Opportunity Knocks: Newsletters

Newsletters

Volume 6, Issue 2 Spring 2006

News from CEO, Jim Schell

Just When We Thought Things Were Slowing Down….

OK had an extremely hectic year in 2005. Among other things, we 1) re-branded ourselves, including a new logo and mission statement, 2) constructed a new web site, 3) upgraded our Baldrige program, 4) upgraded our Best Practices Seminars and 5) developed a web-based Permission Marketing program. All of this, in addition to keeping up with those day-to-day chores that are necessary to keep our Problem-Solving teams alive and growing (we now have 24 teams!) By the time our annual Strategic Planning meeting rolled around (in December), Susie, Cathy and I were ready to take a break in 2006.

Fat chance. It seems we have more on our table now than we did a year ago.

For instance:

OK's Tenth Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to us! 2006 marks OK's tenth year in operation and we are going to host the mother of all Annual Meetings in celebration of that achievement. Susie, Bend's answer to Pearl Mesta, is cooking up (no pun intended) a sizzling Annual Meeting for October 3, 4:00 at the Bend Golf and Country Club. That Annual Meeting will feature a number of new and unique twists, along with a give-away that we think you will enjoy. Lock in this date, October 3rd, on your calendar - now, the seating is limited.

OK's List

How many of you have used craigslist? If you were a small business in say, S.F., Chicago or New York, everyone would have raised their hands in answer to this question. craigslist is a nationwide organization, and its web-based product is a sort of combination of Yellow Page ads and newspaper want ads, except that it is online. Which means that it is live and organic and, as a result, can offer its users features that the newspapers and telephone books cannot.

OK will, later this year, be introducing OK'slist, a tool similar to craigslist except that it will 1) be for businesses only, 2) be for Central Oregon only and 3) contain several user-friendly features that craigslist does not.

Susie and Cathy have just begun the preliminary work on this project. They will be working closely with Alpine Internet as we strive to make OK'slist a tool that the Central Oregon business community will, within the next few years, not be able to live without. Stay tuned.

Bend Business Forum

Every year, OK partners with the Bend Chamber in presenting the Bend Business Forum, an annual program that features presentations by local business leaders with extra-special skills. Last year's topic was marketing, in prior years topics have included human resources and financial management.

This year's topic is "leadership and general business" and the date of the program is September 21 at St. Charles. The program is entitled "My Advice To You Is…" and the speakers are known to just about everyone in Central Oregon.

This program will be a must for those business owners who want to learn how to take their business, and their life, to the next stage.

Banker Training

In June, OK will partner with EDCO in offering a training program for the business-lender community within Central Oregon. That training program will showcase many of the wholesale lending options that are available to lending institutions, including programs sponsored by OECDD, the SBA, COIC and Cascadia Revolving Fund. We'll be announcing details of this training program within the next several weeks.

While OK typically focuses its efforts on "training, education and problem solving for small businesses", we know that the business-lender community plays an integral role in our member's success. The more we can help those lenders help us, the better off our community will be.

Matt Cyrus - Aspen Lakes Golf Course

OK 11

Describe your business.

Aspen Lakes Golf Course is one of the top ranked public golf courses in the state. With long, wide fairways, bent grass from tee to green, and gorgeous mountain views from many of the fairways, it is truly a great golfing experience. Aspen Lakes opened its first nine in 1997, the second nine in 2000, and will open the new 30,000 sq ft. clubhouse this summer.

Aspen Lakes was proud to host the Oregon Open in 2005 and each year donates the course to the Sisters Schools Foundation for the Outlaw Open golf tournament. This tournament raises $25,000 annually for the Sisters School District's sports and other after school programs.

Aspen Lakes is a full service golf course that offers a full tournament package for outings of all sizes. Lessons are available at our PGA pro shop. For more information or tee times call 549-GOLF (4653).

How long have you been a member of OK?

I've been in OK for 4 years, since the group started in Sisters.

What have you enjoyed most about OK?

I've enjoyed getting to know other business owners and comparing notes on similar issues that we all face on a daily basis. It is surprising how similar all of our businesses are even though they are completely different.

What is the top value you and your business have received from OK?

The ability to bounce ideas and issues off other business owners who can look at things more objectively.

Tammy Penington - Bobcat of Central Oregon

OK 2

Describe your business:

Bobcat of Central Oregon is a leader in the market for loaders and excavators, and is locally owned and operated. We are dedicated to building successful relationships between our customers and The Bobcat Company. We take pride in our customer service. Our experienced staff is very knowledgeable about our wide range of products. We stock a variety of the most commonly used parts and attachments. Our service technicians are enrolled in a continuous training program through Bobcat Company to stay abreast of the latest and greatest technology, minimizing our customers' downtime. At Bobcat of Central Oregon, we strive to be the best.

How long have you been a member of OK?

I have been a member for one year.

What have you enjoyed most about OK?

What I enjoy most about OK is the "Group Therapy" atmosphere. I can be totally honest and open about our business decisions and goals.

What is the top value you and your business have received from OK?

Top Value - The support and incredible advice I get from the members of my group. They guide me in the right direction and motivate me when challenges arise. Also, through OK we have developed new business relationships with other OK members, which has been so valuable to us.

