503. The Salem Chamber's Magazine: Summer 2021

the salem chamber’s magazine

Summer 2021

A Day with Local Elected Officials

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

Tom Hoffert, Weathering the Storm by Chief Executive Officer The Salem Chamber believes in helping businesses prosper so our entire community may thrive.

Showing gratitude during the pandemic has proven a bit more challenging, as our gatherings have largely shifted to Zoom computer screens. As many small businesses have grappled with ever-changing, Governor-issued mandates and OSHA-issued safety guidelines for their customers and employees, other small businesses have faced a considerably tougher decision: do I remain open? And if I do remain open, do I have the resources to make it through this pandemic? The Salem Chamber Board leadership identified our most critical job to be done during this pandemic is the sharing of information, resources, and hope.

I am proud to have joined key elected officials and organizational leaders in our tri-county region by serving on the Governor’s Regional Economic Recovery Team. Has the business community been in full support of Governor Brown’s strategic work and management during the 14 months of the pandemic in Oregon? Certainly not always. Has the business community repeatedly pivoted and made tactical adjustments to its business plan, due to government mandates?

Absolutely, without question.

The businesses who have been fortunate to weather these unique times are to be applauded for their ingenuity and perseverance. The Salem Chamber has been proud Summer 2021

On July 1, we welcome Laura Dorn (Berkshire Hathaway Home Services) into the role of Board President. Like Kathy before her, Laura is deeply rooted in the Salem community and a resolute voice for small business needs. Three leaders wrap up their dedicated service on the Chamber’s Board of Directors – Maria Palacio (Olson Florists), Dr. Sheldon Nord (Corban University), and Past President TJ Sullivan (Huggins Insurance Services). to be a partner in sharing financial resources and grant funding opportunities, PPE distribution to nearly 400 small businesses, and most recently, hosting four days of vaccine clinics at our Salem Chamber offices, in partnership with Salem Health. Restaurants, the hardest hit industry, received a complementary year of membership within the organization. The work which remains in front of us, in support of small businesses across Salem, motivates us to do more each day as an organization.

As I reflect on the past 12 months, very few companies or organizations conducted “business as usual.” Like our for-profit businesses, the Salem Chamber has also pivoted to best serve all small businesses across Salem, member or not. Under the leadership of President Kathy Gordon and the 21 volunteer directors on our Board, we became laser-focused to resources, information, and access.

I close with how I began.

The Salem Chamber believes in helping businesses prosper so our entire community may thrive. Thank you to each of our nearly 1,100 members who continue to pivot as they navigate the pandemic. Small businesses create the foundation for economic security in our community. At the Salem Chamber, we are humbled to serve as our community’s small business advocate.

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 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.

22

the salem chamber’s magazine

President’s Message............... 6 Directors & Staff..........................8

How the Chamber Champions Businesses...... 20 Close-up on Willamette Valley Vineyards.....................22

Haley Hamilton, CBW’s new Chair..................10

The Inspire Foundation: Executive Leadership Council spotlights....................................... 26

A Day in the Life of an Elected Official....................... 12

Ambassador of the Quarter: Barbara McReal.................... 30

Cover: Clockwise, Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Salem-Keizer School Board Chair Satya Chandragiri, Senator Raquel Moore-Green and Salem CIty Councilor Jose Gonzalez.

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

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CH AMBER PRES IDE N T’ S ME S S AG E

Overcoming Challenges

A YEAR IN REVIEW

The cherry blossoms have finished blooming, and we are now enjoying a bit of rain and some spring flowers; then on to summer in our amazing City of Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley. Oregonians know how to celebrate some warm weather and sunshine and I certainly hope we are able to do that this year. There are vegetable gardens to plant, festivals and markets to attend, neighborhood get-togethers, a river to visit, or just a BBQ with friends. This is one of the best times of the year.

until it was better?

And with lots of hope and looking forward to some great times, I thought I’d take a brief trip down memory lane to share with you the amazing accomplishments of this past year.

So many remarkable community leaders have gone before me as President of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Each of them had the courage to stand up for business in this community. Each of them was unique in their presidency, and each year was distinctive.

• We coordinated the collection and distribution of clothing, blankets, food, water and essentials for our neighbors who were victims of the Santiam Canyon fires.

Our office became a drop site and items were then taken for distribution to the fairgrounds’ relief center and to Truitt Brothers warehouse. Thank you to Jordan Truitt, Joshua Kay, Amar Sidhu, and Stephanie Bobb of United Way, each running point on collecting and distributing these critically needed items.

This past year has been no different, and yet, very extraordinary. Yes, the pandemic is at the forefront and it continues to challenge us in so many ways. Last fall, our neighbors in the Santiam Canyon endured the most horrific fires and suffering. And that wasn’t enough. In the midst of winter, Mother Nature covers our city in a freezing coat of ice.

