503. The Salem Chamber's Magazine: Winter 2020

the salem chamber’s magazine

Winter 2020

Business Leaders on Tomorrow’s Talent

Tribute to Dr. Selma Pierce Helping Salem’s homeless CTEC’s Residential Construction program Challenges of working from home during a pandemic

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

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

Mentorship: Investing in the Future

by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer The Salem Chamber believes in helping businesses prosper so our entire community may thrive. Investing during a global pandemic has largely become a luxury, as the American workforce struggles to understand what their lives and careers will look like a year from now.

Depending on the industry, business owners could be relying on set-aside capital to assist them through a downturn, while a select number of companies have gained opportunity during COVID-19. Regardless how the bread has been sliced, investing in one’s self needs to continue... and “investing” need not only be financial.

One of the most prolific gifts you can provide developing leaders within your workforce is that of mentorship.

Developing a healthy and open dialog with your employees can yield increased production, boosted morale, and cultivate a partnership-first mentality within your company.

Do all employees want to be mentored? No. Do many employees long to be mentored? Yes. How each leader approaches the topic of mentorship will define her or him within the eyes of their employees.

Intentional investments of time and conversation engage younger employees and developing leaders.

Company leaders who remain at the end of the hall in the large office with the door shut are often viewed as disconnected from the very team they count on to achieve company goals.

In my readings and studies, the first step for any leader considering a mentorship path would be a resolute commitment to selflessly develop their people, knowing fully that many employees will depart for other opportunities or change career paths altogether.

To me, mentorship means an investment in the person, not their Winter 2020

career trajectory within my company or organization.

This may seem daunting when one realizes the time and energy that will be invested in a young or developing leader who may ultimately exit your workforce. However, I would suggest that the greatest compliment a leader can receive is when an employee has excelled at such a pace that another company wishes to hire them away. Embrace these occurrences and celebrate the employee’s new career opportunity – this is a tribute to your company’s commitment to positively develop its people.

In reflection, most of the mentorship I received early in my career was provided over a cup of coffee, sharing time in the office environment, or while driving to an appointment or meeting. But make no mistake, it was intentional mentorship, even if I didn’t yet know it. Part of the mentorship process is gaining permission to share and teach – this takes empathy and trust.

Most mentees will not have logged a matching amount of professional or life experience, comparatively to their mentor. But the mentor’s ability to create a comfortable and trusting communication path proves imperative for the longer-term goal of exchanging information.

Analytics show that when humans are comfortable and secure within a relationship, there is an exponentially higher ability to digest information provided to them. Put simply, if someone trusts you, they are better equipped to listen to learn rather than listening to respond. Rarely should a mentorship process begin without a previously developed relationship between two individuals.

Like planting your garden, the fruits of mentorship are harvested only after careful nurturing. When investing in

your workforce, play the long game.

But have a plan and don’t miss an opportunity to invest in someone who is longing for such attention.

1. Ask your developing leader(s) what drives them to be successful. Know your team, including whether they are motivated by professional growth, money, job titles, or a sense of belonging.

2. Assess an individuals’ eagerness to listen and ability to apply what they’ve been taught. Mentorship is a two-way street, when done intentionally.

3. Invest in young and developing leaders as if they will work for you until you retire. While not the reality, it creates a healthy internal mindset for you as a mentor. As humans, we are much more likely to give our best efforts if we know the receiver is equally invested.

4. Mentorship is a full team sport.

Not all mentors are the top leaders within their companies. Sometimes mentorship is as simple as identifying two people who genuinely care about the successes of their peer. I’ve been surprised many times by who ended up being a terrific mentor, when they may have shown no previous inclination to serve in that role. Again, healthy communication leads to many open doors.

5. Be disciplined to put in the time.

If you embark on a mentor-mentee relationship, at all costs, put in the time necessary to harvest the intended fruits.

Mentorship is a profound way a leader may invest in their people and ensure a healthy workforce in the years ahead. During an unprecedented time of global health and economic instability, investing in those around you yields high returns. The person you mentor today will be the face of your business tomorrow – invest wisely (and often). 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.

28 Working with Salem’s Homeless..................................22

the salem chamber’s magazine

President’s Message.................... 5 Directors & Staff..........................6

The Inspire Foundation Spotlights Cherriots’ Allan Pollock............................24 Inside CTEC’s Residential Construction Program........26

Remembering Dr. Selma Pierce........................8

Chamber Business Women addresses Working from Home.......... 28

Advice for Emerging Leaders.................10

Ambassador of the Quarter Dr. Andrew Isaksen.............. 30

Cover: Kimmy Neal of Built Vibrant.Co and Mike White of Oregon Entrpreneurs Network at the November 2020 Forum Speakers Series. Above: The distractions of a professional life at home during COVID-19. Photos by Emmanuel Goicochea.

@salemchamber

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

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@salemchamber

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

503. is published quarterly

by Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc., proud Chamber member.

Publisher: Paula Mabry Project Manager: Tavis Bettoli-Lotten Advertising Graphics Manager: Steve Beckner To advertise in the next issue, contact Advertising Executive: Jerry Stevens 541.944.2820 • jerry.s@mtangelpub.com

We’re proud to serve our members with two new Salem-Keizer branches.

Stop by and say hi!

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

C HA M B E R P R E S ID E N T ’S M ESSAGE

Collaboration Against

U n c e r t a i n t y by Kathy Gordon

,

Aldrich CPAs + Advisors

I want to share some brief thoughts from our board’s perspective on what is happening to business in our community and how we are tackling these uncertain times.

Honestly, it feels like we’re riding along, no, bobbing up and down in a ship while engaging heavy seas and storms that continually rage and change. And all we are looking for is that sunny day, those blue skies and calm waters. Some of us are larger and able to handle the bigger waves; some are smaller craft, but clever, and pilot though the waves using new and innovative systems or practices to steer through the storm.

Since spring 2020, we have all experienced unique and difficult times and our board has faced the same challenges. Yes, we are a very diverse group of individuals, business owners, and key employees; some working in large businesses and some in small businesses. That diversity is what makes us so distinctive; we bring our different perspectives to the table, but our total focus is on what is best for our Salem area community of businesses.

So, how do we help you rally when there is so much doubt about the future, so much unknown?

How do you renavigate every time a new rule arises, a new obstacle blocks the way, or the wind blows in a different direction? What does that new rule mean? How will that effect my business? How long will this pandemic last? Will we have a vaccine? If so, when and who can get it?

