East Portland Chamber of Commerce Chamber News

One week left to go in the 2026 legislative session

Mary Ann Gray — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:22:32 GMT

Dear OSCC Members & Colleagues –

One week left to go in the 2026 legislative session. Here’s where we stand on the three pillar issues of the 2026 session thus far:

1. Budget/Taxes: SB 1507 is the key linchpin bill that leadership is counting on to balance the 2025-27 budget – a $300 million tax increase that disconnects from some important tax incentives that were contained in the big federal tax cut bill of 2025 – HR 1. The bill has now passed over the objections of the business community and is on Governor Kotek’s desk, where OSCC and others have formally requested a veto.

On the budget side, pay attention to House Bill 5204, which is the final budget reconciliation bill. What you’ll notice is that due to a positive February revenue forecast and the passage of SB 1507, budget writers did not need to make significant cuts to state government. In total, only about $128 million in General Fund reductions were made. In total, HB 5204 actually added a net $193 million in spending to the state budget.

2. Gas Tax Referendum Date: SB 1599. Senate Democrats found their votes to pass this bill last week, and the House is scheduled to debate it and vote on it today. However, Secretary of State Tobias Read informed legislators he would need this bill passed by February 25^th in order to accommodate official deadlines to facilitate putting the gas tax referral on the May ballot. Now all eyes are on Secretary Read as to whether he holds firm on his deadlines or moves the goalposts again in favor of his political party.

In a separate bill – Senate Bill 1601 – budget writers reapportion over $200 million from various ODOT special appropriations to fund highway maintenance and operations for the next fiscal year.

3. Moda Center Renovations: SB 1501. The bill to help keep the Portland Trailblazers in Portland commits $360 million of state bonding authority to update the Moda Center and give the State an ownership stake in the arena. It appears that the votes for this bill will likely materialize through time honored tradition of end-of-session budget “horse trading” that can be seen with the projects funded in HB 5204 and also Senate Bill 5701 as well as the significant increase in future funding for county fairgrounds in Senate Bill 1601.

URGENT UPDATE: Lodging Tax Issues IMMINENT

OSCC will be focused this week on the two TLT bills now being considered in the Senate:

HB 4134: Statewide TLT tax increase. HB 4134 passed the House with the 36 votes it needed last week.

After OSCC testified against the bill on Thursday evening, the Senate Finance and Revenue committee passed the bill out on Friday afternoon.

HB 4134 increases the state TLT tax from 1.5% to 2.75%. OSCC is opposing this bill and encourages all chamber members to contact your Senator to oppose this tax increase that will hurt the tourism sector and make travelling more expensive for Oregonians.

HB 4148: Transient Lodging Tax diversion to Local Government. The new version of the bill would allow local governments to increase their share of local TLT revenues to pay for more general government purposes and away from tourism promotion. The new version of the bill is now a 50/50 split between tourism promotion and general government operations.

However, the new version of the bill contains a “poison pill” that OSCC continues to oppose. It creates a “resiliency grant” program – funded out of the 50% dedicated to tourism promotion – that permits local governments to give cash grants to food service and lodging businesses.

OSCC’s position is this: Our small businesses need customers that comes from promotion, not grant programs or handouts paid for by their own tax dollars.

OSCC testified against this bill this morning. MORE CHAMBER TESTIMONY IS NEEDED!

Please submit comment to the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee TODAY. OSCC has issued an ACTION ALERT on this

bill. Immediate help is needed!

SB 1517 / SB 1593: Recreational Liability Waivers. OSCC continues to push for SB 1593, as does the Oregonian newspaper and the vast majority of the legislature.

OSCC has issued an ACTION ALERT in SUPPORT of SB 1593 and in OPPOSITION to SB 1517.

The House Rules Committee took testimony this morning, the vast majority of which was in opposition to SB 1517.

Again, CHAMBER VOICES ARE NEEDED to Oppose SB 1517. This testimony from the Health & Fitness Alliance is the best, concise summary available to use.

These are the issues we can impact TODAY. Please take a minute to show the engagement from our local chambers and business communities.

View full bill list

Share Your Voice - Help Shape Oregon's Economic Future

Mary Ann Gray — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:08:54 GMT

The Governor’s Prosperity Council invites you to participate in a statewide community engagement initiative designed to shape our collective economic future.