Talk about a resilient community and rallying around our fellow businesses and citizens to help in any and all ways.

That is Salem. That is the Chamber.

What did the Chamber accomplish during the pandemic, during each crisis? What are the successes we can proudly say we were a part of, we initiated, or we modified and changed 6

Top of my mind is our rallying cry for all businesses. The Salem Chamber was, is and will continue to be a hub of strength for our community’s needs: • We have had multiple PPE (personal protective equipment) distribution sessions to help many small businesses in need. They did not need to be a Chamber member, they just had to have a need. Thank you to our partners: City of Salem and Business Oregon.

• Our front line workers were honored with a sign of encouragement at Salem Health. Several Chamber members rallied to install signage stating, “Heroes Work Here.”

Thanks to Ariel Barrientos of Noble Works sign company for producing our special tribute.

• Our social media sites on Facebook, including Salem Eats, Salem Shops, and Salem Hires have opened doors for our restaurants, our merchants and those who have jobs available or are looking for jobs during the pandemic. The Salem Eats Challenge was a fun way to

by Kathy Gordon, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors

encourage dining with our local restaurants, whether that was take out, eating outside or as restrictions loosened, eating inside; all rallying support for our local eateries and bars.

• Our Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, our website and our e-mailed Business Connector have been some of the strongest resources for what you need to know during each crisis; all about PPP loans, grants, PPE access, what does each risk category mean, and to how to contact winter call centers.

And our advocacy efforts are second to none: • Our Public Policy team continued to bring the issues that matter to your attention each month. Yes, Public Policy meetings were all virtual, but it’s so critical to make you aware of the various state, county and city initiatives that are in play.

• We’ve built and continue to build relationships with our elected officials. These relationships open the door for honest conversations about the key issues for our business members.

• When there are races for elected office, we are there with the questions and answers, and opportunities to meet these candidates. Most recently we hosted the Salem-Keizer School Board candidates giving each an opportunity to share their positions.

• We encouraged people to be part of the change they wish to see and register to vote.

Our nation experienced a lot of division S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

this year; in action and response we formed our first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Their on-going efforts will provide opportunities for discussion and education for our members and our board.

The Chamber board is a strong diverse group of community leaders. We value that diversity, the unique voices coming from various walks of life, small and large businesses, women and men, a wide variety of industries and each contributing with passion.

We are a reflection of our membership and earlier this year, we issued the Salem Chamber Statement on Racism & Inclusion. This powerful message empowers leadership and solidarity, embraces diversity and inclusion in our membership, volunteer leaders and staff professionals and further empowers our members to connect, belong and grow together.

We have been the center of communication. You can’t escape our efforts to keep you informed whether that be through e-mail and our Business Connector, through our social media channels, including the Salem Chamber Facebook page where member businesses are featured, or through our quarterly 503. The Salem Chamber’s Magazine. Our website is a click away at www.salemchamber. org. We want you to know what is happening.

Frankly, I need to be honest; communication has been a challenge this last year. I did learn three new words: Zoom, Teams and WebEx. I know there are many more platforms to hold virtual meetings, but these were the three I used most. And Zoom was definitely the winner. Maybe not so much a winner, as the most used. All of the following were held virtually for the safety of our Chamber members and staff: • All Chamber board meetings • Executive, Membership, Finance and Budget committee meetings • Public Policy, Greeters, Chamber Business Women (CBW) Summer 2021

• The Forum Speaker Series – we had some wonderful speakers from Salem’s next generation of leaders, Chemeketa’s Dr. Jessica Howard, Patrick Reiten of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and Terri Davie, Superintendent of the Oregon State Police, among others • New member and board orientations • Spirit of Salem Awards • A Celebration of Women, honoring many of our local businesswomen on International Women’s Day What’s important is we continued to engage, connect, take care of Chamber business. We adapted and used technology to keep us connected.

Virtual meetings will never be as good as seeing you face-to-face, shaking your hands, seeing your physical reactions and just being together to network and build those special relationships. But, for this unique year, it was the right tool for our efforts.

And last, as I reminisce, there is something near and dear to my heart: financial stability. Yes, I am a CPA, and finance is my career. And when I end my term as President, through the hard work of our board and staff, the Chamber will be in its best financial position in recent years. Just knowing that our economic future and the financial well-being of our organization is in good hands makes me ecstatic.

This year, we are very close to paying off the loan on our Chamber building, and that may be complete as you read this. While there are still some repairs to be finished in the next fiscal year, our building has been through a makeover and looks amazing.

We are also working towards providing reserves for unforeseen emergencies and anticipated building maintenance, while establishing an investment policy.

When we are financially healthy, we can help our members in so many different ways. And fundamental to that is the ability to provide our CEO, Tom Hoffert, the tools, technology and staffing he needs to continue building a

strong team and providing you, our members, with value in your areas of passion.

