YouthLeadershipProject
plus business spotlights and photo gallery
How the new McLaran Leadership Foundation initiative serves our next generation of leaders
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The FTC Ban on Fake Reviews & the Use of Bots: Implications for Local Small Businesses
by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made an important move to ensure transparency and honesty in online reviews by banning deceptive practices that manipulate consumer opinions. This ban focuses on fake reviews and the use of bots to create false endorsements, requiring businesses to disclose any material connections with the reviewers. As small businesses increasingly use social media for marketing, this regulation will significantly impact their operations.
With general concerns around consumer deception and trust in online marketplaces, the ultimate goal of this new FTC ban on bots and fake reviews is to create a fairer, more transparent digital marketplace, where genuine feedback and honest endorsements may flourish. This regulation aims to protect consumers from fraud that can hurt their interests and damage the reputation of honest businesses.
What the Rules Entail
Under the new FTC guidelines, businesses can’t post reviews or testimonials they know are false or misleading. If they hire third parties to generate reviews, those reviews must also follow FTC standards. If a review is incentivized — when someone is paid or receives free products — the business must clearly disclose this to consumers. Not following these rules could result in hefty penalties, including fines and damage to reputation. All five FTC commissioners unanimously approved the final rule, which went into effect in October 2024.
Impact on Small Businesses Using Social Media
The new FTC regulations help small business owners by encouraging honest competition, which allows them to build credibility and attract customers more effectively on social media. With the ban on fake reviews, businesses should focus on getting genuine customer feedback and creating a loyal community around their brand. This transparency can boost trust and credibility, helping to draw in more customers in the competitive digital landscape. Adjusting marketing strategies to follow these regulations will enable small businesses to succeed authentically, instead of relying on misleading practices.
Three Ways to Build an Honest Following
1.
Encourage Real Customer
Testimonials: Small businesses should ask happy customers to share their experiences on social media and review sites. Reviews listed on your Google Business Profile are reliable and powerful for your loyal fans. This can be done through follow-up emails after a purchase, prompting customers to leave feedback. Highlighting these genuine testimonials boosts credibility and shows a commitment to customer satisfaction, which can attract future customers.
2. Engage with Customers Quickly: It’s important for small businesses to actively engage with customers on social media to build loyalty. They should respond promptly to comments, messages, and reviews, whether they are positive or negative. By acknowledging
feedback and showing a willingness to address concerns, businesses can create a sense of community and trust. This interaction signals to potential customers that the business values their opinions and is committed to providing a good experience.
3. Share Customer-Generated Content: Encouraging customers to share their own content, like photos and stories featuring the brand’s products, adds authenticity and helps grow an engaged following. Small businesses can create unique hashtags and run campaigns to motivate users to post their content. By sharing this customer-generated content on their own channels, businesses can showcase real customers enjoying their products and strengthen the sense of community among followers.
The
Takeaway for Salem Small Business Owners
The recent FTC regulations are a vital step toward fostering a more honest and transparent online marketplace. By promoting genuine customer feedback and discouraging misleading practices, these guidelines protect consumers and support small businesses in a digital world that values authenticity. As businesses and entrepreneurs adapt their marketing strategies to comply with these new rules, they can strengthen customer connections, enhance their reputations, and contribute to a fairer online environment. Embracing this change will enable businesses to thrive by focusing on real relationships and delivering genuine value to their communities. 503.
TERTIARY LOGO
the salem chamber’s magazine
Above
Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing in Salem.
Cover
The Youth Leadership Project cohort on walking tour of downtown Salem.
Welcome Newest Chamber Members
Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning
Affordable Framing
All Star Town Car, LLC
Bogey’s Indoor Golf
Bookkeeping with Becca
Bredimus Insurance Agency
Country Financial –
Willamette Valley Agency
Curandi
Digital Dawn Technologies
Empower ATA Martial Arts
First Children’s Finance
HRCentral Corporation
Innervision Health Services
Jackman Wealth Management
Killer Burger
Kintsugi Acupuncture and Psychiatric Care
Legacy Coffee Roasters
LEHR
Lively Station
The Local News Network
Sept. 20 –Dec. 16, 2024
The Lyons Group
The Oregon Critter & Travel Co.
