The 7 principles of public speaking
By Richard Zeoli
We turn on the television and see certain people speaking before major crowds or handling an experienced reporter with finesse and it looks so effortless. But are great speakers made, or are they just born that way? Are they born with a gift that most of us will just never have, or is there something more to it? I have seen major political candidates up close and personal, watched prominent CEOs interviewed on national television, and known of television personalities who experience anxiety before public speaking. I have learned that even the people we think are naturally accomplished public speakers often undergo significant training. While it is true that some individuals are definitely born with a gift, the overwhelming majority of people are effective speakers because they train themselves to be so. Either they have pursued structured public speaking education or coaching or they have had the opportunity to stand on their feet and deliver speeches on many occasion and have developed theses 7 pubic speaking principles over time:
Principle #1 Perception: Stop trying to be a great public speaker.
The best way to truly connect with an audience is by first understanding that people want to listen to someone who is interesting, relaxed, and comfortable. In the routine conversations we have every day, we have no problem being ourselves. Yet too often, when we stand up to give a speech, something changes. We focus on the “public” at the expense of the “speaking.” In order to become an effective public speaker, you must do just the opposite – focus on the speaking and let go of the “public.” Begin by having a conversation. If you can carry on a relaxed conversation with one or two people, you can give a great speech. Whether your audience consists of two people or two thousand and whether you’re talking about the latest medical breakthrough or what you did today at work, it’s never about turning into someone you’re not – it’s all about talking directly to people, being your authentic self, and making a connection.
Principle #2 Perfection: When you make a mistake, no one cares but you.
Even the most accomplished public speaker will make mistakes. Yet it is important to remember that the only one who cares about any given mistake is the one doing the speaking.
People’s attention spans constantly wander. In fact, most people only absorb about 20 percent of a speaker’s message. The other 80 percent is internalized visually. This ratio is true in nearly everything: a football game, a favorite television show, and even a heart-to-heart conversation. The point is that when you make a mistake, the audience rarely even notices. The most important thing a speaker can do after making a mistake is to keep going. Don’t stop and – unless the mistake was truly earth shattering – never apologize to the audience for a minor slip. Unless they are reading the speech during your delivery, the audience won’t know if you left out a word, said the wrong name, or skipped a page.
Whether you are the president of the United States or a public speaking coach like me, you will inevitably make mistakes. It’s part of being human. And this humanity is what makes us great public speakers in the end, because it enables us to connect with our audience. As members of an audience, we don’t want to hear perfection; we want to hear from someone who is real.
Principle #3 Visualization: If you can see it, you can speak it.
All great winners in life something thing in common: they practice visualization to achieve their goals. Sales people envision themselves closing the deal; executives picture themselves developing new ventures; athletes close their eyes and imagine themselves making that basket, hitting that homerun, or breaking that record. The same is true in public speaking. The best way to fight anxiety and become a more comfortable speaker is to practice in the one place where no one else can see you, your mind. If you visualize on a consistent basis, your mind will become used to the prospect of speaking in public, and pretty soon you’ll find that the idea no longer elicits those same feelings of anxiety and fear.
Principle #4 Discipline: Practice makes perfect good.
Our goal is not to be a perfect public speaker. There is no such thing. Our goal is to be an effective public speaker. And like anything else in life, that takes practice. Often we take communication for granted because we speak to people everyday. But when our prosperity is directly linked to how good we are in front a group, we need to give the task the same attention as if we were professional athletes. Remember, even world champion athletes practice their craft on a consistent basis.
Principle # 5 Description: Make it personal.
Regardless of the topic, audiences respond best when speakers personalize their communication. Take every opportunity to put a face on the facts of your presentation. It’s a basic fact of human nature that people like to hear about other people, about the triumphs, tragedies, and everyday humorous anecdotes that make up their lives. Capitalize on this.
Whenever possible, insert a personal-interest element in your public speaking. Not only will it make your listeners warm up to you, but it will also do wonders at putting you at ease. After all, on what subject is your expertise greater than on the subject of YOU?
Principle # 6 Inspiration: Speak to serve.
For a twist that is sure to take much of the fear out of public speaking, I like to recommend that you take the focus off of yourself and shift it to your audience. After all, when you think about it, the objective of most speeches is not to benefit the speaker but to benefit the audience, and in all likelihood, the purpose of your presentation is in some way to help your audience - through teaching, motivation, or entertainment. So in all of your preparation and presentation, constantly think of how you can help your audience members achieve their goals. By doing this, in reality your role as speaker becomes a role of service to the needs of your audience.
Principle # 7 Anticipation: Always leave your audience wanting more.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in my years in communications is that when it comes to public speaking, less is usually more. Rarely if ever have I left a gathering and heard someone say, “I wish that speaker had spoken longer.” On the other hand, I imagine that you probably can’t count the times that you’ve thought, “I’m glad that speech is over. It seemed to go on forever!”
So surprise your audience. Always make your presentation just a bit shorter than anticipated. If you’ve followed the first six principles you already have their attention and interest, and it’s better to leave your listeners wishing you had spoken for just a few more minutes than squirming in their seats waiting for your speech finally to end.
Richard Zeoli, author of the 7 Principles of Public Speaking, is the founder and president of RZC Impact, a pioneering communications firm specializing in executive-level communication coaching and strategic messaging. He has offered communications, political, and current events commentary as a frequent guest on national television and radio including. Zeoli is also a Visiting Associate at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
The 7 Principles of Public Speaking is available nationwide at select Barnes and Noble stores as well as on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.
Friday, May 29, 2009
County seeks volunteers to serve as Civil Service Commissioners
Vancouver, WA - The Board of Clark County Commissioners is seeking two volunteers to serve as Civil Service Commissioners. Their job will be to oversee certain employment and personnel matters for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to RCW 41.14.
The primary focus of the Civil Service Commission is to ensure that pre-employment testing and hiring decisions are conducted in a fair, valid and non-discriminatory manner. The commission may also preside over appeals involving employee discipline.
Civil Service Commissioners are volunteers appointed by the Board to serve six-year terms. These are “at-large” positions open to all county residents. Currently the commission has three members. Due to recent legislation, the number of commissioners has increased to five with a quorum of three.
Candidates for the two commissioner positions must be U.S. citizens, Clark County registered voters and have lived in Clark County for at least two years. The desired candidates will display a strong interest and ability to balance the interests of job applicants, employees, and the Sheriff to assure effective law enforcement services for the citizens of Clark County. Education and experience in personnel administration will be highly valuable in this role.
This volunteer opportunity will begin August, 2009, and will require approximately two to four hours per month, usually during the work day. The Civil Service Commission meets monthly or more often, as needed.
All interested parties should respond in writing to the Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington, 98666-5000. The deadline is July 10, 2009.
The Board will also accept applications by fax at (360) 397-6058 or by e-mail to jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov.
The primary focus of the Civil Service Commission is to ensure that pre-employment testing and hiring decisions are conducted in a fair, valid and non-discriminatory manner. The commission may also preside over appeals involving employee discipline.
Civil Service Commissioners are volunteers appointed by the Board to serve six-year terms. These are “at-large” positions open to all county residents. Currently the commission has three members. Due to recent legislation, the number of commissioners has increased to five with a quorum of three.
Candidates for the two commissioner positions must be U.S. citizens, Clark County registered voters and have lived in Clark County for at least two years. The desired candidates will display a strong interest and ability to balance the interests of job applicants, employees, and the Sheriff to assure effective law enforcement services for the citizens of Clark County. Education and experience in personnel administration will be highly valuable in this role.
This volunteer opportunity will begin August, 2009, and will require approximately two to four hours per month, usually during the work day. The Civil Service Commission meets monthly or more often, as needed.
All interested parties should respond in writing to the Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington, 98666-5000. The deadline is July 10, 2009.
The Board will also accept applications by fax at (360) 397-6058 or by e-mail to jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov.
Pearson Air Museum’s Open Cockpit Day on May 30 allows visitors to sit in cockpit; Free airplane rides for kids ages 8 to 17 WHAT: 4th Annual Op
Pearson Air Museum’s Open Cockpit Day on May 30 allows visitors to sit in cockpit;
Free airplane rides for kids ages 8 to 17
WHAT: 4th Annual Open Cockpit Day
WHERE: Pearson Air Museum
ADDRESS: 1115 East 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
WHEN: Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DETAILS: Open Cockpit Day is the one day a year visitors can settle into the cockpit of some of Pearson’s vintage aircraft and see the planes from the pilot’s perspective. Weather permitting, the pilots of EAA Chapter 105 will give free airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17 on a first come, first served basis. A parent or legal guardian must be present.
COST: Regular museum admission applies: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, active military with ID, and students ages 6 to 17. Children age 5 and under are free.
PHONE: 360-694-7026
WEB SITE: www.pearsonairmuseum.org
WHAT: 4th Annual Open Cockpit Day
WHERE: Pearson Air Museum
ADDRESS: 1115 East 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
WHEN: Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DETAILS: Open Cockpit Day is the one day a year visitors can settle into the cockpit of some of Pearson’s vintage aircraft and see the planes from the pilot’s perspective. Weather permitting, the pilots of EAA Chapter 105 will give free airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17 on a first come, first served basis. A parent or legal guardian must be present.
COST: Regular museum admission applies: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, active military with ID, and students ages 6 to 17. Children age 5 and under are free.
PHONE: 360-694-7026
WEB SITE: www.pearsonairmuseum.org
Free airplane rides for kids ages 8 to 17
WHAT: 4th Annual Open Cockpit Day
WHERE: Pearson Air Museum
ADDRESS: 1115 East 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
WHEN: Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DETAILS: Open Cockpit Day is the one day a year visitors can settle into the cockpit of some of Pearson’s vintage aircraft and see the planes from the pilot’s perspective. Weather permitting, the pilots of EAA Chapter 105 will give free airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17 on a first come, first served basis. A parent or legal guardian must be present.
COST: Regular museum admission applies: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, active military with ID, and students ages 6 to 17. Children age 5 and under are free.
PHONE: 360-694-7026
WEB SITE: www.pearsonairmuseum.org
WHAT: 4th Annual Open Cockpit Day
WHERE: Pearson Air Museum
ADDRESS: 1115 East 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
WHEN: Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DETAILS: Open Cockpit Day is the one day a year visitors can settle into the cockpit of some of Pearson’s vintage aircraft and see the planes from the pilot’s perspective. Weather permitting, the pilots of EAA Chapter 105 will give free airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17 on a first come, first served basis. A parent or legal guardian must be present.
COST: Regular museum admission applies: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, active military with ID, and students ages 6 to 17. Children age 5 and under are free.
PHONE: 360-694-7026
WEB SITE: www.pearsonairmuseum.org
Fine Homes Group to Hold Open House Event May 31 Come see what SW Washington has to offer!
Vancouver, May 18. The Vancouver Fine Homes Group will hold its first annual open house event on Sunday, May 31, between 12 noon and 5 p.m.
Over 30 of Southwest Washington’s finest addresses will be held open by real estate agents on Sunday afternoon, May 31. Participants may register for door prizes, discount coupons, and special drawings at the individual homes. A complete listing of homes participating in this event, along with maps, may be found at the group’s website, www.vancouverfinehomes.org.
Many different types of luxury homes will be held open, from luxury condominiums, waterfront homes, homes on acreage, to gated estates, for event participants to visit. These homes combine prime locations with unsurpassed quality, where the many luxurious details have been created for gracious living.
The Vancouver Fine Homes Group consists of real estate agents from the major real estate companies in Clark County and was formed several years ago, for agents to work together, providing the highest in professional standards and performance, to assist their clients in the purchasing and marketing of luxury homes.
Over 30 of Southwest Washington’s finest addresses will be held open by real estate agents on Sunday afternoon, May 31. Participants may register for door prizes, discount coupons, and special drawings at the individual homes. A complete listing of homes participating in this event, along with maps, may be found at the group’s website, www.vancouverfinehomes.org.
Many different types of luxury homes will be held open, from luxury condominiums, waterfront homes, homes on acreage, to gated estates, for event participants to visit. These homes combine prime locations with unsurpassed quality, where the many luxurious details have been created for gracious living.
The Vancouver Fine Homes Group consists of real estate agents from the major real estate companies in Clark County and was formed several years ago, for agents to work together, providing the highest in professional standards and performance, to assist their clients in the purchasing and marketing of luxury homes.
Families urged to enroll children for free or low-cost health care
Vancouver, WA— Although hundreds of Clark County families have recently obtained free or low-cost health insurance for children through the State of Washington’s Apple Health for Kids program, thousands of children in the county remain uninsured.
“Many families are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance but don’t know it,” said Dolly England, health access coordinator at Clark County Public Health. “This program streamlines the application process for parents and is a great way to ensure essential services for raising healthy children.”
Parents of uninsured children are encouraged to attend an enrollment event at the annual Fire District 6 open house at 8800 NE Hazel Dell Ave. in Hazel Dell on Saturday, June 6, from noon to 4 p.m.
Children can qualify for low-cost or free state medical coverage if their families have an annual income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $66,000 for a family of four, $55,000 for a family of three and $44,000 for a family of two.
To enroll, families are asked to bring proof of income (pay stubs for the last month or letters from employers) and proof of children’s identity or citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport). Children without papers may also be enrolled. To enroll online, or for more information on insurance eligibility or other community services, visit www.parenthelp123.org. For general information, call Clark County Public Health at 397-8000 ext. 7308.
“Many families are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance but don’t know it,” said Dolly England, health access coordinator at Clark County Public Health. “This program streamlines the application process for parents and is a great way to ensure essential services for raising healthy children.”
Parents of uninsured children are encouraged to attend an enrollment event at the annual Fire District 6 open house at 8800 NE Hazel Dell Ave. in Hazel Dell on Saturday, June 6, from noon to 4 p.m.
Children can qualify for low-cost or free state medical coverage if their families have an annual income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $66,000 for a family of four, $55,000 for a family of three and $44,000 for a family of two.
To enroll, families are asked to bring proof of income (pay stubs for the last month or letters from employers) and proof of children’s identity or citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport). Children without papers may also be enrolled. To enroll online, or for more information on insurance eligibility or other community services, visit www.parenthelp123.org. For general information, call Clark County Public Health at 397-8000 ext. 7308.
City of Battle Ground Receives Well City Honor
The City of Battle Ground has been notified it will be recognized by the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) at its annual conference in June with the AWC WellCity Award of Excellence, for its outstanding worksite wellness program.
The AWC WellCity Award recognizes cities and towns that demonstrate best practices in employee health promotion. An AWC WellCity must meet the minimum criteria in each of nine WellCity standards; policies and procedures, leadership support, wellness committee, internal and external resources, needs assessment, worksite environment, operating plan, mix of program activities and evaluation.
City Manager Dennis Osborn recognized the City’s Wellness Committee and co-chairs Claire Lider and Tamara Gunter for their work in organizing and promoting a successful wellness program for employees, “Well designed wellness programs help reduce employee health risks and health care costs. Our employees who participate in the programs have been successful in reducing health risk factors which leads to a reduction in cost.”
Other benefits of the employee wellness program include improved morale, increased productivity and reduced use of sick leave, compensation claims and health care utilization and costs.
For more information about the City of Battle Ground or its Wellness Program, please call 360-342-5004.
The AWC WellCity Award recognizes cities and towns that demonstrate best practices in employee health promotion. An AWC WellCity must meet the minimum criteria in each of nine WellCity standards; policies and procedures, leadership support, wellness committee, internal and external resources, needs assessment, worksite environment, operating plan, mix of program activities and evaluation.
City Manager Dennis Osborn recognized the City’s Wellness Committee and co-chairs Claire Lider and Tamara Gunter for their work in organizing and promoting a successful wellness program for employees, “Well designed wellness programs help reduce employee health risks and health care costs. Our employees who participate in the programs have been successful in reducing health risk factors which leads to a reduction in cost.”
