503. Magazine: Summer 2023

Interview Your Employees

So They Stay

The Great Resignation is spurring a rash of hiring bonuses, better perks, and aggressive recruitment. You’ve probably heard of or are engaging in focused talent retention — but have you tried the stay interview?

The opposite of an exit interview, a stay interview is a semi-formal conversation with your top talent about why they stay with your company. Some companies may already have something similar in place as part of their annual review process.

It’s a fairly straightforward approach, wherein managers seek to understand more about each individual’s goals, how they’re feeling in their current position, and what the company can do to help them grow professionally over the next year. Here’s how to effectively conduct stay interviews with your top talent.

It’s Not a Formal Conversation

The interview is less structured than a hiring interview, and more of a conversation. However, these conversations may be ineffective if your team doesn’t have a sense of security in talking freely. If there’s an unspoken fear of retaliation or nervousness about speaking up, you won’t get the open feedback you need.

This culture also requires your managers to be vulnerable and open to constructive criticism. Often, stay interviews will yield a mix of things you’re doing right

by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer

and areas where the workplace needs improvement.

Remember when doing this that it’s a dialogue — not simply asking your employees for a list of things to improve.

What Should I Ask in a Stay Interview?

Focus on the employee’s work every day and how valued they feel their contributions are. You may ask how they feel about the organization in general, but steer clear from asking for status updates about current projects. You’re looking for a general sense of their satisfaction.

A few questions to get the conversation started can include:

• How do you feel about the impact of your work?

• What would you like to do more of in your role? And less of?

• Do you see a future for yourself here? What does it look like?

• What makes you happy to come to work?

• What would prompt you to quit?

• If you were the department head, what would you do differently?

Finding out what would make an employee leave the company will

shed light on what you need to do to make them stay. As a manager, it’s your job to bring your stay interview feedback to those above you, especially if you aren’t in a position to make significant changes to a salary package or working conditions.

Don’t be surprised if employees initiate stay interviews with you. Many workers know that they’re in high demand and have a lot more power than they’ve had in a long time. Be aware and receptive if you sense someone is initiating a stay conversation.

Acting on Stay Interview Feedback

End a stay interview on a strong note, thanking your employee for their time and summarizing what they’ve said in your own words. Ask if you’re correct in your understanding and tell them what your next steps will be with the information.

The stay interview is a great way to make your employees feel valued and heard. As a business owner, appreciating the work contributions of your top talent (managers included) goes a long way towards retaining them. 503.

1110 Commercial St. NE Salem OR 97301 503.581.1466

www.salemchamber.org

18

Cover: Brothers Tyler Freres and Kyle Freres, along with their cousin, Rob Freres, represent the third-generation of Freres Engineered Wood, a leader in innovative engineered wood products.

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

www.mtangelpub.com

503. is published quarterly by Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc., proud Chamber member.

Publisher: Paula Mabry

Project Manager: Tavis Bettoli-Lotten

Advertising Graphics: Steve Beckner

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

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.

Above: S.C.A. Detailing conducting an onthe-spot interview with a CTEC student at the recent Hiring Fair.

How to Best Communicate Your Ideas in Meetings

For Maximum Impact

Where does a year go, and how does it go so quickly? You have likely experienced a similar internal question during a portion of your professional career. Completing a 12-month term as Salem Chamber President has been an incredible experience for me. Each month, the Salem Chamber Board team gathers to consider key strategic decisions for our organization and for our local business ecosystem. The breadth of knowledge and experience around the Salem Board table is profound and I was humbled to serve as this organization’s leader for the last 365 days. When partnering with so many skilled local leaders, I found myself preparing for meetings with great intentionality and thought.

Communication is a vital cornerstone of any business meeting. As the CEO, owner, or team manager, you must use the best skills to keep your employees motivated towards achieving personal and professional goals. To succeed at this job, you’ll have to possess the right communication skills so that your meetings are smooth, effective, and pleasant for everyone.