Through this effort, the Council is creating opportunities for Oregonians from every corner of the state to share their insights, experiences, and ideas. Your feedback will directly inform and drive the work of the Council.

There are two ways to participate:

1. Online Survey: Taking 15 minutes or less and focused on gathering concrete ideas tied to the Council’s focus areas, this is idea of individuals who want to contribute their perspectives. Please share this survey with your members.

2. Facilitated Meeting Guide: An online guide designed to help you facilitate a listening session with your network and community. This option is perfect for deeper engagement and multiple perspectives.

Both survey responses and feedback from facilitated meetings should be submitted by March 20, 2026.

The Council’s work centers on the state’s role in the following areas, and your feedback should correlate with one or more of these areas:

· Business Climate: Explore and recommend strategies for regulatory streamlining and potential changes in tax policy that would stimulate GDP growth, and long-term tax revenue

· Workforce: Explore and recommend opportunities to modernize Oregon’s workforce development systems to improve the effectiveness and relevance of training programs for our workforce and employers in growing sectors.

· Tools for Growth: Ranging from incentives to land use, explore and recommend updates to economic development tools that reflect and support today’s business ecosystem.

Engagement results will be synthesized for the Council and inform recommendations. We hope you will participate and encourage you to share your insights.

Updates from Oregon State Chamber of Commerce

Mary Ann Gray — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:20:13 GMT

Dear OSCC Members & Colleagues –

Right now, the three defining issues of 2026 appear to be:

1. The legislature’s apparent agreement to raise revenue by about $300 million by disconnecting with parts of the federal tax cut bill with SB 1507. Combined with the improved revenue forecast on February 4^th, the state appears to be on track to add about $600 million to its coffers for the 2025-27 biennium. OSCC continues to oppose SB 1507 as it disconnects businesses from federal bonus depreciation tax incentives for investments in machinery and equipment. The Senate is poised to vote on this measure as soon as Tuesday.

2. SB 1599 is an exercise in pure political power. With almost total opposition from the general public, Democratic leadership will still muscle through this legislation to alter election deadlines and procedures to move the gas tax referral from November up to May. Whether this bill will serve as a grassroots rally cry and have implications for upcoming elections is the next big question.

3. SB 1501. The bill to help keep the Portland Trailblazers in Portland took center court for the first time this past week. It commits $360 million of state bonding authority to update the Moda Center and give the State an ownership stake in the arena. Supporters are launching a full court press to pass the bill. While most legislators want to help, the timing is tough. For one, it comes on the heels of a similar successful bonding bill in 2025 that purported to help bring Major League Baseball to Portland. It also comes at the exact time that legislators are telling their constituents that the state is in a dire financial position. The bill will undoubtedly evoke strong feelings from downstate legislators who’ve seen their districts suffer from lack of attention to local economic issues.

STATUS UPDATE: Lodging Taxes

HB 4134: Statewide TLT tax increase. Increases the state TLT tax from 1.5% to 2.75%. OSCC is opposing this bill and encourages all chamber members to continue to engage in opposition to this tax increase that will hurt the tourism sector and make travelling more expensive for Oregonians. We are anticipating this bill to come to a vote in the House Revenue Committee this afternoon.

HB 4148: Transient Lodging Tax diversion. OSCC sees this as perhaps the biggest threat to local chambers in 2026. The TLT diversion bills would allow local governments to increase their share of local TLT revenues to pay for more general government purposes and away from tourism promotion. The current legal share for local governments is 30%, which would be moved up to 60% in HB 4148. This bill is still pending in the House Revenue Committee. It received a public hearing this past week. OSCC testified in opposition.

STATUS UPDATE: Recreational Liability Waivers

SB 1593: This bill is still alive in the Senate Rules Committee. OSCC has already issued an Action Alert on this issue. Oregon is the only state in the western US that gives recreational, outdoor and fitness businesses no ability to enforce liability waivers for ordinary negligence. This is a key issue for our outdoor industries and fitness and recreation businesses. SB 1593 appears to be in a holding pattern for end-of-session negotiation.

STATUS UPDATE: JOBS Act

SB 1586: OSCC and many of our chambers are listed supporters of this bill, which we believe right now is probably the best “pro-business” bill of the 2026 session alongside SB 1593.

SB 1586 advances several pro-growth concepts, including (1) expanding local government ability to exempt advanced manufacturing equipment and machinery from property taxation; (2) expanding the R&D Tax Credit to advanced manufacturing; (3) opening up industrial land in Washington County for advanced manufacturing; and (4) establishing expedited timelines for permitting.

