Middle Row (L-R) - John Pascone, Sarah Steen, Jason Yutzie, Joel Kinman, Sarah Knowles, John Andersen
Front Row (L-R) - Jennifer Stanaway, Grant Cyrus, Brent Stutzman, Selina Marshall, Janet Steele
Not Pictured - Alex Patterson, Brian Graffenberger, Jon Kloor, Ryan McAlister, Stacie Wyss-Schoenborn
The New Oregon Singers???
Before Portland became the promised land for hipsters and "Portlandia" fans across the globe, Oregonians had to leave the comforts of their home state to get noticed by the rest of the world. That's exactly what Bruce Kelly set out to do in the 1960s when he created the New Oregon Singers. And get noticed they did.
The choral group became the state's official "Ambassadors of Song," taking off on world tours that fostered an image of Oregon -- then still a little-known, blue-collar timber state -- as a magical place jam-packed with wholesome, beautiful young people sporting long legs and golden voices
The New Oregon Singers also had men -- including the fathers of some of the young women in the group -- to balance out all those sopranos. The New Oregon Singers produced albums in 1968 and '69 that sold some 50,000 copies. The group, offering up everything from opera to country-and-western, continued to perform concerts into the 1980s.
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Pictured: Back Row (L-R) - Brian Oare, Keith Kessler, Chris Hanson, Roger Nyquist, Abel Condrea
Broad Coalition Formed to Defeat Initiative Petition 17
New $6.8 Billion Tax on Sales would be Largest Tax in State History, Hurting Oregon Businesses and Costing Consumers Billions
Albany Area Chamber Joins Statewide NO on IP 17 Campaign Underway for November Ballot
A coalition representing businesses, consumers and organizations from across the state announced its formal opposition to Initiative Petition 17 (IP 17), which qualified for the November 2024 ballot last week. The campaign to oppose IP 17 – Defeat the Costly Tax on Sales – is chaired by OBI President and CEO Angela Wilhelms.
The proposal, which will receive a ballot measure number when the state elections division completes all of its validation processes, would impose the largest tax increase of any kind in Oregon history The Legislative Revenue Office estimates that the tax on Oregon sales would collect $6.8 billion per year by imposing a 3% tax on a corporation’s sales above $25 million annually. It is essentially a gross receipts tax that applies to sales, not profits. Businesses would have to pay even if they were making a small profit – or none at all.
Moreover, the tax would be applied at every step in the process of creating and selling a product in Oregon. By the time an Oregonian bought a product, it might have been taxed multiple times. The tax’s effect would be far more pronounced – and regressive – than that of a typical sales tax.
IP 17 also provides no exceptions for staples like food, clothing, fuel or utilities. The Legislative Revenue Office estimates that it will increase prices in the state by 1.3%. For context, current CPI for our region is 2.8%. LRO also estimates that the measure would erode growth in jobs, wages, income and population over the next several years.
In short, IP 17 would substantially increase the cost of living in Oregon and the cost of doing business here. This would reduce the competitiveness of Oregon employers, who would have an even greater incentive to invest in other states – taking jobs and potential tax revenue with them
The proposal would redistribute the billions of dollars it would collect to “eligible individuals,” defined in the measure as anyone living in Oregon for just 200 days. However, nothing would prevent legislators from redirecting that money however they want with a simple majority vote.
Defeating this costly tax on Oregon sales will require the help of businesses, individuals and organizations throughout the state. To learn what you can do – and to receive regular updates on the campaign – please visit the campaign website below and join our growing coalition. Contact: Erik Lukens, spokesman, Defeat the Costly Tax on Sales (800) 398-7520 Press@CostlyTaxOnSal
“Avoid Employee Trouble: Laws, Leave, & Payroll”
Thursday, September 26th, 3pm - 4:30pm Chamber Office, 435 W 1st Ave, Albany
Reina is a certified human resources professional with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Reina has completed specialized training in conducting workplace investigations, supporting military veterans in the civilian workforce, and supporting employees with disabilities. Reina has been managing HR for a nonprofit in education management for five years and also has experience working in HR at Home Life, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, and Trupp HR, where she handled employment law compliance for clients in all 50 states.