Strong communication will make you feel heard and understood, which leads to positive company culture and a successful business. Therefore, understanding how to run effective meetings is an important part of business gatherings. Continue reading as we outline some vital communication ideas to implement in your meetings.

When holding a meeting, communicating to your audience

involves more than just the usual speech or written mode of communication. Body language also plays a significant part in the way we communicate with other people. Research shows that 55% of your communication is through body language. Your audience is always keen on your body language, and they make snap judgments based on it. Therefore, before any meeting, think about how you will stand and sit. Adopt a good posture, maintain eye contact with many people in the meeting, and avoid cross body language. Although it might not always be possible to involve questions in a meeting, bringing your attendees into the discussion works better than listening to long speeches. However, note that some of your audience may be reluctant to volunteer or answer your questions. You can try asking intelligent questions to push them into offering specific ideas. You may ask random questions aimed at particular individuals or groups, allowing your audience to volunteer answers. This keeps people engaged, and it ensures that everyone understands your message.

Good communication is crucial in ensuring that you have an effective meeting. By implementing the above ideas, you will have productive meetings that deliver the intended objective. The key thing is to pay attention to your body language and bring attendees into the discussion. And leading from a position of facilitation and partnership creates a special bond between all shareholders in the room.

by Wendy Veliz, Portland General Electric

I would be remiss if I did not thank the entire Salem Chamber Board of Directors team, 25 unique and savvy leaders, for their support and engagement throughout my over 10 years of Board service, capped by the past 12 months as Board President. While my initial involvement with the Salem Chamber centered on local work in business advocacy on behalf of my employer at PGE, it blossomed far beyond public policy efforts. I exit office as the third consecutive female President and first Latino/ Latina to serve in the presidential role since George Puentes in 2002-2003. Our Board diversity has never been greater, so I will be eagerly watchful of the future of Salem Chamber leadership in the years to come. I am pleased to be succeeded by Alan Rasmussen of Modern Building Systems, and then Mike Herron, a year later, of VIP’s Industries. Both individuals are hugely talented, bright, and deeply committed to the Salem community.

I am joined in Board retirement by Julie Hoy (Geppetto’s Italian Restaurant) and Ryan Collier (Collier Law). Thank you both for your years of service to the organization. Lastly, throughout my health challenges and more, I wish to thank my daughter, Audrey; and partner, Rich Goddard for all their love and support. It was an honor and a joy to serve as Salem Chamber President and I look forward to seeing each of you at a Salem Chamber program or event in the very near future! 503.

Your Chamber

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President

WENDY VELIZ

Portland General Electric

President-Elect

ALAN RASMUSSEN Modern Building Systems

Past President

LAURA DORN

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Vice President –Membership

JENNIFER MARTIN

First Commercial Real Estate

STAFF

TOM HOFFERT

Chief Executive Officer

JACKIE ELLERBROCK

Operations Director

Vice President – Advocacy

JEFF MILLER

Coldwell Banker Commercial

Vice President – Events & Programming

CHRISTY WITZKE

SAIF

Treasurer

STEPHEN JOYE Fischer, Hayes, Joye & Allen, LLC

Secretary

MIKE HERRON VIP’s Industries

BOARD MEMBERS

BRANDON BLAIR

Summit Wealth Management

JONATHAN

CASTRO MONROY

Castro Monroy Group

RYAN COLLIER Collier Law

RYAN DEMPSTER

Willamette Valley Bank

RICH DUNCAN Rich Duncan Construction

JEFF DUNN Lineage Logistics

DAN JOHNSON Marketing & Communications Manager

EVA PORRAS Administrative Professional

Member Services

LENA PRINE Director of Business Advocacy

KATIE COSTIC McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director

TED FERRY State Farm Insurance

KATHY GORDON

Aldrich CPAs & Advisors, LLP

JULIE HOY

Geppetto’s Italian Restaurant

DAN M c DOWELL

Pioneer Trust Bank

KATYA MENDEZ Mountain West Investment Corporation

CONNOR REITEN

PNGC Power

QUANDRAY ROBERTSON

Q’s Corner Barbershop

RANDALL SUTTON Saalfeld Griggs, P.C.