This bill gets its first hearing in the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee this morning.

STATUS UPDATE: Good bills now Dead

Prevailing Wage Exemptions on Housing Developments (SB 1566): This is a bill that OSCC supported as did several chambers. The bill did receive one substantive public hearing this past week, but failed to advance at the deadline.

We will be holding our weekly legislative update calls on Fridays at 9:30am. You can add these calls to your calendar using this link.

View full bill list

Updates from Oregon State Chamber of Commerce

Mary Ann Gray — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:00:16 GMT

Dear OSCC Members & Colleagues –

Thank you all very much for the outstanding participation in our Friday call. The discussion with newly-appointed Chief Prosperity Officer Tim Knopp was informative. We all now have a good point of contact in the Governor’s office.

The two biggest news items of the Session’s first week: (1) the official state revenue forecast yielded an additional $286 million of general fund revenue, relieving some pressure on the state budget; and (2) Democratic leadership must not have believed they had enough bills circulating in the session to carry out their political objectives and introduced over 20 brand new bills on Day 4, nearly all of them “placeholder” bills that will be available to receive amendments crafted behind closed doors. Nearly all of the new bills were assigned to the Rules Committee in order to bypass the legislature’s self-imposed tight timelines for bill consideration.

Among the new bills introduced was Senate Bill 1599, which is intended to change the election date of the transportation tax referral from the November General Election to the May Primary Election. This bill is designed by Democratic leadership to move quickly despite popular opposition. It will receive its first public hearing this afternoon in the Joint Special Committee on Referendum Petition 2026-302.

LAST WEEK:

Last week saw OSCC oppose the following bills which received initial public hearings:

SB 1507: Federal Tax Disconnect. OSCC testified against this bill that would disconnect businesses from federal bonus depreciation tax incentives for investments in machinery and equipment. OSCC issued an Action Alert.

HB 4098: Adding Insurance in the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. OSCC is part of the coalition opposing this bill. OSCC encourages member chambers to engage in opposition to this bill.

HB 4134: Statewide TLT tax increase. Increases the state TLT tax from 1.5% to 2.75%. OSCC opposes this bill and encourages members to continue to engage in opposition to this tax increase that will hurt the tourism sector and make travelling more expensive for Oregonians.

THIS WEEK

The intensity will ratchet up this week with more bills of consequence to OSCC and local business communities throughout Oregon.

· Recreational Liability Waivers (SB 1593): OSCC has already issued an Action Alert on this issue. Oregon is the only state in the western US that gives recreational, outdoor and fitness businesses no ability to enforce liability waivers for ordinary negligence. This is a key issue for our outdoor industries and fitness and recreation businesses. SB 1593 has a public hearing this morning in the Senate Committee on Commerce.

· Federal Tax Disconnect (SB 1507). We believe this $300 million tax increase, predominately on business, will be voted out of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee this morning.

· SALT Cap (SB 1510): We have heard from many members the importance of extending Oregon’s now expired “SALT cap workaround” to allow Oregon pass-through businesses to lower their federal tax burden. We believe this will likely be amended into SB 1510, which will have its first public hearing in the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee on Wednesday.

· Prevailing Wage Exemptions on Housing Developments (SB 1566): This is a bill that OSCC supports and encourages OSCC members to testify on this afternoon in the Senate Labor and Business Committee. OSCC is aware of several critical housing developments that are being stalled or cancelled due to prevailing wage requirements on the construction.

· Transient Lodging Tax diversion (HB 4148): OSCC sees this as perhaps our biggest threat in 2026. The TLT diversion bills would allow local governments to increase their share of local TLT tax revenues to pay for more general government purposes and away from tourism marketing. The current legal share for local governments is 30%, which would be moved up to 60% in HB 4148.

OSCC members are encouraged to both sign up to OPPOSE this bill and submit testimony for today at 3pm in the House Revenue Committee.

FINAL NOTE: Please be on the lookout for consistent ACTION ALERTS this week. There are multiple critical hearings and votes happening every day – sometimes multiple times each day. We will not be able to cover everything, but will do our best for the major issues.

For instance, TODAY we know there will be: (1) a committee vote on the federal tax disconnect; (2) a hearing on liability waivers; (3) a hearing on prevailing wage exemptions for housing developments; (4) a hearing on the TLT revenue diversion.

