters reject
these measures there will be further dramatic budget cuts to
Head Start, K-12 schools, community colleges, universities,
health care, state troopers, etc. The tax increases protect
nearly $1 billion in vital services like education, health care
and public safety.
The Facts
According to the Legislative Revenue Office, the state
will only have a $318 million deficit if voters reject these
permanent tax increases and the legislature uses the funds
in the state’s two major reserve accounts. If the two tax
measures are defeated, the legislature could maintain
current budgets by dipping into existing state agency cash
reserves, reducing personnel costs or even crafting more
responsible tax measures when it meets in February.
For example, the legislature could refuse to fund state
employee salary step increases or require the governor to
re-open the state employees’ contract. Or, the legislature
could require state workers to contribute to their health
care coverage at the same level Oregon public school
teachers contribute to theirs. The one-year savings on this
alone would be $131 million.
Neither tax increase is specifically tied to a particular
expenditure so the defeat of one or both tax increases
will not lead to specific cuts. Legislators will choose what
programs services to cut if cuts are necessary.
Whopper No. 2
The 2009 Oregon Legislature made $2 billion in
cuts before increasing taxes to balance the 2009-11 Budget.
The Facts
The 2009-11 All Funds Budget is $4.7 billion higher
than the 2007-09 All Funds Budget. That’s a 9 percent
increase. Tax proponents say that increase is primarily
because of federal stimulus dollars, but that’s not true.
The fact is that the 2009-11 General Fund budget,
which includes only state funds, is $485 million higher
than the last General Fund budget. Those are spending
increases by anybody’s definition but somehow not in
state government. The touted budget “cuts” actually
reflect an increase in spending, just a smaller increase than
anticipated.
The legislature’s half-billion dollar increase in General
Fund spending included $259 million in salary increases
for state employees.
The 2009 Legislature should have tightened its belt
like the rest of us instead of asking for more tax dollars to
uphold its runaway spending.
Whopper No. 3
Big corporations are getting away with paying
Oregon’s $10 minimum tax, which hasn’t changed since
1931. Measure 67 will make big corporations pay their fair
share.
The Facts
The corporations that pay Oregon’s current $10
corporate minimum tax are businesses that have not made
a profit or have no taxable income. Businesses that make a
profit pay the corporate income taxes on these profits.
Measure 67 changes the $10 flat fee for businesses that
have no taxable income to a sliding scale between $150
to $100,000—based on a company’s gross sales, not net
profits. This new gross sales tax disproportionately impacts
high-volume sales, low-margin businesses like grocery
stores, restaurants and gas stations.
Continued on page 3
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PWB_First & Goal Ad_Business Review_11-09.indd
1
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Published monthly by:
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Continued from cover.
In fact, most states have no minimum tax on
businesses that aren’t making a profit. Among those
states that do levy a minimum tax on corporations
with no profits, 17 charge an average of $200. All
but two of these states have a flat rate minimum,
like Oregon’s. Only New York and Minnesota
have graduated minimum taxes based on total
sales, similar to Measure 67. Those two states levy
a maximum of $5,000. Measure 67’s so-called
minimum tax would make Oregon’s 20 times
higher. Measure 67 would give Oregon the highest
corporate minimum or “no profits” tax in the
country.
Whopper No. 4
Measures 66 and 67 protect the
equivalent of $285.5 for K-12 education, $24.4
million for Oregon’s community colleges, $39.9
million for the Oregon University System, $5.1
million for student assistance, $4.1 million for
Oregon Health and Science University. The funds
from these tax increases preserve class sizes, save jobs
for teachers, provide seniors with in-home care and
provide health care for thousands of Oregonians
through the Oregon health plan.
The Facts
Neither tax increase is specifically tied to a
particular expenditure so the defeat of one or
both tax increases will not lead to specific cuts. It
could just as easily be said that Measures 66 and
67 protect the $259 funding for public employee
salary increases the 2009 Legislature approved.
The Legislative Revenue Office has reported that
the state will only have a $318 million deficit if
voters reject these permanent tax increases and the
legislature uses all in its two major reserve accounts.
That’s less than three percent of the state budget to
cut!
The legislature could maintain current budgets
VP09 -79 - Medford Chamber ad
by dipping into other state agency cash reserves for
financial emergencies, cutting personnel costs or
even crafting more responsible tax measures when
it meets in February.
For example, the legislature could refuse to fund
state employee salary increases agreed to after the
2009 Legislature adjourned or require the governor
to re-open the state employees’ contract. Or, the
legislature could require state workers to contribute
to their health care coverage at the same level
Oregon public school teachers contribute to theirs.
The one-year savings on this alone would be $131
million. The legislature could redirect $13 million
of the $63 million currently in the Risk Assessment
Account used to cover lawsuits against the state.
Whopper No. 5
Measures 67 increases the marginal tax
rate on corporate profits above $250,000 by only 1.3
percent.
The Facts
Measure 67 supporters are playing games with
numbers. They’re afraid to let voters know
that the corporate tax hikes under Measure 67
alone amount to a 40 percent total increase in
state corporate taxes for 2009-11. Economists
say this kind of business tax, coupled with the
personal income tax, would result in 70,000 more
Oregonians losing their jobs.
Measure 67 supporters try to create the
illusion of a tiny increase by only mentioning the
percentage point increase in the rate. In fact, the
corporate income tax rate will go from the current
6.6 percent to 7.9 percent in 2009 and 2010. That’s
nearly a 20 percent increase in just one of the
three components of Measure 67’s corporate tax
hike. (Corporate income tax increase, corporate
minimum tax increase based on gross sales and
corporate filing fee increases.)
Whopper No. 6
Measure 66 increases the marginal tax
rate on personal income above $250,000 for couples
by only 1.8 percent.
The Facts
Measure 66 supporters are playing games with
numbers. They’re afraid to let voters know that
this tax increase amounts to a 20 percent increase
on personal income above $250,000 for couples.
Voters would see that kind of tax increase would
contribute to the 70,000 additional jobs economists
estimate Oregon would lose under Measures 66 and
67. The reason: 66 percent of the tax filers targeted
for the legislature’s increase in personal income tax
rates are small and family-owned business owners
who report their business profits on their personal
income tax statements.
Measure 66 supporters try to create the
illusion of a slight increase by only mentioning
the percentage point increase in the rate. Under
Measure 66, the tax rate goes from 9 percent to
10.8 percent - a 20 percent increase. Measure 66
also moves the tax rate for certain filers from 9
percent to 11percent. That’s a 22 percent increase!
Whopper No. 7
Business doesn’t pay its fair share of taxes
in Oregon.
The Facts
Tax proponents say the “corporate share” of
Oregon taxes has declined over time. One reason is
the number of S-corps has increased drastically.
Ninety-nine percent of Oregon’s 55,000 Scorps pay no corporate income tax other than
the corporate minimum, but that doesn’t mean
the state is not collecting tax revenues from these
Continued on page 11
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J a n u a r y
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Chamber Joins Forces with Statewide Organization to Repeal Job-Killing Taxes
“Soak the Rich” Tax Increases Could Drown
Oregon Small Businesses
O
regon small businesses are the targets
of the permanent, job-killing personal
and corporate income tax increases passed this
year by the state legislature – and Oregon small
businesses are leading the campaign to put
these tax measures on the ballot and let Oregon
voters decide whether raising taxes in the
middle of a recession is a good idea.
The legislature exploited the short-term
economic crisis to pass two permanent tax
increases – one directly on businesses (House
Bill 3405), the other on high-income Oregonians (House Bill 2649).
Together, these tax measures will raise $733 million in the next two years
– the biggest tax increase in Oregon history.
Economists estimate these permanent tax increases would cost as many
as 70,000 Oregonians their jobs. The only jobs these higher taxes would
save are state employee jobs.
Small Oregon businesses are especially vulnerable to the double
whammy tax hikes on business and personal income.
Businesses would be taxed up to $100,000 a year – even if they didn’t
make a profit. Tax rates for individuals earning more than $125,000 a
year would increase 20 percent, giving Oregon the second highest income
tax rate in the nation – higher than both New York and California.
Data from the Joint Committee on Taxation shows that at least 55
percent of the revenue raised by increasing top personal tax rates would
come from small business income. And that’s the folly of the legislature’s
“Soak the Rich” tax plan. Its burden would fall most heavily on small
businesses – the very people who create jobs in Oregon.
That’s why business and community groups have formed Oregonians
Against Job-Killing Taxes to put these tax measures on the ballot and
defeat them in a January 26 election.
You can help. Visit www.StopJobKillingTaxes.com for more
information and join the coalition opposing these job-killing tax
increases.
Pat McCormick is a Partner with Conkling Fiskum & McCormick in Portland, Oregon and
has over 35 years of experience in Oregon public policy including chief of staff to Oregon House
Majority Leader Les AuCoin.
OregonÕs Current Recession Job Trends!
27,000!
0!
5,100 Government
Jobs Added!
-27,000!
-54,000!
-81,000!
131,500 Private
Sector Jobs Lost!
-108,000!
-135,000!
Nov 2007! Jan 2008! Mar 2008! May 2008! Jul 2008!
Source: Oregon Employment Department
Sep 2008! Nov 2008! Jan 2009! Mar 2009! May 2009! Jul 2009!
Sep 2009! Nov 2009!
J a n u a r y
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J a n u a r y
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networking opportunities
Networking through The Chamber has provided opportunities for members to showcase their products and services to their peers and
benefit from ideas and savings that have enhanced their bottom line.
Stay Connected to Fellow Chamber Members
Juice Plus+ Brings Olympic
Athlete To Rogue Valley
Jeff Olson, former professional athlete, two time
Olympian, three time national downhill champion
as well as gold medalist of the Pan American games,
is coming to speak in both Ashland (January 21 at
the Ashland Springs Hotel ) and Medford (January
22 at the Red Lion) at 7:00 PM.