ERIC TEMPLETON AmeriTitle

JIM VU Core Solutions Consulting

ANGELA WILLIAMS Huggins Insurance Services, Inc.

MICHELLE TERZENBACH Membership Manager

CHRIS SEELY Workforce Development Specialist

JUDY FISHER SARAH RAMBECK CTEC Business Liaisons

Faded, Inc.

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!

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

Timber Town Harley-Davidson.

Oregon’s Landmark LEGISLATION Through the Years

By Lena Prine, Director of Business Advocacy

Founded by courageous trailblazers in search of a better life out West, our great state has never been afraid of new ideas. When it comes to policy, Oregon’s pioneering spirit has led the way on many defining regulations, some of which have become standards across the country. So, when we think about where we are today and the future of our state, it’s important to put into perspective the landmark bills that paved the way to our current way of life here in the Beaver State. Here are some notable examples:

The Gas Tax – 1919

House Bill 424, codified as ORS 319.530, was in response to a campaign to “Get Oregon Out of the Mud” as the state embraced the automobile age. Dollars raised at the pump were intended to build and maintain roads. The initial tax was one cent a gallon. Today, the Oregon State gasoline tax is 38 cents a gallon.

No Self-Service Gas – 1951

Born out of safety concerns, this bill decided that trained service station workers were the only folks qualified to handle potentially explosive liquids. Earlier this year, representatives from the Oregon House voted to allow Oregonians to pump their own gas; if passed, the proposed measure would allow gas stations to designate up to half of their pumps for self-service.

Oregon’s Beach Bill – 1967

In response to a Cannon Beach hotel blocking off a section of the state’s then shoreline public highway for private use, the State Highway Commission, with Governor Tom McCall’s support, introduced two bills in the legislature. These bills established a permanent public easement for access and recreation along the ocean shore seaward of the existing line of vegetation, regardless of ownership, and set forth policy to provide public access to the beach at regular intervals.

Oregon Forest Practices Act – 1971

This Oregon bill was another first of its kind. The rules of the Oregon Forest Practices Act went into effect to encourage forest practices that promote economic efficiency while ensuring the ongoing growth and harvesting of forests.

Oregon Bicycle Bill – 1971

The Bicycle Bill was enacted to ensure that newly constructed Oregon roadways allow for safe travel by pedestrians and bicyclists. One percent of the state highway fund is used towards that effort.

Oregon Bottle Bill – 1971

Oregon’s was the very first bottle bill introduced in the United States and demonstrates Oregonians’

commitment to conservation and early efforts aimed at reducing waste and the throwaway mentality.

Oregon Family Leave Act – 1987

Once again, Oregon led the way with this groundbreaking parental and family leave act that would go on to pave the way for future federal policy.

Death With Dignity – 1994

This law allows terminally ill Oregonians to decide to end their lives through voluntary self-administration of lethal medications.

Vote By Mail – 1998

Oregon voters made voting by mail the standard long before it was deemed nationally necessary in 2020.

Minimum Wage – 2016

This law guaranteed a minimum wage based on employer location using a tiered system. Beginning July 1, 2023 the new minimum wage in Salem will be $13.50 per hour.

For better or worse, these are just a few of the defining bills that have set Oregon apart. This list is not comprehensive, as there are many other examples of how Oregon has been on the forefront of landmark legislation. We will see what new initiatives are on the horizon. 503.

FRERES

A Century of Innovation Engineered Wood

For more than 150 years, Oregon’s timber industry has been an integral piston in the Pacific Northwest’s economic engine. While the region’s economic identity is still rooted in timber, the market for wood products has evolved. Today’s consumers and contractors demand a wide array of manufactured materials to meet the demands for customization, specificity, and sustainability — a tall order that not every wood products company can meet.

