April 2016
Basin Business
Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
KLAMATH BASIN
Business
‘Meet me in Klamath’
Inspirational
Chamber tees up on annual golf outing — Page 3
talks
Workforce important to recruiting — Page 4
March jobless numbers down just a fraction — Page 4
Key speakers – Nick Saban, Kat Cole and Steve Wozniak – will inspire the more than 100 people who attend the annual Leadercast one-day leadership conference on May 6. The 16th annual conference, once again hosted by the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, is broadcast live from Atlanta and simulcast to other locations around the world. See Page 2
A publication of the Herald & News Chamber: www.klamath.org
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Discover Klamath rebrands message — Page 5
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Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
Basin Business
Leadercast set to inspire innovators Steve Wozniak, Nick Saban and Kat Cole to speak at conference
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eadercast is the world’s largest one-day leadership conference — according to a news release — broadcast live from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world including Klamath Falls on May 6. Much like the newly popular TED innovation talks, this year marks the 16th year of the annual leadership conference and the sixth year that the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the event. This year’s event will be at Oregon Tech and is sponsored by Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union. The theme of this year’s conference is “Architects of Tomorrow,” focusing on visionary leaders who imagine and build a future that is rich in innovation, collaboration and full of hope. A future where problems are solved, questions are answered, and confusion gives way to clarity. The conference will equip attendees to create their own visionary path. Key speakers – visionaries in their own fields – will inspire the
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The 16th annual Leadercast talk will be live at Oregon Tech on May 6.
more than 100 people who attend locally, and the more than 100,000 people who will attend the event live in Atlanta or at hundreds of other simulcast locations in more than 20 countries. Among the keynote speakers are: n Kat Cole — group president, FOCUS Brands Inc. (including Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne’s, and more); n Steve Wozniak — co-founder of Apple, Inc.;
n Henry Cloud — acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and best-selling author; n Nick Saban — head football coach, the University of Alabama; n Andy Stanley — leadership author and communicator; n James Brown — network broadcaster, CBS Sports and News; n Rorke Denver — Navy SEAL commander and author; n Chris Barez-Brown — author and creativity guru;
n Tripp Crosby — host of Leadercast, comedian and director. For years, Leadercast and the Klamath County Chamber have brought people together and equipped them to become better leaders, managers, community members, and employees. Here is what people have to say about previous Leadercast events: “Leadercast was extremely informative and thought provoking. The Henley students stayed engaged and have already expressed interest in next year’s event. “This is very encouraging to me since I believe we need to expose our young people to experienced, inspiring leaders as soon as possible to maximize their potential,” Carla Yancey, Treasurer, Klamath Basin FFA alumni. “With a constantly impressive lineup of speakers and the on-target themes year-over-year (and at such a value), I consider Leadercast a ‘can’t miss’ event,” Janet Buckalew, vice president member advocacy and business development for Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union and six-year Leadercast attendee. For more information and to purchase your ticket or group tickets to the Leadercast Klamath Falls event, visit www.klamath.org or call 541-885-5193.
Upcoming events calendar
■ Job fair at Klamath Community College, Thursday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon ■ Meet the State Senator and State Representative candidates, Thursday, April 21, 5:15 p.m. to 6 :15 p.m., chamber offices, South Portal Building, 205 Riverside Drive. ■ Klamath Art Gallery exhibit, through April 24 at the chamber offices. Continuing to celebrate its 70th Anniversary, the Klamath Art Gallery is delighted to present the vibrant and intricate glass works of Sharon Bailey entitled “Fire and Light”. Deriving her inspiration from nature, Bailey brings breath-
taking beauty to the art of glass creations. The exhibit will continue through Sunday. The Klamath Art Gallery is located in historic Maple Park at 120 Riverside Drive, across from the Favell Museum. The gallery is open Thursdays through Mondays, noon to 4 p.m. and admission is always free. ■ Cannabis Educational Seminar: Sunday, April 24, from 6 to 9 p.m., Shilo Inn Ballroom, 2500 Almond St. Professionals in all areas of the cannabis industry will be speaking. Topics include: How do we talk to our kids about cannabis; what are the laws and
regulations for cannabis; what does a cannabis business look like; what is the difference with medical and recreational cannabis; What is the difference between hemp and cannabis; how will this affect our workforce; how does cannabis in our county affect me and my family? ■ Sign up for “A World of Health” course at the Klamath County Library, April 26 and May 31, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ■ Managing social media in the workplace, Thursday, April 27, from 8 .m. to 10 a.m.; Washington Federal conference center, 5215 S. Sixth.