ReinaDaugherty
What
is the
Biggest Issue Facing
GOLDEN TICKET WINNER:
Kevin
Manske, President/CEO
United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties
Professional Background: United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties (UWLBL) is a wellestablished non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the local community. With a focus on education, health, and financial stability, UWLBL partners with various local agencies, businesses, and volunteers to address critical issues and create lasting change. The organization has a history of mobilizing resources and people to tackle community challenges, offering support to those in need through funding, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy. UWLBL's professional background is rooted in its commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where community members can come together to address pressing social issues and enhance the well-being of all residents.
our Community: One of the most pressing issues facing Albany is the challenge of addressing homelessness and affordable housing. As the community continues to grow, the availability of affordable housing has not kept pace, leading to an increase in the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This issue is compounded by the rising cost of living and limited access to resources that support long-term stability, such as mental health services and job training programs. UWLBL is actively involved in addressing these challenges by collaborating with local organizations, government agencies, and community members to develop comprehensive solutions that provide immediate relief and long-term support for those in need.
You and your company’s community involvement: UWLBL is deeply committed to community involvement and engagement. The organization plays a pivotal role in organizing and participating in events that promote community well-being and support vulnerable populations. For example, UWLBL has organized annual Day of Action events across the region, including the upcoming Linn County Day of Action where like-minded businesses and their volunteers will come together for a day of service, packing 50,000 meals and 5,000+ books into literacy kits.
The UWLBL was the first United Way office to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the State of Oregon. This program consists of a 60-volume set of books beginning with the children’s classic The Little Engine That Could™. Each month a new, carefully selected book is mailed in a child’s name directly to their home, at no cost to the family. The UWLBL recently mailed its 400,000th book to a child in our community! Through these collaborative efforts, UWLBL helps create a more connected and resilient community.
Partnering with UWLBL offers businesses a unique opportunity to lead in community philanthropy through workplace giving campaigns. These campaigns allow employees to contribute to charitable causes directly from their payroll, providing a convenient and impactful way to support local non-profits. By collaborating with UWLBL, businesses can tap into the untapped potential within the community, enhancing their corporate social responsibility and demonstrating a commitment to supporting the most vulnerable. This partnership not only elevates a company's philanthropic profile but also diversifies its community impact, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
Business Marketing Niche: UWLBL excels in the non-profit sector by mobilizing resources and connecting with donors, volunteers, and partners, thanks to its strong reputation and transparent communication.
For businesses in this niche, building trust through transparency, forming strong partnerships, and using digital platforms to share stories and engage the community is key. A clear, compelling mission aligned with community values is also crucial for long-term success.
Best Western Premier Boulder Falls Inn honored with M. K. Guertin Award
The Boulder Falls team exemplifies the highest of standards and demonstrates excellence in quality, guest satisfaction, and dedication to the brand. For their dedication to elevating guest experiences they have been given the M.K. Guertin award. It is named in honor of the founder of Best Western and will be given at the annual convention in October. Employees will be celebrated for this recognition.
Cumberland Community Events Center
Awarded National Recognition
In May, organizers behind the church’s restoration efforts got a long-sought victory when the National Parks Service officially placed the 132-year-old building on the National Register of Historic Places.
Congrats Emma & board members!
Custom Cabinetry Business Launched
Henderer Custom Cabinetry (HCC) has announced the purchase of its longtime cabinetry partner, Country Cabinets Halsey (CCH), to maintain the tradition of quality craftsmanship and ensure continued excellence in their offerings.
Hayden Homes is proud to announce that three of the company ’ s regional divisions have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Avid Benchmark Award for excellence in home buyer satisfaction, including Greater Spokane and North Idaho, South Idaho and South Washington regions.
The Avid Awards set the standard for exemplary customer service in the home building industry and honor home builders who achieve the highest scores on Avid’s detailed customer New Home Move-In Experience survey, which is taken from the first 90 days of homeownership.
“We are honored and humbled to once again be selected for these coveted Avid Awards,” said Sean Bearden, customer experience director for Hayden Homes. “Our team members are passionate about providing an outstanding customer service experience for homebuyers–and these awards are a deeply meaningful recognition of this commitment to excellence.”