TOMORROW we know there will be (1) a committee vote on HB 4098 to include insurance in the Unlawful Trade Practices Act; and (2) a committee vote on the Climate Superfund cost recover bill – SB 1541 – that is designed to capture revenue from GHG emitters in the fuels sector and would translate into fuel price spikes.

And just remember…it will be over in less than 4 weeks!

We will be holding our weekly legislative update calls on Fridays at 9:30am. You can add these calls to your calendar using this link.

Be Bold- Be Brave- Be You

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Join our free speaking engagement on June 22^nd. Be Bold - Be Brave - Be You, promises to be an uplifting informative experience about employment possibilities for people with disabilities as well as highlighting the benefits of inclusive workforces for people of all abilities, businesses, and our communities.

Date: June 22nd

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: Portland Hilton Hotel

Buffet Brunch Provided

Speakers: John and Mark, co-founders of John's Crazy Socks

Performance by: Phame

Sponsored by: ALSO and GiGi’s Playhouse of Portland

January is Portland Music Month

Ben Nolte — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 20:37:44 GMT

All January long is Portland Music Month in Oregon. Pick your genre! Pick your venue! Come watch over 100 live performances, and help support the local music scene in Portland!

Click here for tickets: https://www.portlandmusicmonth.org/tickets

Every day during the month of January, local bands are playing all across the city in multiple locations (31 days, 21 venues).

Click here for venues: https://www.portlandmusicmonth.org/the-venues

You are invited to come watch your favorite bands and discover new musicians too. A portion of all ticket sales will go toward the Echo Fund, which helps local musicians vitalize their businesses.

Keep Portland vibing!

Oh, and if you are in the music industry, be sure to fill out the online census before January 15.

Cluck here to complete survey: https://www.oregonmusiccensus.org

Music Portland is a 501(c)(6) that focuses on making the Portland area a place where a music career is economically viable through music-supportive public policy, strategic partnerships with local businesses, economic assessments, and a galvanized professional music community. If you are part of the music ecology in the Portland area, feel free to join.

Join the Movement.

https://musicportland.org/join

Rivermark Community Credit Union Grand Opening!

Khari Applewhite — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 17:13:05 GMT

Rivermark has landed in Hollywood!

Rivermark Community Credit Union is celebrating the opening of its new Hollywood branch at 4730 NE Sandy Boulevard. Join us for a ribbon cutting event on Friday, June 24^th at 9 am.

The new full-service branch, features Video Teller technology and Saturday hours. The branch also has a drive-up ATM/Video Teller Kiosk with extended hours and a member parking garage.

“We are excited to be part of the thriving Hollywood community in Northeast Portland”, said Seth Schaefer, President/CEO of Rivermark Community Credit Union. “We’re committed to providing affordable financial solutions to members, with an emphasis on being local, personal, and accessible”, continued Schaefer.

As part of the grand opening celebration will be giving away housing payments for a year to one lucky new member, along with other new member incentives and a prize wheel to spin.

Learn more about what Rivermark has to offer at https://www.rivermarkcu.org/hollywood.

Portland Parks & Recreation Announcement about Leach Botanical Gardens

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:35:55 GMT

Mae Lin Plummer Takes the Helm

at Leach Botanical Garden: Former Executive Director

David Porter retires

as head of the iconic Portland Parks & Recreation attraction

Leach Garden Friends, the non-profit organization caring for Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s Leach Botanical Garden, is pleased to announce Mae Lin Plummer as the popular garden’s new Executive Director. Plummer spent nearly 20 years in the corporate financial industry until discovering her passion for horticulture and public gardens. She served as Garden Director at the Duke Mansion and filled several roles at the UNC-Charlotte Botanical Gardens, both in North Carolina.

She recently completed the esteemed Longwood Fellows Program at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Plummer will step into the position in mid-January and succeed outgoing Executive Director David Porter, who is retiring after more than 10 years of unwavering commitment to the beloved public attraction.

“Mae Lin will take over a world-class destination,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “And the future is bright. I wish David Porter the very best in his retirement. The City thanks him for his enthusiastic stewardship as he led Leach Botanical Garden’s efforts in caretaking the magnificent site. East Portland, Leach Botanical Garden, and the parks system are better off thanks to David’s efforts. We wish him the best and are delighted to welcome such a worthy replacement. Mae Lin Plummer joins Leach with impressive credentials, experience, and commitment to stewardship of botanical gardens.”

