503. The Salem Chamber's Magazine: Spring 2021

the salem chamber’s magazine Inspiring Innovation in Schools Chamber Business Women Online

Spring 2021

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

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

Preparing for the Comeback The Salem Chamber believes in helping businesses prosper so our entire community may thrive. A challenging dynamic is finding the high-water mark during a global pandemic.

If I only had a dollar for every time a member reached out and said, “things certainly couldn’t get worse, could they?” I would have, well, a LOT of dollar bills stacked up at this point.

What simply has not added up is how Oregon’s executive leadership intends to secure the comeback for our state.

Remember, in every tragic story, there needs to be a comeback – a return to grace, if you will.

At the time of this writing, Oregon is one of two remaining states in the nation (New Mexico is the other) which has not reopened for business.

As Oregonians and as Americans, we have collectively prepared for a future that will be different. There will be continued limits on capacity, socialdistancing requirements, and the need to wear masks much longer than initially imagined.

But for an executive office touting “follow the science,” the math simply did not add up when it came to closing restaurants. According to the Oregon Health Authority’s weekly COVID reporting data, at the time of their targeted closures, restaurants accounted for less than 1% of workplace outbreaks.

Gyms and fitness clubs shared a similar impact number when they were also forced to close. Two entire industries now remain on life support, statewide. We have witnessed that the casualties of a pandemic goes beyond the decidedly tragic loss of human lives, but also encompasses the tragic loss of businesses.

And of those businesses lost, nearly all were locally owned companies who employed a close friend or Spring 2021

relative or neighbor. An unemployment check or PPP loan has not eased this pain. From a fiduciary perspective, the state’s revenue projections in coming years will be bleak. The erosion of our tax base, as many businesses remain closed or sit idling, presents a very serious danger to this state’s long- term economic stability.

Public employees rely on governmentfunded paychecks. Those coffers have compressed significantly during the extended “closed-for-business” mandate. Main Street is freckled with vacancies where vibrant businesses once welcomed customers and commerce commenced and taxes got paid. Now our state looks outwards for federal relief.

Back to that high-water mark I mentioned earlier. Leaders are asked to find bright spots during difficult times. As a self-fashioned eternal optimist, the past eleven months have proven challenging to both my daily mindset and outlook for an organization whose singular role is to foster economic stability for our residents and businesses.

I am but one man, but there has been a collection of learning moments from this pandemic which our organization will carry forward into the future. The utilization of technology in virtual meetings was quickly deployed in both business and personal environments.

I held a Zoom meeting with my 99-year-old grandmother, allowing me to see her wonderful smile through pixels – certainly not a likely occurrence without a pandemic spawning the necessity.

Just like in person? Certainly not. But the business community adapted to a new “Zoom” teleconference workplace. In industries where remote work was possible, companies had

by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer

employees successfully working from their kitchen tables almost overnight.

The American workplace is certainly forever changed, as businesses evaluate the need to have their workforce physically in one location together versus operating effectively in remote environments.

Communication was not ultimately lost, but surely changed. Access to technology was necessitated, not just for students, but for all individuals.

This organization, and likely your own, invested in infrastructure and associated communication technologies. Our time as humans spent traveling in cars has seen drastic reductions, and climate impacts of those reduced emissions is undeniable.

Yet the high-water mark, for me, is squarely how the pandemic has made us each acutely aware of the premium value of face-to-face personal interactions. What was once daily normalcy, now requires significant preparatory efforts in safety, sanitization, and socialdistancing space.

Like each of you, I wish to see a healthy Oregon. We need healthy humans and healthy businesses – our state’s future depends on both.

I optimistically long for Oregon’s comeback. Lastly, I pray I am blessed with the ability to hug my 99-year-old grandmother again. Soon.

The Salem Chamber is proud to serve as the committed voice for small business in the Salem community.

The Chamber is a non-partisan, inclusive organization representing nearly 1,100 businesses and over 40,000 employees in the greater Salem area.

For information on how you may become active within the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.salemchamber.org. 503.

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TERTIARY LOGO

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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.

Inside the Salem Eats Challenge.................................. 12

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

Workers’ Homecoming?.... 18 the salem chamber’s magazine

Inspire Foundation’s Executive Leadership Council............. 20

Directors & Staff..........................8

Chamber Business Women: One Year of Virtual Meetings.....................................24

Guest Column: Christy Perry,

Spotlight: SwiftCare................26

Superintendent of Salem-

Ambassador of the Quarter: Bruce Womack..................... 30

President’s Message............... 6

Keizer School District......... 12

Cover: Treva Gambs of Gamberetti’s takes a selfie for the Salem Eats Challenge.

Photos by Emmanuel Goicochea.

@salemchamber

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@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 & Dan Thorp To advertise in the next issue, contact Advertising Executive: Jerry Stevens 541.944.2820 • jerry.s@mtangelpub.com

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Spring 2021

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CH AMBER PRES IDE N T’ S ME S S AG E

Emerging from the

PANDEMIC As we emerge from this pandemic, what are the challenges our businesses will face and how can our Chamber help?

I can’t help but think about all the challenges you are facing right now and have faced over the past year of uncertainty.

