Friday, October 21, 2022
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Remembering Frank Angelo
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our long-time leaders Frank Angelo who unexpectedly died on Oct. 10 at the age of 69.
Frank was active in WEA that included chairing the Transportation Committee for countless years. While he spent his career in the planning field, what he really did was make our community better for everyone. His philosophy inspired many: "hire somebody smarter than you and let them do their job."
Frank was described as “an eternally cheerful, clever and insightful professional and as someone who rarely missed a chance to attend a concert or music festival.”
WEA is a stronger and more involved regional partner because of his dedication. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and family. Services and full obituary here.
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MESO selected for Economic Opportunity Pilot Program
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) is among 10 Community Development Financial Institutions selected for the program, called Shared Success. The program will cover scaling small businesses, scaling financial intermediary strategies and strategies to advance job quality, equity and small business prosperity.
MESO was founded in 2005 under the umbrella of the Black United Fund of Oregon to assist Black-owned small businesses in N/NE Portland. Today, the organization provides business education, technical assistance and access to capital supporting historically underserved entrepreneurs in Oregon.
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PCC 2022 Education Bond
Portland Community College is proposing a $450 million renewal bond that includes funding job training opportunities, expanding technical education in Washington County, updating Rock Creek and Sylvania and providing more options for hybrid learning. The new bond issue is not projected to increase the tax rate above $0.40/$1,000.
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Metro’s Parks & Nature Levy Renewal |
Metro's renewal levy will continue to work to protect clean water, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and connect people with nature across over 18,000 acres of park, trails and natural areas in the greater Portland area. As it is a renewal, it will not raise taxes and will remain at the existing tax rate of 9.6 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. |
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Renew the Beaverton Teachers Levy |
The renewal levy ensures the Beaverton School District can maintain more than 280 teaching positions without raising the tax rate. Levy-funded teaching positions are allocated to every school in the district. Currently, 150 positions are allocated to Beaverton's elementary schools, 48 to middle schools, 68 to high schools and 20 to options schools. Renewing the local levy would keep the tax rate first approved by voters in 2013—$1.25 per $1,000 assessed value. |
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U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici headlines Oct. 27 Breakfast Forum
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Congresswoman Bonamici has been a champion for businesses, seniors, young people, women and more. Join us as she highlights the 2022 legislative session and looks ahead to 2023.
The Oct. 27 Breakfast Forum will be held at the Tigard Embassy Suites (9000 SW Washington Sq. Rd) from 7:00-9:30am Registration OPEN.
Thank you to our forum series sponsor, Legacy Health and our Membership Sponsor, NW Natural.
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WEA Member Opportunity: WEA Co-Sponsors Westside Multimodal Improvements Study Business Roundtable
Washington County is continuing to grow, adding people and jobs over the past several years with continued growth expected. The Westside Multimodal Improvement Study provides local, state and regional governments an opportunity to hear from businesses and the community and think big about how people and goods travel in and through the Westside Corridor today and over the next 20 years.
ODOT and Metro are convening a virtual roundtable on November 16, 9:00-11:00 am to understand transportation issues for businesses in the study area, especially those related to traffic and travel time for freight transport, commuters, and commercial traffic.
WEA members are invited to attend or send a representative from your business. Staff representing their business in government affairs, logistics, or human resources may be especially interested.
This Business Roundtable is Co-Sponsored by: Westside Economic Alliance, Beaverton Area Chamber, Greater Portland Inc. and Washington County Chamber.
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Committee & Board Meeting Schedule |
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Coming up Next Week
Wednesday, Oct. 26: Board Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 27, 7:30 - 9:00am: Congresswoman Bonamici at WEA Breakfast Forum. Register here.
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November
Tuesday Nov. 15, 3:30 - 5:00pm: Special Joint Committee Meeting, DLCD Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities Update
Thursday, Nov. 17, 7:30-9:00am: Regional Economic Forecast with Josh Lehner, State Economist & Brandon Schrader, Regional Labor Economist. Online only. FREE to WEA Member, Non-Members $10. Registration opens Friday, Oct. 28.
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December
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 1:00 - 5:00pm: Board Retreat
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 -7:00pm: Member Winter Reception. Details in Nov. 4 Newsletter.
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Member News - NEW FEATURE |
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We've launched a new section in the Newsletter to highlight member news and updates. If you have content to share, send it to Newsletter@WestsideAlliance.org.
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Portland General Electric customers continue to lead the country in choosing renewable energy! Its Green Future℠ program ranks #1 among any U.S. electric utility. PGE has received top ranking from The U.S. Dept. of Energy's National Renewable Laboratory for 13 years, as customers choose to support a clean energy future. Learn more here.
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October is National Community Planning Month and recognized by Washington County. The County's Land Use & Transportation department highlighted "the importance of good planning in our communities as we strive for prosperity, equity, balance and cohesiveness." Learn more.
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The City of Wilsonville is also looking for civic minded volunteers to serve. Apply by Oct. 30.
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The City of Forest Grove is accepting applications for advisory boards and commissions. Apply by Oct. 31
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Cyberattacks cost the U.S. economy billions and pose a threat to small businesses. Join the SBA Cyber Summit on Oct. 26 to learn how to adequately protect your digital systems.
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Celebrating a new business: Founder & winemaker Leigh Brown opens Lolati Wines in Sherwood.
Have a community event or news item you want to feature in the Newsletter?
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