2020
aug 11, 2020
Pop-up coalition rallies support for underserved small businesses
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND SHRINKING PUBLIC BUDGETS CAN'T BECOME AN EXCUSE FOR JETTISONING OUR VALUES AND CUTTING OFF ACCESS TO THE RESOURCES OREGONIANS NEED TO THRIVE.
By Matthew Kish
“As the pandemic continues to ravage Oregon's economy, a new group wants to ensure some of the state's most vulnerable small business don't get left behind during ongoing relief efforts.
Oregon Small Business United formed this year when lawmakers debated a bill that would have expanded capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The bill came up one vote short, but the new group, which considers itself a pop-up coalition, continues to work together, presenting testimony at various legislative meetings and connecting lawmakers with small business-owning constituents. At this week's special session, it gave testimony in support of Business Oregon's budget request.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
May 1, 2020
As we navigate this pandemic, let's plan for a better future
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND SHRINKING PUBLIC BUDGETS CAN'T BECOME AN EXCUSE FOR JETTISONING OUR VALUES AND CUTTING OFF ACCESS TO THE RESOURCES OREGONIANS NEED TO THRIVE.
By Ashley Henry
“There's no question — every day of the past two months has been difficult.
And while we face massive challenges, I am drawing inspiration and hope from all of you who continue to care for your families, your colleagues, and your neighbors. I am also inspired by our state leaders' action to help small businesses survive. While I am fortunate that my meetings are on a computer screen, I acknowledge that so many people are working on the front lines of this crisis. Thank you.
I have observed in my isolation that as most of us navigate this crisis at a distance, we need connection and collaboration more than ever. To meet this need, Business for a Better Portland launched the BBPDX Switchboard, an online platform where the business community can gather to share resources, find answers, and build community. Over the past month, BBPDX members have offered trucking services for the Oregon Food Bank, connected with staff members for elected officials, offered free marketing and consulting services, and shared best practices for sanitation and social distancing. Truth be told, we'd originally planned for our Switchboard to be a resource for BBPDX members only. In mid-March, we opened it to the entire community so the broader business community can lead through collaboration.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
April 23, 2020
Switchboard offers vital support for Oregon businesses
The online platform connects businesses with services, resources from law firms online workshops and others who can help
By Jacquelyn Abad
“Many small businesses are staying connected and finding much-needed support through a Portland-based online platform.
Business for a Better Portland is using the platform—called Switchboard—which gives businesses the opportunity to share their ideas, offer services, access resources from law firms and online workshops and ask for help.
Switchboard is open to all businesses during the coronavirus crisis. More than 350 businesses are currently using it.”
—
Read the full story in KOIN 6 News.
April 9, 2020
34 Local Business Orgs Plead to Governor Brown for Immediate Action
By Eden Dawn
“Oregon’s small businesses are hurting right now. Without immediate financial relief, thousands of them will shut down forever,’ says Business for a Better Portland (BBPDX) executive director Ashley Henry. ‘The window for action is closing and, so far, we’ve seen little focus on the needs of small business from Governor Brown’s Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council.’
BBPDX, which exists in part to increase communication between small-business owners, nonprofits, and the government, is going into overdrive during the coronavirus pandemic, even coordinating Zoom video discussions with its members and Oregon’s US Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden in attempts to relay the needs of small businesses to those in power. The group says it’s had less communication with Brown—who hasn’t held a public press conference on economic issues for more than a week. As recently as March 19, in a response to a question Portland Monthly asked about virus exclusions in insurance policies, the governor said it was something that could possibly be addressed in the special legislative session being held in two weeks, along with several other economic relief possibilities. Now, there is no such session on the books and businesses are growing desperate, particularly as the help they believed was coming from the $2 trillion federal stimulus package seems nowhere to be found.”
—
Read the full story in Portland Monthly.
mar 31, 2020
Opinion: Without immediate state support, thousands of small Oregon businesses may close their doors forever, taking jobs with them
By Johnell Bell, Daniel Nguyen and Ross Arce – Business for a Better Portland
“Oregon’s small businesses are facing devastating losses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Unless state legislators and local governments take swift action, thousands of businesses will be forced to close their doors for good in the weeks and months ahead.
In a recent Built Oregon survey of nearly 1,000 small businesses across the state, almost 80 percent reported revenue losses of $5,000 or more per week. This is a total estimated loss of $4.8 million from those respondents alone, with the challenge growing day by day.
Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, employing over half of Oregon’s private workforce. When they struggle, so do the communities they serve, as crime and vandalism rise, the tax base shrinks, and local schools and nonprofits lose financial support.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
Feb 6, 2020
Oregon Wants to Help Lenders Help Minority Businesses
By any reasonable measure, Mara Zepeda was already a success
By Oscar Perry Arbello
“Business for a Better Portland is one of the organizations that has been pushing for something more to address the stubborn gaps that remain in access to capital for women and minority entrepreneurs in the state of Oregon. Zepeda co-founded the group along with nine other entrepreneurs, all volunteering their time, initially dubbing themselves as the Portland Independent Chamber of Commerce, or PICOC.”
—
Read the full story in Next City.
Feb 3, 2020
HB 4033: Time to update our approach to economic development
it's time we shift our strategy and meet the needs of emerging small business owners who are heads down in the hustle of building their enterprises
By Daniel Nguyen and Peter Platt
“Small businesses like ours are big assets to Oregon — they employ the majority of the state's private workforce (55%), create economic opportunities in communities across the state, and spur innovation. Our state's economic health is dependent on thriving small businesses, but official economic development programs and private lending are often out of reach for small businesses, particularly those run by women and people of color.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
JAN 24, 2020
Take that to the bank
Proposed bill 4033 would make it easier for disadvantaged capitalists to get started
By Joseph Gallivan
“Entrepreneurs usually look for funding from friends and family before they step outside their circle to ‘angel’ investors, banks or other lenders, or venture capitalists.
The nonprofit Oregon Entrepreneurs Network held a PubTalk on Jan. 15, called ‘Alternative Debt and Finance’ at Lucky Lab Northwest, to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand their options for early-stage financing.
The topic was timely because newly proposed Oregon legislation seeks to make it easier for entrepreneurs to get startup support — especially if they don’t have access to wealthy friends and family members or the vast resources of investors that California and Washington enjoy.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
JAN 14, 2020
Legislation to steer capital to women and founders of color advances
Business for a Better Portland is among the groups that support a proposal that would make it easier for women and people of color to access capital
By Matthew Kish
“The legislation has the support of various business groups, including Business for a Better Portland. It came together after conversations with numerous organizations, including Oregon RAIN and the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network.
In a recent interview with the Business Journal, Business for a Better Portland Executive Director Ashley Henry characterized the bill as a ‘first step.’
‘We were trying to home in on some concise and specific things that could be advanced,’ she said.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
JAN 6, 2020
Shared prosperity will be key to broad economic growth in 2020
Beginning of new decade is perfect time to redefine what economic success looks like in greater Portland
By Ashley Henry
“At the start of this new year, it's easy to get lost in the daily volley of news coverage emanating from our nation's capital and battleground states.
Primaries and hearings are likely to dominate the front page and social media scrolls until votes are cast in early November. While it is true that the decisions made in Washington have far-reaching impacts on our collective future, we must not lose sight of the fact that the decisions we make here in Oregon have vast and immediate consequences. And in 2020, we have some big decisions to make.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
2019
dec 6, 2019
Big improvements in transportation require bravery from businesses
Future that appears bright in region's 20-year plans can only be realized by making brave decisions now
By Ashley Henry
“During the past two years, I've had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of founders and executives about their journeys in business.
Each of their stories is unique, but what they have in common is a willingness to be brave. Brave enough to pursue an idea others consider ridiculous, brave enough to trust others with pieces of an organization they built from scratch, and brave enough to hold fast to a vision of what's possible and continue to invest time, money, and energy into something that's not guaranteed. It turns out, bravery is essential to success. As management consultant and author Peter Drucker said, "In every success story, you will find someone who has made a courageous decision."
In the coming year, we, as neighbors and as voters, will be faced with several major decisions that will shape the future of the Greater Portland region. One of the greatest and most urgent is how we want to travel around the region and how we use our streets.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
Nov 4, 2019
Portland's zoning rules should reflect our values
Change can't come unless we act now to align our zoning code with our values and set the course for the city's future
By Akasha Lawrence Spence
“One thing about Portlanders: we're not shy about sharing our views. Spend just a few days in this amazing city and you'll get a clear sense of what people who live here believe. We print our values on lawn signs, bumper stickers, and the banners we hold as we march in the streets.
This passion for advocacy and community improvement is central to Business for a Better Portland's approach to civic engagement. We help connect our members with opportunities to learn about the challenges facing our region and identify ways they can roll up their sleeves and help the entire community thrive.