Other benefits of the employee wellness program include improved morale, increased productivity and reduced use of sick leave, compensation claims and health care utilization and costs.
For more information about the City of Battle Ground or its Wellness Program, please call 360-342-5004.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance Prepared to Help Washington Workers Hurt by Recession
SPOKANE, Wash., May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The "Help is Here Express" bus tour will be stopping in Washington throughout the week of June 1st - 5th at various cities in order to help uninsured and financially-struggling Washingtonians access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. With the state's unemployment rate now hitting 9.1 percent - and having steadily risen for two years - the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) bus tour is raising awareness of patient assistance programs among state residents who face layoffs and loss of health care benefits.
The PPA, a nationwide effort sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies, provides a single point of access to more than 475 patient assistance programs that help those who are uninsured or struggling financially. Nearly 200 of the programs are provided by pharmaceutical companies.
The "Help Is Here Express" bus will be at the following Washington locations:
Monday, June 1, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Northeast Community Center
4001 N. Cook
Spokane, WA
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Miramar Health Center
1608 N. Road 44
Pasco, WA
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Valley Vista Medical Group
820 Memorial Street, Suite 1
Prosser, WA
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
602 East Nob Hill Blvd
Yakima, WA
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Community Health Center of Snohomish County
112th Street Clinic
1019 112th Street SE
Everett, WA
Thursday, June 4, 2009
9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Sea Mar Community Health Care
1040 S. Henderson
Seattle, WA
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sea Mar Olympia
3030 Limited Lane NW
Olympia, WA
Friday, June 5, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Cowlitz Family Health Center
1057 12th Avenue
Longview, WA
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Washington Medical Center
400 N.E. Mother Joseph Place
Vancouver, WA
"The PPA, so far, has helped well over 187,000 Washingtonians find out if they may qualify for free or discounted medicines and as we move forward into 2009, the assistance is still available," said PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin. "That's good news for the citizens of Washington, where there are more than 300,000 people out of work."
Patients who qualify for help from the PPA's participating patient assistance programs have access to more than 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription medicines. In addition, the PPA provides information on more than 10,000 free health care clinics in America and has connected more than 277,000 patients with clinics and health care providers in their communities.
Patients seeking help from PPA can call a toll-free number (1-888-4-PPA-NOW) to talk to a trained operator or access the PPA Web site (www.pparx.org). It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to find out if someone may qualify for free or discounted medications.
To help spread the word about the assistance available, the PPA's "Help Is Here Express" buses continue to visit communities all over the country with trained specialists on board to provide information on how to access patient assistance programs. All 50 states and more than 2,500 towns and cities have been visited so far, and more than 5.7 million patients have been helped nationwide since the PPA began in April 2005.
"At a time when national unemployment is the highest in almost two decades, the PPA has become an important lifeline for a growing number of patients," PhRMA's Tauzin said. "Millions of Americans have been added to the jobless rolls over the last several months and there could be a sharp increase in the number of our citizens losing health care benefits."
"PPA is currently helping thousands of people every day," Tauzin added, including those who need treatments to fight such debilitating chronic diseases as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma.
On a national level, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is represented by Emmy-winning syndicated television talk show host Montel Williams, named PPA's national spokesman in January 2006. In addition, nationally recognized Telemundo talk show host and author Mayte Prida leads the PPA's Hispanic outreach effort.
"Since January 2006, I've been traveling the country talking about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, urging people to pick up the phone, log on to the Web site or visit the big, orange PPA bus to see if they may qualify for assistance," said Williams. "As a patient who must cope every day with the effects of multiple sclerosis, I understand only too well the importance of having access to the medicine you need."
More than 1,300 national, state and local partners are working with America's pharmaceutical research companies to spread the word about the program. Trained specialists work with doctors, pharmacists, health care providers and community groups, educating them on the process and use of the PPA's easy-to-access Web site and toll-free number.
To find out if there are patient assistance programs that may meet their needs, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit www.pparx.org.
The PPA, a nationwide effort sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies, provides a single point of access to more than 475 patient assistance programs that help those who are uninsured or struggling financially. Nearly 200 of the programs are provided by pharmaceutical companies.
The "Help Is Here Express" bus will be at the following Washington locations:
Monday, June 1, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Northeast Community Center
4001 N. Cook
Spokane, WA
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Miramar Health Center
1608 N. Road 44
Pasco, WA
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Valley Vista Medical Group
820 Memorial Street, Suite 1
Prosser, WA
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
602 East Nob Hill Blvd
Yakima, WA
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Community Health Center of Snohomish County
112th Street Clinic
1019 112th Street SE
Everett, WA
Thursday, June 4, 2009
9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Sea Mar Community Health Care
1040 S. Henderson
Seattle, WA
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sea Mar Olympia
3030 Limited Lane NW
Olympia, WA
Friday, June 5, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Cowlitz Family Health Center
1057 12th Avenue
Longview, WA
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Washington Medical Center
400 N.E. Mother Joseph Place
Vancouver, WA
"The PPA, so far, has helped well over 187,000 Washingtonians find out if they may qualify for free or discounted medicines and as we move forward into 2009, the assistance is still available," said PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin. "That's good news for the citizens of Washington, where there are more than 300,000 people out of work."
Patients who qualify for help from the PPA's participating patient assistance programs have access to more than 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription medicines. In addition, the PPA provides information on more than 10,000 free health care clinics in America and has connected more than 277,000 patients with clinics and health care providers in their communities.
Patients seeking help from PPA can call a toll-free number (1-888-4-PPA-NOW) to talk to a trained operator or access the PPA Web site (www.pparx.org). It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to find out if someone may qualify for free or discounted medications.
To help spread the word about the assistance available, the PPA's "Help Is Here Express" buses continue to visit communities all over the country with trained specialists on board to provide information on how to access patient assistance programs. All 50 states and more than 2,500 towns and cities have been visited so far, and more than 5.7 million patients have been helped nationwide since the PPA began in April 2005.
"At a time when national unemployment is the highest in almost two decades, the PPA has become an important lifeline for a growing number of patients," PhRMA's Tauzin said. "Millions of Americans have been added to the jobless rolls over the last several months and there could be a sharp increase in the number of our citizens losing health care benefits."
"PPA is currently helping thousands of people every day," Tauzin added, including those who need treatments to fight such debilitating chronic diseases as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma.
On a national level, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is represented by Emmy-winning syndicated television talk show host Montel Williams, named PPA's national spokesman in January 2006. In addition, nationally recognized Telemundo talk show host and author Mayte Prida leads the PPA's Hispanic outreach effort.
"Since January 2006, I've been traveling the country talking about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, urging people to pick up the phone, log on to the Web site or visit the big, orange PPA bus to see if they may qualify for assistance," said Williams. "As a patient who must cope every day with the effects of multiple sclerosis, I understand only too well the importance of having access to the medicine you need."
More than 1,300 national, state and local partners are working with America's pharmaceutical research companies to spread the word about the program. Trained specialists work with doctors, pharmacists, health care providers and community groups, educating them on the process and use of the PPA's easy-to-access Web site and toll-free number.
To find out if there are patient assistance programs that may meet their needs, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit www.pparx.org.
Study: Energy efficiency can power a decade of growth Region can meet demand, electrify cars and reduce dependence on fossil fuels by coupling efficie
SEATTLE—Pacific Northwesterners can save enough electricity to power the region’s economic growth over the next decade, according to a new study from the NW Energy Coalition.
The study, The Power of Efficiency: Pacific Northwest Conservation Potential through 2020, also shows increased efficiency can cut new regional natural gas demand in half.
By coupling energy efficiency with clean renewable energy resources, the Pacific Northwest can begin to electrify vehicles and to move away from fossil-fueled power generation.
“The surest way to meet our energy needs and create good jobs is to build a solid foundation of energy efficiency across the Northwest,” said NW Energy Coalition executive director Sara Patton. “Investing in efficiency and new renewable energy resources will secure our clean and affordable energy future.’’
Between now and 2020, regional electric demand is expected to grow by five times the power now consumed by Seattle City Light customers. New natural gas demand is expected to grow by the equivalent of 1.5 million typical residential customers. The Power of Efficiency concludes that most of that demand can be met by using the power we already have more efficiently.
Energy efficiency isn’t just abundant; it is far less expensive than new power plants or gas pipelines. Saving electricity with efficiency measures—things like better lighting, more efficient equipment and integrated building design--costs less than half as much as generating the same amount with a new fossil-fuel burning electricity plant, according to the report.
“Increased investment in energy efficiency will lower energy bills for consumers and grow the number of clean energy jobs for Northwest workers,” said national clean energy leader U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. “This report shows the huge opportunity to save money, speed the transition to a green economy and protect the planet.”
History supports The Power of Efficiency’s conclusion. According to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, the Northwest has covered half of new electric demand since 1978 with conservation, saving enough electricity to serve all of Idaho’s and Montana’s needs and saving Northwest energy consumers $1.6 billion per year.
The Power of Efficiency, prepared by leading energy research and consulting firm Ecotope Inc, is part of the Coalition’s Efficiency Works! campaign to accelerate energy efficiency through public policy and business-level investments across the Northwest.
The study, The Power of Efficiency: Pacific Northwest Conservation Potential through 2020, also shows increased efficiency can cut new regional natural gas demand in half.
By coupling energy efficiency with clean renewable energy resources, the Pacific Northwest can begin to electrify vehicles and to move away from fossil-fueled power generation.
“The surest way to meet our energy needs and create good jobs is to build a solid foundation of energy efficiency across the Northwest,” said NW Energy Coalition executive director Sara Patton. “Investing in efficiency and new renewable energy resources will secure our clean and affordable energy future.’’
Between now and 2020, regional electric demand is expected to grow by five times the power now consumed by Seattle City Light customers. New natural gas demand is expected to grow by the equivalent of 1.5 million typical residential customers. The Power of Efficiency concludes that most of that demand can be met by using the power we already have more efficiently.
Energy efficiency isn’t just abundant; it is far less expensive than new power plants or gas pipelines. Saving electricity with efficiency measures—things like better lighting, more efficient equipment and integrated building design--costs less than half as much as generating the same amount with a new fossil-fuel burning electricity plant, according to the report.
“Increased investment in energy efficiency will lower energy bills for consumers and grow the number of clean energy jobs for Northwest workers,” said national clean energy leader U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. “This report shows the huge opportunity to save money, speed the transition to a green economy and protect the planet.”
History supports The Power of Efficiency’s conclusion. According to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, the Northwest has covered half of new electric demand since 1978 with conservation, saving enough electricity to serve all of Idaho’s and Montana’s needs and saving Northwest energy consumers $1.6 billion per year.
The Power of Efficiency, prepared by leading energy research and consulting firm Ecotope Inc, is part of the Coalition’s Efficiency Works! campaign to accelerate energy efficiency through public policy and business-level investments across the Northwest.
2009 HEALTH CARE CAREER SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS TO BE INTRODUCED
(May 27, 2009 – Portland) Even in the midst of this harsh recession, opportunities in the health care field are projected to grow in the next two years. But with unemployment and tuition costs rising, college is feeling increasingly out of reach to many young Oregonians.
This year, the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship was created to help young people reach their dreams of attending college and pursuing a career in health care.
The program, administered by the Oregon Health Career Center, will award $2,000 scholarships to one student from each of 100 high schools from the Kaiser Permanente Service area, which spans from Longview-Kelso to Salem. Students applied for the scholarship through a competitive process. They were all nominated by a teacher, met the required minimum GPA, and wrote an essay evaluated by the selection committee. Preference was given to families with no parental college experience, who show a demonstrated financial need, who are members of an ethnic or racial group underrepresented in the health care profession, and who speak English plus a second language.
The first 100 winners of the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Careers Scholarship will be honored at an awards ceremony on Saturday, May 30. The celebration will take place at the PCC Sylvania Campus, PAC Auditorium, from 2:00 -- 4:00 p.m.
Many of the winners, like Veronica Nunez Soto of Gervais, are the first in their families to attend college. She plans to attend Oregon Institute of Technology for the dental hygienist program. “College will give me the chance to succeed in life and have a good future,” she said.
For Kaiser Permanente leadership, the scholarship is a great way to give deserving young people a boost. “We want to help them get to college and into the health care field, where they can use their skills to care for others and build a productive career,” said Andy McCulloch, President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest.
NOTE: VERONICA NUNEZ SOTO AND JEREMY YABLOKOV, ANOTHER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER, ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS
This year, the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship was created to help young people reach their dreams of attending college and pursuing a career in health care.
The program, administered by the Oregon Health Career Center, will award $2,000 scholarships to one student from each of 100 high schools from the Kaiser Permanente Service area, which spans from Longview-Kelso to Salem. Students applied for the scholarship through a competitive process. They were all nominated by a teacher, met the required minimum GPA, and wrote an essay evaluated by the selection committee. Preference was given to families with no parental college experience, who show a demonstrated financial need, who are members of an ethnic or racial group underrepresented in the health care profession, and who speak English plus a second language.
The first 100 winners of the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Careers Scholarship will be honored at an awards ceremony on Saturday, May 30. The celebration will take place at the PCC Sylvania Campus, PAC Auditorium, from 2:00 -- 4:00 p.m.
Many of the winners, like Veronica Nunez Soto of Gervais, are the first in their families to attend college. She plans to attend Oregon Institute of Technology for the dental hygienist program. “College will give me the chance to succeed in life and have a good future,” she said.
For Kaiser Permanente leadership, the scholarship is a great way to give deserving young people a boost. “We want to help them get to college and into the health care field, where they can use their skills to care for others and build a productive career,” said Andy McCulloch, President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest.
NOTE: VERONICA NUNEZ SOTO AND JEREMY YABLOKOV, ANOTHER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER, ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS
Summer School Signups Continue at Skills Center
The Clark County Skills Center has begun to enroll students for its summer school classes which begin next month. Students who have completed 9th through 12th grade in the 2008-2009 school year are eligible. Classes run from Tuesday, June 23rd through Friday, July 10th. Registration forms are available from school counselors. Registration is done on a first-come, first-served procedure.
Cost for the classes are free except for $10-25 lab fees in some classes. Students can earn .5 high school elective credit for successful completion of a summer school class. Class times are 7:45 AM to 2:30 PM with a 45-minute break for lunch. The Skills Center campus has no20vending machines, but offers food for purchase beginning June 25th. Transportation is not provided and is the responsibility of students and parents.
Some of the classes: Basic Car Maintenance, Carpentry Basics, Intro to Baking, PhotoShop Boot Camp, Travel & Tourism, Web Page Design, 3-D Animation and Intro to Natural Resources. For more information and a complete list of class offerings, log on to www.ccskillscenter.com. For enrollment availability and signup information, call (360) 604-1050.
Opened in 1983, the Clark County Skills Center is owned and operated by ten southwest Washington school districts providing technical and professional training programs that prepare Clark County high school and college students for the workforce. The Skills Center is located at 12200 NE 28th Street in Vancouver.
Cost for the classes are free except for $10-25 lab fees in some classes. Students can earn .5 high school elective credit for successful completion of a summer school class. Class times are 7:45 AM to 2:30 PM with a 45-minute break for lunch. The Skills Center campus has no20vending machines, but offers food for purchase beginning June 25th. Transportation is not provided and is the responsibility of students and parents.
Some of the classes: Basic Car Maintenance, Carpentry Basics, Intro to Baking, PhotoShop Boot Camp, Travel & Tourism, Web Page Design, 3-D Animation and Intro to Natural Resources. For more information and a complete list of class offerings, log on to www.ccskillscenter.com. For enrollment availability and signup information, call (360) 604-1050.
