Sat, 25 May 2013 01:02:59 -0800WeeblyWed, 20 Jun 2012 17:51:58 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/06/plastic-bag-ban-not-quite-final.htmlWhen the City Council voted to enact a ban on single-use plastic bags at Monday's meeting, Councilor Richard Hervey - as the lone "no" vote - left the door open to add amendments to the ordinance. Here's what the ordinance does at this point:
1) Bans single-use plastic bags of  less than 2.25 mils thickness from all point-of-sale locations in Corvallis. This includes biodegradable bags;
2) Excludes single-use bags at "establishments where the primary business is the preparation of food or  drink;"
3) Excludes plastic bags other than at check-out, so plastic in produce, meat, or frozen food sections of grocery stores are okay;
4) Excludes pharmacy prescription bags.
5) Gives large retailers (more than 50 employees) 6 months to implement, and small retailers one year to implement;
6) Requires retailers to assess a minimum 5-cent per paper bag fee on the consumer. This fee is retained by the retailer to "offset" the cost of the bag;
7) Establishes $200 fines on retailers for handing out plastic bags at the check-out stand - for each bag.

Of course, the goal of the proponents of this ban is to have everyone bring a reusable bag with them to the store. If everyone did this, every retailer in Corvallis would save a lot of  money because they wouldn't have to buy bags or store them. Realistically though that won't happen because we are, after all, human, and because we have a lot of visitors to Corvallis who won't know about this ban and won't bring their own bags. Also, new OSU students will need to be educated about the ban and will need bags to carry their purchases to their new homes.

What this does to small retailers is simple: it increases their costs. The representative from the Northwest Grocers Association told Council that plastic bags cost them 2-cents, and paper bags cost about 4 1/2-cents. That is because they have the advantage of very high volume. Each large grocery store doesn't buy their own bags; they have the advantage of supply-chain and parent companies that can purchase in bulk driving down their costs. Small retailers on the other hand probably DO buy their bags themselves, and in much, much smaller quantity. My on-line research shows that in 1000 bag quantities, plastic bags cost 4-cents each, and paper bags cost 30-cents each. Do the math. The ordinance just cost a small mom-and-pop grocery store - even with the 5-cent pass-through fee, which they can keep - 25-cents per bag.

Of course the ordinance also allows some "flexibility" to increase the per-bag charge, in an effort to "level the
playing field." So let's say mom-and-pop raise their fee to cover their costs.They now charge 30-cents for each bag. That, of course, puts them at a disadvantage in comparison to other stores.

Advocates say "just bring your own bag." True enough, but there are many who have voiced concerns about
cleanliness - not of their own bags, of course. However, it is realistic to assume that every bag that gets placed on the checkout counter isn't freshly washed. In a lively on-line discussion on this topic recently, a grocery store
checker was describing reuseable bags that appear on their counters, filled with dirt, garbage, and questionable items. Some of what they said they encountered was not only unhygenic but downright disgusting. Another factor of being human - we don't all have they same idea of what "clean" means. And that means that unwelcome things can be transferred to the counter.

Some points on this debate:
1) Plastic bags are made primarily from natural gas, not petroleum;
2) Paper bags cost more to manufacture, transport, and store than plastic;
3) Most reusable bags (including Chico bags, supplier of the Bag Monster) are manufactured in China;
4) Most plastic bags are manufactured in the US;
5) Manufacturing paper bags takes more energy, more petroleum, and more BTUs than plastic;
6) The City reallly doesn't have staff to monitor or enforce this ban, except through complaints from the public.

For the record, the Chamber has not taken a position for or against plastic bags. We are interested in maintaining a healthy regulatory environment for businesses that ensure consumer choice and a vibrant local economy. We want to create policy that attracts shoppers and businesses to Corvallis. We want Corvallis to be business-friendly.

So, the record is left open on this ban until the July 2nd Council meeting, and amendments can be made. What suggestions do you have? We'd love to hear some new ideas.








]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 20:26:46 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/05/plastic-bag-ban-update.htmlAs you may be aware, the City’s Administrative Services Committee (ASC) met  Wednesday May 9 to discuss the proposed ordinance intended to reduce the use of  plastic bags issued at point of sale. They reviewed the recommendations from City staff on this issue, and I  wanted to provide an update on the status of this proposal to you. 

First, some quick background:  this ban would only apply to bags at the point of sale for retailers.  It would not apply to produce or meat bags.  It would not apply to newspaper bags, door hangers, bags distributed for food drives, or any other plastic bag.  It strictly applies to retail businesses at the cash register.

After  several meetings between City staff and stakeholders (which included the Chamber) City staff had recommended to the ASC that no ordinance be enacted due to some legal questions and due to anticipated costs associated with violation enforcement.  
 
