503. The Salem Chamber's Magazine – Spring 2020

SPRING 2020

Our Partner & Support Organizations page 8

CTE Professionals of the Month

Create Jobs Coalition & Build Jobs PAC

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SURROUNDING AREA Tim Yount Silverton 503-873-2454 Bridgette Justis Sublimity 503-769-3180 Kelly Denney Dallas 503-623-2146 David Eder Stayton 503-769-4902 2

salemchamber.org

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Tom Hoffert Chief Executive Officer

Dear Chamber and Salem Community Members, C ommunity champions are often easy to identify, but quite tough to thank and celebrate. hy They contribute to the betterment of our community without any intent or desire to be recogni ed for their e orts. Servant leadership, defined by former Salem Chamber C O Mike McLaran, is defined as publicly giving credit to anyone who played a role in your hard work or achievements. Further, servant leadership requires you are willing to do and are capable of doing anything you would ask of someone else. So, how may the Salem Chamber recogni e and provide thanks for those quiet leaders who year in and year out make Salem a better place to live, work, and play One answer is seen at our yearly First Citizen ar s an et. Annually each March, the Salem Chamber recogni es Salem’s First Citi en Award recipient –

the highest honor our community may bestow on an individual. In addition, we recogni e two or three istinguished Service Award recipients and one Outstanding oung Professional.

For the first time ever, in 0 0 we will recogni e a Community Legend Award recipient. The individual must be a previous First Citi en Award recipient to qualify, but also someone who has remained fervently active in promoting the philanthropic and communal causes which enable Salem citi enry to thrive. hile staying true to an award format that began with Charles Sprague being acknowledged as Salem’s First Citi en in 50, we now add the prestigious Community Legend Award to the quiver.

Iconic, like the recipient.

A recently added e ort to showcase Salem’s community champions can be seen each month at our Forum Luncheon Series – entitled the “Spirit of Salem Award. Since September 0 , we have celebrated a special individual or group who have truly made Salem a more special place to reside each month. The Salem Chamber has proudly recogni ed business community champions Sharron & Dick Seideman, beloved agricultural sector contributor Terry Kuenzi, passionate advocate for perseverance and cancer survivor Victoria Shinn, Latino business leader

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and visionary Jose Gonzalez, and a group of youngsters who ignited a city wide cheer squad at the 0 Little League orld Series – the rag e i le League team. ach shared their own unique passion in hopes of creating a better Salem.

Like you, I am inspired by individuals who promote Salem’s livability, inclusion, and unique opportunities to achieve success. hile this organi ation’s members relentlessly step up to tackle the challenges our city faces, we are proud to shine a bit of the spotlight on these e orts. If you know of a local champion who deploys servant leadership while placing the success of others ahead of themselves, drop me a note or email with their name and their contribution to our community’s success. The Salem Chamber is proud to partner with individuals, businesses, agencies, and nonprofit organi ations who seek to make Salem a wonderful place for residents to call home. To those individuals recogni ed by the Salem Chamber or other organi ations in this community, we salute you and appreciate your sel ess leadership. 503.

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27 1110 Commercial St. NE Salem OR 97301 503.581.1466 sale

a ber org

email: info@salemchamber.org

TOM HOFFERT Chief ecutive O cer

salemchamber

GABBY GARRIDO Communications Manager

salem chamber

salemchamber

503. is published quarterly by Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc. proud Chamber member.

0 Oak St., Silverton, O

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503. 5. www.mtangelpub.com

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Publisher: Paula Mabry Pro ect Manager: Tavis Bettoli Lotten Advertising raphics Manager: Steve Beckner

To advertise in the ne t issue, contact Advertising ecutive: erry Stevens 5 . . 0 erry.s mtangelpub.com

siness iaison.......... 5

Board of Directors ........... 6 Our Partner & Support Organizations ................ 8 e ns ire o n ation ...24 Board Member Dave Dunn ...................26 a ting to e

ren s ..27

Ambassador of the Quarter Barbara McReal ...........28 e C a ber Coalition

e bers ..29 C ..............30

On the Cover: Ismael uniga, LBA Business Outreach Paula Moseley with ei ertimes and aul aldivia, aldivia CPAs at po Negocio 0 .

Above: acob spino a right recording his podcast New Leader Workshop with Mayor Chuck Bennett.

salemchamber.org

Chamber Welcomes New Business Liaison

A Short Guide to Approaching Social Media Marketing

Michelle Warner is the newest addition to the Chamber team.

Born in Salem, Michelle moved to Florida and worked as a hairstylist for si teen years, spending the last si as a business owner. After moving back to the illamette alley, she went back to school first at George Fox University, then Michelle Warner. completing her education at Corban University with a degree in Psychology.

By Gabby Garrido, Co ni ations anager

Michelle then worked for the Salem-Keizer School District S S as a College and Career Coach for the last year and a half, assisting students in developing career plans to help prepare them for the future. uring this last summer, Michelle worked alongside the ale eizer ation o n ation S F and S S for the Aspire Mentor Program. Michelle attended many networking functions to recruit businesses to support S S . uring that time, she learned about the Salem Chamber and got to know the Chamber sta .

Michelle has two children. She en oys the outdoors and being active, and plans to start e ploring Oregon.

Michelle is e cited to work out of CT C, especially since she started in industry and has now moved into education.

She understands the importance of incorporating industry into the school district and making connections with the business community. 503.

