Let’s check in with the East Portland Chamber of Commerce and see how this energetic group is supporting local businesses ‚Ķ
East Portland Chamber of Commerce members surround Terri Stromatt and Rithya Tang (front row, center) of DNA Services of America at the ribbon cutting ceremony not long ago.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In addition to representing east Portland businesses on the city, county and regional basis and their “Good Morning East Portland” Wednesday morning networking gatherings, the East Portland Chamber of Commerce welcomes new businesses to the area.
Recently, we met Rithya Tang, principal of the Portland of DNA Services of America lab.
“Through DNA testing,” Tang told us, “we can conclusively identify biological relationships. Our genetics laboratory provides accurate and conclusive results of paternity tests, for example.”
Their company is located in the Hollywood area at 3939 NE Hancock St., Suite 209, Portland, OR 97212.
Scrambling through the brambles
Richard Sorem, Stewart & Tunno Insurance Agency, winds up for a swing on the 10th hole at Edgefield Manor’s hillside golf course at the Chamber’s “Bramble Scramble” Golf Tournament.
The chamber helps its members build their businesses by providing stimulating networking activities. On September 8, it was their annual golfing event.
The “Bramble Scramble” Golf Tournament, held at McMiniman’s Edgefield, brought both golf affectionate and duffers for a wonderful afternoon of golf and fellowship.
The best way to tell the story is in pictures!
Gail and Richard Kiley (Home Run Graphics) provide hospitality at the hole they sponsored.
Todd Grasle (BC Graphics) holds the ball with which he made a “Hole In One” ‚Äì the 9th hole is behind him.
Sue Eastman (SE Works) selling tickets ‚Äì lots of tickets ‚Äì to Jonathon Shorter (Adventist Health). By the way, he took home many of the great raffle prizes. “If you want to win, you’ve got to play,” Shorter says.
Event title and “Gold Sponsor” Richard Sorem, Stewart & Tunno Insurance Agency, thanks the group for participating.
Platinum Sponsor AJ Prasad, Town Center Bank, shares a few thoughts.
The Silver Sponsor was Adventist Health. Monty Knittel addresses the group.
EPCC Ambassador’s Chair, Norm Rice (First Class Properties) samples the food at the apr?®s-golf reception at Edgefield Manor.
Nancy Chapin (The Support Group) diligently adds up the golfer’s scores.
Third Place awards go to the Adventist Health team: Monty Knittel, Jonathan Shorter, Hannah Clegg and Carol Cate.
Second Place winners were Team BC Graphics; Greg Zuffrea is accepting the gifts and prizes for his teammates from Sue Eastman (SE Works).
First Place team was made up of Richard Kiley (Home Run Graphics), Shelley Belt, (Madison Vinyards a visitor and member of Prosser Chamber of Commerce in WA); Richard Sorem, Ran Manza (Stewart & Tunno Insurance Agency).
For more information about this great business group, or to find the location of their next free Good Morning East Portland Wednesday morning networking meeting, go to www.eastportlandchamber.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
With fun Рnot business Рon their minds, see Gateway business people having fun at an outdoor party featuring – yes – a hat contest …
Arlene Halverson of Sterling Savings Bank is checking in “Not your ordinary bean counter”, GABA member Kevin Minkoff, CPA.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Taking a break from the serious side of business, the Gateway Area Business Association hosted their “summer frolic” a few weeks ago.
The outdoor event, held at 111th Square on NE Halsey St., featured Mexican food, a hat contest, and an arm-wrestling championship.
Jon Turino, Farmer’s Insurance; Kevin Minkoff, CPA; Bill Gates, Parkrose United Methodist Church; Lee Powell, Farmer’s Insurance; and Jeralyn Morgan, Portland Rent-all/Party Place all show off their hats
Hat judges Fred Sanchez of Realty Brokers, Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Guisto, Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts, and Oregon State Representative Jeff Merkley all look over the contestants’ entries.
Grand prize sponsor, Craig Mendenhall of American Sani-Can congratulates winner Jeralyn Morgan (her second win, in as many years), with host Fred Sanchez.
The other “business” of the day included arm-wrestling competitions against David Hardy, personal trainer and owner of One-on-One Fitness at 111th Square.
No matter how hard Sheriff Bernie Guisto tried to beat him, David Hardy prevailed during the first contest of strength and skill.
