North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce

Joseph Kaufmann, a business attorney in Gladstone, has a special affinity for a particular non-profit in our community:  the National Alliance on Mental  Illness of Clackamas County. Having had personal experience though a family member, Joe knows how important this organization is for helping individuals and families who often have difficulty negotiating through the “traditional” system for services and support. NAMI’s mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals with mental health disorders and their loved ones through education, support, and advocacy.

Joe has been on the Board of the local Clackamas County affiliate (www.nami-org/sites/NAMI-ClackamasCounty) for almost a year. He felt strongly that they needed a louder voice in our community, but their limited budget was prohibitive. Joe felt so compelled by the need and his passion for the organization that he paid for their membership into the Chamber. This was a “win-win” for Joe and NAMI:  Joe got an additional tax deduction and NAMI now has additional exposure through the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce. Their first event was our Non-Profit Showcase in December.

If you have personal experience with a Non-Profit that is seeking more exposure in our community, this is a great way to make a contribution! We’d be happy to facilitate. Just call us at 503-654-7777 and we’ll walk you through the steps.

Thanks, Joe, for bringing NAMI into the Chamber. We look forward sharing their story. (Watch for more about the NAMIWalk scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012. Another Chamber Member, Dave Dahl, founder of Dave’s Killer Bread, is the honorary walk chair this year. For more information, to join or form a team or sponsor the walk, contact NAMI-CC at 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmai.com.) And please be sure to join us as NAMI hosts our ABC event on April 20th at Providence Milwaukie.

Tread Carefully at Shows and Expos

Consumers seeking high-tech gadgets, specialty products and remodeling services at tradeshows and expositions should walk with caution to avoid tripping on bad buys.

“Tradeshows are a valuable tool for buyers and sellers,” says Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “But consumers should recognize that exhibitors are there primarily to attract potential customers. Shoppers should avoid high-pressure sales stunts, dicey drawings and post-purchase problems.”

Tradeshows and expos offer an ideal venue for gathering ideas and networking with businesses, but BBB reminds attendees to exhibit care at local events:

Work out a plan. Visit the show’s website in advance to learn the layout of the venue, locate appealing vendors and check for coupons or discounts. Research sellers on bbb.org; or at the show, use BBB’s iPhone app to check out companies.

Apply sparingly. Before signing up for drawings, contests or services, find out how contact information will be used and carefully review privacy policies. Beware: Direct mail, email offers and telemarketing phone calls may increase. Some consumers create email addresses specifically for tradeshow correspondence.

Learn the facts. Interact with booth owners and ask questions; if interested, collect pamphlets, brochures, business cards and samples. Make sure pricing, return policies and full contact details are listed.

Know the goal. If casually perusing, determine that early to avoid excessive impulse spending. If searching for specific businesses or products, come prepared with clear objectives and budgets. Pay for expensive merchandise with credit cards; monitor accounts in case unauthorized charges need to be contested.

Remember, do not feel pressured to buy expensive items or services right away, as returns and refunds can be challenging. Save receipts and other purchase paperwork. Review the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule to see which purchases may be protected.

For more advice on tradeshows, expos and fairs, visit bbb.org.

8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22 until 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 27

A portion of Highway 213 south of the I-205 interchange (Exit 10) will be closed to all traffic beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22^nd. The highway will reopen to traffic no later than 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27^th. During the 4-day/5-night closure, a City of Oregon City contractor will work around the clock to install a new bridge on Highway 213 using an innovative rapid bridge construction process. The new bridge is a key part of a City of Oregon City and ODOT project that is designed to improve safety and the flow of traffic on the congested stretch of highway near the I-205 interchange.

Heavy traffic congestion and long delays are likely in and around Oregon City during the temporary closure. To prevent gridlock, motorists who would typically drive through Oregon City on their way to another destination are advised to plan a different route. Signs will direct motorists on I-205 to detour to Exit 9 (99E/McLoughlin Blvd) and travel through downtown Oregon City to access southbound Highway 213. However, for those traveling to and from points south of Oregon City, rerouting to I-5 may be the quickest way to go.