One of the focuses for our members over the past year has been the constraints that the city's current approach to residential zoning places on our ability to generate shared economic prosperity.”
—
Guest columnist Akasha Lawrence Spence is the founder and principal designer of Fifth Element, a conscientious real estate development firm fortifying small businesses through commercial property ownership. She serves on the Associate Board of BBPDX.
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
Oct 22, 2019
Teamwork key to solving housing crisis
As the first state in the nation to allow more housing types in all urban residential neighborhoods, Oregon is making the kind of gutsy policy move we need to address the housing crisis.
By Ernest Brown and Leslie Carlson
“There will always be people who want to paint the issue of housing as an either/or proposition — either livable neighborhoods or dense development — and line up opponents on both sides for a good fight. Portland Tribune's coverage of Business for a Better Portland's forum on housing earlier this month suggested that BBPDX, which represents 400 businesses and organizations of all sizes in and around Portland, is squaring off against neighborhood associations in a battle for more housing options. That's not at all the ethos of Business for a Better Portland.
We're here to tell you that the issue of housing — and the critical housing shortage that is facing cities across the country — isn't that simple.”
—
Ernest Brown is a board member of East Bay for Everyone. Leslie Carlson is the principal and owner of Brink Communications.
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
Sept 30, 2019
Let’s not wait for Wall Street
Oregon's businesses can chart their own course for shared prosperity without waiting for the Business Roundtable
By Ashley Henry
“In August, a collection of CEOs from some of the largest companies in the world signed a groundbreaking statement redefining the purpose of corporations. Their new mission: to do more than simply generate wealth for shareholders and, ‘build long-term value by investing in their employees and communities.’
Led by executives like Jamie Diamond of JPMorgan Chase & Co., Mary Barra of General Motors and Doug McMillon of Wal-Mart, the Business Roundtable is calling for "an economy that serves all Americans," with practices that include fair employee compensation, work-place diversity and inclusion, and environmental protection among other commitments. The announcement left many tentatively applauding and others blinking their eyes in disbelief. Now that the PR buzz has died down, the question remains: what actions will these companies take to follow through on these promises?
For decades, communities across the country have seen first-hand the negative impacts of the reigning corporate philosophy that placed short-term profits above all else: rising income inequality, toxic air and water pollution, and an epidemic of opioid use. So, you can be forgiven if you're still skeptical about this newfound commitment to corporate responsibility…”
—
Co-author Jaime Schmidt is the founder of Schmidt's Naturals and co-founder of Supermaker.
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
Sept 16, 2019
Legislative committee takes up 'capital chasm' facing small businesses, women and people of color
By Matthew Kish
“An Oregon House committee on Monday started discussing how to make capital more available for small business owners, especially women and people of color.
Portland Business Journal reporting has shown a steep drop in loans to female- and minority-owned small businesses despite an uptick in bank deposits and commercial lending in Oregon.
The House Interim Committee on Economic Development on Monday heard invited testimony from fellow lawmakers, economic developers and entrepreneurs. It's unclear what sort of policy solution lawmakers might propose.
The entrepreneurs who testified included Mara Zepeda, founder and CEO of Switchboard and chair of XXcelerate and Business for a Better Portland…”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
Sept 5, 2019
BBPDX: How to house more Portlanders
By Erik Lawrence, Ten Bridge Partners
“In Portland, our business ecosystem is powered by our walkable neighborhoods. Our city supports 1,700 storefront businesses within three miles of the city center. But what happens when employees of those businesses look for an affordable place to live in the same part of town as they work?
In Portland, 77% of our residential land is zoned exclusively for detached single-family homes. Can't afford a single-family home or don't need that much space? Right now, you'll need to look elsewhere.
The lack of "missing middle" housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes is one of the reasons that housing in many neighborhoods has become out of reach for people in a wide range of incomes and occupations…”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
Aug 3, 2019
Progressives in business on the march
Business for a Better Portland members turn out for speeches, selfies and strategizing
By Joseph Gallivan
“Business for a Better Portland, the alt chamber of commerce, held its summer social Wednesday evening, in what was as much a display of power as an evening of networking with lawn games and finger food. According to Jenn Lynch of the Portland Seed Fund, who was acting as one of many greeters at the gate, the organization's membership is up to 350 companies. A total of 530 people registered for the event, and 426 showed up.