Steve Powers - Powers of Automation

OK 6

Describe your business:

Powers of Automation, Inc. manufacturers control panels for automated equipment and provides Integration Services, Calibration Services, and Validation Services for the Pharmaceutical and other high technology industries. Our customer base includes Bend Research at the top of the list. We are working with AMEC Earth and Environmental on a project with Intel, municipalities including the City of Bend, City of Sisters, and City of Burns, Deschutes Brewery, Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing, and the Forest Service to mention a few. POA started 1997 and employ's 9. Our facility is 3000 sq feet, ½ office space and ½ light manufacturing. We offer our employees a good wage, health insurance, retirement benefits, flexible hours, profit sharing, continuing education, and keep the refrigerator full of juice, soda, gator aid and the lunch area stocked with snack food, cup-o-noodles, and red licorice whips. Our core values are family first, honesty, and integrity.

The control panels we manufacture are UL Listed Industrial Control Equipment (UL508A) and may also provide Intrinsically Safe Circuit Extensions (UL698) to hazardous locations (explosive atmosphere areas).

Integration Services provides upgrades and modifications to existing automated equipment and manufacturing facilities. This includes adding sensors, switches, indicator lights or displays, and adding or changing the functionality of the equipment.

Calibration Services provides quality control for automated equipment. We ensure that the sensors measuring the automated process (temperature, pressure, flow, humidity, etc.) are accurate by comparing the sensors to a known value (reference standards). Our reference standards are annually certified accurate and traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).

Validation Services provide quality software and services to the Pharmaceutical Industry. Our quality software development system allows POA to write software for pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and to make modifications to validated equipment which will pass FDA auditors scrutiny. POA recently completed a project in Memphis TN to provide a validated control system and performance qualification for a pharmaceutical distribution center's cold storage area.

How long have you been a member of OK?

I started with OK 6 in 2004.

What have you enjoyed most about OK?

Honestly, I enjoy the freedom to say what is on my mind during our meetings. I can be totally open about any issue pertaining to my business or personal life. Some may think that business and personal life should be separate. I find that owning a small business requires planning both personal life and business together. They affect each other dramatically and I find it better to keep them married.

What is the top value you and your business have received from OK?

The seminars that Opportunity Knocks bring to the community are very valuable to me. I attend as many of these as possible and use the information to make better discussions for my business and employees. I also must thank Jim for writing his book "Understanding Your Financial Statements". This has been a great asset to me. When I started POA, I was a great technician and programmer, but quickly learned that I knew very little about running a small business and reading financial statements. I have spent a great deal of time creating my key indicator report and learning what the financial statements are telling me about the health of my business. Thanks Jim!

Nancy Webre - Evergreen In-Home Care Services

OK 4

Describe your business:

Established in 1982, Evergreen In-Home Care Services is a privately owned corporation providing in-home care services to seniors in Deschutes, Jefferson & Crook counties. Our goal is to allow clients to maintain independence and quality of life in their home environment. Evergreen provides medical and non-medical services for clients whose needs are stable and predictable. Services may be short or long term, routine and/or emergency situations, one to twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We currently employ 65 part-time & full-time staff who provide an array of services including: Respite, Homemaking, Personal Care, 24-Hr. Companions, Medication Management, End of Life Care, Care Management & Consultation. We are proud to be known as the longest standing, privately owned in-home care agency in the State of Oregon.

How long have you been a member of OK?

I have been a member of OK since 1997.

What have you enjoyed most about OK?

I have enjoyed having the genuine support of our team members who are also faced with critical issues of owning and operating businesses. Our discussions are open and honest, providing the information we really need to hear from peers.

What is the top value you and your business have received from OK?

OK has challenged me to grow personally and professionally. Every meeting I leave with something new to take back to my business. Whether it be a resource or management suggestion that others are implementing within their business. OK has challenged me to become more accountable to myself and to those who work for my business as we continue to evolve

Opportunity Knocks Featured Facilitator

Bob Phillips - RW & Associates, Inc.

OK 23

What is your current position and what services do you provide?

I am currently running my consulting business RW & Associates, Inc. We are a Management and Organizational Consulting firm that helps companies and individuals who are dealing with problems within their companies that deal with people, structure, management skills and organizational continuity. I also have developed a training program related to my book called Straight Talk that is designed to assist companies with developing a culture of open and honest communications. Unfortunately most of my current business causes me to travel from Bend more then I would like.

How long have you been an OK Facilitator?

I have been a Co-Facilitator for two years. It has been a very fast and wonderful two years.

What have you enjoyed most about being a Facilitator?

What I enjoy most is our group (I am sure all of the facilitators say that). The diversity of backgrounds, business experience, individual talent and commitment to the success of the group that each person brings to each meeting.

What is the best advice you would give to an OK Member?

Always contribute, do not ever think what you have to say is not as important as other's comments. Each member brings a unique set of experiences and talents others don't have, so make sure you speak up and let others know what you are thinking!!