Jeff will be doing a multi-media presentation
(including exciting ski footage) on the new standard
in medicine, health and human performance.
Drawing on his knowledge of the most current
research, his experience as a world class athlete
and educator, Jeff will be sharing his philosophy,
Think Well, Move Well, Eat Well and the challenge
of execution that exists for people within these
timeless principles. Jeff says, “We don’t need
more experts telling us what to do, we need better
execution everyday. Helping people break free from
the chains that bind them around physical, mental
and professional vitality is my life’s work.”
These evening discussions are for elite athletes
and people with chronic disease; for doctors and
patients; for parents and weekend warriors; for
coaches and trainers; dieticians and naturopaths;
type A personalities and type II diabetics;
vegetarians and meat eaters – for anyone and
everyone.
In 2000, Jeff founded Well Nourished
Worldwide. He is also the co-founder of the Metro
Denver Health & Wellness Commission and the
Zyozy Foundation. Jeff is a board member of
CanDo multiple sclerosis and the Denver Sports
Commission. He is a highly sought after speaker
and consultant in the medical, health, business, and
human performance community.
This event, sponsored by Juice Plus+ and
Rogue Ski Shop, will include several drawings for
merchandise donated by local businesses including
a white water rafting trip, new all mountain skis
or snowboards and much more. All proceeds from
the sales of the raffle tickets will go to support the
Medford and Ashland High School Ski Teams.
For more information and complimentary
tickets to this event or to purchase raffle tickets
(need not be present to win ski equipment) call
Chris or Nikki Cotton (541) 482-3398 or (541)
941-3608.
Southern Oregon Business
Conference Announces
Keynote Speakers
The 2010 Southern Oregon Business
Conference, set for Thursday, January 28th, will
feature three nationally-recognized speakers all
addressing the conference’s agenda focus:
Vision 2010: Beyond Recovery!
Fred Dickson, Chief Market Strategist with
D.A. Davidson – the largest regional investment
firm in the Northwest – will be the lead off speaker
for the 2010 Business Conference. Dickson will
share his vision for the future of U.S. and global
markets as world economies move beyond recovery.
After a long career with various investment
firms, Dickson joined D.A. Davidson in 2001 and
was appointed as chief market strategist in 2002.
John Tapogna, President of ECONorthwest,
will share his views on directions and trends for
the Oregon economy as the State moves beyond
recovery.
As president of ECONorthwest, Tapogna will
share his insights based on his extensive analytical
experience of growth sectors, employment trends,
and public funding forecasts for Oregon.
Jed Kolko, Associate Director of the Public
Policy Institute of California will round out the
conference program with a focus on the future of
California’s economy – recognized as the world’s
eighth largest – and identify key trends and
underlying challenges ahead for this leading state
economy in the U.S.
Additionally, Kolko will address how
California’s tax and public policy directions are
influencing key business location assessments and
decisions.
Conference Details
When: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Time: 1:30 – 5:00 p.m., followed by hosted
reception and no-host bar.
Where: Medford Red Lion Hotel
Registration: $40 per person
To register please visit www.soredi.org.
Safeway Foundation Grant
Benefits to Community Health
Center
A generous grant of $10,000 from The
Safeway Foundation, and its customers will help
Community Health Center provide comprehensive
breast and cervical cancer screening to women
qualifying for the organization’s Every Woman Can
Have a Medical Home program.
“Safeway customers and employees are passionate
about programs that give women an opportunity to
seek preventive cancer screenings exams. Breast
cancer is a major health threat to women, and we’ve
made a significant commitment to raising funds
for programs geared toward breast cancer research
and prevention,” says Medford Safeway store comanager Josie Blake.
Community Health Center started the Every
Woman Can Have a Medical Home program in
July 2008. The program eliminates cost as a barrier
for uninsured or underinsured women to obtain
a well-woman exam and referral for mammogram
by providing a free first medical office visit. “It is
important to screen for cancer, but it is
also important for women to have an opportunity
to come in and establish care so that they can
develop an ongoing source for medical care,” says
Executive Director Pam Crowley. Last year, 329
women were screened and 9 cancers were found.
For more information, please contact
Community Health Center for an appointment, at
541.773.3863.
INTEGRA TELECOM
RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF
OREGON’S MOST ADMIRED
COMPANIES
Integra Telecom Inc. was again recognized by
the Oregon business community as one of the
Most Admired Technology Companies in the
state. Presented at The Portland Business Journal’s
Oregon’s Most Admired Companies Luncheon,
Integra ranked third out of the more than 100
technology related businesses considered for the
award. Integra Telecom was the only telecom
company recognized and has been added to The
Portland Business Journal’s list every year since the
award’s inception in 2005. Intel Corp., Microsoft
Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. joined Integra in
the ranks of Most Admired Technology Companies
in Oregon.
“We are honored be selected by the state’s
business community for the fifth straight year as
one of the Most Admired Companies in Oregon,”
said Dudley Slater, CEO of Integra Telecom. “This
award is really about our employees. They work
tirelessly to ensure that our customers are equipped
with the highest quality telecommunications
products and services and I am extremely pleased to
celebrate this award with them.”
More than 1,800 Oregon CEOs voted for the
2009 Most Admired Companies in Oregon. Voters
ranked each company based on attributes such
as innovation, customer service and community
involvement. Award recipients were selected from
eight industry categories including: technology,
professional services, commercial real estate, health
care, nonprofits, agriculture and forest products,
financial services and traditional manufacturing.
Oregon’s Most Admired Companies is an
annual Portland Business Journal event. Hosted
by publisher Craig Wessel, the event is one of
the publication’s business programs aimed at
recognizing Oregon’s leading businesses.
For more information, visit: ww.integratelecom.com.
J a n u a r y
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c r e at i n g a s t r o n g e c o n o m y
The Chamber is dedicated to helping local companies grow their businesses by taking the lead in programs and efforts that help create a
strong local economy and make our community a great place to do business.
KOBI-TV NBC-5 and The Chamber of Medford/Jackson County are partnering to bring you
“Here’s My Card” — an affordable opportunity putting you in touch with your business community.
RED ROBIN OF MEDFORD
499 Medford Center
Medford, OR 97504
TEL 541-772-7777
FAX 541-779-4547
redrobin.com
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Expert Projects the Future of
Natural Gas
in Pacific Northwest
Kirschner, Executive Director of
D anNorthwest
Gas Association, told the
Forum audience on December 14 at the Rogue
Valley Country Club that the future of natural
gas in the Pacific Northwest and its impact upon
energy prices depends on demand, supply, future
technological and infrastructure advances, and
global environmental policies such as cap and
trade that are currently “impossible to predict.”
Kirschner, who formerly serviced as the
Vice President of Public Affairs at the Spokane
Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that
the demand for natural gas in Oregon is rising.
Our state currently has 664,455 residential gas
customers, 80,998 commercial customers, and
1,078 industrial customers. “What some people
don’t know,” he said, “is that the gas we use
throughout the Pacific Northwest comes from
Canada and the Rockies—none of it is produced
here.” Production from the Rockies is projected
to increase between approximately 11 percent to
13 percent by 2019.
The supply for natural gas, he said, could
increase greatly from the ability to capture
natural gas from shale deep underground. “We
have figured out how to produce gas from these
areas very effectively and economically within
the last year. About a year and a half ago, we
guessed that we had about 60 years of natural
gas left at today’s consumption rate; what we call
‘proven reserves.’ Think of it as the stock you
have on your shelf in a business. It doesn’t mean
you can’t manufacture more but it’s what you
know you’ve got. Today, with the advent of the
technologies to extract that shale, we know we
have almost 120 years of natural gas available to
us.”
Making matters even more advantageous for
the United States is how many of these shale
natural gas fields are found throughout the
United States and underneath existing natural
gas infrastructure, including a spider web of
gas pipelines. “It will take some tweaks to the
existing infrastructure to access this gas, but it
Ecmee Bill Anderberg welcomes presenter Dan Kirschner
of the Northwest Gas Association before he informed a
full room about energy and the economy.
will not take new pipelines to gain access to it.”
When asked about the proposed liquefied
natural gas terminal in Oregon, which would
include additional gas lines in southern
Oregon, Kirschner said, “As long as there are
private dollars being invested to develop new
infrastructure, why wouldn’t we want it? We’re
not putting any of our money into it and we’ll
benefit from it one way or another. If a liquefied
natural gas facility is built, that’s going to be
good for our region in terms of supply. It’s like
finding one of those great big fields of gas in
your backyard. You’ll have access to it.”
This Forum was sponsored by Avista
Utilities, which was founded in 1889 and which
engages in energy production, transmission
and distribution, as well as other energy-rated
activities. An investor-owned utilities with
revenues of more than $1.6 billion, Avista
provides electric and natural gas service to about
481,000 customers in a service territory of more
than 30,000 square miles. They serve customers
with a mix of hydro, natural gas, coal, wind and
biomass generation delivered over more than
2,100 miles of transmission line, 17,000 miles
of distribution line and 6,1000 miles of natural
gas distribution mains. Avista is headquartered
in Spokane, Washington, and their nearly 2,000
employees work in four western states advancing
five strategic priorities: operational excellence,
responsible resource mix, customer orientation,
environmental stewardship and community
partnership.
Photo Courtesy of Gerry Katz Photography
Thank you to our Forum Sponsor:
The Business Review is Proudly Printed by Valley Web Printing
Reprinted by permission, www.uschamber.com, February 2009.
Copyright© 2009, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
1299 stowe avenue, medford, or 97501 541.772.7039 www.valleywebprinting.com
J a n u a r y
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J a n u a r y
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ask the coach
AN ACCOUNT THAT
ANTICIPATES
YOUR NEEDS.