We are there with you, seeing and living through these everyday struggles, and we want to be that beacon of light to guide and help you in any way we can. How can we do this best, what will really help our Winter 2020

members? We ask this every day, because it changes every day. We assess those changes and the adjustments required in our own businesses and draw from our very best results to bring you solutions, information and approaches to help you navigate these waters.

We feel the key is our ability to communicate with you, to hear from you directly and for you to hear from us. The channels are open. Full access to our staff and board is a phone call or email away.

Our social media pages, our blogs and videos, our frequently emailed Business Connector provides you with up-to-date news and information to help you. Our board believes that communication is vital for us to understand and know your issues so that we can engage you, advocate for you, and help you prosper and thrive.

Advocating for our members is so critical right now because the rules do change, and it’s so difficult to navigate that alone. It is very tough for businesses to survive this pandemic when we experience ever-changing restrictions. There is no consistent messaging, and this makes it so complex to figure out that next step or how to adapt. It really makes one word stand out, “uncertainty.”

To provide some certainty, we are working on those relationships that will allow real collaboration between our elected officials and our business community. Having these doors open allows for genuine conversations about the real economic constraints that have been placed on our

businesses. We are your collective voice, supporting local business through our advocacy efforts, through our involvement on community committees, on neighborhood associations and task forces at all levels: local, county and state.

We will not shy away from voicing the truth about any impact on our businesses or their employees.

Common sense and fairness are at the forefront of our conversations.

And yes, these relationships give us opportunity to encourage progress and highlight how essential business is to building a strong and vital community.

Currently, our board and many of the Chamber committees and programs have a new normal, gathering through virtual meetings. Yes, there have been advantages, for many it is easier, less commuting and more time efficient. But the disadvantages are so evident in the lack of personal contact and connection; the inability to see and feel others’ reactions. We have adapted to these, but really look forward to coming together in person.

With so much uncertainty, it is tough to plan. We are all experiencing this together. But one thing is certain: that the Chamber, our staff and our board are committed to you and are here for you. I really look forward to seeing, yes, actually seeing each and every one of you in person in 2021.

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

Advanced Economic Solutions

BRANDON BLAIR

Member Support Specialist

DAVE DUNN

DR. SHELDON NORD

Willamette Valley Fruit Company

MIKE HERRON

Corban University

MARIA PALACIO

VIPs Industries

JONATHAN CASTRO MONROY

Kelly’s Home Store

Olson Florist

JEFF KELLY

JENNIFER MARTIN

Mid-Valley Commercial Real Estate

DAN McDOWELL

Pioneer Trust Bank

ZACHARY SIELICKY

Media & Marketing Specialist

Membership Manager

CHRIS SEELY

Membership Engagement Specialist

Workforce Development Specialist

JEFF MILLER

Coldwell Banker Commercial

Summit Wealth Management

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

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

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

KRISTI PIPPERT EMMANUEL Director of Operations GOICOCHEA HEIDI COWDEN

PAUL DAKOPOLOS

Garrett Hemann Robertson, P.C.

NAOMI TILLERY

DEVIN BROWN MICHELLE WARNER VALERIE FRY-RAMIREZ

CTEC Business Liaisons

Member Services

Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes

RIBBON CUTTING REQUEST FORM

Masonry

GREETERS APPLICATION

Let’s celebrate! Ribbon Cuttings are a complimentary service the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provides to members at the Connector level and above who have just started a new business, have moved to a new location, or who have recently undergone a remodel. As the business owner, you have the option of making this event as simple or as elaborate as you wish.

Greeters is the largest and most active business networking opportunity in the Salem area. Greeters is available to all Salem Area Chamber of Commerce members (and their employees). Applications are due a week from booking your date. Requests are taken on a first come basis. Members will be put on a wait list once the calendar year is full.

Members can host Greeters once in a calendar year.

Be sure to fill out a request form at salemchamber.org/ ribboncuttingform to book your date now!

salemchamber.org/host-greeters-application

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

ENJOY THE MASONRY DINING EXPERIENCE Sunday Brunch 11am - 2pm

Happy Hour

Monday - Friday 3pm to 6pm

Eat, drink, and be merry at Salem’s Masonry Grill!

11am–9pm M-Th • 11am–11pm F-S

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Breakfast & Lunch Kid Stuff Menu Senior Menu Burgers & Sandwiches Soups & Salads Something for Everyone!

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Monday-Saturday 6am-2pm Sunday 7am-2:30pm

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Winter 2020

Serving Salem Since 1974

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We are here for you DINE-IN TAKE OUT & DELIVERY WWW.GEPPETTOSSALEM.COM Sun-Thurs: 11am - 9pm • Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm

616 Lancaster Dr NE •Salem OR 97301

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Remembering Dr. Selma Pierce On Dec. 2, 2020, Salem lost a pillar to its foundation.

The unexpected and tragic passing of Dr. Selma Pierce rattled our community to its core, reminding us of the fragility of life while also allowing us to remember the amazing ways in which one person can make a positive difference through their servant leadership.

Selma Pierce were selected for the Salem First Citizen Award, our city’s highest honor.

Dr. Selma Pierce served as a community volunteer from the moment she arrived in Salem over three decades ago. The Salem Chamber and The Inspire Foundation were fortunate to have Dr. Selma Pierce as a leader on their respective boards of directors. Moreover, once her children were raised, Selma became directly involved in charitable organizations, some of which include the Oregon Community Foundation, the OHSU Foundation, the Chemeketa Foundation, the Assistance League, and the Salem Leadership Foundation.

Additionally, her passion for serving the community included providing health care to low-income individuals,

Born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents, Pierce studied at the University of California, Los Angeles where she trained to become a dentist. During her time there, she met, and later married, Dr. Bud Pierce.

In the following years, the Pierce’s moved to Salem, raised two children, and became active community members. In 2010, Drs. Bud and

advancing educational opportunities for youth, and advocating for businesses in Oregon to be in the best position to thrive.

As a woman of color, she broke through many glass ceilings while paving the way for others to enter into positions of leadership. She led with humility and grace while always assuming the posture of a servant leader. She was eternally kind and sincere. Dr. Selma Pierce made a profound difference in our community and her loss will be felt for years to come.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” she wrote in a Facebook post in November, a motto she most certainly embodied. An observation made by our Salem Chamber Membership Manager and friend of Selma, Zachary Sielicky, resonated with many: “There is a reason you cannot spell Salem without Selma.”

Our deepest sympathies are sent to the Pierce Family. 503.

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

Welcome Newest Chamber Members Pacific Landscape Management

Qualls Insurance Agency

Bark Boys, Inc.