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Incorporating and navigating social media can be di cult, especially with a small budget or sta . ere are a few tips to help keep your social media marketing manageable and on track. stablis t e ob e ti e – Social media is a broad tool. Take time to determine the results you need for your business. Is it more engagement from customers or clients you already have o you want to reach an audience you haven’t had the chance to interact with Social media needs to be instrumental in achieving your ob ectives – not ust another time e pense. ngage it o r a ien e – If business posts revolve solely around the deals and products you o er, your media strategy is only conveying a punchline. To tell a full story, businesses need to engage with their audience. Ask questions in your posts, then respond to those answers. on’t be afraid to post stories of your client’s e periences with their permission or videos of your day to day operations. on’t be afraid to show the human side of your business. i li o r la or s – iscover where your target audience spends their time. Are they perusing Facebook, scrolling through Instagram trends, or sending out snappy tweets Or maybe they’re building connections and presence on LinkedIn. If you can narrow down to your focus to match your target audience, you’ll save time and energy. 503.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD MEMBERS

President

Vice President – Business Advocacy

MARIN ARREOLA III

JEFF MILLER

Portland eneral lectric

RYAN COLLIER

DR. SHELDON NORD

Treasurer

PAUL DAKOPOLOS

MARIA PALACIO

T.J. SULLIVAN

uggins Insurance

President-Elect

KATHY GORDON

Aldrich CPAs Advisors, LLC

Vice President – Events

LORISSA ADDABBO

ope Orthopedics

Vice President – Membership

WENDY VELIZ

STEPHEN JOYE

Fischer, ayes, oye Allen, LLC

Secretary

CALEB WILLIAMS

Saalfeld riggs, P.C.

Advanced conomic Solutions Collier Law

arrett emann obertson, P.C.

MARK ZOOK

Maps Credit nion

Olson Florist

ALAN RASMUSSEN

DAVE DUNN

Modern Building Systems

illamette alley Fruit Company

CORY REDDING

JEFF KELLY

C edding Construction, Inc.

DAN McDOWELL

Berkshire athaway omeServices

SAIF

Corban niversity

elly’s ome Store

LAURA DORN

CHRISTY WITZKE

Coldwell Banker C ommercial

ERIC TEMPLETON

Pioneer Trust Bank

AmeriTitle

ZACHARY SIELICKY

VALERIE FRY-RAMIREZ

STAFF TOM HOFFERT

KRISTI PIPPERT

KATHY MOORE

GABBY GARRIDO

Chief

ecutive O cer

Chief evelopment O cer, C O of Inspire Foundation

irector of Operations

Membership C oordinator

Business Liaison

DEVIN BROWN

CHRIS PHIPPS

Communications Manager

Business Liaison

HEIDI COWDEN

MICHELLE WARNER

Programs Coordinator

orkforce evelopment Specialist

Business Liaison

PHOTOS BY ORION, LLC

MEMBER SERVICES

Residence Inn by Marriot.

Masonry Grill.

Ribbon Cutting Request Form

Greeters Application

Let’s celebrate! ibbon Cuttings are a complimentary service the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provides to members at the Connector level and above who have ust started a new business, have moved to a new location, or who have recently undergone a remodel. As the business owner, you have the option of making this event as simple or as elaborate as you wish.

reeters is the largest and most active business networking opportunity in the Salem area. reeters is available to all Salem Area Chamber of Commerce members and their employees . Applications are due a week from booking your date. equests are taken on a first come basis. Members will be put on a wait list once the calendar year is full. Members can host reeters once in a calendar year.

Be sure to fill out a request form at salemchamber.org/ ribbon ng or to book your date now!

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Everyone At The Table

Chamber Business Women.

Meet Our Partner & Support Organizations

The Salem Chamber is a place of connection. Invested in the growth of our community, the organi ation partners with other like minded organi ations and groups to o er members of our community opportunities to engage in topics that a ect the ow of our city. roups like Greeters, the Ambassadors, Chamber Business Women, and Public Policy are avenues for investing in not only community, but internal growth. So come to the table, and oin the conversations and impact that continue to help our city and communities continue to develop.

AMBASSADORS

GREETERS 8

PUBLIC POLICY salemchamber.org

Chamber Business Women (CBW) Being able to make important connections is the core of CB . I feel women try harder to prove themselves in business. So having the right tools to help with the challenges specific to women in running a business, or even climbing the ladder, is a benefit to achieving goals that women may have. omen tend to have a lot on their plates, so having coping tools to help with all the things we take care of in our regular life and the e pectations that sometimes get put on us is beneficial.

I chose to get involved with CB for lots of reasons. I started coming to reeters four years ago, and I got more involved with the Chamber from there. In looking for other ways to get involved – as opposed to some of the other programming the Chamber o ered at the time when I was new – CB fit with my schedule and was cost e ective for me as a new businesswoman. Then I found the programming was incredibly beneficial, so I kept on attending. aving a safe space for women to talk is important. I obviously want CB to continue to grow. And I can also appreciate that it’s generally a smaller group of women, where people can really feel like they can open up because it’s a little bit more tightknit. hen you’re opening up in a group like that, I feel it gives you advantages in your personal and professional life, then the networking happens from there because you’re in a vulnerable space where you can get to know people on a di erent level – and know you want to trust and work with them. hen it comes to issues Salem faces, there’ve always been topics constantly put in front of us. Obviously, we have a homeless problem. e have a tra c problem. e’re trying to get 503 •

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air service – there are all these things, but in general, everybody can’t be involved in everything. Find your niche topic, one you’re passionate about.

I sell real estate, so a prominent issue in my mind is having better moving tra c – no matter what we do, Salem is growing. Paying attention to how we can make Salem grow in the ways we want it to grow is important, so I think about the need for a third bridge. Not fi ing problems we’re currently having is not stopping people from coming. e need to make Salem a community, a place people want to stay in. ight now, CB ’s charity for the year is The Red Cart Project through Women United of United Way of the i illa e e alle . They help students in schools by providing them with feminine products, as well as providing those supplies for homeless women.

Ladies, come check out our group. e meet the third Tuesday of every month at Roth’s Fresh Markets in est Salem. Meetings are from :00 :00 p.m., although you can arrive at : 5 a.m. for connecting. Lunch is available for , and we feature a guest speaker with a topic ready to benefit you in your business ourney. e try to focus on that CB isn’t ust for business owners – it’s for anyone working in business. If you have someone who typically attends reeters or Forum lunches, have a female from your o ce attend to bring back information that could be helpful for your business. e have a business/life coach coming to speak, the topic of diversity in the workplace, and an online marketing coach, to name a few. Our speakers aren’t necessarily talking about their business. They’re talking about a piece of knowledge that they have from

by Ashlee Mecham Oregon Licensed Broker of Berkshire athaway omeServices eal state Professionals, CB Chair either running their own business, or having climbed the ladder in another business, or an e perience they’ve gone through. e’re really talking about real situations people deal with on a daily basis and having the opportunity to discuss those. After our last meeting, people stayed for around half an hour ust talking and connecting.

