503. Magazine: Autumn 2023 by MAP Publications

the salem chamber’s magazine

Autumn 2023

t h g i l F s e k Salem Ta

plus four Business Spotlights inside

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M E S S A G E F R O M THE CEO

Increase Productivity Right Now by Tom Hoffert ,

Chief Executive Officer

Periods of slow growth come with great challenges, both for businesses and consumers. However, as employers, you can take advantage of such times to improve efficiency and increase productivity within your team. Clean Up Your Business Systems – And Your Workspace Most businesses will focus only on sales and marketing to survive hard times. You can also use this time to work on your standard operating procedure to ensure it meets your current and future needs. Slow growth periods are ideal times to purge and clean your warehouse, offices, desks, filing systems, and other important areas of the business. Cleaning the workplace will go a long way in creating a better work environment and improving efficiency. Training and Skills Development Considering the busy schedules that characterize modern workplaces, employers have little or no time to train their employees. When it is slow, you can use this time for training and skills development. Train employees in critical areas like interviewing, effective meetings, time management, and email management. Skills development will also help address weaknesses and strengthen skills, allowing you to bring employees to a level where they can work without Autumn 2023

constant help and supervision, and improve their overall performance. Take Advantage of Technology Periods of slow growth can allow businesses to make the most of existing and new technology. As more employees work and communicate remotely, they will save significant commuting time and be less distracted when handling projects. Businesses can maximize technology to increase productivity by setting up efficient communication channels and empowering all employees to work remotely. Teleconferencing and working from home are quickly becoming the new normal, a factor that could affect the organizational structure of many companies. Explore Alternative Work Sites Changes such as teleconferencing and working remotely will have

a significant impact on office leasing. There will be cases where staff members are unable to make it to the corporate office, and working from home is not an option. This situation may force businesses to identify alternative working sites such as co-working spaces. Choosing a great facility will allow you to carry on with your activities when facing external disruptions and emergency situations. This creates resiliency, which your customers and shareholders rely on. Proactive Employee Support Maintaining proper communication between managers and employees requires that you give your staff the necessary support and assets to be successful. Through observations and conversations, you will be able to identify and understand any signs of challenge. These include low morale, low work productivity, and anxiety relating to the slow growth period. Addressing employee concerns will help in increasing productivity to ensure your business survives the tough times. Employees stay longer when they feel heard and valued by their employer. At the Salem Chamber, we believe in helping businesses prosper so our entire community may thrive. 503.

TERTIARY LOGO This stacked logo is the tertiary logo option for the Salem Chamber. Utilize this option for instances where the space available is more fitting for a square orientation.

1110 Commercial St. NE Salem OR 97301 503.581.1466 www.salemchamber.org

26 Above: Presenter Bonnie Milletto speaks to Lunch with Leaders attendees at Chemeketa Community College on Sept. 27, 2023.

the salem chamber’s magazine

Cover: Avelo Airlines and community leaders launch the inaugural flights from Salem Airport on Oct. 5, 2023.

President’s Message............... 6 Directors & Staff..........................8 Spotlight: KBZY 1490 AM.....10

Spotlight: Christmas Light Guys.........24

What Does ChatGBT Have to Say About Chambers?........... 12

Lunch with Leaders Series Begins.............................26

Spotlight: Skyline Builders.... 14

Spotlight: Praxis Health......... 28

Flight Returns to Salem........ 16

Ambassador of the Quarter... 30

@salemchamber

salem_chamber

@salemchamber

401 Oak St., Silverton, OR 97381 P.O. Box 927, Mount Angel, OR 97362 503.845.9499 www.mtangelpub.com

503. is published quarterly by Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc., proud Chamber member. Publisher: Paula Mabry Project Manager: Tavis Bettoli-Lotten Advertising Graphics: Steve Beckner To advertise in the next issue, contact Advertising Executive: Jerry Stevens 541.944.2820 • jerry.s@mtangelpub.com

Salem is Moving Forward with Climate Action.

Building resiliency with renewable resources

Creating bike and walk friendly neighborhoods near shopping and transit

Supporting local food growers

To learn more: visit www.cityofsalem.net/climate-action 4

S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

Welcome Newest Chamber Members

June 1 – Oct. 15, 2023

B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration

Downtown Storage and Warehouse

Kickin’ Cancer

Project ABLE

Be Blac Foundation

Kuhl Discs

RP Smith, CPA PA

Firebrand Fitness

Berrien Concrete, A Family Legacy

Laser Therapy of Oregon

Salem Massage & Lymphatics

GIHTIIM, LLC

Lile Relocation Services

Salem Security Professionals

Grazing Fields Charcuterie

Little Friends Montessori

Salem Reporter

HealthPass

Lisa Stalfire Portrait

Salem Tennis and Swim Club

Helion Software

Morrow CPA

Sewell Sweets

Heron Pointe Senior Living

New Media NW

Smitty’s Sewer System

Insperity

Old Zen Wine Bar

Solid Roofing NW, LLC

Build Your Hype

Island Style Cryo and Beauty

Pretty Good Printing

Stroll Illahee

Club Pilates of South Salem

Keeping Up With the Jones Landscaping

Primordial Oregon, Inc.

