By dallaschamber General Information • motivation • • • • 0 Comments

Pet Owners Independence Day

Fed up of going out to work every day, slaving at a desk to earn a crust, while your dog, cat, rabbit, or fish lounges around the house? Well, Pet Owners Independence Day aims to change all of that nonsense. The idea of this holiday is that we owners get a turn at lying on the carpet, atop the fridge, take a swim in the fishbowl, while our fluffy friends try out their talents in the workplace. Let them earn the treats for a day.

Admittedly, there could be just a few drawbacks to this holiday… For one thing, will the average cat or dog be up to take a letter, let alone a phone call? For another thing, just how good is a typical owner likely to prove at catching mice, gnawing on bones, burrowing, or keeping the scratching post in trim shape? All that remains to be seen- but it’s a great idea, anyway, and should add a touch of animal magic to the day!

Here are some ideas of just how to celebrate this quirky holiday with your legless, two-legged, or four-legged companion:

1. Go fishing, and if you forget to bring along the poles, just poke at the fish with your hands and play in the water. It’s what your cat and dog like best anyway. The creek in the Dallas City Park is a great spot to find minnows and crawdads.

2. Play fetch. And when you’re done, play fetch again. You can never throw the ball too many times.  Plenty of open fields at school playgrounds and parks provide ample opportunities for play.

3. Chase the cat. Despite the popular belief, the cat actually enjoys this game. At least, that is what the dog tells me.

4. Eat new things. Try something new, even if it smells a little funky.  You never know what you might like at one of the many restaurants in Dallas.

5. Run some zoomies around the house. Your cat and dog can show you the best routes. Just be prepared for a couple of bumps in the wall.

6. Nap on the couch. The laundry can wait.

7. Laze about in the sun. Vitamin D is a good thing.

8. Learn something new. Despite the old saying, even old dogs can learn new tricks. Keep your brain active.  Try the Polk County Museum to see what you might learn about our beloved County.

9. Cuddle with someone you love, then suddenly spaz out and take off. They’ll thank you for it.  Afterall gut laughter is many times the best medicine.

By dallaschamber Business Books • DACC • General Information • motivation • • • • • 0 Comments

The Go Giver – Bob Burg & John D. Mann

I had gone to a conference in 2010.  I was really struggling to wrap my head around the validity of our company’s offering when a colleague suggested that I stop worrying about what it was and just learn how to give myself away.  That comment stunned me.  Aren’t we here to do business?  I rely on commissions to pay my bills.  The colleague-turned-mentor said something I’ll never forget, “listen, you’re a go-getter.  But you’re also a giver.  You’re trying to separate the two.  Stop it.  You need to learn to be a go-giver.”

Give and get… at the same time?  I was lost.  She said she had a book in her room that she’d lend me for the rest of the conference if I wanted to implement the one thing that had made her successful.  I thought. ‘The one thing? This one thing was the one that made you so successful?  I’ll take it.’

I read a little bit that night.  But had to ask if I could finish it before we got together again the following month.  She said that’d give us a chance to talk further.  So I held onto it.  I didn’t just read it.  I devoured it.

The Go Giver is a parable-like story that shares how the main character learns how to give in order to receive.  He meets a mentor that shows him the importance of being kind and giving what you do have in order to give enough value to others that they only want to consider you for doing business in the future.  Stories are funny that way.  They share implementable universal truths that help us become who we need to become in order that we can accomplish great things.  It helped me produce better numbers.  Numbers that meant more to clients than what I was selling.  The numbers I gained was in humans who valued the things I was sharing with them.  And yes, my numbers grew in how much I made.

Learning to give is one major step in learning how to be open to receive.  You can even borrow it, I bought it on CD so I can hear it over and over again.

By dallaschamber DACC • General Information • Member News • • • • • 0 Comments

Capitol Auto – West Valley

It’s not just about cars. Dallas has had two auto lots for many, many years. This week’s highlight is the one downtown; Capitol Auto. We still hear people call it McMullin’s Chevrolet, but they have truly expanded in recent years. Capitol Auto they strive to treat you the way you want to be treated; looking into each customer’s unique need and wants. They pride themselves on listening to their customers instead of just selling them a care.

Automotive service shouldn’t throw a wrench in your plans either. They understand the importance of your vehicle. Their factory trained service team is fast, efficient, and friendly so that they can get you back on the road, and on your way as quickly as possible.

What you may not realize is the large-scale impact Capitol makes in our whole region. Yes, they provide folks a place to get from A to B, and that is great. But from where we’re standing the way they give back is a value that is immeasurable. They have supported the impactful efforts of many organizations outside of their market. Each year they hold a month-long, company-wide fundraising drive for United Way. They hose several food collections and fundraising events, as well as encourage their employees to get involved with charities that personally matter most to them. That’s not even mentioning how they help our own Summerfest, Sounds of Summer, Bounty Market, Winterfest, and Freedomfest. These folks give back.

Their efforts don’t just end with the customers either. They are #3 in Oregon Business top 100 Large companies to work for. This is not their first year winning this accolade either, also placing in the top ten in 2016. They believe a happy employee is a good employee.

