Golf tourney scores better business relationships

See East Portland Chamber of Commerce members and friends network and learn why you may want to check out this business association‚

Steve Schopp, Dave Lister, and John Bradshaw, and tournament organizer Ken Turner, are scouting out the Eastport Plaza sponsored hole.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton|
The East Portland Chamber of Commerce is known by many for their business exchange and networking meetings, called “Good Morning East Portland”, every Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00.

The group also focuses on giving its members the tools to grow their businesses, learn to be effective business leaders, and be heard by local government officials.

All of them from Riverview Community Bank, Casey Ryan, Jessica Douglas, and Dana Kelley hold a special running “Green for Green for SnowCap” event, raising more than $850 for the charity.

But, sometimes they leave their business concerns at the office and just have fun. A good example is their annual golf tournament, a couple of weeks ago at the Colwood National Golf Course.

Rain, early on June 15, threatened to dampen the spirits of the golfers headed to the course‚ but the sky cleared, and more than 90 players hit the fairways.

Scouting the putting green are Seve Ghose of Portland Parks & Recreation, Richard Kiely from Homerun Graphics, Jonathan Johansen of Complete Financial Services, and Jeff Milkes, who is SE Services Manager for PP&R.

“This is a great course,” said organizer Ken Turner, the chamber’s Government Affairs chair, and manager of Eastport Plaza. “I’m glad we had such beautiful weather, and a great turnout.”

Chamber Golf Tournament Photo Album

Annette Leoni and Dan Mills from Team Classique (as in floors!) take a break while awaiting their turn.

Frank Ryan, NW Senior & Boomer News, watches as his drive sails straight and true down the fairway

Bill Cullerton, with EPCC Membership Chair Rich Sorem of Stewart & Tuno Insurance, golfs with buddies Mike Schultz and Randy Ferch.

Keeping an eye out for a lucky (or skillful) golfer to hit a hole-in-one and win this new Ford Mustang, sponsored by Homerun Graphics, is Gail Kiley and Ginny Girotti-Sorem.

M-Bank’s chairman Rex Brittle, Kareen Cabatingan, Rob Bohannon, and Mike Czajak show their team spirit.

After playing 18 holes, hungry duffers hit the chow line.

The Envelope Please!

Putting Green Contest winner Eric Dunlap, Dunlap Mortgage. He’s getting the cash from Ambassador’s chair Pam Olson, Farmer’s Insurance.

Accepting 3rd place awards are Ken Turner of Eastport Plaza, John Bradsaw from Bradshaw Automotive, and Dave Lister, “The Eastside Guy”.

For the 2nd place team, Joe Ornduff and Scott Hendison, Search Commander, accept the award.

Sweeping into 1st place with a score of 61 are Mike Turcol, Roger Stopa and Jiles Ogles, and Chuck Garner. They aren’t Chamber members; they just heard about the tournament and decided to play!

Even though they came in at last place, Pete Moss, Taylor Sherwood, Noelle Sherwood, and Julia Farman‚ known as Team Bookkeeping Company‚ are first-class good sports.

2008 Golf Tournament date set
“We’ve already booked Friday June 20, 2008, for next year’s tournament,” Turner told us. “Plan now to come out and play!”

Turner also invited business and neighborhood folks to attend the Wednesday morning “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting.

“The meetings are free,” Turner added. “The welcome mat is always out for business people who want to check out the chamber by visiting one of its weekly networking events.”

A different chamber member hosts the weekly meeting at various locations. For more information about the chamber or its events check online at www.EastPortlandChamber.com or call (503) 788-8589.

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