As the pandemic continues, we will be here for you. As legislative issues that affect our business community become known, we will be there for you. As you celebrate a success or grand opening, we will be there for you.

We are the strongest champions for business in this valley. Please reach out to the Chamber Board, to the Chamber staff; we are here to serve you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey thorough the past year. And now, as we look forward, a new President, Laura Dorn, will take our helm. Her year will be as unique as mine and as each President’s before us. We will be busy; there are a lot of events on our upcoming calendar, member businesses to promote, celebrations of success, connections to be made, and – always – advocacy for our members to ensure a strong economy and thriving community. As I pass the torch to Laura, it is with great satisfaction of the accomplishments during a very unusual year. I wish her and the 2021-22 board much success in the year ahead. 503.

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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

Member Support Specialist

JEFF DUNN

DR. SHELDON NORD

Lineage Logistics

BRANDON BLAIR

MIKE HERRON

Corban University

MARIA PALACIO

Summit Wealth Management

VIPs Industries

JONATHAN CASTRO MONROY

Kelly’s Home Center

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

Advanced Economic Solutions

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 RANDALL SUTTON 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

PAUL DAKOPOLOS

Garrett Hemann Robertson, P.C.

NAOMI TILLERY

DEVIN BROWN MICHELLE WARNER VALERIE FRY-RAMIREZ

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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C H AM BER BUSIN E S S W O ME N

Meet CBW’s new Chair

by Haley Hamilton

Thank you for being a part of the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

I am Haley Hamilton, Director of Operations at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center AND your incoming Chamber Business Women Chair.

During the last three years of attending Salem Chamber of Commerce Business Women meetings, I have had the opportunity to meet, network and work with some of Salem’s greatest business champions. Their commitment to our community and our business community empowers all who attend.

With big shoes to fill, I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead our Chamber Business Women in 2021-2022. The networking of other uplifting and empowering women is second to none.

Over the past year, we have all experienced doing business in a new way, natural disasters, and a pandemic. Without hesitation, our members of CBW reached out for help when needed and I am proud to say, most – if not all – of our CBW ladies showed up in one way or another. Being a member of CBW is like having another family you know you can count on.

As with most businesses during

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COVID, it has been a lot of pivoting and plan C, D or even E. CBW had to pivot and rearrange the way we did our meetings, but with our rock star leaders and help of our amazing Chamber staff, along with empowering speakers, we have had record attendance, yes – even on Zoom calls! The network that CBW creates and continues to build is an irreplaceable part of the Salem Chamber and the Salem area business community.

This upcoming year, we are working to continue to bring you empowering, motivating and knowledgeable speakers to better grow yourself as well as your business. We are always open to your speaker ideas and welcome your thoughts.

In the event community (as most

INDUSTRIAL

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other business communities), our world has been turned upside down, then right side up and, yet again, upside down. With the support of our Chamber members and local community, we here at Salem’s Historic Grand are moving forward and can’t wait to welcome you back when you are ready!

We all have high hopes in returning to in-person meetings soon, but until then, CBW is committed to bringing those great, empowering, women speakers to you every third Tuesday of the month at Noon from the comfort of wherever you “Zoom.” If you are reading this and are interested in joining CBW or have an employee who you would like to represent your business at Chamber Business Women, please reach out to the Chamber office for an invite to our next meeting. 503.

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Summer 2021

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Danielle Bethell Danielle Bethell, recently elected as one of Marion County’s commissioners, is a woman devoted to her community.

Working on behalf of the residents of Marion County, Bethell spends much of her day reviewing and overseeing the services of the county and helps allocate resources to the places that need them most. Currently, and unsurprisingly, the main topic of discourse is the COVID-19 pandemic.

commissioners Colm Willis and Kevin Cameron, are working to allocate those vaccines to the places that need them the most, according to the data they are presented with each day.

“Right now, we’re working to maintain and sequester the virus,” states Bethell. “And of course, we’re in the vaccine process now. So, we spend a lot of time watching that data.”

Along with researching and administering these essential services to the county, Danielle’s days are comprised of meetings with constituents. During regular hours, residents can schedule time in the Senate hearing room and testify before the commissioners.

Lately, these meetings have occurred via Zoom or during a simple in-person conversation between the commissioner and resident. It is the latter’s one-onone meetings where the real needs of the community, according to Bethell, shine through.

Bethell, along with fellow

“Even the most skilled public

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speakers get nervous when they come and sit across the desk from us and present,” says Bethell.

“But if I can go to those folks’ space – enter into their reality and have that relationship – I learn a lot more about whatever it is I’m doing than I will ever in that Senate hearing room.”

At the end of the day, Danielle’s job becomes increasingly clear.

