Basin Business November 2017

November 2017

KLAMATH BASIN

Basin Business

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

Business

Ribbon cuttings: Excel Auto Body joins Chamber, marks 16 years in the business — Page 4

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Health in the workplace Symposium looks at smart choices for employees Chamber Gala coming to Ross Ragland — Page 3 FINANCIAL FOCUS: Take care this holiday season with financial data — Page 6

Tips to stay warm, cut utility costs this winter — Page 7

H&N photo by Brittany Hosea-Small

Dr. Dexter Shurney speaks to local business owners and community leaders during the Worksite Symposium sponsored by Sky Lakes Wellness Center at the Community Health Education Center on Tuesday, Nov. 28. See story on Page 2.

A publication of the Herald & News

Chamber: www.klamath.org

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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

Basin Business

Working toward lifestyle changes Workplace health expert visits Klamath Falls, speaks at work symposium

Dr. Dexter Shurney speaks to local business owners and community leaders during the Worksite Symposium sponsored by Sky Lakes Wellness Center at the Community Health Education Center on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

BY SEAN BASSINGER

H&N Staff Reporter

Showing up to work tired could be just as bad as showing up to work after two martinis.

“It has such an immediate impact on productivity,” said Dr. Dexter Shurney, who is an expert on workplace health and productivity. “If you don’t get enough sleep, it’s the equivalent of drinking alcohol.”

Eating, sleep, movement throughout the day and how people deal with stress can all affect workplace performance. Shurney has been using his own experiences and research to help improve these facets in other people’s lives by introducing them to a concept known as “lifestyle medicine.”

Sky Lakes Medical Center invited Shurney to host a special workplace health symposium at their Community Health Education Center Tuesday evening. At least 50 people attended to hear tips on ways they could improve their own workplace experience, which could lead to better business practices across the board.

Shurney primarily covered topics of employee productivity and morale, which he said could ultimately help profits and business culture as a whole. He said that just being more aware of such issues could help improve local economies following times of struggle and recession.

Productivity in the workplace Time loss through absenteeism or loss of productivity through “presenteeism” at work could cost twice as much as medical and pharmaceutical costs, according to a 2009 study from Dr. Ronald Loeppke mentioned in the

H&N photos by Brittany Hosea-Small

“You show somebody how to get a better night’s sleep and they don’t get tired in the afternoon or at lunch.

They really like it.”

— Dr. Dexter Shurney Harvard Business Review.

“That lost productivity can be even more expensive than the health care bills,” said Katherine Pope, Sky Lakes Wellness Center program director.

“We often don’t think about how the health of ourselves and the health of our employees directly affects our businesses.”

Shurney, who has been regarded as an international expert on workplace health, previously served as chief medical director/executive director for global health benefits and corporate wellness at Cummins, a diesel engine manufacturing company that employs more than 50,000 people. Shurney also has master’s degrees in business administration and public health.

Shurney said Cummins hired him to implement his methods of lifestyle medicine at their place of work.

Shurney now works with companies and invididuals on how they could improve the quality of their sleep, what they eat and other lifestyle choices that could come up at work. Shurney said that benefits could include more attentiveness, less on-the-job errors or accidents and other benefits throughout the day.

“You show somebody how to get a better night sleep and they don’t get tired in the afternoon or at lunch,” Shurney said. “They really like it.”

Prevention vs. treatment Shurney said healthier lifestyle choices and changes were the most

powerful tool to help increase productivity and decrease adverse health risks or accidents in the workplace.

“Lifestyle becomes very, very powerful,” Shurney told audience members Tuesday night.

Pope said that conditions and requirements could easily vary based on the workplace, noting how the Blue Zones Project (BZP) has made in-roads with the way they study the effects of lifestyle choices at approved work sites.

Program examples Pope used included incentives for workers to quit smoking, weight management programs such as those offered through Sky Lakes and discount gym membership packages.

“If we’re focusing on prevention rather than treatment, that could help move the needle,” Pope said.

Shurney placed great emphasis on prevention efforts being less apparent than treatment efforts across the country and the world, which has See CHANGES, Page 3

Basin Business

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

Chamber preps for 97th awards gala On Jan. 27, the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce will recognize businesses and individuals who are making a difference in our community.

