Whatever one thinks of the federal government's plan to stimulate the national economy, tax rebate checks are in the mail for nearly anyone who filed a 2007 tax return.   The Oregonian reports that many of us will pay down debt or increase savings.  The president of Parkrose neighborhood business district reminds us to "buy local" if we're going to make purchases.  Click above for the full articles or finds excepts below. 

By Jonathan Brinkman

It turns out that empty-nesters with excess discretionary income are not the only ones who gravitate to Portland's urban core.  To attract top talent, software companies are briskly filling large, open spaces in older downtown Portland buildings with fresh faces, ideas and energy.

In 2007, the City of Portland and Multnomah County approved extensive reforms to the city business license fee (BLF) and the county business income tax (BIT). The reform effort sought to ease the tax burden on small businesses and to improve the economic competitiveness of our city and county.

Congratulating the TeamYesterday Sam joined Victoria and Mayor Potter for the opening of the Mercantile's new location downtown at the corner of 7th and Alder. Owner of the Portland's own classic specialty boutique, Victoria, thanked PDC for the storefront improvement funds she received and applauded Sam for being the City's champion for small businesses: "I'm a beneficiary of Sam's support - and the store's a testament to it." Sam commended Victoria and her team for taking on a location that required serious seismic upgrades and their commitment to remaining in the heart of Portland.

The beautiful new location, immediately off Broadway, features cutting edge and classic fashion choices for women. Go check out this great example of a local small business that represents the best in local retailing and world-class architecture and design. Whether you are shopping for hip, sophisticated, fun, or special occasion dressing, you will undoubtedly discover something special at Mercantile!

Following The Tribune's ReThinking Portland series of articles that highlights key challenges to our region's workforce development system and Sam's role in pushing to address them , Forest Grove News released the following editorial (for the Tribune articles click here):

By ERIK ECKHOLM
Published: February 20, 2008

Economic mobility, the chance that children of the poor or middle class will climb up the income ladder, has not changed significantly over the last three decades, a study being released on Wednesday says.

Commissioner Adams joined developers Ray Leary and Jeana Woolley, PDC Commissioner Charles Wilhoite and Carl Talton to celebrate the grand opening of Vanport Square - located on NE Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd & Alberta. Sam's remarks follow:

Thank you Ray for that introduction. It's wonderful to join you all here today on this brisk morning for a project opening that warms the heart.

CEO Jake Nichol and Commissioner Sam at Leatherman Tools: It was love at first sight for Sam and Leatherman Tool's new gardening shearsSam visited Leatherman Tools' recently renovated headquarters and manufacturing center in NE Portland to hear about what the famously innovative folks are up to.   Sam got a chance to talk about his work with workforce development, support of Manufacturing 21 and other ways the City of Portland is working to support our local economy. 

Sam & Mr. H.M. Bird -- Owner and Chairman of the BoardSam visited Columbia Steel and had a chance to hear about the company's strengths and the challenges it faces.  Located in North Portland, Columbia Steel is America's leading manufacturer of steel alloy and iron alloy impact and wear resistant replacement parts for basic industry.

With the Mall expansion project on its way, three organizations came together to create the "Downtown Retail Advocate" position.  Sam, the Portland Development Commission (PDC) and the Portland Business Alliance (the Alliance) understood the strong correlation between retail and overall downtown health when creating this single go-to source for retailers.

Sam and the Portland City Council unanimously passed the Small Business Bill of Rights, a resolution to make sure small businesses have a voice in the decision making process, making Portland more business-friendly.

City Council approved the Ordinance Sam sponsored to adopt the Transportation System Development Charge (TSDC) updated rate study. The ordinance establishes the new fee schedule and updates the City Code. All of the changes will become effective January 1, 2008, save one - the use of the Miscellaneous Retail rate for small restaurants - which became effectively immediately.

As the City of Portland's elected official on Worksystem's Board of Directors, Sam had a simple question: How many of the resources devoted to "Workforce Development Services" get to clients? In other words, what percent of every dollar is actually spent on services in our region - and what percent is used to administer those funds?

By June of this year Sam completed the second phase of an effort to strengthen the connection between city government and the city's Business Districts Associations (BDA). All 28 active BDAs were assigned a liasion from one of his city bureaus. 

J Cafe - Lloyd WalkaboutSam visited business districts such as Parkrose, Gateway, NW 23rd and Lloyd this year.  He heard their unique histories and learned first hand about some of their main concerns. Parkrose businesses mentioned traffic safety and speed concerns.  Lloyd district wants to encourage its growth as a sports entertainment district and hoped for easy access via all modes of transportation.  He also saw thriving businesses in the districts such as Ambridge Event Center, Parkrose Hardware, American Cowgirls, AR Moss Floral Design, J Café, Quick Key, and Bob Brown Tires.