Thanks, Capitol Auto.  We think you’re great.

By dallaschamber General Information • Management • motivation • • • • • • 0 Comments

Winston Churchill Day April 9th

Let’s be honest, life is hard. Sometimes it feels like the odds are stacked against us and we are not sure where to go or what to do next.

Winston Churchill, Britain’s great hero and Prime Minister during World War II, was once asked to give a commencement address at Oxford University. Churchill was a leader admired and loved by the people. He had led Great Britain through a time of defeat, despair, and great loss, but had continued to provide inspiration exactly when it was needed. You can imagine the anticipation of the students, faculty, and family members as Winston Churchill made his way to the platform. Dressed in coattails, he carefully removed his gloves and top hat to deliver these words, “Never give up. Never, never give up” He then turned and went back to his seat. It was perhaps the shortest speech on record but also the most remembered at Oxford University and around the world. It was a message of hope and encouragement.

Without going into a lot of drama and details I will tell you that I recently went through one of those life-changing events. This event should have left me a mess, feeling alone and no idea how to pick myself back up. Instead, I found a community standing behind me, willing to give me a shoulder to cry on or an encouraging hug.

Yes, life is hard. There are always going to be challenges, some greater than others. The nice thing is that we don’t have to surmount them alone. We have people in our lives that want to help us; whether it’s personal or professional. The trick is to reach out and ask for it. We at the Chamber of Commerce would love to help in any way we can. If we can’t help you then we darn will help you find someone who can. Today, in honor of Winston Churchill, we at the Chamber say, “Never give up.”

~Sarah Javins

By dallaschamber General Information • Member News • Upcoming Events • • • 0 Comments

Dallas Library Book Sale

Dallas Public Library is hosting a Friends of the Dallas Public Library Book Sale this weekend at the Dallas Civic Center! The event will be held Friday, April 13th from 3pm to 7pm, and Saturday, April 14th from 10am to 3pm. The last hour on Saturday will be a Bag Sale. All hardcovers will be one dollar, and paperbacks only fifty cents. This is a great opportunity to both expand your home library and support our local library.

If you are a bookworm like myself you can’t wait to jump at the chance. But the local Dallas Library does more than just lend books to the public, or throw book sales. The Dallas Public Library strives to ensure that there are programs available for everyone.

Children of all ages can enjoy their Summer Reading Program. Tuesdays and Thursday morning they hold Story Time for your little ones that include finger-plays, songs, and even simple crafts to engage them in learning. Let us not forget about Lego Building also on Thursdays in the afternoon.

If you are struggling with a research project, book report, or simply just want to expand on your current knowledge the library offers resources to you as well. Their homework and career center makes equipment and resources available to all who need it. Or maybe you want some fun to but are on a budget. The Dallas Public Library provides Cultural Go Passes to a household which can provide up to free admission to a destination. These destinations include; Evergreen Aviation Museum, Gilbert’s House, and many other fun educational locations for the family to visit.

In this day and age where so many of our public libraries are closing due to lack of funding and support this book sale offers a unique opportunity. We hope you take advantage of the time not only to thank those who work so hard to engage our children in learning and providing resources to the public but also find out what other unique opportunities are available to you.

By dallaschamber Member News • • • • 0 Comments

Dallas Dutch Bros.

Dutch Brothers is a blessing in the small town of Dallas.

There has never been a time that I have asked for something from Joe or the Dutch crew and not got exactly what I was looking for. They are more than happy to not only donate product for a cause, but their time too. Whether I’m asking for coffee for teacher appreciation week, a booster event, senior all night party…it’s a yes. They go above and beyond. Just recently I asked Joe and Katie if they could come to Lacreole and be guest speakers in our exploratory class. The original guest speaker couldn’t make it. Of course they said yes! Their generosity amazes me every single time.

That spirit of giving is not just restricted to our local Dutch Bros either! The Dutch Bros website is full of stories of branches reaching out to their communities and helping in small and big ways. Dutch Bros lives by three core values: one cannot be sacrificed for another, all must work together to provide the best experience possible, and they may be a coffee company but they are in the relationship business. No wonder we have been struck by a Dutch Bros craze, and with our Dallas Dutch Bros leading the way.

They hire many young adults from the high school and colleges too. They teach more than how to run a coffee stand and keep customers happy with their latte and rebel addictions. They teach life skills, and help young people to be successful as they start their journey in the working world.

“I hold Joe Lawless, his sister Katie Fode, and their entire team in high regard. They do a lot for The Dallas Community. ❤💙” –Julie

No wonder the line at Dutch Bros. Coffee of Dallas Oregon is always so long! Communities support businesses that support the community. We are proud to have Dutch Bros as a member of the Dallas Area Chamber! Thank you Dutch Bros for serving Dallas!

By dallaschamber Business Books • General Information • • • • • • 0 Comments

Book Review – The 5 Levels of Leadership

From where I’m sitting we’re all leaders, in different capacities.  With that in mind, we can all use a boost in how we go about leading in our realm.  Many of us have at least heard of leadership guru John C. Maxwell.  In fact for many people when they think of information about becoming a good leader, they think of things that Maxwell has said or written.  Not sounding familiar?  That’s ok.  I’d like to introduce you to him and one of my favorite books he’s written.  “The 5 Levels of Leadership”.