“This is an extraordinary time of transformation and growth for Leach Botanical Garden,” says the incoming Executive Director, Plummer. “I could not be more excited to join such a passionate and dedicated team as we strive to expand access to the inspiring beauty of this unique and special place and continue to educate and steward our essential relationship with the natural world so that its benefits are available to everyone.” “I’m excited to work with Mae Lin Plummer as she takes the helm of the beloved sanctuary that is Leach,” says PP&R Director Adena Long. “Nature is a place of healing and reflection, and Leach is a place for nature at its best. Great things lie ahead for Leach Botanical Garden, and we’ll get there together.”

What do you want covered in upcoming Educational Meetings?

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:18:08 GMT

As we come into the Fall season, the Board is looking to what programs to offer in the coming year. The series of educational programs with Fran Tarkington is no longer available so we appreciate your input on what you would like to hear in an educational program. Please advise Gary Russell at gary@defendmylife.com, Mary Ann Gray at maryann@westsidesec.com or Kim Kelly at kimk@westsidesec.com with your thoughts and ideas.

Thank you for your input! Your EPCC Board

Revenue offers online resources to help businesses register for CAT

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:36:37 GMT

The Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind business taxpayers and tax preparers that it has on-line resources to help businesses that still need to register for Oregon's new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT).

The CAT applies to all business entity types, such as C and S corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other entities. Businesses are required to register for the CAT within 30 days of reaching $750,000 in Oregon commercial activity in the calendar year. More than 13,000 business entities have registered for the CAT since registration opened in December 2019.

Registration for the CAT is through Revenue Online. A short CAT registration training document is available on the CAT page of the Revenue website.

To register, individuals doing business in Oregon will need their name and their Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. Businesses will need their entity's legal name and federal employer identification number.

Businesses and individuals will need:

Their mailing address;
The date they exceeded or expect to exceed $750,000 in Oregon commercial activity;
A valid email address or current Revenue Online login, and;
Their Business Activity Code (Refer to the current list of North American Industry Classification System codes found with their federal income tax return instructions.)

Taxpayers don't need a Revenue Online account to register for the CAT. Those who have Revenue Online accounts can't be logged in to register for the CAT. Instead, they should go directly to the CAT webpage and click on the "Register for the CAT" link on the right-hand side of the page.

Rules hearing Tuesday

In accordance with social distancing measures necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, the public hearing for the second set of permanent rules for the Corporate Activity Tax will take place via conference call 9 to 11 a.m.Tuesday, June 23.

To participate in the hearing, interested parties should call 541-465-2805 and enter the conference PIN 234470 when prompted. Those wishing to testify at the hearing will need to register beginning at 8:45 a.m. on the conference call line. Those needing to make alternate arrangements for registration should contact the Department of Revenue (DOR) rules coordinator before 8:45 a.m. June 23.

The CAT rules being considered are:

150-317-1050 Sourcing of Commercial Activity for Financial Institutions.
150-317-1060 Farmer's Sales to Agricultural Cooperatives.
150-317-1140 Wholesale Sale of Groceries Exclusion.
150-317-1400 Determining Property Resold Out of State and Methods of Determining.

Additional information about the hearing can be found on the administrative rules page of the Revenue website.

Ribbon Cutting

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 18:42:22 GMT

On July 24th, the East Portland Chamber of Commerce performed a Ribbon Cutting for new chamber members, the GEICO Local Office at11606 NE 6th. The food was tasty and plentiful. Former Governer, Barbara Roberts attended and congratulated Steve on the Grand Opening. Iheartmedia welcomed everyone as they arrived and the D.J. kept the music flowing. Best of all, the Gecko was everywhere!

President. Gary Russell, presents the Chamber certificate to Geico agent, Steve Ching.

Adventist Health hosts SunnyCity, family fun day!

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:38:38 GMT

On June 23rd Adventist Health will again host SunnyCity.

Fun day for the whole family!

Local businesses and community organizations come together to present SunnyCity, an afternoon festival featuring free activities, games, giveaways and educational entertainment for families on Sunday, June 23, at Portland Adventist Academy.