Backed by three generations of family ownership and a company culture rooted in innovation, Freres Engineered Wood (formerly Freres Lumber) is one Oregon company that has truly stood the test of time. Founded in 1922 by T.G. Freres, the company started with a single sawmill on

the north fork of the Santiam River producing lumber for the Southern Pacific Railroad. After decades of gradually building the business to incorporate veneer wood products and innovative construction material — such as its patented Mass Ply Panels (MPP) — the Freres Engineered Wood of today operates six total production plants and competes in the global market with a diverse and highly-sought-after collection of impressive building materials.

With President Rob Freres currently at the helm and Kyle Freres and Tyler Freres as VPs of Operations and Sales, respectively, the executive team has ensured Freres’ longevity and exemplary standing in the industry through the milestone centennial the company celebrated in 2022.

At the same time, the company’s focus and commitment to innovation has allowed it to continually forge ahead.

Rebranding to Freres Engineered Wood

To coincide with its 100th anniversary last year, the company embarked on a forward-thinking rebranding effort (which included the company name change) to more accurately describe the array of innovative engineered wood products offered today. Kyle Freres says the new brand was long in the making and provides clarity to partners and consumers while paving the way for future innovations.

“We wanted to make sure we stayed true to the culture and the

More than 100 years and under three generations of family ownership, Freres Engineered Wood shows that becoming an industry leader requires the ability and willingness to adapt to the times and the market.

principles of the company,” Kyle Freres said about the rebranding effort. “But we also wanted to reflect where we saw the trajectory of the company as well, and where we see ourselves in the longer term.”

A Legacy of Innovation

Long before the revolutionary development of MPP and its other engineered products, innovation was ingrained in the Freres culture. When a problem arises or external forces dictate change, the Freres way is to come up with a creative solution that utilizes the business’ resources to extract maximum value and efficiency.

One of the company’s first big pivots was the addition of its first veneer production plant in the 1960s. As the popularity and demand for high-quality veneer continued to increase, Freres discovered that producing more veneer was not only necessary but advantageous, as veneer production yielded 50% more product from a single log when compared with traditional lumber production.

In response to environmental policy that restricted access to the forests and narrowed Freres’ veneer consumer base, Freres made another shift in the 1990s by acquiring a plywood plant, which allowed the company to further diversify its product mix.

Flash forward to 2007 when renewable energy was beginning to trend in the industry and in society at large, Freres converted its entire facility’s energy production from gas to electricity and steam to not only take advantage of a government tax credit, but also to sustainably utilize valuable material byproducts.

More recently, and perhaps most notably, Freres Engineered Wood has developed its MPP product. Considered to be a potential game-changer in the construction industry, these customizable, renewable, and environmentallyfriendly panels can be applied to floors, roofs, and walls. They can even be used to build structures as high as 18 stories, effectively replacing the need for traditional concrete or steel.

Commitment to Sustainability

Freres prioritizes sustainability, waste management, and minimal environmental impact. From veneer manufacturing to plywood, Freres ensures no part of its precious timber resource is wasted during the manufacturing process. This practice benefits the company by helping protect the environment while allowing it to develop other marketable products.

“Our industry has always been really good about finding higher value uses for wood fiber,” Kyle said. “Because once you’ve paid for a log, you’ve paid for every little piece of it. So, you want to make use of it.”

To generate enough energy (steam and electricity) to run its six production facilities, Freres employs a 100% biomass-fired rotary bed boiler that runs around the clock. The boiler is fed with a combination of biomass feedstocks sourced from the region, as well as on-site waste materials from production (including bark). This biopower cogeneration approach not only provides enough power for Freres to run its plants, but also generates enough extra energy to power 5,000 households.