Gysin Realty Group, LLC

Marion Ag Services

Taproot Old Mill Café

KC Creative

Criteria Properties

Nathan Good Architects

Salem Angels

Capital Auction

Michael J Paluska PC – Law Offices

Marcia Lancaster Winslow Boutique

Black Box Removal Services, LLC

Union Bank

Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2020

45 years of helping Oregon grow business With decades of experience in accounting, consulting and wealth management, we guide you through today’s financial complexities.

Tami Levin – Personal and Professional Life Coach WIN Home Inspection – Michael Herrmann

aldrichadvisors.com

Lively Station Cardinal Services, Inc. Allstate Agent Recruitment CSL Plasma American Family Insurance

Interested in joining the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce? For more information, contact Zachary Sielicky at zachary@salemchamber.org

Our roots are right here in Salem.

Building for 100 Years Commercial General Contractor New Construction • Tenant Improvement Design/Build • Excavation Site Work Concrete Tilt-ups • Metal Buildings

dalke construction co. inc.

SINCE 1919

503-585-7403 2180 16th St. NE

Gilbert House - Bill’s Bubble Factory

concrete • excavation • carpentry | CCB #63080 Winter 2020

Salem, Oregon

|

www.dalkeconstruction.com 9

Advice for

EMERGING LEADERS On Nov. 16, 2020, the Chamber’s Forum Speaker Series, presented by AmeriTitle, convened in Allied Productions’ Salem studio for a virtual discussion.

The topic: the next leaders of our community.

Here, each of the panelists give advice for the next generation of Salem’s Young Professionals.

Photos by Emmanuel Goicochea 10

“Most people fail in life not because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit.”

– Les Brown

Jacob Espinoza

Leadership Development Consultant and host of the New Leader Workshop podcast If you are reading this, you care about Salem and understand that finding success in what you do will help you become a critical component in creating a thriving city.

Imagine Salem becomes a city known for how well people come together, collaborate, and encourage each other to grow.

The raised tide lifts all ships.

We have outstanding community members who have set this example for us. Now it is time for the new generation to start thinking about how they will carry this responsibility.

Think about how incredible this place will be in five years if we have a wave of young professionals deciding to put their ego aside so they can focus on taking action that will help them reach their potential.

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

Imagine where you can be in five years if you decide to develop yourself.

Make your development a priority for you, your business, your home, and your community.

Take a moment to think about where you want to be in five years. What role will you play in the community?

Where will you live? What will you accomplish?

Now think about the actions you will need to take to get there. Think about the relationships you will need. Think about the resources you will need.

Now start making a plan. (Make sure this plan includes how you will help the community on the way.)

You’ve probably found some success, but you also have this instinct telling you that you are capable of accomplishing so much more.

increases, the impacts of your actions will multiply.

Trust this instinct. Lean into it.

As our attention spans continue to decrease, it can become challenging to stay in the moment during our conversations.

We need people who care about their city enough to care about themselves and dream big.

When you dream, think about scale and how you will be able to do business with people around the nation.

Get practice now.

Let’s look at a few reasons why most of us struggle with listening: • We find too much value in what we have to say

You can have a successful business serving the people in this city, and I’d encourage you to support local as much as you can, but we also need to think about how we can grow in our industries and bring in resources from the outside.

• We suffer from meeting fatigue

I have one ask while you read this.

Don’t focus on whether or not you have heard these ideas before. Take time to think critically about how well you execute.

• We make assumptions

• We unintentionally stereotype people • We have a lack of Emotional Intelligence

• We are trying to multitask Fortunately, we can stand out with a few simple changes.

Let’s look at five things you can do to become a standout Young Professional in Salem.

2. Always Do What You Say You Will I can’t overstate the importance of this.

1. Make Listening the Priority No matter who you are talking to, spend all of your energy engaged in the conversation. Listening shows the people around us we understand their value and respect their time. As your career develops and your visibility

Trust develops with a combination of character and competence. Following through is a sign that you value yourself, your work, and the people around you. Not following through on commitments – no matter how big or small – is a sign of incompetence.

Winter 2020

People won’t do business with or write raving reviews for people they can’t trust.

The number one reason I see people missing commitments is they rely on their memory. Your memory is a terrible system for task management.

Even if you have things under control now, focus on developing processes and habits for yourself that will allow you to step into additional responsibilities more efficiently.

If you have an action item following a meeting, write it down.

3. Develop Emotional Intelligence Emotional Intelligence is developing an ability to resist an impulse to react to a situation immediately. The book Emotional Intelligence 2.0 states that our Emotional Intelligence makes up for 80 percent of our success, while IQ accounts for 20 percent.

Simply put, it is a big deal.

Emotional Intelligence can be broken down into four steps to be followed in order: A. Self-Awareness: Being aware of how we are feeling in the moment and aware of our impact on the people around us.

B. Self-Management: Understanding a healthy process to process emotions without labeling them as good or bad.

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C. Social Awareness: The ability to tune into the emotions of others as we interact with them.

D. Relationship Management: Understanding the needs of the people around us and how to have an impact.

I would highly recommend becoming well versed in Emotional Intelligence. If you are working towards stepping into a leadership role, you should know this topic well enough to teach it.

Here is an action item to focus on as you get started: pay attention to your ripple effects.

Here are a few ways to do this: • When you talk with someone, how do you see their mood change?

• When you speak up in a meeting, how does the vibe of the meeting change?

Be aware of the impacts your energy brings to a room.

Emotional Intelligence is NOT about staying positive all of the time. It’s about being aware of our emotions.

By being aware of our emotions, we can consistently act in a way aligned with our goals and values.

4. Focus on Strengths Focusing on strengths changes how we see ourselves, how we see the people around us, and how we look at the community’s potential. People who focus on strengths are more productive and find more fulfillment in their work. They also are three times

COMMERCIAL

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“What would happen if we studied what is right with people instead of focusing on what is wrong with them?”

– Don Clifton as likely to report having an excellent quality of life.

How often do we take time to think about the positive things we bring to our business, jobs, community, or family?

It’s so easy to fixate on the things that are WRONG with us. We forget to think about the things we do well.

Take time to think about it now. What are three positive words people use to describe you?

Write these three words down somewhere and post them around your house or office.

The things we are good at are often the things we enjoy most. These skills are tools we should use as often as possible. We should also be encouraging the people around us to use their strengths. If you notice someone is a great critical thinker, take a moment to recognize them for it. By taking the time to recognize them, you are encouraging them to use their strengths more often.

