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South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce |
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CHAMBER UPDATE |
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May 2007 |
Board of Directors |
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Chairman: Vice-Chairman: Treasurer: Secretary: Tourism Representative: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: |
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Advisory Members Staff Julie Beehler Jenny Hicks Anna Gatlin Betty Knod Mail Assistant |
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Tourism Report By Julie Beehler, Tourism Director
2007 Oregon Bicycle Summit
“Oregon is the premier state for bicycling. Our cities, towns and scenic countryside provide a rich, diverse experience for those who bike for work and for pleasure. We need to make Oregon a world-class cycling destination and experience. The Oregon Bicycling Campaign will leverage investments to bring enhances economic, environmental, and social returns to the state”
That was the theme for the 2007 Oregon Bicycle Summit held in Sisters Oregon. I arrived at the summit to find the Columbia County Parks in association with Vernonia had a visitor’s booth at the conference. It was manned by Lorrain Churchill, Erika Owen, and Donna Web (from Vernonia). They displayed various information about Columbia County Parks, and the Vernonia-Banks Linear Trail.
The summit was held in the newly constructed Five Pines Lodge in Sisters, Oregon. The facility is comprised of a beautifully appointed main hotel, a separate conference center and lodging cabins around the conference center.
The theme in Sister is of the Old West. All buildings and even apartments and housing conform to the theme giving the town a yester year nostalgic feel.
The summit kicked off with key note speaker Andy Clarke Executive Director, League of American Bicyclist. Andy is an active lobbyist for the bicycle industry. He spends a lot of time in DC listening to and introducing legislature for the bike community. This ranges from raising funds to promote bicycling to laws to protect bicyclists and pedestrians while on the road.
Oregon is the third most popular destination for bicycling tourism. We are well known in Europe for our diverse landscape and expansive trails.
Next up was Jonathan Nicholas writer for The Oregonian & Chairman, Cycle Oregon Board of Directors. Jonathan, a born Welshman, talked animatedly about the humble origins of Cycle Oregon and unexpected interest in bicycle touring. What started out as just a bike ride has grown more rapidly than anyone expected. He also spoke of the need to attract the teens and twenties to this activity. Most cyclists are in their 40’s & up.
Jay Graver owner of The Bike Gallery & Chairman of Cycle Oregon spoke about the increase of bike paths and bike commuters. The Bike trails will be connected from the Vernonia/Banks Linear trail to the Mt. Hood trail.
Scott Briker, Director of Policy & Education, Bicycle Transportation Alliance discussed the need for support in Salem to promote Biking as an alternative method of transportation. There is an incentive bill on the horizon for people who commute via bike. His speech made me want to break out the bike and dust it off. Then I thought about the hill I live on and decided I might want to walk it a few times first.
As the summit wound down to the final hours, one thing was very clear: bicycling has gained momentum in the tourism industry. Oregon is becoming one of the US top destinations for biking. We rate number #3. The continued focus will be on progression and diversity of trail experiences, and venues for events.
With the bike travelers using Highway 30 a popular route to the coast we have an opportunity to develop and welcome this facet of tourism. Grants for bike paths, trails and pedestrian improvement programs are available to those with a plan and the vision to see it through. Columbia County’s own Vernonia received a grant from Cycle Oregon to develop a bike skills park.
We hope to see more of Cycle Oregon in our county.
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Workers, Employers and Youth Need Your Support!!
The US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce recently released their annual Education Report Card and Oregon received an “F” in Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness. Why? According to the Report Card over 33% of our high school students who enter 9th Grade do not graduate!
“For the first time in generations, the nation’s children could face poorer prospects than their parents and grandparents did.” –The National Academies Report, 200666
Oregon ranks 46th in the nation for postsecondary credentials per 100 students and 49th for community college students returning for a second year. An estimated 480,000 Oregonians are at the lowest literacy level – nearly 14% of the population. Yet, 67% of new jobs require skills equal to those of someone with completed college course work. A shortage of skilled workers clearly puts Oregon at risk.
Oregon has not kept pace with the investments necessary to have an adequate pipeline of ready to work, skilled workers. Oregon is too reliant on dwindling federal investments in workforce development. Since the early 1970s federal investments have shrunk from $28 billion to approximately $4 billion today (in constant 2003 dollars) according to National Center for Education and the Economy.
It is time to focus on our State’s future, our competitiveness. Pass and Fund HB2206 (Skill Up Oregon) AND Fund Cluster Investment Initiatives!
The Oregon Workforce Partnership is composed of 162 business partners, 36 Locally elected officials, 33 Local and state economic development organizations, 31 Community-based organizations, 23 Labor union representatives, 21 School Districts and Education Service Districts, 17 Community colleges, 6 Tribes/Tribal organizations, 4 State Universities, and state/county public agencies. We need a state investment in workforce development NOW!
Since 1999 Oregon Workforce Partnership has worked hand in hand with our state’s leadership to provide workers and youth with 21st Century skills and keep Oregon’s businesses competitive in the global economy with great results. But without additional resources our ability to continue this work is at risk.
For more information contact Oregon Workforce Partnership at |
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Investment Results: • Over the last four years more than 25,000 Oregonians have had their skills upgraded resulting in better wages and increased productivity for Oregon’s businesses. • We have responded to emerging industry needs for skilled workers in high tech, manufacturing, alternative energy production, food processing, wood products and health care. • In the last two years over 6000 at-risk youth – the pipeline of our future workforce - received summer jobs, internships, and/or post-secondary and career opportunities. |
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St Helens Middle School
The St. Helens Middle School literary journal, Reflections, is proud to announce its fourth annual poetry reading and journal release party.
This free event celebrates the voices of young people by publishing their original poetry. The reading and reception will take place on Thursday, May 3 at 6:30PM in the middle school cafeteria. Food and refreshments will be provided, and the journal will be available for a modest donation.
Please come and support young writers in our community. Your presence sends a message that our students' voices are valued and important.
If you have any questions, please call or email Charles Sanderson.
Thank you for your support. We hope to see you on May 3.
Charles Sanderson |
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What Does the Chamber Do? From the Desk of Your CEO Small Business Marketing About the Chamber Update Ad Rates May Inserts to Download
Tourism Report SH Middle School Event Oregon Workforce Partnership Board of Directors & Staff
Membership News That’s New Classes at Honeyman Creek Farm New Members
May Community Events June Community Events Chamber Statistics Member to Member Discounts
Education Survey Results Chamber Events Chamber After Hours Ticor Title Ribbon Cutting Kiwanis Community Parade Fireworks Committee
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