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Basin Business
Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
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Great Basin Insurance welcomes new partner, staff members
Chamber announces date for annual golf tourney The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Swing into Summer Golf tournament on Friday, June 24. The event will be held at Reames Golf Course in Klamath Falls. The format is an 18-hole scramble and the Chamber is currently accepting registrations for four-person teams as well as individuals. The registration includes golf, cart, range balls, dinner, and plenty of snacks and beverages. The dinner/reception will include a pool party and barbecue. “There’s no better way to connect
with your co-workers, other business leaders, and potential customers than on a golf course,” said Charles Massie, executive director. Massie says the event is a great opportunity to treat staff to a day on the course, say thank you to important clients, and build relationships with potential customers. Registration is now open for teams and individuals. The Chamber also has many sponsorship opportunities available to promote business including: • Tee sponsors • Green sponsors • Corporate sponsors • Hospitality sponsor • Contest sponsors Any business interested in sponsorship is encouraged to call the Chamber’s marketing coordinator, Heather Tramp, at (541) 884-5193. Registration is available online at www.klamath.org or by calling the Chamber at 541-884-5193.
Do you have some business news you want to relay? Contact the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce at 541-884-5193 or the Herald and News at 541-8854437 and get into the next, monthly edition of Basin Business.
Great Basin Insurance has recently welcomed Dana Loreman as a new partner, according to a news release. Loreman has been in the insurance business for 20 years, focusing mostly on commercial, farm and crop insurance. He has worked with Great Basin Insurance for the last few years, and says he is excited to join Great Basin InsurLoreman ance as a partner in order to continue to grow the agency. Loreman has been married to his wife, Theresa, for 20 years, and they have a 14-year-old daughter, Kallie. The entire family enjoys traveling, camping, boating, riding their side-by-sides and just about anything that gets them in the great outdoors.
William Gilmore William Gilmore has recently joined Great Basin Insurance of Klamath Falls as an agent. Gilmore has experience in business management from a large technology company that operates throughout the country, as well as experience in commercial and Gilmore farm insurance. He recently moved to Klamath Falls with his wife, Michele, and two
teenage boys. The entire family enjoys camping, fishing, hiking and watching movies together.
Malissa Brown-Renshaw Malissa Brown-Renshaw, has recently joined Great Basin Insurance as an account manager. Brown-Renshaw assists with client’s insurance needs and expectations. She was born and raised in the Klamath Basin, has a background in accounting and agriculture and has spent many years involved in 4-H and FFA programs.
Dawn Rose
BrownRenshaw Great Basin Insurance has recently welcomed Dawn Rose to its team. She previously was employed with Klamath County Farm Service Agency where she worked for many years helping local farmers participate in farm bill programs. With her experience and knowledge of farm- Rose ing in the Klamath Basin Rose will assist clients with their crop and farm insurance needs. For more information about Great Basin Insurance, call 541882-5507, email info@gr8basin.com or visit www.gr8basin.com. Great Basin is at 826 Main St.
Great Basin member earns certification The designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) has been conferred upon Sherry Gibson of Great Basin Insurance in Klamath Falls, according to a news release. Gibson was granted certification after successfully completing courses covering all areas of insurance risks and exposures, followed by extensive examinations. The CISR program, available to insurance professionals in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, is distin-
guished from other programs of its kind by an annual continuing education requirement, which ensures that designees stay current on policy changes and industry trends. The designation is awarded by the Society of CISR, a not-for-profit organization and member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. Currently there are over 70,000 participants in the Society of CISR Program and more than 27,000 individuals holding the CISR designation.