New Century Bookkeeping
Panda Express
Redwood Heights Assisted Living
Richard Hillmer DVM
Ritual Health and Fitness, LLC
Salem Cloth Project
Salem Main Street Association
Soaring Heights Recovery Homes
Solea Johnson Coaching
Special Olympics Oregon Streamscape
Environmental, LLC
Synergy HomeCare of Salem
Tucker Tree Farm
Turell Group
Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services
Interested in joining the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce?
For more information, contact Membership ManagerJackie Roché at jroche@salemchamber.org
The Salem Chamber’s Core Community Roles:
Convener, Catalyst & Champion
A couple of days before I wrote this letter, I presided over the sixth of the twelve Chamber Board meetings of my tenure as President. As I joked that morning, depending on how you think I’m doing in the role, it was either the zenith or the nadir of my term. Personally, I see it simply as the midpoint in my time as caretaker of a timeline that reaches well back into the past, and hopefully, far forward into the future of Salem and our business community.
The Chamber is many things to many people. As Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert often says at member orientation meetings, “If you’ve seen one Chamber, you’ve seen one Chamber.” Each is different, and the Salem Chamber is not an outlier in that way.
Our Chamber is a Convener. Regular attendees of the Friday morning Greeters meetings may know the Chamber as just that, a convener providing professionals looking to connect their services with others and grow their business with a forum and platform to do so in an inviting environment. We convene with the broader Salem community through signature events like Salem’s First Citizen Awards, celebrating the best and brightest of Salem’s community leaders, and the McLaran Leadership Foundation’s Crystal Apple Awards, which celebrate the amazing efforts of our local educators.
At the same time, we are also a Catalyst. The Chamber has a role in encouraging and prompting young people to step forward and envision their future as leaders in Salem, by providing programs for growth and development. Leadership Salem provides its cohort members with a broad yet deep overview of Salem — from non-profits to the legal system, city government, business, and education — to equip
by Mike Herron, VIP’s Industries
the next wave of civic and community leaders with the tools to effectively guide Salem. Through Salem Emerging Leaders, we provide a vehicle for young professionals in Salem to build a community of their peers while connecting with the leaders who came before. This year, the Youth Leadership Project is now doing the same in our high schools, exposing juniors and seniors to leadership training and mentorship. Through these programs and more, the Chamber is building a pipeline of leaders to direct positive change for the future.
While facilitating these transformational programs and events that foster powerful connections, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is first and foremost a Champion for Salem businesses and the PEOPLE who make up those businesses. With more than 1,000 members, we represent the interests and prospects for business in our area as no other organization can or does. And while the Chamber is sometimes portrayed as the local face of some kind of global, corporate boogeyman, the reality is that a vast majority of our member companies have 10 or fewer full-time employees, with many of those companies being single-employee owner/operators. I can’t imagine how much more of a stake you can have in Salem’s present and future success than being the sole-employee owner and operator of a business in Salem. That is who the Salem Chamber speaks for. That is who we champion for.
That is the Salem Chamber that I am proud to volunteer my time and energy to serve. And I am especially proud to serve the owners, employees, and community stakeholders — the PEOPLE who make up our diverse Chamber, and who make up Salem. 503.
Beautiful Home Design Begins
Your Chamber
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
MIKE HERRON
VIP’s Industries
President-Elect
TED FERRY
State Farm Insurance
Past President
ALAN RASMUSSEN LHE Investments, LLC
Vice President –Membership
ANGELA WILLIAMS Huggins Insurance Services, Inc.
STAFF
TOM HOFFERT
Chief Executive Officer
JACKIE
ELLERBROCK
Operations Director
Vice President –Advocacy
RICH DUNCAN
Rich Duncan Construction
Vice President –Events & Programming
KATYA MENDEZ Northwestern Mutual
Treasurer
RYAN DEMPSTER Willamette Valley Bank
Secretary BRANDON BLAIR
Summit Wealth Management
DAN JOHNSON Marketing & Communications Manager
JACKIE ROCHÉ Membership Manager
Member Services
BOARD MEMBERS
JONATHAN
CASTRO MONROY
Castro Monroy Group
TAMMY DENNEE
Oregon Cattlemen’s Association
JEFF DUNN
Lineage Logistics
LUCY ESCOBAR
Lucy Escobar Coaching & Consulting
JULI FOSCOLI
South Town Glass
ROGER HOY
Geppetto’s Italian Restaurant
EVA PORRAS Administrative Professional
LLAYNE NGO
Events & Programming Manager
Empower ATA Martial Arts.