BBPDX, as it's known, is growing into a viable alternative to business advocacy groups such as the Portland Business Alliance and Oregon Business & Industry. Its membership skews young and progressive: only three men in the crowd wore the traditional sport jacket, shirt and tie uniform, and two of them were politicians…”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
aug 5, 2019
Building success means investing in our communities
Business leaders want to understand community issues, work more directly with lawmakers on collaborative solutions
By Ashley Henry
“In January, I challenged the business community to make 2019 a year of civic engagement.
Since then, CEOs have written to and called legislators, advocating for funding for education investments; professionals across industries have devoted time to learning the nuances of residential zoning; and dedicated members committed to work with our civic leaders to play a part in the future of our region's transportation system...”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
JULY 1, 2019
Portland's economic growth creating prosperity - but, for whom?
Oregon has the capacity to support economic development strategies, innovative financial tools to generate benefits across our community
By Ashley Henry
“On the surface, Oregon's economy is thriving.
Last year, the state's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 3.4% to $213.7 billion, outstripping the national increase of 2.9%. In fact, over the last 10 years, our economic growth has consistently outpaced the national average, as have our employment rates. … This all seems like great news. But, if we dig a little deeper, we're faced with a critical question: who is benefiting from this prosperity?”
—
Co-author Marcelino Alvarez is the CEO of Uncorked Studios.
Read the full story in the Portland Business Tribune.
June 4, 2019
A few homeless myths busted
The homeless don't move to Portland for the weather, and they aren't crazy to begin with
By Joseph Gallivan
“Having a roof over one's head is a basic need most of us will never have to think about. But for too many of our neighbors here in Portland, losing their home is only one layoff, car accident, or medical emergency away.
The homelessness crisis has occupied our city's social consciousness for years now, showing up with alarming regularity in our news, political debates, elections and everywhere in between—and it's a crisis that's not going away any time soon…”
—
Co-authored by Ashley Henry and Dr. David Bangsberg, Dean of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health.
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
May 30, 2019
BBPDX moves up to 15th largest business advocacy group in the greater Portland region
With 350 members, BBPDX earned a #15 ranking on the Portland Business Tribune's Largest Chambers list, up from #22 in 2018!
—
See the complete list in the Portland Business Journal.
May 2, 2019
Yes, it's time to fix PERS
What does 'fixing' the PERS liability really mean for the state of Oregon, and how we chart a course to make it happen?
By Ashley Henry
“Oregon is financially out of balance. The economy is growing while teachers get pink slips. We attract new businesses yet shutter libraries and cut back 911 services. What's happening doesn't make sense. And many of us, in our own ways, are trying to find solutions.”
—
Co-authored by Caitlin Baggott Davis, Executive Director at North Star Civic Foundation, and Jesse Beason, President and CEO at Northwest Health Foundation.
Read the full story in the Portland Business Tribune.
April 26, 2019
Business groups offer mixed views on $1 billion corporate tax plan
“Oregon lawmakers on Thursday edged closer to passing a proposed $1 billion corporate tax out of committee, which now seems likely Monday night.
The proposed new tax would be levied against gross receipts in Oregon of $1 million or more. The tax would be $250 plus the product of taxable business receipts multiplied by 0.49 percent. The proposal would allow the subtraction of 25 percent of the greater of either costs paid or labor costs.
Here's where some of the state's business groups stand on the tax proposal. Comments are taken from emailed statements and submitted written testimony and have been edited for brevity and clarity. A full list of submitted testimony can be found on the Legislature's website…”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
april 16, 2019
Transportation leaders drive new perspective on mobility
Ideas for convincing drivers to get out of their cars are discussed at Business for a Better Portland forum.
By Jim Reddin
“Getting people out of their cars is the greatest traffic challenge facing the Portland region, transportation officials agreed during a panel discussion last week. TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey said doing that will require big thinking, including changing the mission of the regional transit agency he oversees.
‘TriMet is changing from a transit agency to a transportation option agency,’ said Kelsey, noting TriMet's new partnership with bike, scooter and ride-sharing businesses to offer customers door-to-door travel services. For Metro, it may mean arguing against its own public polling on a regional transportation funding measure planned for the November 2020 general election ballot.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
april 2, 2019
It's time to invest in Oregon's education system
Businesses are ready to pay for a better-educated workforce with their taxes.