The road has not been easy. And now we see that there is hope to move forward. For some, you have navigated well, and have even thrived. But for many, it has been so hard to even see what is next as rules and processes change, and limitations abound.

So, let’s explore what hope can bring. Hope is truly the vaccine and herd immunity. And while the virus will not be eliminated any time soon, it is retreating. With it still in our presence, safety is still of utmost concern. And second to that is our new normal of operating. What could that look like?

Let’s look at our people resources first.

For those of us who work in traditional white-collar jobs, we have been working remotely, many from our bedrooms or kitchen. We have adapted to work with our phones and computers, from any location. Interestingly, “29 percent of working professionals say they would quit their jobs if they couldn’t continue working remotely,” (USA Today, Jan. 5, 2021).

This is a shift in how we do business. Employees may now demand flexibility in work schedules: fully remote; part remote, part in-office; while others may need to be in the office full-time. Many of these employees see improvements in their work-life balance or say they are more productive. It is certainly safer for them working from home.

Each industry is unique, while many can work from home, many must be on-site, especially those in our service and hospitality industries. Because so many of these businesses were constrained by workplace regulations, have you let employees go? And now as we see a possibility of reopening, who do you hire or rehire as the rules loosen?

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by Kathy Gordon, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors

Business owners are going to have some decisions to make regarding their workforce. In all cases, it will be important to address expectations for work hours, wages, onboarding and training. And that training could be for your new workers or to allow current employees to learn new skills or new roles as we adjust to different work configurations.

Many of you have dealt with family and medical leave issues as employees work to care for their children, their elderly family members and those who have compromised immune systems. With the vaccine rollout, much of this will lessen, but until schools are fully back live, and we have that herd immunity, you will continue to grapple with this.

As flexibility becomes a new normal, this begs the question of accommodations. What happens to building ownership, leases, equipment? Should we reconfigure our office space? Do you downsize as more employees are working from the office? Do you let equipment go home, and how do you track this inventory? These are all questions to consider for those who employ remote or partially-remote workers.

Technology is constantly changing, and more so during this pandemic. As we move to more remote working and less touching, digital will become our way of business. More data will become electronic and even how we operate could become digitized.

For now, the workplace protocols regarding safety of workers have been standardized, and they will lessen over time as the statistics bear. But, while COVID remains in our midst, we will continue to wash our hands regularly, sanitize as required, social distance and wear masks. We will follow those cleaning rules and procedures, provide adequate PPE, and do temperature checks for staff and visitors or clients as required. Safety is a high priority.

While we do our best to contain the spread of the virus, this does raise the question of liability protection for our businesses. Yes, our employees are present at our business locations, but so are our clients and customers. We will S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

GUIDING YOUR BUSINESS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY OUR SUITE OF SERVICES

advocate for legal protections for small businesses against COVIDrelated lawsuits, but in the meantime, consider adequate coverage under your liability insurance. And follow the safety protocols so that we can reopen for business.

While there are a lot of challenges ahead for you, how can the Chamber help as a Catalyst, Convener and Champion for you?

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When we are able to meet in person and reestablish those important connections we have with each other, we will still follow safety protocols. And we will look to the new capabilities technology is providing for connecting with you and with each other.

We will continue to advocate for reopening and ensure jobs are a priority. Our engagement and relationships with our elected officials are key to being successful in relating the stories and concerns of our member businesses. We will encourage our legislators to look at all legislation through a lens that encourages jobs and economic recovery.

We will advance appropriate partnerships in our community with our government, our nonprofits and community organizations to provide opportunities for our businesses to recover and reopen.

We will continue our strategies to encourage our community to engage with our local businesses.

These strategies include our social media platforms and our regular communications to our membership. We are here to show that each of you is a champion in our community; you are the risktakers, you are weathering these unique times, and you will be the survivors who make Salem the strong and thriving community it is and will continue to be. 503.

Spring 2021

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Billing Supervisor Care Team Medical Assistants COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER

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Your Chamber EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD MEMBERS

President KATHY GORDON

Hope Orthopedics

Aldrich CPA’s & Advisors, LLP

President-Elect LAURA DORN

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Advisors, LLC

Past President TJ SULLIVAN

Huggins Insurance Services

Vice President – Membership ALAN RASMUSSEN Modern Building Systems

STAFF TOM HOFFERT

Chief Executive Officer

KATHY MOORE

Chief Development Officer, CEO of Inspire Foundation

Vice President – Advocacy WENDY VELIZ Portland General Electric

Vice President – Events & Programming CHRISTY WITZKE

SAIF ICONS

LORISSA ADDABBO MARIN ARREOLA III

Advanced Economic Solutions

BRANDON BLAIR

Member Support Specialist

DAVE DUNN

DR. SHELDON NORD

Willamette Valley Fruit Company

MIKE HERRON

Corban University

MARIA PALACIO

VIPs Industries

JONATHAN CASTRO MONROY

Kelly’s Home Store

Olson Florist

JEFF KELLY

JENNIFER MARTIN

Mid-Valley Commercial Real Estate

DAN McDOWELL

Pioneer Trust Bank

ZACHARY SIELICKY

Media & Marketing Specialist

Membership Manager

CHRIS SEELY

Membership Engagement Specialist

Workforce Development Specialist

JEFF MILLER

Coldwell Banker Commercial

Summit Wealth Management

Treasurer Castro Monroy Group These are the individual icons for the STEPHEN JOYE Salem forCOLLIER Fischer,Chamber.

