Devastating Impact Measure 118 Will Have on Oregon Businesses plus business spotlights and summer photo gallery
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The Critical Role of Childcare in Boosting Economic Development & Supporting Small Business Employment
by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer
Nearly every week, I hear from a member (sometimes multiple members) regarding the challenges businesses and their employees are facing in sourcing childcare in Salem. Access to quality childcare is a significant yet often overlooked factor that influences economic growth and the sustainability of small businesses. For small business owners and employers, understanding the vital role of reliable childcare services in the workforce is essential for fostering a productive environment and supporting the local economy.
The availability of trustworthy childcare enables parents to seek and maintain employment. Quality childcare reduces absenteeism by allowing parents to commit to their work schedules without the stress of worrying about their children’s safety and well-being. When parents are confident their children are in nurturing environments, they are less likely to miss work, ensuring consistency and reliability in their professional roles.
High-quality childcare also positively impacts job performance. Parents who know their children are well cared for can focus more fully on their job responsibilities. This heightened focus and reduced stress improve job performance, benefiting employers with a more engaged and productive workforce. The increase in productivity and engagement drives overall economic activity, showcasing the broader benefits of investing in quality childcare.
To address the pressing need for childcare, some employers are taking action. In addition to offering flexible
work schedules or subsidies for external childcare solutions, some offer on-site childcare. In fact, one Salem company recently doubled down on its commitment to assist its workforce with childcare. In September of 2024, Chamber member Open Dental Software launched its new Certified Childcare Center within its Southeast Salem campus. Childcare gives big brands like Open Dental a significant advantage in hiring and retention. By solving this major employment challenge for parents, companies can enhance employee loyalty and job satisfaction by acknowledging and addressing one of their most significant challenges.
Of course, many small businesses cannot build an on-site childcare center. However, there are some tactics employers can use to alleviate childcare stress. These include partnering with childcare centers to offer discounts to their employees, providing workers with backup childcare solutions, and working with local community leaders to support after-school programs and summer camps.
Investing in childcare is not just an employee benefit; it creates job opportunities within the childcare sector itself. By supporting local childcare services, small businesses can stimulate job creation for a wide range of positions, from childcare providers to administrative staff. This ripple effect not only creates employment but also fosters a sense of community. When businesses invest in local childcare, they are not just supporting families; they are investing in their own future and that of the local economy.
The economic implications of quality childcare extend even further. As working parents allocate a portion of their income to childcare services, they inject funds back into the community, stimulating local economies. This spending supports not only childcare providers, but also related services such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other local businesses. In essence, investing in childcare is an investment in the community’s economic vitality.
For small business owners concerned about costs, it is crucial to recognize that investing in childcare can lead to long-term savings. Offering childcare assistance or establishing partnerships with local childcare providers can reduce turnover and the associated costs of recruiting and training new employees. Additionally, businesses that offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, can help accommodate parents’ childcare schedules, resulting in a more dedicated workforce.
Ultimately, access to quality childcare is not merely a family issue; it’s an economic imperative that small business owners and employers must take seriously. By recognizing the importance of reliable childcare, businesses can create a thriving workforce and foster vibrant local economies. The benefits of investing in childcare are manifold: it supports families, enhances employee productivity, creates job opportunities, and stimulates local economic growth. The Salem Chamber is proud to represent the needs and desires of our local small business community, as these companies ensure a strong economic ecosystem for Salem-area residents. 503.
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salem chamber’s magazine
503. is published quarterly by Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc., proud Chamber member. Publisher: Paula Mabry Project Manager: Tavis Bettoli-Lotten Advertising Graphics: Steve Beckner
Yamasa Corporation U.S.A. has produced soy sauces and miso broths at its Salem facility since 1994.
Welcome Newest Chamber Members
1320 State Events & Catering
by Sassy Onion
A&J Fitness
American Family Insurance –
Sabrina Dikeman Agency
Basil & Board
Bo & Vine Burger, South Salem
Bridges Oregon
Capacity Solutions
Cascade Door & Millwork
CCA Construction LLC
Collective Wealth Planning
Contract Furnishings Mart
David L. Carlson, PC
Ebenezer Business & Home Cleaning
Elite Fleet Service
Exitus: Salem Escape Rooms
Farmers Insurance, Anthony Nunn
FF Manufacturing
Heart Brand Stories
Integrated Solutions, LLC
Kaufman Commercial
Kaufman Homes
Kaufman’s Home Maintenance
Kayelee Beauty Essentials
LC Solutions & Maintenance
Cleaning, LLC
McLaran Enterprises, LLC
April 11 – Sept. 19, 2024
Minuteman Press
National Business Solutions
No Girl Left Behind
Nurse Next Door
Offbeat Coffee Co.
