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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (March 3, 2011)
The INDEPENDENT, March 3, 2011 Page 5 Free market research workshops Web-based tools for business-friendly resources Governor John Kitzhaber un- cal area regarding their busi- list of organizations at the local, set for Columbia Co. businesses veiled Oregon Advantage on ness needs. regional, state and federal level The Columbia County Eco- nomic Team is partnering with the Oregon MicroEnterprise Network to provide free market research services to Columbia County’s small businesses. The program, called MarketLink, is funded by a grant from the Small Business Administration and is targeted to businesses with one to five employees. The program is designed to provide information to local businesses regarding: • Local and national trends impacting their businesses, and competitive data and analysis relevant to their business. • Data on market size, distri- bution channels and opportuni- ty for different industries. • Strategies for developing new business through sales lead identification and targeting new markets. To help launch the new pro- gram, both the South Columbia County and Clatskanie Cham- bers of Commerce will host a one-and-a-half-hour workshop. Ryan McLaughlin from the Ore- gon MicroEnterprise Network will lead an interactive discus- sion to help businesses under- stand their customers, learn from their competition and de- velop a community-oriented marketing plan to grow rev- enue. At the workshop, Mr. Economy remains in slow growth From page 4 billion, which is a very slight increase of $3.3 million over the previous forecast in December. Still, general fund revenues for 2009-11 will end up about $1.1 billion below the “Close of Ses- sion” forecast issued as the leg- islature adjourned in 2009. “The prolonged plunge in personal income taxes, particu- larly those related to nonwage forms of income, accounts for most of the decrease,” Po- tiowsky told the legislature in his report. Corporate profits have risen rapidly throughout much of the current biennium, as have the tax collections associated with the rise, Potiowsky noted. The projected total revenue from corporate income taxes for the biennium is $9.7 million above the Close of Session forecast, See Housing on page 18 McLaughlin will also explain how qualifying business own- ers can apply to receive free and confidential customized re- search through the MarketLink Program. The South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will host a morning workshop in St. Helens on Tuesday, March 15, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Best Western Oak Meadows Inn (585 S Columbia River Hwy, Saint Helens). The Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce will host an evening workshop on Tuesday, March 15, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Clatskanie River Inn (600 E Co- lumbia River Hwy., Clatskanie). “We are excited to be part- nering with Oregon MicroEnter- prise Network to bring this addi- tional resource to help Colum- bia County’s small businesses reach more customers, and en- courage all interested business owners to attend one of the workshops on March 15,” said David Stocker, CEO, Columbia County Economic Team. February 24, a web-based re- source to help new and existing business owners grow their companies and create jobs in Oregon. The new web site pro- vides direct access to financial and development services. The “Oregon Advantage” web portal – accessible from the Governor’s web site – illus- trates the numerous competi- tive advantages Oregon offers companies worldwide. The website houses a comprehen- sive list of business-friendly re- sources available at various levels of government, and of- fers a way for businesses to connect with experts in their lo- — CORRECTION — The headline on the Con- gressional Medal of Honor Foundation article (The Inde- pendent, page 5, Feb. 17, 2011) should have emphasized Citizen Service Before Self Honors. The Independent apologizes for any resulting confusion. “We know Oregon is open for business,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “Oregon Advantage now lets the rest of the world know as well. These resources allow new and existing Oregon companies to get to work quick- ly and efficiently, providing jobs across the state.” The streamlined web re- sources are hosted by Busi- ness Oregon, the state’s Busi- ness Development Depart- ment, at www.oregon4biz.com, and are also accessible through the Governor’s web site at governor.oregon.gov. New and updated content in- cludes: • The Oregon Advantage: a web portal communicating criti- cal information about Oregon’s competitive business environ- ment, linked to a searchable database of available certified industrial properties, and an in- take form where site selectors can directly communicate with Oregon’s national recruitment manager. • More Business Support: A that offer economic develop- ment resources to Oregon companies. • Grow Your Business: Addi- tional updated content is avail- able in this section that commu- nicates the services and tools available from Business Ore- gon to help existing Oregon companies grow their business here in Oregon. For existing companies, these web-based resources make it easier to see what tools are available to help them grow. For site selectors looking for ideal business location, it pro- vides a single location to get all the information they need. “We have a one-stop shop where site selectors from around the world can quickly see why Oregon is a great place to do business,” said Business Oregon Director Tim McCabe. “While the bulk of our efforts are focused on helping existing Oregon companies grow their businesses, we also want new companies to move here and employ Oregonians.