NOW THAT IS DIFFERENT.
INTRODUCING
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION:
EMBRACE CHANGE NOW
Advice from America’s Marketing Coach,™ Mark Dennett,
exclusively for Chamber members. If you have a question
you would like answered, please send it to: askthecoach@
medfordchamber.com
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It’s a different kind of account from a different kind of bank.
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it had some great marketing tips. Why do
you think many businesses don’t embrace
change?
—Jim, Ashland.
THE COACH—Because they
underestimate the changes going on with
their customers and they begin to believe
their own press releases. As I mentioned
in an earlier column, coming out of this
recession the consumer’s “mind set”
will be very different than it was a year
or two ago. If you have been listening
and responding to your customers
by changing your product or service
during the recession, you will be one of
the first to benefit from an upswing in
the economy. But if you have just been
“waiting it out” and you believe you can
simply return to what you’ve done in the
past, 2010 could be a tough year.
When a business is launched, most firms
have a clear vision of what they want to
provide their customers and how they
are going to do it. But then a strange
spell falls over them. As soon as they
have a certain level of success, for some
unknown reason, they stop listening to
their customers. They start believing they
know what’s best for their customers.
Wrong.
Besides GM, the business landscape
is filled with examples of firms that
have been slow in changing to meet the
needs of their current customers. How
could Polaroid, whose founder Dr. Land
invented instant photography with his
pioneering Polaroid Land Camera Model
95 in 1948 ($5 million in sales in its first
year), totally miss the emerging world
of digital photography? Even Kodak,
a name synonymous with photography
since 1888 when George Eastman placed
the first camera into the hands of
consumers, dragged their feet into
digital photography.
As I outlined in my book, your 2010
should be a lot better than 2009 if you
embrace my four core principles of
marketing:
1. Embrace Change - Change is the
only constant in this world. Your
company’s ability to be profitable
is directly related to your skill at
recognizing change.
2. Focus on Customers - You must
know where your customer is going in
order to respond quickly, so you can
use all your resources to meet your
customer’s needs first.
3. Leverage Every Dollar - Since ads
cost the same, whether they work or
not, the best way to generate more
return on your investment (ROI) is to
create more powerful advertising.
4. Take Action Daily - You can’t
afford to stay in one place in a
constantly changing world. You can
stay ahead of your customers and your
competition by taking small actions
every day. Most companies (or people)
don’t fail or succeed because they
do one thing right or wrong. They
succeed because they do dozens of
things right, every day.
Footnote: It’s hard for me to believe,
but I’m beginning my 4th year in
writing this column. I just want
to thank everyone for reading and
sharing your thoughts with me.
Happy New Year! To order a free copy
of my past columns (or to learn more
about my book) go to my website:
www.dennettgroup.com.
J a n u a r y
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1 1
Continued from page 3.
enterprises. More than half of all business income in Oregon is reported on
personal income tax filings.
In tax year 2006 Oregon taxable income for all corporate filers was
$7,727,887,000. In the same year, business income on personal income tax
forms (by full year filers) was $8,307,555,000. Small business owners report
their business profits on their personal income tax filings.
The Legislative Revenue Office reports that 66 percent of the tax filers
targeted for the legislature’s increase in personal income tax rates are small and
family-owned businesses or farms.
Whopper No. 8
The wealthy don’t pay their fair share in Oregon.
The Facts
The Oregonians whom the legislature singled out to pay higher taxes
make up 2.27 percent of all taxpayers, but in 2007 they paid 32.4 percent of
all income taxes collected, according to data from the Oregon Department
of Revenue analyzed by ECONorthwest. That’s right: 1 in 3 teachers, 1 in 3
fire fighters and 1 in 3 state workers are all financed by 2.27 percent of our
population.
Economists and public policy analysts look at a tax system’s “progressivity”
to determine fairness. A progressive tax system is one in which the share
of income paid in taxes rises with income. How does Oregon’s tax system
measure up? ECONorthwest concluded, “The progressivity of the Oregon
income tax is clear. The effective rate rises with income.”
That’s also a conclusion held by tax-friendly public policy analysts when
they’re not campaigning for permanent income tax increases. Len Burman, a
senior fellow at the liberal Urban Institute and a favorite analyst of progressive
Chuck Sheketoff and the Oregon Center for Public Policy, wrote in an April
18, 2005 memo to Sheketoff, “The reliance on income taxes rather than sales
taxes also means that Oregon’s tax system is more progressive than most
states.”
Whopper No. 9
Last year the average family of four paid $3,100 in taxes. That’s
more than 300 corporations combined. Oregon can no longer afford for twothirds of corporations to pay just $10 a year while Oregon’s working families
struggle to make ends meet.
The Facts
The businesses that pay the $10 corporate minimum tax are business that
have not made a profit or have no taxable income. Unlike the average family,
these businesses don’t have any income to tax. Increasing Oregon’s corporate
minimum tax based on a company’s gross sales between $150 to $100,000 will
harm Oregon working families. Companies that are not making a profit will
increase prices, reduce wages and benefits and even lay off workers.
Most states have no minimum tax on corporations.
The job stoppers’ new corporate minimum tax would give Oregon the
highest minimum income tax or “no profits” tax in the nation. Only New
York and Minnesota have graduated minimum taxes based on total sales,
similar to Measure 67. They charge a maximum of $5,000. Measure 67’s
minimum tax is 20 times higher—at $100,000.
Whopper No. 10
Oregon will continue to have the lowest corporate taxes on the West
Coast. Washington’s Business & Occupation tax, at 0.47 percent, is almost 5
times higher than Oregon’s new corporate minimum tax, at 0.1 percent of Oregon
sales, and has no upper limit on what corporations pay.
The Facts
In this whopper, the job-stoppers employ the magicians’ misdirection
trick. For unprofitable manufacturing & retail companies the statement is
true. (Washington’s Business & Occupation tax for services is 1.5%.) But for
profitable companies the tax is higher in Oregon because Washington does
not have an income tax. A large employer like Microsoft would pay about five
times more state taxes if it were in Oregon.
Measures 66 and 67 will make our state less inviting to employers big
and small and force Oregon businesses to lay-off workers, reduce wages and
benefits and even close their doors.
Again, the legislature’s new corporate minimum is a tax on businesses that
have not made a profit. This new tax on 0.1% of gross sales means that these
unprofitable businesses will face a tax increase of as much as $100,000.
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Join The Chamber Effort to Stop Job-Killing Taxes!
1 2
B UY C H AM B ER
Accountants/CPA’s
Kosmatka Donnelly & Co. LLP, CPA’s, 773-6633
Moss-Adams LLP, 773-2214
Michael L. Piels CPA’s, LLP, 779-8261
Artisan Coffee Roaster
GoodBean Coffee Company, 899-8740
Attorneys
Brophy, Mills, Schmor, Gerking, Brophy &
Paradis, LLP , 772-7123
Frohnmayer, Deatherage, Jamieson, Moore,
Armosino & McGovern, PC, 779-2333
Hornecker, Cowling, Hassen & Heysell, LLP,
779-8900
Huycke, O’Connor, Jarvis & Lohman, LLP, 772-1977
Architects
Ogden Roemer Wilkerson Architecture, AIA,
779-5237
Steve Ennis Architect, 618-9155
Auto/Truck Dealers
Lithia - America’s Car & Truck Store, 770-3779
Banks
Bank of the Cascades - So OR, 773-9150
People’s Bank, 776-5350
PremierWest Bank, 776-7480
South Valley Bank and Trust, 858-2989
Umpqua Bank, 618-6702
Boutique Hotels
Elan Guest Suites & Gallery, 899-8000
Business Consulting
Allied Solutions by Kupillas, LLC 245-0770
Collection Agencies
General Credit Services, 773-7791
Document Shredding Rogue Shred, 779-4161
Construction/Contractors
Adroit Construction Co. Inc., 482-4098
Credit Unions
Rogue Federal Credit Union, 858-7328
Providence Medical Group-Central Point, 732-8000
Drug Rehabilitation
Addictions Recovery, 779-1282
Providence Medical Group-Eagle Point, 826-8160
Education
St. Mary’s School, 773-7877
Employment Services
Barrett Business Services, 772-5469
Goodwill Industries Of Southern Oregon, 772-3300
Selectemp, 773-5733
Engineers-Consulting/Construction Material
Testing
Marquess and Associates, Inc., 772-7115
Escrow Services
First American Title Insurance Company, 779 -7250
Providence Medical Group-General Surgery, 732-7874
Providence Medical Group-Medford Family
Practice, 732-7950
Providence Medical Group-Medford Pediatrics,
772-9449
Providence Medical Group-OB/Gyn Health Center,
732-7460
Providence Medical Group-Phoenix Family
Practice, 535-1274
Providence Medical Group-Siskiyou Surgical, 732-8388
Providence Rehabilitation Services, 732-6619
Meeting Facilities/Hall Rental
The Crater Rock Museum, 664-6081
Hearing Aid Counselors
American Hearing Aid Systems, 772-4365
Property Management
Commercial Property Management, 773-6400
Heating and Cooling
Metal Masters, Inc., 779-1049
Insurance
Ashland Insurance, 857-0679
Beecher Carlson Insurance Agency, LLC, 772-1111
Insurance Marketplace, Inc., 779-0177
United Risk Solutions, Inc., 245-1111
Western States Insurance, 779 -1321
Internet / Cabling Service
Hunter Communications, 772-9282
Martial Arts
Printing
Valley Web Printing, 772-7039
Radio Stations
KDOV Radio 91.7 FM, 776-5368
Real Estate
Crouse & Associates Real Estate, 770-1668
Recreation
Roxy Ann Lanes, 772-7171
Retirement Homes
Avamere at Waterford, 773-7718
Sun & Moon Karate, Dave Pritchett, 821-2507
Reverse Mortgages
Jim Frings, Loan Refine, 840-7184
Medical
Providence Center for Occupational Medicine, 7325554
Providence Cancer Center, 732-7000
Signs
Best Signs Inc. of Medford, 773-4994
Hale Signs, 773-6505
Signs Now, 608-6800
Providence Eagle Point Physical Therapy, 826-3052
Tire Sales/ Automotive Repair
Ed’s Tire Factory, 779-3421
Providence Hand Clinic, 732-5700
Consulting - Organizational Development
Clear-work.com, Tom Smith, 245-0131
Providence Medford Medical Center, 732-5000
Providence Home Care & Hospice, 732-6500
Providence Medical Group-Cardiology, 732-7850
We Are So Ready to Help Your Business Prosper
SOREDI serves as project managers for local
business expansion and new business recruitment in Southern
Oregon. Since 1994 we have assisted over 550
businesses and provided over $11 million in loans.