OnPoint Fencing and Decking
Oregon Conferences for Women
The Oregon Critter & Travel Co.
Red Robin
Renaissance Roofing, Inc.
Roofing it Forward
Salem Baseball Club
Salem Women’s Football Association
Sassy Onion, Market Street
Simnitt House and Home
Swipe Pay
Systems Success, Inc.
Trellis
The UPS Store
W. Wallace
WaFd Bank, North Salem
What’s Happening Salem
Willamette Legacy Law
Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing
Young Living Essential Oils
Interested in joining the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce?
For more information, contact Membership Manager Michelle Helbling at michelle@salemchamber.org
PARTNERSHIPS IN COMMUNITY
Salem-Keizer
Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce TODAY
My first job after turning 16 years old was hand nailing subflooring for Harry Hinton. Harry didn’t believe in using a drill and screws, or any adhesives. Harry believed in a 32-ounce Vaughan milled-face hammer and a 1,000-count box of three-inch galvanized nails. Every Sunday through Thursday evening I would call Harry and get the next day’s address, along with a few directions (because 16-year-olds don’t know where anything is), and the location of where he’d left my box of nails. The next morning, I would arrive alone at a usually empty worksite, do a quick walk through of the home, find my box of nails, turn the boombox on, and get to work. Six, seven, eight hours a day swinging a two-pound hammer over, and over, and over again. Tap, set. Tap, set.
Thankfully, I’m ambidextrous. And thankfully, I had Harry Hinton to teach me some early lessons about hard work, responsibility, and what it takes to be a productive member of the workforce.
Unfortunately, today’s teens do not have the same number and availability of opportunities to work early in their lives to pick up the
same skills and lessons I received. Harry Hinton has unfortunately passed, and there aren’t a lot of folks like Harry stepping into that gap to provide the hard work of training the basic skills many of us took for granted. Workplace regulation and liability issues have also made hiring young people less desirable for many employers who employed teens in the past. An unfortunate but predictable result has been that many kids are graduating from high school unprepared and lacking the basic skills needed to enter the workforce with full-time jobs.
Thankfully, that does not have to be the end of the story. The Salem community broadly, and the Salem Chamber specifically, have two critical partners in training and equipping the next generation of workers, employees, managers, and owners in the skills they will need to succeed now and into the future: the Salem-Keizer School District and Chemeketa Community College.
The Salem Chamber is a committed partner to both the Salem-Keizer School District and Chemeketa Community College.
by Mike Herron, VIP’s Industries
We recognize both institutions as critical investments in the workforce preparation and development our community requires to maintain a healthy and prosperous economy. This is the primary reason your Chamber Board voted in support of the Chemeketa Capital Improvement Bond, which will appear on the November 2024 ballot. The continued support of the business community is vital to the continued success of their efforts to prepare and equip the workforce of tomorrow.
First jobs are critical. I was fortunate by having Harry Hinton and his early installation of some basic work habits and perspectives that serve me to this day. SalemKeizer’s Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) and Chemeketa’s Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are that first experience now for a lot of kids and young adults. We owe it to them, and our business community, to ensure that those programs are vibrant, thriving incubators for the workforce of tomorrow. 503.
Your Chamber
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
MIKE HERRON
VIP’s Industries
President-Elect
TED FERRY
State Farm Insurance
Past President
ALAN RASMUSSEN
WillScot Mobile Mini
Vice President –
Membership
ANGELA WILLIAMS Huggins Insurance Services, Inc.
