503. Magazine: Winter 2022

INFLATION

by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer

What You Need to Know

The global economy currently faces many difficulties. For example, the COVID pandemic has disrupted ways of working, leading to labor shortages in critical industries, and the ongoing war in Ukraine has disrupted already shaky supply chains.

This has led to uncertainty at a local level, and many of our members have concerns about the future of their businesses. With this in mind, here is strategic information to help members understand the macro-economic situation and how it affects your business.

What is Inflation?

Inflation is a term that economists use to describe the increase in prices of goods and services over time. This generally means that the money in your pocket has less purchasing power as time passes, and if inflation is high, your money can lose value very quickly. Most governments calculate inflation by tracking the price of a standard basket of goods such as bread, milk, coffee, mortgage payments, and gas prices. Its opposite is deflation, where prices decline and purchasing power increases, although deflation is far less common historically.

Causes of Inflation

The primary cause of inflation is usually an increase in the money supply, which can occur in several ways. Firstly, by a government printing more money or, secondly, by banks loaning more money into existence as reserve account credits by purchasing government bonds. Sometimes a government might also devalue its currency, again reducing spending power. How these mechanisms that drive

inflation can be described in three primary ways:

Demand-pull effect. This happens if an increased supply of money and credit boosts demand for goods and services in an economy faster than the production capacity in the economy can accommodate. This increases demand and leads to price increases.

Cost-push effect. This occurs when costs increase at some point in the production or supply chain. For example, this can happen when the money supply creates a speculative increase in energy costs. Combined with economic shocks such as the current war in Ukraine creating shortages in critical resources, this will cause prices of all goods to rise.

Built-in inflation. This is the idea that everyone expects prices to rise in the future. As this happens, employees expect their wages to increase too and will demand pay raises. This, in turn, causes prices to rise further, creating what is known as a “wage-price spiral.”

How Does Inflation

Affect

Local Businesses?

In some ways, a small amount of inflation can be good for your business. Any assets you own will grow in value, and we can be sure that any stock in your business will increase its value. So, if wage demands from employees and our costs of living roughly keep pace with inflation, this is generally sustainable and good for business.

On the other hand, high inflation leads to reduced spending power, and customers have less money in their pockets. In addition, it becomes more expensive to buy materials, keep the lights on, and pay staff. At this point, businesses have tough choices to make. Putting prices up might keep profit margins up, but it might also put goods and services out of reach of potential customers. Then again, not putting prices up might wipe out profit margins altogether.

The Big Picture

Understanding the big picture of how national and global economies work may not seem relevant to owners and managers of local businesses. However, we believe that understanding how larger economic concerns work may help our members adapt and cushion their companies.

At the Salem Chamber, we believe in helping businesses prosper so our entire community may thrive. This commitment stands true in times of economic prosperity and in moments of record inflation we stand beside you and proudly serve as Salem’s small business advocate. 503.

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Four Reasons to Promote

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Your Workplace

Happy Holidays! This is a wonderful time of year to spend with family and friends and reflect on the past year. As you prepare for the holidays, please consider supporting a Salemarea business by shopping locally. Our small businesses are important drivers of the local economy.

One of this past year’s accomplishments was launching our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit. Diversity is a growing topic inside businesses big and small, especially those with a human resources department. But what about the small local businesses that make up the majority of our Chamber membership?

The Salem Chamber is always searching for new ways to boost inclusiveness in the workforce. We’ve researched four reasons that your small business should also care about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). And we even have some conversation starters you may utilize with fellow company leaders and employees.

Promoting diversity helps business leaders achieve a greater sense of empathy towards their employees and clients, but it can also allow organizations to gain a significant advantage over their competitors.

If you’re looking to promote greater equity, inclusion, and diversity in your own workplace, consider our four key reasons for making these principles a top priority.

1. Expanding Your Workforce

When employers keep an open mind during the recruitment process, they’re far more likely to attract more qualified employees to their business. Talent spans across all genders, races, and ethnicities, and only employers who make an effort to seek out underrepresented groups will have the opportunity to strengthen their existing workforce. Your current employees are also likely to feed off of the innovative ideas that their diverse coworkers offer, which can help boost creativity throughout your organization.

2. Improving Your Reputation

According to research, about 67 percent of job candidates factor diversity into their career decisions. If you establish yourself as an organization that cares about DEI, job seekers will notice. This positive association that others attach to your company helps improve your business’s reputation. Likewise, organizations are more likely to retain existing employees if they make a point of promoting diversity. This is because employees tend to identify more strongly with a company if it reflects their personal beliefs.

3. Build Trust Among Customers

Your customers see your employees before they ever see the owner, and employees are often the first people your clients interact with. If your workforce lacks diversity, your clients may be wary of putting their trust in your business, especially if they

by Wendy Veliz, Portland General Electric

belong to an underserved population. When your employees represent the widest array of races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, the widest array of clients will also feel included. By incorporating diversity into your workforce, you’ll also be better able to understand and cater to the needs of your client base.