Imagine what this city would look like if everyone focused on doing what they did best and their passions.

INDUSTRIAL

SEISMIC

5. Create a Platform You want to make an impact at scale.

Scale requires visibility and influence.

Creating a platform provides visibility to the value you bring and an opportunity to highlight the people around you.

I know some of you are reading this and thinking, “I don’t like social media or public speaking. It isn’t my thing.”

That’s great, but you know what isn’t my thing? Eating egg whites for breakfast and doing cardio. I don’t do it because I like it. I do it because it is going to help me reach my goals.

When creating your platform, focus on how you can use it to lift the people around you. Be proactive in developing new relationships. Don’t be the cool guy standing in the corner. Be the host connecting people and showing gratitude to those who show up to the party.

Your platform might be a podcast, a blog, an email newsletter, or a community group. Pick the option that sounds most aligned with your skill set and passion. Then get started.

You’ll learn from the experience and decide what works for you.

But you have to get started.

REVITALIZATION

www.AndyMedcalfConstruction.com

EDUCATION

(503) 584-1416 S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

Building a Community of Supporters for a New Business Kimmy Neal Owner & Operator of Built Vibrant.Co

I never sought out to start a business of my own; in fact, even when I knew I was ready, I still wrestled with the idea for months before taking that first step because many of the people in my life didn’t see my vision and doubted that I was making the right choice. This, as you might suspect, led to a lot of selfdoubt and fear about taking the first steps into entrepreneurship.

If you’re speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one! If you want to build a community of supporters, you MUST know who your ideal client is, inside and out, frontwards, and backwards, top to bottom. What do they like, where do they shop, their age, their hobbies, and very importantly what internal and external problems do they have that your service can solve? Use these things to create a “buyer persona” and then write and speak and connect to them.

For me, being a successful business owner is as much about the community that you build as it is about the product or service that you offer.

There will be people in your life who don’t understand what you’re doing and that’s okay! Instead of trying to convince them, use that energy to build a supportive community of people who do, and here are seven tried and true ways you can do just that!

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Your vibe attracts your tribe! Stop comparing yourself to everyone on the internet and just do you BOO! You’re the only one who can do your thing exactly like you. You must remember that you will not appeal to everyone, but that’s okay because you don’t need to reach everyone to build a strong community. When you are true to your unique self, you will grow a dedicated community of those who you resonate with. As they say, quality over quantity.

You can buy followers, thousands of them! But no one is going to give a rip if you’re being more of an echo than a voice. BE YOU! DO YOU! And your community will show up for YOU! Don’t wait for your people to come find you, get out there and find them!

Luckily, social media makes this task much easier. A great tip when starting out is to search Instagram for hashtags related to your work, find other bigger accounts doing what you do and head to their comments section to find people that would be interested in what you have to talk about. If they were commenting and engaged with a brand in my same space, I already knew they’d be

→ Independent Living for Active Seniors

M I L Y of C O

PA

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Here We Are Family

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Expose yourself – and no, not in the creepy way! Show your work. Be real and relatable. You might find that you inspire more people with your work and your journey than you could ever imagine.

Give like you’ve never given before!

I’m a firm believer that the more value you provide, the more you get in return. Sharing your advice, tips & tricks and lessons learned over the years is a great way to build your community. If people know they can

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Do what you LOVE instead of what you think you SHOULD do! When you do the thing that makes your heart skip a beat, you can’t help but beam with pride, passion and confidence, all of which attract people to you and your work.

come to you and learn a thing or two, this not only helps you to be seen as an expert in your field but it also gives your community a little taste of what it would be like to work with you. When the time comes that they need the service that you offer, they’re going to remember how you showed up for them and will be encouraged to show up for you.

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Find your home at Avamere Court at Keizer, where we’re all family.

AVA M E R E Court at Keizer

Winter 2020

5210 River Road N, Keizer, OR | (503)393-3624 Visit us on Facebook!

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interested in what I’d be sharing and I also knew that they were someone who would connect with me, rather than just scroll in silence. Start here. Connect with those people, by following them, liking their content that resonates with you and genuinely commenting on their posts to start a conversation.

Collaboration over competition!

Ditch that scarcity mindset and remember that there is enough work to go around, there is enough for us to all be successful. Collaborating and connecting with your people in your industry is an awesome way to help you learn and grow, to build a sounding board when you face challenges, to improve your industry perception as a whole and even to create referral systems.

Being a new business owner is an exciting and scary time that can be made so much easier, and frankly way more fun, when you’ve got a community of supporters around you. You don’t need one to start but making the priority to build a strong community as you grow will help you

go so much further in your business.

Cheers to your first steps into the world of entrepreneurship. I’m a big fan of people chasing their dreams, and I’d love to cheer you on! Find me on Instagram @thevibrantcommunity and let’s connect!

Five Keys to Starting Any Business Mike White

Mid-Valley Venture Catalyst at Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Get and Keep a Job It is very important you get solid work experience under your belt. You need to understand what it is like working for someone else or building value for shareholders.

Learning customer service, meeting sales goals every quarter, understanding different processes, etc. This will help you with your skill set and increase your success odds when launching your venture. If you can, keep your job for stable cash flow purposes until your venture starts to replace your income.

Start Building Right Away!

Get your plan on paper and start strategizing. You will need to define your business model before you even 14

start writing a business plan. Your business plan does not need to be a long document. Keep it a short outline with solid financial projections. Work on getting your “Minimal Viable Product” (aka MVP) to market as fast as you can. Your MVP should be your beta launch that can start to generate revenue, obtain customer feedback, and be a good steppingstone before launching the rest of your product and/or services.

Understand Your Market As you dive into your strategy planning, make sure you sit on a rock and really analyze your market. Who are your competitors? What is their business model and how do they capture and retain market share? Ask your potential customers if they will buy and use your product and/or service.

Define and outline your customers. Are they young and savvy, are they home owners, what are their spending habits, income level, stay at home mom, etc.?

Who is your non-customer, and can you create a product and/or service for them as you compete for market share?

Mindset is Key Set goals. Understand that building stuff that creates real economic energy takes time. There are the “unicorns” of the bunch that grow fast and become the next billion-dollar company… good luck. Most of us are the “zebras” of the bunch. We grow low and slow over the next decade and create sustainable jobs and deeper relationships in our communities that helps foster economic growth. Set goals that make yourself stretch. One of the biggest mistakes is setting goals that you know you can obtain… super common! “Shoot for the stars and hit the moon.”

Network Get connected with as many people as possible. Hoard business cards.