“We are the voice of the people,” states Bethell.

A Marion County native, Danielle is no stranger to the needs and concerns of her community.

Prior to her election as county commissioner, she worked at NW Events and Promotions, co-opened Bethell Plumbing with her husband, and proudly served as the Executive Director of the S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

In this day and age, national politics has become a breeding ground for divisive rhetoric. No one seems to agree with anyone anymore. While some may flock to social media and continue the venomous spout of cowardly comments, there are others who are engaging with the common person; working and hoping for a future where civility is brought back to the elected seats. The Salem Chamber sought to profile these individuals and help enhance the modern perspective of what life looks like for an elected official in our city.

Keizer Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2020. With a handson approach to her work, Danielle enjoys working on the ground level with her community.

“I’m a community-based person; I like to get out there and do the things with the people,” says Danielle. “I really enjoy having the conversations and showing up to do the work.”

While Danielle has been a hallmark of the Salem area community for years, her desire to serve as an elected official wasn’t something she intended to do from the start of her career.

Beginning with her involvement with the Salem-Keizer school board, Bethell experienced frustration with the way things were being run in these positions.

Summer 2021

Rather than perpetually grumble about the situation, she wished to be part of the process.

“I feel like you can’t complain about things if you’re not going to show up to make change,” shares Bethell. “I thought, ‘if I’m really going to apply this motto, I need to show up and do something about it. And so that’s why I ran for the school board initially.”

Without folks participating in the process, the real problems begin to occur. According to Bethell, the greatest challenge facing our society is conflict.

“We seem to be in a constant state of it. It could be social justice, it could be education, it could be public safety, it could be housing the homeless – it doesn’t matter.

Pick a topic, conflict exists,” shares

Danielle Bethell Bethell. “My job in that context is to bring everyone – every concept that’s pertinent to that topic­­– to the table and to be able to facilitate a conversation, establish challenges, look for solutions, and create motivation to work towards those solutions as a community.”

As the routine settles in, elections wind down, and progress is finally being made, Danielle reflects on the role she has been appointed to.

“I think every person was put on the planet for something, and mine is to connect,” shares Bethell.

“I have the ability to fill people’s buckets through the work I do. And that process is what fills mine.”

Bethell plans to run for office again in 2024.

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Satya Chandragiri Diversity means more than just checking off boxes, it means embracing different ideas, different experiences, and different approaches to achieving a goal.

Satya Chandragiri, Salem-Keizer School Board Chair and a Salembased physician/psychiatrist, embodies the nuanced and often misunderstood methods of diagnosing a population of students with an ailment which can be hard to understand.

Satya scoured their surrounding neighborhoods, looking for his mother. Over a year later, Satya’s mother was found, and later diagnosed with schizophrenia.

This was Satya’s first experience with mental illness and the devastating impacts it can have on families, especially children.

In 2019, five students in the SalemKeizer School District committed suicide, an alarming rate which appeared to be on the rise. In Marion County, that number was 20.

Proudly a citizen of the world, Satya’s career has taken him all over the globe and to the forefront of the human soul.

When campaigning, and later serving, for his school board position, Satya sought to uncover the roots of the issue surrounding these tragic incidents.

“It was almost like my entire life was like a boot camp preparing me for right now,” shares Satya. “I have taken care of veterans, families, black, white, and brown people.

So, for me, diversity is what I am.”

“If I, as a physician, am not willing to roll up my sleeves to fix the problem, I am as culpable as I’m blaming somebody,” said Satya.

“So, I decided to roll up my sleeves.”

Originally from India, Satya grew up with the reality of poverty and a troubled education system all around him. To describe Satya’s experience as a child could fill the runtime of three separate movies of separate genres. On one particular day in his youth, Satya’s mother went missing. Along with his dad, an Air Force veteran,

Satya, along with his fellow school board members, helped construct the first suicide prevention policy for students in the Salem-Keizer district. While Oregon has 197 school districts, this was the first policy written on the subject.

Another one of Satya’s main goals in running for the school board

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“When you start dismantling structural racism, it’s like doing surgery,” shares Satya. “You can’t just stab the person; you have to make an incision layer by layer.

It tends to be bloody and painful.

And right now, we are incising through layers of policies, politics, prejudices, power differentials – all kinds of narratives and power structures, etc. It’s a messy business.”

Satya believes that you have to have three qualities to make it through this “surgery”: you have to be strong, courageous, and ethically focused.

After the murder of George Floyd last May, the ensuing protests and hard conversations which took place, and an incident involving blackface during a board meeting, the Salem-Keizer school board went through ten hours of implicit bias training from renowned professor Dr. Brian Marks from Morehouse College.

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

“When you start dismantling structural racism, it’s like doing surgery.”

– Satya Chandragiri

which comes directly from the state, on issues concerning equity.