Freres also finds incredible value from the byproduct of its energy production process, which is known as biochar. Rich with sequestered carbon, this seemingly discardable material can be used as a base for soil fertilization and regeneration, bringing what once was a tree back to the earth in a satisfying environmental full circle.

Many of the products Freres is known for are beneficial for

Tyler, Kyle, and Rob Freres in front of vintage company signage.

the environment on their own. Freres cites its MPP product as especially environmentallyfriendly, considering that building with wood uses less energy and generates less carbon than certain structural materials like steel or concrete. Wood is also recyclable and reusable even at the end of its life cycle, which cannot be said for all other materials.

Weathering Environmental and Policy Challenges

While the business has enjoyed its longevity and sustained success over the years, it has also faced major policy and environmental challenges that have created obstacles to growth.

The natural resources Freres needs to manufacture its products

are plentiful, but accessing those resources hasn’t always been easy. In the 1990s, the U.S. Forest Service established the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP), which prioritized biodiversity conservation over timber harvesting in an effort to protect threatened and endangered species, such as the Northern

Powell Banz Valuation is a dedicated group of local valuation experts with over 100 years of Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Experience. Serving the Willamette Valley since 1973 has given

A custom-built structure made from Freres Engineered Wood’s proprietary Mass Ply Panels.

Spotted Owl. Unfortunately, this resulted in a massive decrease in timber harvesting within the NWFP federal forests and drastically reduced the number of board feet produced in the state each year. Policies like these, which impact all other ancillary economic activity generated off of timber, can result in staggering losses for the industry, local economy, and residents in the area.

“It doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game,” Kyle said. “Everybody

can win in this. I mean, really, forest management benefits the environment, it benefits our local economy, and benefits the planet in terms of carbon sequestration. It really is a win-win opportunity. And we can do a lot of good work out there that benefits the environment while still making a lot of money for the Oregon economy.”

As true lovers of the forest who have lived and worked in the timber industry for most of their lives, the Freres family says

they are “proof that scientists, naturalists, and loggers can work together to invest in the future of Oregon’s forests.”

Workforce Development & Employment

Still the largest employer in the Lyons and Mill City area with around 400 employees, Freres has also faced challenges with its workforce. The pandemic and the trend of more young workers looking for remote or hybrid jobs haven’t helped, but as strong supporters of and investors in workforce development and training — such as the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) and the Willamette Career Academy — Freres has demonstrated a laudable commitment to helping employees find rewarding employment with opportunities for growth, development, and advancement.

Whether an employee is looking for a living-wage job, seeking a career with advancement opportunities, or interested in developing innovative products and processes, Freres is hiring. With competitive pay and attractive benefits, Freres

Kyle Freres on the production floor. Salem is Moving Forward with Climate Action.

Salem is Moving Forward with Climate Action.

Building resiliency with renewable resources

Creating bike and walk friendly neighborhoods near shopping and transit

Supporting local food growers

is dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce. There are plenty of opportunities at Freres, even for those without a college degree, to do some very sophisticated and rewarding work.

Community Engagement

As an active Salem Chamber member, Freres Engineered Wood’s commitment to the community has been evident to our members and businesses. As regular attendees of the Chamber’s quarterly Executive Leader Council (ELC) meetings, the Freres executive team pays close attention to what’s happening in their region and beyond.

More importantly, however, the company and its hundreds of employees consistently give back to the community they live in and serve, especially when the need for support comes right to their front door.

When the 2020 Santiam Canyon wildfires devastated the land surrounding its production facilities, the company stepped up by salvaging timber, replanting more than three million seedlings, and pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of water when the

cities of Lyons and Mill City went dry.

Aside from its incredible work in the wildfire recovery efforts, Freres Engineered Wood is known for its generous donations to numerous organizations and community causes throughout the Willamette Valley, including the construction of the new Santiam High School in Mill City.