Connect with people on LinkedIn. Go to networking meetings regularly. Take people to coffee/lunch and get to know people. Get a mentor or business coach in your corner. Do not sell your business, get to know people. Be human. Start networking now and not when you are ready to launch your business.

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

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The journey of a young professional is a constant battle.

For every person that believed in and had faith in me, there were ten that did not. Naturally, I was compelled to develop a thick skin whilst on the prowl for my next believer.

I know what my potential is and I trust myself enough to take risks – especially the ones that are frowned upon.

A great advantage of being a Young Professional is the fresh perspective that can be brought to an otherwise unfavorable situation.

Over the last five years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet with and develop close relationships with counterparts who believe in me and my vision. I am constantly observing and learning from these individuals; without them, I would not know the things that I know.

As a young professional, not only does having a network of valuable contacts aid in growth, development and success, but it also teaches one that no one succeeds alone. Behind every successful person, there is a village of people who have nurtured the individual. Despite our “professional” relationship, my village taught me the importance of balance. Along my journey, I was compelled to understand that the essence of true success comes from the ability to be able to balance things that make life worth living – it gave me my purpose.

By being surrounded by like-minded individuals with a similar drive to mine, I noticed the volume of their actions in comparison to their words. It is not what they said, but what they did. It is the ability to understand how today’s actions will have implications on tomorrow’s present. It is being able to make decisions by reverse engineering. It’s seeing the business losses endured whilst simultaneously being a S a l e m C h a m b e r. o r g

Behind the scenes with Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert at the Forum Speaker Series.

The Forum Speaker Series are broadcast live on Zoom each month, and available on Youtube the next day. witness to their relentless persistence. Through association, I learned that success is not something that one is born into because for every win, there have been 100 losses.

My network taught me that success is a mindset, it is waking up every day on a mission – ready for battle.

However, throughout the years, I understood that true success lies in giving back to the community that raised me. I was fortunate enough to collaborate with fellow Young Professionals in obtaining food, water and clothes for members of our community that had been displaced due to the Santiam Canyon fires. It is occasions such as this that reflect how powerful having a network of like-minded individuals is. In a matter of two days, the team and I were able to obtain a warehouse and provide the thousands that were displaced with an abundance of resources. It was the ability to pinpoint the strong suit of each individual within the team that made it possible. Teamwork.

Although a network will aid in the achievement of personal goals, it is the balance of giving back that truly brings value to individuals within the network. Coming together to serve a greater purpose is the true character of a valuable network. A wise man once told me, “One’s true net worth isn’t defined by their bank account, rather, by the number of people they have surrounded themselves with that share a similar purpose.” This purpose is fulfilled through the ability to positively impact the lives of those who have nothing to offer back to you.

Winter 2020

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Learn more at salemhealth.org

17

How to Help Create a Community You Love Wally Ybarra

Owner of Wally Ybarra Consulting I remember growing up in the city of Woodburn. Without sharing all the in-depth details, I remember finding myself within a circle of friends, as a young man who had no interest in improving the quality of community, yet had every interest in creating damage.

It would be too simple to label this group that I was a part of as misfits.

When I look back and dissect the core of the issues within my Being, and the Being of the young people I built a connection with, the core flaw wasn’t that we were “bad humans.”

The core conflict within us was indeed the truth, in which no one taught us how to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. I realize no one helped me to believe that not only can I be a part of something bigger than myself, but also, that I can contribute.

Fundamentally, as I look back at the transformation process that I have engaged in over the years, and continue so, I can pinpoint without hesitation that my life began to change the moment I realized that I can be a part of something, now and well into the future.

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I asked my nine-year-old son, Ayven, to share his thoughts on how to answer the question of creating community.

His response, “I dunno… work here, and help the business grow so that the community grows.”

Additionally, HOW you begin the conversation is quite important.

I asked as I was myself curious as to what age do people have capacity to begin considering this.

Is our city perfect? No. Yet my interpretation of my city comes down to two key elements. First, it is a reflection of my own thoughts, and how I personally choose to nurture my thoughts… of life, growth, family, empowerment, and surroundings. We

The answer of course is there is no age. The process begins when we decide to begin the conversation.

As an example, in my home, I speak the language of positivity and belief about our beautiful City of Salem.

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

control those, and we don’t see things as THEY are… we see things as WE are.

Secondly, my feelings about my city stem from my involvement. It has become too easy in our culture to point fingers and observe the things that are wrong, or the things we wish people could have done different. There will always be seasons where the work/ harvest is plenty, yet the workers/ humans willing to contribute are few.

Helping to create a community you love does not happen when you walk out your door and look to see if it is improving.

It happens when you walk out your door and make an intentional decision, daily, to create it. It happens when you find a friend, partner, child, significant other, or pet and you decide to support the amazing Salem Saturday Market.

It happens when you adopt a road/ highway in our community to clean it up. It happens when you buy a homeless person a cup of coffee and have a conversation without judgment. Importantly, it happens when you love yourself, and you love your family. It happens when we shift the conversation away from “I wish I can move away,” to “I’m curious what I can do to be more helpful.”

Creating a community you love will never happen on accident, so begin today by living your contributions out… on purpose.

Winter 2020

The Power and Value of Mentor Relationships Conrad Venti

Co-owner & Operator of Venti’s Cafe and Basil & Board My name is Conrad Venti. I am co-owner of Venti’s Cafe and Basil & Board and I’m a mortgage loan originator at Landmark Professional Mortgage. I’ve spent over 15 years in banking and real estate finance, while also working in our family business at Venti’s Cafe, as well as B&B. I’m married to my amazing wife, Kari, and we have four great kiddos.

I’m 36 years old and have spent the majority of my life right here in the great community of Salem. As I’ve grown in my career and family life, I’ve found incredible power and value in mentorship relationships.

Mentorship can simply be defined as learning from an experienced and trusted advisor.

As a Young Professional, business owner, or entrepreneur, you likely have plans and aspirations for your career, family and future. While books, podcasts, and webinars will grow your knowledge base, nothing can replace having a one-on-one connection with another experienced leader who has walked the walk before you.

How should you go about finding a mentor?

Finding a mentor relationship takes intentionality. Look at your life – where you are right now – and look at those around you. Who motivates you?

Who do you aspire to be like? Who is leading in a way you would want to lead? Intentionally ask one of those people if you could buy them coffee or lunch. Show them that you value their time and are willing to invest in the relationship. Have some questions causally prepared that cover a few different areas you value their input in.