4. Boost Productivity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just about improving the way others perceive your business. These tenets also play a critical role in your company’s output. Studies have shown that diverse groups tend to perform better as a whole than homogeneous groups. This is because members of diverse groups bring a wide variety of talents, skills, opinions, and perspectives to the table. When these abilities are combined, employees can come up with innovative solutions to problems and work through these issues more efficiently.

From improving your overall reputation to expanding your workforce, you can strengthen nearly every aspect of your business by incorporating these principles into your company’s mission. At the end of the day, you’ll have happier employees and clients when you prioritize inclusion.

Thank you for your support and membership this past year. We look forward to our continued service in 2023. 503.

Welcome Newest Chamber Members

ADP Amazon Angel’s Toilets Co., LLC Avamere Court at Keizer

Azucena’s Cleaning, LLC Board and Brush, Salem Christmas Light Guys

Cubicle to CEO Clubhouse Cucina Rustica –DaVinci Ristorante

Danny Coldiron – Doterra Early Start Daycare

East Salem Ace Hardware

Enchanted Child Care & Preschool

Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialists

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

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 Manager

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

KATIE COSTIC AC + Co Architecture | Community

RYAN DEMPSTER Willamette Valley Bank

RICH DUNCAN Rich Duncan Construction

JEFF DUNN Lineage Logistics

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 CHRISTY WITZKE SAIF

DAN JOHNSON Marketing & Communications Manager

ZACHARY SIELICKY Director of Business Advocacy

Member Services

JACOB ESPINOZA Leadership Foundation Program Director

NAOMI TILLERY Membership Engagement Specialist

MICHELLE TERZENBACH Membership Manager

CHRIS SEELY Workforce Development Specialist

CHELSEA LYNCH JUDY FISHER SARAH RAMBECK CTEC Business Liaisons

Western

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

Oregon University – Salem Campus.

Walery’s Premium Pizza.

To

local business, scan the QR code

Are You and Your Business Ready for Paid Leave in Oregon?

By T.J. Sullivan & Beth Black, Hagan Hamilton

In 2019, the Oregon Legislative Assembly passed the Paid Family Medical Leave Act, which established a paid leave insurance fund for Oregon employees. Beginning on January 1, 2023, employers and employees will begin paying into this fund as the law goes into effect.

The Basics

The passage of this law begins a new program called Paid Leave Oregon, which provides up to 12 weeks of paid time off, or 14 weeks if the leave is due to pregnancy-related situations. This program is funded by a 1% payroll tax, which starts January 1, 2023.

Businesses with fewer than 25 employees on payroll will be exempt from the 40% employer portion of the tax. Employees will always be paying 60% of this.

Employees can collect this benefit beginning on September 3, 2023. Employees who made $1,000 or more in the year prior to applying qualify, even if they worked for a different employer.

Private Plan Alternatives

Oregon is now the 11th state in the nation to provide paid leave to eligible employees. The State of Washington passed a similar law and instituted a similar program, which just recently forced its payroll tax to increase from 1% to 2%.

For long-term planning, Hagan Hamilton has found success with clients by setting them up with private pay plans. Here in Oregon, there are several insurance carriers that can offer a private plan alternative to the public option.

These private plans give your employees the same benefits paid in a timely manner by companies that

Insurance

already have the people, infrastructure, and systems in place to handle the claims. As the employer, these plans are often sold at a savings compared to what the public option would cost. Perhaps the biggest incentive to the private option is that signing up before January 1, 2023 means you don’t need to start paying premiums until September 2023.

To learn more about the new law and how it will impact Salem-area businesses, watch the recording from the Salem Chamber’s July Public Policy Committee Meeting on the subject. Simply visit salemchamber.org and type “paid leave” in the search bar. You can also find the recording on the Salem Chamber’s YouTube Channel (salemchamber).

Hagan Hamilton is the largest family-owned independent insurance agency and has been doing business in Oregon for more than 100 years. We currently have five locations, with a sixth coming soon to Salem. If you would like more information about partnering with our firm to save you money and deliver a better experience, please contact us at HHteam1@haganhamilton.com. 503.

An overview of what employers and employees should know before January 1, 2023.

The Honest Farmer

Agri-Business Banquet

Dairy farmer and author

The annual SAIF Agri-Business Banquet is one of the few times each year that the business community gathers and rallies around the often unsung leaders of Oregon’s agricultural industry.

In providing the Salem business community with a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes and truly appreciate where so much of our food and goods come from, the banquet has become one of

the Chamber’s most anticipated annual gatherings. However, for this year’s keynote speaker, talking about the realities of life on the farm isn’t anything novel. In fact, it’s become who he is.

