Articles
Beware of Scams Targeting Utility Customers
Source: Pacific Power
Scams are targeting utility customers nationwide. Crooks posing as company employees are contacting business and residential utility customers to attempt to get money and steal personal information.
In some cases, the scammers threaten to disconnect service immediately unless past-due accounts are paid. Pacific Power does not call customers and ask for credit card numbers or pre-paid card numbers. If you have concerns, hang up with the caller, then phone Pacific Power at the company’s toll-free customer service number, 1-888-221-7070.
Recent scammers have been calling customers or going door-to-door demanding a special deposit payment for a new meter installation. Pacific Power field employees wear identification badges and they will not demand immediate payment for service on equipment.
If you are contacted by a scammer, report it to your local police and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Stories of Belonging: The Birch, Part I
By Karen Malanga
Central Oregon’s beauty inspires in us a sense of belonging, of being a part of something larger than ourselves. Our neighbors are as diverse as the habitats they call home and can teach us a great deal about co-existing. Here’s your neighbor of the month!
When thinking about our neighbors in Nature, the common tendency might be to ponder the various animals, since they can be so cute, and some of them seem to mirror aspects of our own lives. But the amazing unique strengths of various plants also have so many lessons to teach us.
Among the diverse plant life in our area, the beautiful birch tree has plenty of fascinating lessons for us. Most of the birch trees you’ll probably see around town are, like many of us, transplants from another area, adapted to our landscape. However, Central Oregon is home to the native Water Birch, or Red Birch (Betula occidentalis), a humble deciduous shrub or small tree growing to about 30-feet high with multiple small trunks. Let’s take a closer look…
Birch trees in general stand out as being extremely important when there has been massive damage from fires or some other severe denuding of the landscape. After an intense fire, the soil has been chemically and biologically damaged to such a severe degree that it is very difficult for most trees to gain back a foothold. But fortunately the birch is highly adaptable to difficult soils, and as an intrepid pioneer, it is able to effectively deal with these harsh conditions. This capacity for pioneering is greatly aided by the fact that its seeds are produced in an astonishing abundance, and are also easily blown about by the wind to new territories. As the birch trees grow in the challenging soil, they gradually improve its quality to the point that other trees can become re-established as well.
This capacity can be a powerful metaphor for our own lives. In a sense the birch is a teacher of leadership, of going where most others cannot or will not go, and also of how to take root in “new soils.” And in an analogous way, during the economically tougher down cycles that occasionally occur within human ecosystems, there are always those bold entrepreneurs who somehow manage to find a way to survive in the scorched earth environment. There are also those who, like the birch, are pioneers during times of rapid change within a business arena, rapidly adapting to new ways of doing things—and even expanding into new territories!
Did you know Native peoples used birch bark as casts to heal broken arms? Read about this and more in Part Two of “Stories of Belonging: The Birch,” exclusively on our new blog: http://nestbendrealestate.com/blog/.
What’s New?
TIGERS Success Nominated for 2014 Leadership Excellence Awards
Thanks to the actions of TIGERS Success Series, and its influence on other companies, HR.com has officially selected them a contender for the best small consulting firm in their 2014 Leadership Excellence Awards.
“We feel honored to be a contender for this prestigious award,” said Bill Crampton, Intermountain Communications and Spokesperson for TIGERS Success Series, a program, with help of its founder, Dianne Crampton, that has helped organizations, such as Costco, AT&T, and Boeing realize a workplace culture of team member cooperation with overwhelming, sustainable success over the past two decades.
For the past 30 years, Leadership Excellence has identified and recognized the top 500 leadership organizations and their strategies and solutions in their yearly ranking of best companies.
TIGERS Success Series was recognized on April 9 in an awards ceremony at the Vail Cascades Resort in Vail, Colorado.
Crampton explained that the 2014 Global Leadership Excellence Forum, which is a two and a half day event, brings top-thought leaders together for engaging keynote sessions, networking and interactive roundtables.
For more information, please visit: http://www.corevalues.com or https://members.corevalues.com.
Two-hour Business Start-Up Workshops in Central Oregon
COCC’s Small Business Development Center is giving several short workshops in Central Oregon this spring and summer for people contemplating business ownership:
Madras: COCC Madras Campus from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 20;
Bend: COCC’s Chandler Lab building from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 4;
Redmond: COCC Redmond Campus from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on June 19;
Bend: COCC’s Chandler Lab building from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 2;
Prineville: COCC Crook Co. Open Campus from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 15.