Looking Ahead to the Next 100 Years

In keeping with the company’s culture, leadership at Freres is always envisioning what’s next for the company and the industry. Even with fond memories of the company’s centennial still fresh in their minds, the Freres Engineered Wood team is thinking about how to continue thriving for another 100 years.

“We believe addressing today’s challenges will provide many opportunities in the future,” Freres President Rob Freres said. “We have a legacy of investing in our people, our community, and our business and we want to ensure that legacy lasts another 100 years.” 503.

CTEC Hiring Fair

Connecting Students with Local Businesses

On May 15, 2023, the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) hosted its highly anticipated annual Hiring Fair. The event was a resounding success, engaging over 700 students and bringing together 63 employers, student alumni, and industry experts. The fair provided a platform for local businesses to connect with professionally prepared and technically-skilled students as they transition from high school to the job market.

The vision of CTEC is to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand careers by equipping them with the necessary professional skills, technical knowledge, academic foundation, and real-world experience. The annual Hiring Fair serves as one of the key opportunities for these students to showcase their abilities and secure employment with local businesses.

The immense success of this event can be credited to CTEC’s Business Liaisons, Sarah Rambeck, Judy Fisher, and Chelsea Lynch. Their hard work and dedication ensured that the campus was brimming with energy as businesses and program representatives interacted with students, sharing opportunities, and creating awareness. The fair facilitated on-the-spot interviews, allowing students to take the next step toward their professional journey.

By Katie Costic, McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director

One of the standout features of the Hiring Fair was the “Adulting 101” sessions led by industry experts. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including understanding credit; voting and local government; renting one’s first apartment; financial planning; leadership; and an alumni panel featuring past CTEC students who shared their experiences and current achievements. These sessions were particularly valuable for the first-year students (high school juniors) who gained awareness and insights to make the most out of their senior year.

CTEC places great emphasis on developing professional skills, which forms the foundation of its daily teachings. Students are guided throughout their entire experience to ensure they are

well prepared to succeed in the workplace. The Business Liaisons at CTEC have collaborated with over 150 industry partners, utilizing real-time feedback to tailor the programs to meet the current needs of businesses and employers.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to connect with these talented students, I encourage you to reach out to CTEC’s Business Liaisons. Whether it’s through a tour, participation in the Hiring Fair, or conducting an Industry Day activity with one of the programs, Sarah Rambeck and Judy Fisher would be delighted to connect with you.

You can reach Sarah at sarah@ salemchamber.org and Judy at judy@salemchamber.org.

CTEC students at the Salvation Army Kroc Center booth at the Hiring Fair.

The dedicated team of professionals at CTEC are working tirelessly to shape the future workforce by providing students with the necessary skills and opportunities. Let us join forces with them in building a prosperous and thriving community.

Here is what a few of our industry partners had to say about the Hiring Fair:

“We loved the job fair, meeting everyone, and getting to learn all about CTEC and what is all offered. We would love to be invited back.” –

Sport Clips

“Event was fabulous! Would love to be part of it again or anything else that our business can do to help support CTEC and the students’ interviewing skills.”

– Minto Island Growers

“WONDERFUL EVENT!!!!! :-) We are already excited for next year! :-) Early May is a great time for this event as we are making the final hires for summer jobs at the Kroc. Many of our jobs can turn into long term positions for the students while they are going to school. Our proximity to CTEC is convenient for students and our training in customer service and responsibility will serve them well in their future.”

– Kroc Center

A huge thank you goes out to all industry partners who participated in this year’s event! 503.

Let’s get down to business.

As Hagan Hamilton opens their doors, they will be the oldest and largest insurance firm in Salem. Their size and experience translates into better coverage as you work with brokers who know your industry and understand your business.

Chris and T.J. know the Willamette Valley and are best suited to help you with all your insurance needs. Call us at 503-344-1300.

Chris McLaran chris@haganhamilton.com

T.J. Sullivan TJ@haganhamilton.com

Chemeketa Community College’s booth at the Hiring Fair.