Derrick Josi brings an honest and authentic perspective to the stage as keynote speaker at the 2023 SAIF Agri-Business Banquet

BACKGROUND: PHOTOS BY ORION, LLC

Fourth-generation dairy farmer Derrick Josi of Wilsonview Dairy (Tillamook, Oregon) will be the first to tell you that what he does isn’t particularly special, but as a prominent advocate for his industry, he’s built a massive following online and now reaches more than 200 million people each year. Since 2016, he’s used his TDF Honest Farming platform on social media and YouTube to share the truth behind the industry

and dispel common myths and misinformation perpetuated by critics and anti-ag activist groups that have created their own momentum in recent years.

“People always think people don’t want to know the truth, and that they’d rather be told a soft lie,” Josi said. “I disprove that every day when I talk about hard topics, and 95% of people who are responding are just grateful to know what’s actually going on.”

Derrick Josi’s cows at Wilsonview Dairy in Tillamook, Oregon.

Josi’s honest approach to topics ranging from his cows’ (which he affectionately calls “his girls”) nutrition to the final stages of a cow’s life has certainly resonated with a global audience. While he’s pleasantly surprised by his reach, Josi says the success of TDF Honest Farming is credited to avoiding boilerplate, curated industry responses to the questions that skeptics are curious about.

“Growing up, I would go to other ag and dairy events where they would give us responses to issues that tested well in focus groups,” Josi said. “I would just read those and say, ‘Well, I feel like a robot if I say this.’”

Part of being honest and open about the farming business is also

addressing the financial hurdles farmers face, which Josi says have affected every farm in different ways in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent spikes in inflation.

“Everything you’re seeing when it comes to inflation, we’re also seeing, including everything from fertilizer, to our commodity prices, to fuel,” Josi said. “Every single point of contact for your food on the way to the store is touched by fuel prices.”

At the upcoming SAIF AgriBusiness Banquet, Josi — who is also known as the author of the 2021 book, An Industry Worth Fighting For — says he’s eager to share a few of the lessons he has learned in the business, especially

when it comes to advocating for the agricultural industry in an honest and transparent way.

“I’m excited to share what I’ve done online and make sure people understand that I’m not special and that anybody can do it in their own way,” Josi said. “I hope it’s something that people will continue to do, branch out, and learn about.”

We hope you join us and speaker Derrick Josi for what will be a memorable presentation and celebration of our agricultural community on January 20, 2023 at the Salem Convention Center

We’d like to thank our Title Sponsor SAIF and presenting sponsor KeyBank for helping make this event possible. 503.

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Salem’s Young Pros Are Becoming Emerging Leaders

The Salem Chamber’s rebranded young professionals group has a new name, some new regular participants, and a new ambassadors program, but with the same mission: to create powerful connections and community among Salem’s young and passionate industry leaders.

by Jacob Espinoza, McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director

By now, you may have noticed a movement happening within our community. Salem’s premier young professionals group (formerly known as the Salem Young Pros) has grown and developed into the Salem Emerging Leaders. The rebranding effort of the group was designed to attract young industry

leaders who were passionate about making a difference in their community while strengthening their own networks.

And, guess what? Thanks to the incredible young leaders we have in this community, it’s working.

Every month, large groups of local professionals between the ages of 20-40 are connecting at regularly scheduled programs and events (including the Emerging Leaders Coffee Social and Emerging Leaders After Hours), forming new friendships and partnerships while finding new ways to create an impact in Salem.

As working from home has become more common, encouraging people to get out and connect with one another is more important than ever — especially for those stepping out of their comfort zone to develop skills, careers, and businesses.

“The community you build is huge. A lot of times, inspiring leaders feel alone,” said Gabby Northrop, a financial advisor with Doneth & Sturdivant Wealth Advisors. “It’s easy to look

Salem Emerging Leaders take part in Trivia Night at Masonry Grill.

at the people who already have established careers and forget there are people currently faced with the same obstacles as me.”

Last March, Northrop joined the Salem Emerging Leaders Ambassador Program, a new group of volunteers who donate their time to ensure Salem Emerging Leaders can offer consistent, impactful programs to support the growth of participants.

“The biggest impact I’ve seen is the relationships I’ve developed with others in the community. I’ve been able to meet new people and get to know them, their goals, and their passions,”

general manager at KSLM Radio

“Being from Salem, I have a ton of friends in the area, but not many of them are business owners. It’s nice having a group of peers who can relate to the challenges I’m faced with every day and the commitment it takes to run a successful business.”

The Salem Emerging Leaders programming is evolving each month based on feedback from participants and the business community. The coffee social event has been consistently well-attended since last December. Each month, Emerging Leaders gather for coffee, guided networking, and

established business owner in the community.

“It started out as another networking group, and it has really evolved into a community growth group. Everyone is really focused on encouraging each other. A lot of us are showing up and finding ways to learn and grow,” explained Alex Ferry, an insurance agent with State Farm. “I’m super grateful to see the Salem Chamber investing in this program through the McLaran Leadership Foundation. It’s really rare for a chamber to offer something like this for free. It’s nice to be able to encourage people to get a foot in the door and start to see the value of getting involved in the community and what the [Salem] Chamber is providing.”