By Kali Thorne Ladd and Bryan Steelman
“Any business owner knows that an organization's success depends upon the commitment, talent, and training of the people who work there. If you fail to invest in your workforce, you'll soon be dealing with unproductive staff, hearing from unhappy customers and, before long, closing your doors…”
—
Co-authored by Kali Thorne Ladd, Co-Founder/Executive Director of KairosPDX and Portland Community College Board Chair, and Bryan Steelman, Owner of ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria and BBPDX Member.
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
March 7, 2019
Women-owned businesses play an outsized role in Oregon's economy. So why aren't we funding them?
Women-owned businesses play an outsized role in Oregon's economy, yet access to capital remains scarce.
By Mara Zepeda
“As the founder of XXcelerate, a women’s entrepreneurship program and fund, I hear stories of female founders struggling to secure funding on a daily basis. Some direct quotes include: “By the time I pay for childcare, I’m not even breaking even.” “I need a line of credit to grow my business but don’t have collateral.” “I just got my 53rd rejection from an investor.” “We just landed our largest account ever but we don’t have the capital to cover inventory to fulfill it.”
—
Mara Zepeda is CEO of Switchboard, founding board chair of BBPDX and XXcelerate Fund.
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
March 4, 2019
BBPDX: Investment in education is best bet for economic growth
Cutting corners on graduation requirements and college admission standards results in losses for everyone.
By Jenn Lynch
“This year, Oregon's political leaders are presenting businesses with an investment opportunity unlike any we've seen for a generation. After years of mediocre graduation rates, ever-shorter school years and growing classroom sizes, leaders in the Oregon Legislature are proposing corporate tax reform to fund a transformation of public education in Oregon. It's time for business to seize this opportunity for the benefit of our companies and communities.”
—
Jenn Lynch is board treasurer of BBPDX and Managing Director at Portland Seed Fund.
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
FEB 5, 2019
Inclusive company culture is an imperative
If you hope to influence the trajectory of your organization, you need to question and challenge existing structures of power.
By Kristen Gallagher
“For businesses of any size, there aren't just advantages to being inclusive; it's an imperative. Studies show that when people of color, women and other underrepresented groups are given space to contribute their ideas and support to share their perspectives, companies see improved productivity, more creativity and expanded opportunities for business development and new markets.”
—
Kristen Gallagher is a Board Member at BBPDX and founder and CEO of Edify.
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
jan 3, 2019
Make 2019 a year of civic engagement
Portland offers a wider range of opportunities for community involvement during the coming year.
By Ashley Henry
“We all have a role to play in shaping the future of our country and our community and participation in democracy at the local level is where most of us can make a real difference. Thankfully, finding an outlet for civic engagement is easier than you might think. Here are a few ideas to get you started in 2019…”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
2018
DEC 2, 2018
Collaborative approach needed to solve homeless crisis
As we take on chronic homelessness, it's clear that commitment, collaboration and resources come together to produce results.
By Ashley Henry
“To slow the growth of homelessness in Oregon, and ultimately reduce the number of people living on our streets, it's critical that we find ways to expand the supply of housing and limit rent inflation.
Increasing the supply of housing will take years. But for thousands, the crisis is happening now. That's why we need protections for tenants to ensure that families are not removed from their homes through no-cause evictions or massive rent hikes.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
nov 30, 2018
Opinion: Let’s work together to build a better Oregon
By Mat Ellis and Lisa Sedlar
“Inequitable economic policy has fed the growth of income inequality in Oregon and throughout our country. We have the opportunity to buck that trend and invest through our tax dollars. It is within our power to reposition Oregon as a leader in creating greater shared prosperity, generating far-reaching benefits for communities and businesses and, most importantly, for our kids.”
—
Mat Elis and Lisa Sedlar are BBPDX founding members.
Read the full story in The Oregonian.
nov 16, 2018
Businesses respond to sweeping Portland transportation plan
A plan passed Thursday calls for improvements to bike and bus lanes.
By Caleb Diehl
“The business case for transportation improvements in the Central City is too compelling to ignore,” she wrote. “In order for existing and future businesses to thrive in Portland, our employees, customers, goods, and neighbors must be able to move freely and safely through the streets.” — Ashley Henry, Chief Collaboration Officer, Business for a Better Portland, in a letter to Portland City Council
—
Read the full story in Oregon Business.
NOV 15, 2018
Progressive business group expands, launches nonprofit
A merger between Oregon's largest business associations exposes divisions in the state's increasingly fragmented for-profit sector.