Opened in 1983, the Clark County Skills Center is owned and operated by ten southwest Washington school districts providing technical and professional training programs that prepare Clark County high school and college students for the workforce. The Skills Center is located at 12200 NE 28th Street in Vancouver.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
New Insights into the Mystery of “High Risk Platelets” from Diabetic Donors
PULLMAN, Wash.—Amid emerging concerns that blood platelets donated for transfusion by individuals with Type 2 diabetes may be unsafe, scientists are reporting the first detailed identification and analysis of a group of abnormal proteins in platelets from diabetic donors. The study could lead to screening tests to detect and monitor these so-called “high risk platelets,” the researchers say. Their study is scheduled for the June 5 issue of American Chemical Society’s Journal of Proteome Research.
About 18 million people in the United States have Type 2 diabetes, and the disease is spreading with the epidemic of obesity.
John Miller, professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University Tri-Cities, David Springer, from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and their colleagues from the University of Rochester point out in the new study that thousands of patients receive potentially lifesaving transfusions of platelets each year to treat bleeding from trauma and for a wide range of medical conditions.
Scientists have known that abnormal platelets in the blood of diabetics may predispose these individuals to heart disease. It led to concern that platelets from these individuals stored for transfusion may be less effective and even unsafe. However, scientists know little about how diabetic platelets differ from those of healthy people.
The new study identified 122 proteins that differed in the platelets of individuals with diabetes compared to the platelets of non-diabetics. They also found that freshly collected platelets from diabetics show almost as many abnormal changes (more than 100) in protein content as healthy donor platelets stored for up to five days. These findings could lead to new tests for detecting and monitoring abnormal platelets to improve the outcome of blood transfusions from both diabetic and healthy individuals, the researchers say.
The full article can be found at http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/pr800885j.
About 18 million people in the United States have Type 2 diabetes, and the disease is spreading with the epidemic of obesity.
John Miller, professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University Tri-Cities, David Springer, from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and their colleagues from the University of Rochester point out in the new study that thousands of patients receive potentially lifesaving transfusions of platelets each year to treat bleeding from trauma and for a wide range of medical conditions.
Scientists have known that abnormal platelets in the blood of diabetics may predispose these individuals to heart disease. It led to concern that platelets from these individuals stored for transfusion may be less effective and even unsafe. However, scientists know little about how diabetic platelets differ from those of healthy people.
The new study identified 122 proteins that differed in the platelets of individuals with diabetes compared to the platelets of non-diabetics. They also found that freshly collected platelets from diabetics show almost as many abnormal changes (more than 100) in protein content as healthy donor platelets stored for up to five days. These findings could lead to new tests for detecting and monitoring abnormal platelets to improve the outcome of blood transfusions from both diabetic and healthy individuals, the researchers say.
The full article can be found at http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/pr800885j.
Senator Murray Announces Over $68 Million in Recovery Funding to Improve Washington State’s Water Quality
Funds will go to Clean Water State Revolving Fund program
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that $68,151,900 has been released by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to the Washington Department of Ecology. These funds, included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be used for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed and estuary management.
“By building clean-energy infrastructure and improving efficiency, this recovery funding will create jobs, boost the economy, and is a strong investment in clean water for our state,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Improving the safety and quality of our water systems is absolutely critical for our health and for Washington state’s economy.”
These funds, provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, will go to the state's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program provides low interest loans for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed and estuary management.
An unprecedented $4 billion dollars will be awarded to fund wastewater infrastructure projects across the country under the Recovery Act in the form of low interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20% of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.
As a senior member of the Senate committees that fund and oversee energy and water development, Murray worked to ensure that investments in Washington state’s water systems were a key component of the Recovery Act. Senator Murray voted to pass the Recovery Act on February 13th. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th.
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that $68,151,900 has been released by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to the Washington Department of Ecology. These funds, included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be used for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed and estuary management.
“By building clean-energy infrastructure and improving efficiency, this recovery funding will create jobs, boost the economy, and is a strong investment in clean water for our state,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Improving the safety and quality of our water systems is absolutely critical for our health and for Washington state’s economy.”
These funds, provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, will go to the state's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program provides low interest loans for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed and estuary management.
An unprecedented $4 billion dollars will be awarded to fund wastewater infrastructure projects across the country under the Recovery Act in the form of low interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20% of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.
As a senior member of the Senate committees that fund and oversee energy and water development, Murray worked to ensure that investments in Washington state’s water systems were a key component of the Recovery Act. Senator Murray voted to pass the Recovery Act on February 13th. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th.
Gov. Gregoire announces $672 million recovery funding for education, stabilization
Governor thanks Sen. Patty Murray for leadership on education
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced $672 million that is now available for Washington state under the under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support education improvements.
“Access to this much needed federal funding comes at a critical time when education resources are diminishing,” said Gregoire. “These stabilization funds will keep the core of our education system intact while we work to pull our economy out of recession.”
Washington will be eligible to apply for another $331 million this fall. Today’s funding is being made available because Washington state successfully completed the first State Stabilization Application.
“With school districts and taxpayers struggling across Washington state, this funding will help teachers keep their jobs and help students get the skills they need to succeed in school and the workplace,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). “We all know that education is the key to our future economic strength and that makes continued investment in our schools and students especially important when times are tough.”
As with all ARRA funding coming to the state, the recovery team will report the number of jobs saved, the amount of state and local tax increases averted, and how funds are used.
See Washington state’s application for initial funding under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program at http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/stateapps/wa.pdf
Washington state is administering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced $672 million that is now available for Washington state under the under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support education improvements.
“Access to this much needed federal funding comes at a critical time when education resources are diminishing,” said Gregoire. “These stabilization funds will keep the core of our education system intact while we work to pull our economy out of recession.”
Washington will be eligible to apply for another $331 million this fall. Today’s funding is being made available because Washington state successfully completed the first State Stabilization Application.
“With school districts and taxpayers struggling across Washington state, this funding will help teachers keep their jobs and help students get the skills they need to succeed in school and the workplace,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). “We all know that education is the key to our future economic strength and that makes continued investment in our schools and students especially important when times are tough.”
As with all ARRA funding coming to the state, the recovery team will report the number of jobs saved, the amount of state and local tax increases averted, and how funds are used.
See Washington state’s application for initial funding under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program at http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/stateapps/wa.pdf
Washington state is administering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.
Go Jurassic! Celebrate an Ancient Fish this Weekend at Vancouver Water Center's 13th Annual Sturgeon Festival!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Contact: Ginger May, Water Resources Education Center, (360) 487-7111
Join the free celebration of the Columbia River ecosystem and its primitive inhabitant, the sturgeon, at the 13th annual Sturgeon Festival, noon to 4 p.m., this Saturday and Sunday, at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way.
The two-day event is packed with entertaining and educational activities fit for all ages and families, hosted by the City of Vancouver in participation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, Vancouver Mayor Royce E. Pollard will present awards and recognition to young photographers from schools and colleges across Southwest Washington for their photos of the Columbia River Ecosystem. Entries for the Sturgeon Festival Student Photo Contest will be on display throughout the festival.
Other special activities and events during the free weekend celebration include the Wild on Wildlife bird presentation, puppet shows, Portland Audubon Birds of Prey, the Creature Feature Reptile Zoo and Chinook Tribal Lore. Games and hands-on crafts will be available for kids. Teens and adults will have an opportunity to learn about boating safety, preventing invasive aquatic species, and sturgeon anatomy with fish dissections. Staff from natural resources agencies and environmental organizations will be on hand to discuss environmental issues and opportunities.
The sturgeon, prevalent in the Columbia River, has not changed substantially since the species emerged in the Jurassic period more than 100 million years ago. Sturgeon are a long-lived species, often reaching five to six feet in length by the age of maturity. A few Columbia River sturgeon, measuring twice that length, have been verified to be more than 100 years old.
Bring the entire family, grandparents to kids! Food will be available for purchase on site.
Admission to the Water Center and all the fun, family friendly activities and events is free! Children must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information, please call 360-487-7111 or visit www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter on the web.
Contact: Ginger May, Water Resources Education Center, (360) 487-7111
Join the free celebration of the Columbia River ecosystem and its primitive inhabitant, the sturgeon, at the 13th annual Sturgeon Festival, noon to 4 p.m., this Saturday and Sunday, at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way.
The two-day event is packed with entertaining and educational activities fit for all ages and families, hosted by the City of Vancouver in participation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, Vancouver Mayor Royce E. Pollard will present awards and recognition to young photographers from schools and colleges across Southwest Washington for their photos of the Columbia River Ecosystem. Entries for the Sturgeon Festival Student Photo Contest will be on display throughout the festival.
Other special activities and events during the free weekend celebration include the Wild on Wildlife bird presentation, puppet shows, Portland Audubon Birds of Prey, the Creature Feature Reptile Zoo and Chinook Tribal Lore. Games and hands-on crafts will be available for kids. Teens and adults will have an opportunity to learn about boating safety, preventing invasive aquatic species, and sturgeon anatomy with fish dissections. Staff from natural resources agencies and environmental organizations will be on hand to discuss environmental issues and opportunities.
The sturgeon, prevalent in the Columbia River, has not changed substantially since the species emerged in the Jurassic period more than 100 million years ago. Sturgeon are a long-lived species, often reaching five to six feet in length by the age of maturity. A few Columbia River sturgeon, measuring twice that length, have been verified to be more than 100 years old.
Bring the entire family, grandparents to kids! Food will be available for purchase on site.
Admission to the Water Center and all the fun, family friendly activities and events is free! Children must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information, please call 360-487-7111 or visit www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter on the web.
Pay traffic fines (without interest) in June, regain driving privileges
Vancouver, WA – Clark County District Court and other courts in Washington State have been offering a debt reduction program in May to help people pay their traffic fines. Now the program is being offered through the end of June.
The courts and their collection agencies have agreed to waive interest and a significant portion of collection costs for people with outstanding traffic tickets and fines.
“We've had numerous calls expressing interest in the debt reduction program, so we've agreed to extend the program to the end of June,” says District Court Administrator Ela Selga. “In these difficult economic times, we hope that individuals with traffic fines will take advantage of the financial break being offered and possibly regain their privilege to drive.”
Those with outstanding Clark County tickets or fines that have been sent to collections should contact AllianceOne at 1-800-456-8838.
Once tickets are paid in full and reported to the court, adjudication slips must be delivered to the Washington State Department of Licensing to clear a driving record and obtain a valid driver’s license. However, licenses will only be reinstated if the individual qualifies under state licensing rules.
The courts and their collection agencies have agreed to waive interest and a significant portion of collection costs for people with outstanding traffic tickets and fines.
“We've had numerous calls expressing interest in the debt reduction program, so we've agreed to extend the program to the end of June,” says District Court Administrator Ela Selga. “In these difficult economic times, we hope that individuals with traffic fines will take advantage of the financial break being offered and possibly regain their privilege to drive.”
Those with outstanding Clark County tickets or fines that have been sent to collections should contact AllianceOne at 1-800-456-8838.
Once tickets are paid in full and reported to the court, adjudication slips must be delivered to the Washington State Department of Licensing to clear a driving record and obtain a valid driver’s license. However, licenses will only be reinstated if the individual qualifies under state licensing rules.
WSU Will Restore Common Reading Program
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University will reinstate the original plan for distribution of its Common Reading book, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” as a result of a private contribution to support the program, President Elson S. Floyd announced today.
William Marler, a Washington State University alumnus and former chair of the Board of Regents, has offered to pay the costs of bringing Michael Pollan, the author of the book, to the Pullman campus.
“While it is unfortunate that we now have to rely upon private dollars to support this program, we are most grateful to Bill Marler for his donation. He is an outstanding alumnus and friend of our university,” said Elson S. Floyd, president of WSU.
Floyd said the book, a best-selling look at agribusiness and the food we eat, now will be distributed to freshmen students at the university’s “Alive” orientation program, as the two previous books in the Common Reading program had been.
Earlier this year, WSU administrators made the decision not to distribute the book at “Alive” and not to bring Pollan to campus, citing budget concerns. The university has estimated the total cost of holding an author’s event at around $40,000. The university is in the midst of finalizing a series of budget reductions in response to a $54 million cut in its state allocation for the upcoming biennium.
Since there would not be a campus-wide event scheduled with the author, administrators decided against universal distribution of the book to freshman, instead making the book freely available to faculty members who wanted to teach it in their classes. Some media reports characterized that decision as being based on the contents of the book, which is critical of some agribusiness practices.
Washington State University is the state’s land-grant university and plays the leading role in education and research related to the state’s agricultural industry. In 2007, WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences became the first university in the nation to offer a major in organic agriculture systems.
Marler said he was contacted by a reporter about the issue Tuesday. In a post on his blog, Marler, who served on the WSU Board of Regents from 1998-2004, expressed concern about WSU’s decision and offered to pay the expenses of bringing Pollan to campus. He called Floyd today to make that offer and the WSU president accepted.
“I certainly understand the financial problems that WSU and other colleges and universities are facing,” said Marler, an attorney from Bainbridge Island. “However, I also thought it would be important for the public to understand that Washington State University views freedom of speech and academic expression as something that is truly fundamental to its mission. I am pleased I could help in this regard.”
No date has been set for Pollan’s visit to campus.
William Marler, a Washington State University alumnus and former chair of the Board of Regents, has offered to pay the costs of bringing Michael Pollan, the author of the book, to the Pullman campus.
“While it is unfortunate that we now have to rely upon private dollars to support this program, we are most grateful to Bill Marler for his donation. He is an outstanding alumnus and friend of our university,” said Elson S. Floyd, president of WSU.
Floyd said the book, a best-selling look at agribusiness and the food we eat, now will be distributed to freshmen students at the university’s “Alive” orientation program, as the two previous books in the Common Reading program had been.
Earlier this year, WSU administrators made the decision not to distribute the book at “Alive” and not to bring Pollan to campus, citing budget concerns. The university has estimated the total cost of holding an author’s event at around $40,000. The university is in the midst of finalizing a series of budget reductions in response to a $54 million cut in its state allocation for the upcoming biennium.
Since there would not be a campus-wide event scheduled with the author, administrators decided against universal distribution of the book to freshman, instead making the book freely available to faculty members who wanted to teach it in their classes. Some media reports characterized that decision as being based on the contents of the book, which is critical of some agribusiness practices.
Washington State University is the state’s land-grant university and plays the leading role in education and research related to the state’s agricultural industry. In 2007, WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences became the first university in the nation to offer a major in organic agriculture systems.
Marler said he was contacted by a reporter about the issue Tuesday. In a post on his blog, Marler, who served on the WSU Board of Regents from 1998-2004, expressed concern about WSU’s decision and offered to pay the expenses of bringing Pollan to campus. He called Floyd today to make that offer and the WSU president accepted.
“I certainly understand the financial problems that WSU and other colleges and universities are facing,” said Marler, an attorney from Bainbridge Island. “However, I also thought it would be important for the public to understand that Washington State University views freedom of speech and academic expression as something that is truly fundamental to its mission. I am pleased I could help in this regard.”
No date has been set for Pollan’s visit to campus.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Jaime Herrera announces engagement
May 19, 2009 – State Representative Jaime Herrera and Daniel Beutler proudly announce their engagement. Jaime is the daughter of Armando and Candice Herrera of Ridgefield, Washington, and Daniel is the son of Paul and Patti Beutler of Salem, Oregon.
Daniel proposed Sunday, May 17, near the summit of Hamilton Mountain on the Columbia River Gorge after having dated Jaime for three years.
Jaime, 30, said that a date and location was close to finalization, and the wedding would occur this fall. “We are very happy and blessed, and we look forward to a long and joyful life together,” she said.
Jaime is a graduate of the University of Washington, with a degree in Communications, and Prairie High School. She is serving her second term representing the 18th Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives. Jaime is Deputy Floor Leader for the House Republican Caucus.
Daniel is a native of the Pratum, Oregon area. He is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University, with a degree in Political Science, and Silverton Union High School. He currently works at SeaPort Airlines as Lead Dispatcher. Daniel plans to attend Lewis & Clark School of Law in Portland beginning in the fall of 2010.