STAFF
TOM HOFFERT
Chief Executive Officer
JACKIE
ELLERBROCK
Operations Director
Vice President –Advocacy
RICH DUNCAN
Rich Duncan Construction
Vice President –Events & Programming
KATYA MENDEZ Northwestern Mutual
Treasurer
RYAN DEMPSTER Willamette Valley Bank
Secretary BRANDON BLAIR Summit Wealth Management
DAN JOHNSON
Marketing & Communications Manager
EVA PORRAS
Administrative Professional
Member Services
BOARD MEMBERS
JONATHAN
CASTRO MONROY
Castro Monroy Group
TAMMY DENNEE
Oregon Cattlemen’s Association
JEFF DUNN
Lineage Logistics
LUCY ESCOBAR
Lucy Escobar Coaching & Consulting
JULI FOSCOLI
South Town Glass
ROGER HOY
Geppetto’s Italian Restaurant
KATIE COSTIC
McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director
MICHELLE HELBLING Membership Manager
RIBBON CUTTING REQUEST FORM
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.
Be sure to fill out a request form at salemchamber.org/ ribboncuttingform to book your date now!
JENNIFER MARTIN
First Commercial Real Estate
DAN MCDOWELL Pioneer Trust Bank
DIANE MCLARAN
McLaran Enterprises, Inc.
TYSON PRUETT Anthem Strategists
CONNOR REITEN PNGC Power
BILL RIECKE Bark Boys, Inc.
QUANDRAY
ROBERTSON
Q’s Corner Barbershop
RANDALL SUTTON Saalfeld Griggs, P.C.
ERIC TEMPLETON AmeriTitle
JIM VU Core Solutions Consulting
CHRISTY WITZKE SAIF
LLAYNE NGO Events & Programming Manager
CHRIS THOMPSON Workforce Development Specialist
JAMESON GIDEON Director of Business Advocacy
LAURA BRONSON
JUDY FISHER CTEC Business Liaisons
HOSTING A GREETERS
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. salemchamber.org/host-greeters-application
Club Pilates – South Salem.
Howard Street Charter School.
Q: What do a Picasso and a Palomino have in common ?
Both can be donated to charity through your Oregon Community Foundation. No matter what type of asset you have to share, OCF can guide you through an easy, enjoyable and successful process to assure your gift is received and you get the best tax benefits possible. As your statewide community foundation we help you, help others . Let’s get started.
New Wave Laundry
Bringing Innovative Laundry Solutions to Salem
Located at 2195 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem, New Wave Laundry is redefining what it means to visit a laundromat. Opened in January of 2023 by Lindsey and Matt Seehawer, New Wave Laundry has quickly become the go-to place for the area’s garment washing needs with its efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly laundry experience. This family-run business sets itself apart by blending state-ofthe-art technology with a welcoming environment, making laundry day more convenient, less of a chore, and more of a legitimately enjoyable experience.
“Our mission is to offer the best laundry experience in Salem,” said New Wave Laundry Co-Owner Lindsey Seehawer. “We do this by ensuring our store is the cleanest and safest laundromat in Salem while also providing the latest and most efficient wash/dry machine technology available.”
New Wave Laundry offers a clean, efficient, and modern space for customers to take care of their laundry without the hassle of dealing with outdated machines or the need to carry coins. One of the standout features of the laundromat
Here’s what community members say about the service we provide.
is its coinless payment system, integrated through the Speed Queen app. This system allows customers to pay using their mobile phones, track machine availability, and receive notifications when their laundry is ready. For those looking for the ultimate convenience, the app also tracks loyalty rewards, offering incentives for frequent visitors.
The laundromat is outfitted with high-efficiency Speed Queen machines that accommodate loads ranging from 10 to 80 pounds. Whether you’re a single individual with a few items or a family tackling weeks’ worth of clothes, New Wave has the machines to get the job done. The facility also offers free sanitizing cycles, ensuring every wash meets high standards of cleanliness.
“We have succeeded in providing the best experience and our customers are very appreciative,” Seehawer said. “Our customers can be in and out in about an hour with clean, dry clothes, saving them time and money.”
In addition to its self-service options, New Wave Laundry provides a Commercial Wash Dry Fold service, which the Seehawers plan to continue to grow in the near future. This service is perfect for those with busy schedules, allowing customers to drop off their laundry and pick it up, freshly washed, dried, and folded, within 24 to 48 hours. For commercial clients, like local businesses or Airbnb owners, this service offers the convenience and reliability needed to keep operations running smoothly.
The laundromat is staffed by full-time professionals who are always on hand to assist with any needs, from machine operation to customer service, ensuring that every visit is seamless and stress-free.