Hayes, They are ideal RYAN Joye & Allen, LLC social media profile images, swagLaw Collier items, and other similar applications.

Secretary RANDY COOK ERIC TEMPLETON Saalfeld These icans may be utilized in any Griggs, P.C. AmeriTitle brand color. Navy blue on white or white on navy blue are the preferred/primary options.

KRISTI PIPPERT EMMANUEL Director of Operations GOICOCHEA HEIDI COWDEN

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CTEC Business Liaisons

Member Services

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RIBBON CUTTING REQUEST FORM

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GREETERS APPLICATION

Let’s celebrate! Ribbon Cuttings are a complimentary service the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provides to members at the Connector level and above who have just started a new business, have moved to a new location, or who have 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

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

TRACKING OREGON’S PROGRESS

[ ECONOMIC MOBILIT Y and BELONGING IN OREGON ] For the first time in U.S. history, young adults are less likely to earn more than their parents, shattering the timehonored belief that if you work hard, you’ll prosper. Family circumstances, educational experiences, race and ethnicity and a ZIP code all play a significant role on a child’s ability to get ahead — determining the rest of their life. To find out how a ZIP code impacts opportunity, download OCF’s newly-released report, “Cornerstones: Economic Mobility and Belonging in Oregon,” and learn about ways to advance economic mobility for future generations of Oregonians.

V I S I T O R E G O N C F.O R G / T O P 2 02 0 T O D I S C O V E R K E Y A R E A S O F INVESTMENT AND POLICY CHANGE NEEDED TO CREATE MORE HIGH OPPORTUNITY NEIGHBORHOODS IN OREGON.

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G U E ST C O LUM N

BUILDING ON S U C C E S S E S Inspiring Innovation Among Staff and Students – That’s Who We Are

by Christy Perry, Superintendent, Salem-Keizer Public Schools More than 41,000 students, their families and the unwavering support of our local community make up the second-largest school district in Oregon – Salem-Keizer Public Schools. As superintendent, I have the privilege of supporting fellow district and community leaders while celebrating the daily successes of our schools and the work we have accomplished together through an unprecedented year of COVID-19.

As we head into 2021, we have renewed hope of welcoming students back into our school buildings. Over the past year, our educators have sparked immense creativity and resilience to provide the best possible education for our students, supporting each of their unique needs.

I am continually impressed by the ongoing commitment our families and educators have to the success of our students. There are many lessons we have learned over this past year, and I am excited to see how the new skills we have gained will support the growth of our students in years to come.

Although the past year was filled with challenges, Salem-Keizer has many reasons to celebrate. The Class of 2020, a group of seniors whose final months of high school were impacted by a global pandemic, accomplished the highest graduation rate for SKPS in more than a decade.

The districtwide graduation rate of 81.01 percent represents eight in ten students graduating in four years with a regular diploma and nearly 85 percent of students completing high school with a regular diploma, GED or extended diploma. Another key success is the increased graduation rate for our historically underserved students.

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Over the past five years, this graduation rate grew by more than 12 points, affirming that our focus on equity is the right work.

In a year where students could have found it easier to give up, they persevered to the finish line, resulting in a decrease of dropout rates among all student groups.

I applaud the grit of our students and the commitment of our educators to keep students engaged and get them across the graduation stage.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) has proven to keep students on their path to graduation, with 96.97 percent of CTE concentrators graduating in 2020. Each of our high schools and our Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) has CTE/ vocational programs for students.

We have a total of 53 hands-on CTE programs in our district, and I am excited that the 2018 bond program is expanding CTE learning spaces in our high schools.

Our bond program has been incredibly successful due to the tremendous support of our Salem and Keizer communities. Since the start of bond-funded construction in 2019, 13 schools are complete, ready to welcome students into improved learning spaces. Although schools are not yet full of students, many educators have used the new spaces to deliver comprehensive distance learning (CDL).

One example is the use of the new woodshop at North Salem High School. Three woodworking and manufacturing teachers are

collaboratively using the new spaces at North to bring traditionally hands-on lessons to students through CDL with live demonstrations.

The 2021 year is going to be the busiest for the bond program with 41 schools in planning, design or active construction work.

Our community can learn more about all of the work this next year on our district website: https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/news/ 2021-biggest-construction-year.

Our bond program team has been diligent and responsible in ensuring efficient and responsible management of bond funds. A Community Bond Oversight Committee, made up of 11 volunteers from across the district, monitors the bond program and annually reports on progress to the school board. With an aggressive schedule, the bond program is on track to deliver even more work than was planned in the initial $619.7 million package. To date, allocations of additional earnings, including premiums, interest, grants and reimbursements, bring the total approved bond program to nearly $701 million. This means the district will deliver more work than originally promised, without affecting the taxpayer levy rate.

It is my privilege to serve as superintendent of Salem-Keizer Public Schools. In a year unlike ever before, our community came together, determined to help us best serve students, and I look forward to our continued work together. 503.