Superior Tire Service

Professional Counseling Group

Tesla Salem

BestMed Urgent Care Be Well Esthetics Bison Dump Brennan Martin Pugh and Associates

Community Medical Services

Interested in joining the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce? For more information, contact Membership Manager Michelle Terzenbach at michelle@salemchamber.org

Come grow with us. When you join the team at Salem Health, you become part of something bigger than yourself. We change lives every day with our commitment to Care with Respect.

salemhealth.org/careers

Autumn 2023

All the benefits you expect from a top-tier employer, plus surprising perks for qualified candidates: • Relocation assistance • Public service loan forgiveness eligibility • Education assistance • 24/7 staff fitness center • Discounts at our on-campus restaurant, pharmacy, and area retailers like Nike, Adidas, Carhartt and more 5

CH AMBER PRE S IDE N T’ S ME S S AG E

Industry & Education

CTEC’s Undisputable Success As the wonderful Willamette Valley summer draws to conclusion, the fall air leaves me energized and excited for the opportunities which lay ahead for our local high school students. Each new school year is brimming with opportunity and discovery. There are few places where innovation and opportunity intersect as successfully as they do at Salem-Keizer Public School’s Career Technical Education Center (CTEC). As a ground-breaking public/ private partnership between our local school district and Mountain West Investment Corporation, the vision for CTEC was to prepare high school students for high-skill, highwage and high-demand careers. At the same time, the partnership allows students to develop the professional skills, technical knowledge, academic foundation and real-world experience to assure their success upon graduation. And they are making good on their missional work! Students who enroll at CTEC join a focused and proven educational model designed to ready students to join industries they are passionate about and where they have received industry-specific training. At Modern Building Systems (now under the WillScot Mobile Mini company banner), I was proud to pilot the CTEC Work-Based Learner Program, which today allows students to experience and engage in hazardous occupations within specific safety guidelines. For those students interested in manufacturing, welding, engineering, and fabricating careers, this partnership gives students real-world insight into what they could see in a workplace, post-graduation. The 6

opportunities to learn are handson, with industry experts who have transitioned from men and women in the trades to educators of our future workforce. At the Center, students experience an integrated curriculum that includes rigorous academic standards and relevant industry-specific skills. Students directly apply and connect academic knowledge with technical skills, so they may graduate with a competitive advantage as they head into their career of choice. CTEC focuses on teaching professional skills and establishes a professional work culture within the school environment. Students are known in the community to stand tall, firmly shake hands, speak with conviction and poise, and problem-solve in an effective manner. Through strategically integrated curriculum and deep connections to industry, CTEC students gain the professional skills needed to succeed upon graduation. Speaking of industry, experts from a variety of industries are always present at CTEC. Each program is supported by an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), which meets quarterly to review curriculum, identify resource needs, and share opportunities — ensuring that CTEC is always teaching relevant industry-specific skills and making career connections for students. Industry professionals interact with students on CTEC’s campus by providing presentations and technical demonstrations, offering feedback on assignments and leading engaging, hands-on activities. Students travel out into the community to visit companies and experience the workforce in action.

by Alan Rasmussen, WillScot Mobile Mini Finally, CTEC students graduate high school with a career plan, as well as an internship, job, military, or college acceptance. Other key outcomes include earning dual-college credit, gaining valuable industry certifications, strong attendance, professional skill development, and 100% positive placement, postgraduation. CTEC is developing our future skilled workforce and contributing to a thriving community. With an over 99% graduation rate, District and community leaders recognize that CTEC is helping students succeed in school, and in life. The Salem Chamber has a remarkable public/private partnership, for the benefit of students, faculty, and the greater business community. Three Salem Chamber staff members deploy their talents as CTEC Business Liaisons. The duties of a Business Liaison is to provide meaningful connection between enrolled students, CTEC teaching staff, and the private sector professionals who work daily in their fields of expertise. As a business professional, your time is valuable and at a premium. Our Business Liaison team works around your schedule to make volunteering and working with CTEC students fun and meaningful. To volunteer with CTEC or learn more about the significant local impacts of CTEC, please contact Katie Costic (katie@ salemchamber.org). On behalf of the Salem Chamber’s Board of Directors and staff professional team, we thank you for your support! 503. S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

“People helping people, people helping community and people helping place. It’s what I believe in and why I give.” — DOLLY WOOLLEY OCF FUND ADVISOR, VOLUNTEER AND DONOR

[ OREGONIANS HELPING OREGONIANS ]

Dolly is a natural giver — sharing her time, talent and treasure to help her fellow Oregonians. She is one of the many OCF donors who give countless hours, strategic skills and financial strength to help our communities rise and thrive. For 50 years, we’ve been helping Oregonians like Dolly, and you, improve the lives of fellow Oregonians. Learn more, join in and get inspired at oregon.cf.org/50

OCF 5O

Autumn 2023

OREGONIANS HELPING OREGONIANS SINCE 1973

Your Chamber EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD MEMBERS

President ALAN RASMUSSEN

Willamette Valley Bank

WillScot Mobile Mini

President-Elect MIKE HERRON VIP’s Industries

Past President LAURA DORN

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Vice President – Membership JENNIFER MARTIN First Commercial Real Estate

Vice President – Advocacy JONATHAN CASTRO MONROY Castro Monroy Group

Vice President – Events & Programming KATYA MENDEZ

Mountain West Investment Corporation

Treasurer STEPHEN JOYE Fischer, Hayes, Joye & Allen, LLC

RYAN DEMPSTER RICH DUNCAN

TOM HOFFERT

Chief Executive Officer

JACKIE ELLERBROCK

Operations Director

Pioneer Trust Bank

AmeriTitle

JEFF DUNN

JEFF MILLER

Core Solutions Consulting

TYSON PRUETT

Huggins Insurance Services, Inc.