Time:

1-4 pm: Family Fair
3:45 pm: Fire juggling presentation
4 pm: Ben Roy: The Science Guy from Go Science Zone

Place:

Portland Adventist Academy

1500 SE 96th

Portland OR 97216

Follow link for the flyer: SunnyCity Fair Flyer2019

Two Ribbon Cuttings in March

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 16:26:58 GMT

Last month we welcomed these new businesses to East Portland...

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce helped Smart Foodservice on SE 82 and Stark celebrate their Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting.

Vice President, David Gattman presented a certificate and welcomed store manager, Ryan Schneider, to the community. Be sure to stop in, save some money, fill your pantry and buy some great foods!

More than a family affair, the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting was a community event for DB Dessert Company. Vice President, David Gattman presented a certificate to business owner and chief creative, Damala Bandon.

With heartfelt thanks, Damala expressed her gratitude to family, friends, and the community for helping her fulfill a dream. You can order your desserts online at www.dbdessertcompany.com.

Adventist Health Portland receives 2018 HealthInsight Quality Award

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 16:14:29 GMT

Recognized in the top 25 percent for quality, safety and expereince

By demonstrating excellence in quality patient care, Adventist Health Portland has earned the 2018 HealthInsight Hospital Quality Award. This recognition is given to the highest performing health care provider organizations in Oregon, and other states for which HealthInsight serves as the Medicare program’s Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) contractor.

Adventist Health Portland was measured against other Oregon hospitals on publicly reported patient experience scores, healthcare associated infection rates and readmission rates. The HealthInsight Hospital Quality award is only given to hospitals that rank in the top 25^th percentile for their composite score in these measures.

“This recognition validates the commitment our associates make to every patient,” says David Russell, president. “Fulfilling our mission in every interaction transforms the lives, experiences and outcomes of those we serve.”

The HealthInsight Quality Award program promotes transparency in health care. Through the HealthInsight Quality Award Program, HealthInsight aims to assist providers, improve care and help consumers be more active and informed participants in that care.

Hospital eligibility is based on a composite ranking for performance on publicly reported data (Hospital Compare) with weighted contributions:

Patient Experience of Care (HCAHPS) - 35%
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) - 45%
Readmissions - 20%

Hospitals that rank in the top 25th percentile for the composite score are eligible for a 2018 Quality Award.

From UnitedHealthcare

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 15:44:16 GMT

Survey: Employees Credit Well-Being Programs with Improved Health Authored by UnitedHealthcare
Like it or not, you probably spend more hours at work than just about anywhere else. So it makes sense that a healthier workplace could lead to increased well-being. Employers are taking note, with an increasing number of organizations offering health and well-being initiatives.
More than half (53 percent) of employees with access to an employer-sponsored well-being program say the initiative has had a positive effect on their health, according to UnitedHealthcare’s 2018 “Wellness Check Up Survey.” Of those, 88 percent said the programs motivated them to pay more attention to their health, 67 percent reported the initiatives helped them lose weight, and 30 percent said they helped detect a disease or medical condition.
Among employees without access to well-being programs, 73 percent of respondents said they would be interested in such initiatives if offered, including 42 percent who are “very interested.”

In today’s competitive business environment, offering these programs might help companies establish themselves as “employers of choice,” said Rebecca Madsen, UnitedHealthcare chief consumer officer. “By investing in wellness programs, employers are in a unique position to drive engagement and create healthier, happier and more productive workforces.”
Other survey findings show more employees than ever are using activity trackers, with 27 percent owning one of the devices, double the 13 percent of them who owned a device the previous year.
Despite that increase in active tracker usage, the survey found that many employees overestimate their levels of physical activity. Seventy-four percent claimed they met government recommendations for physical activity (defined as at least two and a half hours per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two days or more per week of moderate- or high-intensity muscle-strengthening activities). However, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that just 20 percent of people meet those recommended guidelines.
Whether you have a wellness program at your job or not, it’s important to take responsibility for your own health and wellness. Seek out resources through your community, health plan or employer to help support your own wellness journey.
See the full Wellness Check Up Survey results.

East Metro Economic Prosperity Forum

Scott Hendison — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 22:47:32 GMT

EPCC has a reciprocal agreement with East Metro Economic Alliance (EMEA) who has many of the same goals as the chamber. This is a prosperity forum they have put together for May 4th.

Their focus is to look at our region (for East Metro area) and bring in business leaders to help focus on what our community needs and/or wants.

This is an exciting event and one that the chamber encourages you all to consider attending.

It's a major time commitment (8 am to 2:00 pm) but it is truly a great opportunity for businesses to have input on what direction our community should head.