Opportunity Knocks best practices

"QuickBooks For Your Business"

Wednesday, May 10 2006

7:00 am - 9:00 am
Central Oregon Association of Realtors
2112 NE 4th Street - Bend, OR 97701

Central Oregon OK News
Susie Stevens, President

In the last few months, Jim and I have had the pleasure to visit many of your OK teams. This is always an enjoyable time to be able to meet many of you in person, sometimes for the first time. It is also an opportunity to learn from you, the members, what's working or not working with your OK experience. The things I heard that are working for OK members are how much members appreciate the exchange of resources and suggestions offered by the other team members and the benefit that has been gained as a result of having a board of advisors. Keeping fellow members accountable also ranks high as one of the top benefits. For OK, we continue to appreciate what each of you do for each other and also for the tremendous investment of time and energy that each of the facilitators provide for your teams. Without our volunteer facilitators OK would not work, so we encourage you to thank them for their efforts. The #1 thing I heard which is not working is when other team members are not attending on a regular basis. I encourage all of you to address this issue when it happens and challenge those members regarding their team commitment. For those of you who make the effort to attend regularly, you obviously value and appreciate the team concept. So, thank you from OK and from your fellow team members. You and your facilitators are making OK successful.

Online Payment Services:

We are delighted that earlier this year, OK introduced and set up the online credit card program to give members the option and convenience to pay for membership fees, register and pay for seminars and order and pay for books online. It's been up and running now for awhile, so if you prefer to make payments with your credit card, please go to OK's website to make that happen or give us a call and we will be happy to assist you with your transaction.

Online Membership Directory:

Within the next couple of weeks, the OK Online Membership Directory will be added to OK's website. Thanks to all of you who responded back so quickly with your updated information. We will notify you when it's live and will be encouraging you to view it and use it in supporting other members in their businesses and in utilizing their services.

Membership Referral:

OK continues to be grateful for all of you helping to spread the word about OK. As in past years, we continue to keep track of all referrals that are made by fellow OK members for prospective members. At the OK Annual Meeting, we then draw one of the member's names that have made a referral in the past year and award a beautiful gift basket packed full of gifts from a variety of OK members. This year, the only change will require that the winner does need to be present at the annual meeting to win the basket. We encourage you to get your name in the drawing and continue to thank you for helping OK to grow our membership.

New OK Consultant's Group

As a result of expressed interest that we have received, early this fall we will be starting a new OK Consultant's Group. Not unlike any other business owner, these professionals also have their own set of challenges which typically can include: marketing, pricing, travel schedules, etc. Similar to other OK teams, we will be bringing together 12 non-competing business consultants. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at Susie@opp-knocks.org or call 318-4650.

OK Annual Meeting:

If you haven't marked the date of October 3rd, please do so. Invitations will be sent out later this summer and we promise the event will be a special 10 Year Celebration for you and OK!

Opportunity Knocks Events

2006 Upcoming Events:

May 10, 2006 7:00-9:00 A.M.

Best Practices presents: "QuickBooks for Your Business."

C.O. Realtors Association, 2112 N.E. Fourth St., Bend

$20. OK Members / $30. Non-OK Members

June 14, 2006 11:30 A.M - 2:00 P.M.

"Lenders' Round Table" featuring Alternative Financing Programs

September 21, 2006 7:00-9:00 A.M.

4th Annual Bend Business Forum "My Advice To You Is...." featuring 3 Community Business Leaders

September 28, 2006

Baldrige Inspired "State of Your Business Workshop"

October 3, 2006 5:00-8:00 P.M.

OK's 10th Annual Meeting
Sponsored by Rebound Physical Therapy

Bend Golf and Country Club

October 17, 2006

Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Symposium

October 18, 2006 7:00-9:00 A.M.

Best Practices presents: "Understanding Your Financial Statements"

C.O. Realtors Association, 2112 N.E. Fourth St., Bend

$20. OK Members / $30. Non-OK Members

November 8, 2006 7:00-9:00 A.M.

Best Practices presents: "Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate Investing"

C.O. Realtors Association, 2112 N.E. Fourth St., Bend

$20. OK Members / $30. Non-OK Members

To register for any of the events or for more information contact:

Opportunity Knocks 318-4650 or email:

susie@opp-knocks.org

Thanks to all of our OK Business Sponsors.

Best Practices Seminars:

WorkSource Oregon, Employment Department

OK Annual Meeting Sponsor:

Rebound Physical Therapy

Patron Sponsors:

Bank of the Cascades

Citywide Mortgage

Columbia River Bank

Community First Bank

LibertyBank

South Valley Bank & Trust

US Bank

Washington Mutual Bank

In Kind Patron Sponsors:

Alpine Internet Solutions

Cascade Business News

Press Pros

Solution Sponsors:

Compass Commercial

JD Mowlds

Erich Schultz, SIOR

Steve Toomey

Team Sponsor:

BITS

Centro Information Systems

Greenstone Solutions

QB Pro, Inc.

SecurityPros, Inc.

Opportunity Knocks is serving the following communities in Oregon: Central Oregon, Coos Bay/South Coast, Salem/Mid Willamette, Klamath Falls, and Portland. Also Penticton, B.C., serving British Columbia.