The once-forlorn stretch of SE Stark St, from I-205 west to Mt. Tabor, is coming back to life. Why? See what Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams learned, when he visited the area

Meeting at Why Not Wine, METBA businesspeople Tarah Schuler, Kay Kirkham, Greg Bunker, Kristin Schuchman, Jacose Bell, and Ariana Dixon enjoy the association’s first social event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It looks like downtown Montavilla is, once again, beginning to thrive — thanks to business people have chosen to open stores, restaurants‚Ķand yes, the Academy Theater.

See the East Portland Chamber of Commerce continues to grow, as members take part in formal and casual events …

East Portland Chamber of Commerce members welcome a new business to the area – Zuffrea & Associates – with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on January 23.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The East Portland Chamber of Commerce has, over a few short years, become a strong voice for Portland businesses east of the Willamette River.

They’re perhaps best known for their “Good Morning East Portland” networking meetings held at different locations every Wednesday morning.

This business association isn’t basking in its past achievements! See how these Parkrose business people are finding new ways to serve their community ‚Ķ

Incoming Parkrose Business Association president Mark Eves, of the Eves & Wade LLP Law firm, is welcomed to the podium by outgoing president Wayne Stoll, of Argay Square.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not long after the turn of the year, Mark Eves, incoming president of the Parkrose Business Association, took over the leadership role of the organization. “Our focus this year,” Eves told the group, “is three ‘M’s’. They are membership, meetings, and mission.”

See what business folks and neighbors learned when a tax expert came by to share information that can reduce your total tax bill …

Tax consultant Elaine Elsea tells people at the Midway Business Association how to legally pay lower taxes this year.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Folks who come to the Midway Business Association do more than network – they get timely information that helps them run their business more efficiently.

Members at Midway are also involved with their community. President Donna Dionne told the group how a city grant is helping them fund boundary signs that define the group’s service area ‚Äì and the neighborhoods it serves.

Read what Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams had to say, before grant checks were given to the Gateway Area, Midway, Division/Clinton, 82nd Ave. of Roses, and Woodstock business associations …

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams meets and greets leaders of neighborhood business associations, at the grant awards celebration held on January 22.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Leaders of many East Portland business associations celebrated and dined for good reason on January 22 – they were picking up a grant checks totaling $82,125.

The event was the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Association’s (APNBA) grant awards, at the Ambridge Conference Center.

See how the songs and stories of these volunteer entertainers brightened the holidays for some of East Portland’s elderly ‚Ķ

Kevin Minkoff–the producer, MC, and entertainer–was joined by Forrest Palamountain, Nancy Chapin, chamber president Greg Zuffrea, and Frank Ryan, as they performed holiday favorites for CherryWood residents.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
A volunteer group of entertainers from the East Portland Chamber of Commerce–The East Portland Minstrels–took the stage at Cherrywood Village on December 16.

The show’s producer, CPA Kevin Minkoff (not your ordinary bean counter), was the master of ceremonies; he also sang Christmas tunes, and kibitzed with the other performers.

Operate a business southern outer East Portland? See why you might consider dropping by the next Midway Business Association meeting on January 9 …

APNBA president Pat Donaldson came by to tell the group about new grant programs available to help business districts grow and prosper.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
More and more business people, located in the southern portion of outer East Portland, are making their voices heard by supporting Midway Business Association.

But, this association isn’t just about taking. Come to their next luncheon meeting and you’ll probably learn something you can use in your business.

See what a great time Parkrose Business Association members had at their annual Holiday Party while they raised money for their causes. And, meet their award winners and new board …

Introducing the 2007 PBA Board of Directors: Wayne Stoll, immediate past President, Argay Square; Kyle Zieglar, Director, Castle Gate Realty, Inc.; Amy Salvador, Director, Rossi Farms; (behind Amy) Michael Taylor, Director, Parkrose Public Schools; Jon Turino, VP/Director, Farmer’s Insurance; Mary Brown, Secretary, Bob Brown Tire Center; Mark Eves, 2007 President, Eves & Wade, LLP; Marsha Lee, Treasurer, Copy Express Printing & Graphic Design; David Ableidinger, Director, Parkrose Hardware; Gail Bash, Director, Jackpot; Candy Bafus, Director, West Coast Bank; and, Terry Brier, Director, Davey Organicare.

Hold an ice cream social in December? Why not? See how Gateway area business people celebrated the holidays at this event …

On the menu at this holiday party was ice cream: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream ‚Äì and everything needed to make delicious sundaes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Guests and members of the Gateway Area Business Association held their holiday celebration on December 8 at St. Therese Parish’s social hall ‚Äì with an out-of-the-ordinary menu: Ice cream.

It was served up by crewmembers of the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream store in downtown Portland, operated by New Avenues for Youth.

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce continues to be “the voice for business in East Portland” ‚Äì read this and you’ll see why you should attend ‚Ķ

Meet the 2007 officers for the chamber: Norm Rice, First Class Properties, treasurer; Greg Zuffrea, BC Graphics, president; Ken Turner, Eastport Plaza, VP; Jill Critchfield, Pacific HR, Secretary; Dan La Grande, La Grande Public Relations, board member; Rich Sorem, Stewart and Tunno Insurance, board member; Pam Olson, Farmer’s Insurance Agent, Ambassador chair; Jeff Bennett, Warren Allen, LLP, board member and advisory council; Monty Knittel, Adventist Health, board member. Not available for this photo was board member Tim Brunner, Axis Design.

While East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs was the scheduled speaker, Portland Planning Bureau’s District Liaison, Barry Manning, also stopped in. You’ll see what was discussed when you read this article ‚Ķ

Portland Planning Bureau’s District Liaison, Barry Manning came by to share plans for outer East Portland with members of the Midway Business Association, but stayed for a lively discussion about how the area is being developed.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People who come to the Midway Business Association meetings learn a lot about what is happening in outer SE Portland.

Not giving up after his first attempt at reforming Portland’s Business License fee last year, see how Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams wants to perfect the business tax system ‚Ķ

Before Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams began is presentation, he listened to concerns of Southeast Portland business people.

By V.M. Wells with David F. Ashton
City Commissioner Sam Adams took his drive to lighten the business tax burdens to a meeting of small business people, including those from inner Southeast Portland, on November 2 at a Gateway-area restaurant.