T H E M O N T H LY B U S I N E S S S E C T I O N F O R L I N N A N D B E N T O N C O U N T I E S A N D T H E M I D - W I L L A M E T T E VA L L E Y
www.democratherald.com/business • www.gazettetimes.com/business
November 2011
Casey and Dennis Collett, owners of Oregon Coffee & Tea in Corvallis, display tea and coffee at their store. The business was a finalist in the Austin Family Business Awards. JESSE SKOUBO | CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES
Community through coffee Oregon Coffee and Tea owners embrace conversational atmosphere By JENNIFER ROUSE
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or Casey and Dennis Collett, owners of Oregon Coffee & Tea in Corvallis, providing a wide array of quality coffees and teas to the mid-valley is about more than just making a living. It’s about creating a community. “We are a family business, but it goes beyond that,” Casey said. “Here, our customers feel as welcome as family members.” That wasn’t always the case. When the Colletts bought the business in 2003, it was Oregon Legacy Coffee — no tea involved — and it was primarily a wholesale business that sold to coffee to gift shops. The store was open to the public for only limited hours. When it did move to having more regular retail hours in 2005, Dennis said, it took awhile to catch on. “People weren’t sure if they were supposed to come in here or not,” he said. The answer was yes: People were supposed to come in. And they have, to the point where the business was honored as a finalist in this year’s Austin Family Business Awards, run by Oregon State University’s Austin Family Business Program. (See the related story on this page for a list of other finalists and winners.) Now, the Colletts say, they have many regular customers who stop by to find a particular coffee or tea, to discuss the finer points of coffee roasting, or just to visit. On Saturdays, Dennis puts his former experience as a professional baker to use and makes Danish pastries. Although they don’t sell lattes or mochas, they serve brewed coffee, and customers can order a cup of any of the more than 300 teas they stock. “Coffee and tea are like comfort foods to people,” Dennis said. “They have a very strong history with people. They come and seek out those associations.” The Colletts said that residents and students from other countries often come in looking for “their” coffee or tea — a place where they can get a cup of something that reminds them of home. And the Colletts said they are happy to oblige. “We listen extensively, and respond to requests,” Casey said. By 2006, the community had embraced the store to the point that the Colletts decided to let go of their wholesale business — the thing that they’d started off with — entirely. Casey said they decided they had to let the business evolve if it was going to stay viable — first with adding tea to the menu, and then with making the
move from wholesale to retail. “That was a turning point. A place where we just had to take a deep breath, and have faith,” she said. So far, so good. After beginning with Dennis as the only full-time employee when they purchased the business in 2003, both Dennis and Casey are now full-time employees, as well as their daughter Miriam. Their son Jordan works with them half-time, and their grandson Christian, a sophomore at OSU, works during the holiday season. Dennis roasts all the coffee himself and bakes the pastries, as well as being involved in customer service, buying and long-term strategy. Casey, a former business professor and quality management consultant, does merchandising, handles the tea buying, and also also is involved in customer service and strategy. Their children help out in many aspects of the business, especially design-oriented responsibilities, such as logos and window displays. Their grandson is in charge of the green coffee beans that they stock. “We’re very fortunate,” Casey said. “We actually do enjoy being with each other. We work together all day and then we still hang out after work together, too.”