At New Wave Laundry, the customer experience is designed to be both comfortable and enjoyable. The facility is bright, spacious, and equipped with smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating areas to pass the time while your laundry is in progress. Whether you’re there for a quick wash or spending a few hours with multiple loads, the environment is inviting and relaxing.
To ensure customer safety, the laundromat has 24/7 security cameras, and with full-time staff present, patrons can feel secure while completing their laundry. This focus on safety and comfort makes New Wave Laundry a great option for everyone, from individuals to families and commercial clients.
“We have security cameras throughout the store and outside, and our staff members are on duty 100 percent of our operating hours, which is unique in our market and industry,” Seehawer said.
Along with providing excellent laundry services, New Wave Laundry is also all about serving the local community. By offering a clean, reliable, and modern laundromat with an all-bilingual staff, the business aims to meet the needs of Salem’s diverse population. Whether customers are stopping in to run a quick load of laundry or utilizing the fullservice option, New Wave has created a space where the entire community feels welcome.
With New Wave still being fairly new to northeast Salem, Seehawer says the business is always looking to meet with
fellow businesses in the area to improve its services and its outreach to local residents.
“We joined the chamber to get to know our community and customers better,” she said. “I love meeting other business owners in the community to get ideas and resources from them.”
Along with its plans to expand its Commercial Wash Dry Fold service, New Wave remains focused on overall growth, making more community connections, and retaining the highest standard of customer service.
“We have steadily grown over the first 22 months and now look forward to building up our commercial presence now that we have a wonderfully trained and reliable staff,” said Seehawer, who now employs five staff members at New Wave Laundry. “We have always had the facility and the machines — now we have the staff to ensure we will meet our commercial customer’s needs.”
With a focus on modern conveniences, community service, and an enjoyable laundry experience, New Wave Laundry stands out as an industry leader in Salem. Whether you’re looking to wash your own clothes or leave the job to the professionals, New Wave Laundry has the solution for you.
Visit newwavelaundry.com to learn more about the business and its services. 503.
When you hear from your insurance agent, do they primarily inform you of health insurance rate increases? Instead, what if they helped your employees see all the benefits you are paying for? Having a trusted resource for your team is part of what Hagan Hamilton delivers and what your employees deserve. Call or text for a consult today.
The staff of New Wave Laundry with owners Matt and Lindsey Seehawer (center).
Yamasa Corporation U.S.A.
A Legacy of Excellence in Flavor & Quality
Yamasa Corporation U.S.A., located in Salem, is a pivotal extension of Yamasa Corporation, a storied Japanese company with a rich history dating back to 1645. With over three centuries of tradition in crafting authentic Japanese soy sauce, Yamasa Corporation has become a global leader known for its commitment to quality, taste, and tradition.
Established in 1994, the U.S. plant in Salem and its 90 fulltime employees have continued to bring the company’s genuine Japanese flavors to North American markets, upholding Yamasa’s dedication to preserving the time-honored techniques that have defined the Yamasa name for more than 375 years.
Yamasa Corporation U.S.A. continues the legacy of its parent company by combining traditional Japanese methods with modern production technologies. This unique blend of old and new allows Yamasa to deliver products that meet the evolving tastes of a global customer base while retaining the authenticity of traditional Japanese flavors.
“At Yamasa, it is our passion to craft authentic foods and ingredients of the highest quality,” said Katie McFadden, Plant Operations Manager for Yamasa Corporation U.S.A. “We approach this craft with a reverence for tradition and the utmost integrity. Every detail matters — the ingredients, the process, the people, the place and the products — in our quest to bring uncompromising Japanese craftsmanship to everything we make.”
Unique & Authentic Products
those with dietary restrictions while not compromising on taste.
Ramen Broths & Miso Soup Concentrate: With a variety of ramen and soup bases, Yamasa offers both professional chefs and home cooks authentic Japanese flavors for their favorite meals.
With all of its products, Yamasa maintains strict standards for ingredient sourcing, fermentation, and production, ensuring that every bottle reflects the company's values of tradition and quality.
“Soy sauce is a unique manufacturing process,” McFadden said. “As you move from each step in the process flow, the sense of smell changes along with it. From the sweet smell of wheat, the combination of raw materials at cultivation, the fermentation period, to the final blending process. We encourage plant tours through our facility to spread the knowledge of the product we produce at highquality standards.”