In the second arm-wrestling match-up, Ann Sanchez of Realty Brokers took a surprise win against muscle-man Hardy. We asked Hardy if he “took a dive” ‚Äì but he wasn’t talking ‚Ķ
All in all, the group had a great time. Come meet these folks at the next GABA meeting on September 14 at JJ North’s, 10520 NE Halsey St. Reservations are not needed. For more information, see www.gabanet.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Read this article and learn how one business association is participating in Mayor Tom Potter’s visionPDX program; and why you should, also ‚Ķ
Jean Baker and David Ashton “pick the brains” of business people as part of the mayor’s visionPDX process, discovering the values and desires of business people in the Gateway Area
Story by Watford Reed; photos by Frank Ryan
Answers poured out, when members of the Gateway Area Business Association were asked to tell what they think of Portland, and what they’d like to see changed.
David F. Ashton, a local newsman and communications consultant, was the facilitator of this “visionPDX” session, co-hosted by Jean Baker, vice president of the Alliance of Neighborhood Business Associations and president of Division-Clinton Business Association. Because of Baker’s diligent efforts, Ashton said, businesspeople had the opportunity to participate in this city-wide program.
Ashton asked participants to keep their “druthers” short, and registered about 40 of them as he, and Jean Baker, solicited views from businesspeople in this outer East Portland community.
At the meeting, Ashton began by asking those attending what they valued most about Portland–and why. The answers ranged from the climate and the people, to diversity of geography, individuals and businesses. “People are warm and friendly,” one member said.
Others said Portland is a “clean-looking city”; it has a “small town feeling” and good schools; “if a neighborhood goes down, people work to build it up again”.
When one member said he likes the parks and green spaces in Portland, Ashton asked how many others felt that way. About three-fourths of the crowd raised hands in agreement.
Immediate changes requested
His next question sought their wishes for changes in Portland.
Cleaner rivers were mentioned first, along with lower prices for gasoline. More support for schools and more light rail and other modes of transportation followed, then training for city and county officials ‚Äì “they don’t seem to have much business experience.”
One man urged “no more taxes or fees” without approval in an election; another called for more jail space to hold lawbreakers.
Ashton then asked what Portland should “be like, if all our hopes and dreams come true, in 20 years”.
Less traffic congestion, and lower pollution of streams, were among the answers. Others said that when “government asks for a new program, revenue sources are specifically identified.” Others demanded zero-based budgets; “no fat children”, lower crime, shutting down drug trafficking, and less prostitution.
Several members agreed that sounder economic development programs should be in place.
Action steps
The climax of the session came when Ashton elicited the most important steps that needed to be taken to reach the lofty dreams put forth for the city.
Less crowding of housing, and more space between houses, were the first items mentioned. A “fairer tax system” and “election of business operators to public office instead of politicos” were urged. So was accountability for city officials.
In closing, members were invited to tell others they knew, that they can also participate in “visionPDX” by going online to www.apnba.com, and following the link to the on-line questionnaire.
On their way out, members of the business association made it clear that they were pleased their answers to these vital questions would be included in the mayor’s vision plan.
© 2006 – East PDX News
Read this article and learn how one business association is participating in Mayor Tom Potter’s visionPDX program; and why you should, also ‚Ķ
Jean Baker and David Ashton “pick the brains” of business people as part of the mayor’s visionPDX process, discovering the values and desires of business people in the Gateway Area
Story by Watford Reed; photos by Frank Ryan
Answers poured out, when members of the Gateway Area Business Association were asked to tell what they think of Portland, and what they’d like to see changed.
David F. Ashton, a local newsman and communications consultant, was the facilitator of this “visionPDX” session, co-hosted by Jean Baker, vice president of the Alliance of Neighborhood Business Associations and president of Division-Clinton Business Association. Because of Baker’s diligent efforts, Ashton said, businesspeople had the opportunity to participate in this city-wide program.
Ashton asked participants to keep their “druthers” short, and registered about 40 of them as he, and Jean Baker, solicited views from businesspeople in this outer East Portland community.
At the meeting, Ashton began by asking those attending what they valued most about Portland–and why. The answers ranged from the climate and the people, to diversity of geography, individuals and businesses. “People are warm and friendly,” one member said.
Others said Portland is a “clean-looking city”; it has a “small town feeling” and good schools; “if a neighborhood goes down, people work to build it up again”.
When one member said he likes the parks and green spaces in Portland, Ashton asked how many others felt that way. About three-fourths of the crowd raised hands in agreement.
Immediate changes requested
His next question sought their wishes for changes in Portland.