In this book, Maxwell dispels the myth that position or title equals leadership.  True leaders are those who stand for something great and do things in line with a greater cause.  Maxwell shares that the five levels include:

  1. Position – People follow because they have to. You’ve been given a title that says you’re the boss.
  2. Permission – People follow because they want to. People have enough buy-in on you as leader they voluntarily go where you lead them.
  3. Production – People follow because of what you have done for the organization. Your actions have proven to your followers that you are worth following.
  4. People Development – People follow because of what you have done for them personally. You’ve put enough into developing others that people value your leadership as a developer of people as well as processes.
  5. Personhood – People follow because of who you are and what you represent. Your character has stood the test of time and has been refined like gold and has proven to be of high value.

Consider this book for your next investment into your business library.  For me, it showed me the level of leader I am now and what I’m capable of becoming.  For you maybe something else.  But there’s something there for sure to get that boost to reaching new potential in leadership capabilities.

By dallaschamber Member News • • • 0 Comments

Polk Itemizer-Observer

If you live in Dallas you are familiar with our trusted news source, Itemizer-Observer. They have been serving Polk County since 1875 and the Dallas Chamber is proud to have them as a Cornerstone Member. We work hard to bring our community great events and the sponsorship and advertisement from the Itemizer-Observer greatly support our efforts. Their support of our community during their time here in Dallas cannot be missed.

Polk Itemizer Observer actively covers sports, events, and works hard to highlight what’s going on in Dallas and give its citizens a voice.

Emily Mentzer, editor at the Itemizer-Observer had this to say, “We have a renewed focus on serving our readers and our local businesses. We have a lot to offer both in print and online, and we’re taking full advantage of it to keep readers informed and help businesses get their message out.” Don’t just take our word for it, Dallas Residents have this to say about Polk Itemizer Observer: “A great way to stay informed on the happenings in and around Polk County!”

“This is a great small town newspaper. They do a really good job of staying local and reporting on the important things in the community. My kids have been featured many times with sports and different school activities. I’m very glad to have this paper in our small town. Thank you!”

“My favorite way to find out what’s going on in Dallas.”

“The local sports section is my favorite.”

By dallaschamber General Information • Member News • Upcoming Events • • • • • 0 Comments

Polk County Fairgrounds

This week we are excited to spotlight a family fun event at the Polk County Fairgrounds starting today! The Oregon Old Time Fiddlers State Convention is here to entertain and educate the whole family! This event starts today, April 4th, and lasts until April 7th for a four-day event!

The Oldtime Fiddlers’ Associate in a nonprofit organization dedicated to the continuation and promotion of old-time music. The Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association is over fifty years old and has musical roots from many places; including the Appalachia Mountains, Louisiana bayous, Minnesota, even as far as Scotland, Ireland, and England. Each April the Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association holds a convention at Polk County Fairgrounds to share their love and knowledge of music with the public.

Founded in 1913 Polk County Fairgrounds has been dedicated to the idea of providing the general public and community with the space, buildings, and equipment needed to engage in events for over a century. The Polk County Fairgrounds hosts events year-round designed to promote fun, learning and social activity for everyone- especially where children can benefit. The Polk County Fairgrounds have not limited themselves to just events either. They provide space for multiple group meetings; from dog training to CourtCare and Workshops. Year after year the hard workers at the Polk County Fairgrounds work to improve their events and facilities, all while delivering a great time to our families in the community.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to support our local fairgrounds and learn about Oregon music, and bring the whole family!

By dallaschamber General Information • Public Policy • • 0 Comments

Cap and Trade – Carbon Issue

It is our observation that all bets are off on ‘Cap and Trade.’ Proponents are going to force a vote. The assurances of Senate leadership that ‘Cap and Trade’ will not move in 2018 are now being softened and walked back.

The Bill “Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt by rule program that places a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and that provides market-based mechanism for covered entities to demonstrate compliance.”

The reality is, adopting California’s cap-and-trade system would mean Oregon chasing its manufacturing and energy-intensive industries away just like California has since 2013. When California’s cap-and-trade system went into effect, California’s manufacturing sector suffered, leading to fewer manufacturing jobs. Outside of California’s wealthy enclaves, unemployment rates rocketed above national averages.

Oregon has already adopted strict new climate policies on transportation and electricity generation, from a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which could add $.15 to the cost of a gallon of fuel, to directing Oregon’s largest utilities to divest entirely from coal. These groundbreaking climate policies need time to work without the burden of California’s cap-and-trade scheme.

We can’t continue to tell ourselves this is a non-issue in 2018.  We need to TAKE ACTION NOW.

 

The video and advocacy page – http://oregonchamber.org/capandtrade/ – need to be spread to every chamber and every chamber member throughout the state ASAP. Every local business needs to send a note to their legislator to oppose cap and trade now.

This issue affects us all.  Let our elected officials know how you’d like them to proceed.