Here's a link to find out more -https://www.eastmetro.org/ event-2855681

ACTION WORKSHOP ON COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO TRAFFIC SAFETY

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 20:01:12 GMT

Got a problem?

Speeding cars? No sidewalks? Dangerous biking conditions? Pot holes?

Join the Traffic Safety Action-shop learn about what you can do to address issues in your neighborhood. This is a solution-oriented workshop for people who want to take action!

Traffic Safety Action-shop
Thursday, February 23, 2017
6:30-8:30 pm
Doors open & Light refreshments at 6 pm
Lents Village, 10305 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland
RSVP here

At the event:

Connect with transportation experts:

Francesca Patricolo, Transportation Planner & Public Involvement Specialist, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)
Hannah Day-Kapell, Senior Planning Associate, Alta Planning + Design
Sharon White, Pedestrian Safety Outreach and Education, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)
Local experts on community-based interim solutions to traffic safety.

Hear from neighbors about successful examples:

Meesa Long and Lesley McKinley will share the success of a grassroots effort that resulted a Safe Routes to School grant.
Terry Dublinski-Milton will share the successful advocacy efforts from volunteers that led to installation of traffic diverters on SE Clinton.
Mingus Mapps from the Parkrose Alliance and Historic Parkrose will share about the advocacy during the development of the City’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan resulted in long-lasting improvement for the neighborhood’s livability.

Walk away with a plan for action:

Bring your friends or come with your idea. There will be time to think through your problem and hatch a plan.

Everyone is welcome. This is the first in a series of Traffic Safety Action-shops.
For more information about the event, accessibility and future action-shops, check out this website.

RSVP here to let us know that you can make it!

2016 Annual Awards Breakfast was a Great Event!

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 19:56:13 GMT

Annual Awards Breakfast
Dec 14th | 7:30-9:15am
Colwood Golf Center
7313 NE Columbia Blvd | MAP
$20 before Dec 12th | $25 at the door
REGISTER
Please bring a wrapped gift for our raffle!

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Annual Awards Breakfast on December 14, 2016 from 7:30-9:15am at Colwood Golf Center, located at 7313 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97218. The East Portland Chamber will be awarding their "Excellence in Community Service Award" to the following four local nonprofit organizations who are improving the lives of children with physical and intellectual disabilities in East Portland.

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce will also recognize members of the Chamber who have given generously of their time and effort to make East Portland a great place to live and work. Please join us for a full breakfast, entertainment, raffle prizes, awards and recognition as we celebrate the past year. This event is open to the public.

Albertina Kerr - Since 1907, Albertina Kerr has strengthened Oregon families and communities. Today, we provide programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, empowering them to live richer lives. We're building an army of angels. A community that stands together. Where we challenge the norm to create a society that has no barriers. Where people who face developmental disabilities and mental health challenges are included and empowered. Where families are supported and children have reason to smile. Where everyday people reach out to the most vulnerable and give back to their community.

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp - At Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, we empower children and adults with disabilities. For over 80 years, we have partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to provide individuals with disabilities an outstanding overnight recreational opportunity in the Mt. Hood National Forest. We offer eight week-long sessions of residential summer camp, providing our campers with a one-on-one camper/counselor ratio. We also offer programming throughout the year at our fully accessible 22-acre campsite.

Northwest Down Syndrome Association - The NWDSA has been a parent-driven family support network since 1997. The NWDSA’s mission is to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with a disability including Down syndrome. NWDSA/ABI will accomplish this mission by empowering and supporting families and individuals who have been touched by developmental disability. Together with our cross-disability sister project, All Born (In), founded in 2006, we will work to increase education, promote public understanding and acceptance, work toward full inclusion, and defend the civil rights of individuals with Down syndrome.

United Cerebral Palsy - United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Oregon and SW Washington is a non-profit based in Portland, Oregon. We’ve been committed to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities since our inception in 1955. Today, we provide supports for adults, children, and their families who experience cerebral palsy or other disabilities. In June 2014, we launched a new in-home service called Building Blocks, which provides in-home supports to children who experience developmental disabilities and who are funded through the K Plan. These services include attendant care, skills training and respite relief care for their parents.

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce Urges You to Vote NO on Measure 97

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 18:12:03 GMT

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes Measure 97 because the facts are clear – it is a $6 billion back door sales tax would harm Oregon consumers and small businesses with no guarantee the money would go to education or anything else.