After the meeting or phone call, follow up to tell them that you appreciated their time and input and ask if they would be willing to meet with you on a monthly basis.

What should you look for?

Someone with integrity, experience, possibly some common life goals/ interests, and experience in a similar field of work, if possible. Look for someone who cares for people well and treats the people around them with respect. Success is great, but character is crucial.

One of my most meaningful mentor relationships was a father of one of my wife’s best friends – Mike Scheel, former owner of

19

Great Harvest Bread. I was inspired by Mike’s family, business, and the way he was committed to our community as a whole. We established a regular meeting time for coffee at Archive Coffee and we’d typically catch up on life, and I would listen as much as I could to the life experience and feedback from someone who deeply cared for me and my family.

I have also learned so much from my relationships with Ted Anagnos, Randy Compton, and Terry Hancock.

I would encourage you to find a trusted advisor, friend, or leader and intentionally ask them if they’d be

open to mentorship. Use the time to connect and ask questions and listen well without interrupting. Learn from the people who are more experienced in life than you are. It’s absolutely vital to humble yourself to understand you are ALWAYS in a state of learning.

I believe listening is a core value to a leader and is a required skill in mentorship. By connecting with a mentor regularly, asking questions, and intentionally listening, you will have more opportunities as you grow as a leader, spouse, parent or friend!

Conrad Venti

Connecting with Your Community Through Non-Profit Work Lillian Kay

Real Estate Broker at HomeSmart Realty Group I have been blessed with the opportunity and ability through my career to give back to my community with my time through board service.

To me, there is no better way to spend additional time and resources I have been blessed with than by giving it back to my community. My introduction to board service came when I was invited to an event with Family Building Blocks, where I had the opportunity to engage with a board member and learn from them what giving back truly was.

My drive to do better in businesses is predicated on the time it ultimately provides me to turn around and give it back to those in need. Board service has had one of the biggest impacts on my personal development as a young professional. The lessons I have learned and the people I have met through my work with various nonprofits has truly shaped me into the person I am today. I whole-heartedly believe that board service is an essential component to the personal and professional development of anyone in a community.

Here are my two lessons on how and why all young professionals should seek out an opportunity to be on a non-profit board.

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Choosing the right non-profit to engage with is crucial. Some individuals look at any opportunity that is presented to them to serve on a board of a non-profit and jump at it. This is a very common occurrence that many Young Professionals do.

The satisfaction of being identified as someone who can bring a non-profit value through board service is very gratifying.

That being said, it is essential that you pick and choose the organizations that fill you with passion. We all want to help as many people we can, but the best way to have a major impact on the lives of others can only be achieved when you have the drive to give your board service everything you have.

It is better to give 100 percent to one mission and greatly impact the lives of a few than it is to give 10 percent to ten different missions and barely scrape the surface of real impact and achievement on someone’s life.

Identify an area you want to help, and give it your all.

Non-profit board service is some of the most valuable and gratifying work any person can do. From a Young Professional standpoint, board service puts you in the company of many highly talented and businesssavvy individuals. There is so much knowledge to be gained from the conversations that happen during board discussions. Whether it is on the topic of upcoming events that the organization is hosting, or on the strategic approach to garnering more support from the community, the information that is being discussed and the various approaches people have to achieving success are unparalleled opportunities for growth and education.

Additionally, board service provides a unique opportunity to connect directly with fellow board members who are like minded. This personal touchpoint with community leaders is a priceless asset that pays dividends to the development of being a Young Professional. 503.

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Compassionate Work on Behalf of Salem’s Homeless Population As our earth becomes colder, and the days become shorter, an overlooked population seeks refuge on the margins of our society. The homeless population in our city is a diverse pool of individuals whose voices are often stigmatized with negative connotations.

With nearly 1,500 people experiencing homelessness in Marion and Polk Counties – according to the annual Point-inTime count – various local pundits claim homelessness in Salem is the single greatest issue we face as a community. While some attempt to run from the Ashley Hamilton situation at hand, there are others who gaze into the face of uncertainty and offer grassroots solutions.

Ashley Hamilton, Program Director of the ARCHES Project, is a woman

on a mission. Her goal, along with her colleagues, is to create, and manage programs which benefit the homeless community of Marion and Polk counties. During the day, Hamilton is on the front lines interacting with homeless folks, working to communicate a clear message, simultaneously maintaining a warm smile throughout her interactions. A job as thankless as this requires discipline, perseverance, and a heart that is dedicated to the process.

“The shining moments in my job aren’t daily, but they definitely fill my cup for long periods of time,” explains Hamilton.

“I needed to know that I was acting with integrity and purpose, and that the organization that I was working with had a heart for doing what they set out and said they were going to do.”

Hamilton is one of many selfless professionals who engage the homeless community head on. Her desire to connect with the individuals who are most vulnerable, to those which society has written off as being “too dangerous and too loud,” is one that precedes all else.

“Society is just waiting for them to disappear,” explains Hamilton. “When we work with that person and that person has their moment of success, whether it’s starting the housing process at the coordinated entry level or simply finding a job – just helping that person achieve their moment – that’s huge.”

Hamilton’s engagement with this population has given her the opportunity to ask the difficult questions most of us don’t dare to ponder. The answers she finds continue to drive her towards the altruistic mindset one must harbor in order to digest the day-to-day stories she listens to.

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

22

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

“What if today you’re going to get things stolen from you?” asks Hamilton. “If you’re a woman, are you going to get raped today? Where am I going to eat? What do I do about the cockroaches I’ve got living in my hair? How do you expect someone to be thankful, or to be happy, or positive when they have these really fundamental concerns that we can’t even fathom?”

While the personal traits of determination and compassion are inherently instilled in Hamilton’s character, they are not in short supply at Community Action Agency, rather they are cultivated in the hearts of their staff.

Tricia Frizzell is the Program Director for Community Action’s Home Youth Services, a role that displays her internal devotion to patience, endurance and servant leadership.

“I feel like one of my callings in life is to serve those that are really in need, and I have a heart for those that often get pushed aside and looked over,” shares Frizzell. “I work with an oftenforgotten population, and that makes me love them and fight for them even harder.”

Frizzell oversees the two main programs of the youth services branch of CAA, a drop-in day shelter and a youth empowerment program. The day shelter is located at 25 Union St. NE in Salem. It is open 365 days a

year, the only local youth program able to promote that availability.

A second youth facility, known as Taylor’s House, is a full-service 24-hour shelter for minor youth, and housed in a large threestory establishment.