The two-hour session, entitled “Business Start-Up,” covers all the basic steps needed to open a business. Cost is $29. Pre-registration is required. Call 541-383-7290 to register.
Compass Commercial Releases Q1 2014 Commercial Real Estate Market Survey
Compass Commercial Real Estate Services has released its first quarter 2014 market survey results in the current issue of Compass Points http://www.compasscommercial.com/documents/press/compass_points_q1_2014.pdf.
The notion that “Bend is back!” has surfaced as the recurring theme throughout a string of community talks, real estate and market forecast events that have taken place this spring. With a quick review of the Q1 2014 issue of Compass Points it’s safe to say that the data supports this view.
The survey reports a seventh consecutive quarter of positive absorption in the office market with the citywide office vacancy rate dropping from 16% at the end of Q4 2013 to 12.19% by the end of Q1.
In Bend’s retail market, the citywide vacancy rose to 9.47% in the first quarter compared to 8.6% in Q4 2013, due to the loss of 33,963 square feet of net leased space in the first quarter – the largest loss since Q2 2009.
Bend Memorial Clinic is New Title Sponsor for 2014 Free Summer Sundays Concert Series
Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC) has claimed the title sponsor role for the Les Schwab Amphitheater FREE Summer Sunday Concert Series for the next three years. The Sunday afternoon concerts, which start on June 1, have become a weekend family gathering favorite for locals and visitors all around Central Oregon. Bend Memorial Clinic is opening a new westside clinic in the Old Mill District this fall, and looks forward to prefacing the launch of its new location with a prominent part in the popular concert series.
“With the opening of our new clinic just around the corner, we felt it was the perfect time to join the Les Schwab Amphitheater to continue to bring a diverse range of music to the central Oregon community,” said Christy McLeod, Chief Marketing Officer for BMC.
Running every Sunday afternoon from June 22 through July 27, the Bend Memorial Clinic free Summer Sunday Concerts have become a staple of the season in Central Oregon. Gates open each Sunday at 1 p.m. and the shows run from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Free Summer Sundays Concert Schedule:
6-22 – Natural Vibrations
6-29 – Randy McAllister
7-6 – Cerny Brothers
7-13 – The Weather Machine
7-20 – The Ballroom Thieves
7-27 – Dakota Brown Band
Live music will be rounded out by many other family-oriented activities, such as bouncy houses and delicious food vendors. Visit www.bendconcerts.com or www.theoldmill.com for more information.
“How to Develop a Business Plan” Workshop in Bend
Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center is holding a two-evening “How to Develop a Business Plan” workshop next month in Bend at the COCC Bend Campus on Wednesdays, May 21 & 28 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. First-time business owners will learn how to evaluate their finances, target their market, and present their ideas in a written business plan. Cost is $69.00 and includes materials. Pre-registration required. Call 541-383-7290 to register.
National Physical Therapy Magazine Features Perspective of Vantage Founder/CEO
A national magazine of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recently featured the perspective of Vantage Clinical Solutions founder/CEO, Tannus Quatre, in an article about the new vision driving the future of the physical therapy profession.
A health care management and marketing consultant, Quatre – also a licensed physical therapist – was prominently quoted in the article titled “A Vision to Transform Society,” which appeared in the March 2014 issue of PT in Motion. The cover article analyzes the long-term effects of APTA’s recently unveiled vision statement: “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.”
The new vision “crystalizes our diversity into a few really important elements so [physical therapists] can communicate to consumers what we are,” Tannus states in the article, which analyzes what the new statement will mean for physical therapists (PTs) and the future of the physical therapy profession.
Furthermore, Quatre went on to note that the word “movement” in the vision statement “gets right to the heart of it. That’s the key piece. Across all of our diversity, PTs are about optimizing and restoring movement.”
EVENT PLANNERS: Apply for Event Permits 90 Days Prior
With tourism and event season just around the corner, Deschutes County encourages individuals, businesses and organizers planning commercial events and outdoor mass gatherings in unincorporated rural areas, to apply for the necessary permits at least 90 days prior to a scheduled event. Commercial events and outdoor mass gatherings generally include weddings, celebratory gatherings, concerts, festivals, or similar uses consisting of any assembly of persons and the sale of goods or services.
The County offers different permits for different types, sizes, durations, and locations of events. Permits cost between $35 for a one-time event to $2,640 for large and multiple events over several days. Some event permits are processed by County staff while others must be approved by a Hearings Officer, Planning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners. County staff is available during normal business hours to help people understand the type of permit needed for certain events and to guide them through the permitting process.