CONNOR REITEN

SAIF

Lineage Logistics

TED FERRY

State Farm Insurance

JULI FOSCOLI

South Town Glass

KATHY GORDON

RP Smith C.P.A., P.C.

Coldwell Banker Commercial DPW Certified Public Accountants PNGC Power

JIM VU

ANGELA WILLIAMS

CHRISTY WITZKE

QUANDRAY ROBERTSON

Q’s Corner Barbershop

LENA PRINE

MICHELLE TERZENBACH

Marketing & Communications Manager

Director of Business Advocacy

Membership Manager

EVA PORRAS

McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director

KATIE COSTIC

CHRIS SEELY

Administrative Professional

ERIC TEMPLETON

DAN McDOWELL

Summit Wealth Management

DAN JOHNSON

RANDALL SUTTON

Saalfeld Griggs, P.C.

Rich Duncan Construction

Secretary BRANDON BLAIR

STAFF

ROGER HOY

Geppetto’s Italian Restaurant

Workforce Development Specialist

LAURA BRONSON JUDY FISHER SARAH RAMBECK

CTEC Business Liaisons

Member Services

Tesla Service Center – Salem.

RIBBON CUTTING REQUEST FORM

Central Willamette Credit Union.

HOSTING A GREETERS

Let’s celebrate! Ribbon Cuttings are a complimentary service the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provides to members at the Connector level and above that have just started a new business, have moved to a new location, or recently undergone a remodel. As the business owner, you have the option of making this event as simple or as elaborate as you wish.

Greeters is the largest and most active business networking opportunity in the Salem area. Greeters is available to all Salem Area Chamber of Commerce members (and their employees). Applications are due a week from booking your date. Requests are taken on a first-come basis. Members will be put on a wait list once the calendar year is full. Members can host Greeters once in a calendar year.

Be sure to fill out a request form at salemchamber.org/ ribboncuttingform to book your date now!

salemchamber.org/host-greeters-application

S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

VOTED BEST OUTDOOR LIGHTING

COMMERCIAL & ESTATE HOLIDAY LIGHTING SERVICE ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY LIGHTING PACKAGE

The Christmas Light Guys are the Willamette Valley’s premiere holiday lighting service. Based in Salem, we have been the illumination leader in the area for over a decade, consistently providing our clients with an unparalleled all-inclusive experience offering both temporary and now permanent lighting solutions for residential and commercial clients throughout the Northwest.

Call or Text: (503) 480-4473 Autumn 2023

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B U SIN ESS SPOTLIG H T

KBZY 1490 AM Radio Established in 1957, KBZY 1490 AM Radio has been a staple for classic hits and talk radio ever since. Louis Risewick and his wife purchased KBZY in 2020 after the previous owner, Roy Dittman, passed away. Concerned with the preservation of the station, Dittman’s widow, Gloria, was tasked with finding a new owner who would maintain KBZY’s core values and brand. With the support of his family, Risewick committed to doing just that. One of those values is KBZY’s commitment to community growth. A constant and proud champion for the local business community, KBZY is an active partner and participant at a wide variety of events, including the Let’s Dance Series at Riverfront Park, Salem Art Festival, Marion County Fair, and efforts to support the Salem Police Department and Salem Fire. “I cannot speak enough about the mission of the company to be focused on our community,” Risewick said. “Our success will be based on our values of respect, kindness, and love for our community. We are able to give back to them for the awesome support they show for us.” The station has also been active in the Salem Chamber. Whether it’s attending weekly Greeters meetings or signature events, such as the 2023 McLaran Classic Golf Tournament, KBZY has long been a visible, present, and supportive partner to its fellow small businesses. “I joined the Chamber because I want to be a part of the community,” Risewick said. “And a really great way to be seen is to be involved. I have really enjoyed the connections with Chamber staff and volunteers.” Along with its community involvement, Risewick says the station remains focused on maintaining its legacy by

KBZY Owner Louis Risewick, with his mother Joanne Risewick.

continuing to offer exceptional content, entertainment, and the best classic hits from the 1950s to 1980s flowing over the airwaves. “For my family and crew, we want to offer the best product out there for our listeners; from our morning show, to music, to community, and everything in between,” Risewick said. “And with the crew we have, we deliver that for sure. We all feel that for our business to succeed, we need to have strong community involvement. And we believe we are heading in that direction more every day.” Tune the dial to 1490 on your AM radio to hear more from KBZY and visit KBZY.com to learn more and listen online. 503.

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An AI Experiment What Does ChatGPT ‘Know’ About Public Policy, Chambers of Commerce, and Small Business? By Lena Prine, Director of Business Advocacy As many continue to embrace artificial intelligence technology and language chatbots, like ChatGPT, as time-saving communications, operations, and research tools, we can’t help but wonder what role they can play in businesses. With already more than 100 million global users since its 2022 launch, ChatGPT has certainly taken the world by storm. But just how knowledgeable is it about the work we do? Recently, I set out to understand more about ChatGPT and what it knows about my own work in business advocacy. The following is an excerpt from a conversation I had with ChatGPT.

their interests and concerns. They represent the aggregated needs of small businesses, giving them a stronger platform to influence policy discussions and outcomes. Policy Development: Chambers of Commerce engage in policy research and analysis to identify issues affecting small businesses. They gather data, conduct surveys, and analyze economic trends to formulate well-informed policy recommendations. This helps ensure that the concerns of small businesses are accurately represented and considered in the policymaking process.