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!
JENNIFER MARTIN
First Commercial Real Estate
DAN MCDOWELL Pioneer Trust Bank
DIANE MCLARAN
McLaran Enterprises, Inc.
TYSON PRUETT Anthem Strategists
CONNOR REITEN PNGC Power
BILL RIECKE Bark Boys, Inc.
QUANDRAY ROBERTSON Q’s Corner Barbershop
RANDALL SUTTON
Saalfeld Griggs, P.C.
ERIC TEMPLETON AmeriTitle
JIM VU Core Solutions Consulting
CHRISTY WITZKE SAIF
CHRIS THOMPSON Workforce Development Specialist
JAMESON GIDEON Director of Business Advocacy
LAURA BRONSON
JUDY FISHER
KIRSTIE RUDICH
CTEC Business Liaisons
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
Amplify Music Project.
Capacity Solutions , LLC
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Capacity Solutions, LLC in Salem is redefining mental health care for underserved populations as the Mid-Valley's only geriatric psychology clinic. Specializing in home-based and telehealth psychological services, the clinic offers vital support to seniors and veterans, ensuring access to compassionate, expert care that helps improve a patient’s quality of life.
The Vision Behind Capacity Solutions, LLC
Dr. Angela Plowhead, a licensed psychologist and U.S. Air Force veteran, founded Capacity Solutions to address the gap in psychological services for elders and veterans. With a specialization in cognitive and decisionmaking capacity assessments, Dr. Plowhead brings her extensive experience from years of providing in-home services through Veterans Affairs medical centers. Her passion for advocacy and her commitment to empowering seniors inspired her to create a clinic that offers accessible, tailored mental health care.
Services Tailored to Patients’ Needs
Capacity Solutions offers comprehensive mental health care
designed to meet the unique needs of its clients. Its focus includes therapy, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients in the comfort of their homes or via telehealth.
Reasons to Choose Capacity Solutions, LLC in Salem Specialized Geriatric Services: Comprehensive assessments and treatments for aging populations.
Veteran Care: Led by a veteran, the clinic deeply understands and supports veterans’ mental health needs.
Home-Based Care: The only private clinic providing psychological services directly to patients in their homes.
Telehealth Options: Flexible and accessible care for those unable to attend in-person visits.
Join the Team: Flexible Career Opportunities
Capacity Solutions is actively seeking licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and mental health prescribers, to join its growing team. Providers work remotely and enjoy flexible schedules, balancing in-person and telehealth
Capacity Solutions, LLC Founder Dr. Angela Plowhead.
caseloads. The clinic supports its team with professional liability insurance, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and administrative assistance, fostering a collaborative and empowering work environment.
A Commitment to Community Impact
With a mission rooted in advocacy and person-centered care, Capacity Solutions, LLC is a vital resource for Salem’s senior and veteran communities. Dr. Plowhead and her team are dedicated to breaking down barriers to mental health care, allowing clients to lead fuller, healthier lives.
For more information or to explore career opportunities, visit capacitysolutionsllc.com 503.
Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing
Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing has been providing professional HVAC and plumbing services in Salem and the surrounding areas since 1989. Specializing in installations, repairs, and maintenance, the company offers solutions for heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality.
As certified dealers for top brands like Mitsubishi Electric, Trane, and York, Woodward Heating ensures high-quality service with a commitment to customer satisfaction. Woodward Heating also offers a variety of financing options to make its services accessible to all homeowners.
Comprehensive Services for Your Home
Woodward Heating provides a broad range of HVAC and plumbing services tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Its offerings include:
Heating and Cooling Services: The company provides installation, repair, and maintenance of furnaces, ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, and air conditioners. It services all major brands and models, ensuring that your home stays comfortable year-round.
Plumbing Solutions: From water heater repair and replacement to drain cleaning and whole home re-piping, the company’s team of certified plumbers handles all aspects of home plumbing with expertise and efficiency.
Indoor Air Quality: Solutions like air filtration systems, duct cleaning, and smart thermostats help improve the air quality in your home, contributing to a healthier living environment.
Reasons to Choose Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing
Experienced Technicians: Its certified technicians are skilled in servicing a wide range of HVAC and plumbing systems.
Quality Products: As dealers for top brands like Mitsubishi Electric, Trane, York, Navien, and Bradford White, it offers reliable products that meet the highest standards of performance.