Cleaner rivers were mentioned first, along with lower prices for gasoline. More support for schools and more light rail and other modes of transportation followed, then training for city and county officials ‚Äì “they don’t seem to have much business experience.”
One man urged “no more taxes or fees” without approval in an election; another called for more jail space to hold lawbreakers.
Ashton then asked what Portland should “be like, if all our hopes and dreams come true, in 20 years”.
Less traffic congestion, and lower pollution of streams, were among the answers. Others said that when “government asks for a new program, revenue sources are specifically identified.” Others demanded zero-based budgets; “no fat children”, lower crime, shutting down drug trafficking, and less prostitution.
Several members agreed that sounder economic development programs should be in place.
Action steps
The climax of the session came when Ashton elicited the most important steps that needed to be taken to reach the lofty dreams put forth for the city.
Less crowding of housing, and more space between houses, were the first items mentioned. A “fairer tax system” and “election of business operators to public office instead of politicos” were urged. So was accountability for city officials.
In closing, members were invited to tell others they knew, that they can also participate in “visionPDX” by going online to www.apnba.com, and following the link to the on-line questionnaire.
On their way out, members of the business association made it clear that they were pleased their answers to these vital questions would be included in the mayor’s vision plan.
© 2006 – East PDX News
UPDATE: Learn about the “Stark Street Stroll” on August 8 — See why volunteers installed new benches and planters to invite the harried to relax and enjoy the merchants and restaurants in Montavilla ‚Ķ
One of the teams installing benches and barrel planters in the revitalizing downtown Montavilla area are Maria Sworske, Sandra McDaniel, Jennifer Tamayo, Sarah Selden.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
When Montavilla was incorporated 100 years ago, it was a bastion of civilization as one headed out ot town east of Mt. Tabor. Stark Street was one of the heavily-traveled roads which connected the city with the countryside.
But, in the past few decades, drivers went whizzing west on Stark on their way to downtown ignored the businesses that made up a once-thriving community.
One by one, the stores began to close. The movie theater shut down, and became a printing plant for a weekly shopper.
Revitalizing Montavilla
Last year, several merchants got together and formed the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. Their goal is to buff up this century-old neighborhood business district.
They’re not working alone; they’ve recruited the neighborhood association to help.
On July 8, we caught up with Jennifer Tamayo, chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. “Today we partnering with the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. We’re installing four benches and eight whiskey barrel planters. We’re provide the man-power; they purchased all of the materials.”
Eight volunteers worked on the improvement project that morning.
“The idea is to create a better community on SE Stark St. When it looks better, and more inviting, we feel it will make people ‚Äì both shoppers and potential merchants ‚Äì stop and really consider all the potential of our area,” Tamayo said.
So, next time you’re about to head from the Mall 205 area up over the hill–drive a bit more slowly, and take a look. You’ll see these volunteers are making a visible difference.
UPDATE: “Stark Street Stroll”
The neighborhood will be alive with fun, sidewalk sales and activities on Saturday, August 5. Be sure to stop by and be part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Montavilla.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
UPDATE: Learn about the “Stark Street Stroll” on August 8 — See why volunteers installed new benches and planters to invite the harried to relax and enjoy the merchants and restaurants in Montavilla ‚Ķ
One of the teams installing benches and barrel planters in the revitalizing downtown Montavilla area are Maria Sworske, Sandra McDaniel, Jennifer Tamayo, Sarah Selden.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
When Montavilla was incorporated 100 years ago, it was a bastion of civilization as one headed out ot town east of Mt. Tabor. Stark Street was one of the heavily-traveled roads which connected the city with the countryside.
But, in the past few decades, drivers went whizzing west on Stark on their way to downtown ignored the businesses that made up a once-thriving community.
One by one, the stores began to close. The movie theater shut down, and became a printing plant for a weekly shopper.
Revitalizing Montavilla
Last year, several merchants got together and formed the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. Their goal is to buff up this century-old neighborhood business district.
They’re not working alone; they’ve recruited the neighborhood association to help.
On July 8, we caught up with Jennifer Tamayo, chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. “Today we partnering with the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. We’re installing four benches and eight whiskey barrel planters. We’re provide the man-power; they purchased all of the materials.”
Eight volunteers worked on the improvement project that morning.
“The idea is to create a better community on SE Stark St. When it looks better, and more inviting, we feel it will make people ‚Äì both shoppers and potential merchants ‚Äì stop and really consider all the potential of our area,” Tamayo said.