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Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
Basin Business
Good, bad initiatives on the table in Klamath By GREG O’SULLIVAN KCEDA Director
As executive director of our local economic development association (KCEDA), one of my roles is to make businesses aware of sites throughout Klamath County that are available for future occupation. Currently, the site I’m most excited about is Tech Hills, a campus that will open up 400 acres of economic development opportunity to Klamath Falls. Located just west of Oregon Tech, Tech Hills is aptly named for its objective: to attract Klamath Falls employers that will appeal to the ambitious graduates of Oregon Tech. Our research shows that Oregon Tech grads may stay in our area up to five years longer if they had relevant employment opportunities here — and with businesses like Jeld-Wen and Smith Bates opening offices in Tech Hills, those grads will have the opportunities they need. The result? Fewer highly skilled Oregon Tech grads moving elsewhere for employment, because the jobs they want are right here.
What a remarkable benefit to our local economy. Tech Hills is a good initiative, and we’re behind it all the way.
Workforce reputation important Unfortunately, Klamath County has one bad initiative on the table. It’s Measure 18-105, the ballot proposition that would O’Sullivan legalize the production and sale of recreational marijuana in the county. On April 1, the KCEDA executive committee presented a resolution to its board of directors that took a public position in opposition to this measure. We did not take our responsibility to the business community lightly when it came to establishing a position on this matter; after a five-day voting period, the resolution passed by way of majority vote. Taking five days gave us time to discuss the matter with Klamath County business owners, many of whom are thoughtfully in opposition to Measure 18-105. Their deeply valid concerns include the prospects of falling graduation rates, increased health
care costs and an overall lower quality of life in Klamath County if the legislation were to pass — and, the concern that employers are less likely to take their business operations to areas that cannot provide a drug-free workforce. With those things in mind, KCEDA stands firmly behind the businesses of this county in opposing the recreational marijuana measure. Like many of you, we have heard the message advanced by vocal proponents of 18-105: that it could increase the tax base and create jobs. Unfortunately, those jobs would be in the production and retailing of recreational marijuana. With decades of economic development experience, I know that it doesn’t take long for an area to acquire a reputation based on its business climate (good or bad) — and if Measure 18-105 is passed, I can tell you what will happen to our reputation almost instantaneously. It isn’t good. Klamath County has good and bad initiatives on the table. I’m grateful for the opportunity to express the views of our local economic development community on these matters. — Greg O’Sullivan is executive director of the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA). For information, visit ChooseKlamath.com.
March jobless numbers down just a fraction
Early spring hiring is up this year across South Central Oregon. Seasonally adjusted job gains in March helped to push down local unemployment rates, according to a news release.
Klamath County
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 7 percent in March from the revised rate of 7.3 percent in February. The rate remains down from this time last year when it was 8.1 percent. Recent improvement to the unemployment rate is largely being driven by local residents finding work. Klamath County added 270 jobs in March, stronger than the typical seasonal gains of around 190 jobs. Hiring was concentrated in seasonal industries, such as leisure and hospitality, federal government, and retail trade. Employment levels remain down slightly from last year (-100 jobs).
Losses remain concentrated in retail, but most private sector industries saw minor losses over the past year. The only industry to post significant job gains since last March was educational and health services (+110).
Lake County The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 percent
from the revised rate of 7.2 percent in February. The unemployment rate was down from last March when it was 8.2 percent. Employment levels in Lake County were essentially unchanged in March (-10 jobs). This is not unusual as the local
economy typically experiences no change to its employment situation this time of year. Employment levels are up by around 40 jobs from last March. These gains are almost exclusively in the public sector with local government adding 30 jobs and the federal government up 20.
Basin Business
Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
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‘Meet me in Klamath’
Discover Klamath rebrands tourism message County’s tourism group launches refreshed brand identity; seeks to grow tourism visitation and lodging tax revenues
Discover Klamath’s branding will include advertising online, in newspapers and tourism magazines around the region.