The couple met when both worked in U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ office in Washington, D.C.
Daniel proposed Sunday, May 17, near the summit of Hamilton Mountain on the Columbia River Gorge after having dated Jaime for three years.
Jaime, 30, said that a date and location was close to finalization, and the wedding would occur this fall. “We are very happy and blessed, and we look forward to a long and joyful life together,” she said.
Jaime is a graduate of the University of Washington, with a degree in Communications, and Prairie High School. She is serving her second term representing the 18th Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives. Jaime is Deputy Floor Leader for the House Republican Caucus.
Daniel is a native of the Pratum, Oregon area. He is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University, with a degree in Political Science, and Silverton Union High School. He currently works at SeaPort Airlines as Lead Dispatcher. Daniel plans to attend Lewis & Clark School of Law in Portland beginning in the fall of 2010.
The couple met when both worked in U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ office in Washington, D.C.
Warner Pacific College honors Assistant Fire Chief for Clark County Fire District 3 with top student award
PORTLAND, Ore. – Warner Pacific College honored Donavon Mattern, Assistant Fire Chief for
Clark County Fire District 3, with the Dr. Wilma I. Perry Award during commencement ceremonies May 9, 2009 at New Hope Community Church, in Portland. The award, named in honor of a former professor at the college, is given twice a year to an outstanding student from the college’s Adult Degree Program. Mattern graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
In his position with fire district, Mattern not only supervises firefighters in his company, but also serves as the negotiator between the firefighters’ union and the county. Over his many years in this role, Mattern has grown to be highly respected for his ability to deal honestly and fairly with both sides. In addition, he mentors younger firefighters and has been a leader in encouraging them to continue in their own college education, serving as a powerful model for how it can be done well.
“Donavon maintained a unique balance of being a leader among his peers while also eagerly and deeply investing himself as a learner,” said Dr. Toni Pauls, Dean of the Adult Degree Program. “His standards for teamwork are very high, while at the same time he provided a great deal of support for his teammates to aspire to reach those standards - not for him, but for them.”
Clark County Fire District 3, with the Dr. Wilma I. Perry Award during commencement ceremonies May 9, 2009 at New Hope Community Church, in Portland. The award, named in honor of a former professor at the college, is given twice a year to an outstanding student from the college’s Adult Degree Program. Mattern graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
In his position with fire district, Mattern not only supervises firefighters in his company, but also serves as the negotiator between the firefighters’ union and the county. Over his many years in this role, Mattern has grown to be highly respected for his ability to deal honestly and fairly with both sides. In addition, he mentors younger firefighters and has been a leader in encouraging them to continue in their own college education, serving as a powerful model for how it can be done well.
“Donavon maintained a unique balance of being a leader among his peers while also eagerly and deeply investing himself as a learner,” said Dr. Toni Pauls, Dean of the Adult Degree Program. “His standards for teamwork are very high, while at the same time he provided a great deal of support for his teammates to aspire to reach those standards - not for him, but for them.”
Check with the state before it’s too late on home-improvement projects
TUMWATER — Homeowners wanting to save money on home-improvement projects during the economic slowdown may be tempted to choose a contractor based only on price. But when the lowest price means working with an unregistered contractor, consumers risk having no recourse if things go bad, and some crooks take the money and run.
“The lowest price isn’t always a good deal,” said Pete Schmidt of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). “If a job goes bad with an unregistered contractor, a homeowner is usually left high and dry because the contractor has no bonding or insurance.”
To protect consumers and counter construction-related fraud, a new statewide radio campaign reminds homeowners to do their research at HiringaContractor.Lni.wa.gov. The Legislature directed L&I to do a campaign warning consumers of the risks of using unregistered contractors.
Radio ads will air for two weeks beginning May 22, and another two weeks in mid-June, supplemented by print ads and Interstate 5 billboards. The campaign comes at a time of year when homeowners often start home-improvement projects. The ads support L&I’s ongoing outreach to homeowners, including information booths at home shows, newspaper articles and a comprehensive Web site.
“We tell people that they should check with the state before it’s too late,” said Schmidt, who runs L&I’s contractor compliance program. “We hear too many stories from homeowners who learned the hard way that they should have done better research before hiring a contractor.”
The Web site has step-by-step guidance for construction projects, including tips for avoiding scams. Links allow consumers to check whether contractors are registered and licensed and to report them if they are not.
Checking out a contractor doesn’t guarantee a good one, but it’s one of several steps homeowners can take to protect against unscrupulous or unqualified contractors.
According to Carl Hammersburg, manager of L&I’s Fraud Prevention and Compliance Program, “Under-the-table contractors not only hurt consumers, they also undercut legitimate businesses who are following all the rules.”
The underground construction economy costs the state an estimated $112.5 million a year in unpaid taxes and workers’ compensation insurance.
“The lowest price isn’t always a good deal,” said Pete Schmidt of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). “If a job goes bad with an unregistered contractor, a homeowner is usually left high and dry because the contractor has no bonding or insurance.”
To protect consumers and counter construction-related fraud, a new statewide radio campaign reminds homeowners to do their research at HiringaContractor.Lni.wa.gov. The Legislature directed L&I to do a campaign warning consumers of the risks of using unregistered contractors.
Radio ads will air for two weeks beginning May 22, and another two weeks in mid-June, supplemented by print ads and Interstate 5 billboards. The campaign comes at a time of year when homeowners often start home-improvement projects. The ads support L&I’s ongoing outreach to homeowners, including information booths at home shows, newspaper articles and a comprehensive Web site.
“We tell people that they should check with the state before it’s too late,” said Schmidt, who runs L&I’s contractor compliance program. “We hear too many stories from homeowners who learned the hard way that they should have done better research before hiring a contractor.”
The Web site has step-by-step guidance for construction projects, including tips for avoiding scams. Links allow consumers to check whether contractors are registered and licensed and to report them if they are not.
Checking out a contractor doesn’t guarantee a good one, but it’s one of several steps homeowners can take to protect against unscrupulous or unqualified contractors.
According to Carl Hammersburg, manager of L&I’s Fraud Prevention and Compliance Program, “Under-the-table contractors not only hurt consumers, they also undercut legitimate businesses who are following all the rules.”
The underground construction economy costs the state an estimated $112.5 million a year in unpaid taxes and workers’ compensation insurance.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Columbia Credit Union Earns LEED Gold Certification
New branch realizes energy and water savings in first year
Vancouver, WA – Columbia Credit Union was awarded the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its Washougal branch, located in The Crossing shopping complex just off Highway 14 in Washougal.
Completed in April 2008, the branch is the first LEED Gold Certified financial institution in Clark
County, Washington.
Built to rigorous LEED standards for sustainable building design and performance, the branch
has realized significant energy and water savings in its first year. “Our Washougal branch used about half the gas and electricity and 40 percent less water on average than our comparable branches,” said Columbia Chief Operating Officer Steve Kenny. Additional water savings are anticipated in year two, after this first year of establishing the landscape plants with extra water.
To earn LEED certification, the USGBC uses a points-based system for satisfying criteria
meeting specific environmental impacts. Columbia applied for and earned 42 points toward Gold
Certification for site selection, energy use, lighting, water and material use, waste management, air quality and innovation in design.
Significant environmental savings that contributed to the gold status includes a 75 percent
reduction in construction waste. “Throughout the construction process, work crews carefully separated scrap metal, wood and concrete for recycling,” said Kenny. “This prevented excess building materials from going to landfills.”
EHS Design Architects developed the branch design in cooperation with Paladino & Company,
Inc., an internationally recognized leader in green building design and LEED certification. Notable green features include an omni-directional skylight, a cistern for rainwater collection, porous concrete, FSC certified lumber, corn fiber work station panels, and guest chairs made from recycled seat belts.
This branch will serve as a prototype for future new branches and remodels for Columbia Credit Union.
A second green built branch was completed in June 2008 and is currently waiting LEED certification status.
For more information about Columbia Credit Union, please visit www.columbiacu.org.
About Columbia Credit Union: Established in 1952, Columbia Credit Union has more than $750 million in assets and 12 Clark County, WA locations. Columbia serves nearly 64,000 members and garnered an industry benchmark member satisfaction rating of 97 percent. Columbia is nationally recognized for employee satisfaction from experts PBS and Associates as a “Best Place to Work.”
Columbia was voted “Best Financial Institution” in Clark County by The Columbian newspaper and ranks as the top local Clark County auto lender. Committed to sustainability, Columbia is home to Clark County’s first financial institution branches built to strict LEED standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. Individuals and businesses in Washington State are eligible for membership. For more information, visit www.columbiacu.org.
Vancouver, WA – Columbia Credit Union was awarded the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its Washougal branch, located in The Crossing shopping complex just off Highway 14 in Washougal.
Completed in April 2008, the branch is the first LEED Gold Certified financial institution in Clark
County, Washington.
Built to rigorous LEED standards for sustainable building design and performance, the branch
has realized significant energy and water savings in its first year. “Our Washougal branch used about half the gas and electricity and 40 percent less water on average than our comparable branches,” said Columbia Chief Operating Officer Steve Kenny. Additional water savings are anticipated in year two, after this first year of establishing the landscape plants with extra water.
To earn LEED certification, the USGBC uses a points-based system for satisfying criteria
meeting specific environmental impacts. Columbia applied for and earned 42 points toward Gold
Certification for site selection, energy use, lighting, water and material use, waste management, air quality and innovation in design.
Significant environmental savings that contributed to the gold status includes a 75 percent
reduction in construction waste. “Throughout the construction process, work crews carefully separated scrap metal, wood and concrete for recycling,” said Kenny. “This prevented excess building materials from going to landfills.”
EHS Design Architects developed the branch design in cooperation with Paladino & Company,
Inc., an internationally recognized leader in green building design and LEED certification. Notable green features include an omni-directional skylight, a cistern for rainwater collection, porous concrete, FSC certified lumber, corn fiber work station panels, and guest chairs made from recycled seat belts.
This branch will serve as a prototype for future new branches and remodels for Columbia Credit Union.
A second green built branch was completed in June 2008 and is currently waiting LEED certification status.
For more information about Columbia Credit Union, please visit www.columbiacu.org.
About Columbia Credit Union: Established in 1952, Columbia Credit Union has more than $750 million in assets and 12 Clark County, WA locations. Columbia serves nearly 64,000 members and garnered an industry benchmark member satisfaction rating of 97 percent. Columbia is nationally recognized for employee satisfaction from experts PBS and Associates as a “Best Place to Work.”
Columbia was voted “Best Financial Institution” in Clark County by The Columbian newspaper and ranks as the top local Clark County auto lender. Committed to sustainability, Columbia is home to Clark County’s first financial institution branches built to strict LEED standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. Individuals and businesses in Washington State are eligible for membership. For more information, visit www.columbiacu.org.
LACAMAS COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
DONATES $3,000 TO CAMAS WASHOUGAL COMMUNITY CHEST
May 11, 2009—Lacamas Community Credit Union (LCCU) donated $3,000 to the Camas Washougal Community Chest at a check presentation on May 1st at the credit union’s Washougal Branch. LCCU President/CEO Kathleen Romane presented the check to Community Chest board members Jerry Moss, Bob Howe and Dave Pinkernell.
“Because the Community Chest supports many smaller organizations, our donation benefits a broader spectrum of people in our communities,” said Romane. “Especially in these economic times, we are confident that our contribution will truly help those in need.”
The credit union selected the organization to be one of its 2009 Community Partnerships—groups that benefit from LCCU’s fundraising efforts. Throughout the year, the credit union raises funds for its Community Partnerships through sale of Entertainment Books, skip payment programs and other efforts.
Lacamas Community Credit Union was the first credit union established in Southwest Washington, chartered in 1936. The credit union serves anyone who lives or works in Southwest Washington. A full-service financial institution, LCCU serves its members through six convenient branch locations. For more information about Lacamas Community Credit Union, visit our web site at www.lacamas.org, or call (360) 834-3611 or (888) 834-3611.
May 11, 2009—Lacamas Community Credit Union (LCCU) donated $3,000 to the Camas Washougal Community Chest at a check presentation on May 1st at the credit union’s Washougal Branch. LCCU President/CEO Kathleen Romane presented the check to Community Chest board members Jerry Moss, Bob Howe and Dave Pinkernell.
“Because the Community Chest supports many smaller organizations, our donation benefits a broader spectrum of people in our communities,” said Romane. “Especially in these economic times, we are confident that our contribution will truly help those in need.”
The credit union selected the organization to be one of its 2009 Community Partnerships—groups that benefit from LCCU’s fundraising efforts. Throughout the year, the credit union raises funds for its Community Partnerships through sale of Entertainment Books, skip payment programs and other efforts.
Lacamas Community Credit Union was the first credit union established in Southwest Washington, chartered in 1936. The credit union serves anyone who lives or works in Southwest Washington. A full-service financial institution, LCCU serves its members through six convenient branch locations. For more information about Lacamas Community Credit Union, visit our web site at www.lacamas.org, or call (360) 834-3611 or (888) 834-3611.
Finance team outlines efforts to realign 2009-2010 county budget
Vancouver, WA – Major adjustments must take effect by July 1 to keep the county on a stable financial footing, County Administrator Bill Barron said Wednesday during a crowded work session with the Board of Clark County Commissioners.
Barron said the 2009-2010 budget adopted in early December reflected the recession that spread through the economy in 2008 and was very conservative in forecasting difficult business conditions through 2010.
Unfortunately, the economic contraction over the last six months has proved to be “beyond difficult, to the point of excruciating,” he said. “This means we must move quickly to prevent a deficit that could be as high as $18 million before the end of this budget cycle.”
The most immediate goal is to limit increasing pressure on the General Fund, which serves as the county’s primary operating fund. After intense study, an interdepart-mental finance team presented a two-part plan for the Board to consider during the work session. Decisions regarding “Part I” will determine the size of the projected deficit that remains for individual departments to resolve under “Part II,” Barron said.
Part I: Balancing the Budget Overall
· Maintain a core staff to perform essential functions in the Department of Community Development; reduce the need for the General Fund to make up for sharp reductions in development activities and related fees.
· Redirect part of the Real Estate Excise Tax to make payments on bonds sold to finance previous capital investments; accept delays in some future investments.
· Use more of the Road Fund to pay for the Sheriff’s Office to patrol county roads; accept delays in some road projects.
· Implement state legislation to reduce the amount employers invest through 2010 to generate earnings to pay for future pensions from the Public Employees’ Retirement System. Prepare for a projected increase in employer contributions to the investment funds by 2011.
· Reduce the budget for fuel, based on recent experience and projections for gas prices.
The Board endorsed most of the strategy outlined in Part I, but called for more time to consider elements related to Community Development.
Part II – Balancing the Budget in Each Department
Once the policy decisions are answered under “Part I” above, the plan calls for departments to meet targets to reduce projected spending from the General Fund. The Budget office would calculate the targets as a percentage of General Fund budgets previously set for July 2009 through December 2010.
“Part II” would not apply to Community Development, which is facing a major reduction before the “Part II” targets are set.
Department heads will determine how to meet the new targets after considering their circumstances and options. They will make every effort to preserve jobs and services, while recognizing that payroll costs represent a substantial part of the budget, Barron said. Pay and benefits will continue to be among the topics for ongoing contract negotiations.
“Obviously, some things will have to give. We simply will not have the revenue to keep everyone employed full time and meet all of the goals previously set for the next year and a half,” he said. “Even so, I fully expect cooperation, collaboration and innovation to demonstrate our strength as an organization that stands ready to serve a strong community, despite the challenge.”
Barron said the 2009-2010 budget adopted in early December reflected the recession that spread through the economy in 2008 and was very conservative in forecasting difficult business conditions through 2010.
Unfortunately, the economic contraction over the last six months has proved to be “beyond difficult, to the point of excruciating,” he said. “This means we must move quickly to prevent a deficit that could be as high as $18 million before the end of this budget cycle.”