So, next time you’re about to head from the Mall 205 area up over the hill–drive a bit more slowly, and take a look. You’ll see these volunteers are making a visible difference.
UPDATE: “Stark Street Stroll”
The neighborhood will be alive with fun, sidewalk sales and activities on Saturday, August 5. Be sure to stop by and be part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Montavilla.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See photos of East Portland Chamber of Commerce members having fun, while they support a fellow Chamber member at their “BBQ-4-Bob” ‚Ķ
Holly Moss, Richard Kiely and Julia Farman ‚Äì the organizers of the BBQ-4-Bob event ‚Äì pause, after receiving a warm round of applause for their efforts. See the “Photo Album” below ‚Ķ
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Through hard work, Bob Hodges and Margaret Erikson took a building that was once a bank branch, then a failed teen club, and turned it into a first-class destination for both barbecue and blues music.
The great tastes and sounds we’re writing about are in Parkrose, at Beale Street NW, 10721 NE Sandy Blvd. (just east of Parkrose Hardware).
Even more, Bob and Margaret opened their hearts, and restaurant by organizing one of the most-successful-ever hurricane Katrina relief efforts, benefiting NW Medical teams.
When Bob became ill, and was in the hospital for weeks undergoing major surgery, his friends from the East Portland Chamber of Commerce threw a BBQ & Blues for Bob event on June 29.
Richard “When it comes to printing, if its somewhere in the ballpark, it’s not a home run” Kiely, of Home Run Graphics–the event’s chief organizer–said, “I felt the urge to help Bob and Margaret. So, with help from our Chamber friends, we put on the party.”
In all, the event raised $3,425 ‚Äì and boosted Bob’s spirits.
Photo Album
Take a look at the fun this Chamber group had while supporting their friend!
It wasn’t all “giving”. Guests at Beal St. NW also “got” their fill of the finest barbecue in the Pacific Northwest ‚Äì from ribs, to sausage, to chicken and brisket ‚Äì they dined on meat so good it didn’t need sauce (but the sauce was great!). The “fixins” included their famous corn bread muffins, corn-on-the-cob, salads, and more.
A separate raffle held at the event was for a Fender Stratocaster Guitar, supplied and donated by the event’s main sponsor, Home Run Graphics. The lucky winner, Holly Moss (of The Bookkeeping Company), donated the fine musical instrument to Richard Kiely. Holly has a beautiful singing voice; guess she didn’t want learn to play an “ax”! Richard was thrilled.
Prize packages galore! Participants were treated to nine big bundles of joy, each of which included restaurant coupons, candies, and an unusual battery-operated device.
Sandra (of The Bookkeeping Company) won the dream vacation lodging package supplied by Frank Ryan from NW Senior News.
In all, more than 120 people came to the party/fund-raiser and enjoyed food, fun and music.
Richard presents Margaret and Bob with a check for the proceeds of the event at a recient East Portland Chamber of Commerce “Good Morning East Portland” event.
Learn more
You can find out more about the this group by checking out their web site at www.eastportlandchamber.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Join us at Beal St. NW on June 29 for a fund raising event featuring a full BBQ buffet, great blues music and fun …
Bob Hodges and Margaret Erikson watching an all-star band last fall at the blues music benefit at their Parkrose barbeque restaurant,Beal St. NW. This event helped NW Medical Teams raise $144,000 in donations and in-kind support for hurricane Katrina victims. Now, their friends are doing their best to help this giving couple cover major medical bills.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folks around here love good barbecue, and enjoy great blues music know about the great tastes and sounds at Beale Street NW, 10721 NE Sandy Blvd. (just east of Parkrose Hardware).
Through hard work, Bob Hodges and Margaret Erikson took this ex-bank, ex-teen club, and turned it into a first-class BBQ joint that swings out.
But more than that, they’ve been responsible for organizing one of the most-successful-ever hurricane Katrina relief efforts, benefiting NW Medical teams.
Then, Bob became ill, and was in the hospital for weeks, undergoing major surgery. Now, it’s their friends turn to come to their aid.
Richard Kiely, Home Run Graphics, is sponsoring the East Portland Blues Benefit on behalf of Bob and Margaret. He’s showing off a Fender Stratocaster guitar they’re raffling off. Richard says, “For just $20 bucks, you, too, might be able to play like a star!”
“They don’t want to talk about it,” said benefit organizer Richard Kiley, owner of Home Run Graphics, a local, full-service printing company. “But Bob and Margaret have done so much for the community; I thought it would be good if their friends and business acquaintances did a good turn for them.”