Mid-valley businesses among those winning Family Business Awards By ANGELA YEAGER
Bike Newport of Newport, Colas Construction of Portland, IB Roof Systems of Eugene and Wilcox Farms of Wilsonville and Roy, Wash., were the big winners in the 2011 Excellence in Family Business Awards, presented by Oregon State University’s Austin Family Business Program. A mid-valley business, Oregon Coffee & Tea, was named a finalist in the “micro” category, for businesses with nine or fewer employees. (See story, this page.) Another longtime mid-valley business, Starker Forests, won the Dean’s Award for Family Business Leadership. (See story on page A6.) In all, six companies and two individuals were winners of the Excellence in Family Business Awards. Eight additional companies were recognized as finalists at the awards event. More than 170 companies have received this recognition since the awards were first presented in 1988. Sherri Noxel, director of the Austin Family Business Program, said the event offers an opportunity for families to be recognized for their commitment to family business. Bike Newport of Newport won the award in the micro category, which is open to businesses with nine or fewer employees. Expansion plans? Oregon Coffee & Tea of Corvallis and Hybrid Real Estate of EuIn 2009, the business expanded from its original gene were the finalists in the micro category. storefront on Second and Monroe to incorporate two Portland-based Colas Construction Inc. won in the small family business category, which honors businesses with 10-24 employees. neighboring storefronts, more than quadrupling its The finalists in the small business category were The Joel Palmer space. It now has a separate storage and roasting area, plus a wide storefront with a “wall of tea” showcasing its House of Dayton and Koeber’s of Beaverton. Eugene-based IB Roof Systems won in the medium category, for diverse wares, many teapots, cream pitchers and other items on display, and tables for customers to sit and en- businesses with 25-99 employees. Denton Plastics and Meyer Sign Co. of Oregon, both in Portland, joy a hot drink. were the finalists in the medium category. The Collets say they work hard to source a variety of In the large category (100 or more employees), Wilcox Farms coffees and teas that are both unique and ethically produced. Casey said they’re especially proud of some cof- from Roy, Wash., and Wilsonville was recognized. GloryBee Foods of Eugene and Wilson’s NAPA Auto Parts of fees they recently acquired from Cafe Feminino, a Wilsonville were the finalists in the large family business category. woman-owned coffee trader that makes sure women— Also honored were Brad Withrow-Robinson, a forester from the often some of the primary laborers in the coffee busiOSU Yamhill County Extension office, and Alyssa Duval, who is from ness—receive the profit from their work. the DuVal Farms family in Silverton and is studying crop and soil The Colletts say they’ve been asked if they’re interest- science at OSU. ed in expanding the business. And while they would like Sokol Blosser Winery of Dundee won the Director’s Award for to add some warehouse space in the future, they currently Family Business. don’t have plans to create franchises in other cities. Founded in 1985, the Austin Family Business Program is a univer“We really have a magical set-up here, all working to- sity-based family business program providing inspiration, educagether as a family,” Casey said. “We want to work this tion, outreach, and research to support the success and survival of model as long as it’s practical.” family businesses. Jennifer Rouse, a freelance writer who lives in Albany, is a frequent contributor to Mid-Valley InBusiness.
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Angela Yeager is a writer with Oregon State University’s Office of News and Research Communications.
MID-VALLEY InBusiness
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November 2011
F I V E Q U EST I O N S WITH
Sherri Noxel
ETHAN ERICKSON | CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES
Bond and Barte Starker share a laugh while talking about experiences managing the family business, Starker Forests. The company recently won a family business award from Oregon State University.
Sherri Noxel is the director of the Austin Family Business Program. Noxel says that family businesses rely on a higher level of product quality or customer service as an advantage in a weak economy.
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herri Noxel is the new director of the Austin Family Business Program at Oregon State University. With this month’s edition of InBusiness focusing on family business, we thought she would be an ideal subject for “Five Questions.” Mid-Valley InBusiness: What attracted you to the job with the Austin Family Business Program? Sherri Noxel: I’ve always worked in higher education, first in student recruitment for the University of Florida’s College of Agriculture and then, after earning my Ph.D. in higher education, I developed student assessment policy at the state level at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. In 2007, I had the chance to move to Oregon and was invited to be part of the Austin Family Business Program to help develop educational programs for family businesses. I was excited to be back on campus and was attracted by the opportunity to grow OSU’s resources that help Oregon’s family businesses. After four years of working with Oregon’s incredibly talented family business owners, I feel very fortunate to have the chance to now direct the program. InBusiness: Do you think we’re getting a better understanding of how important family businesses are to the economy of Oregon and the United States — or do we still tend to underestimate the contributions of family businesses? Noxel: I agree that we’re still underestimating the contributions. People realize family business contributions on an individual business level in their local community rather than as a combined economic force. Also, many people think family businesses are only small businesses and that’s not the case. Even within the business community, support organizations such as chambers of commerce, trade groups and downtown associations don’t necessarily recognize the ownership structure. At the national level there is a growing organization, Family Enterprise USA, which is making the case that family businesses need more support in the business environment because of their combined impact on the economy. InBusiness: You’re familiar, of course, with some of the big is-