By Caleb Diehl
“Founded in 2017, the association has swelled to around 300 members. The nonprofit, Friends of Business for a Better Portland, will allow both members and people outside the business community to donate to the organization. The funding will support events aimed at educating business leaders about key policy issues: transportation, housing and equitable economic development. While the association stays away from direct lobbying, its members convene workgroups after some of the events and throw their weight behind political causes.”
—
Read the full story in Oregon Business.
NOV 5, 2018
Opinion: Moving Portland's central city forward
“To retain our reputation as a center for creativity and innovation, we'll need to invest in cost-effective infrastructure that improves people's ability to move safely and efficiently through the city… The Central City is projected to triple by 2035, while job growth is expected to increase by 40 percent. We must manage that growth to maintain a vibrant economy that continues to foster innovation and allows us to compete on a global stage.”
- Ashley Henry, Chief Collaboration Officer, Business For A Better Portland
—
Read the full OpEd in the Business Tribune.
oct 29, 2018
Opinion: The big contradiction of corporate giving in Portland
Oregon businesses are generous philanthropists, but too often advocate for policies that leave some in the community behind
By Ashley Henry
“Businesses give back to the community while simultaneously advocating for the preservation of policies that leave many in our community behind. What’s more, the visible signs of that inequality — camps on the sides of our freeways and garbage on our streets — will never be solved by simply increasing police presence or adding garbage cans. To solve this challenge, we must address the reason the camps and garbage exist in the first place.”
—
Ashley Henry is the Chief Collaboration Officer at Business For A Better Portland.
Read the full OpEd in the Portland Business Journal.
sept 27, 2018
Opinion: We must continue to make smart housing investments
By Ashley Henry
“As we help our neighbors facing homelessness, it's important to recognize that the forces feeding this crisis are complex and far-reaching. As a state and a nation, we do not offer nearly enough support or resources for people facing addiction and mental health challenges. We woefully underfund our public education system. We've created an economy that has offered anemic wage growth for most Americans, despite a rapid climb in the cost of necessities like housing, transportation and medical care. And we've failed to invest in affordable housing as families have been priced out of their neighborhoods. Each of these policy decisions has contributed to the growth in homelessness and housing insecurity in Portland and other cities.”
—
Ashley Henry is the Chief Collaboration Officer at Business For A Better Portland.
Read the full OpEd in the Portland Business Tribune.
May 1, 2018
Opinion: Business leaders need to address root causes of homelessness
"BBPDX believes that when our community thrives, business thrives.
That means we recognize that when everyone in our community has access to the basics — a good-paying job, a decent meal and a safe place to call home—our community will be stronger and our businesses (large and small) will be more profitable. We believe that business owners have a responsibility to advocate for policies that will improve the lives of not just their families and their employees but all of their neighbors."
—
Ashley Henry is the Chief Collaboration Officer at Business For A Better Portland.
Read the full OpEd in Oregon Business.
FEB 22, 2018
Fledgling Business for Better Portland builds its influence
Progressive-leaning group reaches for civic engagement of younger business owners and finds a warm reception.
By Jim Redden
“Usually, only a few people at a time come to Urbanite, a new interior design hub that provides space for dozens of vendors to sell vintage furnishings and collectibles. But on the evening of Jan. 30, the former furniture store at the east end of the Morrison Bridge was jammed with more than 125 people, including business owners, elected officials, and government planners.
The reason was the first membership meeting of the year of Business for Better Portland, a year-old business association whose participants largely reflect the city's progressive political leanings. It opened with a videotaped statement from liberal 3rd District Congressman Earl Blumenauer, D-Portland, who urged those in attendance to get involved in civic affairs. That was followed by a panel discussion on transportation issues, where calls for increased transit and protected bike lanes were greeted with applause.”
—
Read the full story in the Business Tribune.
FEB 8, 2018
Portland's newest business group marks its first year
By Andy Giegerich
“After launching a year ago today, a fledgling Portland business group has surpassed the 200-member mark.
Business for a Better Portland, in an "impact report" released Thursday, said its membership has grown to 207 companies. The report spotlighted several advances made by an organization led by Switchboard CEO and co-founder Mara Zepeda.
The group looks to impel civic involvement among business leaders by finding "efficient ways to engage in Portland's most pressing issues," including finding equity and access to capital, improving transportation and erasing homelessness.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
FEB 6, 2018
Clear vision needed to sell voters on 2018 and 2020 Metro bond measures
Business group holds panel discussion on transportation issues, says transit and housing needs are intertwined.