Opening on Dec. 14, 2018, and built using a home-style model, its foundation is stable and ambiance cozy. Taylor’s house is supplied with a food pantry, large kitchen, showers, laundry rooms, clothing, Tricia Frizzell hygiene and school supplies, computer and recreation room, and sleeping rooms. When walking the halls, entering the rooms, and visiting with the youth whose outward smiles hide generational pain beneath, one can’t help but be moved by the experience of it all.

Tricia’s true passion resides here amongst the youth.

“My favorite part of my job is hanging out with the kiddos,” says Frizzell.

“They have dubbed me Mama Bear.”

Frizzell cherishes the times when she gets to cook for the youth, put on makeup and paint her nails with the girls, or simply be with them.

“It makes the political side and the admin side worth it,” explains Frizzell.

“You really get back to your bare bones and why you’re doing what you’re doing.”

Frizzell and Hamilton are both advocates for the cooperation between Community Action Agency and the business community; they staunchly believe that our missions are not mutually exclusive.

“The business community is probably one of our largest advocates for solving homelessness,” states Hamilton. “I think people on the peripheral assume that we are at odds with each other, but I feel like that is the complete opposite.”

“We as businesses, non-profits, government, and the people that are living this, carry a collective heartache,” says Frizzell. “We’ll all get through it together.”

With individuals like Ashley and Tricia, light appears to be overtaking the darkness. The battle to end homelessness in our community is a horizon that ceases to be labeled elusive. 503.

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T HE INSPIRE F O UN DATIO N

Spotlight on a Member

Allan Pollock The Executive Leadership Council’s mission is to develop and provide leadership, to work jointly with business, community and government interests to ensure balanced decision making in maintaining Salem’s vitality and livability. It’s a forum where private business owners, CEOs and top business decision makers can learn and share ideas about business, community and government. The Executive Leadership Council is also the lead sponsor for the Leadership Youth program that allows local high school students to participate in a two-year leadership program.

The Inspire Foundation is proud to recognize Cherriots’ Allan Pollock, General Manager/CEO, as our ELC

member spotlight!

Allan Pollock has been with Cherriots for 13 years and shared, “I love what I do because I am part of a team that helps people improve their lives through mobility.

We help people get to work, school, shopping, medical appointments, and other places they need to go to live their lives.”

Allan Pollock

Cherriots is the state’s cleanest public transit fleet now that it is using renewable natural gas (RNG).

Cherriots, also known as Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD),

contracted with the fuel provider U.S. Gain and has been using RNG in its fleet since spring. More than half of the district’s buses now operate on RNG, which reduces harmful, smog-forming tailpipe emissions by more than 90 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40 percent.

“Clean public transit is key as we move toward a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable Oregon. Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon,

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

as well as other harmful pollutants that put vulnerable communities at risk. We need to rapidly decarbonize the transportation sector, including medium and heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses. I commend Cherriots for leading the way with cleaner, renewable natural gas buses,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown.

“This is a perfect example of the creative thinking and problem solving we need in our community,” said Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett. “By eliminating costly diesel purchases and turning fuel consumption into revenue, we are lowering our transit costs and driving equity through one

Winter 2020

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

of our most important civic services.”

“Cherriots is a longtime customer and community partner of NW Natural’s. We congratulate them, and we’re pleased to share in their strategy of using RNG to decarbonize our services, and create a better product for our customers and communities,” said Kathryn Williams, NW Natural Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability.

According to NW Natural, RNG is a zero-carbon resource produced from local, organic materials like food, agricultural and forestry waste, wastewater, or landfills. As these materials decompose, they produce methane. That methane

can be captured, conditioned to pipeline quality and delivered in the existing pipeline system to homes and businesses where it can be used in existing natural gas appliances, equipment, and vehicles. This process closes the loop on waste and provides a renewable energy option for the natural gas system, in the same way that wind and solar are used to generate renewable electricity.

Allan shared that the greatest value of being a part of the ELC is watching the students who participate in Leadership Youth grow throughout the two-year program and knowing that we have helped them prepare for a successful future. 503.

25

BUILDING

BLOCKS

Kiser and Elder are both graduates from the Residential Construction program at the Career Technical Education Center. CTEC is a career technical education program that offers ten exciting and innovative programs including Residential Construction; Manufacturing, Welding, and Engineering; Cosmetology; Video and Game Design Animation; Drone Technology and Robotics; Auto Body Repair and Painting; |

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“It’s really cool to be here and be behind the scenes, and see where all the materials come from,” says Kiser. “Helping people find what kind of lumber they are going to need to actually make their vision come true is awesome.”

“I absolutely love it here,” shares Elder.

rdenReso

Tim Kiser, 20, and Michael Elder, 18, work the yard at Parr Lumber by hauling stacks of construction lumber to various trucks for shipment orders.

Tall pilings of wood lie in formation throughout the yard-creating pyramidlike establishments that require skill to navigate.

Without a second thought, Kiser and Elder stroll through this maze of wood, knowing exactly where to step, not only earning a living but also gaining an experience their traditionallyeducated peers only dream of.

Photo by Emmanuel Goicochea.

OregonGa

Expertise cannot be inherited; it must be introduced, taught and trained.

At Parr Lumber, one of the largest building material suppliers in the nation, this notion is being built to last.

Michael Elder and Tim Kiser.

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Law Enforcement; Business Development and Leadership; Culinary Arts Management; and Agriscience.

It is open to 11th and 12th grade students in the Salem-Keizer School District.

While Kiser and Elder have gained excellent training in the world of construction, they also work to debunk the belief that trade school isn’t a place for forward-thinking people.

Just as attending formal education garners generational prestige, discovering the wonders of a trade can create positive ripples which extend across households.

“My older brother went through the construction program at CTEC and told me it was a ton of fun,” says Elder.

“He loved every part of it, and I thought that it would be a great thing to go through.”

Although experiential learning can create natural interest in a particular industry, true passion for the work is an element that cannot be instilled through fervent repetition.

From an early age, Kiser always found himself wanting to build things.

“I’ve always loved doing hands-on work,” says Kiser. “It’s just how my mind works.”

Kiser’s passion for building has led him through CTEC’s Residential Construction program, and now

finds himself studying mechanical engineering at Chemeketa Community College. He has even built, from the ground up, a playhouse structure for the daughter of his previous manufacturing teacher. With such a competent line of experience, there is little doubt that Kiser’s career will continue to bear fruit.

Individuals like Kiser and Elder are the reason programs such as CTEC not only gather public interest but also private as well.

With nearly 100 industry partners, CTEC works alongside companies to provide hands-on experiences to their students. Parr Lumber is one of those companies.