Zak Stone

Inspiring, always creative, and seemingly omnipresent within the Salem community, Zak Stone is known for always having a camera in his hand, a friendly greeting for anyone he encounters, and for seeing Salem through an optimistic lens.

A former semi-professional wakeboarder and local real estate industry professional, Zak has always understood the power and value of making connections while also looking to feed his need for adventure. With a passion for photography that had been developing in the background ever since Zak first picked up a digital camera in 1998, he decided to channel his adventurous spirit and naturally creative energy into a new career as he started Zak Stone Photography in 2018.

“I decided, if I’m going to change my whole career, I want to do something that I truly love to do, where it doesn’t feel like work and I’m excited for it,” Zak said about starting the business. “So, I just went all in.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Zak endured a couple of stressful years in building the business. But since joining the Chamber in 2021, and after cultivating strong relationships with many local businesses over the years, he’s significantly expanded his client list, which today includes several Chamber members such as Dalke Construction and Chuck E. Cheese

Zak Stone Photography

Similar to his business, Zak’s involvement in the Chamber took a little time to develop as he battled some nerves walking into his first Greeters meeting. But the warm reception he received from Chamber Ambassadors not only instilled him with confidence but inspired him to do the same for others.

“I remember when I introduced myself, and everyone clapped,” Zak said about his first Greeters experience. “That made me feel welcome and just at ease a little bit. And I remember that sticking out my head being like, ‘Oh, wow, that made me feel good. And people are excited for me to be here.’ So, when people introduce themselves now for the first time, I always try to clap and make them feel welcome.”

Zak’s ability to provide a positive environment for fellow businesspeople has made him a natural fit as a Chamber Ambassador, a role which he began in 2022. In the short amount of time since then, Zak’s involvement within the Chamber and the Salem community has only grown. Today, he is a member of the Chamber’s Membership Committee and has lent his keen eye, talent, and photography services to several signature Chamber events (First Citizen Awards Banquet, monthly Forum Speaker Series, and Leadership Salem days).

Even outside of his Ambassador role, Zak devotes his time and energy to

promote fellow small businesses and speak to the issues that impact the Salem business community. Whether it’s serving as the volunteer MC during game days for the Salem Capitals Basketball Club or testifying to Salem City Council, Salem native Zak says his community engagement simply stems from wanting to make a difference and wanting to leave his hometown a little better off than how he remembers it growing up.

“Coming out of 2020 and how many businesses were affected, I just wanted to do whatever I could to help out,” Zak said. “Now that I have kids, it’s like, what kind of community are they going to grow up in? And what kind of community am I leaving behind for them? And I think that’s been my biggest push to be involved.”

When you see Zak out and about, thank him for his service as a Chamber Ambassador and congratulate him on Zak Stone Photography being named as the Chamber’s 2023 Small Business of the Year! 503.

→ Independent living for active seniors

→ Assisted living for enhanced personal care

→ Independent living for active seniors

→ Assisted living for enhanced personal care

→ Rehabilitation & therapy to maintain your healthy lifestyle

→ Rehabilitation & therapy to maintain your healthy lifestyle

A Legacy of Excellence

Welcome our newest

Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Steve Yao

Steve Yao, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine.

Dr. Yao received his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at The Medical College of Wisconsin.

He enjoys spending time with family, travel, golf, tennis and playing music locally with his band.

Dr. Steve Yao specializes in:

· Total and Partial Knee Replacement

· Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement

· Arthroscopic Knee & Shoulder Surgery

· Cartilage Restoration

Sports Medicine

· Sports Medicine

Rotator Cuff Tears

Nicolas Stratton, MD Steve Yao, MD David Thorsett, MD Ruben Pollak, DPM Daniel Schweigert, MD Doug Huntley, PA-C Todd Rosborough, PA-C Molly Yao, NP