The most immediate goal is to limit increasing pressure on the General Fund, which serves as the county’s primary operating fund. After intense study, an interdepart-mental finance team presented a two-part plan for the Board to consider during the work session. Decisions regarding “Part I” will determine the size of the projected deficit that remains for individual departments to resolve under “Part II,” Barron said.
Part I: Balancing the Budget Overall
· Maintain a core staff to perform essential functions in the Department of Community Development; reduce the need for the General Fund to make up for sharp reductions in development activities and related fees.
· Redirect part of the Real Estate Excise Tax to make payments on bonds sold to finance previous capital investments; accept delays in some future investments.
· Use more of the Road Fund to pay for the Sheriff’s Office to patrol county roads; accept delays in some road projects.
· Implement state legislation to reduce the amount employers invest through 2010 to generate earnings to pay for future pensions from the Public Employees’ Retirement System. Prepare for a projected increase in employer contributions to the investment funds by 2011.
· Reduce the budget for fuel, based on recent experience and projections for gas prices.
The Board endorsed most of the strategy outlined in Part I, but called for more time to consider elements related to Community Development.
Part II – Balancing the Budget in Each Department
Once the policy decisions are answered under “Part I” above, the plan calls for departments to meet targets to reduce projected spending from the General Fund. The Budget office would calculate the targets as a percentage of General Fund budgets previously set for July 2009 through December 2010.
“Part II” would not apply to Community Development, which is facing a major reduction before the “Part II” targets are set.
Department heads will determine how to meet the new targets after considering their circumstances and options. They will make every effort to preserve jobs and services, while recognizing that payroll costs represent a substantial part of the budget, Barron said. Pay and benefits will continue to be among the topics for ongoing contract negotiations.
“Obviously, some things will have to give. We simply will not have the revenue to keep everyone employed full time and meet all of the goals previously set for the next year and a half,” he said. “Even so, I fully expect cooperation, collaboration and innovation to demonstrate our strength as an organization that stands ready to serve a strong community, despite the challenge.”
Umpqua Bank Opens NEW Vancouver, Wash., NEIGHBORHOOD Store
User-Friendly Store Located in Esther Short Commons Marks Umpqua’s Fifth
Location in the Area
Vancouver, Wash. – May 18, 2009 – Today, Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ) and pioneering community bank, opened a “neighborhood store” in Vancouver, Wash. Located at 720 Esther St. in Esther Short Commons, the new location is one of five Umpqua Bank neighborhood stores, which redefine conventional banking practices and design. Similar to cafés and other gathering places, Umpqua’s neighborhood stores are embedded in established neighborhoods, providing residents and visitors with an engaging space to browse local merchandise, shop online, enjoy a cup of coffee and learn about community events and resources – in addition to banking.
“Led by Mayor Pollard, Vancouver has done a great job revitalizing its downtown and we are very pleased to be a part of it through this new store,” said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Bank. “Our neighborhood stores have been designed to foster community while providing residents and businesses with the financial resources they need. We see Esther Short Commons as the perfect location to do both.”
Umpqua Bank’s neighborhood store strategy reduces the bank’s construction costs and building time by approximately 50 percent. The stores are designed as neighborhood hubs – smaller spaces where every square inch is maximized to provide personalized, community-focused experiences.
The 1,500-square-foot store is Umpqua’s fifth retail location in Vancouver and will be managed by Naomi Camargo who previously served as store manager at Umpqua’s Vancouver Mill Plain location. The store will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Umpqua’s Esther Short location is fully equipped to offer personal banking, small business finance and commercial lending resources.
Community Events
Umpqua Bank will host a series of community events in May and June to celebrate the Esther Short neighborhood store opening.
· Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m.
Join the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Pollard for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Umpqua Bank’s Esther Short store on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public.
· Umpqua Bank Neighborhood Party and Open House: Tuesday, June 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Featuring local food and drinks, live music and picnic-themed giveaways, Umpqua Bank will host a community party at Esther Short Park. The party is open to the public. Please RSVP to Tasha Phelps at tashaphelps@umpquabank.com or by calling 360-573-4014.
About Neighborhood Stores
Unlike traditional banks, Umpqua’s neighborhood stores feel more like cafés and are designed as a place for the neighborhood to connect with community information. In addition to bank products, stores feature electronic bulletin boards that provide in-depth community information, and neighborhood calendars, as well as access to computer cafés called MyBooth that are equipped with community and online resources. The stores also incorporate enhanced banking automation technologies, including cash recyclers that maximize space and improve store associate efficiency and security.
Umpqua’s neighborhood stores feature a one-of-a-kind, interactive Discover Wall. This multi-screen display delivers a choreographed video experience to customers as well as an interactive sustainable presentation of bank products and services, which allows customers to print and takeaway only the materials they want and need.
Umpqua’s neighborhood store concept is designed to be 1,500 square feet, can be built in 45 days (compared to the industry average of 120 days), and cuts construction costs by approximately 50 percent, while delivering Umpqua’s unique full-service banking upon completion.
Location in the Area
Vancouver, Wash. – May 18, 2009 – Today, Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ) and pioneering community bank, opened a “neighborhood store” in Vancouver, Wash. Located at 720 Esther St. in Esther Short Commons, the new location is one of five Umpqua Bank neighborhood stores, which redefine conventional banking practices and design. Similar to cafés and other gathering places, Umpqua’s neighborhood stores are embedded in established neighborhoods, providing residents and visitors with an engaging space to browse local merchandise, shop online, enjoy a cup of coffee and learn about community events and resources – in addition to banking.
“Led by Mayor Pollard, Vancouver has done a great job revitalizing its downtown and we are very pleased to be a part of it through this new store,” said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Bank. “Our neighborhood stores have been designed to foster community while providing residents and businesses with the financial resources they need. We see Esther Short Commons as the perfect location to do both.”
Umpqua Bank’s neighborhood store strategy reduces the bank’s construction costs and building time by approximately 50 percent. The stores are designed as neighborhood hubs – smaller spaces where every square inch is maximized to provide personalized, community-focused experiences.
The 1,500-square-foot store is Umpqua’s fifth retail location in Vancouver and will be managed by Naomi Camargo who previously served as store manager at Umpqua’s Vancouver Mill Plain location. The store will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Umpqua’s Esther Short location is fully equipped to offer personal banking, small business finance and commercial lending resources.
Community Events
Umpqua Bank will host a series of community events in May and June to celebrate the Esther Short neighborhood store opening.
· Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m.
Join the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Pollard for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Umpqua Bank’s Esther Short store on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public.
· Umpqua Bank Neighborhood Party and Open House: Tuesday, June 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Featuring local food and drinks, live music and picnic-themed giveaways, Umpqua Bank will host a community party at Esther Short Park. The party is open to the public. Please RSVP to Tasha Phelps at tashaphelps@umpquabank.com or by calling 360-573-4014.
About Neighborhood Stores
Unlike traditional banks, Umpqua’s neighborhood stores feel more like cafés and are designed as a place for the neighborhood to connect with community information. In addition to bank products, stores feature electronic bulletin boards that provide in-depth community information, and neighborhood calendars, as well as access to computer cafés called MyBooth that are equipped with community and online resources. The stores also incorporate enhanced banking automation technologies, including cash recyclers that maximize space and improve store associate efficiency and security.
Umpqua’s neighborhood stores feature a one-of-a-kind, interactive Discover Wall. This multi-screen display delivers a choreographed video experience to customers as well as an interactive sustainable presentation of bank products and services, which allows customers to print and takeaway only the materials they want and need.
Umpqua’s neighborhood store concept is designed to be 1,500 square feet, can be built in 45 days (compared to the industry average of 120 days), and cuts construction costs by approximately 50 percent, while delivering Umpqua’s unique full-service banking upon completion.
Southwest nationally recognized in 2009 Aster Awards for excellence in medical marketing
VANCOUVER, Wash. – May 18, 2009. Honored for advertising excellence in the 2009 Aster Awards, Southwest Washington Medical Center received seven recognitions in this year’s competition. Awards were presented for these campaigns and publications:
Gold Awards (top 5% of nation)
- Pioneering Medicine (outdoor advertising)
- Joint Journey (service line campaign)
- daVinci Robotic Surgery (direct mail series)
- Southwest Health (magazine/publication)
Silver Awards (top 12% of nation)
- Rehab Services (professional recruitment)
- 150th anniversary DVD (special video production)
Bronze Award (top 16% of nation)
- Tough guys should be handled with care (billboard)
The Aster Awards, one of the largest competitions of its kind, is hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today. The elite national program consisted of approximately 3,000 entries from across America. Participant’s entries competed against similar-sized organizations in their category. Judging criteria included creativity, design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal.
“What’s remarkable about Southwest’s marketing achievements is that we use local expertise and an in-house agency philosophy,” said Chad Dillard, chief communications officer. “We work to break through the clutter to appeal to consumers as well as referring doctors, past patients and our own 3,000+ staff members.”
Southwest’s marketing team includes Barb Bryant, Ken Cole, Louise Craig, Jennifer Eland, Michelle Halfhill, Marjorie Marchand, Sarah Mottram, Richelle Sabado and Matt Schoolfield. (A team photo is attached to this email or available on request.)
Southwest Washington Medical Center
The region’s health care leader and steward for nearly 150 years, Southwest is a community-focused, not-for-profit, 360-bed, medical institution located in Vancouver, Washington. Repeatedly recognized nationally as a 100 Top Hospital, Southwest provides a full range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical, and surgical services to Clark County residents. Southwest is also one of Clark County’s largest employers. Southwest’s 3,283 employees and 600 active medical staff members help support dozens of medical specialty services and programs, focused on cancer, heart, emergency, trauma, neuro-musculoskeletal, family birth, and primary care.
Gold Awards (top 5% of nation)
- Pioneering Medicine (outdoor advertising)
- Joint Journey (service line campaign)
- daVinci Robotic Surgery (direct mail series)
- Southwest Health (magazine/publication)
Silver Awards (top 12% of nation)
- Rehab Services (professional recruitment)
- 150th anniversary DVD (special video production)
Bronze Award (top 16% of nation)
- Tough guys should be handled with care (billboard)
The Aster Awards, one of the largest competitions of its kind, is hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today. The elite national program consisted of approximately 3,000 entries from across America. Participant’s entries competed against similar-sized organizations in their category. Judging criteria included creativity, design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal.
“What’s remarkable about Southwest’s marketing achievements is that we use local expertise and an in-house agency philosophy,” said Chad Dillard, chief communications officer. “We work to break through the clutter to appeal to consumers as well as referring doctors, past patients and our own 3,000+ staff members.”
Southwest’s marketing team includes Barb Bryant, Ken Cole, Louise Craig, Jennifer Eland, Michelle Halfhill, Marjorie Marchand, Sarah Mottram, Richelle Sabado and Matt Schoolfield. (A team photo is attached to this email or available on request.)
Southwest Washington Medical Center
The region’s health care leader and steward for nearly 150 years, Southwest is a community-focused, not-for-profit, 360-bed, medical institution located in Vancouver, Washington. Repeatedly recognized nationally as a 100 Top Hospital, Southwest provides a full range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical, and surgical services to Clark County residents. Southwest is also one of Clark County’s largest employers. Southwest’s 3,283 employees and 600 active medical staff members help support dozens of medical specialty services and programs, focused on cancer, heart, emergency, trauma, neuro-musculoskeletal, family birth, and primary care.
Stimulus funds to enhance housing programs
Vancouver, WA – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, signed into law last February, will infuse more than $6 million into Clark County’s housing and community development programs. Planning is underway for the management and distribution of funds.
Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) will be issued for each project. RFP’s will be posted on the Clark County Web site: http://www.clark.wa.gov/general-services/purchasing/documents. General ARRA information may be found by visiting: http://www.clark.wa.gov/commserv/index.html or by calling (360) 397-2130.
The following is a breakdown of programs impacted and anticipated amounts to be received:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): $365,690
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates these funds with the objective of improving communities. Funds will be used for projects or activities that maximize job creation and retention that can be implemented quickly. The Urban County Policy Board allocated the funds through the annual CDBG process.
Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP): $559,180
This program provides financial and other assistance to prevent individuals and families, at or below 50% of Area Median Income, from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The funds will provide short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management. The Community Action Advisory Board will allocate the funds based on the priorities of the 10-Year Homeless Plan through a competitive process. (RFP #554 was issued May 11, 2009).
Weatherization: approximately $1,970,000
These funds are used to significantly increase the number of low-income households receiving cost effective and energy efficient improvements while ensuring the health and safety of people served. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible renters and homeowners whose earnings are below 200 percent of the poverty limit.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): $543,451
This program is a federally funded, anti-poverty reduction program that was created in 1964 to promote and provide an array of services and activities to encourage self-sufficiency and to make permanent improvements in the lives of low-income families and individuals. The Community Action Advisory Board will allocate the funds based on the priorities of the 10-Year Homeless Plan and a pending community needs assessment through a competitive process. (RFP to be posted June or July 2009).
Housing Preservation – Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant:
approximately $200,000
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated a fund to the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development for Community Action Programs to undertake comprehensive activities to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible low-income, privately owned rental or owner-occupied housing.
Public Housing Capital Fund (VHA): $1,167,376
Public housing authorities shall give priority to capital projects that can award contracts based on bids within 120 days from the date the funds are made available to the public housing authorities. Public housing agencies shall give priority consideration to the rehabilitation of vacant rental units and capital projects. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide these funds directly to the Vancouver Housing Authority.
The following program is authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008:
Neighborhood Stabilization Program: $1,577,664
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program will provide emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. Clark County will contract with Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) for these funds. The Urban County Policy Board will allocate funds based on a Request for Proposal. (The RFP will be posted June 2009).
Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) will be issued for each project. RFP’s will be posted on the Clark County Web site: http://www.clark.wa.gov/general-services/purchasing/documents. General ARRA information may be found by visiting: http://www.clark.wa.gov/commserv/index.html or by calling (360) 397-2130.
The following is a breakdown of programs impacted and anticipated amounts to be received:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): $365,690
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates these funds with the objective of improving communities. Funds will be used for projects or activities that maximize job creation and retention that can be implemented quickly. The Urban County Policy Board allocated the funds through the annual CDBG process.
Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP): $559,180
This program provides financial and other assistance to prevent individuals and families, at or below 50% of Area Median Income, from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The funds will provide short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management. The Community Action Advisory Board will allocate the funds based on the priorities of the 10-Year Homeless Plan through a competitive process. (RFP #554 was issued May 11, 2009).
Weatherization: approximately $1,970,000
These funds are used to significantly increase the number of low-income households receiving cost effective and energy efficient improvements while ensuring the health and safety of people served. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible renters and homeowners whose earnings are below 200 percent of the poverty limit.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): $543,451
This program is a federally funded, anti-poverty reduction program that was created in 1964 to promote and provide an array of services and activities to encourage self-sufficiency and to make permanent improvements in the lives of low-income families and individuals. The Community Action Advisory Board will allocate the funds based on the priorities of the 10-Year Homeless Plan and a pending community needs assessment through a competitive process. (RFP to be posted June or July 2009).
Housing Preservation – Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant:
approximately $200,000
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated a fund to the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development for Community Action Programs to undertake comprehensive activities to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible low-income, privately owned rental or owner-occupied housing.
Public Housing Capital Fund (VHA): $1,167,376
Public housing authorities shall give priority to capital projects that can award contracts based on bids within 120 days from the date the funds are made available to the public housing authorities. Public housing agencies shall give priority consideration to the rehabilitation of vacant rental units and capital projects. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide these funds directly to the Vancouver Housing Authority.
The following program is authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008:
Neighborhood Stabilization Program: $1,577,664
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program will provide emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. Clark County will contract with Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) for these funds. The Urban County Policy Board will allocate funds based on a Request for Proposal. (The RFP will be posted June 2009).
