Learn what the newly-elected president of the “82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association” plans. And, find out how PCC plans to radically change the corner of SE 82nd Avenue and SE Division Street, as their campus expands …
Members and guests introduce themselves as the first 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association of the year gets underway.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Postponed by the threat of a December winter storm, the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association held a meeting on January 31 to elect officers, and hear a presentation from Portland Community College’s Southeast Center.
The meeting began at Columbia Medical Clinic, on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, promptly at 6:00 p.m., with members and guests helping themselves to sandwiches and other treats.
After self-introductions, the organization chose its new leaders for the coming year (see below for the complete listing). Hai Nguyen, Business Manager of Columbia Medical Clinic was elected president.
The new president of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association is Hai Nguyen, Business Manager of Columbia Medical Clinic.
“This year, there are a lot of opportunities for the association,” Nguyen told us before the meeting’s formal presentation began. “There’ll be a lot more collaborative effort between the businesses. And, we are looking to increase the intangible benefits of joining the association – such as networking events, community relationship building, and working with Portland City Hall.”
Then, both staffers and consultants talked about how they hope to expand Portland Community College Southeast Center to accommodate the increased number of students seeking higher education.
“They’re looking to add two buildings to the campus,” explained consultant Nita Posada, of SRG Partnership Inc. as she pointed them out on large graphics.
“One of them will be a ‘Learning Center’, which will also contain a library and other media,” Posada explained. “The other building will house of their academic resources.”
Nita Posada, of SRG Partnership Inc., shows where the PCC SE Center campus will eventually expand: Westward along SE Division Street, replacing the German-American Society of Portland and Legin Restaurant.
After their lease expires in six years, the college will open the property on which now sits Legin Cantonese Restaurant and Banquet Hall – and also the German-American Society of Portland that lies west of the restaurant.
“You notice we’ll be adding a lot of green-space to the campus in years to come,” Posada told the group. “But not more parking spaces. We’ve made an agreement with the Slavic Church Emanuel, directly to the north, to use their parking facilities during the weekdays.”
As the presentation concluded, the presenters said that, following the campus’ “Year of the Rabbit” Chinese New Year celebration on February 21, at about 1:00 p.m., they and community members could learn more about the college’s plans and give their feedback. It will be held at the Legin Restaurant Banquet Hall, 8001 S.E. Division Street – the parking lot of which adjoins the PCC SE Center.
New officers announced
82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association President Hai Nguyen, of Columbia Medical Clinic, will serve with Vice-President Frank Harris from Portland Community College; and, Secretary/Treasurer Pa Vue, of Bank of the West.
At-large Board members include Joel Grayson, of Maylie & Grayson; Richard Kiely, of Home Run Graphics; Gary Sargent, of Sargent’s Motor Sports and Dan Cogan from Burgerville.
The next Board meeting is Monday, February 28th, at 4:30 p.m. at Columbia Medical Clinic, 8127 SE Tibbetts Street. All are welcome to attend. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE to open it.
© 2011 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News