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iscover Klamath Visitor and Convention Bureau, Klamath County’s official tourism agency since January 2009, has announced a o brand refresh according to Discover Klamath’s Executive Director Jim Chadderdon. “Discover Klamath is excited to announce and roll out its new brand campaign called “Meet Me In Klamath”, said Chadderdon. In explaining the reason for this initiative Chadderdon noted the tourism industry is strong in the U.S., in Oregon, and in Southern Oregon and the new campaign’s goal is to build more awareness and interest in visiting the Klamath Basin. He expects the campaign to establish Klamath with a stronger and clearer presence in target markets. The organization historically markets the area to prospective visitors from Western Canada down to Southern California. “Tourism’s contribution to Klamath’s economy is nearly $150 million annually” said Chadderdon, “making it one of the top economic drivers to the region. By rebranding our area
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at this time, we will become more attractive to millennials, x-gens, and baby boomers, while seeking a larger share of Oregon’s $10.3 billion annual tourism industry revenues, and also more effectively connecting our community to the dual iconic tourism attractions in the area: Crater Lake and Lava Beds”, he said. The campaign uses newly created illustrations of local animals, combined with custom professional photography from local pros such as Larry Turner, to create a graphical
approach that is unique in tourism marketing circles, while creating a noticeable, approachable, friendly and distinctive campaign. According to Tonia Ulbricht, brand marketing manager, who led project development: “The fun, whimsical creative approach sets Klamath apart from what is becoming a sea of predictable tourism ads around the region and state.” She added: “We launched last week and had over 3,000 likes on our new Facebook page, which supports
our initial research on the appeal this campaign would have.” The campaign began in midApril and includes TV ads, YouTube videos, web banner ads, print advertising, social media, public relations and more through this year. Discover Klamath Board President Drew Honzel added: “The Board authorized a rebrand fall 2014 and our Staff worked on this initiative most of 2015 to get it ready for the 2016 tourism season. The board has seen the campaign and are very excited by the work created and believes it does a nice job establishing strategic alignment between tourism marketing efforts at the state, regional, and local levels”. Discover Klamath brought in several partners to design and develop campaign assets, including Lookout Marketing and Must Be Something, both Portland-based marketing agencies.
North Forty Pet Care announces new services From a press release Ever wonder what happens to your baby at home when your not? How does your four legged friend get to the bathroom when you can’t be there to let her out? How does she cope, your pet certainly doesn’t want to disappoint you, she’ll hold it for as long as she can. What will she do until your there to give her the medication she needs ... waiting until you get home can be a hit and miss solution and very unsafe. Maybe a puppy can’t last all day without some attention for a bathroom break and needed TLC. They are after all just babies needing a little contact. And what about senior dogs, don’t discard them now just because they’re old. They have been
there for you year after year. Perhaps they need to get up and move around emphasizing their needs now. Klamath Falls and surrounding areas has a new service directed at the well being of our four legged friends: North Forty Pet Care at 2360 Homedale Rd., Klamath Falls. Keeping the pet parents comfortable knowing all family members are well cared for, safe and secure. Dogs and cats, as well as any kind of pet in a cage, bowl or wandering the house freely need to be fed. watered, walked, or given medication. The skills and services include: n Creature first aid
n Collar size and type n Leash type n Walking style and procedure n Attention to general physical wellness: eyes, ears, legs, movement etc. n Medications needed and given: oral or injections. n Bathing, brushing, tails, teeth, anal extraction. There are several reasons for midday visits, all of which have the common goals of protection and comfort. At North Forty Pet Care the goal is customer satisfaction through the meticulous attention to the needs of all your pet friends.