“The first is a November 2018 measure to help fund affordable housing projects. The second is a November 2020 measure to help pay for transit and transportation projects.
But although most details have yet to be determined, Metro officials and other insiders say the two measures are related. One goal is to build affordable housing projects in corridors that will be improved with the transit and transportation dollars.
Lynn Peterson, the former Clackamas County Commission chair who is heavily favored to be elected to head Metro in the May election, offered one vision of this future Tuesday night.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Tribune.
jan 31, 2018
Business leaders hear how Portland has fallen behind and needs their support to reach transportation goals
By Jonathan Maus
“Business for a Better Portland hosted its first policy event of the year last night. The up-and-coming association is looking to be a counterbalance the impact of the Portland Business Alliance, a more conservative group that has had a vast — and some would say deleterious — influence on city transportation policy over the years.”
—
Read the full story on BikePortland.org.
2017
nov 26, 2017
Portland's homeless crisis needs collaborative approach to address root causes
By Ashley Henry
“While nearly every conversation I have had with business leaders in the last 18 months has touched on the plight of those experiencing homelessness, very few have called out greater police presence as the most urgent and effective solution. Business leaders I've spoken with - whose industries span some of the fastest growing sectors of our economy -- understand that solving a complex problem like homelessness requires nuanced and broad-based solutions that bring elected officials, government agencies, businesses and advocates to the table.”
—
Ashley Henry is the Chief Collaboration Officer at Business For A Better Portland.
Read the full OpEd in The Oregonian.
oct 26, 2017
Call for Applications to Join the BBPDX Associate Board
It’s time to take the next step to scale our collective work and extend our reach and efficacy. We are calling for applications to join the BBPDX Associate Board. "We are committed to growing and diversifying our organization’s leadership by engaging new sectors and communities that represent Portland’s diverse business community." - Anna Hutson, Founder and CEO, Avenue
—
aug 29, 2017
BBPDX shows up, raises cash for winners of PitchBlack
Business For a Better Portland is passing the digital hat to raise cash prizes for winning business pitches by people of color.
By Joseph Gallivan
"The annual entrepreneurs pitch event PitchBlack takes place Wednesday August 30 at 6pm, and Business For a Better Portland is trying to increase the pot.
The progressive business group, formerly known as PICOC, aims to rustle up $10,000 online from its followers. That sum will be added to ticket and merchandise sales.'"
—
Read the full story in the Portland Tribune.
JULY 10, 2017
Business group seeks a prosperous Portland for everyone
"We saw an opportunity to create a new type of business organization that represents progressive businesses in growing industries that value collaboration and solutions over stalling and cynicism. Traditionally, businesses have come together to ensure that policies benefit businesses only. What if we advocate for policies that make our city better and more inclusive?" - Mara Zepeda, BBPDX co-founder, board member and CEO of Switchboard.
—
Read the full interview in Crain.
JUNE 19, 2017
Opinion: A budget for creating great schools, also grows business
By Kerry McClenahan
“For far too long, Oregonians have been squabbling over Oregon's state budget and corporate taxes. This squabbling has left our state in jeopardy: underfunded schools, high school graduation rates among the lowest in the country, critical services for seniors and children in danger of vanishing.
But what if there was a way to get hundreds of millions (and eventually more than a billion) dollars invested in education at all levels? What if this same plan could stabilize vital programs for seniors and people with disabilities, and invest more in mental health care? What if this plan helped rein in PERS cost without reneging on previous commitments to public sector workers?”
—
Kerry McClenahan is the founder and CEO of McClenahan Bruer (McBru), a Portland -based tech B2B marketing agency, the chair emeritus of Social Venture Partners, and former board member of Technology Association of Oregon.
Read the full OpEd on OregonLive.com.
JUNE 17, 2017
Promise to pay
Local businesses take the plunge and embrace higher taxes, linked to spending cuts and adequate spending on public education.
By Joseph Gallivan
“Since Measure 97 failed at the ballot, politicians and business leaders have been locked in their positions about who should pay how much tax. Now some Portland businesses have begun to speak out in favor of paying more for essential services.
A loose group of 100 companies organized under the banner Business for a Better Portland, are backing House Bill 2830, which seeks to increase corporate excise tax rates.
Business for a Better Portland began in 2016 as Portland Independent Chamber of Commerce or PICOC ("peacock"), before rebranding in 2017. It sees itself as the younger, more progressive alternative to the Portland Business Alliance. It runs a monthly crowd funding campaign around progressive causes and has hired a full time chief collaboration officer.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Tribune.