Event permit applications and regulations can be found on the County’s website at www.Deschutes.org. Use the drop-down menu under Permits & Licenses to access information and forms for Events & Parades or Outdoor Mass Gatherings or click on these links for the Agri-tourism and Commercial Activities Brochure and application.
Hospice of Redmond Executive Director Retires
Becky Bryan, Hospice of Redmond’s long time Executive Director, has announced her retirement, effective April 14, 2014. Bryan’s announcement ends a long career at the helm of Central Oregon’s oldest nonprofit hospice.
“It has been my honor and privilege to work in this organization for almost 15 years, says Bryan. “I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best-of-the-best – staff and volunteers – who recognize the importance of providing care for those who are at the end of their lives and of supporting the family members and friends who are taking this final journey alongside them.”
During her tenure at Hospice of Redmond, Camp Sunrise, a children’s grief camp, was resurrected and has become the mainstay for supporting and helping grieving children in Central Oregon. Programs such as Grief in Schools, the Guided Autobiography project, Veterans Outreach, the Transitions/Palliative Care program, as well as a variety of continuing education programs for health, wellness and caregiving have thrived and are offered to residents throughout Central Oregon.
Family Access Network $5 for Under Five Campaign
FAN has had Early Childhood (EC) advocates in Deschutes County for over 10 years. In September of 2014, their current Federal funding for these three advocates will expire.
In addition to serving students in the public school system, grades K-12, FAN also strives to connect basic-need services to those populations with younger children who aren’t yet in school. Currently they have Early Childhood FAN advocates who serve this population county-wide.
In addition to competitive grants, the FAN Foundation is looking for the community’s support to fund advocate positions dedicated to serving families with children five years and under. Their goal is to raise enough money to retain EC advocate services for the 2014-15 school year, and beyond.
You can help to sustain this important service in two ways:
Give a minimum of $5/month (through automatic withdrawal from a bank account) and it will go directly to the funding of our Early Childhood program. That’s about the price of a large latte a month!
Schedule a FAN representative to come to your business or organization and share this $5 For Under Five campaign with your staff or membership.
If you can help, please contact Kristal Hyatt at 541-633-5541 or kristal.hyatt@hdesd.org.
Bend Foundation Awards $5,000 Challenge Grant to Bethlehem Inn
The Bethlehem Inn, Central and Eastern Oregon’s only emergency shelter for both single adults and families, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 Challenge Grant from the Bend Foundation.
“We are thrilled with this endorsement and show of support from the Bend Foundation” stated Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director of the Inn. “This challenge grant will allow the Inn to essentially double the investment of donors contributing $1,000+ donations during our annual Spotlight on Homelessness fundraising dinner. Proceeds from the May 6 dinner at The Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center will be dedicated to providing a warm, safe place to sleep, meals, clothing and support services – all vital components of the Inn’s program serving the disadvantaged adults and families in our community.”
Outstanding High School Senior Recognized
TCF (The Center Foundation) is pleased to announce that Brendan Kent been selected as the May 2014 High Desert Hero. Brendan is a senior at Summit High School where he participates in many activities. He is a member of the football team, captain of the lacrosse team, plays classical piano, is a drummer for the pop-reggae band Overdub the Radio, co-founder and president of Summit’s Business Club, participated in Summit High School’s new principle search, and attended a seminar in NYC on NYU Broadway Percussion. Additionally, he volunteers as a percussion coach with 7 Peaks Middle School concert band, Summit NHS door to door drive, freshman orientation leader, Pole, Peddle, Paddle volunteer, Oregon Festival of Cars volunteer, and is a member of the TCF Student Advisory Council. Brendan’s nominator says that he is a “stand-out student, athlete, and young man who represents what we want kids to be like when they graduate Summit.” He manages all his activities and volunteer work while maintaining a 4.26 GPA. Please help TCF in celebrating this outstanding Central Oregon student.
Legally-Blind Iditarod Racer Rachel Scdoris to Speak at ConnectW
Inspirational endurance athlete and advocate for the visually impaired Rachel Scdoris didn’t let her lack of vision stand in her way. She focused on the possibilities rather than the challenges, even after being told “there’s no way.”
Her inspirational story, which she’ll share along with photos and dog stories, seems particularly fitting during ConnectW’s three-month membership drive. The organization is all about empowering members to reach their highest potential in business and in life through innovative and educational programs, business opportunities, networking, friendship and fun.