As a real estate agent, I have an accredited buyer representation/ accreditation, but I also have a military relocation certification. My husband’s a veteran, and so I really like to work with veterans and would like to continue to promote that and serve more veterans – there’s always more we can be doing for them.

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Latino Business Alliance (LBA) I oined the LBA on an. , 0 0.

LBA recently celebrated their ten year anniversary of their event, po Negocio, which consists of networking, luncheon, keynote speech, workshops, and a lot of fun. I was asked three years ago to consider conducting a workshop. The following year, people liked me enough to have me back hah , and asked me to deliver the keynote. Then the third year, I was asked to consider being a board member.

First and foremost, LBA is important because I believe in Jose Gonzalez.

Among the investments he makes in our community, my favorite characteristics of his are actually themes I see him live out daily... family and community. hat the world desperately needs right now is to understand we are all in this together, like family, and when we understand our lives are here and gone in a blink, much of what divides us would cease to be a reality. Our community is in need of people willing to engage in

measure what kind of change I’m making. Is that the point for me being involved No. Like they say, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. I wanted to plant my ag on something that mattered to me.

Again, ose, along with the fellow board members, doesn’t seem to be engaging in things unless it brings people together. I can’t look in the mirror and say most of my work has had an impact like that. So I decided to commit and be a part of something bigger. Also, importantly, I did it for my son. I want to live a life where I can look in the mirror and see a man who is leading my son less with words, and more with actions. My favorite book has a passage that states, “The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.

I have found that to be true... and I have been called to be a man of service.

I want to lead my son in hopes he develops the characteristic of service... and that he will have a heart that chooses to do so freely.

“The Latino Business Alliance provides a safe space for people from different cultures to attend & build professional relationships. Everyone is welcome, meetings are fully bilingual (English/Spanish). We believe entrepreneurship is the main path towards the American Dream and everyone wins when you do it right.“

– Jose Gonzalez, LBA Board of Directors President meaningful conversations, discuss what we truly perceive are problems, sei e them as opportunities, and collaborate to establish meaningful solutions. Latino Business Alliance e ists to bring people and businesses together to build community... and I want to play a role in seeing that Mission continue to come to fruition.

As much as I’m involved in the community, I felt like my role was scattered, and I wasn’t able to 10

It’s important to take a stand with LBA for the sake of business engagement, business formation, and business growth, particularly among Latinos.

Business formation is nothing new, yet in a time where four year degrees have continued to lose relevance in some areas of our economy, business formation has not been given the respect it deserves. I won’t go into all the details, yet many are aware we have a large percentage

by Wally Ybarra Bridgeway ecovery Services, LBA Board Member of people who have been buried in college debt, and struggle with a ob that doesn’t provide resources and meaning. Many once had a di erent vision for their lives, yet believe they have to continue to live that out. It is time to engage people, old and young, on the benefits of perhaps starting businesses. LBA serves as a wonderful vessel because although it’s possible to begin a business on your own, it’s very challenging to sustain one alone.

One of LBA’s strongest advantages is that it e ists in this area, Salem, which at its core, is e periencing massive growth due to people wanting to see other businesses succeed. It’s in our culture, and we want to see small/ local businesses continue to thrive, connect, grow... and contribute.

All my life, sadly, I grew up and actually didn’t care much about my culture.

I look back at decisions I made in my life, and not only did they demonstrate lack of care for the Latino Culture... my actions were contributing to any negative perspectives people already had of us. In addition, I never cared to learn Spanish. I never cared to attend events that celebrated beautiful things/elements that e ist in the culture. ssentially, I was wandering, and lost in that respect. salemchamber.org

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LBA continued

Expo Negocio 2018.

O ver the years, throughout my growth, even as I became more of a leader, I’m sad to admit that I was afraid of creating any type of work that was specific to Latinos.

I wanted to feel like my work was relevant to ALL people, as much of my work was with all people, all colors. I reference ose often, because he not only plays the role of friend in my life... he’s a teacher, and one who doesn’t use words to teach... it’s how he lives his life. Through him, I learned that being involved in our culture doesn’t disqualify you from having in uence in all other cultures. Actually, it empowers you more than you thought... and in actuality, it sets you free. ow ell... I’m still learning. owever, now I’m connected to who I am and who I am called to be on a deeper, more meaningful level. As mentioned before, as well, my son is everything to me. I want him to value at a young age the thing I missed the most in my upbringing... our cultura.

to hear me speak. Two, what would I talk about My heart goes straight to this... ight now, everyone is talking about the homeless crisis. owever, I believe the bigger crisis on our hands is that much of the attention is placed on the “right now rather than the “what is coming. Anytime we are overly consumed with what is in front of us, we neglect everything else. ight now, there are hundreds, at minimum, likely thousands of kids in our schools who are ne t in line, to fill those tents in the bushes, our sidewalks, because they come from homes who can barely sustain a place of living. There are thousands of kids right now who do not understand what their purpose for being is, and so suicidal ideation and suicide altogether continues to skyrocket. epression is on the rise, and people are unable to find ways to cope or overcome. uman su ering... that’s what I’m talking about.

My message to business leaders is to consider how to build connection, to the e tent that part of our “leadership title has as much to do with how we impact young people, as it does with other adults/leaders/business owners. There are so many gatherings taking place in this community that attempt to connect and bring people together... yet, not enough e orts to bring about change for our ne t potential leaders/consumers/business leaders. My hope is to be one who people can see is taking this matter seriously, and seeking to involve people with this mission.

One of my favorite books is Good to Great. Among the thousands of nuggets I found was: a characteristic great leaders possess is their capacity to lead an organi ation in such a way that when they leave, someone can fill their space, grab the baton, and take the organi ation to even higher levels without wasting time. I tend to look at how what we currently do will impact the ne t in line. To think about the answer to this question, my mind imagines two things. One, I have all of our business leaders in one room

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ou may have started your business alone however, it’s almost impossible to sustain it alone. One element that the LBA provides is family, disguised as networking. People assume networking is simply a situation in which a handful of people gather and discuss life, business, hobbies, struggles, successes, etc. et, there are skills required. Since I became involved with the LBA, I know we prioriti e them.

