See why their April celebration attracted Commissioner Sam Adams, along with many members old – and new …

Midway Business Association board member, Dr. Norbert Huntley, DC, shares a light moment with Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams at the April celebration. David F. Ashton photo
By David F. Ashton
For years, business people in outer East Portland – that is, south of Stark St. to Foster Rd., from I-205 to Gresham – have felt left out and left behind. A couple of years ago, a group of shop keepers, service providers and professionals got together and created the Midway Business Association.
Since the start-up, the group has become involved in civic activities, helped with the library’s Summer Reading Program, aided DHS volunteer programs and published a complete directory of all businesses within their area.

Bill Dayton gives a brief history of the association as members and guests introduce themselves. David F. Ashton photo

Enjoying a variety of pizza provided by Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON are members and guests who attended April’s meeting. David F. Ashton photo
On April 11, the association met to celebrate their growth, and invite new members to join with them.
Even though his schedule packed that day, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams took time to stop by and congratulate the association for their progress.

Commissioner Sam Adams spends a moment with MBA president, Donna Dionne, Love Boutique. David F. Ashton photo
The Midway Business Association meets the second Tuesday of the month (next meeting is May 9) at Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron ‚Äì located on SE 122nd Ave. at SE Division St. Come and see how this organization can help your business ‚Äì and community ‚Äì grow stronger.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See why the East Portland Chamber of Commerce is growing larger and better every week
By David F. Ashton
For a group that meets at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings, the East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) sure has a lot of fun. While the group doesn’t have a “no grouches” policy, it seems to attract delightful business people who enjoy supporting both their business and neighborhood communities.
Chamber grows again

East Portland Chamber of Commerce’s Bob Bonnel of Sid Dorn’s Car Buying Service welcomes Tom Davenport with Waddell & Reed, Sandra Sprague with Care Givers NW, Alicia Pons and Shaunne McNamee with Mill Park Acupuncture Herbal Clinic, Steve Karm of Steve’s PC Repair. David F. Ashton photo
Not available for the photograph were new East Portland Chamber of Commerce members Maggie Terrell of Home Capital Funding, Kathy Wertz of Lotus Rising Publishing, a job-changing Lisa Upshaw (a member, and Chair of the EPCC Ambassadors) now with Bay Bank, Ed Bejarana with Acme Scenic & Display, Inc., and Brian Dazey with Avenue Mortgage, Inc.
Richard Keily, Home Run Graphics, is hosting a chamber meeting at Cherrywood Village on April 12. David F. Ashton photo
At a typical “Good Morning East Portland” meeting, members and guests have time to mingle, have a cup of java (or juice) and do business. To start things off, the “host” of the meeting tells the group about his or her business. Then, everyone has a brief moment to introduce themselves to the group, hear announcements and get a “Two-minute Tip” to help their business. It’s a great way to start the day.
On the Avenue of Roses

EPCC President Greg Zuffrea takes part in another official planting ceremony held by the Royal Rosarians at Bank of the West and Portland Community College SE Center at SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and Division St. on April 7.David F. Ashton photo
Fools Bowl

It isn’t an athletic competition – the Fool’s Bowl is one of two bowling events the group holds “for the fun of it”. This year’s tourney was held at the Hollywood Bowl on – you guessed it – April 1st. David F. Ashton photo
Take 43 adults and 5 kids; put them in a bowling alley and you‚Äôve got another fun social event held by the EPCC. Richard Keily of Home Run Graphics was the main sponsor. Tom Rich of Mt Hood Computers was an awards sponsor, and volunteered during the event and Elan Chance of Cartridge World – Hawthorne was also an awards sponsor.
After having his photo published in a newspaper, Multnomah County Chair candidate Ted Wheeler declined to be photographed; Portland City Council candidate Dave Lister said, “Sure! Why not? Nothing can hurt my bowling score!” David F. Ashton photo
Top Team FOOLS BOWL Award: Team LazerQuick won the trophy, and each member got a medal and a $25.00 STAPLES gift certificate. The winners: Steve Mansell, Stephanie Mansell, Bruce Womack, Jan Womack. David F. Ashton photo
Top Individual FOOLS BOWL Award: A fun, “fool’s” pair of glasses, and a box of delectable truffles from Baskets of Joy went to Bruce Womack. David F. Ashton photo
Fool’s Award: OK, they didn‚Äôt bowl so good, but holy cow ‚Äì they had fun! Getting the Schnoz Glasses and a giant size Hershey‚Äôs kiss are Team STUFF members Inga and Hal Halmark (Ceasar Villaea and Chip Hosan split before the photo was taken). David F. Ashton photo
Prizes and Giveaways were donated by Dave Lister for Portland City Council; Sue Eastman of SE Works; Lila Simms of Baskets of Joy; Dan LaGrande of LaGrande Public Relations; Michael O’Leary of Pre-Paid Legal; Gary Marschke of Portland Wrestling; The Gals at The Bookkeeping Company; State of Oregon.com and Scott Hendison of PDXtc.com
Check out this great business group at www.eastportlandchamber.com – the Wednesday AM meetings are held at various locations in East Portland.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News