The Chamber is seeking nominations.

Do you know a business, organization, or an individual who: n Employs new ideas or approaches to doing business? n Demonstrates an alignment with clean energy or clean technology practices? n Demonstrates a successful approach to corporate social responsibility and can show a positive impact on the community? n Provides employees with an outstanding positive, healthy and productive workplace? n Exhibits an entrepreneurial spirit, originality, personal integrity, and influence, who takes risks? n Has demonstrated exceptional business achievement and outstanding commitment to Klamath’s business community over their lifetime? n Devotes time and energy to strengthen and transform the organization that they lead?

Nominate them today. You can download the form or nominate online. www.klamath.org

Tickets to gala on sale

This glamorous Hollywood-style awards show complete with entertainment will be held at The Ross Ragland Theater.

The annual awards gala is a great opportunity for networking, socializing, and celebrating. It’s also a great way promote a business and play a role in honoring our outstanding members, individuals, and businesses.

Tickets include complimentary drinks and hors d’ouevres as well as entry into the awards show.

H&N file photo Featured awards include: Last year’s recepients of the annual Chamber awards at the Ragland. n Big Idea Innovation n Lifetime Achievement Award Award n Pathfinder Award n Environmental Leadership Award A special thank you to our title sponsor, n Commitment to Community Award U.S. Bank. More sponsorships are available. n Best Place to Work (2 Categories) Call Heather or Chrystal at 541-884-5193. n Spirit of EntrepreneurismAward

Chamber sponsorships sought From the Chamber

Over the past year, the Chamber has seen a number of positive changes.

We’ve increased our membership, and provided advocacy at the highest levels. We’ve seen our members become more engaged in the community, and we’ve pitched in to help, side by side.

The story of the Chamber is the story of all of you: our members.

In the coming year, we plan to continue our full speed ahead approach to making a difference to our members and our community. But we need your help; no Chamber is run on wishes and dreams. Hard work, dedication, and sponsorships are necessary for our success.

This year, we’ve implemented a new sponsorship strategy, one we hope will make you, our members, happier with what we’re doing.

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We’ve streamlined the sponsorship options, making it easier than ever to say, “Yes! I want to join the Chamber’s efforts to improve our slice of the world.”

We’re going a different route with recognition of our sponsors, making sure our audience — and yours — knows your business supports the Chamber year round.

We’ve created a handy guide to our new sponsorship packages, so all the options are on the table, right from the start. We welcome the commitment from you to help us spread positive change throughout Klamath.

Budgeting season is upon us; let us know we can count on you, and we’ll bill you when it’s convenient.

Contact us today to let us know: Do you want to be on the cover of the Chamber publication?

Changes

from Page 2

especially put a strain on helping to combat obesity epidemics all over.

During his time with Cummins, Shurney said he often worked to align himself with the same things he was trying to teach. Shurney said many of these approaches have also been highlighted and discussed as part of the BZP in Klamath Falls.

Mark Fay, M.D. Scott Stevens, M.D. Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye

Most importantly, Shurney said that it was best to spread awareness on separate topics and begin a little at a time.

He described each topic as a “domain” such as physical activity and nutrition.

“You guys are already on the path and probably ahead of a lot of communities that I talk to,” Shurney said. sbassinger@heraldandnews.com

Edwin Tuhy, O.D. Optometrist

Jennifer Sparks, O.D. Optometrist

New Patients Welcome

2640 Biehn St. • 541.884.3148 • www.klamatheyecenter.com

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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

Basin Business

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies

SOCIAL SECURITY

Use online sites for better savings control

BY KIMBERLY HERMANN

Social Security Public Affairs

Submitted photo

Excel Auto Body has been in business for the last 16 years, but recently joined the Chamber of Commerce.

Roarke Ponce and his wife took over the business in April 2011. The car collision repair shop is located at 2725 Hilyard Ave. in Klamath Falls. It has seven employees. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 541-880-0522 for more details.