Yamasa Corporation U.S.A. is celebrated for its authentic soy sauce, crafted using natural fermentation processes that yield a rich, deep flavor. The company offers a diverse range of products that cater to both traditional and contemporary culinary tastes, including:
Traditional Soy Sauce: Brewed using age-old methods, Yamasa’s soy sauce is known for its deep umami flavor, subtle sweetness, and complex aroma. It is an essential ingredient in both professional kitchens and home cooking, bringing out the best in any dish.
Tamari Soy Sauce: A gluten-free alternative that retains the full-bodied flavor of traditional soy sauce, catering to
Why Salem is the Perfect Home for Yamasa U.S.A. “When we brought our soy sauce to professional and home chefs here in the U.S., it was imperative we find a location to build our brewery that matched our Japanese climate and pristine water – in the shadow of the Cascades in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley,” McFadden said. “Here, as in Japan, our artisans attend to every detail, using only the best ingredients, the exact processes, and the unique Yamasa koji culture we’ve perfected over centuries, to guarantee that same extraordinary quality and craftsmanship.”
Yamasa Corporation U.S.A. stands as a remarkable bridge between Japanese culinary tradition and modern American tastes. With a deep-rooted history and a commitment to quality, Yamasa continues to enrich kitchens and dining experiences across the U.S.
Visit yamasausa.com to learn more about the company, its products, and more. 503.
Seguridad Security
Your Trusted Partner for Professional Security Services in Oregon
Seguridad Security is a leading provider of comprehensive security solutions, serving businesses, events, and private properties throughout Oregon. With a strong commitment to safety and professionalism and high standards for effective communication in both English and Spanish, the company offers a wide range of services designed to meet diverse security needs. Whether protecting commercial properties, providing security for large and small events, or securing residential areas, Seguridad Security delivers effective solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of its clients and the community.
A Wide Range of Security Services
Seguridad Security understands that each client’s needs are
unique, and its team of trained professionals is equipped to handle a variety of security situations with the utmost precision and care. Its core services include:
Commercial Property Protection:
Seguridad Security provides around-the-clock protection for commercial properties, helping to prevent theft, vandalism, and other security breaches. Its uniformed team conducts regular patrols and responds swiftly to any incidents, ensuring businesses are always secure.
Event &
Bar Security:
From small private gatherings to large public events, Seguridad Security specializes in providing a safe and secure environment for all attendees. Its event security services include crowd
management, access control, and emergency response planning, making the company a reliable partner for weddings, festivals, and private events. Its event security services also come with the option to utilize its bartending services, ensuring additional safety procedures are in place for events where alcohol is served.
Private/Residential Security:
Seguridad Security is your trusted partner and second pair of eyes when it comes to protecting private residences and neighborhoods, including apartment buildings and condos. In addition to deterring potential criminals, its friendly and courteous on-property security officers help residents and visitors feel happier, safer, and more secure.
Professionalism, Expertise, and Bilingual Communication
Seguridad Security prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and expertise. All security personnel are carefully
vetted and trained to handle a wide range of security scenarios, from routine patrols to highrisk situations. The company’s commitment to ongoing training ensures that its team is always equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to provide top-tier security services.
Clients appreciate the thoroughness and reliability that
Seguridad Security brings to every assignment. Its proactive approach not only addresses immediate security concerns and helps prevent incidents, but the communication (in both English and Spanish) with that approach creates an even safer environment for both the client and the security officers. Its officers also being able to translate in both languages
effectively helps avoid potentially dangerous misunderstandings, mitigating high-risk altercations.
Why Choose Seguridad Security?
Clients choose Seguridad Security for its comprehensive solutions and its unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism. Its responsive and thorough approach allows Seguridad Security to provide valuable peace of mind to its clients, ensuring that every security challenge is met with effective, reliable solutions.
For businesses, events, or individuals looking for a trusted security partner in Oregon, Seguridad Security is the ideal choice. Its team of skilled professionals, wide range of services, and dedication to community well-being make it a leader in the security industry.
To learn more about Seguridad Security and its services, visit seguridadsecurity.com 503.
The team at Seguridad Security.