Staff also submitted a proposed ordinance that would have established a ban of single-use plastic bags with voluntary compliance and no enforcement. After lengthy discussion by Committee members and  testimony from citizens, the ASC returned the proposed ordinance to staff  with instructions to insert penalties of several hundred dollars for each violation of the ban. 

This ban would most likely apply to every retailer in the City, from the farmers market booths on up. 
 
The rewritten ordinance will come back to the ASC, and then be forwarded to the full  City Council for consideration, probably in June.  
 
I want you to be aware that the Chamber has been engaged in the discussion on  this issue since the beginning, with particular emphasis on ensuring any proposed ordinance was fair, did not adversely affect our local businesses, and
allowed adequate time for any type of restriction to be implemented without undue costs to retailers.  We will continue to tell the City Council that there may be unintended consequences from the proposal ordinance, and ask that they recognize that local businesses are the cornerstone of a strong local economy.  Our local retailers have struggled during the recession, and we feel that unplanned expenses on top of narrow profit margins is an intimely and unfair decision.
 
We know that the members of the business community are not aligned on this issue, but we believe that protecting businesses from unreasonable costs and regulation is an appropriate position for any business organization to take.  Recognizing divergent opinions, we recommend that you make your thoughts known to Council.  If you are interested in this issue and wish to share your opinion through the Chamber or directly to the City Council, please contact us. We will help you obtain the correct addresses. However the most effective way to be heard is directly to the City Council, and the method with the most impact is in person.  We will post the dates of upcoming meetings, and hope your will share your perspective on this proposal.

]]>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:40:46 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/03/make-the-most-of-your-training-dollars-send-your-staff-to-leads-2012.htmlThe Corvallis Chamber works hard to give you the best value for your dollars, and we are excited to present the inaugural LEAD Summit 2012 on April 20.  For just $35 per person (if registered before April 6) you and your staff can pick up important tools to help your business -- and yourself -- be successful!  Here are the valuable workshops you will be able to choose from:

"A Leader's Guide to Navigating Change"            Jim Steele, George Fox University
"Fierce Conversations"                                         Jean Bonifas, Springboard NW
"Who Are You  - in 30 Seconds"                           Don Neubaum, OSU College of Business
"The Art & Science of Doing More With Less"      Tara Rodden Robinson, The Productivity Maven
"Verbal Judo"                                                        Scott Jackson, Benton County Sheriff's Office
"Crisis Management"                                            Kevin Brett, University of Oregon
"Procteing Yourself & Business Online"               Micah Smith, Linn County Sheriff's Office
"Powerful Presentations"                                      Bob Hazelton,  Author
"Volunteerism - Get Involved"                              Maria Chavez-Haroldson, CASA - Voices for Children
"Search Engines, Marketing, & Pay Per Click"    Katherine Cleland, Cleland Marketing

In addition to these great mini-workshops, you and your staff will network with other business owners and staff, learn about local companies at vendor tables, enjoy lunch, and hear from Will Moore, CEO of Moore Performance Group, and Tim Leatherman, OSU grad and inventor of the Leatherman Multitool. 

Sign up now!  www.corvallisleads.com

]]>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:58:38 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/03/move-to-amend-why.htmlA national organization, Move to Amend, recently went to the City Council with a request: place a question on the ballot that would ask Corvallis residents to make a statement to the US Supreme Court about a ruling that gives "personhood" to corporations for the purpose of lobbying Congress.  Their website, www.movetoamend.org, includes this statement:

"We, the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling, and move to amend our Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights."

This made us scratch our heads, and here's why: another website, www.opensecrets.org, lists the expenditures of all Political Action Committees (PACs) in the country, and of the top twenty, only three are corporations.  Of the remaining PACs, thirteen are unions and three are associations (American Medical Association, National Association of Realtors, and National Education Association.)  The last is a collection of small donors and does not lobby at the national level. 

Given these data points, the argument by Move to Amend doesn't make a lot of sense. It is true that lobbyists work Capitol Hill every day (and Salem, too) but the big money isn't being dealt by corporations.  As a business organization, we believe it's important to know these points and inform our membership.  Ultimately you will make your views known on the ballot.  It's just good to have the facts to help you decide.

]]>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:31:14 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/03/consumers-and-visitors-turn-to-the-chamber.htmlThe #1 reason to join the Chamber: we are the "go to" organization for consumers and visitors.