The most essential element is care. People often can sense when you lack authenticity... when you are “networking because you want to AIN something. LBA, at its core, is designed to empower people by giving... serving... that’s connection, and that’s family. Sometimes the success of the business is measured, not by your income, but by the quality of person you are becoming in the process. e don’t place enough value on the concept of service, and the LBA is the opportunity to strengthen your output, e pand your capacity to care, and trust that your business will thrive as a result.

I am most e cited about launching retreats. I have an e clusive partnership now with la e an , and I will be hosting retreats that fulfill two areas I am deeply passionate about. One is professional, and one is personal.

Professionally, I will be providing retreats for business/ educational leaders and will serve to empower them to improve the quality of their being, their spirit, their choices... for the sake of creating better home lives, to be better parents or significant others, and to be more intentional in their place of work to improve culture.

Overall, I want people to leave the e perience having been introduced to the person they can become, rather than the person they have been.

Personally, I have a heart, a burden for couples who are struggling. I’ve been divorced, and I’ve seen the impact that broken relationships have not only on ourselves, but our kids if applicable . In the world I live in, and I know you do as well, relationships are su ering because people are su ering. I want to provide an opportunity for couples to come spend time away, with me, at the ranch in order to essentially recalibrate, restore, and revive relationships, particularly the relationship they have with themselves.

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Ambassadors Ambassadors fill the gap between Chamber sta and the members of the Chamber of Commerce. There’s only so many Chamber sta – there’s ust not enough of you for the amount of members we have, and it’s di cult for members to feel like they can get as much attention as they deserve and need for their membership. e can reach out and provide what support we can to the members of the Chamber. It helps fill a need.

I started as an ambassador because I was looking for a way to be a part of the community. I didn’t necessarily need to be an elected o cial, but I wanted to be in some sort of capacity where I could have some knowledge and be able to help others – particularly in the business community – while still being able to run my business and do the things I need to do. It’s a good fit for the amount of time and energy I have.

Many people don’t understand the di culties of small business ownership. If we rely on the standard sources of information – news media, our politicians, and sources like that – we often get messages that don’t resonate with the reality business owners face.

Small businesses are really misrep resented and underrepresented. The

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general population doesn’t have a good understanding of what it’s like to be a business owner, the stresses, the worries, the burden that’s trying to keep your doors open, employees paid, and to be compliant with all laws.

The Chamber of Commerce helps bring recognition to those needs, for businesses of all si es. Not ust the big businesses. The Chamber helps people understand the things that a ect small businesses more proportionately than large businesses.

Anytime a business ta is proposed, it’s usually targeted at all businesses. That puts an unfair burden on a lot of small businesses and makes it very di cult for small businesses to survive. et well over half of all employees are employed by a small business. If that’s the case, then we need to be spending more time focusing on smaller businesses, and what we can do to support growth to become larger and more successful, so it takes the strain and stress o their employees and owners. e all do better when small businesses do better.

I oined the Ambassadors about two to three years ago. I’m pretty new, but I had wanted to oin for about si years.

It’s a big opportunity to get in the community and touch many di erent areas I wouldn’t have otherwise, or

by Andrew Isaksen N Family Chiropractic, Ambassador Chair that would take significantly more e ort to get involved in. I love being able to see new businesses opening and attend ribbon cuttings I wouldn’t know about if I wasn’t involved here at the Chamber.

Being on the cutting edge of what’s happening in Salem as far as business is concerned is nice as well. I’m able to gain insight into what’s happening here, and I really en oy that. It also gives me opportunities, not necessarily all about business, but to build relationships with other business owners so we can support each other and grow each other’s businesses to become a more tight knit community.

salemchamber.org

Ambassadors preparing a ribbon cutting ceremony at CentAnni Chiropractic.

Some issues really hitting Salem are the homeless population and the third bridge – or lack thereof. onestly, we should be talking about a fifth bridge right now. e’re way behind on bridges/river crossings. es, there would be some displacement of current businesses and families in order to make that happen. But the long run ease of tra c, the improvement in ow of people getting routed through Salem would benefit everybody here, not ust the locals commuting back and forth during rush hour.

I grew up in the area, and the vast ma ority of my life, there were no panhandlers in Salem. It didn’t start to change until about ten years ago – so for three quarters of my life, it was rare to see panhandlers. hy are we

seeing more people on the streets The issue needs to be addressed strongly. I know the new Union Gospel Mission building will provide some relief, but there will still be portions of the population who need mental health care, and groups who choose to live that lifestyle.

I think the scares we had two summers ago with cyanoto ins in the water were huge. It’s not a problem that’s ust disappeared. Additionally, transportation and ow of tra c needs improving. I know there’s a lot of discussions around Cherriots, but the ow of commerce still needs improvement.

Being an ambassador is a time commitment, but it’s worth it. The relationships you build with the other ambassadors, Chamber sta and

SINCE

with members of the community are absolutely worth your time and e ort. ou’ll be able to get insights into what’s going on at the Chamber, what happens during legislative sessions, and insights into decision making by di erent groups in the community. ou can get that on your own, but it takes a lot more time and e ort to get that information. ven more than that, it’s about relationships. That’s always what I’ve said about businesses – you’re not gaining clients, you’re building relationships, and being able to gain those close knit connections with the other Ambassadors and business members in the Salem area has been invaluable to me.

I’m always looking for ways to grow and e pand either in new services we o er, or di erent approaches to treatment that will allow us to be unique and the most beneficial to our clients and customers. My goal over the ne t year is to e pand and bring a di erent type of provider because right now we’re chiropractic and massage only. I would like to add either acupuncture or naturopathy, and perhaps even some primary care in the form of a medical doctor or family nurse practitioner. e’re looking for opportunities to help our patients in as many ways as possible and still remain unique and give the best quality service we can.

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Greeters Back in 0 , I was asked to go to a meeting on behalf of my company.

I walk in and there’s a massive room of people. I thought to myself, “this cannot be a meeting.

Ron Peters was the first face I saw, and he said, “ elcome, how can I help you I responded with, “I’m here for a meeting, but I think I might have the wrong place. e asked me where I was going, and I told him reeters. All he said was, “ elcome! I was taken o guard, thinking, “I’m ust here for a meeting!