Friday, May 15, 2009
Snoopy Flies in for a Visit at Pearson Air Museum from May 16 through June 19
(Vancouver, Washington—May 6, 2009) –Pearson Air Museum is hosting the traveling art exhibit Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace from May 16 through June 19. This exhibit from the Charles M. Schulz Museum celebrates more than forty years of Charlie Brown’s eccentric beagle’s flights of fancy. A Snoopy kick-off party on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. features free root beer, the Flying Ace’s favorite beverage; an interpreter discussing Germany’s Red Baron and his Fokker DR-1 tri-plane; Portland cartoonist Shannon Wheeler whose work includes Dark Horse comics as well as The New Yorker teaching a family-friendly cartooning workshop; and other fun Snoopy-related activities.
This exhibit presents Charles M. Schulz's lovable beagle, Snoopy, as his alter ego, the Flying Ace. Visitors can follow Snoopy on his imaginary adventures--including sparring with the Flying Ace's archenemy, the Red Baron, while flying in his doghouse, transformed into a Sopwith Camel airplane. Forty digital prints from the original Peanuts comic strip drawings by Schulz will be on display, along with accompanying photographs of the artist. Pearson Air Museum also has on display a reproduction World War I-era Fokker DR-1 tri-plane, the same type of plane flown by Germany's Red Baron.
Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace is toured by ExhibitsUSA, the national touring division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Pearson Air Museum is located at 1115 East Fifth Street in Vancouver on the Fort Vancouver National Site. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, active military and students ages 6-17 and free for children under age 6. A family admission for two adults and up to four students is $22. For details check the Pearson Air Museum Web site at www.pearsonairmuseum.org or call the air museum at 360-694-7026. Managed by the Fort Vancouver National Trust, Pearson Air Museum tells the story of Pearson Field, the oldest continuously operating active airfield in the U.S.
This exhibit presents Charles M. Schulz's lovable beagle, Snoopy, as his alter ego, the Flying Ace. Visitors can follow Snoopy on his imaginary adventures--including sparring with the Flying Ace's archenemy, the Red Baron, while flying in his doghouse, transformed into a Sopwith Camel airplane. Forty digital prints from the original Peanuts comic strip drawings by Schulz will be on display, along with accompanying photographs of the artist. Pearson Air Museum also has on display a reproduction World War I-era Fokker DR-1 tri-plane, the same type of plane flown by Germany's Red Baron.
Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace is toured by ExhibitsUSA, the national touring division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Pearson Air Museum is located at 1115 East Fifth Street in Vancouver on the Fort Vancouver National Site. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, active military and students ages 6-17 and free for children under age 6. A family admission for two adults and up to four students is $22. For details check the Pearson Air Museum Web site at www.pearsonairmuseum.org or call the air museum at 360-694-7026. Managed by the Fort Vancouver National Trust, Pearson Air Museum tells the story of Pearson Field, the oldest continuously operating active airfield in the U.S.
WHEN THE NEXT STEP IS CITY UNIVERSITY
Clark College graduates are now eligible to apply for scholarships toward bachelor’s degrees
at any City University of Seattle location – including Vancouver, Wash.
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Clark College graduates are now eligible to apply for scholarships toward bachelor’s degrees at any City University of Seattle location – including Vancouver, Wash.
The announcement is part of City University of Seattle’s scholarship program for community and technical college transfer students. Starting in 2009, City University’s Transfer Scholarship program will provide up to $10,800 to each student selected as a scholarship recipient.
The scholarships are available to Washington state residents who graduate with an associate's degree from Clark or any other Washington State Community or Technical College in the 2008-09 academic year. It requires full-time attendance at any campus of City University of Seattle starting in the fall quarter of 2009, scheduled to start in early October. The scholarship is for tuition only ($1,800 per quarter).
The application form is now available on the Clark College Web site. Information about this and other scholarships are available at www.clark.edu/scholarships. To learn more, visit that page then click on “General Scholarships.” The deadline for applications for the City University of Seattle scholarship is June 30, 2009.
City University offers scholarships for bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Psychology, Business Administration, Communications, Information Systems, Management, and Marketing.
Additional information is available at http://www.cityu.edu/transferscholarshipprogram/
In Vancouver, Wash., City University of Seattle is located 12500 SE 2nd Circle, Suite 200, Vancouver, WA 98684-6024.
Contacts can be made by e-mail at vancouverwa@cityu.edu. The Vancouver site can also be reached by telephone at 360-449-6700 or 425-709-5380 (TTY). The toll-free number is 1-800-474-6850.
at any City University of Seattle location – including Vancouver, Wash.
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Clark College graduates are now eligible to apply for scholarships toward bachelor’s degrees at any City University of Seattle location – including Vancouver, Wash.
The announcement is part of City University of Seattle’s scholarship program for community and technical college transfer students. Starting in 2009, City University’s Transfer Scholarship program will provide up to $10,800 to each student selected as a scholarship recipient.
The scholarships are available to Washington state residents who graduate with an associate's degree from Clark or any other Washington State Community or Technical College in the 2008-09 academic year. It requires full-time attendance at any campus of City University of Seattle starting in the fall quarter of 2009, scheduled to start in early October. The scholarship is for tuition only ($1,800 per quarter).
The application form is now available on the Clark College Web site. Information about this and other scholarships are available at www.clark.edu/scholarships. To learn more, visit that page then click on “General Scholarships.” The deadline for applications for the City University of Seattle scholarship is June 30, 2009.
City University offers scholarships for bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Psychology, Business Administration, Communications, Information Systems, Management, and Marketing.
Additional information is available at http://www.cityu.edu/transferscholarshipprogram/
In Vancouver, Wash., City University of Seattle is located 12500 SE 2nd Circle, Suite 200, Vancouver, WA 98684-6024.
Contacts can be made by e-mail at vancouverwa@cityu.edu. The Vancouver site can also be reached by telephone at 360-449-6700 or 425-709-5380 (TTY). The toll-free number is 1-800-474-6850.
USDA Disaster Programs Require Documentation of Loss Eligible Producers Urged to Begin Compiling Proof of Loss
(Brush Prairie, WA), May 07, 2009 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Brush Prairie is reminding agricultural producers who incurred weather-related losses of eligible livestock, honey bees or farm-raised fish, or feed to keep documentation of losses in preparation for new disaster assistance programs. "Producers who suffered losses due to adverse weather events or colony collapse on or after January 1, 2008, should begin gathering loss documentation," said Taylor Murray, County Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency, "This documentation will be necessary to show eligibility to receive payments under the new Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)."
These two disaster assistance programs were enacted under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill).
“Losses due to adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture, include blizzards, disease, extreme cold, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires and are eligible for LIP and ELAP,” said Murray, "Disease or other conditions, as determined by the Secretary, may also be eligible causes of loss for ELAP."
LIP covers death of livestock due to adverse weather, while ELAP may include loss of feed, forage, and extra expenses incurred, such as transportation costs. ELAP also covers physical loss of honeybees or farm-raised fish. Until the regulations for the programs are published in the Federal Register, the local FSA staff will not know all types of losses and causes for which livestock, honey bee, and farm-raised fish producers may be compensated under LIP or ELAP.
Producers are advised that the LIP and ELAP application periods are not yet opened, so documents are not being accepted, "but now is the time to make sure you have verifiable loss documentation," said Murray. Adequate LIP documentation must prove the death of eligible livestock occurred as a direct result of an eligible adverse weather event in the calendar year for which benefits are being requested.
If adequate verifiable proof of death records is not available, a livestock producer may provide reliable records, along with verifiable beginning and ending inventory, as proof of death.
Third-party certifications of livestock deaths may be accepted only if verifiable proof of death records and verifiable beginning and ending inventory records are not available. A third-party statement must be from an independent source not affiliated with the farming operation. Family members do not qualify. For further details on qualifying third-party sources, contact your county FSA office.
Honey bee producers who incur physical losses of honey bees and honey bee hives because of colony collapse disorder must provide documentation and/or a certification that colony collapse disorder caused the loss. They must also show documentation of inventory on the beginning date of the colony collapse or adverse weather event and the ending inventory.
Farm-raised fish producers, who incur physical losses of farm-raised fish because of adverse weather or other conditions, must show documentation of beginning inventory on the beginning date of the adverse weather event and the ending inventory.
Livestock, honey bee, or farm-raised fish producers, who incur feed losses or additional feed costs, must provide verifiable documentation of purchased feed that was lost, or additional feed purchased above normal to sustain livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish for a short period of time until additional feed becomes available.
“Our staff can provide producers with a list of acceptable document types for proof of death, loss or added expense due to the natural disaster,” said Murray. “Producers should realize that payments will not fully compensate them for their losses.”
Additional information about LIP and ELAP is available at FSA County Offices or by visiting the national FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov.
These two disaster assistance programs were enacted under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill).
“Losses due to adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture, include blizzards, disease, extreme cold, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires and are eligible for LIP and ELAP,” said Murray, "Disease or other conditions, as determined by the Secretary, may also be eligible causes of loss for ELAP."
LIP covers death of livestock due to adverse weather, while ELAP may include loss of feed, forage, and extra expenses incurred, such as transportation costs. ELAP also covers physical loss of honeybees or farm-raised fish. Until the regulations for the programs are published in the Federal Register, the local FSA staff will not know all types of losses and causes for which livestock, honey bee, and farm-raised fish producers may be compensated under LIP or ELAP.
Producers are advised that the LIP and ELAP application periods are not yet opened, so documents are not being accepted, "but now is the time to make sure you have verifiable loss documentation," said Murray. Adequate LIP documentation must prove the death of eligible livestock occurred as a direct result of an eligible adverse weather event in the calendar year for which benefits are being requested.
If adequate verifiable proof of death records is not available, a livestock producer may provide reliable records, along with verifiable beginning and ending inventory, as proof of death.
Third-party certifications of livestock deaths may be accepted only if verifiable proof of death records and verifiable beginning and ending inventory records are not available. A third-party statement must be from an independent source not affiliated with the farming operation. Family members do not qualify. For further details on qualifying third-party sources, contact your county FSA office.
Honey bee producers who incur physical losses of honey bees and honey bee hives because of colony collapse disorder must provide documentation and/or a certification that colony collapse disorder caused the loss. They must also show documentation of inventory on the beginning date of the colony collapse or adverse weather event and the ending inventory.
Farm-raised fish producers, who incur physical losses of farm-raised fish because of adverse weather or other conditions, must show documentation of beginning inventory on the beginning date of the adverse weather event and the ending inventory.
Livestock, honey bee, or farm-raised fish producers, who incur feed losses or additional feed costs, must provide verifiable documentation of purchased feed that was lost, or additional feed purchased above normal to sustain livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish for a short period of time until additional feed becomes available.
“Our staff can provide producers with a list of acceptable document types for proof of death, loss or added expense due to the natural disaster,” said Murray. “Producers should realize that payments will not fully compensate them for their losses.”
Additional information about LIP and ELAP is available at FSA County Offices or by visiting the national FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
National Travel and Tourism Week Rally Shows Why “Tourism Matters” to Vancouver
Southwest Washington CVB Brings Together Local Members of the Community to Showcase
the Importance of Travel and Tourism During National Travel and Tourism Week
May 12, 2009 – Highlighted by the tagline “Tourism Matters,” today the Southwest Washington
Convention and Visitors Bureau kicked off National Travel and Tourism Week with a rally at
Esther Short Park to show firsthand how tourism benefits Clark County.
“Travel and tourism plays a key role in the Clark County economy,” said Kim
Bennett, president and CEO of the Southwest Washington CVB. “Our community relies on
travel for tax revenue and jobs and the benefits these bring to our economy. With today’s event
we hope to raise awareness and showcase why travel matters to Clark County.”
With business, meetings and event travel facing steep declines across America, nationwide
events throughout National Travel and Tourism Week will emphasize the economic benefits
travel and tourism brings to local workers and communities and demonstrate the importance of
travel. This event is part of a larger effort led by the U.S. Travel Association with rallies in
dozens of cities nationwide.
In Clark County the travel industry employs 4,000 and contributes $392 million to the economy.
Travel industry employees include everyone from hotel employees and restaurant workers to cab drivers and meetings planners who serve visitors to the area.
“I rely heavily on travelers’ spending to make my living and support my family,” said Savanna
Martinez, Lead Front Desk Supervisor at The Heathman Lodge. “Travelers and visitors to
Vancouver are what give me my job and keep me employed.”
Travel and tourism is one of America’s largest industries, with $740 billion in direct travel
expenditures by domestic and international travelers. The industry also represents one of
America’s largest employers with 7.7 million direct travel-generated jobs and $189 billion in
travel-generated payroll. However, according to U.S. Labor Department data, the U.S. Travel
Association reported a loss of nearly 200,000 travel related jobs in 2008 and predicts a loss of an additional 247,000 travel-generated jobs in 2009.
“Locally, tourism helps fund some of our most essential public services like education and law
enforcement,” said Gerry Link, General Manager of Hilton Vancouver Washington. “The travel
industry is facing tough times, but it’s important for people to understand the key role travel can
play in helping to solve our economic challenges on both the local and national level.”
the Importance of Travel and Tourism During National Travel and Tourism Week
May 12, 2009 – Highlighted by the tagline “Tourism Matters,” today the Southwest Washington
Convention and Visitors Bureau kicked off National Travel and Tourism Week with a rally at
Esther Short Park to show firsthand how tourism benefits Clark County.
“Travel and tourism plays a key role in the Clark County economy,” said Kim
Bennett, president and CEO of the Southwest Washington CVB. “Our community relies on
travel for tax revenue and jobs and the benefits these bring to our economy. With today’s event
we hope to raise awareness and showcase why travel matters to Clark County.”
With business, meetings and event travel facing steep declines across America, nationwide
events throughout National Travel and Tourism Week will emphasize the economic benefits
travel and tourism brings to local workers and communities and demonstrate the importance of
travel. This event is part of a larger effort led by the U.S. Travel Association with rallies in
dozens of cities nationwide.
In Clark County the travel industry employs 4,000 and contributes $392 million to the economy.
Travel industry employees include everyone from hotel employees and restaurant workers to cab drivers and meetings planners who serve visitors to the area.
“I rely heavily on travelers’ spending to make my living and support my family,” said Savanna
Martinez, Lead Front Desk Supervisor at The Heathman Lodge. “Travelers and visitors to
Vancouver are what give me my job and keep me employed.”
Travel and tourism is one of America’s largest industries, with $740 billion in direct travel
expenditures by domestic and international travelers. The industry also represents one of
America’s largest employers with 7.7 million direct travel-generated jobs and $189 billion in
travel-generated payroll. However, according to U.S. Labor Department data, the U.S. Travel
Association reported a loss of nearly 200,000 travel related jobs in 2008 and predicts a loss of an additional 247,000 travel-generated jobs in 2009.
“Locally, tourism helps fund some of our most essential public services like education and law
enforcement,” said Gerry Link, General Manager of Hilton Vancouver Washington. “The travel
industry is facing tough times, but it’s important for people to understand the key role travel can
play in helping to solve our economic challenges on both the local and national level.”
River Maiden Coffee to feature famed VooDoo Doughnuts
River Maiden’s Coffeehouses becomes first Clark County outlets for VooDoo Doughnuts
(Vancouver, WA May 13, 2009): Friday, May 15th, 2009, River Maiden Coffee will kick off it’s new relationship with VooDoo Doughnuts by giving away the first 50 doughnuts at each store with a latte purchase at each of it’s two locations (701 Main Street – Downtown, and 602 N. Devine – Heights). “Getting VooDoo Doughnuts to deliver to Clark County is a big deal. So many of Portland’s best bakeries won’t cross the river” said Melissa Layman, owner. “Getting to be the very first is just icing on the cake”.