Henderer Design + Build + Remodel (HDBR) finalized the purchase of CCH on June 1, marking a significant step in its commitment to delivering superior cabinetry and remodeling solutions. Longtime cabinetry experts, Andy and Shaunna Schukis of CCH, dreamed of a welldeserved retirement, but ensuring a seamless succession plan first was paramount
The custom cabinet shop will work with area builders, interior designers, individual homeowners, and continue to serve the Henderer’s remodel and custom-built home projects.
Greater Albany Public School District is pleased to introduce Becca Mallery as the new GAPS Communications Director and Public Information Office.
Mallery joins the district with years of valuable communications experience. Most recently, Mallery served as the Instructional Technologist and Communications Specialist for the Jefferson School District There, she led district-wide communication initiatives, managed crisis communications, and ensured equitable access for all families. She has extensive experience in social media management, website content creation, and stakeholder engagement.
Mallery also has extensive experience as a teacher, teaching 1st grade for six years with the Jefferson School District. Mallery has a master’s degree in Education with an ESOL endorsement from Western Oregon University.
Renaissance Roofing, Inc.
34058 Oakville Rd SW
Albany OR 97321 (541)791-4886
Technivana
Lebanon, OR 97355 (541) 570-4072
5 Arrows Media
Albany OR 97321 (541)740-7055
Akida Clips
630 Hickory St NW Suite 130
Albany OR 97321 541-979-0427
A&B Northwest Construction LLC 3521 Bernard Ave NE
Albany OR 97322 (541) 981-3690
AA Towing 260 Queen Ave SE Albany OR 97322 (541) 926-1233
Sugarheroes Candy Bar LLC 117 3rd Ave SW
Albany OR 97321 541-777-0724
Spirit Mountain Casino 27100 SW Salmon River Hwy Grand Ronde OR 97347 800-760-7977
Fulcrum Drive 2298 Wooded Knolls Dr Philomath OR 97370
Crosby Wealth Advisors- A private wealth advisory practice of
Ameriprise Financial
DLF USA Inc
Eugene Airport
Gerding Builders
Harts Nursery of Jefferson, Inc.
Hope Church
KOA Albany - Corvallis
KW Realty Mid-Willamette- Smith
Lake Shore Lanes
Lakeside Ag-Ventures, LLC
McGovern Maintenance
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Realty One Group - MacHugh
Red Robin
Springhill Cellars Winery
Summit Bank
The BlowHard Company
The Storage Depot
Timberwood Court Memory Care
Ultrex Business Solutions
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center
2024-2025 Officers and Directors
Board Officers
Chair: Brent Stutzman (Stutzman Services)
Immediate Past Chair: Jennifer Stanaway (Samaritan Health Services)
Chair-Elect: Grant Cyrus (Target Distribution)
Vice Chair: Jon Kloor (Consumers Power), Stacie Wyss
Schoenborn (Central Willamette Credit Union)
Treasurer: Selina Marshall (Citizens Bank)
Board Members
Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Alex Patterson (Rhodes Warden Insurance), Brian Graffenberger (EA Chambers Farms, Inc.), Brian Oare (Oare & Associates Realty), Chris Hanson (ATI), Jason Yutzie (Coastal), Joel Kinman (Bravo Group), John Andersen (Boys & Girls Club of Albany), John Pascone (LEDG), Keith Kessler (Direct Flooring Center), Roger Nyquist (Lake Shore Lanes), Ryan McAlister (Gerding Builders), Sarah Knowles (SingerLewak LLP), Sarah Steen (Amerititle)
Committee & Task Force Chairs
Ambassadors: Janet Steele (President)
Golf Tournament: Dick Perdue (Retired)
Emerging Leaders: Jadyn Baskin (Program and Event Manager)
Governmental Affairs: Jon Kloor (Consumers Power)
Greeters Facilitators: Greg Bolton (Landmark Professional), Peggy Burris (Albany Public Schools Foundation), Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Dan Farrington (BBSI), Mr. G Nassar (G & Jenny Insurance), Leslee Mayers (CASA Linn County), Don McBride (SMI Property Management)