Do you have young emerging leaders in your company who want to get connected? The best way to get started is by joining the free Salem Emerging Leaders newsletter: salemchamber.org/ emergingleaders.If you have questions or ideas, email me at jacob@salemchamber.org 503.

All in the Family

Inside Five of Salem’s Family-Run Businesses

by Dan Johnson, Marketing & Communications Manager

No matter which December holidays you celebrate, it’s easy to see the commonalities we share this time of year. As we gather with family to honor tradition, give and receive gifts, and show gratitude for all we have, the bonds that unite us shine as brightly as holiday lights.

Of course, this is also a time of reflection for so many of our business owners and their families, which are often one and the same. The countless number of success stories featuring multi-generational businesses, family-run operations, and legacies of giving back to the community make it impossible to tell them all at one single time, but we’re thrilled to share five of those stories with you this holiday season.

Ted & Alex Ferry – State Farm Insurance

Born and raised in the Salem area, Salem Chamber Board Member Ted Ferry and his wife, Justine, decided this was the place to settle and start a family more than 30 years ago. After working for Coca-Cola and Sealy Mattresses, Ferry took a proud work ethic to the insurance world, which has led to a thriving business and more opportunities to engage with the community as a Salem State Farm Insurance agent for the past 13 years.

“I was always part of the community in those other industries, but State Farm has allowed me to really embed myself into what I’m passionate about, whether that be getting involved in our church community, our greater Salem community, or the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce,” Ted said.

Although Ted was the first in his family to get involved in the insurance business, he says his entry was via a father-figure-like mentor, his former State Farm agent Bruce Wood, whom he called “dad” after his own father passed away.

Known around town as a trustworthy agent in his own right (and for his unmistakable bright red State Farm Jeep), Ted has now passed the Ferry work ethic on to his children, including his son and fellow State Farm agent, Alex Ferry

After working for Nike and in the food industry, Alex was drawn to State Farm and to staying in Salem after seeing the business, community access, and entrepreneurial freedom his father had already established.

But like everyone else in the office, including Ted’s three other children who have worked for him in various capacities, Alex had to work his way up, starting as a costumed sign waver, janitor, and door-to-door flier distributor before securing his insurance license.

“With him [Alex], there’s a sense of pride in how well he’s excelled, because not only was he a great team member for me, he’s since become a fantastic agent,” Ted said. “And he’s probably going to be a whole lot better than me in the years to come.”

Today, the State Farm agent Ferry duo possesses and professes a most unique working dynamic. Technically competitors, the father and son share an office on State Street, where they work as separate business entities, yet as a team at the same time.

“We’ve been fortunate in that both of our personalities mix really well together,” Alex said. “We are really unified on everything, but we each know when to give and take and stay off each other’s toes.”

The formidable Ferry team has also discovered natural pathways to complement each other within the business community and the Chamber. With Ted being a selfdescribed introvert who prefers smaller group settings (like on the Chamber Board of Directors) and Alex looking to develop more relationships as a newer business owner (like at the weekly Greeters meetings, monthly Salem Emerging Leaders events, and as a member of the 2022-2023 Leadership Salem cohort), each Ferry has a comfortable business lane that suits them.

As Salem’s diverse business community continues to look toward future growth, its core remains firmly built around familial relationships and deep roots that reach across generations and touch almost every industry.

“In entering the business world, I knew I needed to find ways to make my own connections,” Alex said. “All of our circles are the same right now, so by

me participating in areas that he [Ted] wasn’t a good fit in allowed me to create new circles.”

Whether or not the Ferrys see another generation of their family enter the business remains to be seen, but Ted is proud of how nearly all his family, and extended family, continue to contribute to the Ferry’s legacy at State Farm.

“The greatest compliment to me is that I have two daughters-in-law [Hannah and Shelby] that have worked for me,” Ted said. “It’s one thing to have had my kids work for me, but to have both of those ladies work for me has been really cool.”

Mike Ritter & Cecilia Ritter-James –Ritter’s Housemade Foods and Wild Pear Restaurant & Catering

A consistent go-to spot for downtown Salem diners for more than 20 years, Wild Pear Restaurant & Catering was founded by Cecilia Ritter-James and her late sister, Jessica Ritter, in 2000 on the promise to serve the Salem community with the best local ingredients and a unique menu in a warm and inviting setting.

Given that the eatery has not only survived hardships and harsh restrictions brought on by the pandemic, but thrived in helping spawn two subsequent restaurant ventures in town (Ritter’s Housemade Foods and ACME Cafe), it’s safe to say the Ritters delivered on that promise.