The Linkville Playhouse recently remodeled its interior and lounge, and celebrated with a ribboncutting ceremony with the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors. According to Thomas Jewell, of the theater’s management board, the interior was redecorated, new lights, paint and trim have been added, new flooring in the lounge and photos of all the people who have been part of the theater adorn the walls, plus photos of past shows.

Submitted photo

Taking control of your future is the first step in planning a long and happy retirement. Social Security is making it faster and easier to do this with my Social Security.

With your own personal my Social Security account, you’ll get immediate access to your personal Social Security Statement that has your earnings record and an estimate of your retirement benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70.

While you are online, you should verify that your earnings are correct, since we base your future benefits on your earnings record. You can do all of this and more at www.ssa.gov/ myaccount.

When you open a my Social Security account, we protect your information by using strict identity verification and security features.

The application process has built-in features to detect fraud and confirm your identity. Your personal my Social Security account can help you figure out how much more you might want to save for your future, but it can do a whole lot more. For example, in the District of Columbia and more than 20 states, you can request a replacement Social Security card online — find out if you can at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Remember, we have many other valuable resources on our website. If you’re thinking about retiring at an age not shown on your Statement, take control by using our Retirement Estimator.

The Retirement Estimator allows See SAVINGS, Page 5

Basin Business

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

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Local business profile: A Q&A

McBride Surveying & Mapping What is the name of the business?

McBride Surveying & Mapping What is your name?

Michelle McBride, owner.

What is the business address, phone number, and website?

P.O. Box 1885, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601 541-887-2446 www.mcbridesurveying.com www.facebook.com/mcbridesurveying Call or email. To meet in person contact me for an appointment.

What was your motivation in opening this business?

Ever since I began this journey to become a licensed Land Surveyor, I have always had the desire to start my own business. This way I could live and work in this community the way I wanted to. I immediately took hold of an opportunity that became available for me to open my own doors.

Tell us about your goals and marketing strategies: My two main tasks to market my business are brand awareness and education. I work continually to bring awareness that there is a new land survey firm in the area and through brand awareness I want to help educate the community about what a surveyor can do for them. I work hard to keep the lines of communication open throughout all stages of the projects, even before an agreement is signed.

Give a brief statement about your background and previous experience.

I’ve lived in Klamath Falls with my family over 20 years. I graduated from OIT in 2012 with my bachelors in surveying and a minor in GIS. Over the next few years, I worked to gain the experience to obtain my surveying license. I have since successfully obtained my license in Oregon and California.

How do you see your business developing over the next few years?

With help from my family, I am working out of a home office as I work to build a solid reputation and clientele base. Klamath Falls has a great co-working space, Gaucho Collective, which allows me to meet with clients in person to go over their projects. Over the next few years, I look forward to getting an office space that is open to the public. I also plan on hiring an employee or two to assist me with the business.

Savings

from Page 4

you to calculate your potential future Social Security benefits by changing variables such as retirement dates and future earnings. You may discover that you’d rather wait another year or two before you retire, to earn a higher benefit.

Or, you might see that this is the season for you to kiss that work stress

goodbye and retire right now. To get instant, personalized estimates of your future benefits, go to www. socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Being in control means steering your future in the direction you want. Social Security’s online resources are here to help, day or night. Check out your own personal “control panel” at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Jobless rate moves little in Klamath, Lake counties Recent revisions revealed that employment growth was more subdued than previously estimated in both Klamath and Lake counties.

Klamath County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.0 percent in October, the fourth consecutive month with an increase to the unemployment rate. The rate was 6.5 percent this time last year, which is not a statistically significant improvement. Klamath County added 150 jobs in October; typically there is little change to the employment situation this time of year.

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1.7 percent from October 2016 (+400 jobs). Recent revisions showed that Klamath County is adding jobs at a slower pace than initially estimated.

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 205 Riverside Drive, Ste. A Klamath Falls, OR 97603 Office: 541-884-5193 Fax: 541-884-5195

Heather Tramp, Executive director Email: heathert@klamath.org www.klamath.org www.facebook.com/KlamathChamber

Private sector gains over the past year are concentrated in construction, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality. There was also strong growth in local government education and federal agencies.