ChatGPT: “Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in the public policy space for small businesses due to several key reasons:

Information and Education: Chambers of Commerce provide valuable information and educational resources to help small business owners navigate the intricacies of public policies. Workshops, seminars, webinars, and informational materials offered by chambers help small businesses understand their rights and responsibilities.

Advocacy and Representation: Small businesses often lack the resources and influence to effectively engage with government bodies and shape public policy decisions that impact their operations. Chambers of Commerce act as collective voices for these businesses, advocating for policies that support

Community Engagement: Chambers of Commerce are deeply rooted in local communities. They understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses within their region and work to ensure that public policies align with local economic needs. By engaging with local government officials and

Q: Why is a Chamber of Commerce important in the public policy space for small businesses?

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community stakeholders, chambers contribute to policies that foster economic growth and development.

Minimum Wage Laws: Oregon has been known for its progressive stance on minimum wage. The state has a tiered minimum wage system that varies by region and size of the employer. Businesses need to keep up with these wage laws to ensure compliance.

Influence on Decision-Making: Chambers of Commerce carry a certain level of credibility and influence in the eyes of policymakers. Their representation of a broad base of businesses gives them a stronger voice when advocating for policy changes. Policymakers often seek input from chambers when formulating new regulations or making decisions that impact the business community.

Paid Leave Laws: Oregon has enacted laws related to paid family and medical leave, which require employers to provide eligible employees with paid time off for certain qualifying events.

In essence, Chambers of Commerce act as intermediaries between small businesses and the government, ensuring that the unique challenges and needs of these businesses are considered in the formulation of public policies. Through advocacy, information sharing, and collaboration, chambers contribute to a more favorable business environment for small enterprises.” Q: What regulatory factors are impacting businesses operating in Oregon? ChatGPT: “As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, several regulatory factors were impacting businesses operating in Oregon. Please note that the regulatory landscape can change over time, so it’s important to consult up-to-date sources and official government websites for the most current information. Here are some key regulatory factors that were relevant to businesses in Oregon: Environmental Regulations: Oregon has strict environmental regulations, particularly related to air and water quality, waste management, and sustainable practices. Businesses are required to adhere to these regulations to minimize their environmental impact.

Taxation: Oregon has a unique tax system, including a corporate excise tax and a personal income tax. The state has also introduced a Corporate Activity Tax (CAT), which impacts businesses with significant gross receipts. Licensing and Permits: Depending on the type of business, there are various licenses and permits required to operate legally in Oregon. These could include professional licenses, health permits, and local business licenses. It’s important for businesses to regularly monitor regulatory changes and stay informed about new laws that may impact their operations. Consulting with legal and regulatory experts can help ensure compliance with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.” Key Takeaway: Relationships Are Still Essential While AI will be a useful tool in helping navigate, track, and analyze policy moving forward, relationships remain foundational. Individual stories, voices, and experiences matter when crafting and considering good, sound policy. An advocacy group that can establish relationships with policymakers, remain committed to listening to all sides of an issue, and engage on your behalf will remain vital to businesses moving forward. 503.

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B U SIN ESS SPOTLIG H T

Skyline Builders With the need for housing steadily on the rise — across the Pacific Northwest, but especially in the Salem area — Skyline Builders has emerged as one of the region’s premier general contractors, building its business rapidly since 2020 with a commitment to building a better community at the same time. Founded by Principal Owner Marc Gallegos and Managing Partner Landon Hattan, the company’s core values — “Transparency, Efficiency, and Integrity,” — are not only a calling card for the young business, but are in perfect lockstep with the spirit of the Salem business community. “I love those words,” Gallegos said. “And I think they are very much needed in construction because we might work with the client for two years before anything gets started in the field. So, at every meeting, we lead with that as our core value system with all of our clients, because we’ve been in their shoes, and it’s stressful, and it helps them know that everyone’s interests are aligned.” A life-long learner who has spent most of his life in the construction industry, Gallegos is a strong believer in a relationship-based approach with his clients as a developer now. And as someone who has worked in nearly every aspect of construction with his own hands, he sees the value in that experience as he comes to the table with property managers and community partners to work on projects that provide the community with more affordable housing options. “We can really relate to property owners and business owners, because we go through every step and we’re vertically integrated,” said Gallegos. “So, we can see around the corner of all the phases and our interests are really aligned with our clients and owners. I think that creates a relatability and understanding of how the industry works.” While the company has added excavation to its list of services, its specialty remains in new construction, both commercial and residential. It has several completed and ongoing projects in the Willamette Valley as well as Northeast Washington, but the most recent completed housing project — the Fisher Park Apartments, located 14

Marc Gallegos of Skyline Builders at Fisher Park Apartments.

at 4370-4374 Fisher Road in Northeast Salem — just opened to tenants this fall. Located just minutes from I-5, shopping, dining, and Chemeketa Community College, Fisher Park (which is managed by SMI Property Management) is home to 26 modern, pet-friendly units (ranging from 800 to 1,400 square feet) with direct access to on-site storage and a neighboring and recently revitalized public park. The units and the location are perfect for busy Chemeketa students, but are designed to accommodate the modern needs of young families and singles as well. “And it’s vibrant,” Gallegos said excitedly about the new property. “Our motto is ‘to build a better community,’ and this is exactly the kind of thing that we would love to pour into these areas, especially with this being close to I-5 and Chemeketa. And having a park right here, I think makes it unique.” Whether it’s offering support or connection opportunities to fellow business owners and builders, Gallegos says Skyline Builders is here for Salem as it continues to grow its own business while living up to its communitybuilding mission. “Whether you’re small or big, we are here to help people, and I think we can do that through construction,” he said. Visit skyline-co.com to learn more about Skyline Builders and fisherparksalem.com to check out the new Fisher Park Apartments. 503. S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

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Commercial Air Service Takes Flight How the Salem Business Community, City, and Airport Paved the Runway A joint effort between the Salem Airport, City of Salem, the Fly Salem Steering Committee, local pro-business organizations, and private businesses — along with state, federal and community support — has returned commercial flights to Salem for the first time in nearly 15 years. 16

737 silhouette © yganko / 123rf.com

S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy cuts the ribbon to the inaugural flight at Salem Airport alongside community stakeholders.

