Here’s what’s been happening with members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce. Discover why you should check out this energetic group of East Portland business people …
Mayor-elect Sam Adams tells folks, who packed into the Portland Council Chambers, why he’s about to present the Spirit of Portland award to Richard Kiely, president of Home Run Graphics and member of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Kiely awarded for demonstrating Spirit of Portland
We were thrilled to see Richard Kiely, owner of Home Run Graphics and East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) booster given the Small Business Spirit of Portland Award by Mayor-elect Sam Adams in the Portland City Council chambers on December 11.
Kiely has supported the Chamber’s major events, like the annual Golf Tournament, by providing a brand-new car for a duffer who is lucky enough to hit a hole-in-one. CLICK HERE to read about this year’s EPCC Golf Tournament.
NEXT WEEK: You’ll learn of Kiely’s accolades in a full article. The story will also feature East Portland’s Linda Robinson getting the “Independent Spirit” Award for her outer East Portland livability efforts and Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. John Anderson and Officer Greg Baldwin receiving the “Community Policing” Award for their work building the new Parkrose Police Substation.
Scott Hendison of SearchCommander.com tells EPCC members how they can get better results from their web sites; and, outlines changes in the rapidly-changing world of Internet marketing.
Members get tech-savvy at networking meeting
Every Wednesday morning, EPCC members and guests gather at a different location to network and learn at their “Good Morning East Portland” sessions.
Often, members share their expertise with the group.
For example, Scott Hendison of SearchCommander.com hosted the event on December 3. In a few minutes, Hendison imparted valuable information, telling how Internet “search engines” work – and how to prosper from knowing how to optimize one’s website. He is in a position to know: Hendison has become a nationally-recognized expert in his field.
Before his formal program, Hendison told us, “The most important thing to know about search engine optimization is that things are changing in this area of technology; changing constantly and rapidly. Search engines like Google and YAHOO! are changing and adapting to what people are doing.”
He said that the search engine “rules of the game” are changing, in that they programmers who set up the rules are getting much stricter. They’re cracking down more on what is perceived to be ‘gaming the system’ to get a higher ranking than a site deserves.
When the business started years ago, he added, the algorithms used by different search engines were kept secret, but now, many people know how it works. “The search engine providers have become more and more sophisticated, changing their strategies almost daily.”
Learn more about Hendison by checking his website: CLICK HERE.
EPCC president Richard Sorem, welcomes guests to the opening of Santa’s Place – and where Santa was welcomed back to Eastport Plaza.
Chamber president introduces Santa’s Place
The East Portland Chamber members also participate in the community to help promote causes such as Santa’s Place – a community outreach program benefiting five agencies that help needy East Portland families.
We caught up with Chamber member Frank Ryan with NW Senior & Boomer News, Ken Turner, the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs director – and Chamber president Richard Sorem, a partner at Stewart & Tunno Insurance – as he introduced dignitaries at the opening of Santa’s Place. (Read how and why Santa Claus has returned full time, now through Christmas at Eastport Plaza by CLICKING HERE.)
EPCC Ambassadors Chair Holly Moss of The Bookkeeping Company gives away another door prize at the 2008 Turkey Bowl she organized, and is here, serving as Mistres of Ceremonies.
Famous ‘Turkey Bowl’ returns
No, Chamber members don’t bowl with real turkeys – it’s call the “Turkey Bowl” because it’s an event held near the Thanksgiving holiday!
More than 50 EPCC members, friends and guests took over about a third of the lanes at the AMC Bowl on SE 92nd Ave. a couple of weeks ago. “This isn’t a business meeting,” said organizer Holly Moss, “it’s all about having fun.”
The best way to show you how much fun this group has is in the photos that follow:
EPCC President Richard Sorem polishes his ball before going for another strike.
It looks like Sorem’s ball-polishing routine works – his group, “Team Stewart & Tunno Insurance” again won the first place trophy and prizes.
Kevin Minkoff, CPA (standing far right) and his group, “Team Not-Your-Ordinary-Bean-Counters” proudly display their 2nd Place ribbons and booty.
Yup! That’s Spirit of Portland winner Richard Kiely taking the “Best Game” award from Holly Moss.
Last meeting of the year: December 17
Plan now to get up a little early and come to the Chamber’s annual Holiday Celebration and Bazaar. Membership is NOT required to attend! It’s a good opportunity to meet these fine business folks.
By the way, this is your ONLY opportunity to by David F. Ashton’s famous “Macadamia Madness” chocolate confection (all of the proceeds go to the Salvation Army). It starts on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at Cherrywood Village, 1417 SE 107th Ave.
By the way, this will be their last meeting of the year. For more information, call (503) 788-8589 or CLICK HERE to visit their web site.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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