Lake County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was little changed at 5.6 percent in October.

The rate was 6.1 percent in October 2016, not a statistically significant decline. The county lost 40 jobs in October, primarily due to typical seasonal declines by federal agencies.

Total nonfarm employment is largely unchanged from this time last year with the county adding only around 10 jobs. Manufacturing posted significant losses from last year (-50), while there were gains in retail trade and other services. twitter.com/AccessKlamath

Executive Board President: Wes French First Vice President: Rachael Spoon Treasurer/Secretary: Jennifer Scanlan Members: Jason Chapman, Sergio Cisneros, George Ormsbee Immediate Past President: Todd Andres

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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

Basin Business

Oregon employers will see This holiday season, take lower jobless tax rates in 2018 FINANCIAL FOCUS

care with financial data To help achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you should save and invest regularly. But that’s only part of the picture. You also need to protect your financial assets in various ways. One such method is guarding your personal information – especially any information that could be linked to your financial accounts. It’s obviously important to be vigilant at any time, but you need to be even more on your toes during the holiday season, when fraudsters are particularly active.

So, to help keep your important data under wraps during the holidays, consider these suggestions: n Extend your protection to all mobile devices. Identity thieves can now compromise your mobile devices by installing spyware that steals usernames, passwords and credit card information. Fortunately, you can fight back. By doing a little research online, you can find the best mobile security software for your needs. n Use multiple passwords. Online security specialists recommend that you use different passwords for each new online shopping site you visit during the holiday season. Although this might seem like a hassle, it can be helpful, because even if identity thieves were to grab one of your new passwords, they still couldn’t use it for other sites you may visit. And you can even find a free online program that can help you keep track of all your passwords. n Be suspicious of “huge savings.”

It happens every holiday season – identity thieves develop fake sites with attractive graphics and stunningly low prices on a variety of items, especially digital devices. If you fall for these pitches, you won’t get any merchandise, but you might get a handful of headaches once the bad guys have your credit card number and other personal information. To prevent this,

be wary of any deal that sounds too good to be true, and do some digging on the websites that offer these megasavings. n Watch for fake shipping notices.

During the holidays, when you may do a lot of online shopping, you will probably receive some legitimate shipping notices. But the bad guys have gotten pretty good at generating fake notices designed to resemble those from UPS, FedEx and even the U.S. Postal Service. If you were to click on the link provided by one of these bogus notices, you could either take on some malware or get taken to a “phishing” website created by the shipping notice forgers. Your best defense: Only shop with legitimate merchants and only use the tracking numbers given to you in the email you received immediately after making your purchases. n Keep your Social Security number to yourself. As a general rule, don’t give out your Social Security number online — to anyone. No legitimate retailer needs this number. n Finally, be aware that not all attempts at stealing your personal information will come online. When you’re out shopping at old-fashioned, brick-and-mortar stores, consider bringing just one credit card with you — and protect that card from prying eyes.

By following these precautions, you should be able to greatly reduce the risk of being victimized by identity thieves and other miscreants. And the more comfortable you are in doing your holiday shopping, the more you can enjoy the season.

Submitted by: Meredith Hoffman Financial Advisor-Edward Jones 1307 S Alameda Ave, Suite B Klamath Falls, OR 97603 541-273-2483

From a press release Unemployment tax rates for most Oregon employers will be lower in 2018. Tax rates will drop to schedule three for employers that pay into the unemployment insurance system.

Tax schedule three includes an average rate of 1.97 percent for the first $39,300 paid to each employee.

In 2017 Oregon operated on schedule four which had an average rate of 2.26 percent. The specific rate each employer will pay under the new schedule depends on how much they have used the unemployment insurance system.

Oregon annually adjusts employer tax rates using eight tax schedules based on the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

Movement between the eight schedules of tax rates represents part of the self-balancing aspects of Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund law. Each September a formula contained in state law determines how much should be collected during the next year to maintain a solvent fund.

Each schedule has a range of tax rates based on an employer’s previous Unemployment Insurance experience.

The last time Oregon was on tax schedule three was in 2009. A healthy economy and strong job growth helped to contribute to the reduction.