On Oct. 5, 2023, a sleek, narrowbodied Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 aircraft awaits boarding by 149 passengers eagerly anticipating a smooth and breezy flight to the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas. While not technically classified as a “Jumbo Jet,” with a length and wingspan of more than 110 feet, the impressive scale of the plane on the Salem Municipal Airport tarmac perfectly exemplifies the magnitude of the moment for Oregon’s capital, as the day marks the first time Salem has offered commercial air service from its airport in nearly 15 years. Following the July 13 announcement of commercial air service’s return to Salem and twice weekly flights to Las Vegas and Hollywood Burbank Airport with exclusive carrier Avelo Airlines, Autumn 2023

celebration among Salem community members began. However, the journey to get to this historic moment and the work that went into the effort behind the scenes are also worth celebrating, as nearly every sector of the Salem community came together to make the return of commercial service happen. Community Conversations By 2017, several years had already passed since the Salem Airport offered commercial flights, and many in the Salem business community began buzzing around the idea of a return to service, which, many surmised, would inject economic energy into the community. Meetings between leaders of Travel Salem, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Salem Aviation Fueling, and SEDCOR (Strategic Economic

Development Corporation) began shortly thereafter, where the idea generated further economic interest and the willingness to invest in it. At the same time, other business leaders, including Michael Roth (formerly of Roth’s Fresh Markets), began similar conversations with the City of Salem, which led to Roth’s hosting small community forums with Salem business leaders. According to some in the room during those meetings, there was a clear and obvious consensus: that commercial air service was more than a worthy pursuit. Funding & Fundraising Following positive feedback from the community, the Fly Salem Steering Committee was formed to move the project forward. Composed of 10 community 17

and business leaders, including leaders from the Salem Chamber, Travel Salem, and Salem Aviation Fueling, the volunteer committee sought funding from private investors while continuing to educate the business committee on the positive economic impact that commercial air service would provide. Although the committee was able to show that Salem was the nation’s largest capital metropolitan area without airline service and that the more than 500,000 people who live within a 25-miles radius of Salem’s McNary Field (SLE) were potential commercial travelers, there was still competition with communities all over North America trying to recruit airlines to their area. The steering committee then worked to create a recruitment package that demonstrated regional, political, and business community support; a plan to market the service; and a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) fund to backfill any potential revenue deficiencies. In April of 2019, the Oregon Department of Aviation’s Rural Oregon Airport Relief Program (ROAR) awarded a grant of up to $500,000 to the project with the Salem Chamber serving as the grant’s trustee. These funds allowed the project to hire a consultant, collect more data, and attend recruitment conferences, where members of the Fly Salem Committee pitched the project and Salem to potential airline partners, including eventual Salem carrier, Avelo Airlines. “Returning commercial air service to the Salem area was a five-year process, which involved securing research and data to identify top 18

Senator Ron Wyden (far left) visited Salem Municipal Airport to meet with Mayor Chris Hoy (third from right), along with City of Salem staff, councilors and business leaders in January 2023.

destination markets, attending airline conferences to get Salem on the radar and pitch our value proposition to potential carriers, and galvanizing the support of many local business owners and community leaders,” said Travel Salem CEO and Fly Salem Steering Committee Member Angie Villery about the process. Working closely with the City of Salem and the Salem Airport, excitement for the project continued to swell and the positive momentum helped garner the confidence of other key city, state, and federal stakeholders, which would lead to other major funding milestones. Here are just a couple: August 2022 – with support from U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden – the City of Salem receives a $850,000 grant from the U.S. Department

of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program. January 2023 – Salem City Council votes to transfer $2,366,000 from the General Fund to pay to renovate the terminal and hire new airport employees. “You can see the scope of every entity that had to be involved to make this happen,” Salem Municipal Airport Manager John Paskell said about the project’s funding, which allowed him to hire the additional staff and purchase the new equipment necessary to prepare the airport for commercial service operations. “And it wouldn’t have happened otherwise. I think if we were missing any one of those key pieces, we would probably have been dead in the water.” S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

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Airport Renovations, Upgrades & Staffing To keep potential carriers interested and invested in the Salem market, the Salem Municipal Airport was tasked with renovating its facilities and making terminal improvements to meet TSA standards. These improvements included the installation of baggage security equipment, passenger security screening equipment, and ADA and other safety code requirements. With a very short timeline to complete these improvements, business leaders with expertise from the building industry stepped in to offer valuable advice and guidance, including Salem Chamber Board President Alan Rasmussen. “We just wanted to chip in where we could,” said Rasmussen, Vice President of Manufacturing at WillScot Mobile Mini (formerly Modern Building Systems). “This wasn’t work that we normally do (specifically, airport terminal design), but we were fully committed to doing it, just to make it happen for the community.” For Paskell and his airport staff, more than $540,000 in funding from the State of Oregon (thanks to then State Representative Raquel Moore Green) helped provide the Salem Airport with the resources it needed to launch commercial service, but the next challenges involved staffing up in short order and renovating the airport in time to meet TSA requirements while staying on schedule for the fall 2023 launch. “I’ve got more than twice the number of employees I had this time last year,” said Paskell. “And 20

Salem Airport and City of Salem staff celebrate Salem’s new commercial air service.