I don’t know what this is. This is not a meeting – this is a party. I’d never heard of a reeters, or even a Chamber of Commerce or what they did.

I decided to get involved and I had my Ambassador, Tony Thiessen, who did a phenomenal ob of taking me around and introducing me because I felt very small. hat few people know about me is I am actually a very shy person.

As cra y as that sounds, I am. I’m not

all the time, but I was that day. That moment allowed me to understand what it really meant to be the new kid on the block, an introvert or someone who’s afraid of public speaking.

As someone who’s been with the Chamber for seven years, I want to come alongside that new kid now and say, “you got this, and we got you. This is going to be a fun ride. 0 was my first e perience with reeters. In early 0 3 I became an Ambassador, and then the ne t year I was the co chair, then the chair of CB .

To me, every single person that shows up in the reeters room – and there’s so many more in our community, but for that particular morning – they are legitimately the heartbeat of what makes up the city of Salem. It doesn’t matter what you do. hether you’re a nonprofit, insurance agent, customer service agent in retail, an entrepreneur, you work for someone

by Naomi Tillery Boone idge Senior Living, reeters Chair or you’re like me and work for senior living, you represent what makes this city great, and I think reeters is a time to connect and reconnect. It’s ust a time to recharge. For the folks I talk to, they say, “I needed that – the camaraderie, the support, a group

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involved in the overall community.

Picture a power strip in your mind.

That’s the Chamber of Commerce right there. There’s all this energy going on, and this strip is plugged into everything that’s going on in the city, right From politics, to social events, to volunteering – most things, right hen you plug in, this outlet is your business. The ne t outlet is another business, and you’re plugging into all this energy and knowledge and you become connected. ow cool is that For me, the Chamber is a place of community. to connect with when someone’s business isn’t doing well. hen you leave your ob, you become someone’s child, sibling and friend. Because of that, when we’re at reeters we’re fulfilling our obs, but underneath we’re all people. For me, we become family. ou start learning if another person is struggling and how do we rally around them as a community, or as a family If you choose to get

involved in reeters, that’s your prime opportunity to have that pla orm.

It’s important for businesses to be a part of reeters so they can have a representative who acts as their face, and to be relevant. ou get to be the face of that company or business, and you represent them and advocate for what you do. ou’re the marketer – the person who brands the business and find ways for your business to get

I’m not as involved in politics, and I think the one thing I’m thinking of along with everybody else is the homeless situation. hat’s most heartbreaking for me is I could be driving through at :00 a.m. and watch the police o cers walking along and telling people, “ ey, you can’t be here. ow do we feed them ow do we make sure they’re warm ow do we make sure they’re safe ow do we

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GREETERS continued make sure they’re healthy, physically and mentally ow can we show human compassion but also make sure we do it the right way for the entire city So that it doesn’t hurt the city, but helps the city.

Second, when it comes to small business, I ust want to get behind them more. ou see business owners like Jackie Hogle with her boutique, and Mark Davis who owns Big Wig Donuts, and Cecilia James and Jessi a i er who own all these nice restaurants, and many more.

Brent Allen from Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery is legitimately my neighbor. hen they shut their doors at the end of the day, they are our neighbors. I want to put my support behind locals and make sure I do my part. If someone asks me for co ee, I’m heading to Archive, Isaac’s, Governor’s Cup, or French Press. Lunch I head over to enti s on South Commercial – they know me very well. inner’s at tableFive 08. I want to see us throw our arms around small businesses and support behind them.

Salem Young Professionals Salem oung Professionals is organi ed through e ns ire o n ation, the charitable arm of the Salem Chamber.

In terms of coming to reeters: don’t think about it. hy are you thinking Let’s ust do this. Come open minded.

If your mindset is, “I need to look for more business, or, “I went two times and didn’t get any customers, I’m probably going to tell you that you went with the wrong intentions. hen you set your intentions on being part of the community and seeing what it has to o er, then what you have to o er in return, it will pay o in dividends. It may take time, but it will pay o . If you go in with that open mindset and the proper intention, you’ll end up being a member and wanting to be a part of it.

Salem oung Professionals’ mission is to develop Salem’s ne t generation of leaders. ight now, that’s us. It provides us a pla orm to reach out and foster relationships with other individuals in similar stages of life.

More than that, it provides us all with the framework to know each other in a way the digital age doesn’t seem to allow. e become resources for each other and shoulders to help carry burdens. Building a career is no easy task, but it’s made simpler when everyone comes together. e have an inherent understanding of each other, share likes and dislikes, and our lens on the world is fairly cohesive. ith that, we can provide a united front moving into the future of developing our city.

I’m e cited to share in 0 Boone idge Senior Living will will be breaking ground on a retirement living community and an independent living facility.

Originally, I got involved because I simply en oyed the camaraderie. It was nice to feel like I belonged and that I wasn’t in this alone. As time progressed, I felt drawn to the mission

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by Greyson Eames New ork Life Insurance, S P Ambassador, reeters co chair of S P and found myself wanting to implement and develop strategies salemchamber.org

“SYP is an important group to be involved with if you are a young professional or business owner who is seeking success at the highest level. You will meet committed individuals who are there for the same reason.

If you are an established professional, it is great to get involved because your experience is so valuable and motivational for young professionals.”

– Jonathan Castro-Monroy, Jose Gonzalez speaking at Salem Young Professional’s event Lunch with Leaders.

of my own. etting involved as an Ambassador made perfect sense to me as I get to I reach out to folks interested in getting involved and share with them our vision.

Personally, S P allows me a channel for growth and forward thinking.

Many have heard of the “silver tsunami as 0,000 people per day turn 5 years old in the SA. Most industries will be greatly a ected by this, but my concern is having a proper succession plan.

That’s impossible to do if there’s no one worthy to succeed. It’s especially di cult for Salem, when the only ones capable are hired from outside and know little to nothing about the city’s wants, needs, and desires. I want to say I oined around two or three years ago. Life’s been a blur since then!

As a S P Ambassador, I get introduced to a number of young professionals in our area. It has greatly e panded my personal network and allowed me into circles I didn’t even know e isted.