Customer-Centric Approach:
Up-front pricing, transparent communication, and flexible scheduling make for a hassle-free service experience.
Financing Options: With financing plans available on approved credit, Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing
makes it easier for customers to afford necessary home improvements and repairs.
Community Engagement and Values
Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing is more than just a service provider; it is an active member of the community. Its involvement in local events and support for community initiatives reflects its commitment to giving back to the areas it serves. This dedication to community engagement strengthens its reputation as a trusted and dependable local business.
Whether you require routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete system upgrade, Woodward Heating, Air & Plumbing is ready to provide the exceptional service and expertise you need. To learn more about its services or to schedule an appointment, visit woodwardheating.com 503.
Anthem Wealth Strategies
Anthem Wealth Strategies is a prominent Salem-based financial advisory firm associated with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Anthem Financial Advisor Derek Gilbert and his team are dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals through a personalized, clientcentered approach. The practice specializes in comprehensive financial planning, offering guidance in a wide array of areas, including investment strategies, retirement planning, tax optimization, and estate planning.
A Customized Approach to Financial Planning
At Anthem Wealth Strategies, the focus is on crafting individualized financial plans that are tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and financial goals. Recognizing that no two clients are alike, Gilbert and his team take the time to understand each client’s financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives. This personalized approach allows them
to create a financial roadmap that aligns with each client’s life goals, whether it’s planning for retirement, saving for a child’s education, or managing wealth to leave a lasting legacy.
Anthem Wealth Strategies believes in a holistic approach to financial planning, one that integrates all aspects of a client’s financial life. This includes not only investment and retirement planning but also considerations such as cash flow management, insurance needs, and estate planning. By offering comprehensive advice, the team at Anthem Wealth Strategies ensures that clients have a well-rounded strategy that supports their overall financial well-being.
Comprehensive Financial Services
The firm offers a range of services designed to help clients at every stage of their financial journey. Key offerings include:
DON’T RISK YOUR BUSINESS ON PIECEMEAL SOLUTIONS
Anthem Wealth Strategies COO Adrienne Dillard, Financial Advisor Derek Gilbert, and Client Relationship Manager Teresa McCarthy.
Investment Planning: Developing diversified investment portfolios that align with each client’s risk tolerance and long-term financial goals.
Retirement Planning: Creating strategies to ensure clients can enjoy a comfortable and financially secure retirement. This includes income planning, Social Security optimization, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.
Tax Solutions: In strong collaboration with Anthem Strategists CPAs, working to minimize tax liabilities and maximize after-tax returns through effective planning and strategic investments.
Estate Planning: Helping clients plan for the transfer of wealth, ensuring their assets are distributed according to their wishes while minimizing estate taxes and legal complications.
Reasons to Reach Out to Anthem Wealth Strategies
Personalized Financial Plans: Tailored strategies designed to meet specific financial goals and life circumstances.
Expert Guidance: Anthem’s team is experienced in providing insights and recommendations based on indepth market knowledge and financial expertise.
Proactive Approach: Regular reviews and adjustments to financial plans to account for life changes and market fluctuations.
Access to Comprehensive Resources: Utilization of the vast resources and tools available through Ameriprise Financial to deliver top-tier financial advice and solutions.
Community Engagement: As an active participant in many community events, one of the firm’s core values is investing in the community, as its clients invest in the firm.
Client-Centered Philosophy
Anthem Wealth Strategies prides itself on building lasting relationships with clients based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. The firm is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of financial planning and is committed to providing ongoing support as life circumstances change and evolve. Anthem’s goal is to empower clients to make informed decisions and feel confident about their financial future.
By focusing on personalized service and comprehensive planning, Anthem Wealth Strategies has earned a reputation for excellence in the Salem community and beyond. Whether you are just starting out on your financial journey or are looking for guidance to refine your current plan, Anthem Wealth Strategies is equipped to help you achieve your financial goals.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit ameripriseadvisors.com/team/anthem-wealthstrategies 503.
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CHris Jones Scott Ryan Robert Bierma Gary Weston Shadya JOnes
David Schacher
Mindy Kaur Reuben Worster
Shelley George Jeff Miller Kelsi Sands Pam Rushing Alex Rhoten
Melissa ROdriguez BEN MORRIS
Laura Kuster
Financial Advisor
Krystan Resch (Summit Wealth Management) speaks to the YLP cohort.