sues regarding family businesses: Succession planning, good communication between family members and so forth. Are there newer trends involving family businesses in Oregon that the program is interested in investigating? Noxel: The issues of succession and communication haven’t changed but the context surrounding these challenges is constantly evolving. For example, we now have new technological tools that can be used to facilitate succession planning while keeping a family connected when they live in different parts of the country.Another trend, which I hope is shortterm, is the lack of opportunity to work outside the family business after college graduation. Developing leadership skills outside of the family business is harder for new graduates because of the current economic situation.Also, family communications and long-term planning have to be flexible to include “blended”families that are being created by the demographic changes of higher divorce and remarriage rates than in previous generations. InBusiness: What advantages do family businesses have over other businesses in dealing with uncertain economic times? What are the disadvantages? Noxel: I’ve been meeting with family business owners throughout the state and two weeks ago in Newport, one of our former Excellence in Family Business Award winners commented that a well-run family business is like a “high performance machine.” In uncertain times you have the advantage of relying on the “machine” – for example, long-term planning and strategy development are easier with the high level of trust and shared understanding that was created by being raised in the same family. These owners are protecting a legacy that is larger than any single individual. Also, families in business are not subject to the pressure of quarterly profits but can wait more patiently to be ready for new opportunities. Families are able to accept reduced earnings and rely on reserves to manage day-to-day. Many family businesses rely on a higher level of product quality or customer service as a significant advantage in an economic downturn. Having your family
name on the company translates to this higher level of service. Also, family businesses often place a high value on employee satisfaction, which can lead to a better customer experience.
Starker Forests keeps a long-term focus
Barte Starker, gathered to hear a presentation from a dd another acco- high school class that’s been studying a stream running lade for Starker Along with the challenges of through Starker property Forests to celerunning a successful business in south of Philomath. That brate as it marks uncertain economic times are the kind of involvement with its 75th anniverdisadvantages that are strongly sary: The mid-valley forest the community has long impacted by the dynamics of the company is the winner of been a Starker hallmark. family. Every employee is critical And the company headthe Dean’s Award for Family during an economic downturn, Business Leadership in this quarters where they gathand there may be pressure to hire year’s edition of the Excelered? That used to be the family members who may not family house where Bond lence in Family Business have the best skill set for the job. and Barte — grandsons of Awards, presented by the Employment policies, with formal Austin Family Business T.J. Starker and now the job descriptions and evaluations, Program at Oregon State leaders of the business — are important tools to address University. grew up. this issue. Also, family businesses A recent trip to Starker Bond and Barte Starker that do not have strong boards of Forests’ headquarters, mid- always were interested in the directors or external advisors way between Corvallis and forestry business, but their may be missing objective insights Philomath, offered some full immersion into Starker and perspectives for getting hints about why the compa- Forests came much earlier ahead in tough times. Working ny, founded in 1936 by fam- than they expected, when with advisors, who are not family ily patriarch T.J. Starker, their father, Bruce, died in and are not hired accountants was worthy of honoring in an airplane crash in 1975. and attorneys, guards against this the annual award ceremony. Since then, Starker disadvantage because it requires Last Wednesday, many Forests has been able to that family business owners use a of the company’s top manbuild on some of the advanhigher level of scrutiny to study agers, including Bond and tages that come with being options and defend their decisions. InBusiness: What are your short (say, one year out) and longer-range (say, three years) goals for the program? Noxel: Because it is the second-oldest family business education program in the nation, I’ve come to appreciate that the Austin Family Business Program essentially invented family business education for land grant universities. We’re now a second generation family business program and in this upcoming year we again have that responsibility to the family business community to work with many families and educators to reinvent family business education in these new economic times. We are looking forward to analyzing and assessing our needs to revise our strategic plan. We hope to have this done by the summer and expect that specific, short-term goals will emerge from this plan. The longer-range goal is to continue delivering relevant resources that make Oregon’s family businesses stronger, more proactive and more successful, and supported by trusting and healthy family relationships.