JUNE 14, 2017
Opinion: The dire consequences of delaying action on business taxes
Green Hammer CEO Stephen Aiguier explains how a deferral of tough decisions on corporate taxes and spending cuts threatens to slow Oregon's economic growth
By Stephen Aiguier
"While we need to curb the rising costs of public employee benefits, including pensions and health plans, spending cuts in the absence of improvements to the state’s business tax structure will only create continued uncertainty for businesses. And, with the start of the 2017-2018 school year just three months away, it will also delay critical investments in K-12 education and unnecessarily jeopardize the future of Oregon's children."
—
Read the full OpEd in the Portland Business Journal.
JUNE 13, 2017
Businesses speak in favor of gross receipts tax to fix education funding
By Diane Dietz
“Business leaders from a Pearl District tech company to a Dallas pizzeria asked lawmakers Tuesday to adopt a new tax on businesses.
Carol Christ, who owns the Dallas Figaro’s Pizza with her husband, urged lawmakers to pass a proposed gross receipts tax so Oregon kindergartners don’t attend school with 28 in a classroom as her granddaughter did this year.
Mat Ellis, CEO of Cloudability Inc. in the Portland Pearl District, asked lawmakers to pass the tax so he no longer loses young, highly skilled employees who love Oregon until their children grow to school age.”
—
Read the full story in the Statesman Journal.
JUNE 13, 2017
Oregon tech leaders voice support for corporate tax plan
By Hillary Borud
“Leaders from Oregon's technology industry spoke in favor of a new corporate tax plan Tuesday, during the first public hearing on the proposal introduced by two top Democrats last week.
The tech companies were among businesses that weighed in behind the scenes as House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, and Sen. Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, developed the proposal. Until Tuesday, however, they hadn't spoken publicly in support of the bill."
—
Read the full story on OregonLive.
JUNE 13, 2017
An unsteady state: business associations divide, merge and multiply
"Another new organization, Business for a Better Portland, has moved quickly from Portland-area issues into statewide policy by supporting a new business tax. The organization is creating a new model for business advocacy and involvement, saying it is not a trade association but a community-building organization.”
—
Read the full story in Oregon Business.
JUNE 7, 2017
Portland business group: Spending cuts alone won’t fix state’s budget
By Kerry McClenahan, Bryan Steelman and Matt Ellis
"We realize the clock is ticking, but our legislature needs to move forward this session with revenue reform alongside spending cuts. Because at the end of the day, we aren’t just business owners or shareholders — we’re also parents and neighbors and, above all, Oregonians. And it is our sincere belief that by building stronger communities, we’ll create a stronger economy for all of us."
—
Read the the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
JUNE 2, 2017
Local chambers of commerce cite networking as a critical business need (Infographic)
By Brandon Sawyer
“The biggest win for Portland’s youngest chamber, Business For A Better Portland (No. 23), was surpassing 100 diverse member businesses after relaunching in February.
“It’s clear that there is an overwhelming interest in the business community to creating more broadly shared prosperity,” wrote Ashley Henry, chief collaboration officer.
Other wins noted by area chambers included the opening of the Women in Leadership Management Academy by the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce (No. 8), and the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce (No. 11) winning and fundraising more than $150,000 for STEM education.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
FEB 8, 2017
Portland indie chamber rebrands, expands membership
By Malia Spencer
“In early 2016 the Portland Independent Chamber of Commerce emerged as a new business group that looked to elevate the voices, networks and resources of Portland’s growing software and technology community.
A year later, the group is rebranding as its base within the business community broadens to other industries.
The group is, as of this morning, now called Business for a Better Portland.”
—
Read the full story in the Portland Business Journal.
2016
"Portland’s new chamber of commerce wants more business support for Vision Zero," BikePortland, 9/17/16
"Special Report: Getting to know Portland's newest chamber of commerce," Portland Business Journal, 6/3/16
"Indie chambers' first win," Portland Tribune, 2/9/16
"New Portland indie chamber's first project: Help the Sons of Haiti," Portland Business Journal, 2/3/16
"New business lobby group says it’ll push for sustainable transportation, affordable housing," BikePortland 1/21/16
"New Portland Independent Chamber of Commerce looks to reshape the city," Portland Business Journal, 1/21/16
"Civics as startup: Local startup founders form Portland Independent Chamber of Commerce," 1/21/16