But in looking back at Wild Pear’s beginnings, Cecilia recalls it wasn’t easy to get her family’s first business up and running. Referring to Wild Pear’s opening as a “collective family effort,” Cecilia and her brother, Mike Ritter, remember the brothers (including Mike) doing dishes after working their regular nine-to-five jobs, their mother helping with shopping and gardening, and their younger sister coming on later as their pastry chef.

“Jess and I were on a shoestring budget and all of the efforts and support we got from family were critical for us in establishing that foundation from the beginning,” Cecilia said.

Early success then led to more business opportunities, including opening satellite locations in bigger markets along I-5. Instead, the Ritters decided to pursue new ventures in Salem.

“We have so much support here and we want to serve the community that has helped make us successful,” Cecilia said. “They are always going to be our first priority.”

Cecilia opened ACME Cafe with her husband, Jeff James, in 2013, and just a few years later, Jessica and Mike took on opening Ritter’s (2016) as Cecilia turned her focus to family, after the loss of a son.

“When we were looking to expand Wild Pear, we knew that we couldn’t with the amount of work and demand on Jess and I,” Cecilia said. “We couldn’t do it alone.”

Like all Salem restaurants, the Ritter family businesses were not immune from the unprecedented restrictions and strain applied by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. After selling ACME Cafe, Cecilia and Jessica turned their attention toward their remaining two businesses. Unfortunately, both were forced to shut down for a time that spring as they pivoted their systems to handle to-go online orders, limited staff, and restrictions on in-dining capacity.

But with the strong foundations they previously established and an even stronger partnership between the siblings, the Ritters found they had particular advantages in confronting pandemic challenges, such as sharing staff, resources, and creative solutions to new problems.

“We’re able to do certain things, especially during hard times, because we’re family-run restaurants,” Cecilia said. “We can lean on one another and find creative ways that we can help one another to stay open and eventually thrive.”

“With small family business, it is all about perseverance,” Mike said. “There are a lot of unknowns that come at you, and you have to have the energy and passion to know that, since you like this so much, you’re going to figure it out.”

Sadly, the Ritter family was hit even harder in the fall of 2020 with the tragic passing of Jessica. The loss

Alex and Ted Ferry of State Farm.

made everything harder, but it also reaffirmed Mike and Cecilia’s commitment to serve the Salem community as she did, including all of the numerous nonprofits they have partnered with and the causes they passionately support every year.

“You get through something like losing your partner who’s your best friend, and a pandemic including all the impacts that had, and everything gets put into perspective,” Cecilia said. “And you realize the priorities, ambitions, goals, and all of that gets put into a more narrow focus, and that home is a good place to be.”

“Even if the businesses weren’t here tomorrow, the relationships we’ve made are what will stick with us for the rest of our lives,” Mike said. “It’s not how much money you made or how much you accomplished, it’s the people you remember and that are still with you. Those are the most

Bill Riecke II – Bark Boys

“Humble beginnings” is a common phrase when talking about the origins of a family-run business, but it is certainly befitting of Bark Boys’ story, as the business (called Rico’s DekaBark starting in 1973) was initially run entirely from founder Gene Rico’s pick-up truck in Albany, Oregon.

“When he first started, he didn’t have an office... or anything like that,” said Rico’s grandson and current, thirdgeneration Bark Boys Owner Bill Riecke II. “He just had a location, a front-end loader and a delivery truck… and would pull up next to a telephone pole and plug [a] phone in. When the phone would ring, he’d reach

out the window of his pick-up truck, answer the phone and take orders.”

With determination, grit, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, Rico slowly built the business from literal dirt with the help of his two sonsin-law, one of whom was eventual second-generation owner Bill Riecke Rico then moved the operation to Salem in 1978 as it became the Bark Boys our community knows today, which provides a wide array of local landscaping supplies and products to businesses and area residents.

The business expanded even further in Salem and Riecke bought out the other partners, including his in-laws,

running it as a solo owner for decades before selling the business to his son, Bill Riecke II.

For Riecke II, returning to his hometown to take over the family business wasn’t a clear-cut decision. He and his wife had a great life, lucrative careers, a growing family, and a newly-built home in Queen Creek, Arizona. But with plenty of business savvy and experience he developed working for Empire Southwest, the Caterpillar dealer for Arizona, and a desire for continuing the legacy his grandfather had started, he was confident the leap would see him land

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valuable things you measure when it comes to a successful life.”

Mike Ritter and Cecilia Ritter-James.

on his feet and on solid ground, while also on top of his Salem roots.

“I had a great deal of emotional attachment to anything with my grandfather,” Riecke II said of Rico, who passed away in 2010. “He and I were very close my entire life. So, I said, ‘You know what, I want to take that family business and grow it.’”

With ample confidence and entrepreneurship in his blood, Riecke set lofty goals for Bark Boys, aiming to double revenues in just the first year. It ended up taking him two years to get there, an impressive accomplishment that he credits almost entirely to his staff, which has increased nearly sixfold during his tenure as owner and now includes multi-generational employees.