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Castro-Monroy Group, Board Member of Salem Young Pros

A critical topic business leaders should be focusing on is the absolute necessity of staying current and forward thinking. That concern drives our organi ation, and will only help business in the future. Talk to your younger employees and find out what’s important to them. Share with them what was/is important to you and see what common ground you share. One might be surprised to discover that we don’t all eat avocado toast.

Currently, New ork Life Insurance Company has ust released its new “Love Takes Action campaign. My version of taking action is working within my company and the New ork Life Foundation to bring volunteers and potentially thousands of dollars of donations to charities and nonprofits here in Salem. If anyone would like more information or has information on charities or nonprofits that they think would benefit, I would love to have a conversation.

Public Policy

by Jason Brandt President C O of the Oregon estaurant and Lodging Association, Public Policy co chair Public Policy issues are central to our community. hether we’re discussing the needs of our homeless population or aging public safety infrastructure, one theme is constant – community priorities need ongoing business discussion, and in some cases business recommendations. A community begins to unravel without strong operators running private sector businesses willing to live and work in our region. Public Policy Sessions held by the Salem Chamber provide a crucial connection between private sector operators in our community and leaders serving in public decision making roles.

Public Policy Sessions are a way for me to stay connected to broader issues facing the community where my family and I live. It’s so easy to get tied up with your day ob and personal life and turn a blind eye to the bigger issues going on in your community. One could say “someone else will step up and tackle ’ issue, but in reality, we all have the opportunity to find time 19

PUBLIC POLICY continued and contribute our personal skills and talents to better our community. Assisting the Salem Chamber as a volunteer co chair of our Public Policy Sessions is the way I can contribute.

Public Policy sessions commonly include pro and con debates on issues the business community needs to take a stand on. earing arguments from e pert speakers in support and opposition to a given issue results in perspective for participating Chamber members, who then deliberate and provide recommendations to the Salem Chamber’s Board of irectors for further consideration. In my opinion, Public Policy Sessions are a way for Chamber members to challenge themselves and the way they see the world while developing into stronger, more e ective leaders.

My day ob includes representing restaurants and lodging operations around the state. Participation in Public Policy Sessions helps me stay on top of local issues in the Salem area while also sharing perspectives and government a airs decisions in other areas of Oregon. For me, that accomplishes two goals both professional and personal.

I get to represent our operators in the region from a professional standpoint, while also giving back to the community – which is a personal goal.

I think the number one issue is how we are going to

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support our homeless population as a community. As leaders, we need to do a better ob in strategically tackling homelessness challenges by breaking down the stigmas of what it means to be homeless, and find comprehensive solutions for this population base. I would personally like to see four strategic plans solidified to intentionally guide our decision making. One track for the homeless who su er from mental illness, another track for those who su er from addiction, and then a third for the homeless who have neither mental or drug addiction issues and

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need community assistance to land back on their feet. The fourth track would be more aggressive for those preying on the homeless and choosing that lifestyle from a criminal standpoint. In this last category, I would hope we would pursue serious consequences for the small percent of homeless who actively commit crimes and prey on more vulnerable residents who find themselves in need of shelter.

If you are interested in challenging yourself, you can accomplish that goal by simply getting yourself to our monthly Public Policy Sessions at :00 a.m.! Once you show up, you’re halfway there in your leadership ourney. For the other half of your leadership challenge, engaging in these important issues with your business peers will stretch you and make you a stronger community member.

The Oregon estaurant Lodging Association my day ob is launching a new leadership program for tourism professionals in Oregon called the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy. The program will walk alongside 0 tourism professionals in Oregon each year, with an interest in growing both personally and professionally in their leadership for Oregon’s tourism and hospitality industries.

Our first academy programming launches in April of 0 0 with our first cohort of 0 tourism professionals from all corners of our state.

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Other Chamber Partner Organizations

SEDCOR

Strategic conomic evelopment Corporation is the lead economic development entity for Oregon’s Mid illamette alley. The nonprofit organi ation leverages strong public and private partnerships to successfully retain, grow and attract high value traded sector obs and capital investment to Marion, Polk and amhill counties. S CO ’s mission is to coordinate the strength of its public and private partnerships to successfully retain and attract high value obs and capital investment, while providing member services that support business success.

Leadership Salem / Leadership Youth

Leadership Salem is recogni ed by businesses, employers and decision makers as an important preparation to serve in our community. This one year program allows individuals to develop and refine leadership skills, and create lasting bonds with other up and coming leaders.

Participants receive a comprehensive overview of the Salem area – its realities, opportunities and challenges. It’s a

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Leadership Youth.

unique opportunity to meet key business and government leaders and decision makers, and receive an introduction to community resources by way of tours, panels, and speakers. ach of the ten one day sessions focuses on a di erent theme: leadership, community history and culture, natural resources, business and commerce, education, legal systems, human resources, government and volunteerism.

The year concludes with a community service pro ect.

Patterned after Leadership Salem, the two year Leadership outh program introduces high school students to the realities, opportunities and challenges facing our region.

The knowledge and e perience that youth gain will impact their lives and enable them to grow and become involved in helping to shape a positive future for our community.

Both of these programs are of The Inspire Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chamber. 503.

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Meet Our Future Workforce!

o learn o o an get in ol e isit ins iresale org or ollo s on social media!

Two years ago, in partnership with the Salem Keizer School District, we created a program called CT Career Technical ation Professional of the Month. very month, The Inspire Foundation recogni es students in a CT program in the Salem ei er School istrict who have demonstrated professional skills. Students are formally presented a certificate of recognition and a 50.00 isa gift card. There are 53 CT programs across ten locations in the district.

Facebook: e ns ire o n ation Instagram: @InspireSalem

Students are evaluated on a rubric and educators of CT programs identify students who meet/e ceed this criteria : Personal management attendance promptness, initiative, and innovation Communication verbal and nonverbal Accountability and productivity Collaboration ere are a few messages from some of the students who were recogni ed that we received: “I sincerely thank you for your generous gift. I have recently discovered that I want to pursue business, and this award has given me the confidence to continue as well as the means to start out with some quality business attire.