By installing the new bridge during a full highway closure, major traffic interruptions associated with the nearly two-year construction project are limited to a period of four days. The rapid bridge construction process also shortens the total duration of project construction by approximately six months. The alternative bridge construction method would have involved daily closures of at least two travel lanes on Highway 213. This would have resulted in lengthy traffic backups every day for more than a year.

For additional information about the temporary closure and maps showing suggested alternate routes, click for a flyer, fact sheet, or visit their website.

A mixed media piece, “Undercurrents,” by artist Helen White

“Recent Grads” is a group exhibition that features the work of seven talented bachelor of fine arts graduates from Marylhurst University, the Pacific Northwest College of Art and Portland State University.  The show opens in Clackamas Community College’s Alexander Gallery on March 1 and runs through March 23.

The artists selected for the group exhibition were chosen by faculty recommendation as superior examples of their institutions.  The “Recent Grads” exhibit features the work of Deanna Bredthauer, Anthony Roberto, Stephanie Drachman, Crystal Hall, Helen White, Rob Mckirdie and Stuart Mayer. These artists explore a variety of media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking and mixed media assemblage. Their subject matter is diverse, spanning ideas concerning technology and repurposing to methodical explorations of material.

An artists’ reception for “Recent Grads” will be held on March 6 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The Alexander Gallery is located in the Niemeyer Center at Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and during special events.

For more information, please contact Kate Simmons at 503-594-3034.

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Editor’s note: A mixed media piece, “Undercurrents,” by artist Helen White is attached.

The Clackamas Repertory Theatre begins its third play-reading series, Sundays at Three, on March 18 with “The Golden State,” a 21^st century reinvention of Moliere’s classic comedy “The Miser.” Three play readings are scheduled for the Sundays at Three series that continues through June 3.

The Clackamas Repertory Theatre (CRT) presents professional theatrical productions in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College. The company features CCC graduates pursuing professional careers in theater, as well as local actors. The play-reading series, Sundays at Three, presents work by contemporary American playwrights. The readings are at 3 p.m. in the Osterman Theatre, followed with talk backs with the actors and director. Here is the 2012 Sundays at Three line-up:

• March 18: “The Golden State” by Lauren Wilson, directed by Ernie Casciato and featuring Vana O’Brien as Gertrude Hopper.
• April 22: “Cornelia” by Mark V. Olsen, directed by Doren Elias.
• June 3: “Tigers Be Still” by Kim Rosenstock, directed by Cyndy Smith-English

Tickets are $6 each or $15 for all three readings. Tickets are available online or at the box office in the Niemeyer Center. For more information call 503-594-6047.

Clackamas Repertory Theatre returns for its eighth season, featuring two classics and a brand new comedy. The new season was announced during the theater company’s fundraiser in early February.

"The Odd Couple"

The 2012 season begins June 29 with Neil Simon’s classic comedy “The Odd Couple,” featuring two Portland favorites Tim True and Michael O’Connell as Oscar and Felix. CRT artistic director David Smith-English directs Simon’s hysterical comedy about a slovenly, cigar-smoking sportswriter and a depressed, neurotic clean-freak who try to live together after their wives have dumped them. This comedy is as fresh today as when it debuted in 1965. “The Odd Couple” runs through July 22.

Portland newcomer Chantal DeGroat takes on the role of the irrepressible Sally Bowles when “Cabaret” opens Aug. 4, and continues through Aug. 26. James Sharinghousen plays the emcee, and Portland pro Sharonlee McLean performs as Fräulein Schneider. The same artistic team that created the CRT hits “Oklahoma!” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” returns for “Cabaret.”  Director Smith-English, choreographer Wes Hanson, conductor Rick Modlin, CRT technical director Chris Whitten and costumer Alva Bradford recreate the decadent Kit Kat Klub, where a charming, soulless emcee makes light of everything and everyone, allowing guests to forget the terrors lurking outside.

