EMERGE program blog

EMERGE features Comcast exec

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:24:00 +0000

Yesterday, emerging and established business and civic leaders gathered at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt to hear from David Manougian, General Manager of Comcast SportsNet Northwest. Manougian’s varied and interesting career path provided an intriguing look into how success comes from doing what you enjoy and simply focusing on doing your job well. Manougian, who has worked in marketing and sales for E&J Gallo Winery and Nike Golf, led the Golf Channel to success and is now the General Manager of Comcast SportsNet Northwest.

Manougian also spoke passionately about company culture, saying “Companies need to have a culture to build effective teams. The culture needs to be palpable, people need to be able to eat, feel and touch it.” Building a brand and company culture is also the most important lesson that Manougian has learned; he emphasized that sometimes deciding what NOT to do is just as important to branding as what you are doing.

Sports broadcasting veteran shares career insight and advice

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 21:30:00 +0000

March’s EMERGE Exclusive gives you the opportunity to hear from a sports broadcasting veteran! David Manougian, General Manager of Comcast SportsNet will talk about the progression of his career from Director of golf sales and marketing for Nike to President and CEO of the Golf Channel to launching Comcast SportsNet Northwest. At this EMERGE Exclusive, you’ll get the chance to network with emerging and established business and civic leaders as well as speak directly with the speaker and ask him questions. Come hear how this Portland native views leadership and community involvement!

When: March 29, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Series Sponsors: Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and Regence BlueCross BlueShield

Register now>>

EMERGE program has something for everyone—snowshoeing and a golf expert!

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:36:00 +0000

The dusting of snow Portland received recently was not enough for the Portland Business Alliance's EMERGE group. To get their fill, 20 emerging business and civic leaders boarded a Raz Transportation bus and headed for Government Camp on Mt. Hood. The group spent the day snowshoeing through the woods and networking over huckleberry pie and locally brewed beer.

Next Adventure and NW Discoveries supplied equipment and excellent guide service. Most of the group had never experienced snowshoeing but they were quickly immersed as the guides led everyone off trail, up hill, in knee deep powder. After a few hours of hiking under clear blue sky and with exquisite views of Mt. Hood, the group met at Huckleberry Inn for a lunch buffet and huckleberry pie. Following lunch, some trekked back out for more snowshoeing, while others grabbed sleds and headed for the hills.

Before heading back to Portland the group rendezvoused at Charlie's, a local pub, which serves beer from Mt. Hood Brewing Co, a local favorite. The day ended with the bus ride home, good conversation and lots of free giveaways from Next Adventure.

The Alliance’s EMERGE Steering Committee is hard at work planning more Excursions that will surely provide more excitement and networking opportunities—stay tuned! The third annual summer raft trip is also in the planning stages. Watch for a Save the Date!

If you missed the snow shoe trip, there are more EMERGE events coming up. The next Exclusive will feature David Manougian, General Manager for Comcast SportsNet Northwest and former CEO of the golf channel. That will be on March 29 at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

EMERGE website>>

2010 EMERGE Deschutes River Raft Trip

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:06:00 +0000

2010 EMERGE raft trip, originally uploaded by Portland Business Alliance.

Last year's summer EMERGE Excursion was fun and a great opportunity for networking. Don't miss the winter Excursion, snowshoeing on Mt. Hood, coming up on February 25! See below for more information and to sign up.

EMERGE program takes you on a snowshoeing excursion at Government Camp!

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Ever wanted to try snowshoeing or just looking for a reason to get out and play in the snow? Here’s your chance!

The EMERGE program organizes two outdoor excursions per year, providing you with the opportunity to network with emerging and established business and civic leaders in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying an outdoor adventure. On Friday February 25, participants will enjoy a day of snowshoeing and socializing at Government Camp on Mt. Hood.

Excursion Details and Registration >>

This snowshoeing trip is open to all skill levels. Raz Transportation will take the group up to the mountain, allowing people to relax and get to know each other during the drive. Under the direction of experienced guides from Next Adventure, participants will snowshoe together in the morning. Lunch with be served at the historic Huckleberry Inn. In the afternoon, you’ll have multiple options for exploring the mountain. Continue on another snowshoe tour, visit the shops, pubs, art galleries and museum of Government Camp, or try one of the other activities available in the area, such as tubing.*

*If you choose to try one of the other activities in the afternoon (such as tubing) you are responsible for any additional costs.

University of Oregon president speaks to EMERGE participants

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:27:00 +0000

The January EMERGE Exclusive featured University of Oregon President, Richard Lariviere. President Lariviere shared insight into his unique careers in the IT industry and higher education, as well as his extensive travels to India and other locations in Asia and Europe. He talked about choosing a career in education because of his desire to help students get a quality education, stating, “I am passionately interested in preserving public higher education in the United States.”

Attendees had the opportunity to ask President Lariviere a number of questions as well as talk with him after the conclusion of the formal program. To date, Alliance members have gotten to meet with seven established leaders in the Portland region from Portland Trail Blazer Chief Operating Officer Sarah Mensah to NW Natural CEO Gregg Kantor. If you have ideas for who you would like to meet, contact Mirabai Vogt at mvogt@portlandalliance.com.