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Top: Troy Campbell, owner of Uncle Troy’s BBQ Right: Treva Gambs, owner of Gamberetti’s Photos by Emmanuel Goicochea

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

On March 17, 2020, at exactly 12:01 a.m., restaurants across the State of Oregon were ordered to shut their doors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, employers and employees, were suddenly concerned about the state of their health, employment, and whether or not they would be able to make it past the first month without a proper paycheck.

“Emotionally, it was a very difficult time, as we treat all of our employees as family and understand they rely on us, and our businesses, to survive,” shares Mike Adams, owner of Adam’s Rib Smokehouse. “We were also unsure what was going to happen to our businesses financially.”

“The most painful action at the beginning was laying off the entire staff, except for one salaried person,” says Tom Voegtle, owner of Acme Café. “We also had never delivered food, but recognized we needed to do so immediately. The co-owners became the delivery drivers, and we still are.”

Spring 2021

“I only know what it’s like to be in survival mode,” shares Troy Campbell, owner of Uncle Troy’s BBQ, who opened his restaurant only one year prior to the pandemic. “That first year, you’re just learning and surviving, then COVID hits. Now, I’m creating and surviving. All ideas, any content you come up with, any promotion, any recipe – anything you have – now is the time to put everything you have on the table.”

With restaurants and their valued employees being held in an indefinite limbo, action needed to be taken.

On the exact same day, when restrictions held our restaurants captive, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce launched Salem Eats, a Facebook group, which created a gathering place for community members, restaurants and supporters alike. It gave a space for the community to connect with those whose livelihoods had been so impacted by the pandemic.

Beginning with just a few key influencers, the Facebook group found its footing within the first week of its launch. Soon after, members began posting photos of their food, loved ones and voicing 13

Kelly Morales, owner of Beehive Taphouse

their support for local restaurants across the Salem landscape. Over the course of the next ten months, Salem Eats would evolve into a group with over 26,600 members

and continues to grow to this day.

“I’m a restaurateur, this is what I

know of,” says Treva Gambs, owner of Gamberetti’s.

do for a living, and even I found

“We quickly realized that with

some restaurants that I didn’t

people staying closer to home,

We’re Here for You! Check out these and other online services at www.cityofsalem.net Salem Public Library Center 50+ • Utility bills Land use applications • Municipal Court forms Building permit applications Submit a police report and more.

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

we needed to increase our digital marketing presence,” says Kelly Morales, owner of Beehive Station. “We were offered an opportunity to join Salem Eats and be included on their spreadsheet of what restaurants are open, closed, etc. Overall, our social media presence has skyrocketed and has brought a lot of new faces to our food pod and we owe a lot of that success to the Salem Eats page!”

“It gives the customer an opportunity to be a part of the restaurant industry and community,” says Campbell.

Later, on Nov. 13, 2020, a two-week freeze was ordered due to a rise in coronavirus cases throughout the State of Oregon. This required, yet again, restaurateurs to close their doors. It seemed as though our business community, particularly our restaurants, were targeted for demise by the coronavirus.

Though yet again, locally planned action, rather than directionless pondering, was the solution to a globally-sourced problem.

During the week of the Christmas holiday, the Salem Eats Challenge

Spring 2021

was announced across all of the Salem Chamber’s digital communication channels. The challenge involved folks visiting locally-owned restaurants throughout Salem, taking a photo (with food in hand) in front of the specially created Salem Eats Challenge poster, and then subsequently posting this photo to the Salem Eats Facebook group, tagging the restaurant and using the #salemeatschallenge hashtag in the process. All submissions had to be submitted by Feb. 2, 2021, exactly one month from the initial launch of the challenge.

Participants were then entered into

a drawing for gift cards from Salem Chamber member restaurants. Gift card prizes ranged from $50 to $250.

This initiative was created to gift the Salem community with an outlet to support their local restaurants, while also providing an incentive to go out, and pick up their food, rather than have it delivered, and enjoy the rich diversity of restaurants throughout our city.

The Salem Eats Challenge was sponsored by Willamette Valley Bank, Member FDIC. Over the course of nearly 20 years, Willamette Valley Bank

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has expanded through customer demand, rather than a need to grow. Over the past several years, Willamette Valley Bank has been nationally recognized for their financial strength and performance. They were recognized as the Nation’s #1 Community Bank in American Banker’s list of Top 200 Community Banks in 2019 and 2020. When approached to be the title sponsor for the Salem Eats Challenge, Willamette Valley Bank leapt at the opportunity to support Salem’s local restaurants. Devoutly committed to fostering a healthy community, their sponsorship was vital to getting the challenge up and running and helping funnel numerous participants to local eateries.

While it’s virtually impossible to determine the specific amount

of money generated from the Salem Eats Challenge, one can speculate that a sizable number of sales was made. With over 340 posts using #salemeatschallenge, approximately 1,500 people having participated, and meal prices

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varying across the board, it doesn’t demand an educated inference to determine the challenge’s viability.

Rather, it’s a testament to the Salem community’s inherent care for one another. When we see an industry in peril, we take the challenge.