As a result of this approach, Oregon has one of the strongest trust funds in the nation. The trust fund provides support for temporarily unemployed workers, their families, and communities while minimizing the impact on employers. This approach allows this support without having to reduce benefits to workers, increase employer taxes, or borrow from the federal government as most other states had to do for the Great Recession.

The Oregon Employment Department mailed notifications to businesses last week regarding their individual tax rates and encourages employers to wait until they receive their individual notice before attempting to contact the department with questions. Any employer who has not received their notice within the next couple of weeks should contact the Oregon Employment Department Unemployment Insurance Tax Section. Contact information may be found online at www.Employment.

Oregon.gov.

Heroes breakfast set for Dec. 12

The four local Country Financial agents are sponsoring a breakfast to say “thank you” to our local heroes: Active military, veterans and first responders (EMTs, law enforcement and firefighters) as well as their spouses.

It will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Anthem House (in the Tower Shopping Center next to Baskin Robbins). Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m.

KLAMATH BASIN

Business

Basin Business

Colder than average winter in store for most of Northwest

Keep Klamath cozy this winter.

From a press release

More than 80 percent of Klamath County residents live in homes built prior to 1970.

Many of these homes are poorly insulated with only one heating source and too many residents are not able to afford needed improvements.

Please donate new* blankets to help our neighbors keep warm as temperatures continue to drop. Our goal is to collect 100 new blankets.

Pacific Power will be here on: to pick up blankets your office has collected.

CONTACT: Todd Andres, Regional Business Manager 541-883-7889, or by email at Todd.Andres@pacificorp.com Thank you for your help!

© 2017 Pacific Power

PORTLAND — It’s a law of physics. The colder it gets outside, the more energy it takes to keep your house warm. No one can change that basic equation, but with forecasters predicting a colder than average winter blowing our way, there are steps you can take to keep energy bills from giving you the chills.

“You are battling the elements,” said Barb Coughlin, Pacific Power’s vice president for customer service.

“Cold air sneaks in and warm air gets out. So the first thing you can do is seal all windows or doors before the cold really sets in. This can be done inexpensively now and the difference will show up once temperatures start dipping below freezing.”

Another step is to switch to Equal Pay. Under Equal Pay, energy costs are averaged out over the year so bills are more predictable and manageable. Customers can enroll in Equal Pay online at pacificpower.net/equalpay, via the Pacific Power mobile app, or by phone at 888221-7070.

“The sooner you call, the better for Equal Pay,” said Coughlin. “If you wait until the higher bills have already come, your average will have gone up, too. This program also helps if you have high cooling costs in the summer.”

Here are low-cost tips: n Set your thermostat as low as comfortable, aim for 68 degrees. When you are asleep or out of the house, lower the temperature by another 10 degrees and this will reduce your energy usage by about 10 percent. n Use space heaters sparingly and safely. Running a 1,500 watt portable heater 8 hours a day for 30 days can add an extra $30 to a monthly power bill in winter. n Avoid the temptation to bump up the thermostat when it gets colder. That won’t get you to your desired temperature faster, you will just make your furnace run longer and use more energy. n Improve your home’s heating and cooling systems by cleaning or replacing furnace filters and scheduling routine system maintenance to help air flow through the system more efficiently. Move furniture that is blocking intakes or heat registers.

You can save even more energy by taking a longer range view of your energy use. In Oregon, Pacific Power teams up with Energy Trust of Oregon to offer energy efficiency consultation and cash incentives to upgrade your home and save energy and money. Visit bewattsmart.com or call the Energy Trust toll free at 866-368-7878.

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

*Clean, gently used blankets are also accepted.

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Basin Business

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, Herald and News

November 2017 Newsletter Ore gon State Senator Dennis Linthicum – District 28 I represent the citizens of Senate District 28, which includes all, or part of Þve rural, mostly-eastern Oregon counties: Jackson, Klamath, Lake, Deschutes and Crook.

Senator Dennis Linthicum OR Senate District 28

As Senator of one of the largest Senate districts in our state, it Capitol Phone: is extremely important that my constituents remain in contact Capitol Address: with me about the issues and concerns that affect their lives.