I was able, because of the need for more employees, to hire some really great and capable people, including a security manager, a credentialing coordinator, a fulltime admin analyst, a couple of new airport operations, and security staff. So I’m really happy about that.”

$39 one way) are obvious selling points for individual fliers. For the Salem business community and the City, the major appeal of bringing commercial air service back to Salem lies in the impact it will undoubtedly have on our local economy and increased tourism to the Willamette Valley.

“Just in the last eight months, we’ve had to do all of the terminal improvements, work with the TSA, FAA, the City, the airline, and our local tenants to really change the entire scope of how the airport operates,” Paskell added. “So, it’s not just in the terminal, but we had to change the entire airport security posture, access controls, background checks, all of that. This year has been a heavy lift for us, but we’re almost to the end, and now that we are launching service, that makes me feel pretty good. It makes all of that effort, stress, anxiety, and worry, worth it.”

“... Commercial air service will bring more business to Salem, and Salem is ready for it,” said Salem City Councilor (Ward 7) Vanessa Nordyke. “... I’m fortunate to have so many friends who own local shops, boutiques, and galleries, as well as local artists, artisans, thespians, and musicians. And you know what? All of them will benefit from commercial air service.”

A Boon to the Region’s Economy The convenience of not having to travel to the airports of Portland (PDX) or Eugene (EUG) and the affordable fares offered by Salem’s exclusive carrier Avelo (as low as

“Direct flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and future destinations, will provide new feeder markets for sales efforts aimed at bringing new conventions, sporting events and conferences to the Salem area,” said Villery. “In addition, we’ll be able to capture the many business travelers who typically leave Salem on Thursday night to stay overnight in Portland, so they can catch an early Friday morning S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

Of course, with any initiative of this scale and scope, numerous challenges and setbacks instilled some doubt that it would eventually come to fruition. But even as expected costs for the City, rising oil prices, and the COVID-19 pandemic all presented potential obstacles to progress, leaders and proponents of commercial air service in Salem continued to push forward.

Passengers wait to board Avelo Airlines’ first flight from Salem to Las Vegas.

flight. Now that revenue will stay in the community and support local businesses.” “While we are excited about commercial air service and the outbound opportunities for residents to be able to connect and fly anywhere in the world, we were most excited for the inbound opportunities for visitors to be able to fly directly into the heart of Oregon’s wine country,” Villery added. “Commercial air service will further stimulate tourism economic growth. In 2022, Salem and Marion & Polk Counties were supported by $782.3 million in estimated economic impact from tourism. We anticipate that commercial air service will help us surpass those record numbers in the coming years.” An Entire Community Working Together Toward a Common Goal All the stakeholders we spoke with agree that commercial air service’s economic impact on Salem and the surrounding Willamette Valley could be tremendous, but perhaps just as impressive was seeing the Salem business community, airport, and city rally together to Autumn 2023

stick the landing. To many, seeing the project finally take flight after years of hard work is not only a moment of pride for Salem, but a testament to the strength of our community. “In my entire airport career, which spans about 30 years now, it’s probably been the most robust kind of stakeholder involved project I’ve ever worked on,” said Paskell. “It’s got community, local government, county government, state government, and federal government, all pitching in, whether it’s financially, or just with the legwork. There were a lot of stakeholders, a lot of people, and organizations that helped us see this through.” “Working together with the business community, Travel Salem, and Fly Salem was essential,” said Councilor Nordyke. “They did their homework. They did a great job explaining the pent-up demand for and economic impact of commercial air service. A willingness to imagine a brighter future for Salem and the entire Willamette Valley was also key.”

“At the city level, commercial air service required Councilors to voice their support and model a can-do, get-it-done attitude. From the get-go, I made clear to staff and my colleagues that I supported commercial air service,” Councilor Nordyke said. “The city staff pointed out the barriers to air service. It is city staff’s job to identify the costs and challenges of new projects. And whenever city staff does so, it’s up to Councilors like me to inspire city staff to think outside the box and get things done. For commercial air service, we enlisted business leaders, aviation experts, and stakeholders to collaborate with Council and city staff to overcome the obstacles together.” “This is a bright day for Salem’s future,” said Salem Mayor Chris Hoy during the July 13 announcement. “As our city continues its coming-of-age journey, commercial passenger air service will make investing in our city easier and will make the world a little more accessible for our residents who travel. This win-win was made possible through much community collaboration and dedication of our city staff.” “I’m proud of the community for coming together in a public and private partnership to make this a reality,” said Rasmussen. 21

A Bright Horizon All of the stakeholders involved see these first Salem flights with Avelo as only the beginning for what commercial air service holds for Salem. With impressive sales numbers already coming in, there is certainly potential for growth — to more destinations and with more carriers — in the future. “We are thrilled by the very strong early booking numbers into and out of the Salem market,” said Villery. “Avelo has shared that this has been the best pre-sales of any of their West Coast market launches. I’m delighted to see all the hard work pay off — a small but mighty group worked tirelessly and never gave up despite the odds to make this happen. That kind of passion and tenacity is rare. I’m thankful for the vision of partners like Mayor Chris Hoy,

Salem City Councilor Jose Gonzalez, Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert, and Salem Mayor Chris Hoy at Salem Airport.