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a family business: For one, the company is able to focus on the long term — essential for an enterprise with “such a long-term crop,” as Bond Starker puts it. Family members also take advantage of opportunities to get involved in their communities, through nonprofit agencies and other civic engagements. Just last week, for example, Barte Starker served as the grand marshal of the Corvallis Christmas parade. The family feel at Starker Forests extends even to nonfamily employees: “Employees are just like family,” Barte Starker said. “We just don’t have any turnover in our staff.” There’s a reason for that, said one of those staff members, Marc Vomocil: “It goes both ways. People stay because they’re treated right.”
B US I N ES S B R I E F I N G Albany lunch features NW Natural speaker Keith White will be the featured speaker at the November membership luncheon of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The event is held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road in Albany. The membership luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. White is vice president of business development and
energy supply and chief strategic officer for NW Natural. His areas of responsibility include gas supply and oversight of the company’s gas storage business segment. He joined NW Natural in 1996 after spending 20 years in the electric industry with Portland General Electric. Originally from Corvallis, White earned his undergraduate degree in business from Oregon State University. Cost is $13 for chamber
members and $17 for guests. Information is available by calling 541-926-1517.
Open house includes Barton DeLoach items An open house at Christmas on 33rd Street will be held at 317 N.W. 33rd St. in Corvallis on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Barton DeLoach antiques will be featured. For more information, call 541-753-1383 or go to www.bartondeloach.com. – Mid-Valley InBusiness
TELL US YOUR TRADITIONS Does your family have an interesting tradition for the holiday season? Is there a special gift given on Christmas Eve or a Christmas Day game you look forward to every year? We would love to hear about your unique December holiday traditions for a story in our Lifestyles section. Today is the last day to send submissions to Joy Pariante at joy.pariante@lee.net.
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MID-VALLEY InBusiness
MOVERS&SHAKERS NEW VICE PRESIDENT: Toastmasters Club No. 395 has elected Connie Kyle as its vice president of membership. APPOINTED TO COMMISSION: Jill M. Kanterman has been appointed by Mayor Julie Jones Manning to serve on the Corvallis Commission for Martin Luther King Jr. Kanterman grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kansas. She is an account manager at Essential Education Corp. Kanterman Kanterman trains educators, tutors GED students, and uses her expertise in professional research and creative problemsolving strategies to help revolutionize education. SAMARITAN WORKS TO IMPROVE PATIENT SATISFACTION: Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center has welcomed Service Excellence Representative Liz Landers-Nussmeier. Landers-Nussmeier works with patients and staff at the hospital to improve patient satisfaction and resolve patient complaints. Having earned her bachelor of Landersscience degree Nussmeier in public health, with a focus on health promotion and education, at Oregon State University, Landers-Nussmeier is working to complete a master’s in conflict dispute resolution at the University of Oregon. She expects to finish the degree this spring.
B US I N ES S DATA Residential Average Sales Price by Area
Unemployment Rate Sept. 2011
Oct. 2010
Fisher
Zalesky
past 15 years. She has more than eight years’ experience in buying and selling residential homes in Corvallis. Zalesky, a native of Iowa, has been a real estate professional since moving to Corvallis with her family in 2006. NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR AT CORVALLIS CHAMBER: The Corvallis Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Mickey McCreery to its staff as membership director. He will be responsible for new membership sales, and assisting staff with membership retention and events marketing. McCreery is a longtime McCreery Willamette Valley resident with more than 20 years of sales experience in the automotive industry. He is a graduate of Mount Hood Community College. McCreery can be reached at the chamber at 541-757-1505.