VooDoo Doughnuts is famed for it’s unique varieties of doughnuts that highlight creativity and great taste. One example is a maple bar with a twist – it’s has bacon on the top. Featured multiple times in national media, Vancouver will soon be able enjoy them fresh each weekday – at River Maiden. “People interested in ordering by the dozen will have to preorder so we can make the proper arrangements. We expect a strong demand from offices and employers looking to treat their employees to something extra at staff meetings”.
Adding VooDoo Doughnuts to Stumptown Coffee uniquely positions River Maiden as the place to get the finest Portland artisan companies have to offer – fresh everyday here in Vancouver.
(Vancouver, WA May 13, 2009): Friday, May 15th, 2009, River Maiden Coffee will kick off it’s new relationship with VooDoo Doughnuts by giving away the first 50 doughnuts at each store with a latte purchase at each of it’s two locations (701 Main Street – Downtown, and 602 N. Devine – Heights). “Getting VooDoo Doughnuts to deliver to Clark County is a big deal. So many of Portland’s best bakeries won’t cross the river” said Melissa Layman, owner. “Getting to be the very first is just icing on the cake”.
VooDoo Doughnuts is famed for it’s unique varieties of doughnuts that highlight creativity and great taste. One example is a maple bar with a twist – it’s has bacon on the top. Featured multiple times in national media, Vancouver will soon be able enjoy them fresh each weekday – at River Maiden. “People interested in ordering by the dozen will have to preorder so we can make the proper arrangements. We expect a strong demand from offices and employers looking to treat their employees to something extra at staff meetings”.
Adding VooDoo Doughnuts to Stumptown Coffee uniquely positions River Maiden as the place to get the finest Portland artisan companies have to offer – fresh everyday here in Vancouver.
Winners Selected For Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
Camas, WA –Tessra Lund of Washougal High School and Haley Adamson of Camas High School were selected as this year’s recipients of the Camas/Washougal Chamber College Scholarships. They were selected because for their dedication to academics, extra curricular activities, sports, volunteerism, and community involvement. They will be honored at the CW Chamber's Annual Award Banquet on June 2nd at Camas Meadows Golf Course along with the 2009 Business and Citizen of the Year. The Banquet is $30 per person to attend, tickets sold at the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce office.
HALEY ADAMSON – CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL
Haley Adamson is a dedicated, hard working student and athlete. She is currently the DECA (advanced marketing) President who has qualified, two times, to compete at the State Level. Additionally, this year Haley will compete at the International DECA Conference in Anaheim, California on an international marketing project that involved creating a business plan for a resort in Belize. Haley has also competed on the Camas High School track team, swim team and worked on numerous community projects like the 2008 Relay for life. Haley was part of a short-term exchange program that sent her to Germany in the summer of 2007 and has donated her time to the Oregon Humane Society and Grace Foursquare Church. Haley plans on attending either Eastern Washington University or Whitworth University and pursue a business degree. Sherry Busby the Marketing and DECA Advisory had this to say, “Haley also has a part time job, and she is enrolled in our high school’s excelled program. Between her participation in DECA, her rigorous classes and a part time job, Haley has definitely proven what responsibility and dedication represent, while remaining a humble and thoughtful individual.”
*For more information on Haley Adamson call 360-834-3025
TESSRA LUND – WASHOUGAL HIGH SCHOOL
Tessra is an active student involved in FBLA, Readers Club, and Tennis. She was a S.T.A.R. Mentor and is active within her Church youth group. Tessra works in the main office of Washougal High School, where she works closely with the Principal’s Secretary. “I have found this young lady to be efficient, reliable, committed to doing a good job, and self-disciplined in her work ethic. In a climate that frequently requires confidentiality, I consider Tessra to be completely trustworthy,” says Ann Jendro, the Principals Secretary. Tessra, raised by a single father in Washougal, is focused on her goal of becoming a paralegal through the program at Clark College. She has studied business law classes, computer applications, and computer skills to prepare for the Clark College Paralegal program, all while holding a part time job since 2007.
HALEY ADAMSON – CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL
Haley Adamson is a dedicated, hard working student and athlete. She is currently the DECA (advanced marketing) President who has qualified, two times, to compete at the State Level. Additionally, this year Haley will compete at the International DECA Conference in Anaheim, California on an international marketing project that involved creating a business plan for a resort in Belize. Haley has also competed on the Camas High School track team, swim team and worked on numerous community projects like the 2008 Relay for life. Haley was part of a short-term exchange program that sent her to Germany in the summer of 2007 and has donated her time to the Oregon Humane Society and Grace Foursquare Church. Haley plans on attending either Eastern Washington University or Whitworth University and pursue a business degree. Sherry Busby the Marketing and DECA Advisory had this to say, “Haley also has a part time job, and she is enrolled in our high school’s excelled program. Between her participation in DECA, her rigorous classes and a part time job, Haley has definitely proven what responsibility and dedication represent, while remaining a humble and thoughtful individual.”
*For more information on Haley Adamson call 360-834-3025
TESSRA LUND – WASHOUGAL HIGH SCHOOL
Tessra is an active student involved in FBLA, Readers Club, and Tennis. She was a S.T.A.R. Mentor and is active within her Church youth group. Tessra works in the main office of Washougal High School, where she works closely with the Principal’s Secretary. “I have found this young lady to be efficient, reliable, committed to doing a good job, and self-disciplined in her work ethic. In a climate that frequently requires confidentiality, I consider Tessra to be completely trustworthy,” says Ann Jendro, the Principals Secretary. Tessra, raised by a single father in Washougal, is focused on her goal of becoming a paralegal through the program at Clark College. She has studied business law classes, computer applications, and computer skills to prepare for the Clark College Paralegal program, all while holding a part time job since 2007.
Murray Works to Add Financial Literacy Effort to Credit Card Reform
Introduces amendment to Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights that would evaluate and coordinate planning for financial literacy programs
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced an amendment to H.R. 627, the Credit cardholders' bill of rights, that would make a number of changes in the way financial literacy is planned and coordinated at the federal level.
“As we work on fixing some of the problems in the credit card industry it is critical that we also focus on giving Americans the skills to understand the fine print and avoid mounting debt,” said Senator Patty Murray. “We used to say the three ‘R’s’ of school are reading, writing, and arithmetic, well I think we need to add a fourth ‘R’ – resource management. This amendment will ensure that the federal government is working together, coordinating, and putting the pieces in place to give Americans of all ages the skills to manage their finances and make good financial decisions.”
The amendment calls for the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Office of Financial Education of the Department of Treasury to coordinate with the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy to evaluate and compile a summary of all existing federal financial and economic literacy programs.
It also directs them to develop a strategic plan to improve and expand financial and economic literacy education.
This amendment comes on top of the work that Senator Murray is doing with Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY 4th) to make the federal government a strong partner in funding financial literacy programs.
In March of this year, Murray, Cochran, and McCarthy introduced the bi-partisan, bi-cameral Financial and Economic Literacy Improvement Act of 2009, which will provide $250 million in grants annually to states to support teaching financial literacy in K-12 and 2-and 4-year colleges.
Murray continued to push for strong support for financial literacy in a speech she made on the Senate floor last Tuesday.
For a summary of the Financial and Economic Literacy Improvement Act of 2009 visit HERE
To listen to Senator Murray’s Floor Speech Introducing the bill visit HERE
Senator Murray is a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee that oversees education as well as a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) Appropriations Committee that oversees Education funding.
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced an amendment to H.R. 627, the Credit cardholders' bill of rights, that would make a number of changes in the way financial literacy is planned and coordinated at the federal level.
“As we work on fixing some of the problems in the credit card industry it is critical that we also focus on giving Americans the skills to understand the fine print and avoid mounting debt,” said Senator Patty Murray. “We used to say the three ‘R’s’ of school are reading, writing, and arithmetic, well I think we need to add a fourth ‘R’ – resource management. This amendment will ensure that the federal government is working together, coordinating, and putting the pieces in place to give Americans of all ages the skills to manage their finances and make good financial decisions.”
The amendment calls for the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Office of Financial Education of the Department of Treasury to coordinate with the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy to evaluate and compile a summary of all existing federal financial and economic literacy programs.
It also directs them to develop a strategic plan to improve and expand financial and economic literacy education.
This amendment comes on top of the work that Senator Murray is doing with Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY 4th) to make the federal government a strong partner in funding financial literacy programs.
In March of this year, Murray, Cochran, and McCarthy introduced the bi-partisan, bi-cameral Financial and Economic Literacy Improvement Act of 2009, which will provide $250 million in grants annually to states to support teaching financial literacy in K-12 and 2-and 4-year colleges.
Murray continued to push for strong support for financial literacy in a speech she made on the Senate floor last Tuesday.
For a summary of the Financial and Economic Literacy Improvement Act of 2009 visit HERE
To listen to Senator Murray’s Floor Speech Introducing the bill visit HERE
Senator Murray is a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee that oversees education as well as a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) Appropriations Committee that oversees Education funding.
USGBC Offers Resources for Governments to Save Energy and Money by Building Green Green Building Nonprofit Releases ‘Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds
May 13, 2009 (Washington, DC) – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) continues to provide resources to help state and local governments nationwide take advantage of the economic recovery opportunities presented by green building, including the newly released “Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds for Green Building.”
From investing in green schools and home energy retrofit programs to creating a revolving loan fund, this list can be used by governments from small towns to metropolitan cities and counties as well as state governments looking to make the best use of federal economic recovery funding. The full document can be downloaded by following www.usgbc.org/government to the Green Economic Recovery Resources page.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
“A strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand. Governments and business alike have recognized that the triple bottom line of economic, environmental and social sustainability is the key to thriving and prospering today and into the future,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, USGBC. “Smart use of federal economic stimulus funding by improving the efficiency of our existing building stock as well as our new buildings and communities will create green jobs that save energy, water and taxpayer money.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) represents a tremendous and unprecedented opportunity for green building. Governments are acting fast to take strategic steps to identify not simply shovel-ready, but shovel-worthy projects that will play a vital role in the short-term and long-term strength of the economy. USGBC is working collaboratively with state and local governments across the country as they think holistically about how to use recovery dollars to maximize sustainability in the built environment.
By following www.usgbc.org/government to the Green Economic Recovery Resources page, you can also find such resources as a matrix outlining how specific provisions of ARRA are relevant to green building, a recorded series of webcasts on implementing recovery funds, the Roadmap to Sustainable Government Buildings, and many other tools. Local governments that are looking for more holistic guidance on sustainability planning may also want to review the Playbook for Green Buildings + Neighborhoods at www.greenplaybook.org.
From investing in green schools and home energy retrofit programs to creating a revolving loan fund, this list can be used by governments from small towns to metropolitan cities and counties as well as state governments looking to make the best use of federal economic recovery funding. The full document can be downloaded by following www.usgbc.org/government to the Green Economic Recovery Resources page.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
“A strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand. Governments and business alike have recognized that the triple bottom line of economic, environmental and social sustainability is the key to thriving and prospering today and into the future,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, USGBC. “Smart use of federal economic stimulus funding by improving the efficiency of our existing building stock as well as our new buildings and communities will create green jobs that save energy, water and taxpayer money.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) represents a tremendous and unprecedented opportunity for green building. Governments are acting fast to take strategic steps to identify not simply shovel-ready, but shovel-worthy projects that will play a vital role in the short-term and long-term strength of the economy. USGBC is working collaboratively with state and local governments across the country as they think holistically about how to use recovery dollars to maximize sustainability in the built environment.
By following www.usgbc.org/government to the Green Economic Recovery Resources page, you can also find such resources as a matrix outlining how specific provisions of ARRA are relevant to green building, a recorded series of webcasts on implementing recovery funds, the Roadmap to Sustainable Government Buildings, and many other tools. Local governments that are looking for more holistic guidance on sustainability planning may also want to review the Playbook for Green Buildings + Neighborhoods at www.greenplaybook.org.
East Industrial Park Open House May 27
Washougal, Wash. - May 14, 2009 -
The Port of Camas/Washougal invites the community to attend an open house to review and share feedback on the draft land use options currently being considered for the East Industrial Park - 122 acres east of the existing Port Industrial Park. The public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Port of Camas-Washougal located at 24 South A Street, in Washougal. The drop-in style open house will include periodic project overview presentations and graphic representations of the draft land use options at display stations. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and collect comments.
The Port's mission is to provide economic and recreational benefits to the Camas-Washougal area while increasing the quality of life throughout the region. In creating a Master Development Plan for the East Industrial Park, the Port will seek to maximize the economic potential of public assets and provide predictability during future phases of development, while maintaining flexibility needed to meet the demands of a dynamic market. Mackay & Sposito and JLA Public Involvement will be working together with the Port of Camas-Washougal and the community to conduct the Master Development Plan process and generate land use and design options for the East Industrial Park.
The Port of Camas-Washougal values and encourages input from the community about this project and other Port initiatives. For information, please visit the Port's Web site www.portcw.com and click on the "Projects" tab and select "Industrial Park Master Plan 2009," or contact David Ripp, executive director, at (360) 835-2196 x101 or dave@portcw.com
The Port of Camas/Washougal invites the community to attend an open house to review and share feedback on the draft land use options currently being considered for the East Industrial Park - 122 acres east of the existing Port Industrial Park. The public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Port of Camas-Washougal located at 24 South A Street, in Washougal. The drop-in style open house will include periodic project overview presentations and graphic representations of the draft land use options at display stations. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and collect comments.
The Port's mission is to provide economic and recreational benefits to the Camas-Washougal area while increasing the quality of life throughout the region. In creating a Master Development Plan for the East Industrial Park, the Port will seek to maximize the economic potential of public assets and provide predictability during future phases of development, while maintaining flexibility needed to meet the demands of a dynamic market. Mackay & Sposito and JLA Public Involvement will be working together with the Port of Camas-Washougal and the community to conduct the Master Development Plan process and generate land use and design options for the East Industrial Park.
The Port of Camas-Washougal values and encourages input from the community about this project and other Port initiatives. For information, please visit the Port's Web site www.portcw.com and click on the "Projects" tab and select "Industrial Park Master Plan 2009," or contact David Ripp, executive director, at (360) 835-2196 x101 or dave@portcw.com
Finance team outlines efforts to realign 2009-2010 county budget
Vancouver, WA – Major adjustments must take effect by July 1 to keep the county on a stable financial footing, County Administrator Bill Barron said Wednesday during a crowded work session with the Board of Clark County Commissioners.
Barron said the 2009-2010 budget adopted in early December reflected the recession that spread through the economy in 2008 and was very conservative in forecasting difficult business conditions through 2010.
Unfortunately, the economic contraction over the last six months has proved to be “beyond difficult, to the point of excruciating,” he said. “This means we must move quickly to prevent a deficit that could be as high as $18 million before the end of this budget cycle.”
The most immediate goal is to limit increasing pressure on the General Fund, which serves as the county’s primary operating fund. After intense study, an interdepart-mental finance team presented a two-part plan for the Board to consider during the work session. Decisions regarding “Part I” will determine the size of the projected deficit that remains for individual departments to resolve under “Part II,” Barron said.
Part I: Balancing the Budget Overall
· Maintain a core staff to perform essential functions in the Department of Community Development; reduce the need for the General Fund to make up for sharp reductions in development activities and related fees.
· Redirect part of the Real Estate Excise Tax to make payments on bonds sold to finance previous capital investments; accept delays in some future investments.
· Use more of the Road Fund to pay for the Sheriff’s Office to patrol county roads; accept delays in some road projects.
· Implement state legislation to reduce the amount employers invest through 2010 to generate earnings to pay for future pensions from the Public Employees’ Retirement System. Prepare for a projected increase in employer contributions to the investment funds by 2011.
· Reduce the budget for fuel, based on recent experience and projections for gas prices.
The Board endorsed most of the strategy outlined in Part I, but called for more time to consider elements related to Community Development.