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

According to the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, on average, the Oregon restaurant industry brings in approximately $10 billion in sales each year. Without this foundational piece of market stability, our economy suffers; in other words, our community suffers. And yet, amidst that suffering, an initiative such as the Salem Eats Challenge could not have been possible without the collective support of Salem’s residents.

“I really want everyone to continue to be that positive influence,” says Gambs about the future of Salem Eats. “There may be that jewel out there that nobody knew about – and we’re all finding out – and that’s how we’re going to build our community back, that’s how we’re going to see our restaurants

Spring 2021

coming back – by having the support that everybody brings to us.”

While the Salem Eats Challenge has concluded for the time being, the existence of Salem Eats is as necessary as ever.

“We are still relying heavily on Salem Eats to promote our food, hours of operation, delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and now, letting people know that we have a tent with heat,” says Voegtle.

Hope is a horizon not far off, its light draws nearer, and a brighter day has yet to come.

“We are blessed our businesses will survive – many others won’t be so lucky,” says a reverent Adams.

“We just pray that our community can get to the end of this and get back to business.” 503.

Troy Campbell, owner of Uncle Troy’s BBQ

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Can We Pull Off the Biggest Homecoming in History?

Our community and many others have lost workforce talent to larger, coastal cities for decades. While the reasons behind it are complex, the steady loss of young, educated workers seemed unstoppable. Much more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has also seemed unstoppable and even more devastating. However, it sometimes happens that you can use one problem to solve another. Thanks to the unique circumstances of 2020 and 2021, our community may be able to pull off the biggest homecoming in history.

Solving One Problem with Another

Smaller cities and towns such as ours have steadily lost workforce talent in recent decades. Economic opportunities within non-urban communities have been reduced by outsourcing and the Great Recession.

While large cities have reaped the benefits of the tech boom, rural areas and smaller cities have hardly felt it. Communities like ours have suffered shrinking tax revenues, aging populations, and shrinking workforces as young, educated people flock to the cities for education and employment.

in apartments and riding public transportation. Such changes in view are ultimately not based in fact, but it's easy to find people already voicing such opinions. More importantly, the pandemic has dramatically accelerated the shift to remote working.

However, it's not necessarily because they want to live in the city. In fact, many talented young workers don't live in the city, but rather in a suburb and deal with long commutes.

Lopsided economic growth has made the big cities prohibitively expensive, but many young people need the high salaries that tech offers to pay off their student debt. However, COVID has accelerated trends that could bring our workforce talent back home.

Remote working was always going to make its way into the tech industry.

Operating large office buildings, requiring commutes, and providing high compensation to attract talent to expensive cities have been redundant for a decade, perhaps. One result of the pandemic is that change-averse businesses have made the leap to virtual working as soon as the pandemic forced work-from-home orders across the country. With a new freedom to work from anywhere, many are looking at an affordable, comfortable life in communities like ours.

On the one hand, the pandemic may cause people to reassess aspects of city living, such as dwelling

In fact, tech companies are encouraging their employees to relocate. Pragmatic businesses such

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as Stripe are offering impressive incentives in exchange for minor pay cuts and relocation out of expensive urban areas. Since we love our quality of life, we don’t think financial incentives are the only reason to leave the rat race.

Pulling Off the Biggest Homecoming in History Communities around the country are trying different things to draw remote workers. Housing discounts, grants, and even tax incentives are tools being used by municipalities to attract remote workers.

These incentives will work best in combination with an appeal to the improved quality of life that we can offer. These things are proximity to nature, a peaceful place to live, affordability, and a tight-knit community. If we can provide these benefits alongside the internet infrastructure and housing remote workers need, we can bring our talent home and revitalize our community.

503.

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

Forum Speaker Series These ongoing events are free to all members of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. (Non-members may access this event for $25.) To register, go to the Chamber’s website at www.salemchamber.org today! Events will be held virtually via Zoom, and will include audience Q&A using Zoom’s “chat” feature.

February 2021’s Forum Speakers were (top row, l-r) Dr. Jessica Howard, CEO / President of Chemeketa Community College; Dr. Stephen Thorsett, President of Willamette University; and (bottom row, l-r) Dr. Sheldon Nord, CEO / President of Corban University with Curt Arthur of SVN Commercial Advisors moderating.

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THE INSPIRE F OUN DATIO N

Executive Leadership Council Vision & Purpose: We exist to enrich lives through inspired people and places. Our vision is to be an indispensable business partner to our clients by first understanding their goals and customers and then providing transformational solutions with certainty of results.

Driven by our guiding principles centered around our employees, communities, and clients, JE Dunn recognizes our work not only touches lives – it changes them. That’s why our inspired people are committed to building inspired places in communities from coast to coast.

From construction commentary to ribbon cuttings, you’ll find JE Dunn in the news in the communities we serve and all around the country. We believe in serving others. True to our guiding principles, JE Dunn donates more than ten percent of our pre-tax earnings to charities all around the country every year. Outside of their professional lives, our employees spend time throughout the year volunteering with different organizations, and

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through their efforts, along with the Dunn Family Foundation, JE Dunn supported over 300 philanthropies last year.