Southern Oregon
Regional Economic Development, Inc.
www.soredi.org (541) 773-8946
Providence Medical Group-Doctors Clinic, 732-6000
Grocery Stores
Sherm’s Food 4 Less / Thunderbird Market, 857-0850
Construction Materials
Knife River Materials, 770-2960
How can we assist you?
2 0 1 0
PAID ADVERTISING exclusively for Chamber members.
Call Sarah Pearson at 541 608-8523 for information.
Computer Services/Computer Networking/
Computer Repair
Dr. Networking Computer and Networking,
488-8765
J a n u a r y
Title Companies
First American Title Insurance Company, 779 -7250
Utilities
Pacific Power, 776-5499
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net presence
chamber leadership
2009-2010 Chamber Board of Directors
Chair of the Board:
Bruce Hoevet, Rogue Regency Inn & Suites
Chair Elect:
Randy Jones, Mahar Homes
Past Chair:
Craig Stone, CSA Planning
Treasurer:
Kathy Peckham, Bank of the Cascades
Secretary:
Dixie Hackstedde, Realtor
President & CEO:
Brad S. Hicks
Vice Chairs:
Creating A Strong Economy:
Curt Bennett, Bennett Group
Promoting the Community:
Bill Maentz, The Maentz Agency
Networking:
Curt Burrill, Burrill Real Estate
Representing Business Issues:
Stephen Gambee, Rogue Disposal & Recycling, Inc.
Communications:
Kingsley Kelley, KTVL-TV
Board of Directors
Bill Anderberg, Answer Page
Curt Bennett, Bennett Group
Chris Borovansky, Jackson County Fairgrounds
Steve Braden, Umpqua Bank
Curt Burrill, Burrill Resources
Don Cato, Harry & David
Mike Crennen, Knife River Materials
Carol Flynn, Rogue Valley Physicians
Stuart Foster, Foster Denman, LLP
Stephen Gambee, Rogue Disposal & Recycling. Inc.
Dixie Hackstedde, Windemere Van Vleet
Brad Hicks, The Chamber of Medford/Jackson County
Bruce Hoevet, Rogue Regency Inn & Suites
Randy Jones, Mahar Homes
Kingsley Kelley, KTVL – TV
Scott Kelly, Asante Health System
Sue Kupillas, Allied Solutions by Kupillas
John Larkin, Roxy Ann Lanes
Bill Maentz, The Maentz Agency
Gary Miller, ACCESS, Inc.
Rob Patridge, Covey Holdings, LLC
Kathy Peckham, Bank of the Cascades
Chela Sanchez, New York Life
Don Skundrick, Knife River Materials
Craig Stone, CSA Planning
Steve Vincent, Avista Utilities
Mark Wisnovsky, Valley View Winery
1 3
Income
Tax Help
Michael L. Piels CPAs, LLP dba
Business Productivity Through Technology
Working for you!
with paid tax preparation
November 2009
Total Visits
9,604
Page Views
13,667
Total Referrals
20,292
Top Categories Searched
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Get your tax
return faster!
We know all the
latest tax law
changes
FREE electronic
filing*
Health Systems
Motels & Hotels
Tourist Attraction
Accountants
The Chamber’s website is designed to
better meet the needs of our member
businesses, the community and visitors.
Income Tax Help will help you maximize
your tax refund while ensuring you are taking
all of the deductions you are entitled to.
We will match prices of the national
franchise tax preparers and your return will
be prepared and reviewed by a
CPA trained consultant.
At our convenient location,
we offer quick and convenient
services, including free electronic
filing, fast refunds and more. Get
the most out of your personal or
business refund. Come in today!
Income Tax Help
Michael L. Piels CPAs, LLP dba
443 South Central Ave.
Medford, OR
Phone: 776-1040
Fax: 773-4438
*Subject to credit approval, terms and conditions. Other restrictions may apply.
Please call for complete details.
planning for the future
1109 R996
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Technology Victories and Challenges in
Southern Oregon
you’re tech savvy or not, it’s hard
W hether
to disagree with the fact that technology
plays a vital role in the realms of business, education,
healthcare, government, entertainment and basic
day-to-day life. As the current Administration
states, “The 21st century tools of technology and
telecommunications have unleashed the forces of
globalization on a previously unimagined scale. They
have ‘flattened’ communications and labor markets
and have contributed to a period of unprecedented
innovation, making us more productive, connected
global citizens. By maximizing the power of technology,
we can strengthen the quality and affordability of
our health care, advance climate-friendly energy
development and deployment, improve education
throughout the country, and ensure that America
remains the world’s leader in technology.”
The rapid advancements we’ve seen throughout the
past decade, in all forms of technology, are working
to restructure the driving forces of local and global
economics. If a region is unable to move forward with
this technological progression, it risks losing the ability
to compete on any economic scale. It is for this very
reason that the role of the tech industry is becoming
increasingly important in affecting local business
growth and thus why the tech industry in general is
growing at an unprecedented rate.
Technology can help a business enhance
productivity and expand market opportunities. It
makes sense that the employment of computer and
information systems managers is expected to grow
between 18 to 26 percent for all occupations through
the year 2014. Now more than ever, the need to reshape
our economy to compete in what many are calling “the
digital age,” has become a necessity.
One of the key components to a thriving and
developing tech industry is the existence of forwardthinking companies that operate with the belief that
more can be gained from innovation than cultivation.
Too often, companies will rest on their existing
products or infrastructure in an effort to harvest as
much profit as possible out of an original investment.
The problem with this philosophy is that it typically
does a disservice to the communities in which it is in
practice, utilizing outdated products which don’t allow
users to compete economically. Innovative companies
that invest in the promise of new ideas and products
can set themselves above the rest. Jackson County is
lucky to have numerous such companies call this region
home. As a result, southern Oregon has become a true
model for facilitating local economic growth and global
commerce. One such company operating in the tech
industry in our region is Hunter Communications.
Hunter Communications, a southern Oregon
based Telecommunications Company, CLEC and
ISP, was founded in 1992 and provides service for local
area networks, wide-area networks, and everything in
between. In 2000 Hunter started building an allfiber network throughout Medford with the vision
of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) in rural
southern Oregon. Due to growing customer needs,
Hunter expanded to provide advanced technical
support and engineering solutions with the intent of
becoming a sole source provider, capable of handling
any telecommunications or networking needs.
Hunter continues to build southern Oregon’s
only local MAN, now operating over the largest
privately held fiber optic network in the State, which
supplies speed-of-light connectivity and satisfies all
high-bandwidth needs throughout the Rogue Valley
(both Jackson and Josephine Counties) and the
Klamath Basin (both Klamath and Lake Counties).
Hunter utilizes a pure fiber optic backbone and
redundant infrastructure to connect southern Oregon’s
educational systems, city and county governments,
healthcare and financial institutions, and businesses
of all sizes, on a dependable (99.999% uptime),
commercial-grade communications network.
Hunter’s long-term vision is to create an
infrastructure that will not only keep southern Oregon
competitive by leveling the technical playing field,
but will also stimulate local and statewide economic
growth by removing previously existing technological
barriers.
Hunter recently received statewide recognition
for Excellence in Telecommunications (Projects &
Regional/Local Strategies) by taking a page from the
very description of the honor, and directing “innovative
projects” and “strategies to provide better access,
reliability and/or affordability to telecommunications
services for underserved and rural regions.”
Throughout the past 18 months, Hunter has
financed and completed fiber optic builds for Three
Rivers School District, thus bringing an incredible
upgrade of telecommunications services to the horribly
underserved and often ignored rural areas of Cave
Junction, Murphy, Merlin, Applegate, Williams,
Provolt and New Hope, among others. In 2009,
Hunter also worked with the Eagle Point School
District and the Lake County ESD and School
District to bring fiber optic service upgrades to Shady
Cove, Trail, Lake Creek (a very small unincorporated
community located 20 miles east of Medford off of
Hwy. 140) and Lakeview.
When Hunter started working with smaller
communities and underfunded school districts, it
became glaringly apparent that there was no possible
way any of these groups could afford to pay for such
large-scale projects upfront. Instead of ignoring these
communities, Hunter decided to meet their needs
head on and develop funding strategies with these
communities in order to get the job done. By taking
risks and helping local communities develop and
advance first-rate telecommunications systems Hunter
believes they are simply developing a cutting-edge
communications network and establishing a regional
foundation on which anything can be built.
Hunter’s Founder/ CEO, Richard Ryan,
commented on the projects, saying, “We are excited
to be helping this generation of students compete not
just locally, but globally, making possible technologies
and teaching opportunities not available without
high speed internet. Unfortunately, the U.S. has
lagged behind the world in data speeds, and smaller
communities typically trail even further behind.