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Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
Basin Business
Should you change Job vacancies top your investment mix? 40,000 statewide To be successful at investing, some people think they need to “get in on the ground floor” of the next “big thing.” However, instead of waiting for that one “hot” stock that may never come along, consider creating an asset allocation — a mix of investments — that’s appropriate for your needs, goals and risk tolerance. But once you have such a mix, should you keep it intact forever, or will you need to make some changes? And if so, when? To begin with, why is asset allocation important? Different types of investments — growth stocks, income-producing stocks, international stocks, bonds, government securities, real estate investment trusts, and so on — have unique characteristics, so they rarely rise or fall at the same time. Thus, owning a mix of investments can help reduce the forces of market volatility. (Keep in mind, though, that allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.) Your particular mix will depend on your investment time horizon, comfort with risk, and financial goals. When you are young, and starting out in your career, you may want your asset allocation to be more heavily weighted toward stocks and stock-based investments. Stock investments historically have provided the greatest returns over the long term — although, as you’ve probably heard, past performance can’t guarantee future results — and you will need this growth potential to help achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Stocks also carry a greater degree of investment risk, including the risk of losing principal, but when you have many years to invest, you have time to potentially overcome the inevitable short-term declines. Once you reach the middle-to-later stages of your career, you may have achieved some of your goals that required wealth accumulation, such
as sending your children to college. However, what is likely your biggest long-term goal — retirement — still awaits you, so you may not want to scale back too much on your stocks and other growth-oriented investments. Nonetheless, including an allocation to bonds can help to reduce some of the volatility of the stock portion of your portfolio. Now, fast forward to just a few years before you retire. At this point, you may want to lower your overall risk level, because, with retirement looming, you don’t have much time to bounce back from downturns – and you don’t want to start withdrawing from your retirement accounts when your portfolio is already going down. So, now may be the time to add bonds and other fixed-income investments. Again, though, you still need some growth opportunities from your investments — after all, you could be retired for two, or even three decades. Finally, you’re retired. At this point, you should adjust your asset allocation to include enough incomeproducing investments — bonds, certificates of deposit, perhaps dividend-paying stocks — to help you enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. Yet, you can’t forget that the cost of living will likely rise throughout your retirement. In fact, at a modest 3 percent inflation rate, the price of goods will more than double after 25 years. So even during retirement, you need your portfolio to provide some growth potential to help you avoid losing purchasing power. By being aware of your asset allocation, and by making timely adjustments as necessary, you can provide yourself with the opportunities for growth and income that you will need throughout your life. Submitted by: Meredith Hoffman Financial Advisor, AAMS® 1307 S. Alameda Ave., Ste. B Klamath Falls, OR 97603
From a press release
Oregon businesses reported 41,300 vacancies in winter 2016. That marks the first time job vacancies have exceeded 40,000 in winter, and reflects the rapid pace of job growth in the state, according to a press release from the Oregon employment department. Health care and social assistance topped all industries with 9,400 vacancies in the winter. Leisure and hospitality (6,600) and retail trade (4,800) also reported large totals. Together these three industries accounted for half of all vacancies. Although a few large industries accounted for many vacancies, businesses across the economy were hiring for diverse jobs. Seven different industries reported at least 2,000 vacancies this winter. Occupations with the most vacancies ranged from retail salespersons and cashiers to personal care aides and nursing assistants, cooks, carpenters, maintenance and repair workers, and truck drivers. As job growth has accelerated and the number of job openings remains high, employers face increasing difficulty finding the workers they need. Oregon businesses reported 60 percent of job vacancies as difficult to fill this winter, compared with 49 percent one year before. Employers most commonly report a lack of applicants as the primary challenge filling vacancies. This winter several health care employers cited a lack of applicants due to high demand and industry competition for workers. A lack of applicants has become a more prominent challenge for businesses in recent years. The Employment Department’s newly released report, “Increasing Difficulty Filling Vacancies in
Oregon’s Labor Market” details the characteristics of difficult-to-fill vacancies, and possible options to reduce business challenges filling these job openings. For more details on recent Oregon job vacancies, visit the “publications” tab on QualityInfo.org and scroll down to the “Job Vacancy Survey” section.
