January 5, 2011 jdortlanb (Dbseruer Executive Builds on Leadership Role Named CEO of locally- owned New Seasons Market Lisa Sedlar has been pro- knowledgeable staff members moted to Chief Executive Of- whose dedication to taking care ficer of New Seasons Market, of our customers and each the locally owned and oper- other is inspiring. We are for- ated grocery store chain with tunate to live in a place where deep roots in the community, people care about how and Sedlar joined New Seasons where our food is grown. To- as president of the company in gether with our local farmers, 2005 and has since led daily fishers and ranchers, we are operations and been instru- strengthening our regional food mental in the develop­ ment of new stores and programs. “Lisa has done a fan­ tastic job in her role as president and her pro­ motion to CEO is an official acknow­ ledgement of the lead­ ership role she already plays in the company and the community,” said Brian Rohter, New Seasons chairman of the board. Sedlar is a formally trained chef and has worked in retail food markets for more than 20 years, starting as a grocery clerk and working as a depart­ ment manager, store chef, director of pur­ chasing and vice presi­ dent of sales and mar­ keting. _____ _ She joined New Sea- Lisa Sedlar has been Promoted to sons Market as Presi- Chief^ t i v e Officer for the locally- dent in 2005 and since N&W SeaS°nS Market then has led daily operations and been instrumental in the development ofnew stores and programs. Sedlar is deeply involved in the local community, serving on the boards of the Oregon Food Bank, the Sustainable Business Network of Portland and the Portland Public Mar- ket. She also serves on the business advisory committee of the Food Alliance and is a member of the Oregon Women’s Forum. “This is truly a labor of love for me, said Sedlar. “I am happy and honored to work with the friendliest and most economy for generations to come.” Rohter, the com pany’s former CEO, retired from his board position in January, . “He and our founders helped create a sustainable company that is a model for other busi- nesses. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked so closely with Brian and look forward to building on his vi- sion for creating a progressive workplace and supporting our local community.” said Sedlar. Founded by three Portland families, New Seasons Mar- ket has 10 locations across the Portland-metro area. Page 7 Dollars $ense — 10 financial resolutions for the New Year Each year, millions o f us make resolutions to change our lives in the coming year. Losing a few pounds and quitting smoking are some o f the most common New Year s resolutions. This year, how about making a pledge to improve your finances? According to the personal financial planning ex­ perts at the Oregon Society o f CPAs the most important aspect to improving your financial position is to have a plan and stick to it. Follow these steps to get started: you should save is approximately 10 percent; Ameri­ cans are currently hovering around 5.8 percent as a personal savings amount. To boost your savings rate, set up an automatic deduction from either your pay- check or checking account to a high yield savings account. 6. Max out your retirement options The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. If your employer offers 401 (k) matching, be sure to take 1. Create a budget advantage of this opportunity for free money. If you’ve A budget doesn ’ t have to be a complicated mathemati­ already maxed out your 401(k), consider a traditional cal calculation. Determine your income and expenses or Roth IRA. The maximum 401 (k) and IRA contribu­ for each month by reviewing your checkbook, bank tion limit in 2010 is $ 16,500 (pre-tax). If you are more statements, and receipts for the last year. Don’t forget than 50 years old, the maximum contribution is $22,000. that little things add up, so track what you spend in cash for 30 days. You 11 be able to see where your 7. Make a will No one likes to think about dying, but a will can ensure money is going and make the appropriate changes. that your assets will be divided according to your 2. Reduce your expenses wishes. You will want to make decisions about who Spending less is easier than earning more, so take should have your power of attorney in case you are advantage of every opportunity to save money. Clip incapacitated. Don’t let the government decide who coupons, buy off-season, and avoid impulse pur­ will care for your family or how your assets will be chases. Don’t forget that small changes add up. Sav­ allocated. This is also a good time to review your ing $2 a day at the vending machine puts $500 a year insurance coverage. back in your pocket. Where can you make other cuts? Take a look at your cell phone or cable/satellite TV 8. Donate bills. Bundle services for a lower monthly rate or cut Extend the season of giving all year round by contrib­ uting something from each paycheck to a charity you back on channels and features you don’t use. support. Giving helps focus on others and keeps 3. Create an emergency fund finances in perspective. Unplanned expenses happen. Whether it’s a trip to the emergency room, a car accident or a layoff at work, 9. Raise your tax IQ having an emergency fund can save you from borrow­ Probably the most important, but under-planned, fi­ ing money when the unexpected occurs. Experts sug­ nancial action for most people is related to taxes. gest setting aside three to six months of living ex­ Whether it is your paycheck withholding or taking advantage of the $3,000 a year capital loss provision, penses for when you need it most. you must plan year round for taxes. IRS.gov is a good 4. Pay down your debt starting point to maximize your refund. If the economic downturn caused you to be a little more reliant on paying with plastic, consider this: paying off 10. Educate yourself a credit card charging 17 percent annual interest is Financial literacy equals financial freedom. The Ameri­ equivalent to investing money with a before-tax, guar­ can Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ 360 De­ anteed return of almost 20 percent. Use your cash for grees of Financial Literacy website will help you make more worthwhile purposes than paying the credit card sound financial decisions in every stage of your life. company. Resolve today to make decisions that will improve 5. Save more your financial strength in 2011, and you’ll be on your A benchmark for how much of your personal income way to achieving your goals. U U M I I U 19« i l IN V M M H f NTMIT M IT iM t M T TOMORROW City ol Portland B uftau of Planning and Sustainability Sam Adams. M ayor Susan A n d »'» »« , o ry