Page B4
II’rJln rtIa n b (Dbsertier M E D W e e k
October 08. 2003
Woman Turns Hobby Into
Commercial Success
one thing; she did not want to fail.
"I was 40-years-old at the time,”
she recalls, “and had too many as
sets at stake. I really could not
afford to gamble my family's future
on something that would not work
A woven-wool market bag
out.”
with a flower accent is one of
But what started out as a hobby
the designs o f Carmen
There were no guarantees of of designing and sewing handbags
Handbags, a business that
success when Yolanda Chavez be has blossomed in ways that even
started as a hobby.
came an entrepreneur 15 years ago. the industrious Chavez never
But the Albuquerque, N.M. wife thought possible.
continued
on page H7
Her company. Carmen Hand-
and mother of two was certain of
Business pursuit
begins with call
to Small Business
Administration
;
Transit brings
opportunity.
photo by
M ark W ashincton /T he P ortland O bserver
UNFLAGGING DEDICATION
Troy Kyles wears florescent orange clothing in his job as a traffic control flagger. Kyles has been a
member for Local Laborer's Union 320 for 15 years. He has worked in the construction industry
for 20 years. He's currently flagging for Max J. Kuney Construction Co on the St. Johns bridge
project. He will begin teaching traffic control flagging at Portland Community College on Dec. 15.
For more information about becoming a certified flagger, call 503-260-0969.
Savannah’s Brings Island Experience
It’s very rare to encounter au
thentic Caribbean food so far from
the islands, but not at the new
Savannah’s Caribbean Restaurant
and Bar at 105N.W.ThirdSt.
Caribbean meals at Savannah’s
are characterized by a rich blend
ing o f African, French, Portu
guese, East Indian and Spanish
influences.
Savannah, which opened in
September, achieves this complex
flavor because o f family and cel
ebration recipes from Chef Ken
Harry, a native o f Trinidad.
The location, according to co
owner Jerry Peterson, provides a
romantic, classic and serene at
mosphere. The site is the former
location o f the local landmark
Couch Street Fish House.
“As far as this type o f food and
service, this will be something
people haven’t seen in Portland
before,” said Peterson. “Ifyou’ve
never been to the Caribbean, this
will give you insight into the is
land experience.”
Savannah is open Tuesdays
through Fridays for lunch and
dinner, and Saturdays fordinner.
For more information, call 503-
274-2510.
Building a Better Tomorrow Through...
TriMet gives minority workers and
minority-owned businesses opportunities to
gain experience and grow.
For the new Interstate MAX Yellow Line,TriMet
awarded over $25 m illion in construction contracts
to disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs).
And over 31% of the Interstate MAX Yellow Line
workforce have been women and minorities.
Vicqui Guevara (pictured above), owns Valley
To ensure equal opportunity fo r all citizens and to build
economic vitality, the City o f Portland and Multnomah
County are committed to promoting and supporting the
use o f regional diverse businesses.
Growers Nursery in Hubbard, Oregon.
She won the contract to triple the number of trees
along Interstate Avenue, beautifying the
We are honored to have this
special opportunity to recognize,
celebrate and helpfoster the numerous
valuable contributions made by
minority businesses in our region.
new light rail stations.
To learn about current TriMet bidding
opportunities, check the online e-bid system at
www.trimet.org/bidding/index.htm or call
LeAnne Brown at 503-962-2213.
CITY OF PORTLAND
Bureau of Purchases Loretta Young (503) 823-6850
www. port landon 1 ine/om f/purchasi ng
MULTNOM AH COUNTY
Hennan Brame: (503)988-5111 Ext. 24266
T R I© M E T
www.co.multnomah.or.us/contracts
See where it takes you.
E nvironmental S ervices
C ity of P ortland
Harvey Locket (503) 823-7892
www.cleanrivers-pdx.org
trimet.org
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