“We’ve been able to grow because of those people, and how hard they work, and their dedication and loyalty,” Riecke II said.

One of those people is his wife, Jennifer, whom Riecke II calls the “brains of the operation.” Jennifer works from home, taking care of the business’s finances while also raising their six children. Riecke II says that, with their extremely busy schedules, she’s often the one to help set healthy boundaries between work and family life.

“I’m rapid fire with ideas and questions to bounce off of her, and she’ll say, ‘Listen, it’s 9 o’clock at night and it’s been chaotic around here since this morning. If you want to discuss work, let’s set up a meeting for later this week,’” Riecke II said with a laugh.

And as with any family business, the kids are also pitching in. Riecke II’s eldest son helps as a laborer, his daughters assist in various capacities, and even his youngest sons were

most recently helping decorate the office for the holidays.

While he says he won’t push his children to enter the family business, Riecke II says that if one of them decides to, he would be proud to help them continue the Bark Boys legacy.

If one of my six kids says, ‘Hey dad, we’d really like to make a shot at that,’ I can say, ‘Here’s what we’ve established, here’s the foundation we have, and now it’s your turn.’”

For now, Riecke is focused on continuing to lead Bark Boys and grow the business in the place he loves. While acknowledging that Salem still has some growing to do and issues to address, Riecke is optimistic about Salem’s future and looks forward to continuing to give back to it, as he has through Bark Boys sponsorships and donations to various causes.

“I think we can have some tremendous growth here, which would be great for everybody,” Riecke II said. “I’d like to look back in 30 years and say hey, you know what, we were a little piece of that puzzle that made all that happen just by giving back. My wife and I certainly believe that if we’re going to own a business in this community, we need to give back to the community that gives to us.”

Bark Boys’ location in northeast Salem.

When talking with Salem-area business owners and employees about legacy families in our community and family-owned businesses that have earned their respect and admiration, the name Dalke Construction comes up a lot.

One reason is the family has been in business now for 103 years, officially celebrating its centennial anniversary as a company in 2019. Another is due to what and just how much it has built (quite literally) in our community and in our state over that century-plus.

“When I was younger, my dad [third-generation past owner Ken Dalke] would drive us by job sites, get all excited and tell us all about them,” said current fourthgeneration Dalke Construction Co-Owner and Office Manager Tracie Farnsworth, one of three sisters. “None of us [she and her sisters] were interested in construction. But now I do that with my family!” she said with a laugh.

Even more so today, if you take a drive anywhere in Salem, you’re bound to see Dalke Construction’s work. From the McKay High School turf field, to iconic structures at Riverfront Park (acid ball and carousel), to more recent constructions like the Gerry Frank Amphitheater, Gilbert House’s new play structure, and the new apartment complex that will replace the old Nordstrom building downtown, Dalke Construction has played a role in a wide

array of community and commercial projects beloved and cherished by city residents, past and present.

Currently co-owned by President Larry Dalke (thirdgeneration), his son, Project Manager Scott Dalke (fourthgeneration), and niece, Tracie, the company’s origins trace back to 1919, when it was established as Tom Dalke & Sons by Larry’s grandfather, Thomas Dalke. The company initially specialized in residential construction before expanding to industrial and commercial building. However, its ethical, service-minded, and client-focused approach has remained.

Tracie Farnsworth, Larry Dalke, and Scott Dalke.

“We feel like we treat people well, and that we’re going to work hard to get that repeat customer,” Larry said. “And of course, doing it as long as we have, that’s proven to be the case.”

The solid foundation Thomas Dalke laid for the business involved his sons, Marvin and Herb, from a young age, but only Herb stuck with it as a career. In 1958, Herb Dalke took the reins as owner, when Dalke Construction made a strategic shift to larger-scale projects.

Like their father before them, Ken, Tom, Dave, and Larry Dalke also grew up in the business. As boys, they earned their keep by cleaning the shop, washing the company cars, and doing yard work. While it wasn’t always fun, Larry says that’s when he and his brothers learned the real rewards of hard work.

“We didn’t know what we were doing,” Larry said. “But we were learning a work ethic that has rubbed off and into our lives.”

Ken and Larry went on to carpentry apprenticeship school in the early 1970s while Tom acquired his engineering degree from the Oregon Institute of Technology before the three brothers joined forces again at Dalke. The trio eventually came to own the business together, forming an effective and complementary team that had Ken and Larry out in the field on builds and Tom working in the office.

Larry would go on to buy out his brothers to become the sole owner of Dalke, which he ran solo for several years until

Scott and Tracie joined as co-owners in January 2022.

And with Scott, the tradition of coming on job sites with dad at an early age continued. Throughout his teenage years, he worked as a laborer in the field in the summers, and, like the generations before him, was forever bonded to the business and the life, never seriously looking at another career path.