Thanks to the efforts of a lot of people, southern
Oregon students are now above par, and connect to the
rest of the nation and world.”
Article courtesy of:
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



Whatever you need, no matter the size of the
job, we have the equipment, the bins and the
service to assist you.
• Solid Waste Collection
• Recycling Collection
• Confidential Document Destruction
• Large item & extra rubbish removal
Residential - Commercial - Industrial
As our valued customer,
no matter what you need,
you can give us a call and
we will be happy to say:
We do that!
Rogue Disposal & Recycling has been providing innovative
solid waste solutions for Southern Oregon since 1938.
On-Site
Document Shredding!
Convenient - Cost-Effective - Confidential
Have a question for us?
Call (541) 779-4161
or visit: roguedisposal.com
0708 P029
1 6
J a n u a r y
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promoting the community
The Chamber takes the lead in promoting the community by helping to recruit new businesses to locate here, participating in efforts to
improve our quality of life and by advocating our community as a great place for people to work, do business and raise a family.
visitors & convention bureau
w w w.v isit medford .org
Oregon’s NTA Delegation
Peaks Tour Operators
Interest
Team Oregon at the National Tour Association Convention in Reno, Nevada.
T
he Medford VCB in partnership
with Travel Oregon, Travel Portland
and 6 other DMO’s (Destination Marketing
Organization) and Oregon tourism suppliers
headed to this year’s National Tour Association
(NTA) Convention in a progressive way, the
social media way.
The Oregon delegation created a multi-media
site using YouTube videos to promote Medford
and the Oregon delegation’s trip to Reno by
motor coach. The delegation invited NTA tour
operators to visit the blog beginning at 9:00am
Nov. 11th. Updates and YouTube videos were
posted every two hours from the road. Members
also used Twitter to send out short, daily reports
from the road. The goal was to get everyone
involved in the convention experience, as well
as increase exposure to NTA tour operators
by providing them with additional product
development ideas. By the time the delegation
reached Reno, more than 400 tour operators were
following online.
This innovative approach was rewarded
twice by being recognized in the National Tour
Association Convention Daily News provided
to over 1,500 attendees at the NTA Convention
held in Reno. The social media promotion
started back in July when Oregon delegates got
together to film the first of many humorous
vignettes. These videos were sent out to NTA
tour operators to increase awareness of Oregon’s
excitement for the Convention and to make
operators aware of the motorcoach trip to Reno.
NTA and World Religious Travel Association
(WRTA) joined together this year and colocated to Reno, NV to bring hundreds of new
providers of religious travel to the conference.
The partnership of NTA and WRTA enhanced
the ‘09 Convention by adding opportunities to
promote our destination to more tour operators
resulting in more quality business and success for
everyone. The opportunity to develop lucrative
partnerships with not only NTA operator
colleagues, but also with the buyers of WRTA
opens the door to even more opportunities
building new product and itineraries that today’s
consumers want.
The enhanced Destination Pavilion
offered extended appointment times for each
prescheduled appointment, as well as expanded
new partnership opportunities to build packaged
travel product by combining a regional format
by geographic location allowing DMO’s to pull
in fellow destinations or suppliers in their city or
region and help tour operators plan itineraries on
the floor resulting in more business for everyone.
Attention Rogue Valley Attractions
Let the Medford VCB help you reach over 50,000 potential customers without ever leaving town!
radeshow season (January – April) is
T
quickly approaching and the Medford
VCB would like to extend the opportunity to all
hospitality businesses to participate in this year’s
brochure program. We will be attending shows
in Seattle, Central Oregon, Eugene and Jackson
County, with an average attendance of over
50,000 attendees a year.
The brochure program is simple: For $125
the Medford VCB will take and showcase your
brochures to all four shows – plus provide you
with any leads these shows generate. This offer
is only available to Medford Chamber members!
If you are interested in participating in the
brochure program, please contact
Kristy Neighbors at 608-8519 or
[email protected].
Opening of Phase 3 will add soccer and football fields
to the US Cellular Community Park.
Let us put your brochure in the hands of thousands of business and leisure travelers!
J a n u a r y
2010
Calendar of Events
For a complete listing of events visit: w
ww.VisitMe
January 2010
Sunday
1 7
2 0 1 0
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
dford.o
rg
Friday
1
Saturday
2
R.V. Wranglers vs.Eugene
Comedy Night @ Chadwicks
New Year’s Day
[ Chamber Office Closed]
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Southern Oregon Arenacross
Jackson County Expo
Local’s Night-South Stage Cellars
Medford Chamber Leadership
Groundbreaking - 10:00 am
“Family Nurturing Center”
10
11
12
A Fine & Pleasant Misery
7:30 pm - Craterian
Legislative Action Mtg
7:30am - R.V. Country Club
Greeters 8:00 - ACCESS
13
14
15
16
3rd Friday Art Walk
Switchfoot in Concert
@ Vibes Main1
Downtown Throwdown
Chamber Executive Comm. Mtg
7:30am - Chamber Conf. Rm.
CLN Action Mtg 9:00am
Chamber Conf. Rm
Forum 11:30am - R.V. Country Club
“Your Business Link”
17
18
TRADCO Mtg - 12:00 Medford Library
19
VCB Hotelier Mtg
10:00am-Chamber Conf. Rm.
20
Rogue Valley Foundation Mtg 7:30am
Chamber Conf. Rm
Rogue Valley Blues Festival
Historic Ashland Armory
Local’s Night @ Paschals
Greeters 8:00am - Lowe’s
21
22
RV Wranglers vs.Puget Sound
Chamber Board of Director Mtg
7:30am - R.V. Country Club
Martin Luther King Day
[ Chamber Office Closed]
24
25
Medford Chamber Leadership
“Healthcare Day”
26
VCB Development Comm. Mtg
3:30pm - Chamber Conf. Rm
Greeters 8:00am Rogue Valley Christian Church
27
28
So. Oregon Wedding Expo
Medford Armory
RV Wranglers vs.Tri City
31
Greeters 8:00am Medford Chamber Office
23
So. Oregon Wedding Expo
Medford Armory
Rogue Valley Symphony
8:00pm - Craterian
Bavarian Night @ Mt Ashland
RV Wranglers vs.Puget Sound
29
Transportation Action Team Mtg
7:30am - Chamber Conf. Rm
Ambassador Action Team Mtg
8:00am - Homewood Suites
Pam Tillis in Concert
9:00pm - Seven Feathers
30
Southern Oregon Arenacross
Jackson County Expo
BLiNK 7:30pm - Craterian
RV Wranglers vs.Seattle
Medford Visitor’s Center
1314 Center Drive, Suite E, Medford OR 97501 (541) 776-4021
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New Members Offer You Greater Variety and Service
Celebrate Jesus Fellowship
Arbee Freeman
1597 E Vilas Rd.
Medford, OR 97504
(541)292-4002
[email protected]
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Shaun Menke, Branch Rental Mgr.
1046 Court Street
Medford, OR 97501
(541)772-1200
[email protected]
http://www.enterprise.com
Car Rental
Farmington Square Retirement
Community
Charlie Buckalew, General Manager
1530 Poplar Drive
Medford, OR 97504
(541)770-9080
[email protected]
www.farmingtonsquare.com
Full service retirement community.
Marco Ideas Unlimited
Kellie Rutherford, Sales Specialist
328 Donna Way
Central Point, OR 97502
(541)821-7813
[email protected]
http://www.marcopdx.com
Business-to-business wholesale distributer of
branded merchandise offering creative flair.
Mobile Madness
Sue Roberts, Sales Specialist
628 N. Riverside STE D
Medford, OR 97501
(541)494-4056
[email protected]
http://www.dancingcellphone.com
Cell phone repair, phones for sale, antennas/
boosters and accessories.
O C & W Coachways
Darwin Buschert, Sales Manager
235 Cap Court
Eugene, OR 97402
(541)484-4100
[email protected]
http://www.ocwbus.com
advertising from
z to a
advertising, marketing and public
relations – sure, we do all that. but
we take greatest pride in thinking
outside the envelope and creatively
pushing the box. our specialty is
solving problems.
how can we
help you?
p: 541.857.8443
f: 541.857.8439
www.maentz.com
830 o’hare parkway suite 100
medford, oregon 97504
0906 J013
Charter Bus company servicing the Medford
area with 4 55-passenger buses.
Presentation Choices
George Briggs
Medford, OR 97504
(541)499-7401
[email protected]
http://www.presentationchoices.com
Custom computer-based-training, video
production and digital presentations.
Purpose Media
Christina Duane, President
PO Box 1725
Jacksonville, OR 97530
(541)899-1191
[email protected]
http://www.purposemedia.com
Multi-media, publishing, music/video
production, regional internet guides,
www.guidetooregon.com, and e- commerce.
Red Fuel Marketing
Brad Pease, Owner
813 Solano Cir.
Medford, OR 97504
(541)690-1250
[email protected]
redfuel.net
Red Fuel build’s custom websites and hosts
& maintains websites.
Rogue Valley Town Car
Penny Nelson, Owner
1201 Progress Dr. #86
Medford, OR 97504
(541)772-3472
[email protected]
http://www.roguevalleytowncar.com
Taxi -business that offers a luxurious ride at
taxi rates. Airport transportation, taxi and
wine tours.
Truax, Vince - Edward Jones
Vince Truax, Financial Advisor
949 S.E. 7th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541)479-5760
[email protected]
http://www. edwardjones.com
Financial Planning.
J a n u a r y
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Join us for a
Fun, Informative
presentation
on Alaska and
the Yukon!