It is through this manner that transparency, accountability, and facts are what drive the change in the Salem-Keizer school system.

Even still, Satya understands the importance of listening to diverse experiences of students whose fate is written by hope.

This, according to Satya, is where he began to see a change in attitude amongst his school board colleagues, and in himself.

“As a chair, I really want to apologize to our community that this has been going on for a very

Summer 2021

long time – we have not had a good oversight or due diligence that I wish we had,” says Satya.

“Moving forward, we need to make sure this does not happen again.”

Satya’s approach to ensuring progress is to find and study data,

“At the end of the day, we are all tied to each other in common destiny,” shares Satya.

“Sometimes, when people see that we as public schools don’t create the right opportunity – don’t allow the mindset that these children can succeed – it’s almost like they have failed to fulfill a dream and hope. And that is the reason I keep pushing.”

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Raquel Moore-Green On May 29, 2019, the beloved Senator Jackie Winters passed away of lung cancer, leaving behind a distinguished career and a community she touched dearly.

In the wake of Senator Winters’ death, her Senate position in District 10 became open, which later was appointed to Denyc Boles, the representative of House District 19. Consequently, to fill Boles’ House District 19 spot, the Marion County Commissioners settled on a replacement.

Raquel Moore-Green was appointed, and later elected, to the position of State Representative for House District 19. She works from within the state capitol chambers, which impact all Oregonians. To witness such a dramatic domino effect could only be found in fiction, but sometimes opportunities exists for those who are in the right place at the right time.

Having labored in the private sector for a number of years as a political consultant, Raquel now works to meet the needs of her near 60,000 constituents.

Suffice to say, preparing for such an endeavor seems like an impossible feat.

“This was not on the bucket list,” says Raquel with a smile. “It seemed like, well, the door is open, I’ll walk in.

But honestly, at 65, this is not what I thought I would be doing.”

With humility being present at the forefront of her verbal responses, Raquel’s demeanor follows suit.

Her job, at the end of the day, is to represent the people, and everyday people don’t spend all day in the state capitol. Regular days can range from voting for legislation, which impacts the financial stability

of the residents in her district, to testifying on behalf of the folks who take risks by opening businesses.

No matter the high stakes her occupation requires, Raquel’s response to the most exciting day in her job emphasizes her relatable character.

According to Raquel, the day she was sworn into her Senate seat was the most exciting day on record for her.

“I just remember being on the House floor and my friends and family were all on the House floor, too,” recalls Moore-Green. “Just the combination of support over the years of people that you’ve worked with, you’ve raised kids with, you’ve gone to church with, you’ve cried with, you’ve laughed with, that they could share in that moment was pretty special.”

Attempting to meet the needs of those in her

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district isn’t something Raquel takes lightly. Rather, her approach is to treat every constituent as important as the last. She employs a simple tactic to achieving this goal.

“You have to listen, and you have to be open,” shares Raquel. “You have to be willing to take time to discern what the issue is: what are they talking about – and where do they really want to be? So, when you’re looking at policy, it’s listening to everybody who’s supporting it, everybody who’s not supporting it, then remembering what the priorities of your community are, what your constituents have told you collectively, and then what you’ve told your constituents that your priorities are, and then you try to weave that all together. And finally, make a decision.”

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Manifesting these goals can often be harder than one thinks. With such a diverse array of constituents, finding common ground can be tricky.

“I have to be able to explain why I’ve made the choices that I’ve made because I have to be held accountable,” shares Raquel. “My hope is that my constituents will always feel that I’ve been honest with them.

Whether or not they agree with me is another issue, but hopefully they’ll be able to at least listen and understand the stance that I took.”

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When being appointed and elected to public office, cause for imposter syndrome can occur. However, with the right mindset, discovering the truth is as simple as being present in the moment.

“I am convinced that I am here for a reason,” shares Raquel. “As long as the door is open, and I have the opportunity to serve and work in this arena, that is what I’m supposed to be doing at this point in my life.”

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Jose Gonzalez Taking care of your community begins at the ground level. In the City of Salem’s ward 5, there are few people who care more about their constituents than Councilor Jose Gonzalez.

A native Oregonian, Jose has witnessed the changing of the tides in the Willamette Valley over the course of four decades.

He grew up picking strawberries, working in factories and restaurants, and helping his dad manage St. Joseph Homeless Shelter in Mount Angel. Ultimately, Jose went into the real estate industry and is now in his 24th year at Tu Casa Real Estate.

for the meetings,” shares Jose.

“This is my first year, so it’s been mostly learning what I can do and what I can’t do.”

A city councilor is a volunteer position where the elected officials meet several times during the month, propose bills, hold votes and, generally, help govern the city along with the mayor.