Providing Professional Development & Experiential Learning Opportunities to High School Students
Modeled after the successful and locally renowned Leadership Salem program, this new McLaran Leadership Foundation initiative serves our next generation of leaders with an eye-opening introduction to Salem’s business community.
How do we better prepare our youth for the real world? It’s a question often asked amongst Salem Chamber and local community members, and, for seemingly many years, it’s remained a conundrum without clear answers.
It’s certainly a complex community challenge requiring a measured and multi-faceted approach. But one of those facets is ensuring our young people have access and exposure to the kinds of professional connections and experiences that will help them discover their passions and pathways to plug into the workforce.
While there are other youth professional development programs out there, leadership within the Salem Chamber’s 501c(3) non-profit arm, the McLaran Leadership Foundation, has long sought to address this particular community challenge head-on. The Foundation knew that a leadership development-based youth initiative would not only help serve our students and business community, but it would perfectly and naturally align with the Foundation’s mission to: “develop the leadership potential of Salem-area students and business professionals through educational programs and events which help them thrive and become contributing community members.”
“It was a high priority for the McLaran Leadership Foundation to have some type of youth program because leadership development is central to its mission,” said Katie Costic, former McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director and current Super School Coordinator with the Mountain West Center for Community Excellence
With a generous sponsorship offer from the Mountain West Center for Community Excellence, the McLaran Leadership Foundation officially and proudly launched its Youth Leadership Project in the fall of 2024. Based on a program of the same name previously run by Mountain West and modeled after the successful and ever-
expanding Leadership Salem program under its own umbrella, McLaran’s new program seeks to embed eager and curious high school students in Salem’s diverse and vibrant business and nonprofit communities.
In following the winning formula of Leadership Salem, the Youth Leadership Project’s programming consists of once-per-month, nearlyday-long outings, which pull students out of their familiar classroom setting and into an experiential learning environment. Centered on a different industry-based theme every month, the outings include stops at local businesses and nonprofits to meet and hear from industry leaders, presentations on leadership topics, professional development tips, team-building activities, and eye-opening visits to sites such as the Marion County Jail (unoccupied areas only).
“The benefits for participants are two-fold,” said Costic, who is currently running the Youth Leadership Program along with Mike Cowan of Capital Fútbol Club, who is also part of the 2023-2025 Leadership Salem Cohort. “First of all, it’s exposure to different industries and organizations with the City of Salem to understand what resources are available and what the business community does in partnership with those organizations to make a cohesive community. It also opens doors to future career opportunities that they would otherwise possibly not know about.”
For Costic and the McLaran Leadership Foundation Board of Directors, the program’s goal was to attract 20 high school junior applicants but received even more interest than anticipated in its first year. The program ended up accepting 24 students (23 juniors and one senior) into a cohort that embarked on its collective leadership development journey together last October and will conclude its first year of the program in June 2025.
Like Leadership Salem, the Youth Leadership Project is a two-year program. However, while second-year Leadership Salem cohort members serve as mentors and program planners for the new incoming cohort, second-year students in the Youth Leadership Project will return to serve on one of several selected non-profit organization boards (including the Salem Chamber). This provides a rare opportunity for the students to directly participate in and contribute to important community conversations.
“[Participants] are able to get out of the classroom, and, for example, not just talk about the homeless issue, but actually hear from
organizations that are working with houseless individuals,” Costic said. “They are able to learn more about what these organizations are hearing and experiencing and can dig deeper, as opposed to just reading about it or making assumptions.”
Following January’s outing, McLaran’s first Youth Leadership Project cohort had completed four months in the program, including a day dedicated to orientation. The cohort has also participated in a Team Building Day where they heard from speakers including Trav Jones of RiverCity Insurance, philanthropist
Dick Withnell, and the Salem Kroc Center's Director Tony Frazier, the latter of whom delivered an inspirational presentation on “Discovering Your Why.” In December, the cohort experienced History & Culture Day, where they learned more about Salem’s past from Salem Leadership Foundation’s Sam Skillern and Kyle Dickinson, and then from an informational Walking Tour of downtown Salem. Most recently (as of this publication), the students embarked on Legal Day, which included a visit to the Salem Police Department, where the group heard from Deputy Chief Upkes and Senior Officer Mark Jantz. The group then
The Youth Leadership Project cohort with SLF Co-Executive Director Sam Skillern (right of center).