“End Days” a new comedy by Deborah Zoe Laufer, concludes the season. “End Days” opens Sept. 21 and continues through Oct. 7. Sixteen-year-old Rachel Stein and her family are struggling to cope in a traumatic post 9/11 world. Her mother has begun a close, personal relationship with Jesus; her father spends his days in his pajamas; and Rachel has become a disaffected, Stephen Hawking-worshipping Goth. Her new neighbor Nelson, an awkward Elvis-devoted teen, is smitten and tries to reunite the family with his goofy charm and eternal optimism. The Miami Herald called it “…a rapturously funny play about a family trying to survive in a world hurtling toward Armageddon.” Annie Rimmer, who directed last season’s popular comedy “For Better,” returns for “End Days,” which features Jayson Shanafelt as both Jesus and Stephen Hawking.

CRT performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. All performances are in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College. Tickets may be purchased at www.clackamasrep.org or by calling 503-594-6047.

For more information, contact CRT managing director Cyndy Smith-English at 503-594-3915.

Editor’s note: A photo of Tim True and Michael O’Connell of “The Odd Couple” is attached.

The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Reps. Patrick Sheehan (R-Clackamas) and Matt Wand (R-Troutdale) to facilitate job-creating development within designated urban areas of the Metro region.

HB 4090 allows an owner of property that’s located within an urban growth boundary to secure access to infrastructure services if the owner pays all the costs and is willing to be annexed by the service provider.  The bill’s sponsors say the bill helps property owners seeking to develop land but can’t connect to services because of various bureaucratic and political barriers.

“This bill offers a common sense fix that will create hundreds of new jobs within Metro’s urban growth boundary,” Rep. Sheehan said.  “It helps property owners seeking to develop land that’s adjacent to infrastructure service providers, but can’t access the services because it’s landlocked between various and competing local governments, special districts and planning zones. HB 4090 is consistent with land use planning that ensures growth is planned, land is used as intended, and jobs are created.”

Rep. Wand said legislative action is necessary when land use planning is inconsistent, and the patchwork of jurisdictions and regulations serve as a barrier to economic development and job creation.

“The Metro area has a comprehensive land use system that is complicated and expensive,” Rep. Wand said.  “If our urban land use planning is not meaningful, and if we have barriers that are preventing areas that are properly zoned to be developed, then we should pass measures such as this to ensure the system works and tax dollars are spent as intended.”

HB 4090 now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.

If new amendments to Milwaukie’s Zoning Code are passed by the Planning Commission and Council more neighborhood amenities such as dentists, insurance offices and similar uses may be seen in low density residential areas.

The Chamber Board of Directors supported, by vote, the proposal to permit offices as conditional uses in certain neighborhoods and with maximum square footage. The proposal, which is working its way through the Planning Commission and then Council, will include only arterial streets as identified in the Transportation System Plan, such as King Road, Lake Road, Linwood and few others. The maximum square footage permitted under the conditional use would be 2,000 square feet, unless the Planning Commission approves a larger space in an existing building.

The Chamber’s support message to the Planning Commission focuses on the opportunities the conditional use amendments would make for both existing and new businesses along those areas. It is expected this would provide a path for formalizing existing office uses that may not meet the strict definition “home occupations”. This could result in the conversion of some house to office and personal service business use.

Clackamas Community College’s (CCC) Theatre Arts Department presents the Tony Award-Winning play “The Crucible,” written by Arthur Miller and directed by David Smith-English, beginning March 1 in CCC’s Osterman Theater. Performances of the Winter Term Mainstage production continue through March 11.

This classic American drama takes place in Salem, Mass., in 1692 during the dark period of the Salem witch trials. Miller’s story was inspired by the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s. “The Crucible” was first performed at the Martin Beck Theater on Broadway in 1953 and won the 1953 “Best Play” Tony award.

Shows are scheduled March 1-11, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. in the Osterman Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors.

For ticket information and reservations visit http://www.TheatreCCC.org or call 503-594-3153.