Rogue Valley Office
Easter Seals Oregon
711 E Main St., Ste 20
Rogue Valley Service Center
Medford OR 97504
Ph. 541.842.2199
“Connecting to Jobs”
1 9
Fax 541.842.4048
[email protected]
www.or.easterseals.com
What can “Connecting to Jobs” offer you…
Connecting to Jobs:
Program
Requirements:
For Participants:
• This program is a
• Picture ID
workforce
development service
• Social Security card
focusing on veterans
and other people with • Doctor documented
disabilities, to provide
disability
(See your counselor)
career planning and job
development.
• Unemployed or
under-employed
• Partnering with
workforce
• Willing and ready to
organizations to meet
work
our community needs.
Plan your Alaska trip with AAA Travel and receive*:
• Support in discovering
your skills, career
planning and help in
finding local jobs.
· Special booking offers for attendees · Onboard Value Booklet (up to $340 value!)
· Bonus shipboard credit
· Useful planning advice from our Alaska Experts
• Assistance in locating
other programs in our
community to meet
your needs.
Saturday, January 16th @ 1 p.m.
Rogue Valley Country Club
2660 Hillcrest Road s Medford, Oregon
• Problem solving after
employment, and
support in keeping
your job.
Space is limited! R.S.V.P. today to plan your Alaskan Adventure!
541-779-0644
Open to all travelers, both AAA members and non-members.
*To receive OnStage Alaska booking
offers, attend the event listed above
and reserve your trip with AAA Travel
within one week.
For further details, please contact our Career Specialists
@ (541) 842.2199
U.S. Dept. of Education PR/Award # H234S080175
12
$
✦
✦
00
3295
$
reg. $1400
• Style #K87
• 17 Colors
• Big & Tall Extras
reg. $3995
• Style #B01
• Black or Brown
• Traditional Double-Front
✦ ✦
Sale! November 27th thru December 30th
✦
✦ ✦ On Sale!✦ ✦
✦
On Sale!!
INSTANT!!
Women’s
Pants & Shirts
Buy 1
get 2nd
1/2 Price
✦
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Special Sat. Hours ✦
8-4:00
HOURS:
Mon-Fri: 8-5:30
Coats
Pants
Sweatshirts
Vests
T-Shirts
Shirts
Overalls
Kid’s
BUCKS COUPON
Spend $100.00
on Carhartt
& Get $20.00
Instant Coupon.
✦✦
772-7538
3-486321-12/11
✦
✦
✦ ✦
On Sale!!
On Sale!!
✦
✦
Visa
Discover
Mastercard
American Express
1321 North Riverside • Medford
Serving the valley in sales & service for 44 years, 1965-2009
Crater Chain Saw Co.
(541) 857-7000
(Exit 27 - Barnett, then east to Ellendale)
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Support Renewing Members - Buy Local
Advantage Precast, Inc.
Comfort Inn - North
Line-X of Southern Oregon
Sacred Heart Catholic School
(541)831-1006
(541)772-9500
(541)734-2600
(541)772-4105
AT&T
Comfort Inn - South
Mercedes-Benz of Medford
SOFCU Community Credit Union
(541)734-8507
(541)772-8000
(541)774-1000
(541)282-7700
Avamere at Waterford
Day Wireless Systems
Mobility Unlimited
Southern Oregon Linen Service
(541)773-7718
(541)772-5602
(541)618-9468
(541)830-5275
Barnes Plumbing, Inc.
Days Inn Medford
Morningside Apartments
Southern Oregon Storage
(541)245-1955
(541)779-6730
(541)734-2522
(541)773-3030
Best Western Horizon Inn
Dex - RH Donnelley
St. Vincent de Paul Society
(541)779-5085
(541)282-7500
Naumes, Cynthia - Real Estate
Broker
Big Boy Maxi Storage
Easter Seals Oregon
(541)664-6294
(541)842-2199
Brewster, Richard CPA, PC
Forest Capital Partners, LLC
(541)773-1885
(541)494-4400
Burrill Real Estate, LLC
Hackstedde, Dixie - Realtor
(541)776-1311
(541)842-1220
Cascade Athletic Supply
Hale Signs & Displays
(541)772-7594
(541)773-6505
CGS Property Services, Inc.
Hoag Roofing
(541)840-2584
(541)779-7743
Children’s Advocacy Center
Hornecker, Cowling et al
(541)734-5437
(541)779-8900
Columbia Distributing Company
Jasper’s Cafe
(541)773-4641
(541)776-5307
(866)608-5959
North Coast Electric Company
(541)772-7131
(541)772-3828
Stamper, Monte R./Free Life
(541)499-6871
Pacific Diamond Jewelers
Strosser, Bob - Coldwell Banker
ProWest
(541)779-6188
(541)608-2034
Pacific Survey Supply
Union Creek Resort/Beckies
Restaurant
(541)772-5777
Preferred Results
(541)776-6959
Pure Sound Entertainment
(541)326-8805
Ramada Medford - Convention
Center
(541)779-3141
Reed & Hamlin Real Estate
(541)560-3565
Valley Immediate Care, LLC
(541)858-2515
Western States Insurance
Agency
(541)779-1321
Yellow Submarine Car Wash
(541)857-9274
(541)770-1480
r i bbo n c u t t i n g s
Discovery Office Systems
Medford’s Discovery Office Systems Sales Manager John Parsons and DOS leadership members from Santa
Rosa celebrate their open house with a ribbon cutting ceremony surrounded by Chamber Ambassadors.
Discovery Office Systems carries color copiers and printers, monochrome copiers and printers, EcoPro
printers, wide format printers as well as scanners and facsimiles. They also offer managed print services and
professional office solutions. The mission at Discovery Office Systems is to foster a relationship with their
customers based on Partnerships, Expertise, and Professional Solutions that will enhance their customers’
ability to conduct business, operate efficiently and communicate with their clientele utilizing the latest
technologies available.
To schedule a ribbon-cutting ceremony with The Chamber,
please contact Judy Six at (541) 608-8526.
Modern Dental Care
Modern Dental Care’s David A. Spencer, D.D.S. and Stephen Gillespie, D.M.D. commemorate their ne w location
at 2692 N. Pacific Hwy. in Medford with a ribbon cutting. Modern Dental Care is a full service, family oriented
dentistry office where all of their work is done in-house. Along with general dentistry, they offer cosmetic dentistry
services, perform root canals; provide crowns, dentures as well oral surgery services. Children, adolescents and
adults of all ages are welcome; the friendly staff at Modern Dental Care is also always accepting new patients.
Come see them at their welcoming, expansive location next to Wild River Brewing and Pizza today!
J a n u a r y
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2 1
We Think
inside
We Think
inside
The Box
The Box
Companies that rely on direct mail to drive business rely
on Valley Web. With the capability to handle any size
job, we’ll get your materials out and into the hands of
your customers or clients affordably, accurately and with
perfect timing. When your business needs direct mail
services, Valley Web really delivers.
Call for a custom quote, any job big or small
kevin kloek @ 541-772-7039
1299 Stowe Ave., Medford • Toll Free 1-800-547-7428
Fax: 541-772-1279 • www.valleywebprinting.com
1008 P869
2 2
there’s a new phone company in town
we’re blending state of the art technology
with traditional services
integrated business solutions...
and it’s affordable
N
T
E
R
c o m m u n i c a t i o n s
541.772.9282
www.hunterriber.com
©2007 Dex Media, Inc.
HOW CAN YOU GET YOUR
BUSINESS NOTICED?
When it comes to attracting customers to your business,
Dex® wrote the book. Dex is used four times more in
Medford than any other directory.* That’s because
when customers are ready to buy, Dex is the directory
they choose. Dex offers a wide variety of innovative
products to help grow your business, including Yellow
Pages, White Pages, CD-ROM, and DexOnline.com.
People in the Medford area use Dex over 25 million
times a year.* To reach these people and to find out
more about how Dex can help your business grow, call
541-282-7500.
Available in print, on CD-ROM, and at DexOnline.com
For additional directories or CD-ROM, call 877-2GET-DEX
*Wiese Research Associates, Inc July 2006
THIS ADVERTISEMENT PREPARED BY NL CREATIVE
VERSION
Client: DEX
Job #: Bart_JH_Medford_5-12
Project: Barter Advertising
Product: Dex advertisement
Peace of mind from people you trust.
541.779.1321
More options.
Better solutions.
Independent agents.
$XWRǧ+RPHǧ+HDOWKǧ/LIHǧ%XVLQHVV
it almost sounds too good to be true
U
2 0 1 0
Independent means we work with many national
carriers to give you more options. We’ll tailor the
best coverage with the best value. And we’re
part of this community. Give us a call.
to provide incredibly dependable, feature-rich,
H
J a n u a r y
Space Description/Component:
Colors: color
Size: 5.5” x 5”
Fonts: Myriad Pro Bold, Semibold,
6FRWW6KHUERXUQH
5HJJLH-RQHV
5RE6ZDOORZ
%UDQFK0DQDJHU%33URGXFHU3/6DOHV([HFXWLYH
.FEGPSE$FOUFSt.FEGPSE03t www.wsi-insurance.com
J a n u a r y
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new member
Profile
Stephen Gillespie, D.D.S.
2 3
greeter of the month
December 2009
Carrie Beebe,
Modern Dental Care
Stephen Gillespie,
D.D.S.
Carrie Beebe
How long have you been in business?
Thank you for choosing me as Greeter of the Month. Greeters is an
excellent avenue for business networking and where I have made my
connections as a newbie to the Valley.
In 1998, I was introduced to the Boys & Girls Clubs. It began as an
exciting place to be; lots of kids coming and going, able to play sports,
get homework help, do art activities, etc. I thought “what a cool place…I
wish I had this when I was younger.” As I got more involved I realized
there was more to the Clubs. Kids may have come to the Club to play,
and yes got hooked by the fun activities we had to offer, but that’s when
the magic only begins to happen. By providing fun places with positive
role models, the Clubs are able to involve youth in programs that help
build good character to become leaders and productive citizens of the
community.