“Thank you so much for the gift card and recognition. I was really surprised when I received it. I can’t wait to buy some new art supplies.

“I would like to thank you for the award and the gift card. I am using it to pay for my state fee so I can attend the Oregon Leadership conference. I would like to keep in touch and let you know how it goes if that is possible. I am very fond of your work and am even more grateful 24

Randalynn Keeney (Sprague H.S.) for Auto Body Repair & Painting.

for what you have done for me, I truly appreciate it.

“I was presented with the CT Professional of the Month. It made my Mom and randma cry happy tears. This came to me as a blessing. I started a ob and for some reason there was a mistake and I did not get my paycheck right before the holiday. This award allowed me to purchase Christmas gifts for my siblings. I am proud and I am thankful beyond words.

“I am very e cited to receive this, and my family is very proud of me. Thankful for the fact that you gave attention to me. 503.

Cristal Pineda (Roberts H.S.) for Business. salemchamber.org

Jack Bennett (West Salem H.S.) for Banking & Finance.

Nathan Farris (McNary H.S.) for Media.

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Kendra Hammond (McKay H.S.) for Construction Technology.

Dean Holman (South Salem H.S.) for Broadcast Journalism.

Morelia Segura-Ramirez (North Salem H.S.) for Cabinetmaking.

Seth Hawkins (CTEC) for Video and Game Design Animation.

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Representation, Contribution & Growth with Chamber Board Member

Dave Dunn

Willamette Valley Fruit Company

I started illa e e alle r it Co an with two other farm families in 1999. We started the company because the family’s farm business had been going through some very tough times with low payments for their crops. The owners felt like the future of their farms depended on being able to process, sell, and value add the berries they were growing. My background was in food processing, so I was asked to put together a business plan.

After agreeing to the plan, getting the proper permits, financial support and the needed processing equipment we started in the summer of 1999.

I felt it was very important for us to become active with the Salem Chamber because many of our business contacts were involved. Our company attorney, CPA, lending institutions, etc. were all members. I found much needed help and support within the Salem Chamber family.

After attending a few of the Forum Luncheons, I was impressed with the Salem Chamber’s relationship with our city and our Salem area’s many businesses. Many of my contacts over the years have become good friends and supporters of our company. We have been able to give back to our local community as a result of the information

is getting up at 5:30 a.m. to get to the meetings! Not really – I think my favorite part is being able to represent the Salem area and, in some way, contribute and give back.

A quote or saying I live by is, “Focus on the problem, not the person.” I have learned once you put that into practice, you can have a clear vision to see and solve the problem and separate your possible bias.

Some issues I think of are homelessness, our growing area and transportation/ infrastructure concerns, and yes, a third bridge and air service. Additionally, the impact on added taxes that cause businesses to quit and relocate is an issue that can’t be ignored.

Dave Dunn.

learned through other companies and awareness of the Salem area.

Serving on the Board has given me a more in-depth understanding on how much the board members care, and are involved in, the Salem area issues. I am getting to know the other Salem area businesses and their representatives better, as well. The board is very connected with our understanding of the continual challenges businesses encounter daily. With our combined understanding, we can better address how we can be successful and continue to have a great city for us all.

All of these issues concern local businesses, and all need to come to the table to search for a solution and resolution.

My vision for the Chamber is to see it grow. Many businesses miss out on the advantages of connecting to others in the local business community. Attending the Forum Luncheon provides an opportunity for businesses to reconnect and learn about our area – and it has never been a waste of my time. 503.

My favorite part of serving on the board

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Roaring into the Twenties

by Zachary Sielicky, Chamber Membership Coordinator The more I talk with new business owners here in Salem, the more I hear how embracing our community is. Customers ock to new businesses, competing businesses become allies and Salem continues to prosper.

Salem is e periencing record growth, record low unemployment rates and people continue to look to Salem to build their business and raise their families.

Our younger generation of entrepreneurs are forgoing traditional education and building their own businesses here, and rapidly discovering how our business community embraces growth and new business owners. e live in an age where the combination of technology and social media has spurred unprecedented innovation for small businesses to elevate their products and magnify their message to the masses.

In other words entrepreneurship is thriving. This is especially the case right here in Salem.

One individual, Ariel Barrientos from Noble, a screen printing and vinyl wrap store, stated, “Not everyone wants to have a nine to five ob now. hen I was in high school, everyone wanted to go to college and have that o ce ob

unning a business was not a cool thing.

Now, everyone wants to own their own business and be independent.

Ariel has become so passionate about owning his own business at only age , he wants to help others find their own path to independence. Ariel, a native of Albany, states, “I chose Salem because it has a big enough market with a little bit of a small town vibe. veryone supports each other in Salem that was important to me.

Jacob Espinoza, a local podcaster and e ecutive leadership coach, has a podcast called New Leader Workshop. “It is designed to highlight Salem’s business community by giving business owners an opportunity to share from their e periences, spino a said. “The Salem business community is in a really special place right now. e are growing, people are making ama ing things happen, and we are still small enough that people are accessible. I love that with my podcast, I am able to highlight leaders in our community.

Business owners seek to learn from one another and find new ways they can partner to help each other succeed.

A thriving business community could

Jacob Espinoza.

not ourish without the combined e ort, dedication, and compassion from our business leaders in the way of collaboration. There is nothing more encouraging to hear than the e citement Salemites have for our. Individuals are engaged politically, locally, and are finding new ways to make Salem e traordinary.

As we head into this new decade, we look forward to continuing the cultivation and preservation of the unique qualities that continue to attract people from around the region to invest in Salem and your business. 503.

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Ambassador of the Quarter:

Barbara McReal

“Age is a number – I’ve never worried about getting older I’ve always been involved with people of di erent ages.

I worked at Sprague] high school, and the graduate school at illa e e University , and also had my activities with the Chamber. ou’re dealing with all age groups. I think some people ust say, Oh, I’m number of years old,’ and they don’t do anything.

That’s not the case for Ambassador Barbara McReal. On Mondays, she’s volunteering at the Elsinore Theatre.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can find her at illamette niversity enrolled in classes through the Institute of Continued Learning. On Fridays she spends the morning with the Chamber’s reeters group, and then en oys some time playing cards. Sometimes, you can find her at the lsinore even on the weekends, working with her team.