While the benefit has been organized under the auspices of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, other Chambers, blues music groups and members of the Parkrose Business Association are lending their support to the June 29 event.
Come and hear some great blues music, enjoy a complete barbecue buffet dinner and have a great time. We’ll be there. Will you?
East Portland Chamber of Commerce Presents
EAST PORTLAND BLUES BBQ BENEFIT
Thursday, June 29th, 2006
Beale Street NW, 10721 NE Sandy Blvd.
(just east of Parkrose Hardware)
6:00 pm to Close
(no kids after 9:00 pm please)
Raffle Prize
FENDER STRATOCASTER ELECTRIC GUITAR
Raffle tickets are $20.00 each – Limited to 100 tickets
Silent Auction prizes include
+ Gourmet Dinner for 4 + Vacation Getaways + Gift Baskets + Golf Gear
And much, much more!
Sponsors Include
Home Run Graphics, Kevin Minkoff, CPA; Labor Ready, Stewart & Tuno Insurance and Business Builders International.
Advance Tickets
$15.00 per person
($25.00 per couple. $35.00 per family)
At the door
$20.00 per person
($35.00 per couple. $45.00 per family)
KIDS UNDER 10 are FREE
Contact the chamber office
at (503) 788-8589 to purchase advance tickets.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
t’s true; Jon Turino isn’t a crop farmer, he’s an insurance Farmer. Confused? You won’t be if you take a look at how he’s helping making going to college easier for a student ‚Ķ
Farmer Jon Turino ‚Äì that’s not right! Farmer’s Insurance agent Jon Turino, seen here out meeting and greeting folks at a community event, added $250 to the pot of scholarship funds provided by the Parkrose Business Foundation.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Some business organizations exist only to further their own agenda. Others, like the Parkrose Business Association (PBA), founded a non-profit organization, called the Parkrose Business Foundation, to help area students continue their education after high school.
The foundation grants several $1,000 scholarships each year to deserving Parkrose Area High School students to help further their college education.
The PBA’s big annual event ‚Äì the 5th Annual Parkrose Festival Cruise-in on June 24 (the ONLY official Rose Festival event east of the 82nd Avenue of Roses) ‚Äì is the group’s main fund raising activity.
And, for the second year in a row, Jon Turino, a Farmers Insurance and Financial Services Agent serving the greater NE Portland Area, has supported the program with a $250 check as part of the company’s community involvement grant program.
See our other story posted this week showing this year’s four Parkrose Scholarship winners!
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Read how neighbors joined with businesspeople in a unique campaign to fight crime along Portland’s Avenue of Roses ‚Ķ
82nd Avenue of Roses Association board member Mark Schmidt (far right) organizes volunteers for their crime reduction information and window-cling distribution event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Earlier than you’d expect on a Saturday morning, a small crowd started assembling outside the Bank of the West at SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and Division St. on June 3.
Soon, two dozen neighbors, business people and other volunteers had gathered on a beautiful morning to take on an ugly issue – crime along the avenue.
People from neighborhood associations, businesspeople, and Portland Police Cadets volunteered for the event.
“This is the culmination of a collaborative effort between neighbors and businesses along the Ave of Roses,” is how 82nd Avenue of Roses Association president Ken Turner put it to us. “We started the Avenue of Roses Project, which includes planting roses as a symbol of our desire to improve our street. The idea is to celebrate the history of 82nd Avenue, and all of the good we’ve brought to East Portland. And, we’re shaping the future profile of our street.”
“The Eastside Guy” and former City Council Candidate Dave Lister, and 82nd Avenue of Roses Association president Ken Turner, present to Doug Weidman of Banner Furniture Outlet a window cling, aimed at reducing crime along the avenue.
Turner said reducing crime was the focus of this event. “We’re distributing window clings, featuring our logo, and the statement, ‘We Report All Crimes’. We’re going from business to business, asking them to display it in their windows. We’re hoping to get 150 businesses involved with us today. This is another step toward the recognition of 82nd Avenue as a good place to be, work, and give.”
Then, still early on a Saturday morning in early June, off they went, with the slogan in mind: “We’ll enhance the best, and weed out the rest.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Read how neighbors joined with businesspeople in a unique campaign to fight crime along Portland’s Avenue of Roses ‚Ķ
82nd Avenue of Roses Association board member Mark Schmidt (far right) organizes volunteers for their crime reduction information and window-cling distribution event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Earlier than you’d expect on a Saturday morning, a small crowd started assembling outside the Bank of the West at SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and Division St. on June 3.