Dick Withnell.
Trav Jones.
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visited the Marion County Public Safety Building where they also heard directly from Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter and Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson, among others.
As with any new program, Costic says the Youth Leadership Project continues to evolve as this first-year cohort moves along. But with a proven blueprint to follow, the Foundation knows what to expect and is excited to see the results of what will be a transformational and enlightening experience for its young cohort members.
“The Foundation is working to create programs that open the door to opportunities for individuals to grow themselves and step out of their comfort zones,” Costic said. “The Foundation's responsibility is to create these opportunities and put these individuals in a position where they can step up, learn new skills, and be exposed to new things. It is through this first-hand experience that they naturally gain confidence, skills in public speaking, and the ability to walk into a room and not be nervous or intimidated by those around them.”
While the program is an incredible learning and development opportunity for the students, it also provides similar opportunities to its speakers and volunteers, who not only gain exposure to their business or work but also often learn lessons themselves from the voices of a younger generation. Costic says volunteers often find the experience rewarding on many levels, but that, as a new program, it is always seeking out dynamic speakers, volunteers, sponsors and hosts.
On the workforce development side, Costic says the program also gives businesses the chance to invest in our talented youth, who often consider taking their talents elsewhere after graduating from Salem-Keizer schools.
“We are always aiming to keep great talent here in Salem,” Costic said. “Even if they go and seek higher education or career training elsewhere, we’d love for them to develop roots and connect with an organization that they really believe in, so that they are pulled to come back and be champions for Salem’s future.”
To learn more about the Youth Leadership Project, volunteer as a presenter, or ask questions about the application process, please reach out to Katie Costic at katie@mwcce.org or Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert at tom@salemchamber.org. 503.
The YLP Cohort on a walking tour of downtown Salem.
Capital District Plan Could Help Salem Bridge the City Budget Gap
Our beloved Salem’s rich history goes all the way back to its founding in 1842, 17 years before Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859.
In the nearly 200 years since its founding, Salem has enjoyed significant growth and expansion while serving as the birthplace to countless success stories (individuals, projects, ventures, and businesses). But today, the City of Salem is facing a budget crisis The City is in dire need of financial help, and some of that help should come from those inside the State Capitol, not solely from the financially overburdened residents and overtaxed businesses in the capital city.
The City of Salem’s five-year financial forecast in October reported a $17.7 million budget shortfall. In January’s report, thanks to the efforts of a forecast revenue team which comprised Mayor-Elect Julie Hoy, CouncilorElect Shane Matthews, three local business leaders (including two Salem Chamber Board Members), and three Salem budget committee members, that shortfall was reduced to $13.8 million. According to the financial forecast presented to the Salem Budget Committee, City staff estimate state-owned property comprises 8% of the land within the Salem city limits worth about $1.65 billion in real market value.
by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer
In a Statesman Journal article published on Dec. 11, 2024, City Manager Keith Stahley discussed the unique position the City of Salem holds as the seat of state government. The tax-exempt status of stateowned buildings means that Salem does not collect the $7.25 million per year in property taxes.
“That $7.25 million would go a long way in helping address the budget shortfall,” Stahley told the Statesman Journal.
In 2024, the Salem Chamber partnered with the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties
Panda Express (Lancaster Dr) Salem, OR
to discuss the City’s budget issues and the options presented by the 2024 Revenue Task Force. With the help of the Pac/West Lobby Group, we surveyed 1,700 local businesses and conducted industry focus groups. Based on feedback from those efforts, the most popular option to bridge the City’s budget issues was looking into a Payment in Lieu of Taxes, which is now being pursued as the “Capital District Plan,” to raise revenue from state government to offset City services provided to state-owned facilities.
During the last legislative session, the Salem Chamber supported, and I provided testimony on, HB 4072, the Payment in Lieu of Taxes bill. This was Chief CoSponsored by Representative Tom Andersen (HD19), Senator Deb Patterson (SD10), Representative Kevin Mannix (HD21), and Representative Ed Diehl (HD17); and CoSponsored by Representatives Paul Evans (HD20) and Mark Gamba (HD40). During this upcoming long session, we’re going back to work alongside our local elected officials to secure a Capital District Plan resembling the agreement Washington State has with its capital city of Olympia.
at over $1.8 billion — including the State Capitol and park grounds; the 2,040-bed,194-acre Oregon State Penitentiary; and the 558-bed Oregon State Hospital. As a matter of basic fairness, I believe the state should pay for the uncompensated, essential fire, EMS, and police services it receives from the City. I committed to working tirelessly with my Republican colleagues in the 2025 Session to secure this funding.”