Mel Jones

I’ve been with JE Dunn for almost three years. I’m the Senior Diversity & Inclusion Director and what I love most about my work is I help people all day long. Just about 100% of my time is dedicated to a range of assistance, from helping either a small business navigate bigger projects or helping a high school student find their talent and passion in construction. To have a part in the success of others makes getting up every morning very exciting.

What more can you ask for?

Being an ELC member has allowed me to speak about Inclusion to a group of your students. It has allowed me to share project opportunities with your membership during the construction of the Salem Police Station. It’s allowed me to hear some wonderful presentations concerning the Salem community, and at this point, I look forward to giving back to this great relationship.

Amy Winterowd

I’ve been the Client Solutions Director at JE Dunn Construction now for a little over two years and my role enables me to make connections, make an impact, and engage in strategic

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

T H E IN S P IR E F O U NDAT ION

Spotlights on three council member businesses – and their representatives – making positive change in the community development. At the end of the day, my role revolves around helping people, both inside and outside my organization.

Being an ELC member allows me to connect with greater Salem, gain an understanding about the issues that are pressing and shaping the community, and develop meaningful partnerships.

Community focused, fiscally strong, and ready to serve you. Willamette Community Bank was founded in Albany by citizens and businesspeople to preserve local decision-making and support the community. We remain true to our founding principles in all the communities we serve.

We work hard to stay informed about social and economic developments in agriculture, manufacturing, the service professions, and other business sectors in our local communities.

As a result, we’re fully prepared to partner with you in making smart financial decisions.

When you choose Willamette Community Bank, you can rest assured that your hard-earned money will be put to work to cultivate the prosperity of your local community, county, and state. We practice responsible reinvestment to promote regional economic vitality.

We’re big believers in supporting nonprofits that serve our community’s needs, so let’s talk if you have a bold new idea that will serve a worthwhile cause.

We’re committed to doing what’s right for you, your family, and your business. If it becomes clear that our services aren’t the best fit for you at any given time, we will direct you appropriately. Today we have branches in Albany, Lebanon, and Salem.

Steve Horning

Vice President – Senior Relationship Manager I grew up in Bend and lived there until 1984, when my wife Susan and I moved to the valley for our careers. Prior to us moving, my biggest career move was marrying her and she was my supervisor at the time. We have been married 37 years and have two grown daughters and four grandchildren. One daughter lives

Welcome to our newest Executive Leadership Council members: Bark Boys Cascade Sleep Supply Puentes Group ATMP, LLC First Commercial Real Estate HomeSmart Pacific Landscape Management in South Salem and the other in North Carolina… North Carolina is definitely not convenient.

When not hanging with the family, I am a member of Salem Rotary, the Chamber, SEDCOR and just recently was elected as the Mayor in Turner.

I joined Willamette Community Bank in 2014 after 12 years with Bank of the Cascades, and have been in banking since 1977, where I started my career as a custodian for the bank at that time. I truly like the smaller community bank environment because it is much easier for me to be responsible for my

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T HE INSPIRE F O UN DATIO N clients’ success. It is much easier to be successful knowing all the decision makers and not need to refer people to a different city or state.

In my opinion, the ELC is one of the most tenured and connected group of leaders in the region and I frequently say (you can ask my daughters), “it’s who you know.” Asking Willamette Community Bank to allow me to be a member of the ELC was one of the first things I requested when I joined this bank.

More than 50 years ago, Boldt Carlisle + Smith established its roots in Oregon as one of the premier CPA firms serving the needs of individuals and businesses. Since our inception, we have helped clients through sound audit, tax and consulting services.

As business continues to evolve and reinvent itself, we will, too.

offices throughout the western US and has a history of more than 60 years in operation. SingerLewak is a Top 100 Accounting Firm and highly respected within the accounting profession and communities in which it operates. The firm holds a stellar track record of helping family-owned, entrepreneurial, highnet-worth individuals, investor and public companies succeed in the marketplace.

interacting with clients (individuals, business owners, real estate investors, partners, shareholders, and trustees) and helping them understand financial matters related to taxation.

Doug Parham, CPA

I have been with Boldt Carlisle + Smith, now a division of SingerLewak, LLP, since June 20, 1977, after graduating from Oregon State University.

I find public accounting to be very rewarding. I have been a business owner since April 1, 1991.

As a result, we are pleased to announce that as of Nov.1, 2020, Boldt Carlisle + Smith has entered into a business combination agreement with SingerLewak, LLP, one of the largest regional accounting and consulting firms in the western US.

For a number of years, I was a lead partner in our audit and assurance services area, which provides financial statement services to Oregon local governments, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneur and family-owned businesses, and employee benefit plans.

SingerLewak is a California-based accounting and consulting firm with

Currently, I serve as the lead tax partner in our Oregon locations. I love

Viewing financial matters from the client’s perspective and providing guidance and data for decision making purposes is very satisfying.

While offering this understanding to clients, I also keep my focus on the tax reporting requirements of federal, state, and local taxing authorities. I am a process person, so I get great satisfaction from guiding clients through the tax reporting process while raising their level of understanding about structuring transactions in tax efficient ways.

Understanding and conveying “the why” brings great satisfaction to me and great results for clients.