I encourage you to use the information here as a resource and to contact my ofÞce by either phone or e-mail so that I can know how to best serve you. I am honored to be here in Salem Þghting for your freedom and liberty.

For most people, it is probably some sort of food Ð moist turkey breast, buttery mashed potatoes, brown sugar-glazed sweet potatoes (you knowÉ with burnt and smoking marshmallows on top,) or pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream.

Or, you might have thoughts about family or friends that you havenÕt seen for a long time, how to decorate the house, or how to get where youÕre going without getting stuck in trafÞc.

Once Thanksgiving Day is here and family and friends begin to arrive, then, there will be conversations, topics of discussion, stories to share and catching up to do.

However, IÕll guess that too few of us have immediate thoughts about being thankful.

Being thankful should be an all-consuming attitude, but it rarely is. Our lives are too busy for that. And, there is so much work to be done. We get tangled in the tyranny of the urgent while ignoring the simple things that Þll our days and give purpose to our lives.

A thankful attitude begins with our own humble recognition of where we came from and what our short-comings might be. During moments of reßection, thankfulness shows up as the genuine respect and heartfelt gratitude for those who have impacted our lives.

While we are thankful for the material things we possess we should be most thankful for the people and the intertwining relationships that they bring into our lives. Although we might say,

Website ebsite:

ÒIÕm thankful for my car,Ó what we mean is, ÒIÕm thankful to those who purchased, repaired, provided for, or loaned me the car that I drive.Ó This is true even if you bought and paid for your own car, because you are employed by someone (even yourself), you provide for your customers who purchase the goods or services that you supply. They, in turn, reward your life with the results from their endeavors.

In Johannes AlthusiusÕ famous treatise of 1614, Politica, Althusius describes his understanding of the community as a harmonious ordering of natural associations. Certainly, the family comes Þrst in this community, but there is a host of dependent associations that canÕt be overlooked.

He identiÞes God as the Þrst cause of all our relationships and the family as the most natural and important of all human associations. Any other associations or unions grow from these Þrst relationships. He writes, ÒTruly, in living this life no man is selfsufÞcient, or adequately endowed by nature.

For when he is born, destitute of all help, naked and defenseless, as if having lost all his goods in a shipwreck, he is cast forth into the hardships of this life, not able by his own efforts to reach a maternal breast, nor to endure the harshness of his condition, nor to move himself from the place where he was cast forth. By his weeping and tears, he can initiate nothing except the most miserable life, a very certain sign of pressing and immediate misfortune.Ó Althusius continues,

503-986-1728 900 Court St. NE, S-305 Salem, Oregon 97301

E-Mail: sen.DennisLinthicum@OregonLegislature.gov

Thankful for…

If I were to say, ÒThanksgiving,Ó what would be the Þrst thing that enters your mind?

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http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/linthicum ÒNor in his adulthood is he able to obtain in and by himself those outward goods he needs for a comfortable and holy life, or to provide by his own energies all the requirements of life. The energies and industry of many men are expended to procure and supply these things.Ó It is no accident that this continentÕs Þrst settlers joined together with their immediate community to offer thoughts of thanksgiving to their God, their families, their friends, co-workers, and associates. These celebrations of old are simply the natural outgrowth of a moment of common reßection. Any reasonable assessment of our own skills, abilities, and habits would lead each of us to a thankful understanding for those who daily intervene in our lives.

This is a small variation of the circle of life, where each person voluntarily contributes to the health and well-being of the community through open and free access to the marketplace.

Adam Smith described this in his book, the Wealth of Nations (1776). Smith mentions the useful efforts of workmen and women in the marketplace. He then jolts us with the realization that the market place does not need altruistic motives to meet the needs of the community.

SmithÕs narrative explains that it is not from sheer benevolence that the butcher, brewer or baker provides us with our steak, beer and bread. But, rather, they provide these services from regard for their own familyÕs interests.

Their goods and services are, in a way, gifts enjoyed by the community and in return these entrepreneurs receive back thankful rewards for their own families. Gratitude is the attitude needed for communities to thrive.

If we don’t stand for rural Oregon values and common-sense – no one will!