Measure 118
Largest Tax Increase in State History Would Devastate Oregon’s Economy
The Salem Chamber urges voters to defend small businesses in Oregon by voting NO on Measure 118.
By Tom Hoffert, Salem Chamber CEO
Voters, we have a problem. And it’s a BIG problem. This November, Oregonians will be asked to approve the largest tax on sales in our state’s history… compliments of an out-of-state interest group seeking to promote universal income. If approved, Measure 118 would devastate Oregon’s economy, driving up costs for Oregon businesses while increasing the cost for consumers at the worst possible time. Our Oregon jobs, businesses, and livelihoods are not something to experiment with.
Measure 118 is being described as a “rebate to Oregonians.” A rebate is something you get when you purchase an item. There is simply nothing purchased in this case, so it’s not a rebate at all. In fact, it’s a carrot at the end of a stick, conveniently disguised as “new money for residents in Oregon.” But where will this money come from? You guessed it, from the pockets of Oregon’s indispensable businesses, each providing vital employment across our state. But this carrot, while seemingly tempting and attractive at first, is a bait-and-switch that will turn into higher prices on groceries, medicine, utilities, fuel, building materials, household goods, and much more. The increased cost of living will likely exceed any amount this “rebate” check could offer. Furthermore, it will uniquely hurt those who can least afford it through increased prices and diminished job opportunities.
gross sales, but either way, that price increase will be passed down the line, and eventually end up in the lap of consumers and residents – those who actually live and work in Oregon.
And what is this money going to fund? According to the measure, it would be an annual payment to any individual living in Oregon for over 200 days. The measure does not specify the qualifications of “resident” of our state or country. Whether we’re talking about a one-month-old baby or a multi-millionaire, anyone living in Oregon would qualify to receive a check. The authors of the measure did not give any guidelines as to how to verify those living in Oregon. That verification process will require an estimated 200 new employees in state government. As businesses and residents cope with inflation and surging prices of goods and services, Measure 118 would add yet another tax on Oregon businesses, further stunting our regional, national, and global competitiveness.
This harmful measure mandates a 3% tax on a business’ gross sales, resulting in the largest tax increase in Oregon history: $6.8 billion in the first year. Companies selling over $25 million in Oregon, no matter if they’re making a profit or not, will would be subject to pay this tax. Under Measure 118, companies will be forced to pass the tax increases on to the next company in the supply chain. A company will receive a higher priced product and may or may not have to pay the 3% on
As you dig a little deeper into Measure 118, even more problematic issues arise, including it being statutory. This means that the Oregon Legislature can change anything, at any time, for any reason in the measure. A 3% tax rate could become 5%. Instead of $25 million in Oregon sales, the threshold could become $1 million. Even the aspect of a check being issued to residents could be amended. When I reflect on the things that keep me up at night as a small business advocate, Measure 118 is a clear afront to hard working Oregonians who simply wish to call our state home.
And the Legislature will be tempted to alter the measure, as the way it’s written would result in the loss of over $500 million a year from the state’s general fund, which provides funding to vital services, including Oregon’s classrooms, roads, human services, and public safety.
Proponents care little about the unintended consequences, nor do they care if Oregon businesses become less competitive with businesses in neighboring states. Futhermore, they do not care whether a business is actually profitable or operating in the red. In fact, proponents recognize that the cost of food, medicine, transportation, and utilities will increase for everyone, including our most vulnerable citizens who are least able to pay increased prices, such as our seniors on fixed incomes and working families already struggling with grocery, medicine, and gasoline prices.
“It is a tax so bad that even prominent Democrats stand with Republicans in rejecting it,” House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich of Hood River said in a statement to The Oregonian/ OregonLive. In the same article, those prominent Democrats included House Speaker Julie Fahey, House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Senate President Rob Wagner and Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Taylor,
who said in a statement, “We have grave concerns it will slow job growth and cause cuts to critical services like road maintenance, firefighting, and addiction recovery.”
The measure is being funded largely by wealthy, out-of-state activists, who seek passage in Oregon as a springboard expansion of universal income policies, wherein individuals receive an unconditional transfer payment without a need to work. Proponents of the measure first estimated and advertised the annual rebate at $750 per Oregonian, but have since revised that number to $1,600 per resident after the Oregon Department of Administrative Services determined the tax, if approved by voters, would raise between $12 and $13.6 billion in the state’s 2025-27 biennium.