Being an ELC member provides great value to me in terms of the opportunities to interact with a select number of Salem area business leaders, hear quarterly updates from leaders in our community, and watch our student leaders gain experience and confidence as they participate in ELC alongside the adult leaders of their community. 503.

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

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Pretty Good Printing Bravio Communications Uncle Troy’s BBQ Chelsea Headrick Photography Puentes Group, eXp Realty

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Chamber Business Women

One Year in Virtual Reality

Ever since the pandemic began, Chamber Business Women, along with the majority of the Salem Chamber’s programming, has operated in a virtual space. With the one-year mark since this change fast approaching, we decided to sit down with one of CBW’s most devoted members, Kathryn Davidson, co-owner of Photos by Orion, to hear about the challenges and sentiments of a business leader whose in-person interactions have been put on hold.

What has been the biggest change since CBW moved from in-person meetings to virtual gatherings?

The biggest change to CBW since moving from in-person to virtual meetings has been the loss of the networking ability of the individual participants. When we would meet in person, it was easy to choose someone new to sit with and you could start a side conversation with them to find out more about them.

There is a lot of business conducted this way in all Chamber events. We don’t have that capability in virtual gatherings, so everyone has a single conversation, and it makes for very one-sided conversations.

Have there been any challenges?

Any solutions to those challenges?

The biggest change has led to the biggest challenge, which is feeling the same camaraderie with my fellow businesswomen. While virtual gatherings are great for presenting the speaker and content, it does not allow for the same networking abilities.

This makes it hard to really make those personal connections with the other ladies. I can’t ask Ashley how her baby is doing or see how Kara has been coping with the shutdown of the hospitality industry without every other person listening in on the conversation. This means that while we may have one or two other people who are in that industry join us in the conversation, we are shutting out everyone else from being able to converse while we have our conversation.

It also makes the conversation very public, which means we do not make as deep of a connection because she may not want to share her feelings publicly.

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I am not sure how we fix the issue as there are many ways we could try to fix it. What I do know is that I feel very disconnected from my fellow businesswomen, and having that connection is more important to me than a program at the moment.

Groups like CBW are not just places where we go to learn and network, though they are that.

Kathryn Davidson They are really a place we go to create our “tribes,” our group of people who understand our triumphs and struggles and can lament and lend support when we need it; who can brainstorm with us when we have issues, and can celebrate with us when we have great moments in our careers and lives. This camaraderie is such an important part of growing as a woman in business, and it is what I miss most with the current situation, and I am pretty sure I am not alone in that. It is important to not feel alone, so anything we can do to help each other feel supported is extremely important, and that is what CBW strives to do.

As a long-time participant in CBW, what encourages you to continue to participate?

One is that I know we will meet in person someday, and when we do, I am going to be so happy to see all these ladies and be able to give handshakes, hugs, and high fives!

The other is I have made some great friends in this group, some of which are running the show right now, and I know that they are trying their hardest to keep things as close as possible

to how they have been.

I admire what they have accomplished and look forward to watching what is still to come. I know that these hardships are temporary and that one way or another, the CBW leadership and membership will find a way to keep connecting, keep supporting each other, and keep pushing our member women to even greater things in our community.

I want to be a part of that!

What have you seen to be the most effective part of CBW’s current programming?

The most effective part of the current programming is the speaker highlights. Those have, in general, been very similar to what they were when we met in person, and they have been choosing great speakers and topics for the current situations.

How can the Salem Chamber continue to empower women in business?

I think the Salem Chamber has always been a great support to women in business. The Chamber staff have always been great at making connections for their members when opportunities arise and being there when I have questions or need help finding a connection in the community. I say keep up the great work and seek out opportunities for its members to use their talents to serve the community, both in a business capacity and a service capacity. 503.

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In the study of microeconomics, the supply and demand model are the backbone principles which determine price fluctuation. When a market’s supply and demand reach equilibrium – that is, when competition reaches perfection and the cost of creating supply “perfectly” equals the demand – economic equilibrium is achieved, meaning revenue can be utilized to increase the quality of products, pump money back into the economy, or simply increase the value of the product. However, when the demand is higher, and supply is limited, economic disequilibrium occurs. This means few companies exist which can meet the demand; people’s needs begin to suffer.

In the age of a 21st-century pandemic, with demand for in-person appointments, rapid COVID-19 testing, and access to a vaccine existing at a rate higher than normal, it seems as though the supply and demand of healthcare has often reached disequilibrium. Yet, local urgent and primary care facilities have worked immensely hard to meet the demand, restore market equilibrium, and have done so with an abundance of grace.

One such facility exists in our own backyard, hidden from within the margins of view.

SwiftCare, established in 2017 and located at 560 Wallace Rd. NW in Suite 140, provides urgent care

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and primary care medical services, including flu shots and vaccinations, STI testing, treatment for lacerations/ stitches, treatment for fractures/ sprains/injuries, sports physicals, occupational medicine, skin problem treatment, musculoskeletal care, and in-house lab testing.

“The struggle was finding COVID testing, and that’s where we jumped into action and said, ‘this is not only going to benefit our fairly new business, this is going to give an opportunity for people to get accurate, quick results on testing’,” says Bailey.

“We went from seeing anywhere from 10 to 17 patients a day to then seeing upwards of 60.”