Soon, two dozen neighbors, business people and other volunteers had gathered on a beautiful morning to take on an ugly issue – crime along the avenue.
People from neighborhood associations, businesspeople, and Portland Police Cadets volunteered for the event.
“This is the culmination of a collaborative effort between neighbors and businesses along the Ave of Roses,” is how 82nd Avenue of Roses Association president Ken Turner put it to us. “We started the Avenue of Roses Project, which includes planting roses as a symbol of our desire to improve our street. The idea is to celebrate the history of 82nd Avenue, and all of the good we’ve brought to East Portland. And, we’re shaping the future profile of our street.”
“The Eastside Guy” and former City Council Candidate Dave Lister, and 82nd Avenue of Roses Association president Ken Turner, present to Doug Weidman of Banner Furniture Outlet a window cling, aimed at reducing crime along the avenue.
Turner said reducing crime was the focus of this event. “We’re distributing window clings, featuring our logo, and the statement, ‘We Report All Crimes’. We’re going from business to business, asking them to display it in their windows. We’re hoping to get 150 businesses involved with us today. This is another step toward the recognition of 82nd Avenue as a good place to be, work, and give.”
Then, still early on a Saturday morning in early June, off they went, with the slogan in mind: “We’ll enhance the best, and weed out the rest.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Learn the secrets of mediation they learned at their “Chamber After Hours” and see how they helped with the grand reopening of the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel ‚Ķ
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Chamber After Hours
“After Hours” allow members and guests to gather, network and learn at an evening event once every quarter, in addition to the groups weekly Wednesday morning meetings.
Everyone who came to the East Portland Chamber’s “Chamber After Hours” event at Bill Dayton’s (on the right) Pizza Baron was greeted by the savory smell of pizza, served by event sponsor (left) Nancy Chapin, The Support Group on May 18.
Bridget Bayer, guest speaker at “Chamber After Hours”, explains why and how a professional mediator can help them save big bucks on lawyer and court fees.
This After Hours topic was on how the mediation process can help business people in their every-day lives. “Mediation is,” Bridget Bayer, professional mediator, explained to the group, “a simply way of resolving a dispute without going to court.”
Bayer said mediators are impartial, have no authority to make decisions, don’t give legal advice and guide a discussion maintaining a safe, open environment ‚Äì while being optimistic that the process brings progress.
“The benefits of going to mediation,” Bayer continued, “are many. The parties involved have control of the outcome. Sessions allow for candor and are usually fast and informal. Moreover, the process often leads to building a better relationship as parties find creative solutions to their disputes.”
After hearing how mediation works, those gathered broke into small groups and used role-playing and practiced using some of the concepts they’d learned.
To learn more about mediation, contact Bayer at (503) 752-8517.
While most of our East Portland Chamber of Commerce members were hidden behind dignitaries, EPCC supplied ceremonial ribbon and giant scissors as they do for grand openings across East Portland.
Chamber members provide ribbon cutting at Portland Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
Hard to believe it was 30 years ago when this, the first “airport hotel” in Portland, opened its doors in 1974. The owners completely remodeled the hotel over the last year.
“This is the first major renovation and upgrade,” the hotel owner, Harold Pollin, told us. “The $5.5 million [renovation] project gives the property the feel of an elegant, brand-new hotel.”
The gala event on May 23 was attended by Chamber president Greg Zuffera, and Ambassadors JoLynn Walker, Lisa Upshaw and (holding camera) David F. Ashton. The East Portland Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors provided the ribbon and ceremonial scissors. With a snip, the hotel was officially reopened.
Celebrating the “grand re-opening” of the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel are Greg Zuffera, BC Graphics; hotel owner, Harold Pollin, Lisa Upshaw, Bay Bank.
After brief remarks, about 100 dignitaries were led into Mt. Adams banquet hall for a lunch of Endive and field greens, wild salmon served over a crisp potato cake, tomato caper vinaigrette and asparagus bundle. To top off a delicious meal, the guests were served a decadent ganache cake with cr?®me anglaise. No wonder this hotel caters many East Portland banquets and events.
Parkrose own Michael Allen Harrison played for the event
After lunch, we reminisced with Pollin, with the owner, about their first advertising campaigns. Your author took the photos used in their first advertisements some 30 years ago!
For more information about the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, check their web site at www.eastportlandchamber.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