Oregon has long been declared one of the most challenging states to operate a business in. An initiative such as Measure 118 only further substantiates that Oregon is the premier
Petri-dish for out-of-state and out-of-touch ideas to test their merit. I hope Oregonians join me in striking down this direct threat to Oregon’s livability and affordability.
“When you’re talking about a proposal that is going to reduce growth in wages, in incomes, in jobs available to Oregonians, those don’t sound like components of a recipe to lift people into prosperity,” said Angela Wilhelms, President and CEO of Oregon Business & Industry
We ask Oregonians to unify in voting “NO” on the costly Measure 118. Oregon is not a Petri-dish for wealthy, activist experiments. Oregonians can’t afford a seismic multi-billiondollar tax increase. Join fellow Salem Chamber members in voting NO on Measure 118.
Learn more about this devasting ballot measure by visiting NoOnMeasure118.com. 503.
Public Affairs Counsel Director of Grassroots, Jenny Dresler, addresses Oregon State Chamber of Commerce conference attendees.
Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center
As parents, teachers, and the education community have become more aware of learning disabilities, identifying children dealing with those challenges has become easier, leading to a heightened sensitivity as a culture and a better understanding of how kids learn in different ways and at different speeds.
However, with this understanding, local communities are also identifying a more significant need for specialized teaching and tutoring, which our school systems can’t always provide. Fortunately for us in the Salem area, local businesses and organizations, such as the Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center, are stepping in to address this growing need.
Started by CERI Certified, Structured Literacy Teacher
Lynn Brown, M.Ed in 2019, the Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center is taking on one of the most common learning disabilities, dyslexia, which affects about 20% of the general population, according to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. Neurological in nature, the disability is characterized by inaccurate word recognition, and poor spelling and decoding abilities, which cause those with dyslexia to struggle with reading comprehension, writing, and even speech.
With a background in special education and as a reading resource teacher, Brown has always been fueled by a personal mission to improve children’s literacy. However, it wasn’t until she discovered a new teaching method, that she found a pathway to becoming a professional tutor for dyslexic students.
“A colleague pointed me in the direction of the Orton-Gillingham methodology,” Brown said. “I used crowdfunding to pay for my
during COVID, she expanded the business by hiring more tutors and opening a location for the Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center (1665 25th St. SE in Salem) in 2021.
Today, the center employs 10 tutors who share Brown’s passion and are guided by the center’s core values, which are summarized by the mantra, “Literacy and Justice for All.” While there are others focused on children’s literacy and tutoring, Brown says few are trained in the unique and specialized methods that dyslexia requires. Her staff’s training and the center’s ability to provide one-on-one tutoring, group classes, and online tutoring, have established Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center as the region’s true expert in this niche area of specialized education.
training, and I haven’t looked back since. The tutoring center came about from many conversations with many moms who were at the end of the road, and with nowhere to go to get the help their child needed.”
Using the Orton-Gillingham approach — which employs multiple senses to activate different pathways in the brain while reading — Brown began tutoring from home. But as demand for tutoring skyrocketed
“We can bring a child up to reading at grade level in under three years,” Brown said. “We pride ourselves on being student-centered, meeting them where they are, and growing them into confident, independent readers. We are actually doing the work that many are talking about ‘needing’ to do.”
Not only is the work important for Brown and her team, but the rewards of seeing children grow and ultimately succeed make the tutoring they do truly special.
“I love the lightbulb moment kids have when we finally flip the reading switch on!” Brown said. “I also love the relief and joy the parents get when they see their child feeling successful. I believe that literacy is a human right, and I also believe we can solve a lot of social inequities through literacy. The work we do will have an impact for generations.”
Brown says the biggest challenges — not just for her business, but even more so for parents and the community — are access to tutoring and affordability.
Along with working behind the scenes with legislators and community agencies to find funding, the Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center is partnering with George Fox University to provide low-cost academic evaluations for students and continues to donate tutoring and testing to local parent-teacher associations. The center is also working with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care to become a certified childcare program, so it can bill Oregon’s Employment Related Day Care program for academic daycare.
Brown and her staff are proud of their efforts, but she says there is still more work to do to help parents more easily afford tutoring.