After working for the Clubs in Washington for 9 years, I needed a
greater challenge. In October 2007 I moved from the 2-Club organization
in Sequim to the Rogue Valley, a 5-Club organization. I am the Director
over our 3 locations in Jackson County.
For only a $40 membership, kids receive free after school programs
in 5 core program areas. We provide free meals to kids after school and
open their eyes to a variety of opportunities that they may not otherwise
be introduced to through school or after school. We serve over 6,000
youth in the Rogue Valley each year.
I encourage everyone to contact me for a tour to see the Clubs and
meet the kids. Visit www.begreat4kids.com. Or call me at 541-291-0061.
Supporting your local Clubs communicates to kids that within each of
them we believe they have the potential for greatness. We all play a vital
role in helping young people find and achieve their dreams. While youth
are only 29% of our population, they are 100% of our future!
See you at Greeters!
My family and I moved to the Rogue Valley in the spring of 2001 when
I purchased Modern Dental Care located on Riverside Avenue from
Dr. Richard Hill. Then in 2005 we merged with Dr. Lloyd Bendickson’s
office in the RV Mall. We’ve now finally landed somewhere
permanent in our new office at 2692 North Pacific Hwy.
Who inspired you to go into business?
Growing up, my father always had jobs in sales. His employment was
always at the whim of big companies and the economy and I saw him
laid off time and time again. I vowed very young to be my own boss
and run my own business someday. With that in mind, a youth leader of
mine, who was a dentist, brought me into his office a number of times to
observe him work. I thought dentistry looked interesting and I knew that
this type of work would be a fit for me.
Any family information you wish to share?
My wife of 18 years, Chalyse, and I have three beautiful children. Brooklyn
who is nearly 15 and attends St. Mary’s School, Brenna - 11 and Blake
- 6 who both attend Orchard Hill Elementary School. I was raised in
Englewood, Colorado and my wife grew up in Sandy, Utah. We met while
attending undergraduate school in southern Utah and from there we went
to Cleveland, Ohio for dental school at Case Western University. We knew
we wanted to live in the West and I knew a bit about Oregon, so my first job
out of school was in Eugene. When that didn’t feel right, we searched for a
better place to raise our children. Medford was the answer!
Hobbies & interests outside of work?
I have many more hobbies than I presently have the time for! For starters,
I have always enjoyed flying Radio Controlled models. I have numerous
airplanes as well as a couple of helicopters just waiting for some airtime.
I also find great satisfaction by riding dirt bikes with friends up on the
surrounding mountains. We live in an awesome area for enjoying the
outdoors. I also love to backpack and hike and look forward to my little
boy participating in scouting to give us plenty of opportunities to do more
of that together.
Carrie Beebe
Director / Jackson county
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley
service matters
© 2007 Pacific Power
What is the largest difficulty to doing business in Jackson County?
I don’t have any big difficulties, other than just having spent over 3 years
going through the permitting and construction process for our new
building. That was long and tedious with some frustration built in, but
probably not any different from other cities our size. We are glad to have
had a wonderful builder in Brett Moore of WL Moore Construction.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley
Pacific Power customer guarantees pledge that your
comfort and convenience will always be our priority.
Honoring appointments and coming through when
you need us are part of this commitment – guaranteed.
For more information, please visit
www.pacificpower.net/guarantees.
What are the two greatest advantages of doing business in Jackson
County?
Good people live here! I have a wonderful patient base of great people
that I enjoy meeting and talking with every day. I love the size of our
community as well. It’s large enough to have access to wonderful
amenities such as theater, music, and dining; and yet small enough that
I run into patients all over town when out shopping or dining. It’s a great
place to live and play.
Working for you
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2 4
Viewpoint
J a n u a r y
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Ch a m b e r S t a ff
Bill Maentz Vice Chair Promoting the Community
Local Businesses Having a Meaningful
Conversation
business people, you and I both know the
A simportance
of buying local. We “get” how
critical it is in these tough economic times to ensure
that our money stays local. We also understand the
importance of buying Chamber. As the owner of a
marketing agency, we represent more than 30 local
businesses, and we work every day to get people to
buy local. But consumers are changing. These days,
people are flocking to the Internet more than ever
to make their purchases. To the frustration of many
local businesses, we are having a hard time getting
the consumer’s attention. Many businesses are not
recognizing that the public is changing the way it
shops.
In a recent U.S. study, we learned that 90 percent of the public researches
purchases online prior to making their purchase. Next, they either buy the
product online or they head down to the local store carrying a product they
saw on a web page, social network page, or blog they have read.
We have also learned that seven out of ten people stated that they researched
purchases utilizing social networks or blogs. Further, 49 percent made purchase
decisions based on what they learned in these networks. Did you know that
there is an entire generation of 20-Somethings out there who rely entirely on
the Internet for information? So how does one reach them? You have to go
online to find them.
At the end of November, the top social networking site, Facebook, reported
that its membership reached 350-million users. Ten-million people visit “Fan”
pages daily. Facebook also states its largest growing demographic segment is
Women, age 55+. It’s not just kids flocking to their computers.
To remain competitive, your marketing plan has to include an integrated
online program. Your plan needs to include at a very minimum a web page that
features your product or service. A fully integrated plan would include adding
in steps to ensure you rank high in Search Engine Optimization, as well as
firing up Social Network and blogger type pages, and promoting your business.
Staff
Brad S. Hicks, President & CEO, 541-608-8514
Judy Charley, Office Administrator, 541-608-8515
Paul Coughlin, Vice President, Public Relations, 541-840-2816
Sandy Darland, Membership Concierge, 541-608-8517
Scott Harrison, Vice President, Membership Development, 541-608-8522
Anne Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Medford Visitors & Convention Bureau, 541-608-8516
Daria Land, Vice President, Communications and Programming & Events, 541-608-8520
Sharon McCall, Receptionist, 541-779-4847
Tammi Mendels, Information Center Manager, 541-776-4021
Kristy Neighbors, VCB - Community Promotions Director, 541-608-8519
Kristy Painter, VCB - Public Relations Director, 541-608-8511
Sarah Pearson, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, 541-608-8523
Judy Six, Information Services Director, 541-608-8526
Sue Stephens Walton, VCB - Convention Sales Director, 541-608-8521
John Watt - John Watt & Associates, Governmental Relations, 541-779-0036
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Most social networks are easy to use and feature personalized newsfeeds
including updates from friends and businesses a consumer chooses to follow.
This is the key to using social networks for marketing. People choose to follow
your business. Social Networks give your listeners the ability to “opt in” or
“become a fan” and follow the messaging on your page. Fans read your posted
messages and have the opportunity to respond live, thus creating a conversation
that fosters an ongoing relationship. The more you communicate and respond,
the more people will feel a relationship has formed, thus building your identity
and loyalty.
We cannot ignore that the Internet has forever changed the way people
communicate and gather information. As local and Chamber business people,
it is our responsibility to the consumer to give them the information they want
in the fashion they desire. We have to create more meaningful and modern
relationships with our customers.
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Discover The Difference
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New Schools for a New Year
Article Courtesy of Dr. Phil Long, Superintendent of the Medford School District 549C.
T
he recent reopening of Jackson and Roosevelt elementary schools was a red-letter day
for students, parents and their neighborhoods. It was
also the latest evidence of this community’s commitment to providing every child a tuition-free, quality
education with top-notch facilities to match.
Since the November 2006 passage of a $189-million construction bond,
every school in the district has received needed
Dr. Phil Long
Superintendent,
safety and facility upgrades. At most of the buildings,
Medford School
those renovations took place during a busy summer
District.
construction season and had little day-to-day impact
on the students or staff.
But that was certainly not the case for students and their families at
Jackson and Roosevelt.
The original renovation plans for the schools quickly turned into a
major reconstruction challenge when structural engineers declared both
buildings unsafe. The school board ordered their closure in June of
2007. We soon learned that replacing all or most of both schools could
be as much as $10 million more than originally budgeted. What followed was a challenge for all parties involved.
The supporters of Jackson and Roosevelt had been heavily involved in
the community conversation that preceded the bond election, and their
input was crucial during this new decision process. Both schools served
students for nearly 100 years and had become much-needed neighborhood anchors.
The district’s commitment to retain both neighborhood schools was
threatened by the unanticipated cost of doing a nearly complete reconstruction of both buildings. It was again time for architects, contractors, principals and staff to sharpen our pencils and make it work. We
did.
When Jackson and Roosevelt students crossed over the threshold
earlier this month, they were entering new schools with strong anchors
into the past. While much of each building is new from the ground up,
each retains some elements of the previous structure. One wing at each
school was saved, along with the cafeterias, which were built in 1996.
The Jackson media center was also preserved.
Medford’s Batzer Construction was the successful bidder for both
projects, which totaled $26 million. The reconstructions involved a reorientation of both school entrances and featured designs reminiscent of
the original brick construction. Thanks to a tight construction schedule
and effective cost controls, both school projects came in on time and on
budget.
Now, after nearly 2 1/2 years of being bused to other schools in the
district, Jackson and Roosevelt students are back in their own neighborhood and many can walk again to school.
Students at two other elementary schools are also getting used to new
facilities. In September, students at Oak Grove and Lone Pine elementary schools started the school year in buildings that had also undergone
renovations and partial reconstruction. Plans are underway for dedication ceremonies and public tours at all four elementary schools this
spring.
The extreme renovation and makeover of North Medford High
School and the construction of a new South Medford High School will
be completed this summer.
New Life for
Old South High
The Medford School Board will spend January
discussing future uses for the current South Medford
High School building. This past fall the board
circulated an invitation throughout the Northwest
for competing proposals for the property, including
a proposal from the district administration. The
district’s proposal was the only one received.