The next EMERGE Exclusive will feature David Manougian, General Manager for Comcast SportsNet Northwest, on March 29.

Check out the EMERGE website for event updates and information.

December's EMERGE Exclusive provides a lesson on leadership

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:21:00 +0000

Charles Wilhoite, Managing Director of Willamette Management Associates, spoke to a crowded room about his journey toward becoming the successful business and civic leader he is today. In a first-ever collaboration between the Alliance’s EMERGE program and the Urban League’s Young Leaders program, a diverse crowd gathered at Portland Prime to hear from Wilhoite. If you didn't make it to this great event, check out the podcast below to hear what you missed.

Raised on an Indian Reservation in Arizona, Wilhoite spoke about his experience growing up as a minority among minorities. He discussed how this encouraged him to get involved in his community at a young age and how leadership influenced his youth. “Leadership is about opportunity and taking advantage of that opportunity,” said Wilhoite. Wilhoite stressed the importance of taking initiative; if you seek leadership or a mentor, then “go out and adopt someone, don’t wait for someone to adopt you,” said Wilhoite. “Realize that everyone is approachable.”

Sarah Mensah of the Blazers shares her life story and community views

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:59:00 +0000

On October 21, EMERGE attendees gathered for refreshments and spirited conversation at the Rose Garden to hear from Sarah Mensah, Chief Operating Officer at the Portland Trail Blazers. Attendees enjoyed the excitement of hearing from Mensah within the Rose Garden walls directly before the Blazers versus Denver game, and many attended the game afterwards.

Mensah openly and humbly shared the details of her life, the way her career evolved and how she rose to the top at the Trail Blazers. She shared her insight into what it's like to be a woman with a sports career, saying that she is thankful for the male mentors that believed in her.

Mensah talked extensively about building a quality brand and the importance of transparency in business. She also focused on the critical needs of Oregon schools, saying that the state of our education system speaks to the strength of our community. According to Mensah, Oregon's education system needs ideas, creativity and strong leadership to move forward. She is happy about the Blazers' commitment to being important role models for children.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Sarah!

Aresh Irajpanah and Sarah Mensah

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:24:00 +0000

EMERGE Exclusive with... Sarah Mensah, originally uploaded by Portland Business Alliance.

EMERGE moderator Aresh Irajpanah and speaker Sarah Mensah.

EMERGE attendees at the Rose Garden

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

EMERGE Exclusive with... Sarah Mensah, originally uploaded by Portland Business Alliance.

EMERGE attendees enjoy networking after hearing Sarah Mensah talk.

Irene Firmat recap and podcast

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Irene Firmat, CEO and Founder of Full Sail Brewery, engaged the EMERGE Exclusive audience on September 29 with her outgoing, genuine personality and inspiring life story. If you didn't make it to this great event, check out the podcast below to hear what you missed.

The audience enjoyed hearing about Irene's valuable insights into taking business risks, staying true to your brand and being a part of the beer industry in Oregon. Firmat’s inspiring story covered how she went from a “glamorous” job as a buyer for Meyer and Frank to the challenge of starting a craft brewery with friends. Firmat’s wise business decisions, such as leading Full Sail to be the state’s first employee-owned craft brewery and not giving into all the fads and advertising gimmicks of the beer industry, have created a solid brand, great tasting beers and steady profits.

Thank you, Irene, for sharing your story with us!

Irene spoke a lot about the importance of being passionate about your career and the idea of making a job around your interests. If you could start a business that reflected your passion(s), what would it be?

EMERGE Exclusive with... Irene Firmat

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:10:00 +0000

EMERGE Exclusive with... Irene Firmat, originally uploaded by Portland Business Alliance.

Irene Firmat, Founder and CEO of Full Sail Brewing, talks with moderator Aresh Irajpanah about the challenges and sacrifices of starting and running Full Sail Brewing.

Podcast of the EMERGE Exclusive with restaurant owner, Bruce Carey

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:55:00 +0000

EMERGE Exclusive attendees enjoy appetizers at Blue Hour before hearing from the restaurant's owner, Bruce Carey.

We will now be posting podcasts of some of the EMERGE Exclusives events! During the recent EMERGE Exclusive with Bruce Carey, emerging leaders heard where he grew up and went to school, the people that influenced him and how he started the Bruce Carey Restaurant Group. He is interviewed by moderator Aresh Irajpanah.

Click on the player below to hear the podcast.

Past EMERGE Exclusive events

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:54:00 +0000

During the recent EMERGE Exclusive events, emerging leaders heard from established leaders about interesting aspects of their career and industry as well as community issues and diversity. So far, the EMERGE Exclusives have featured Gregg Kantor, CEO of NW Natural and Russ Danielson, CEO of Providence.


View more pictures on the Alliance photostream

Please get involved in the EMERGE event series, and continue the conversation about community issues, diversity and leadership here on this blog. We look forward to hearing from you!

New EMERGE event series features Russ Danielson, CEO of Providence

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:59:00 +0000

During June’s EMERGE Exclusive event, Russ Danielson, CEO of Providence, shared insight about the heath care industry, diversity and what factors have shaped his career. Emerging and established business and civic leaders who attended the event got the chance to ask Danielson questions and network together.