Every day we hear from newcomers, tourists, and others: "Can you recommend someplace..."  And we do.  We recommend restaurants, retailers, hotels, banks, cellular phone services, and more.  We love to recommend our members and help their businesses grow. We send out relocation packets, provide business directories, hand out brochures and business cards, and direct visitors to our website to your business through our online Traffic Catcher sites. We want people to know that our members are great businesses to work with.  They trust us to direct them to the best of business in Corvallis.

Ultimately, that is the real value of a Chamber membership: consumer confidence.  Consumers trust that Chamber members stand out.  A national study, "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce,"  noted that 59% of consumers believe that being an active member of a local Chamber is an effective business strategy, means the company uses good business practices, is reputable, cares about its customers, and is engaged in the community.

Your Chamber membership is important, and we hope you let your customers know you are a valued Chamber member.  We are working for you every day, helping promote your business and advocating on your behalf.  Your Chamber membership can cost less than a single ad in the newspaper.  The value is real.   
]]>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:09:16 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/03/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlReason #2 to join the Chamber: It's an investment in your community - the business community.

Chambers exist to create a place where business people can work together for the common good of the community.  The "strentgh in numbers" philosophy rings true when the Chamber speaks to the City Council, works with partners in the community, and represents the business community at events and meetings.  You "hire" the Chamber to work on your behalf while you are busy running your business. 

The Chamber is your advocate, working every day to promote the business community and keep it strong.  We know that community livability begins with a healty business community.  Join the Chamber today!
]]>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:16:58 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/03/chamber-membership-has-value.htmlThe #3 reason to join the Chamber:  Free use of our stuff!

Many small businesses need places to meet or make presentations, but don't have the space - or even an office.  When you join the Chamber, you have free access to our conference rooms, overhead projector, sound system, event canopy, and more!  If you use all these resources just once, you may have saved enough in rental fees to cover your annual membership dues. 

Of course, the Chamber has value in many other ways, but using our stuff for free is really easy to understand.  We'll even make the coffee.

]]>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:25:57 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/03/another-great-reason-to-join-the-chamber.htmlReason #4 - Influence.

As a Chamber member, you have influence over public policy decisions impacting business and the quality of life in Corvallis.  The Chamber monitors policy at the City, County, and State levels, working to ensure a fair and balanced environment to conduct your business.

The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee meets monthly to review public policy, meet with elected officials, and plan important informational programming, such as the Legislative Affairs Breakfast, Advocacy Reception, and government-focused Forums.

If you would like to be part of the Government Affairs Committee, contact Erin at the Chamber - (541) 757-1505, or ewiedeman@corvallischamber.com . ]]>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:52:00 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/03/this-week-top-reasons-to-join-the-corvallis-chamber.htmlThe #5 reason to join the Corvallis Chamber -- Connections.

Your Chamber membership gives you connections to business prospects, opportunities, and relationships that can grow your business. With a minimal investment of your time, you can meet other business people who need your goods or services.  Making the most of these opportunities will help you be even more successful!

This week, take advantage of Greeters on Tuesday morning.  Meet a great group of Chamber members and learn about the new Forks & Corks Catering  at 1324 NW 9th St. in Corvallis.  Bring a coupon, door prize, or other item to promote your business.  The event begins at 8:30 am. 


]]>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:08:28 GMThttp://www.corvallischamber.com/1/post/2012/02/our-focus-is-local.htmlEvery once in a while we receive an inquiry regarding the US Chamber of Commerce - or occasional rages about US Chamber actions, wanting to know if we are part of it all. While it may be tempting to make the assumption that your local Chamber is in lockstep with a national organization, that is certainly not the case for us. We do not belong to the US Chamber, and are in no way affiliated with them.  We do not participate in their activities, and quite frankly they don't care about ours. But that's because we are local, and we care about what happens here in Corvallis and Benton County - in our local business community, not in a far-flung state. 

Be assured that our political interests are local -  based only in encouraging a strong local economy, arguing for fair business regulations, and wanting to ensure Corvallis continues to be a great place to work and conduct  business.  We tackle local issues for our local business members, and we like it that way.

Our Government Affairs Committee (GAC) works to provide information and  resources to the local business community to make working with the City of  Corvallis and Benton County more understandable.  We enjoy a collaborative relationship  with our local government leaders, and are working toward the common good for  our community.  In fact,  members of the City Council and County Commission serve as representatives to our Board and GAC and they are incredibly helpful as we strive to better understand local government.

The GAC also helps facilitate some of our Chamber Lunch Forums with state officials and others who provide information on programs and proposals that matter to local businesses.  They are a great way to get information, and to network and increase your client or customer base at the same time!
 
If you are not a Chamber member, we hope that you will consider joining the Corvallis Chamber to lend your voice to the work that we do on behalf of the Corvallis business community.   We believe the business community is a vital part of  our city, and that we are stronger working together.

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