The details of that proposal will be discussed at
the January 5 board meeting. A public hearing is
scheduled for January 19, with the board expected to
take action on the proposal at its February 3 meeting.
J a n u a r y
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2 7
January Forum Preview
Growing Through the Leftovers
The Chamber would like to thank U.S. Bank for sponsoring the
upcoming Forum program. Forum will take place on Monday,
January 11 at the Rogue Valley Country Club which is located
at 2660 Hillcrest Road, in Medford at 11:30 AM.
Former Chief Economist for U.S. Bank, John Mitchell, will
discuss the state of our economy in a presentation about
“Growing Through the Leftovers.”
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $265 billion in assets, is the
parent company of U.S. Bank, the 6th largest commercial bank
in the United States. The company operates 2,851 banking
offices and 5,175 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line
of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust
and payment services products to consumers, businesses
and institutions.
Registration is available online at www.medfordchamber.com.
Cost to attend is $20 per ticket. We look forward to our
upcoming program presented by John Mitchell.
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J a n u a r y
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L ocal Businesses Help
Students Prepare For
Careers
Leadership Class Participates
in Media Blitz Day
On November
17, Leadership
of Medford/
Jackson County
Alma Medrano, a junior at Crater High School’s Academy of National Sciences, interviews
with Tamara Nordin, Vice President, Human Resources, at Pacific Retirement Services.
W
ith high unemployment, it’s
difficult for young people with
limited experience to get a job. For the
past seven weeks, Junior Achievement
(JA) classroom volunteers worked
with three English classes at Crater
High’s Academy of National Sciences
(CANS) to help answer the question:
“What do I need to know to find, get
and keep a job?”
Using JA’s Success Skills program,
students worked to increase team
building, problem-solving and criticalthinking skills. On December 17, the
program culminated with over twenty
businesses conducting mock job
interviews with CANS’ students.
“Today I was very nervous,” said
Alma Medrano, a junior student in
the CANS program. “But all of the
interviewers have been very nice and
have given awesome feedback so I
want to make sure to learn from it.
I now know what to expect when I
actually go to a real interview.”
“The program is an excellent
example of collaboration between
businesses and schools for the
benefit of youth, and demonstrates
how business owners and managers
truly want to help our kids become
successful,” said Mary Holbrook,
Director, Junior Achievement ACCESS, Inc.
“These interviews are an amazing
experience for the kids,” said Kellie
Hill, owner/operator of McDonald’s
Restaurants and a JA board member.
“Every one of them has improved as
they got a little more relaxed as they
understood the process better.”
“They hear from their parents
and teachers, but this is a person they
might actually be sitting across the
desk from when applying for a real
job,” said Theresa Morris from Lithia
Motors. “By showing them how the
real world is going to be and what
my expectations are as an employer,
hopefully they’re better prepared
when they come in and really
interview.”
JA volunteers visited classes
weekly over seven weeks. JA Success
Skills provides students with
engaging, academically enriching,
and experiential learning sessions in
work-readiness education. Students
learned to develop effective speaking
and listening skills, teamwork
and cooperation in the workplace,
conflict resolution, decision-making,
marketing, and interviewing.
“Working with these students was
encouraging. It gives me hope that the
majority of these kids are prepared to
apply, interview, and keep a job,” said
Tom Pepple, owner of Retail Profit
Systems and a Junior Achievement
volunteer.
“The JA volunteers provided
exceptional instruction on skills
that connect the classroom to
the workplace,” said Jaime Hartt,
English teacher at CANS. “My
students were tired of Macbeth. They
wanted something that they felt they
could use in their lives outside the
classroom.”
participants had
the opportunity
to learn about
the importance of
communications,
social media and
advertising in
today’s media
trends.
Thank You to:
KDRV-TV
NewsWatch 12
The Maentz Agency
Opus Broadcasting
The Mail Tribune
Thank you to our proud sponsors:
Photos courtesy of Gerry Katz Photography
J a n u a r y
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2 9
Groundbreaking Ceremony Kicks Off
Family Nurturing Center
Playground Revitalization
T
he Medford Chamber Leadership Class of
2010 announced that the groundbreaking
ceremony for the Family Nurturing Center has been
scheduled for January 6, 2010 at 10 am. The ceremony
will be held at the Family Nurturing Center located at
212 N. Oakdale, Medford.
This will be an exciting day for our community
as the class begins work on the FNC playground
revitalization project. The community is invited to
join the Leadership Class and FNC for this very
special occasion. Local dignitaries and Chamber
Ambassadors will be on hand for the event.
What a wonderful way to start the New Year:
With a goal and a vision for the children’s playground
that will only enhance and strengthen the wonderful
environment created at the Family Nurturing Center.
The project will enhance and enrich the existing
playground with a variety of play equipment that
will encourage and promote healthy development for
children at the relief nursery. The new design for the
playground will incorporate an “enchanted forest”
theme, with equipment that is designed to stimulate
the imagination and promote a variety of sensory
experience.
The Family Nurturing Center offers support and
hope to many of Jackson County’s neediest families.
Many of the children at the center come from
environments where they have limited space or may
be confined to a very small area that inhibits healthy
development and interaction. The new playground
equipment will provide a great way for children to
safely explore their world and exercise their bodies and
minds. The Family Nurturing Center’s program helps
to rebuild and strengthen children who have been
exposed to many negative factors and have missed
opportunities to develop in a healthy way. Therapeutic
early childhood education, parent education and
support and respite childcare are part of the abuse
prevention program at FNC.
“The Family Nurturing Center is committed to
stabilizing families and takes a holistic approach that
is family focused,” says Executive Director MaryCurtis Gramley. Ninety-eight percent of children
enrolled in the intensive relief nursery services were
able to remain safely with their families.
The Chamber Leadership Class is moving
ahead with fundraising efforts to secure $15,000
in donations that is needed for the project. This is
a wonderful opportunity to change the future of
our community by helping children at a critical age
and hopefully make a difference in their future. We
invite the community to open their hearts and make
whatever contribution they can. In this season of
hope, every donation, no matter the size, brings us one
step closer to reaching our goal. Individual donations
may be sent to the Rogue Valley Foundation.
Jackson County Children’s
Relief Nursery
To Make a Donation
Enclosed is my $_________ donation (tax-deductible gift) to support the Family Nurturing Center Playground Revitalization Project.
Please make checks payable to: Rogue Valley Foundation 101 E. 8th Street, Medford, OR 97501
Name of Organization: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Note: Please print your name as you want it to appear in all ads and listings
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________Email: _____________________________________________________________
__Please add me to the Family Nurturing Center mailing list for future announcements
__Please keep my donation confidential
If you’d like to pay by credit card:
MasterCard /Visa Card Number:_____________________________________________
Card Holder Signature: ____________________________________________________
Date: ______________
Rogue Valley Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization. Federal tax ID: 93-0903879
The Rogue Valley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations to The Rogue Valley Foundation, a qualified organization under
IRS regulations, are deductible as allowable by law. All donations will be acknowledged in writing, including the tax identification
number for your records. Contact your tax advisor for advice concerning the deductibility of your donation.
For more information about the Family Nurturing Center, please visit their website at www.familynurturingcenter.org.
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Successful Festival of Trees Raises
More Resources
for Breast Cancer Detection
T
he 2009 Providence Festival of Trees was a
great success, raising more than $435,000
thanks to the enormous support of our community.
The event would not be possible without the help
of hundreds of volunteers, dozens of Christmas tree
designers and sponsors, and the many donors who
gave so generously from the heart.
For the first time in its 18-year history,
Providence Festival of Trees held an Evening of
Giving for nearly 700 underserved children and
their families who might not otherwise have
had a Christmas. Guests were treated to live
entertainment, story time with Mrs. Claus, photos
with Santa, crafts and games. Each child was given a
book, a toy and a bag of special treats.
More than 60 sponsors and dozens of volunteers
made the Evening of Giving possible. “For this first
year, we are amazed by the support from so many
individuals and businesses in our community,” says
Foundation Executive Director Jodi Barnard. “The
kids and families really enjoyed a special evening
created especially for them.” Special invitations were
extended to children through community service
organizations such as Community Health Center,
Community Works, Family Nurturing Center, Kids
Unlimited and CASA.
Another first for the 2009 Providence Festival
of Trees was a record-breaking bid on a designer
Christmas tree. The tree, It’s All Fun & Games,
designed by Lorrie Peterson of Shenanigan’s, was
auctioned for $13,500. Other highlights include
a 20 percent increase in the number of dinner
reservations on auction night, increased attendance
during three days of public viewing, and record high
sales in the holiday store.
Proceeds from the event will support breast
cancer detection technology at the Leila J. Eisenstein
Breast Center at Providence with the purchase
of the area’s first and only breast-specific gamma
imaging camera. The Dilon camera will help doctors
detect early stage cancers based on suspicious
breast abnormalities found during a screening
mammogram.
Of the Festival’s total, more than $25,000 was
raised during the auction’s three paddle calls to
benefit the Sister Therese Kohles Fund for charitable
mammography services at Providence. These funds
will be used to help women in our community with
financial need receive a screening mammogram for
breast cancer.
Other new features at the 2009 Festival included
a concert by Siskiyou Violins during public viewing,
and a partnership with Boy Scout Troop 17 and
Southern Oregon Nursery to offer Christmas trees
for sale to the public.
2009
Regional Government
Affairs
Conference
(Left to Right) Brad Hicks, John Watt and Bruce Hoevet from The
Chamber enjoy a lighthearted moment during a presentation
by best-selling author Dr. Frank Luntz at the 2009 Regional
Government Affairs Conference in San Francisco. During the
event, Chamber leaders learned about the latest efforts across the
country to promote pro-business legislation that can be utilized
throughout our region.
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