“This is all I know and all I love,” Scott said. “This is what I always planned on doing.”

Dalke Construction found continued success as Scott and Tracie progressed as company leaders, something Larry couldn’t have been more thrilled to witness and be a part of.

“I’m proud that they have stepped up to the plate and taken this on, and I feel comfortable they are in this position to keep this thing going for another generation,” Larry said.

As is often the case with family, the atmosphere inside the Dalke Construction offices can feel loose and energetic, but when it’s time to get down to business, the owners and their employees are able to keep their collective eye on the ball.

To get the job done and done right, Dalke’s owners also lean on their dependable and loyal staff, many of whom have been at the company for decades, including longtime controller, Jim Schiess.

“He’s been a friend of the family for years,” said Tracie, who one day hopes to move into the controller role. “I rely heavily

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It’s not only a team effort when it comes to business, but community service as well. Much like its commitment to quality service with clients, the company has a long and commendable track record when it comes to giving back, whether it’s through sponsorships or special community projects and partnerships (like with the Boys & Girls Club or Union Gospel Mission).

“We got that from our dad,” Larry said. “He said that you need to give back and I look at the little things we’ve done throughout the city over the years, and they make my proud. I drive by projects that we’ve done and it brings back good memories of giving back.”

So, what does the next 100 years look like for Dalke Construction? The owners may not be looking that far ahead, but the company has shown no signs of slowing down as it continues its legacy of quality builds and exceptional client and community service.

“We’re still going strong and we have quite a bit of work out in front of us, but we’re still looking for the next opportunity for the right projects and for fun projects that help people, too,” Larry said. “We’re still looking to continue to grow and be a part of Salem for a long time.”

As the longest active member in the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Capitol Auto Group is the rarest of breeds when it comes to legacy, longevity, and lasting impact in our community. For 95 years, the company — now in its fourth generation of family ownership — has not only established one of the largest and most successful car dealers in the region, but it has done so with a prideful focus on exceptional customer service and caring for its employees like they are a part of the family.

In describing the company’s legacy, fourth-generation owner Alex Casebeer said: “Taking care of our employees and their families — which are thousands of people we are responsible for — and continuing to take care of the community. We wouldn’t be here for 95 years if people didn’t continue to trust us and do business with us because we do it the right way, ethically, and with integrity, honesty, and transparency.”

While the business has obviously grown significantly over time, it’s always had strong ties and influence within the city, going back to its founding in 1927 by Douglas McKay The namesake for Salem’s McKay High School, McKay would go on to serve as Salem Mayor, two terms as a state senator, and in 1948, was elected as Oregon’s 25th Governor. He would resign as Governor in 1952 to serve as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior for the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration in Washington, D.C.

While McKay was busy in public service, his son-in-law Les Green took over the business (then known as Capitol Chevrolet Cadillac) in the 1950s and grew it by adding more automotive lines, stores, and property over the next several decades.

Initially interested in pursuing a career in advertising, Green’s son-in-law, Scott Casebeer, entered the business in 1977, starting out as a lot attendant and car porter before eventually

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working in almost every department for the company.

While he’s never considered himself a “car guy” and admittedly hasn’t even driven much else in his life besides a Chevy Suburban, Scott’s ability to form relationships and later manage people made him immensely successful as a professional in the business.

“I haven’t even been in a new Cadillac or a Subaru, and when I owned a Honda store, I never even drove one,” Scott said. “The people aspect is really what excited me and made it fun for me. So, I just stuck with my Suburban and worked my way through the business.”

Just nine years after working in the business, Scott found an opportunity to purchase the company’s Toyota store and eventually the rest of the company’s stores as well, making him the sole owner of Capitol Auto Group in the mid-1980s. Later, he would purchase property to move Capitol Auto Group to its current location off

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of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (formerly Salem Parkway).

With more than 400 employees today, Capitol Auto Group is co-owned by Scott and his sons, Alex and Matthew Casebeer, who represent the fourth generation in leadership. Alex and Matthew run the day-to-day operations of the business while Scott serves the company in more of an advisory role.

“We’re definitely calling the shots, but it’s super helpful to have our dad around,” Alex said. “This is his 45th year in the business, so he just has

so much knowledge and wisdom to help us.”

While they haven’t been in the car business for as long as their father, Alex and Matthew also worked their way up through sales, the service department, and management to learn each area. Their progression through the company was organic as they each moved to a different department when there was an opening and a need.

“Alex and I both know the chaos of those jobs,” Matthew said of the service department, in particular. “And we can empathize with the day-

to-day even if we aren’t in those roles anymore.”

But to step up into leadership roles and become owners, Matthew and Alex needed the approval of the company’s executives and managers. With the trust and credibility they had earned by diligently moving up through the business, they received that approval and the company’s confidence that they could drive Capitol Auto Group forward.