About the Survey
The Oregon Employment Department’s Job Vacancy Survey serves as a current indicator of hiring demand and focuses specifically on characteristics of vacancies for anyone seeking a job in Oregon. In addition to developing the estimate of total vacancies in the state, the survey also provides insights on the industries hiring, wages offered, and education required. In recent years, the survey has also asked businesses whether their vacancies are difficult to fill. Survey results are based on responses from private-sector businesses with at least two employees. Estimates for spring 2016 will be released in July.
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Basin Business
Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
PROSPERITY NOW! • ECONOMIC GROWTH AND RECOVERY: I’ve run a successful business; I’ll serve as Commissioner with the same focus and intensity. To create jobs, we must encourage new businesses while supporting existing local businesses. • EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT: The City and County governments need to work together; we need to tear down roadblocks that hinder economic development and job creation. • PUBLIC SAFETY: We must fund public safety– it is not an option. Jobs will not be generated if crime remains a problem. • WATER SOLUTIONS: Water is a billion-dollar issue for the Basin–and that means JOBS. I’m committed to find a solution that benefits ALL parties; I will never walk away from the table. • EDUCATION: Good paying jobs require a good education. I support the Klamath Promise Goal of 100% high school graduation rates for Klamath County.
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Basin Business
Thursday, April 21, 2016, Herald and News
Paid Advertisement
April 2016 Newsletter for Oregon State Senator Doug Whitsett, District 28 Senator Doug Whitsett
R-Klamath Falls - District 28 I represent the citizens of Senate District 28, which includes Klamath, Lake and Crook, as well as parts of Jackson and Deschutes Counties. As Senator of one of the largest Senate districts in the state, it is extremely important that my constituents remain in contact with me about the issues and concerns that affect their lives. You and I must work together to protect the common interests of rural Oregonians. I encourage you to contact my office by either email or telephone so that I can know how to best serve you. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best Regards, Senator Doug Whitsett
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-311 Salem, OR 97301 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1728 Newsletters: www.leg.state.or.us/whitsett Email Senator Doug Whitsett: sen.dougwhitsett@state.or.us
OUR VIEW ON 18-1051: DON’T LET MARIJUANA BECOME COMMONPLACE According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from drug overdose have increased 137 percent since the year 2000. A total of 47,055 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2014. That year, drug overdoses killed nearly 15 out of every 100,000 Americans. About 130 people lost their lives to drug overdoses each day, representing a 6.5 percent increase over the previous year. This information is available on the CDC’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6450a3.htm In contrast, during the past ten years, highway fatalities in the United States have fallen more than 25 percent, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. These statistics are from a November 24, 2015 press release posted at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/2014-trafficdeaths-drop-but-2015-trending-higher Even though 2014 was the safest traffic period recorded during the past 40 years, a total of 32,675 Americans lost their lives in crashes, about 90 traffic related deaths each day. Incredibly, Americans are about 44 percent more likely to die from a drug overdose than in a traffic crash. The evidence is undeniable that details how the use of marijuana, alcohol and tobacco serve as thresholds to the use of more addictive and harmful drugs. Recent comprehensive, peer reviewed studies performed by well-respected government and academic agencies conclude there is no doubt marijuana serves as an entry level drug, especially among adolescents. The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia (CASA) recently released a study showing that children between 12 and 17 years of age, who use gateway drugs such as tobacco, alcohol and marijuana, are up to 266 times more likely to use cocaine than those who do not use gateway drugs. That study can be found at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ record/archives/vol20/vol20_iss10/record2010.24.html In the study, former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, and current CASA President Joseph A Califano, Jr., stated that, “This study, the most comprehensive national assessment ever undertaken, reveals a consistent and powerful connection between the use of cigarettes and alcohol and the subsequent use of marijuana, and between the use of cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana and the subsequent use of cocaine and other illicit drugs.” The CASA study establishes a clear progression starting with gateway drugs and leading to cocaine use. “Nearly 90 percent of people who have ever tried cocaine used all three gateway substances first,” it stated. “More than half followed a progression from cigarettes to alcohol, to marijuana and then on to cocaine.” The progression from gateway drug