Mc eal began as an Ambassador with her first employer in the early 0s. uring that time, she was the reeters chair, and an Ambassador for most of that time – she’s also one of the senior Ambassadors, along with Bob and nn ti a.

After years away, Mc eal returned to volunteer for the istoric lsinore Theatre three years ago. Shortly after starting, she attended a reeters meeting, and the ne t week she returned as a permanent weekly representative for the lsinore.

“I think it’s important to have a face on a continual basis. It’s brought some

o er. ow often can you say, Oh, I think I’ll pop over to the beach’ ...It’s a great place to live.

“I love telling people about the Chamber and about Salem. I’ve never been a salesperson, but in order to be a good salesperson, you need to love the product you’re selling – and I love this product. I see the advantages of being a member for businesses.

One of her favorite memories with her Chamber work was the year she was reeters Chair. hile she can’t remember the year, err te ar at the SenateAires quartet serenaded her with “ appy Birthday.

Barbara McReal.

people into the lsinore that weren’t there before, who thought it was still an old movie house.

Mc eal originally moved to Salem in 3 and worked all throughout the Salem community: Sprague igh School, the Atkinson graduate school at illamette niversity, and the YWCA, to name a few.

Mc eal also has a deep passion for Salem. “I love Salem. I love everything about it. And I know they hate to have you say, you’re only an hour from Portland, the beach, and the mountains, and Salem has a lot to

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Some of Mc eal’s favorite events include the irst Citizen ar s an et happening March this year .

“It’s good to see people acknowledged for what they’ve done, and to be reminded that one person does make a di erence. I love the istinguished Service Awards , and it’s ust a oyous, fun, and elegant evening.

She also en oys the McLaran Classic Golf Tournament every September.

The best part about being active in our community for Mc eal is the continued benefit of feeling young, and giving back to Salem. “I’ve had a good life in Salem.

I love to do whatever I can to make Salem a better place, or to keep it good.

503.

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WELCOME NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS!

Nov. 1, 2019 – Jan. 31, 2020 Santiam

omino’s Pi a

ine

Bistro

Alpine lectrical, Inc

Noble inyl

One vent Management

Bearded Oregon

Masonry rill

Macy’s Salem Center

Co

Freedom eating

lectric

Sean Limbach, eal state Agent Coldwell Bank Mtn.

est

lite Buyers N

reen Star Motivation Churchill Mortgage hapsody Art Barn

The ealing en

Tim Miner Agency

anch ecords Missy Bailey, arcourts N Oregon ealty roup Mark

Air

alker Attorney At Law

American Cancer Society outure esign Studios

FirstLight ome Care of Salem In the Cloud Technologies . . LA, Liberty Mutual yan elbrech, State Farm Insurance od’s Plumbing

ene Pfei er

Professional Interpreters

Creekside olf Course

ourmet Catering

Salem Family MCA

vents

LOCALIS Logan Bartsch

Original Pancake ouse Tim Miner, American Family Insurance FirstLight ome Care of Salem A ul’s Taco ouse

Copper Creek Mercantile Caakes nlimited Loan epot Sa ron Supply Co M.C.

acob spino a Berkshire athaway ome Services Sandi lwood

hite olding Co.

Bentley’s Co ee

Interested in joining the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce?

For more information, contact Zachary Sielicky at zachary@salemchamber.org

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Create Jobs Coalition & Build Jobs PAC

by T.J. Sullivan, Huggins Insurance & Chamber President ho we elect a ects the livability of our city, state and region. The more local the election the more it a ects our quality of life. hile national news may garner a lot of our attention, we need to have a laser like focus on what is happening in the illamette alley to ensure our community is the best it can be. Our elected o cials must tackle questions like: Are we safe ow easily can goods, services, and people move throughout our area Is it a ordable to live here ow well are our schools performing ow do we take care of people who are struggling Are we prepared for growth Are we prepared for catastrophes Many of these questions are best answered by the answer to one question: ow strong is our economy Our economy is like an ecosystem – there are di erent layers of community that interact and have an impact on one another. In an ecosystem there is a critical layer called Producers. hen conditions are optimal, Producers thrive and everything else in the ecosystem thrives. In an economy, business is the Producer. hen economic conditions are optimal and business thrives, everything else in the “food chain is taken care of. There is money for schools and teachers, government workers, infrastructure, non profits, etc. Most

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importantly, households have economic security this means a household has stable income to support a standard of living now and into the future .

Studies have shown that when households have economic security, they are less likely to have: alcohol abuse, drug abuse, child abuse, spouse abuse, etc. and more likely to have higher literacy rates, higher graduation rates, better health, etc. The more households in our area that can e perience economic security, the less problems we will have to face collectively. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading organi ation in working on the economic security of our area. e don’t care about the color of your skin, your se ual orientation, your religion, your political a liation, which college football team you root for – all we want is for you to thrive.

So if business thriving leads to people thriving and who we elect has an impact on business thriving, then it makes sense that the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce would want to see people elected who will create optimal conditions in our economic ecosystem. This is where the Create Jobs Coalition and il Jobs oliti al tion Co i ee PAC in concert with our Public Policy meetings and Board of irectors come into play. If you work

for a business that is a member of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, then you can participate in our public policy meetings where we investigate the issues and candidates for o ce. e often vote in these meetings one vote per entity on recommendations to the Board of irectors – who then also take a position. The PACs then can be directed to e ecute the will of the Board to support or oppose a candidate or measure. very business should be participating in two ways– first, with your time, and second, with your pocketbook. hether it is election season or not, the conditions you operate in are directly impacted by how many participate. e can all point to poor decisions that have been made recently at the local and state level that are making it harder for business to survive, let alone thrive. e have to start building a healthy economic ecosystem locally and you need to be involved. Check out the Chamber’s website for information on our Public Policy meetings and attend.

Make sure you are a regular donor to the Create obs Coalition – 5.00 a month is doable and makes a di erence.

Let’s create an economy where needs are met because of rising household income, and not by figuring out a new ta on business. Let’s get our economic ecosystem as clean as possible. 503.

salemchamber.org

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