“They all were bought in, and said, ‘Okay, this is the next generation, they’re here and we trust them. They’ve worked in every department, and they’re going to take care of me and my family,’” Alex said.

For the Casebeers, trust, respect, and communication all play key roles in how decisions are made. While they can remain focused on their respective areas of the business, the family members also make time every Monday to meet as

Capitol Subaru in Salem, part of the Casebeer’s Capitol Auto Group.

an executive team, which includes Matthew, Alex, Scott, Scott’s wife and Capitol’s Marketing Director Carrie Casebeer, and CFO Zane Selbak

“One of our main strengths as a family is that we’re very honest with each other,” Scott said.

When it comes to managing staff and personnel, Matthew and Alex use lessons they learned from their dad while maintaining the company’s commitment to employee and staff care. They meet regularly with their department managers, not just to stay updated, but to identify areas they can assist and to check in with their staff on a personal level.

“At the end of the day, it’s communication and people,” Matthew said. “The people are the biggest part of it, and our concern whenever we’re talking about any changes are what they are going to mean, or do, or say to our people. That’s all we ever talk about, honestly.”

“Number one on the list of importance is our employees,” Scott added. “At our company, our employees come first and they know that. They know that we have their back, and our doors are always wide open. They can come in, and whatever they need, we’re there to do.”

When you work for Capitol Auto Group, you learn how much the company cares, not just for you, but for the entire Salem community. Giving back is so much a part of the company culture, brand, and identity that it’s in the company’s mission statement and even its employee orientation.

“We’re going to be a respectful corporate citizen,” Alex said. “That’s just who we are and we’re very clear about that from day one of employment.”

Capitol Auto asks its employees to donate or volunteer once every year during a campaign in February. Last year, more than 90 percent of employees gave, raising a total of $340,000 for the United Way.

And for the few who can’t give, Capitol Auto also has a unique program called Day of Giving that actually pays employees a full day’s wage (eight hours) to go out and volunteer in the community. All the company asks in return is they report back on where they went and what they did.

“I’ve taken a bunch of employees with me [to volunteer for the United Way],” said Matthew, who is also the Board Chair for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. “Every time somebody goes down there, they can’t believe that it’s actually volunteering because it’s fun, and they want to come back because they realize they are helping somebody and having a great time doing it.”

With hundreds of happy employees, dedicated, service-oriented leaders, and a missional commitment to make Salem a better place to live, Capitol Auto Group isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and we look forward to proudly celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2027. 503.

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As a professional in the local banking industry for more than 20 years, Aimee Mendonca has worn a variety of hats while continuing to develop and grow in her career. In recent years, she’s risen to the position of vice president and branch manager, now with Willamette Valley Bank in Salem since 2021.

But, like many of our community members who are heavily involved and actively engaged with the Chamber, Aimee’s ambitions aren’t limited to herself. She also wants to see the Salem business community grow, which is one of the many reasons she became a Chamber Ambassador and has continued to serve in that role since 2007 (now as Ambassador Team Vice Chair).

“The Chamber is an amazing organization, and it is a great way to be in a more direct supportive role,” Aimee said in describing her role as an ambassador. “I love to volunteer and there is always an opportunity when you’re involved with the Chamber. The connections, relationships, and making our community better are important to me.”

Aimee first became involved with the Chamber in 2005 when her company at the time, West Coast Bank, sponsored several Chamber events. In attending those events, she

quickly saw the benefits of being a member as she made connections within the community. Over time, those connections evolved into valuable personal and professional relationships that have kept Aimee close to the Chamber, but more importantly, close to the heart of the business community.

“I continued to be involved with the Chamber because of the relationships,” Aimee said. “Now it’s something I look forward to every week. It’s a great opportunity to support the business community.”

And like many of her fellow Chamber Ambassadors, Aimee works to support the community and her home of Salem in many ways outside of the Chamber, including volunteering with the Salem Main Street Association and the Rotary Club of West Salem

For Aimee, the time she has invested as a volunteer is going towards something worthwhile: Salem’s future.

“The Salem community is special to me because it’s where I live, work, and play. I would like to see growth in the

downtown area,” she said about recently joining the Main Street Association.

“I would like to help make the downtown area a place where residents and tourists want to come to eat, shop, and have a memorable experience.”

Active in her professional life and in volunteering, it’s no surprise Aimee loves to stay physically active too, when she’s not working.

“I love to be outdoors with my family any chance I get,” Aimee said about her favorite recreational activities. “I would estimate that I do about 20 5K runs or challenge courses per year. I also like going to my local gym about four days a week.”

Always sporting a friendly smile and a helpful nature, Aimee rarely misses a Greeters, ribbon-cutting ceremony, signature Chamber event, or an opportunity to assist a fellow Chamber or community member. Aimee truly exemplifies the Chamber’s missional work in her role as an ambassador, and we, as a community and a Chamber, are lucky to have her!

Be sure to say hello to Aimee when you see her at Chamber events! 503.

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