usage to opioid drug addiction is equally convincing. A recent research paper, published in the prestigious Journal American Medical Association Psychiatry, describes the increasing prevalence of marijuana use disorder in the United States. The study can be viewed online at: http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2464591 The National Institute of Health sponsored study discloses that nearly six million Americans, or 2.5 percent of the entire adult population of the United States, suffer from marijuana use disorder. That study can be accessed via the internet at: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/barbara-hollingsworth/nihnearly-6-million-americans-suffer-marijuana-use-disorder It evaluated the use of drugs and alcohol, as well as related psychiatric conditions, among more than 36,000 participants over the age of eighteen during the 12 month period between 2012 and 2013. The research revealed “past-year and lifetime marijuana use disorders were strongly and consistently associated with other substance use and mental health disorders.” The research shows those who use marijuana most heavily, and for the longest periods, are most susceptible to marijuana use disorder. They are strongly and consistently prone to a lifetime of “association with other substance use disorders, effective disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders” as well as other mental health disease. The researchers found the risk for onset of the disorder peaks during late adolescence and among people in their early twenties, especially among young males. The director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism commented, “The new analysis complements previous population-level studies by Dr. Grant’s group that show that marijuana use can lead to harmful consequences for individuals and society.” The study removes any ambiguity regarding how marijuana serves as a gateway or threshold level drug. The rate of death from over-dosage of opioids has increased more than 200 percent over the past 15 years. According to CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., “The increasing number of deaths from opioid overdose is alarming. The opioid epidemic is devastating American families and communities. To curb these trends and save lives, we must help prevent addiction and provide support and treatment to those who suffer from opioid use disorders.” Marijuana undeniably does have useful medicinal properties. However, two synthetic cannabinoids have been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Both nabilone and dronabinol are readily available and have been proven safe and efficacious alternatives to medical marijuana. Nevertheless, marijuana use has already been legalized under state laws by Oregon, Colorado, Alaska and Washington as well as by the District of Columbia. According to BallotPedia, ballot proposals to either
decriminalize or legalize marijuana have been proposed in 16 additional states this year. Marijuana remains an illegal controlled substance under federal law. The Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution mandates that federal law always supersedes state laws. The Obama administration has largely chosen not to enforce federal marijuana laws other than those prohibiting distribution across state lines and to children. The next administration will likely develop its own policies on federal marijuana law enforcement. Even though marijuana use may be immune to prosecution under Oregon law, it remains subject to prosecution under federal law. The United States Supreme Court recently considered whether to hear a marijuana related federal lawsuit filed in 2014 by the states of Nebraska and Oklahoma. The suit asks the courts to overturn a Colorado amendment that legalized the use of recreational marijuana adopted by the people of that state in 2012. The lawsuit argues “the State of Colorado has created a dangerous gap in the federal drug control system’ that has caused “irreparable injury” to its two neighboring states. The High Court declined to hear the issue on procedural grounds. Due to the emergency nature of the problem at hand, the states had sought to bypass courts of original jurisdiction as well as the appellate courts. The Supreme Court justices preferred for the suit to follow the usual course through the federal judicial system. Notwithstanding the supremacy of federal law, Oregon is serving as a national leader in the efforts to make the use of both medical and recreational marijuana not only legal, but commonplace. Klamath County voters have the opportunity to delay marijuana proliferation in our county by voting no on measure 18-1051 on the May ballot. I ask that parents and community leaders take the time to read and analyze the sobering marijuana related research cited in this article. That research clearly identifies the importance of our community’s vote on measure 18-1051. Please join Gail and me in voting no on the marijuana measure as well as voting in support of local political leaders who have taken the political heat in order to protect our children from the proliferation of marijuana. Please remember—if we do not stand up for rural Oregon, no one will. Best regards, Doug Follow the link below to subscribe to an electronic version of my weekly legislative newsletter updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ ORLEG/subscriber/new?topic_id=ORLEG_30.