Volunteering an extended amount of time for such a cause seems daunting, especially with life’s inevitable busyness. This is why Jose harnesses a piece of advice to all who wish to participate in the process.

Despite his familiarity with Salem and its surrounding areas, Jose views his position as a city councilor as a learning experience.

“Find something you’re passionate about, a couple areas of interest,” says Jose. “And then get connected to a group, activity, a city commission or board that’s doing that work. I think the city has 20 boards and commissions to volunteer for – so, there’s ways that you can start to see how decisions are made.”

“Right now, it’s about taking in information, reaching out to people in my ward before I prepare my comments, or make my decisions

Although Jose wasn’t always interested in pursuing public service, the idea of him running for city council isn’t new. On the

His experience allows him to connect with what his constituents face every day: hard work.

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contrary, the question had been looming for many years.

“The first person that ever asked me seriously to run was Mike McLaran, the director of the Salem Chamber,” shares Jose. “He said something that I will never forget and that I repeat today: there are three types of people that run for office. There’s the ones that run for vanity, for themselves for their reputation. The second group is people that are single issue, in other words, there’s something that they’re mad about. And the third group are the ones that have to be asked. I will always remember that.”

Jose’s love for his city, especially Northeast Salem, inspires him to work with everyone, no matter their political affiliation. While city council positions are non-partisan, political influences can often be identified. Jose, on the other hand, wishes to engage with anyone willing to work with him.

“We can disagree 99% of the time, but if I can work with them for that 1%, that’s enough for me,” shares Jose. “As long as they’re willing to

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alike, trusting in the system is what Jose recommends for those finding themselves at odds with local governments.

“I can tell you from traveling around and doing business in other parts of the world, and then looking back, the world acknowledges that we have proper policies and procedures in place,” shares Jose. “So even though here things take a long time, it’s the best way because if not, then there would be more chaos.”

When Jose reflects on the city he loves and represents, many sentiments begin flooding. But near the end, maintaining one’s values is the hallmark of any elected official.

work with me on a particular issue.

If they’re down to work with me, I’m down to work with them.”

Tackling the City of Salem’s issues can often seem daunting, and it’s no easy job.

According to Jose, the greatest issue the City of Salem faces today is that of the management of the homeless crisis and the stigma surrounding certain areas of the city. With growing frustration from business owners and residents

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“Salem is a political town, there’s just no doubt about it – the Capitol’s just down the street,” says Jose. “But you know, at the end of the day, the only people I answer to are myself, to God, my family, and the people in Northeast Salem.”

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How the Chamber

Champions

Business

by Zachary Sielicky

The Salem Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for a thriving and sustainable economic foundation, where our community can grow. As an organization who represents 1,100 businesses who employ over 45,000 jobs, the Salem Chamber is one of the leading catalysts for a thriving community. Over the past year, our community has faced challenges, ranging from a global pandemic to historic wildfires which displaced over 70,000 individuals. Like always, our community has continued to rally.

Advocacy In 2020, the Salem Chamber of Commerce championed several key policies to support small businesses in our city. From a healthy community’s perspective, the Salem Chamber supported balanced policy, enabling our police department a legal mechanism to navigate challenges for both property owners and our friends and neighbors on the street, specific to safety and right-of-way concerns on sidewalks and in front of Salem’s small businesses.

Additionally, the Salem Chamber was a driver in the expansion of outdoor dining footprints and services for restaurants in the downtown corridor and throughout Salem. We worked closely with downtown businesses and property owners to ensure their needs and operations would not be hindered in this expansion program.

Free PPE Rollout So far in 2021, the Salem Chamber, in partnership with the City of Salem and Business Oregon, began a Free PPE program for small businesses. Over 180,000 masks, 60,000 pairs of gloves, 1,400 hundred boxes of sanitizing wipes, 120 gallons of sanitizer, and 100 thermometers were provided at no cost to over 300 locally-owned businesses. As our community moves closer to the reopening of businesses, PPE will be in high demand and costs will be more expensive. The Free PPE Rollout program will aide in decreasing overhead costs for small businesses.

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

The Salem Eats Facebook page was created by the Salem Chamber at the onset of the government mandates, which forced restaurants to prohibit dine-in service. The idea behind the page was to provide a platform for restaurants to share their take-out options and allow consumers to share with a community of foodies, where they were spending their dollars. Since the middle of March, Salem Eats has grown to over 29,100 members, with over 98% of them engaging with the page more than once a week. More than 150 restaurants have been featured on the page, which in turn helps drive their visibility throughout our region. Since the creation of Salem Eats, there have been over 2 million total interactions (posts, comments, likes) to date.

The Salem Shops Facebook page was created right after the Salem Eats page, with a focus on locally-owned retail companies. The Salem Shops page has been a reliable resource for promoting our organization’s “Shop Local” campaign, which the Salem Chamber rolled out during November and December. The Salem Shops page has roughly 3,400 active members who encourage consumers to keep their dollars local.