Brent DeHart (Salem Aviation Fueling) and Tom Hoffert (Salem Chamber) who helped lead the way.”

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“The early success will only help bolster our recruitment efforts to bring additional commercial airline

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Autumn 2023

B U SIN ESS SPOTLIG H T

The Christmas Light Guys In 2006, longtime friends Chuck Ettel and Matt Brozovich started The Christmas Light Guys, a specialty lighting and display shop that has steadily grown in the years since. Powered by passion and creativity, the Guys’ business can now easily be spotted — during the day, but especially against the night sky — from the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, as its own signage shines brightly, illuminating the area surrounding its showroom and warehouse at 3535 Del Webb Ave. NE Salem, OR 97301. Matt Brozovich. Dabbling first in holiday lighting competitions as a kid, Brozovich teamed up with Ettel, who had experience helping with the locally famous display of lights at The Gatti Law Firm. Ettel’s wife, Melanie, played a major role in the success of growing CLG, referring leads as calls came into the law firm looking for the company that was responsible for the beautiful display of lights seen at the Liberty Road/Commercial Street split each year. Ettel retired in 2015 and Brozovich has since grown his team to 14 employees, consistently providing the quality of work they had performed from their humble beginnings. Today, The Christmas Light Guys offer much more than just seasonal lighting, as the business had expanded to also specialize in commercial lighting, custom displays, and animated displays. The company has also partnered with Gemstone Lighting, which offers permanent, customizable LED lights that can be controlled from any mobile device via an app. Additionally, CLG works on a

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wide variety of projects ranging from fully animated walk-through displays to simple outlines on residential homes. No matter the project, the Guys pride themselves on offering the best customer experience possible as the “premiere holiday lighting service” in the area.

“We have been the illumination leader in the metro area for over a decade, consistently providing our clients with an unparalleled all-inclusive experience,” said Brozovich. “We provide and install everything needed to light your home or commercial property for the holiday season. From sleek and modern to warm and inviting, our Architectural Lighting options offer something for every taste and style. With endless possibilities to choose from, you’ll find the perfect pattern to match any look or holiday you desire!” The company believes in the Salem community and feels strongly in its responsibility to showcase and represent Oregon in our region’s best light. The CLG team is excited to be involved with the Salem Chamber and is looking forward to being a part of the Leadership Salem Cohort as it looks to make connections with like-minded local business owners. Regardless of the project, CLG wants to treat your home or business as if it were its own. Whether you are lighting your business or your own home, visit The Christmas Light Guys’ showroom or visit christmaslightguyssalem.com to take your holiday display to the next level this year. 503.

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Check out our website for our events! 25

McL aran Leade r s h i p F o u nd a ti o n

Salem Emerging Leaders presents

Lunch with

LEADERS

By Katie Costic, McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director

Organized by the McLaran Leadership Foundation, Salem Emerging Leaders rolled out a new monthly professional development series this fall, providing young businesspeople with the opportunity to engage with and learn from influential and established leaders in our region. Learning from experience is an incredible way to foster new leadership within our community, and this principle is at the core of the McLaran Leadership Foundation’s NEW Lunch with Leaders Series.

compelling stories and are widely

This program provides a platform for Salem’s Emerging Leaders to interact with prominent individuals in our community who have

Q&A session, offering a remarkable

admired for their positive influence on others. Each 90-minute session includes a delightful lunch, a 30-minute presentation, and an engaging 30-minute interactive opportunity to gain insights from established and esteemed individuals.

On Sept. 27, we launched the series with the inspiring Bonnie Milletto, a motivational speaker, emcee, and author (Dedicated to the Cup: Nine Ways to Reinvent a Life; Been There, From Stuck to Unstoppable). She urged everyone in attendance to ‘get out of our own way,’ reminding us that true power does not come from titles, and overnight success is a myth. S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

Instead, as Bonnie noted in her presentation, success is the culmination of consistent effort in the small actions we take daily. Comparing ourselves to others only holds us back, as life meets us at the point of our own actions. She encouraged us to identify our point of action and overcome our selfimposed limitations. Bonnie also emphasized that, regardless of our product or service, we are all in the same business: the people business. Our accomplishments will earn recognition, but what people remember most is how we made them feel. Our community is fortunate to have numerous leaders and community caretakers willing to share their stories and the invaluable advice that has guided them throughout their careers and life journeys. The Lunch with Leaders Series will feature a new leader each month, providing an opportunity to network, hear impactful stories, and Autumn 2023

Motivational speaker Bonnie Milletto is the first speaker at Lunch with Leaders.

engage in open dialogue with our exceptional guests.

Community College, for making this

This eight-month series takes place on the first Tuesday of each month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., hosted at various Salem Chamber member locations throughout our community. We eagerly anticipate our next Lunch with Leaders on Nov. 7, featuring Ernesto Toskovic, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Banker with KeyBank Commercial Banking, at Ritter’s Housemade Foods.

to an enriching series filled with

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor, Chemeketa

or any Salem Emerging Leaders

program possible. We look forward impactful stories and meaningful conversations in the months ahead! Contact me at katie@ salemchamber.org if you are interested in participating or know a colleague who would benefit from this new program. I hope to see you at a future Lunch with Leaders gathering. 503. 27

B U SIN ESS SPOTLIG H T

Praxis Health For the past 50 years, Praxis Health has sought to preserve the feel of an independent practice while providing the expansive array of resources and care services that come with a health network that has now served more than 100,000 patients and employs more than 600 health professionals in 18 specialties. As the Pacific Northwest’s leading independent healthcare network today, Praxis’ mission is to “deliver individualized patient care that is the Northwest’s most advanced, convenient and human.” For Praxis, its enhanced and personalized care experience starts with putting patients and families first. Praxis’ focus is on providing exceptional patient care and supporting its providers. With this considerate and compassionate approach, which also prioritizes independence, providers can establish a true connection to their patients. This fosters a “family” culture that attracts the best in medicine from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. “Despite the increasing volatility in

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can offer, allowing autonomy with a culture rooted in a fulfilling work environment that translates to excellence in experience and care. Recruitment to Salem has presented some challenges, but Praxis identified our city as a good place to do business in, with the opportunity to offer solutions to the community with its independent practice model.