Part II – Balancing the Budget in Each Department
Once the policy decisions are answered under “Part I” above, the plan calls for departments to meet targets to reduce projected spending from the General Fund. The Budget office would calculate the targets as a percentage of General Fund budgets previously set for July 2009 through December 2010.
“Part II” would not apply to Community Development, which is facing a major reduction before the “Part II” targets are set.
Department heads will determine how to meet the new targets after considering their circumstances and options. They will make every effort to preserve jobs and services, while recognizing that payroll costs represent a substantial part of the budget, Barron said. Pay and benefits will continue to be among the topics for ongoing contract negotiations.
“Obviously, some things will have to give. We simply will not have the revenue to keep everyone employed full time and meet all of the goals previously set for the next year and a half,” he said. “Even so, I fully expect cooperation, collaboration and innovation to demonstrate our strength as an organization that stands ready to serve a strong community, despite the challenge.”
Barron said the 2009-2010 budget adopted in early December reflected the recession that spread through the economy in 2008 and was very conservative in forecasting difficult business conditions through 2010.
Unfortunately, the economic contraction over the last six months has proved to be “beyond difficult, to the point of excruciating,” he said. “This means we must move quickly to prevent a deficit that could be as high as $18 million before the end of this budget cycle.”
The most immediate goal is to limit increasing pressure on the General Fund, which serves as the county’s primary operating fund. After intense study, an interdepart-mental finance team presented a two-part plan for the Board to consider during the work session. Decisions regarding “Part I” will determine the size of the projected deficit that remains for individual departments to resolve under “Part II,” Barron said.
Part I: Balancing the Budget Overall
· Maintain a core staff to perform essential functions in the Department of Community Development; reduce the need for the General Fund to make up for sharp reductions in development activities and related fees.
· Redirect part of the Real Estate Excise Tax to make payments on bonds sold to finance previous capital investments; accept delays in some future investments.
· Use more of the Road Fund to pay for the Sheriff’s Office to patrol county roads; accept delays in some road projects.
· Implement state legislation to reduce the amount employers invest through 2010 to generate earnings to pay for future pensions from the Public Employees’ Retirement System. Prepare for a projected increase in employer contributions to the investment funds by 2011.
· Reduce the budget for fuel, based on recent experience and projections for gas prices.
The Board endorsed most of the strategy outlined in Part I, but called for more time to consider elements related to Community Development.
Part II – Balancing the Budget in Each Department
Once the policy decisions are answered under “Part I” above, the plan calls for departments to meet targets to reduce projected spending from the General Fund. The Budget office would calculate the targets as a percentage of General Fund budgets previously set for July 2009 through December 2010.
“Part II” would not apply to Community Development, which is facing a major reduction before the “Part II” targets are set.
Department heads will determine how to meet the new targets after considering their circumstances and options. They will make every effort to preserve jobs and services, while recognizing that payroll costs represent a substantial part of the budget, Barron said. Pay and benefits will continue to be among the topics for ongoing contract negotiations.
“Obviously, some things will have to give. We simply will not have the revenue to keep everyone employed full time and meet all of the goals previously set for the next year and a half,” he said. “Even so, I fully expect cooperation, collaboration and innovation to demonstrate our strength as an organization that stands ready to serve a strong community, despite the challenge.”
Gov. Gregoire signs executive order creating aerospace council
RENTON – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed an executive order creating the Washington Council on Aerospace. The council will oversee state efforts to ensure that Washington remains the leading location in the world in which to design and build airplanes.
“Washington is the best place in the world to build airplanes, primarily due to the robust aerospace infrastructure we have in place and our highly skilled, productive work force. Our advantages also include a competitive aerospace tax environment, strong aerospace research and development capacity, and this state’s unparalleled quality of life,” Gregoire said. “But in today’s challenging times and with our faltering economy, we need to do more to stay ahead. The aerospace council is designed to ensure we are doing all we can in a sustained way to be even more competitive.”
The governor is also creating an aerospace subcabinet to ensure that decisions made by the council are activated as effectively as possible. Both entities will ensure that Washington is aggressively working to advance technical expertise in aerospace and that the state’s work force is nimble in applying new technologies to building airplanes.
The Council on Aerospace will:
Coordinate and organize the worker-training programs at Washington’s community and technical colleges;
Coordinate the research and development programs at the research universities;
Integrate technologies developed at the research institutions into the training programs;
Manage recruiting and retention of aerospace companies to create jobs and grow the industry; and
Provide advice to the Legislature and to the governor on how Washington can improve its attractiveness to the aerospace industry.
“Aerospace has deep roots in Washington, especially in Renton’s history,” said Renton Mayor Denis Law. “It is critical that Washington remain the leader in the globally competitive aerospace industry, and we are pleased to work with Governor Gregoire and others to ensure that we keep the winning edge in that competition.”
“Aerospace accounts for tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in revenue,” Gregoire said. “We will make sure our state keeps and grows this industry, and the jobs that support Washington families.”
Members of the Council on Aerospace are:
Rogers Weed, director of the Department of Commerce (chair)
Ann Daley, executive director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board
Charlie Earl, executive director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Dr. Mark Emmert, president of the University of Washington
Dr. Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University
Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla
Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens
Rep. Phyllis Kenney, D-Seattle
Stan Sorscher, legislative director for SPEEA (Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace)
David Schumacher, government affairs director of The Boeing Company
Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake,
One member representing a labor organization of aerospace Machinists
One member representing aerospace employers in Eastern Washington
One member representing aerospace employers in Western Washington
“Washington is the best place in the world to build airplanes, primarily due to the robust aerospace infrastructure we have in place and our highly skilled, productive work force. Our advantages also include a competitive aerospace tax environment, strong aerospace research and development capacity, and this state’s unparalleled quality of life,” Gregoire said. “But in today’s challenging times and with our faltering economy, we need to do more to stay ahead. The aerospace council is designed to ensure we are doing all we can in a sustained way to be even more competitive.”
The governor is also creating an aerospace subcabinet to ensure that decisions made by the council are activated as effectively as possible. Both entities will ensure that Washington is aggressively working to advance technical expertise in aerospace and that the state’s work force is nimble in applying new technologies to building airplanes.
The Council on Aerospace will:
Coordinate and organize the worker-training programs at Washington’s community and technical colleges;
Coordinate the research and development programs at the research universities;
Integrate technologies developed at the research institutions into the training programs;
Manage recruiting and retention of aerospace companies to create jobs and grow the industry; and
Provide advice to the Legislature and to the governor on how Washington can improve its attractiveness to the aerospace industry.
“Aerospace has deep roots in Washington, especially in Renton’s history,” said Renton Mayor Denis Law. “It is critical that Washington remain the leader in the globally competitive aerospace industry, and we are pleased to work with Governor Gregoire and others to ensure that we keep the winning edge in that competition.”
“Aerospace accounts for tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in revenue,” Gregoire said. “We will make sure our state keeps and grows this industry, and the jobs that support Washington families.”
Members of the Council on Aerospace are:
Rogers Weed, director of the Department of Commerce (chair)
Ann Daley, executive director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board
Charlie Earl, executive director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Dr. Mark Emmert, president of the University of Washington
Dr. Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University
Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla
Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens
Rep. Phyllis Kenney, D-Seattle
Stan Sorscher, legislative director for SPEEA (Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace)
David Schumacher, government affairs director of The Boeing Company
Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake,
One member representing a labor organization of aerospace Machinists
One member representing aerospace employers in Eastern Washington
One member representing aerospace employers in Western Washington
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Battle Ground High School Weapon Case Continues
Officers from the Battle Ground Police Department continue to investigate leads in the incident from yesterday, May 12, 2009 at 1100 hrs, when a 17 year old student was arrested for carrying a loaded .25 caliber pistol on the Battle Ground High School grounds. Investigations have determined the gun was inside of a case in a backpack the student was carrying. The gun had been reported stolen from a Portland resident in 1989 and appears to have changed ownership a few times. There is no indication or evidence that the suspect had planned to use the weapon and it appears the weapon had been taken to school by the suspect who had hoped to sell the weapon for cash. The Police Department wishes to thank the student who alerted the School Security Officer to the incident. Responding officers appreciated the good work of the Security Officer who acted quickly and properly to notify the Battle Ground Police School Resource Officer. Officers were then able to get into the school, lo cate the suspect and get the weapon secured without any resistance. The male student was expelled from the High School according to Principal Tim Lexow. Some follow up will be completed and then the case reports will be submitted to the Clark County Prosecutor.
Contact Info: Lt. Roy Butler
507 SW 1st Street
Battle Ground, WA
360-342-5241 Office
360-600-5009 Cell
Contact Info: Lt. Roy Butler
507 SW 1st Street
Battle Ground, WA
360-342-5241 Office
360-600-5009 Cell
WSU Regents Approve Tuition Increases for 2009-2011 Biennium
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Board of Regents of Washington State University approved, by a 6-1 vote, tuition increases of 14 percent for resident undergraduate students for each of the two years of the 2009-2011 biennium at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting Friday (May 8) at the WSU Spokane campus.
The Washington Legislature built the tuition increases into the budget it approved for WSU last month. For the 2009-2010 academic year, the 14 percent increase will raise tuition by $870.
The regents also approved a range of tuition increases for other classifications of students. The complete listing of the tuition rates and increases is available at: http://www.wsunews.wsu.edu/Content/Photos/2009/NS%20April/Propos_Tuition_%20Fees_FY10+FY11.pdf
Francois Forgette, chair of the board, said the tuition increase was a difficult, but necessary, step to prevent the university from being further damaged by budget reductions.
“In an economic recession, the last thing you should be cutting is higher education. It seems counterintuitive, but we are where we are and we have to play the hand that is dealt to us,” said Forgette, who pointed out that, even after the tuition increase, the university will have to cut its budget by $54.16 million, or 10.38 percent, over the biennium.
Regent Scott Carson said it is important for the state’s economic future to maintain the strength of higher education.
“All of us as business leaders have an obligation to express to our leaders in state government how important higher education is,” said Carson, who called on the Cougar community to help raise funds for scholarships to augment financial aid.
The regents received a report that showed WSU’s 2008-2009 tuition and fees placed the university $1,166 below the average of 22 peer institutions.
“This increase is significant by any measure, but when you look at it compared to our peer institutions, it is still a very good value,” said Regent Ted Baseler.
Student Regent Derek En’Wezoh cast the only dissenting vote on the tuition increase. He said, based on the feedback he had received from fellow students, he could not support a tuition increase of that level. But he said he still appreciated the careful consideration that the board and administration had given to the budget and tuition issues.
“I know this decision comes hard. It is not just hard for me; it is hard for each one of you,” En’Wezoh said.
Warwick M. Bayly, provost and executive vice president, said that the tuition increase should enable the university to continue to make classes available to allow students to graduate in four years. He said the cost for students, if they had to attend the university for an additional semester or two because classes weren’t available, would be much higher than the costs resulting from this tuition increase.
John Fraire, vice president for enrollment management, said that increases in the federal Pell grant and expansion of the Hope Tax Credit would help offset the tuition increase for many students and their families. He said the university is strongly encouraging more students and families to apply for financial aid; sometimes students don’t apply because they believe their family incomes are too high to qualify.
As part of the higher education budget, WSU saw its total state appropriation reduced by $112.3 million, or 21.5 percent, over the biennium. The university will receive nearly $16 million in one-time federal stimulus money to offset a portion of the cut. The tuition increase will provide an additional $42.4 million, resulting in a net overall reduction of $54.16 million, or 10.38 percent.
Last week, the university announced a preliminary budget plan that would eliminate about 370 vacant and filled positions and several academic programs, and take a number of other steps to address the shortfall. University administrators said adopting a lower tuition-rate increase than what was included in the legislative budget would force the university to reduce more jobs, eliminate more academic programs and make it more difficult for students to get the classes they would need to finish degrees in four years.
The board also approved a tuition rate of $750 per credit hour for the university’s new on-line MBA program. Attaining an on-line MBA requires 39 credits.
The board approved a 2 percent increase, to $512, in annual services and activities fees for students. The board also approved the formulas for allocating those fees, which are decided upon by student-led committees on each of the campuses.
For students on the Pullman campus, the Student Recreation Center fee will increase by $16 per year to $289. Pullman students also approved a $20 increase in the transit fee, to $50 per year.
The regents elected new officers for the upcoming academic year. Michael Worthy of Vancouver will serve as chair of the board and Laura Jennings of Seattle as vice chair.
The board’s next meeting will be held Sept. 4 in Pullman.
The Washington Legislature built the tuition increases into the budget it approved for WSU last month. For the 2009-2010 academic year, the 14 percent increase will raise tuition by $870.
The regents also approved a range of tuition increases for other classifications of students. The complete listing of the tuition rates and increases is available at: http://www.wsunews.wsu.edu/Content/Photos/2009/NS%20April/Propos_Tuition_%20Fees_FY10+FY11.pdf
Francois Forgette, chair of the board, said the tuition increase was a difficult, but necessary, step to prevent the university from being further damaged by budget reductions.
“In an economic recession, the last thing you should be cutting is higher education. It seems counterintuitive, but we are where we are and we have to play the hand that is dealt to us,” said Forgette, who pointed out that, even after the tuition increase, the university will have to cut its budget by $54.16 million, or 10.38 percent, over the biennium.
Regent Scott Carson said it is important for the state’s economic future to maintain the strength of higher education.
“All of us as business leaders have an obligation to express to our leaders in state government how important higher education is,” said Carson, who called on the Cougar community to help raise funds for scholarships to augment financial aid.
The regents received a report that showed WSU’s 2008-2009 tuition and fees placed the university $1,166 below the average of 22 peer institutions.
“This increase is significant by any measure, but when you look at it compared to our peer institutions, it is still a very good value,” said Regent Ted Baseler.
Student Regent Derek En’Wezoh cast the only dissenting vote on the tuition increase. He said, based on the feedback he had received from fellow students, he could not support a tuition increase of that level. But he said he still appreciated the careful consideration that the board and administration had given to the budget and tuition issues.
“I know this decision comes hard. It is not just hard for me; it is hard for each one of you,” En’Wezoh said.
Warwick M. Bayly, provost and executive vice president, said that the tuition increase should enable the university to continue to make classes available to allow students to graduate in four years. He said the cost for students, if they had to attend the university for an additional semester or two because classes weren’t available, would be much higher than the costs resulting from this tuition increase.
John Fraire, vice president for enrollment management, said that increases in the federal Pell grant and expansion of the Hope Tax Credit would help offset the tuition increase for many students and their families. He said the university is strongly encouraging more students and families to apply for financial aid; sometimes students don’t apply because they believe their family incomes are too high to qualify.
As part of the higher education budget, WSU saw its total state appropriation reduced by $112.3 million, or 21.5 percent, over the biennium. The university will receive nearly $16 million in one-time federal stimulus money to offset a portion of the cut. The tuition increase will provide an additional $42.4 million, resulting in a net overall reduction of $54.16 million, or 10.38 percent.
Last week, the university announced a preliminary budget plan that would eliminate about 370 vacant and filled positions and several academic programs, and take a number of other steps to address the shortfall. University administrators said adopting a lower tuition-rate increase than what was included in the legislative budget would force the university to reduce more jobs, eliminate more academic programs and make it more difficult for students to get the classes they would need to finish degrees in four years.
The board also approved a tuition rate of $750 per credit hour for the university’s new on-line MBA program. Attaining an on-line MBA requires 39 credits.
The board approved a 2 percent increase, to $512, in annual services and activities fees for students. The board also approved the formulas for allocating those fees, which are decided upon by student-led committees on each of the campuses.
For students on the Pullman campus, the Student Recreation Center fee will increase by $16 per year to $289. Pullman students also approved a $20 increase in the transit fee, to $50 per year.
The regents elected new officers for the upcoming academic year. Michael Worthy of Vancouver will serve as chair of the board and Laura Jennings of Seattle as vice chair.
The board’s next meeting will be held Sept. 4 in Pullman.
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