Lastly, the Salem Chamber created a third Facebook group, Salem Hires, which was created as a resource for both job seekers and businesses who are looking to fulfill employment positions as a free and easy-to-use jobs board. This platform currently has 1,400 members and countless jobs have been fulfilled through the connections generated on the Salem Hires platform.

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Willamette Valley Vineyards If the term “visionary” was personified, it would arrive in the form of Jim Bernau, CEO and President of Willamette Valley Vineyards.

truly become who we are.

that’s where I really took an interest.”

“I think everybody finds their passion in different ways,” shares Bernau.

“Many people, I think, found their passion for wine in the same way I did: at the dinner table.”

Jim and his brother decided to try their hand at homemade wine. The brothers began by reading sections of encyclopedias which described the process of fermenting juice into alcohol. Then they swiped some of their mother’s frozen concord grape juice and, using glass milk jugs, fermented their first batch of wine!

From its humble beginnings in the Salem Hills in 1983, Willamette Bernau’s father, a Roseburg attorney, Valley Vineyards has grown into a introduced him and his brother to premiere winery in the Willamette the wonders of wine at an early age.

Valley. Employing over 300 workers Sharing small amounts of a Hill – with over 50% being female and Crest Vineyard Pinot Noir, produced 64% being managers – a yearly

by Californian winemaker Richard revenue at over $20 million, and a Sommer, filled the scene with a scenic view which overlooks Turner’s sense of wonder and establishment. rolling hills, WVV has a forward mindset which is unparalleled. Yet, “I remember my dad saying that like all great success stories, they someday grapevines will cover originated in the places where we shares Bernau. “And so the salem chamber’sOregon,” magazine

Later, in 1983, Jim acquired an old pioneer plum orchard in the Salem Hills and began farming it, which would eventually become the signature rolling vineyards today.

Now, with over 30 different wines to choose from and tasting rooms

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

Business Executive of the Year. In an era defined by the coronavirus pandemic, necessity truly was the mother of invention.

“We had to stop doing business the way we always did,” says Bernau.

“Our employees couldn’t travel to go see their customers, so we figured out how to communicate and meet with our customers without traveling.”

throughout the Willamette Valley, the foundation Jim and his brother were building is beyond comprehension.

Despite the impact Bernau has had in his industry and global market, his passions still remain in supporting locally owned businesses.

pictures of the farmers were present above all the fresh food items. He believes it is small details like this which help consumers feel safe and secure when choosing to invest in certain products.

Jim is happy to see regional businesses and products beginning to take a similar approach.

“Being local, and building locally, is really fundamental to growing a small business,” claims Bernau.

According to Bernau, word of mouth recommendations, whether from locals or people traveling, is the key to establishing a consistent and trusted brand. While shopping in a grocery store in Japan, Bernau came across an illuminating discovery:

“I think the Salem community’s charm is we have so many fine producers that you can go and talk to,” says Bernau. “You can go speak to them, learn from them, and understand what they’re doing.”

This past year, Jim was honored by the Portland Business Journal as

WVV pivoted to an online sales network, which enabled their wine enthusiast customers to order wine in a convenient manner.

These enthusiasts accounted for 32% of their direct sales. They also implemented a goal of raising $9.3 million dollars in public stock options, which ultimately sold out in under six months. With these combined efforts, not only did Willamette Valley Vineyards have the highest revenues ever in the company’s 38-year history but also, because of the very low cost in achieving those revenues, profits went up by over 30%. Serving and prospecting current and future clients operated in a much more efficient manner.

Jim believes that despite the misgivings of the past year, silver linings were present amidst the various conundrums.

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“We learned how much strength we had when we worked together to support and protect each other’s family’s incomes,” says Bernau.

“When you tap into the ingenuity of human beings – when they’re collaboratively motivated – it’s amazing what they can do.”

Jim’s advice to future entrepreneurs is to invest in themselves. He says whether it be through hands-on technical trades or traditional forms of education, such as community colleges or even specialized programs at Oregon State University.

“And I’m saying that as a Duck,” laughs Bernau.

With entrepreneurs like Jim still in the game, teaching new generations to honor the past while embracing the mediums of the present, business in our region is an adventure whose destination is, and always has been, homeward bound.

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Jim Bernau and Winery Director Christine Clair.

“The very first European explorers called the Willamette Valley Eden when they came across it,” shares Bernau. “As agricultural producers in the Willamette Valley, we’re just getting started – we need to

Andrea Johnson Photography

work together and plan ahead to say, ‘we’re going to build a world class community full of world class business enterprises that are dedicated to helping each other.’”