PARTNERSHIP AWARD: Benton Soil and Water Conservation District employee Teresa Matteson received the 2011 Soil and Water Conservation District Employee Partnership Award from the Oregon Natural Resources and Conservation Service during the annual Oregon Association of Conservation Districts conference held this month. Matteson is the education and CORVALLIS CLINIC PROMOoutreach director for Benton TION: Mohamed Alyajouri has County. As part of her education been promoted as director of program, she teaches Benton quality improvement and inforCounty producers how to immatics at The Corvallis Clinic. Alyajouri is responsible for quali- prove soil quality. Matteson is working on a soil ty and process improvement iniquality improvement project with tiatives throughout the clinic. Alyajouri has worked at Corvallis Willamette Valley farmers. She received NRCS Conservation InClinic for seven years as both a novation Grant funding for the business and clinical analyst. project to define a set of soil Alyajouri has a bachelor’s of science in health management and quality assessments that will policy from Oregon State and will help farmers make informed soil graduate with a master’s of pub- management decisions on a site lic health from OSU in December. specific basis. The purpose of this award is to recognize a SWCD employee who EXPANDING PRACTICE: Katy has provided outstanding conRogers, owner of Corvallis servation assistance and service Acupuncture and Wellness Cen- as a partner to NRCS over the ter, recently took over Montage past year. Oriental Medicine on Northwest Fourth Street PHARMACYNOW SERVES between HarriPUBLIC: Samaritan Pharmacy son Boulevard opened to the public Nov.21 in a and Tyler Avnew building on the Samaritan enue. Health Sciences Campus in Corvallis Lebanon.It provides personal pharAcupuncture maceutical services for the family. and Wellness The pharmacy,located at 35 Center offers Mullins Drive in Suite 1,stocks a vaRogers acupuncture, riety of hard-to-find medications. herbal medicine, dietary and Previously located within lifestyle counseling, massage, re- Samaritan Lebanon Community flexology, cupping and moxibus- Hospital, the pharmacy served tion as a holistic approach to primarily inpatient pharmaceutiachieving optimal health. Rogers cal needs, medication assistance is accepting new patients, and through local Community Outcan be reached at 541-602-8172. reach programs and Samaritan For more information, see Health Services employees. www.corvallisacupuncture.com. Samaritan Pharmacy is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 NEW TO TOWN & COUNTRY: a.m. to 6 p.m., and its driveJane Fisher and Teri Zalesky re- through window is open daily. cently joined Town & Country The pharmacy can be reached by Realty in Corvallis. calling 541-451-7119 or see Fisher, a native of Scotland, has samhealth.org/pharmacy for been living in Corvallis for the more information.
A7
16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0
Oct. 2011 13.3
9.6 9.1 9.0
10.6
12.1 12.0
9.6 9.5 7.2 6.5 6.5
U.S.
Oregon
Benton Co.
Thousands
November 2011
Linn Co
Source: Oregon Employment Department Note: Data are seasonally adjusted.
325 300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125
306,557 258,027 Benton County Linn County
194,920
2007
Units sold past year
Units sold past year
Units sold past year
Average sales prices
Average ales price
Oct. 2011
Oct. 2010
Oct. 2011
Oct. 2010
445 117 23 485
482 137 21 483
2008
151,263 227,214 144,291 270,769
Oct. 2011
163,426 253,424 193,707 280,039
2009
2010
2011
Source: Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service
Mid-Valley Residential Report
Albany N. Albany Brownsville Corvallis
145,520
Independence Jefferson Lebanon Philomath Sweet Home
51 55 315 73 131
Units sold past year
Oct. 2010
65 43 304 81 131
Average sales prices
Oct. 2011
173,701 197,257 137,369 254,282 114,221
Average ales price
Oct. 2010
178,317 216,619 151,474 230,659 125,048
Source: Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service
Corvallis MSA (Benton County) Nonfarm Payroll Employment Source: Oregon Employment Department
Oct. ’10 1,210 3,370 4,390 820 1,370 3,660 5,630 3,470 1,180 590 9,650 2,930
Change from Sept. ’11 Oct. ’10 -20 40 -40 -60 40 -100 0 -40 10 10 10 60 80 70 -50 -180 0 -30 -20 -20 1,170 600 120 -40
Natural resources, mining and construction Manufacturing Trade, transportation and utilities Information Financial activities Professional and business services Educational and health services Leisure and hospitality Other services Federal government State government Local government
Oct. ’11 1,250 3,310 4,290 780 1,380 3,720 5,700 3,290 1,150 570 10,250 2,890
Sept. ’11 1,270 3,350 4,250 780 1,370 3,710 5,620 3,340 1,150 590 9,080 2,770