“Even though CTEC is a school, it’s treated like a job,” states Location Manager David Qualls. “They (the students) come in with some of those basic job skills and they carry themselves very well.”

Students who enter CTEC receive professional technical education while also obtaining practical lessons in the art of being young professionals.

“One of the grades that we got was in professionalism,” explains Elder.

“When we had visitors come in, we were taught to stand up straight and give firm handshakes.”

interviewed and maintain eye contact during conversations, and various other communication techniques “CTEC is really setting them up to go into the real world versus something that you can just teach in a normal classroom,” says Qualls.

The Residential Construction program is no stranger to the changing of social tides as well. On the contrary, they welcome it. Between the two years in which Kiser graduated from the program and Elder entered, the number of women studying in this field doubled from 13 to 30.

Excitement about this progress is present from those who witnessed it.

“At CTEC, nobody really cared who you were, where you came from,” explains Elder. “It never felt like there was any sort of separation or segregation or things like that. It was just one giant team, working together for what they love.”

As rain perpetually sprinkles from the sky, Elder and Kiser continue to go about their daily schedules in constant physical motion, but remaining reflective on the role their education played in their careers.

“I’ve had a job for two years now, and I’ve got a huge leg up on that than other people,” says Michael. “My education showed me what the real world is, and then afterwards said, ‘now it’s your turn to go into it.’” 503.

Moreover, Elder and Kiser were given professional training on how to be

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Homebound Chamber Business Women addresses the challenges of professionals adjusting to working at home

Among the multitude of challenges our community has been facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the dynamics of home life versus work life finds itself at the forefront of concern. With many of our chamber members being working parents, these obstacles find themselves present in the experiences of our neighbors and friends – feelings of isolation and lack of contact with others are commonly expressed attitudes.

“Most of us are struggling with it,” states Chamber Business Women Chair Stephanie Bobb. “A lot of us are super social, and up until now, our social circles were still kind of allowing us to air hug or see somebody face to face. But now, that has all gone away.”

Every third Tuesday of the month, Chamber Business Women (CBW) meets (virtually) to discuss topics of interest among the female business community, while also fostering strategic partnerships found nowhere else. As of late, the topic of working from home, and its varying experiences, is a discussion often held.

“I have a dog that wants my attention, a cat that’s walking across my computer screen, a UPS guy coming right when I’m on a 28

conference call or what have you,” explains Bobb. “Everybody’s struggle is different.”

With 42 percent of the national workforce working from home, Stephanie’s experience evokes the zeitgeist 2020 has brought to the workplace. Struggles ranging from the lack of technical assistance to the desire to cultivate community among co-workers, the balancing act of maintaining personal fortitude finds itself under scrutiny.

“Before, I was working on my home laptop two times a week. No big deal.

But now it’s five days a week,” explains Bobb. “When I first started working from home, I didn’t have access to our S-drive, because if I needed something, I could just access it at the office. It really makes you think about the things we took for granted.”

While technical problems can be solved, and pets can be put in their cages, maintaining healthy, empathetic relationships is a necessity to thrive amidst the trials of a pandemic. Luckily, there’s no need to wait for the formation of an exclusive club, which supplies the former.

Chamber Business Women is our primary platform for female members of the Salem Chamber to create solid relationships, and is a program whose members not only share their collective experiences regarding the current challenges of being working parents, they also help each other become better professionals through talks and development opportunities.

Despite the frustrations working from home can create, acknowledging the need for safety precautions is paramount for CBW’s ability to continue to operate.

“The overwhelming response is that we need to be safe,” says Bobb.

“But every one of us is craving that personal interaction, that hug, that tap on the hand. That’s the part that’s really hard for folks.”

In the right time, in the right place, and if we choose to keep personal gatherings small, programs like CBW will one day be given the chance to meet in person again. Hugs will be rightfully distributed from friends, and family, alike. 503.

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

Dr. Andrew Isaksen, Chiropractor A strong back cannot cure a sore heart. While the former can utilize various therapies to increase its nimble character, the latter requires specific care; a practice in improving the soul of the patient. Dr. Andrew Isaksen, our Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter, practices this with his patients every day; it is his livelihood.

Dr. Isaksen was born and raised here in the Willamette Valley. While growing up, he participated in sports, scouts, shop, and many other community activities. As he soon molded into a young adult, he chose to serve a two-year mission for the Church of the Latter-Day Saints in South Korea.

Later, Dr. Isaksen attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, the first school of chiropractic in the world. While attending school, he found much joy in treating children that came to the school’s clinic, witnessing first hand the benefits chiropractic therapy can have on people of all ages, backgrounds, and conditions.

At Palmer College, Dr. Isaksen had the opportunity to learn numerous adjusting techniques, giving him the ability to treat each patient as an individual, custom tailoring the treatment to the patient. Dr. Isaksen has worked as an instructor at

30

Linn-Benton Community College, where he taught Anatomy and Physiology, and currently teaches at the University of Phoenix in a variety of health and science classes.

Salem Chamber can have its many benefits. One that strikes Dr. Isaksen as particularly favorable has been the annual assembling and delivering of food boxes to the needy during the holiday times.

While garnering a wide range of “To see their faces light accomplishments up with excitement and throughout his field, Dr. Andrew Isaksen gratitude when they open Dr. Isaksen believes his the door and see us with greatest achievement is being the boxes of food and gifts for the kids,” proud father of six young children and explains Dr. Isaksen, “was heart husband to his wife, Michelle. touching and humbling.”

Dr. Isaksen has been a Chamber Ambassador for the past three years, becoming Chair in 2019.

“Dr. Isaksen brings a strategic approach to his volunteer work within the Salem Chamber,” states Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert. “As Greeters Chair, he was instrumental in bringing new company representatives into the networking environment. Now serving as our Ambassador Chair, Andrew’s servant heart inspires fellow volunteers to create a welcoming atmosphere within the Salem Chamber organization. I’m very proud of his work and commitment to bringing more people into the Chamber family.”

Serving as an Ambassador at the

Having traveled far and wide to come back home, he is pleased to be back in the Willamette Valley and able to offer his services to Salem area residents.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunities to serve others that have come through my Chamber membership and role as an Ambassador,” says Dr. Isaksen.

Although Dr. Isaksen may be grateful for his ability to serve as a Chamber Ambassador, the Salem Chamber is even more grateful to walk alongside someone so caring, patient-focused, and welcoming on our path to progress.

Congratulations, Dr. Isaksen! 503.

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