“I saw the unique challenges Salem faces as a state capital during my eight years on the Salem City Council,” said Representative Tom Andersen. “The state owns 8% of Salem’s total taxable property valued
“This plan is creative and calls for careful consideration,” said Representative Kevin Mannix. “This kind of innovation can make a positive difference if handled properly.”
I’m happy that we have a bi-partisan coalition of local State Senators and State Representatives who are working on the Capital District Plan for the 2025 session, and we at the Salem Chamber will provide them with any support needed to get this accomplished.
Salem’s city motto is, “Salem: Historic heart of Oregon.” A large part of Salem’s identity is being the State Capital. I’m hopeful the legislature can find a pragmatic and durable solution to assist our historic city through this budget heartache. 503.
Representative Tom Andersen.
Representative Kevin Mannix.
Winter Events at
Salem Chamber members and friends enjoyed plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holidays and their community connections and partnerships at recent Chamber events! Here is a look at some of the holiday cheer and joy spread at winter events to cap off another fantastic year at the Chamber. As we head into 2025, be sure to visit
Photo: Jim Kinghorn / Jimages Mobile
Salem Chamber volunteers and staff assemble holiday food boxes for families of Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
Above: Forum Speaker Series Luncheon in December.
Greeters at Checkpoint 221 hosted by the Amplify Music Project.
Ruth Graham Graham's Picture Framing Gallery
After nearly half a century in Salem, Ruth Graham, Owner of Graham’s Picture Framing Gallery, still deeply loves our community, our state, and her peer Salem-area businesses, which have supported her and her small local shop for the last 45 years. And one of the many ways she displays that love is by uplifting and welcoming others in her role as a Salem Chamber Ambassador.
Ruth first fell in love with Oregon while spending a vacation away from her framing business in Long Beach, California, and that same year, decided to make a bold move up north with her eight-year-old son, Jason. They packed up her business equipment and supplies together with hope and positive change guiding them to a new home and a new start in Salem.
unmatched and specific expertise, today the shop continues to offer a wide selection of imported and domestic wood moldings and specializes in archival matting, conservation of ultraviolet-filtering glass, fillets, needlework, and shadow box object framing.
Getting to work with her son over the decades has only helped fuel Ruth’s passion for her work and her community, which she continues to support as a dedicated Salem Chamber Ambassador. Ruth can often be seen at Chamber events greeting newcomers and offering kind support to fellow businesses as a way to give back to the community that has supported her for most of her life.
Shortly after arriving in town in 1979, Ruth set out to establish herself and her business (located at 2853 12th Street SE) by joining the Salem Chamber and making lasting connections with customers and business owners alike. As Graham’s Picture Framing Gallery proudly celebrated its 45th anniversary in Salem in 2024, those connections have certainly proved to be valuable. However, Ruth’s pride doesn’t just come from her business’ longevity, but even more from the opportunity to serve generations of Salem artists and art lovers by preserving their favorite display pieces, family memories, and history.
Along with her son, Jason — who has worked with Ruth in the gallery for the last 30 years — the Grahams now have a combined 83 years of experience in design, art restoration, and framing. With that
“I have been grateful for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce ever since I was invited to host Greeters at my shop in 1979,” Ruth says. “I was introduced to a great welcoming group of business professionals and I have been a supporter and participant for over four decades in this great organization. I am honored to be recognized as an enthusiastic Chamber Ambassador.”
Ruth has also used her talents in framing and picture restoration to give back to the Chamber. In 2022, Ruth donated a framed historic aerial-view photo of Salem from 1905 to the Salem Chamber, which currently hangs in the Chamber’s office lobby. Be sure to come by and take a look the next time you visit!
And the next time you see Ruth at a Chamber function, congratulate her on 45 years in business and for being named the Ambassador of the Quarter! 503.
Outstanding Service
We provide a comprehensive range of materials, including crushed quarry rock, open drain rock, Rip-Rap, and fill-dirt, catering to commercial, residential, farming, and logging customers.