We’re urging you to vote NO on Measure 97 and to spread the word to others.

Measure 97 is a tax on total sales – not profits – that would increase consumer costs for all types of products and services. It has no exemptions – most costs would be passed on to Oregon consumers and small businesses through higher prices for everything from food, clothing, gasoline, utilities, cars and housing to phone service, insurance, medicine and healthcare.

The nonpartisan Legislative Revenue Office concluded Measure 97 would increase costs for a typical family by $600 per year, and that it would especially hurt low- and middle-income families and seniors who can least afford it.

Measure 97 would cause the loss of 38,000 local jobs, according to the State of Oregon’s study.

And, as we wrote above, there would be no guarantee that the money would go to education, healthcare or seniors. The Legislature’s own top legal authority has stated the Legislature could spend the money “in any way it chooses.”

Ballots will be arriving next week. Now is the time for us to be actively involved to help defeat Measure 97.

The NO on 97 campaign has resources you can share, such as:

Breakroom posters
Easy-to-customize emails, website content and social media
Store, lawn and road signs
Bumper stickers, lapel stickers, window signs
Fact sheets
And much more

Contact the campaign at info@defeat97.com to request materials and a member of their team will get them to you right away.

Visit www.NOon97.com and learn why the East Portland Chamber of Commerce has joined the coalition of more than 26,000 Oregon consumers, small businesses, family farmers, healthcare professionals, educators, community leaders and organizations from every part of the state in urging you to vote NO on Measure 97 this November.

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce Endorses the YES for Affordable Homes Bond Measure

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 16:59:43 GMT

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) is pleased to announce our support for the historic Yes for Affordable Homes campaign to create homes for Portlanders who are in the greatest need in this housing crisis. This $258.4 million affordable housing bond will create permanently affordable housing for tens of thousands of people over the life of the homes, and marks the first time that Portlanders will be able to vote in support of affordable housing. We write today to ask you—one of our key supporters—to join this critical and momentous campaign.

The mission of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce is to provide a voice for members and businesses on the Eastside. Our work has been increasingly challenged by the housing crisis that rages in our region. With Portland one-bedroom apartments renting at an average of $1,400, so many hardworking families can’t keep up and can’t find homes they can afford. Too many Portlanders are suffering in our communities, in shelters, in parking lots, and under our bridges because Portland very simply lacks enough affordable homes for those who need them most.

That’s why the success of this first ever ballot measure for affordable homes is important to the well-being of the city we love and it’s why EPCC supports it. When you vote Yes for Affordable Homes on November 8, you’ll be and building a better Portland for all.

Please join us and lend your support to Yes For Affordable Homes. Sign up to learn more and get involved at yesforaffordablehomes.com

After all, home is where it all begins. It’s where we set out each day fresh and rested. It’s where we started out on our educational, professional and personal paths. It’s where we begin and grow our families. Everyone needs a safe and stable start to each and every day. Together, we can make Portland a place everyone can afford to call home.

Opportunity to Advertise in EPCC's First Printed Business Directory

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 02:45:00 GMT

EPCC has made an agreement with Chamber member Pamplin Media Group to produce a printed AND online East Portland Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Magazine at NO COST to the Chamber. Our magazine will be filled with information about East Portland including dining, shopping, entertainment, parks & gardens, health & wellness, a business directory and more. You have first dibs at advertising in our magazine which is sure to help brand the East Portland Chamber, increase the visibility of member businesses and the Chamber, as well as increase membership. Our first annual issue is scheduled to be published in February 2016.

Benefits:

FREE highlighted listing for all members - options are available to upgrade your listing, or to add your listing to multiple categories
Chamber members receive a 10% discount off publishedrates attached
10,000 initial printed distribution
5,000-7,000 magazines will be inserted into the Portland Tribune
Link to online copy of magazine available on the Portland Tribune website, the chamber website and your website
In the online version of the magazine, advertisers will receive direct links to their website
Opportunity to start branding East Portland as "Open for Business."
Photo Contest - submit a photo that best represents East Portland and you could be on our cover! More details to follow.
Advertising open to all businesses

Yvonne Lerch with Pamplin Media Group (and a member of the Chamber) will be contacting you about advertising your business. I have attached a rate sheet for you to review prior to her call. If you have any questions, please contact Shelley or Yvonne.