“Our job won’t be done until 80% of Oregon students are reading at or above grade level,” she said. “We will keep on fighting for them and looking for new ways to support them.”
Visit wvdyslexiacenter.com to learn more about the Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center and the variety of tutoring services it offers. 503.
The staff of Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center, with founder Lynn Brown (second from right).
A Look Back at Summer Fun!
Salem Chamber members and friends enjoyed a fun summer packed with activities and opportunities to connect in 2024!
Here is a snapshot of what they were up to this summer as we roll into an even busier fall/winter schedule of events at the Salem Chamber. Visit salemchamber.org and our Event Calendar to see what’s coming up and how you can get involved.
Photo: Jim Kinghorn / Jimages
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Summer Greeters pictured: Salem Fire Foundation, Bison Dump at Chuck E. Cheese, United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley at Northern Lights Theatre Pub, Walery’s Premium Pizza, Red Robin, Solid Roofing NW at Miller’s BBQ & Café, and Women at the Well Grace House.
Photos Continued...
Summer Ribbon Cuttings pictured: SunMed – Your CBD Store, Willamette Legacy Law, BestMed Urgent Care, and Bo & Vine South Salem. 503.
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SingerLewak
Pam Fahndrich WhirLocal Salem
Pam Fahndrich, the co-publisher of WhirLocal Salem, has a deep connection to the Salem community and a passion for supporting local businesses. Originally from Virginia, Pam moved to Oregon in 1991 to take on a voluntary role at Western Christian School. The following year, Pam married WhirLocal co-founder Tim Fahndrich and after living with Tim in Salem for over three decades, she proudly considers herself a true Oregonian.
Pam’s journey with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has been a significant part of her life. Over the years, she’s worn many hats within the Chamber, serving as Chamber Business Women’s Vice-Chair and Chair from 2011 to 2013 and Greeters Vice-Chair and Chair from 2016 to 2018. Currently, Pam is an enthusiastic Salem Chamber Ambassador, where she loves welcoming new businesses and connecting them with the community. “We get to be the friendly face that helps newcomers feel welcome and a part of the group,” Pam says. “It’s a joy to be part of such a supportive team.”
community. “Small businesses in our community need our support more than ever,” she says. “Big tech and big box stores are squeezing them out, but we live, work, and play here in Salem, and we believe our community deserves better.”
Through WhirLocal, Pam and Tim are helping community members understand that “Thinking Local” matters, and that every local action can have a powerful impact — whether it’s shopping at a neighborhood store, dining at a local restaurant, or volunteering at a community event.
Although WhirLocal started in Salem, its impact is growing.
Pam and Tim are expanding their platform beyond the city, now partnering with a network of publishers in Oregon and across the U.S. Through a brand and technology license, these publishers help create buzz in their local communities, following WhirLocal’s proven model.
Pam’s professional life revolves around WhirLocal, the digital platform she and Tim launched with their team in 2010. WhirLocal began as a platform to help businesses gather and promote positive reviews, but it has since expanded to include a full digital magazine and trusted local business directory.
The name “WhirLocal” is more than just a catchy title; it symbolizes creating buzz for local businesses. Pam explains, “W-H-I-R is a synonym for buzz, and we liked the play on words because we say, ‘We’re local and proud of it.’” WhirLocal’s mission is clear: to help local businesses and non-profits thrive by connecting them with the community and amplifying their brand and presence online.
Pam is particularly passionate about helping small businesses, which she believes are vital to the
Outside of work, Pam’s heart remains in the Salem community. She’s an active member of Salem Business Builders, Inc. (SBBI) and is currently serving as the board president for 2024. When she’s not working, you might find her walking for exercise, playing piano, or leading worship at her church. Pam also loves spending time with her husband, Tim, especially when they get the chance to sing together — something they’ve done since they first met. And when they can, they enjoy dog-sitting their beloved “grand-dog,” Luca.
For Pam, both business and personal life are all about community, connection, and helping others thrive. Her work with WhirLocal and the Chamber reflects her dedication to seeing Salem flourish for years to come.
When you see Pam at the next ribbon-cutting ceremony or Friday Greeters meeting, be sure to say hello and congratulate her on being selected as the Ambassador of the Quarter! 503.
www.salemchamber.org
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