Michael Olson, Regional Administrator at Praxis Health.

healthcare, we will continue to be successful by honoring our people and their families with flexibility and compassion as a large-box healthcare alternative …. while doing the same for our patients,” explains Michael Olson, Regional Administrator. Praxis faces competition for securing providers, but feels strongly in what its engaged model

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“Our success will always remain tied to ensuring we are caring for our patients the right way and serving as a smaller community practice option for the MidWillamette Valley,” Olson said. Learn more about Praxis Health and the patient experience it offers by visiting gopraxishealth.com. 503.

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Since launching its primary care clinic in South Salem in 2020, Praxis is now looking to reinvest in the community, and strengthen its primary care offerings; with the recent addition of endocrinology, it hopes to serve a pressing need in Salem.

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A M B ASSAD O R OF TH E Q UARTE R

Sue Wack

Community leadership comes in many forms and styles, but the core values of strong leaders are often shared, such as ambition, determination, and showing the compassion and ability to lift up your neighbors so that the community can succeed. Sue Wack has embodied these values from day one of her long and successful career in the banking industry. Sue began her professional journey right out of college as a telephone receptionist before rising to become a branch manager, and now, a loan officer with 26 years of experience in mortgage lending. While her ambitious career path has been challenging at times, the rewards of helping others achieve their personal goals has been more than worth it for Sue. “It’s exciting to see someone realize the American dream of home ownership and that they accomplished it with my help,” said Sue, a Senior Loan Officer at People’s Bank of Commerce.

In 2013, Sue brought that same community-building spirit to the Salem Chamber as she became a regular attendee of the weekly Greeters meetings, which quickly made her more recognized across town, leading to natural connections. A few years

People’s Bank of Commerce

later, she was approached about becoming a Chamber Ambassador and jumped at the opportunity to serve the community with her networking skillset and passion for building up local businesses. “I am honored to be able to welcome new businesses to the various networking functions,” Sue said about her Ambassador role. “It is important to help new businesses and individuals make connections with others in the community, so we establish a sense of belonging.” As she continues to welcome others at Chamber events — such as Forum Speaker Series Luncheons, ribbon-cuttings, and Greeters — Sue has discovered her own sense of belonging here in Salem, ever since returning to Oregon from the MidWest 10 years ago. And as Salem has continued to grow and flourish with new businesses and opportunities, her love for this community has only deepened. “Salem is my home where I live, worship, work, and play,” Sue said. “I lived here in the early ’70s, and to see it now is quite impressive! The community has expanded its downtown footprint with new shops, restaurants, and homes of all varieties. It is the heartbeat of Salem.”

And much like her Chamber Ambassador friends and peers, Sue’s community service efforts extend well beyond her role with the Salem Chamber. A past chair of the Salem Business Women, Sue has been involved with the Salem Business Builder, Inc.’s networking group since 2016 (currently serving as secretary), has mentored high school students in mock interview programs, and has taken leadership roles with non-profits, including Habitat for Humanity. When not serving her community in a volunteer capacity or winning awards for her professional work (Salem Association of Realtors’ 2017 Affiliate of the Year), Sue loves to sing with the Willamette Master Chorus. Ever present in the community and at Chamber functions, Sue is easy to find and connect with. Make sure to say hello to Sue the next time you see her and congratulate her on being named the Ambassador of the Quarter! 503.

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Teresa Nitti, APRN, CNM became a midwife to provide personalized, holistic care to women and families. She is honored to be joining the team at Santiam Women’s Clinic and looks forward to providing individualized, compassionate care and attention. Her education includes: • Master of Science in Nursing from the Community-based Nurse-Midwifery Education Program at Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky. • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Central Florida in Orlando. In her free time, Teresa enjoys spending time with her adult son, Zac and her French Bulldog, Bear. Her hobbies include travel, yoga and reading. She recently moved here from Florida and is excited about exploring all of the natural beauty Oregon has to offer.

503.769.9522

1373 N 10th Ave, Stayton santiamhospital.org Connect With Us

Brooke Renard, MD, OB/GYN

1401 N 10th Ave., Stayton · 503.769.2175 Birth Center Tours are ﬁrst Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm. Visit our website at santiamhospital.org

Sara Dunham, MD

Teresa Nitti, APRN, CNM

• Personalized pre-natal care • Birthing rooms offering numerous amenities, including private in-room labor tubs • Delivery by your OB Team in Santiam Hospital’s state-of-the-art birthing center • Compassionate, Highly-Trained LDRNs, Labor Tubs, OHSU NICU Telemedicine Support

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Albany, OR Permit No.188

1110 Commercial St. NE • Salem OR 97301 tel 503-581-1466 fax 503-581-0972 www.salemchamber.org

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