ConnectW annual dues are $150 a year, with the option of splitting that into three consecutive monthly payments. For more information, please call ConnectW Marketing Chair Amanda Albrich at 541-848-8598, check out www.connectw.org or come visit in person. ConnectW meets at 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at St. Charles (tickets are available on the website). You can attend without being a member, but ConnectW is pretty sure you’ll want to join its membership. After all, where else are you going to find such a mix of business opportunities, networking, friendship and fun.
The Humane Society of Central Oregon Presents Tuxes & Tails
The Humane Society of Central Oregon’s 9th Annual Tuxes & Tails is being held Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Riverhouse Convention Center. This elegant evening includes dining, dancing and live auction. Tickets are $100/person or a table of ten for $900.
The evening includes wonderful items in the live auction, such as 7 nights in Cortona, Italy, a trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and a golf package at Bandon Dunes, along with a Dessert Dash for delicious desserts generously donated by local businesses.
Funds raised at this great event directly support the Humane Society of Central Oregon, an open-door facility that receives animals from throughout the region, including surrounding counties where there is no animal welfare agency to turn to for assistance. Proceeds help care for and find homes for thousands of abandoned and stray animals. Call 541-382-3537 or visit www.hsco.org to register.
Help Sober Dudes Save More Lives!
Sober Dudes is setting out to expand their services in a continuing effort to reduce DUIIs and keep families safer by using the crowdfunding site, GoFundMe.com. For the past 3 years, the Bend Oregon Sober Dudes LLC have been operating without any bank funding or loans.
Beginning on 4/29/14 those who want to donate can go to http://www.gofundme.com/30pvd4 and read more about the expanded services Sober Dudes options along with donation amounts and prizes including free merch and fares.
“We have served Central Oregon for over 3 years and the client demand is growing!” state Jennifer Falls, Owner of Sober Dudes, LLC. “For the past 3 years, Sober Dudes has operated its nightly designated driving service, providing safe rides for clients in their own vehicles while a Sober Dudes chase vehicle follows. We are constantly getting calls requesting we become the ultimate transportation company, so the time is right, we just need some assistance.”
St. Charles Foundation Selling Engraved Bricks and Rocks for St. Charles Cancer Center Healing Garden
St. Charles Foundation invites the community to become a permanent part of the Sister Catherine and Sisters of St. Joseph of Tipton healing garden at the new cancer center by purchasing an engraved brick or river rock. These gifts can be engraved with names, memories or words of inspiration. The bricks and rocks will be prominently displayed on the path around the healing garden and offer hope and healing to cancer patients and their families. Choose from one of the following tax-deductible gift options:
$2,500 1’ x 1’ river rock with up to 15 words
$1,000 8” x 8” brick with six lines of text
$500 4” x 8” brick with three lines of text and select artwork
$250 4” x 8” brick with three lines of text
To buy a brick or river rock, contact Kelly at 541-706-6996 or visit stcharlesfoundation.org.
SBIR/STTR ‘Lunch & Learn’ workshop through COCC’s Small Business Development Center in Bend
The Small Business Development Center at COCC is hosting a Lunch & Learn seminar in Bend next month for businesses interested in research and development grants:
“SBIR/STTR Lunch & Learn Seminar”
Presenters: Kedma Ough with MIPO Oregon; Ken Vaughn & Leon Wolf with Oregon BEST
Date: Wednesday May 28, 2014
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $12.00
Location: COCC Chandler Lab building (off-campus), 1027 NW Trenton Avenue, Bend
The lunchtime workshop is designed for businesses with a potential technology-oriented product who are interested in learning how to compete for research and development grants.
Please register at http://oregonbest.org/what-we-offer/support-for-startups/sbirsttr-support-center/sbirsttr-training-and-workshops/ or call MIPO at 503-546-8813.
The Giving Plate Receives $3,000 from Umpqua Bank & $1,000 from PacificSource Health Plans
The Giving Plate is grateful for a $3,000 contribution from Umpqua Bank’s Community Giving Program. This generous award is to support the Securing Food and Distributing Food program of the food bank. Board and staff members, volunteers, and especially clients of The Giving Plate greatly appreciate Umpqua Bank’s commitment to serving the community and its concern for the welfare of residents.
Each month, The Giving Plate food bank gives food boxes to approximately 1,900 individuals in need, delivers food boxes to those who are homebound, and provides sack lunches and tote-bags of food for children on weekends. The Giving Plate is thankful for the support of PacificSource Healthy Communities.
The funds will be used to help The Giving Plate keep its promise to never turn away a hungry person who needs food.