Total nonfarm payroll employment
38,580
37,280
38,270
Oct. ’11
Sept. ’11
Oct. ’10
2,530 6,940 8,390 390 1,230 2,940 4,730 2,880 1,330 330 1,160 6,010
2,560 7,010 8,360 390 1,250 3,010 4,710 2,990 1,350 320 1,190 5,060
2,280 6,700 8,620 390 1,310 3,180 4,820 2,950 1,350 350 1,190 6,660
-30 -70 30 0 -20 -70 20 -110 -20 10 -30 950
250 240 -230 0 -80 -240 -90 -70 -20 -20 -30 -650
38,860
38,200
39,800
660
-940
1,300
310
Linn County Nonfarm Payroll Employment Source: Oregon Employment Department Natural resources, mining and construction Manufacturing Trade, transportation and utilities Information Financial activities Professional and business services Educational and health services Leisure and hospitality Other services Federal government State government Local government Total nonfarm payroll employment
Change from Sept. ’11 Oct. ’10
DAT E B O O K Wednesday: Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Forum Lunch. Speaker: Keith White, Vice President, Business Development & Energy Supply/Chief Strategic Officer, NW Natural. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road, Albany. Cost: $13 member; $17 nonmembers. Info: 541-926-1517. Thursday: Northwest Environmental Business Council Holiday Mixer, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Alexander’s, Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, 921 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland. Networking and an opportunity to thank customers and staff for their support this year; hors d’oeuvres, cocktails. Cost: $40 per person for NEBC members and guests; $55 per person for nonmembers. Registration: www.ettend.com/ id=1895. Friday: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce Forum Lunch. Speaker: Dr. Rob Lewis, LBCC Pastega Award Faculty Member. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Career Training Center,
525 Santiam Highway, Lebanon. Info: 541-258-7164. Friday: Eighth annual Winter’s Eve Corvallis, 5 to 10 p.m., in a decorated tent on Madison Avenue between Second and Third streets, and in shops throughout downtown Corvallis. Sponsored by the Assistance League of Corvallis in cooperation with downtown merchants. Shops will stay open late and offer exclusive discounts to ticket holders, who can sample food from more than 30 local restaurants and caterers. Desserts and beverages also available. Live musical performances in several downtown locations. Silent auction. Proceeds go the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs. Tickets: $35, in advance at the Clothes Tree, the Inkwell Home Store, Rice’s Pharmacy, Schmidt’s Garden Center and WineStyles; or $40 after 5 p.m. at the event. Information: 541-7571978. Saturday: One-year anniversary party and client appreciation day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Suite 101 Salon, 113 S.W. Third St. Alley,
Suite 101, Corvallis. Reduced prices on services and products; no appointments, first come, first served. Refreshments, samples, raffle. Dec. 6: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center Member Appreciation Reception. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Western University of Health Sciences COMP NW, 200 Mullins Drive, Lebanon. Free for chamber members. Info: 541-258-7164. Dec. 7: Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Women In Business: “Wine, Women and Chocolate.” Speaker: Matt Morse, Clemenza’s. Time: 4:30 to 6 p.m., Spring Hill Country Club, 155 Country Club Lane N.W., Albany. Cost: $20 chamber members; $30 guests. Info: 541-926-1517. Dec. 7: Christmas-tree lighting, 6:30 p.m., lawn, Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main St., Philomath. Music, refreshments, visit by Santa Claus. Dec. 8: Downtown After Hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Inkwell Home Store, 234 S.W. Third St., Corvallis. Also serves as the
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Downtown Corvallis Association’s holiday party, December membership meeting and the Downtown Design Awards Ceremony. Cost: free for DCA members, $5 for guests and nonmembers. Dec. 12-13: Annual Oregon Leadership Summit and work session. Time: 7 a.m., Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland. Cost: $150 per person (pre-registered by Dec. 8); $225 per person on site registration; $50 per person (student). Info: 503-546-5459 or www.oregonbusinessplan.org. Dec. 13: Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Youth Job Fair. Time: 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Linn-Benton Community College, 6500 Pacific Blvd. S.W., Albany. Info: 541-926-1517. Dec. 15: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Time: 5 to 7 p.m., Central Willamette Community Credit Union, Reeves Parkway and N. Fifth St., Lebanon. Cost: $8. Info: 541-258-7164.