Good evening Mayor Doyle and City Councilors.

For the record, my name is Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce. I am here tonight on behalf of the Chamber’s board of directors and 653 members.

Just over a year ago, I testified on behalf of the business community in support of the City’s purchase of the South Office Building. The key tenets of that testimony included:

1. The deteriorating Round had failed for more than a decade to meet expectations. That we were at an important crossroads to finally allow our Central District and downtown to have a defined and marketable location, around which new development and new investment can be made as articulated in the Beaverton Community Vision plan and process. 2. It was time to allow market forces to work and to capture the funds owed the City for outstanding obligations from SKB. 3. It was also time for the City to terminate spending more than $400,000 a year to lease 4,500-square-feet for the power plant.  With the purchase at $8.65 million – over the life of the lease – tax payers and citizens will save over $13 million! It was a sound fiscal decision saving the Beaverton taxpayers millions over the years. 4. The Chamber continues to be a strong supporter of redevelopment of downtown Beaverton.  We believed at the time, the City’s purchase would increase confidence in the commercial growth and viability of the marketplace in Beaverton. Commercial leases have increased and new tenants have been placed in the retail portion as well as the E-suites which now boasts a 70% occupancy rate.

Here we are this evening……….the Chamber supports the proposal brought to you this evening to move general government services to the South Office Building. Some here this evening may be questioning the increase in costs that were initially and publically estimated 8 months ago. At that time you, City Council, voted to ask the staff to move forward and begin the work to determine hard costs and exactly what fiscal obligations would be necessary to make this happen. You did not authorize a blank check. Tonight you are being presented with a researched and firm number – $5.7 million. Knowing the comprehensive cost estimate improves planning and helps avoid unexpected cost and project overruns we’ve heard about in other communities. I could site multiple examples but will refrain – we all read the papers. The Chamber board of directors still firmly believes this is ultimately a cost-saving venture, a sound business decision, and one that was appropriately studied and one that the tax payers of Beaverton can place confidence in knowing it is solid and accurate. We encourage your support of agenda bill 13109 providing for a revenue bond issue not to exceed $7 million dollars which includes a reimbursement to the general fund of $1.2 million used to make the initial purchase of the building.

Thank you for your time.

Last week we hosted two informational meetings about direct*CONNECT – our internal referral/leads program launching this Thursday, May 2nd. We have both a 12 – 1 and a 5:30 – 6:30 group.

This exciting program is in response to member requests, saving hundreds of dollars per year and enhancing our exisiting business building programs.

direct*CONNECT Information Packet and includes our policies and procedures and our application. If you have questions, feel free to email Jessica.

One of our newer members, Kristen Smith of Cascade Laser has a son who is fighting for his health. Please visit the Cole Smith’s page to get full information on his illness and ways to support his recovery.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/colesmith

March 19th & 20 the Advocacy Council and Board of Directors supported the local option levy #34-204. While far from a “fix”, if passed it should ensure no further drastic cuts to our classrooms.

The BACCPAC met today, April 3, and uninanmously voted to contribute $3,000 to the campaign committee. This is the largest contribution awarded since the formation of our BACCPAC in 2008. This contribution is 12 times more than our PAC contributed to the levy which failed in 2010 by just over 1,000 votes.

Read More.

The BACC is proud to be the first Chamber of Commerce in Oregon to launch YEA!

When the program launches in November of 2013 it will involve more than 70+ businesses, mentoring, guest speaking, providing host tours & field trips and   financial support.

Our partners include the Beaverton School District & Portland Community College.

If you would like to be a part of this ground breaking program, Contact evelyn@beaverton.org , YEA! Program Manager at 503-350-2004

Student Application process is now open:

YEA! 2013-2014 Beaverton Student Application

More YEA! information

Businesses learn how you can participate

Beaverton YEA! on KGW News

OregonLive

We are honored to have Oregonians Credit Union as our Presenting Sponsor.

Our Beaverton Schools are one of our strongest assets and most certainly make up our future workforce.  The Chamber voted on March 19th to unanimously support the local option levy for May 21st. We cannot afford to wait and hope the legislature does what is right and fixes school funding. 2013 Local Option Levy Information

The Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce has a big birthday this year – 60 years! The City of Beaverton is 120 years old in 2013. This commands a celebration! One that has never been seen before. One that will never be seen again.

Our Premier sponsor SKB (Celebrating 25 years!)  is working closely with us to ensure a fabulous evening of first-class celebrating on the Rooftop of The Beaverton Round Parking  Garage.

We welcome aboard Lanphere Enterprises and SKANSKA USA as two of our three Partnering Sponsors – there is only 1 left!

Also welcome to our Anniversary Sponsors – Madden Industrial Craftsmen and Ava Roasteria!

Does your business want to join and honor their birthday anniversary? RooftopSponsorshipSheet  Please contact Lorraine at 503-350-2006 if you are interested in learning more.

2013 Golf Sponsorship Flyer! What’s On Your Bucket List?

Check out our theme hole ideas, we are going to have a ton of fun this year.

How Beaverton develops over time is an important issue for local businesses and their growth. Come learn about global, national, regional, and local sustainability issues and provide the private sector’s perspective within the plan.

Sustainability for businesses can mean:

• Operational cost savings
• Operational cost stabilization
• Increased attractiveness for government grants and incentives
• Attraction of  ethical investors
• Recruiting of new customers
• Retention of employees with similar values
• The creation of new products, goods, and services that meet emerging customer demands

Sustainability Forums Article for Chamber