Despite the recent increase in demand for immediate healthcare, SwiftCare’s leadership met the public’s needs before the pandemic, during its height, and now as vaccinations are becoming more widely released.

Lora Bailey, Clinic Manager at SwiftCare, shares the experience of being an urgent and primary care facility during the early spring of 2020.

“It was a very interesting roller coaster,” says Bailey. “In the very beginning, we were uncertain of how things were going to be, and there wasn’t a lot known about COVID. It was evolving over time, and we had to hustle into what we could to accommodate those changes.”

As was common practice, SwiftCare had to work around cutting back their hours, protecting their employees, and reevaluating their business model.

Upon analysis, they discovered an opportunity to increase business while serving the common good.

“We partnered with a lab that had a 48-hour turnaround, whereas the other

Spring 2021

While SwiftCare works to provide the best healthcare possible to its regular patients and those seeking quick coronavirus test results, they also recognize the need for those who do not always have easy access to such care. labs we were working with had a five to seven day, if not longer, turnaround for results,” explains Bailey.

“We needed those quick results so that we could advise patients on how to isolate and how to quarantine.

We had to alter the way that we do business to accommodate the general public, and it really did turn things around for us.”

With the demand of rapid COVID-19 testing rising to unprecedented levels, SwiftCare decided to become a premiere testing facility in West Salem.

Bailey explained that SwiftCare’s reputation as a reliable and efficient same-day appointment facility, amongst the West Salem community, quickly spread.

“We are an approved urgent care for the VA mission,” says Bailey.

“Through the VA, it’s oftentimes difficult to get in with their primary care provider, that’s where we come in.”

Additional initiatives SwiftCare has taken part in are local food and toy drives, pre-employment drug tests, and discounted healthcare visits to migrant workers. Bailey, whose career background originates from 13 years in the banking and finance industry, says it’s selfless work like this which helped her feel good about making the change in industry.

In an age where preventative health services have become a common practice, its positive impacts continue

27

to astound the workers who encounter its effects on a daily basis.

“There have been several unique experiences where our providers have been treating one thing and have found another,” explains Bailey. “In one instance, we identified someone with a gallbladder issue, did some blood work on them, and then advised them to get some additional testing done over at Salem Health. They then ended up getting their gallbladder out before Thanksgiving. His wife then sent us a lengthy letter and said, ‘I can’t even believe that we went in for one thing and you guys were able – through your exam – to identify this issue.’”

Whilst praise is something a vain individual seeks, it’s the sentiment behind the words which motivate

SINCE

Bailey to continue her work, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties that 2020 bestowed on the world.

“It’s things like that – saving someone’s life – that make the stress and the strain so worth it,” shares Bailey.

SwiftCare’s vision lies not only in the success of their rapid COVID-19 tests or healthcare for the disenfranchised but also seeks to be the provider for any and all who lack the access to traditional health facilities.

“We don’t want to be a COVID testing clinic, we want to be an everything clinic,” explains Bailey.

“We want to handle the bigger scope of people’s needs, and that’s going to be our focus going forward.” 503.

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

Bruce Womack Copy Cats NW – Salem

It is a great honor to have been selected as Ambassador of the Quarter. I have been a Salem Ambassador since 2008 and a member of the Salem Chamber with different companies for more than 20 years. As an Ambassador, I have had many opportunities to interact with businesses in the Salem area doing ribbon cuttings, visits, and through networking at our weekly Chamber Greeters meetings.

Over the years, I have had many opportunities to talk to business owners about the benefits of becoming Chamber members, and have developed relationships, both in a business and personal way.

A Chamber Ambassador is a walking testimonial to the good our Chamber does within the community. The fact that I am (first) a part of the existing business community and (second) a Chamber member, allows me to recruit for our Chamber in a more subtle and appealing way.

I have owned or worked at other printing businesses in the past, and have been working at Copy Cats

since 2006. When not working, I enjoy golfing, bowling and cooking; especially baking cookies for my co-workers and friends.

processes that make it faster and easier to get your product done in a quicker, cleaner and less expensive way.

The origin of Copy Cats began in 1996 on Wallace Road in West Salem when Cory Graham bought it from Vicky Burger.

It was originally called Bruce Womack Lazerquick and moved to its present location on Edgewater in 2003. Ken Adame, one of the present owners, started working at Lazerquick in 1998. Before that, he worked at the corporate offices of Lazerquick in Wilsonville. Michelle (his wife), the other present owner, met Ken while she was working at the West Salem Lazerquick. The business name was changed to Copy Cats in 2006, just as I began with the company.

I have been around printing all of my life, being that my Dad was a master printer. Over the years, there have been many changes in printing

Copy Cats offers many ways to help you in meeting all your business requirements.

Services include printing and copying office forms, large format (in both color and black-and-white), business cards, postcards, flyers, laser engraving, trophies, and advertising specialties. We have a highly trained staff to help you achieve your goals.

We offer a graphics department to design a finished product from your ideas that will meet your needs.

I would encourage anyone who has the desire to be an active part of the Salem Chamber, wants to encourage new businesses, and wants to promote the good things that the Salem Chamber has to offer, to consider becoming an Ambassador. 503.

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