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T HE INSPIRE F O UN DATIO N

Executive Leadership Council Dr. Jessica Howard My name is Dr. Jessica Howard, and I am the President/CEO of Chemeketa Community College. I began with Chemeketa almost two years ago, and what I love most about my job is being a part of an amazing, multi-faceted operation that makes a difference each and every day for our community through delivering high-quality education and training and spurring impactful workforce development.

Chemeketa has been Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties’ community college for over 50 years. The second-largest community college in the state, Chemeketa serves approximately 23,000 students a year and offers over 95 CTE programs ranging from Business and Human Services to Health Care, Emergency Services, Agriculture, Computer Programming and the Trades. It also has 42 transfer course disciplines, which could be called

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Spotlights on two council member businesses – and their representatives – making positive change in the community majors, providing the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree. The college also offers ESOL and Adult Basic Education courses leading to a GED. Chemeketa operates in seven locations: the primary campus in Salem on Lancaster Road, the Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry in downtown Salem (containing the Small Business Development Center), the Eola Center in West Salem (home of the NW Studies Center), the Brooks Center (which houses a brand-new diesel technology program and emergency services programs), the Woodburn Center, the Polk Center in Dallas, and Yamhill Valley Campus in McMinnville. The college also offers

education in three area state prisons and 32 local high schools.

Salem is an excellent location for Chemeketa because the business community is a key partner in the creation of education that is relevant and future-focused. The college has over 300 community members who serve on 34 advisory committees, ranging from Anesthesia Technology to Wine Studies. In addition, Chemeketa works closely with Willamette Workforce Partnership and SEDCOR, ensuring that the

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T HE INSPIRE F O UN DATIO N college’s programs support economic development and area sector strategies such as transportation, distribution, warehousing; allied health; information technology; and advanced manufacturing.

I am also part of the KeyBank Salem Micro Market Leadership team.

As part of this team, I get to focus on the community that I love so much, through brand building, sponsorships, networking and volunteerism.

At Keybank, we believe in giving back and being part of the communities that we do business in.

My greatest value in serving as an ELC member is connecting with business and community leaders to amplify ways that Chemeketa can serve our remarkable community.

I am a very social person and enjoy hanging out with my friends. When I am not hanging with my friends or working, I am spending time with my eight-year-old, identical twins and my wonderful wife.

Tommy Walker I have been living in Salem almost my whole life. I am very passionate about the City of Salem.

My office sits on the corner of State and Liberty, in the KeyBank building downtown. My favorite part of going to work each day is to enjoy the city in full effect outside my window.

I have worked for KeyBank for 12 years and I am an Assistant Vice

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

Barbara McReal

The Elsinore Theatre I have been involved with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce since the 1990s, when I was known as Barbara Dixon and represented a non-profit organization. It was love at first Greeters meeting. Those were the Mike McLaran days, with Sharron Seidemann and a bright young man at Mike’s side – Tom Hoffert. During those years, I was honored to be selected as Greeters Chair and to serve on several committees. Somewhere along the line, I was invited to be an Ambassador and later a Senior Ambassador, positions I have held with great honor. I get to do what I love – promote this city and its businesses and get to wear a jacket and badge! What a deal!

Love came into my life quite unexpectedly in 2004. We bought a condo in the California desert and spent winters there and summers in Black Butte. One of the big regrets about moving from Salem was losing my “second home” with the Chamber. When my husband died in 2007, I stayed in the desert until four years ago. Once I made the decision to come home, I thought about where I would want to volunteer.

Throughout my working life, I volunteered for several organizations, but the Chamber was always at the top of my list.

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knew there. It was a wonderful homecoming, and the next week I told Executive Director, Tom Fohn, that The Elsinore needed to have a representative each week at Greeters. So once again, I was a Senior Ambassador. Although The Elsinore Theatre is celebrating its 95th birthday this year, there is still the need to get the word out about what they are doing for our community.

I love the Chamber because of what they do to promote and serve local business. Whether the business is large or small, new or established, non-profit, educational, entertainment or agricultural, the Chamber is there for them.

The Elsinore Theatre, which was in the beginning of restoration when I left, was next on my list.

After getting settled in, I contacted The Elsinore and signed up to work concessions and later added a morning in the box office. I was amazed at the restoration and what the current management was doing to bring top rated entertainment to Salem, while also providing a venue for local groups.

Then, I saw a notice about a Greeters meeting and attended to see if there was anyone I still

I have been especially proud of the work they’ve done to support both Chamber members and non-members during the past many months. Their amazing work during the pandemic, while working from home, or with a skeleton staff in the office, has shown the true value of membership. And when we look for a trusted business to deal with, people check the Chamber roster. Having Tom Hoffert at the helm, with a wonderful support staff, is a joy to behold. Being the Ambassador of the Quarter is a great honor and is the icing on the cake. 503.

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