The next EMERGE Exclusive will be with restaurant owner, Bruce Carey. Carey owns Bluehour, Saucebox, 23Hoyt and Clarklewis. Come hear about Carey’s exciting career as a restauranteur!

When: Thursday, July 29 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Bluehour - 250 NW 13th Avenue

Learn more about the EMERGE event series and to sign up for this event>>

New event “EMERGE Exclusive” features Northwest Natural CEO

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:25:00 +0000

On April 29, the Alliance’s enhanced event series, EMERGE, presented the first EMERGE Exclusive, with Northwest Natural CEO, Gregg Kantor. Approximately 40 emerging leaders gathered at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt to hear Kantor talk about what it takes to be a successful leader.

The event turned out to be an engaging and intimate look into all aspects of leadership, including aligning values, encouraging diversity and communicating effectively. Kantor’s wit and impressive experience inspired the crowd to ask questions, to which Kantor answered with helpful and interesting insight and tips. EMERGE participants also enjoyed delicious food and refreshments while networking with other emerging leaders.

Don’t miss the next EMERGE Exclusive event, which will feature Russ Danielson, CEO of Providence, on June 23.

EMERGE event series sparks new blog focus

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:26:00 +0000

As a follower of this blog, you have read about issues important to small business as part of the Portland Business Alliance’s Cornerstones Conversations event series. Due to a programming change based on feedback from our members, we have started a new event series that replaces Cornerstones Conversations, called EMERGE.

If you are a current subscriber to the Cornerstones Conversations blog, please change your feed address to http://feeds.feedburner.com/EMERGEpdx.

In 2009, the Alliance began working to develop a networking and relationship building event series that connected emerging civic and business leaders with established civic and business leaders in the Portland region. As a result, EMERGE was developed and was a great success due to several networking and relationship- building activities. In 2010, we expanded the EMERGE program to include three main components that help bring emerging and established leaders together in different settings and formats. The three components include:

EMERGE Exclusives: Regularly scheduled events where an existing leader tells their story, gives advice and shares their thoughts on careers, leadership and being engaged in the community.
EMERGE Excursions: Raft trips, Mt. Hood ski trips, other excursions for EMERGE participants to get more connected.
EMERGE Engage: Volunteer activities that connect established and emerging leaders while benefiting the community.

The Alliance sees the EMERGE event series as an opportunity to connect with younger workers at member businesses, get people involved in the Leadership Portland program and showcase the business leaders involved in the Alliance.

Social Media and Employment Law

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:54:00 +0000

So I admit that we've been slacking a bit on the blogging - our sincerest apologies. But we're back at it and we wanted to let you know about a really interesting one coming up on December 3 on social networking and employment law. Twittering about the boss, facebooking at work - what policies should your company have in place? What issues have come up at your workplace? Come share and learn.

Presenter
Karen Davis, Senior Employment Law Counsel at TOC Services

December 3, 2009
7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Location:
Portland Business Alliance
Lobby Conference Room
200 SW Market Street

Series Sponsors:
West Coast Bank
Regence

Get your emergency preparedness info here!

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:31:00 +0000

This morning we had two top experts on emergency preparedness come talk about everything from H1N1 to earthquakes to winter weather. Tripp Robinson, emergency manager at Intel, and Eric Corliss, director of emergency services from the Oregon Chapter of the Red Cross, gave some great tips, lessons learned and best practices.

Tripp's presentation can be found here:
http://www.portlandalliance.com/presentations/Tripp_Pan_Flu_Conf_PBA.ppt

Keep in mind that it is a large file!

Info about preparing for flu season from the Red Cross can be found:www.oregonredcross.org/flu

What are some of your best practices?

Next month: Intergenerational management - lessons and advice on how baby boomers, Gen Xers and Gen Yers can successfully manage and be managed.

Emergency Preparedness - are you ready for H1N1

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:22:00 +0000

Is your company prepared for an outbreak of H1N1 or another winter storm? Hear from Intel and the Red Cross and get your company prepared for the flu, snowstorms and other unpredictable events.

Speakers:
Eric Corliss, Director of Emergency Services,
Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross

Tripp M. Robinson
Emergency Manager, Intel

Location:
Portland Business Alliance
Lobby Conference Room
200 SW Market Street

Series Sponsors: West Coast Bank, Regence

Pre-registration required:

Members: $20, Non-Members $30

Cause Marketing event on Thursday!

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:21:00 +0000

After a break in August, Cornerstones is back! We're taking on the topic of cause marketing and picking the perfect nonprofit partner. We've got a bunch of people already signed up and a really great panel (see below). Experts are also predicting that cause marketing is going to increase as marketers are going to be spending less on big flashy campaigns and more on partnerships that their consumers care about. See article from Marketing Daily:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=111813

Our panel of experts includes:

- Steve Brook, Practice Director, Point B Consulting
- Jana Cole, Director of Donor Relations, Self Enhancement, Inc. (invited)
- Brian Wilson, Kalberer Company
- Roma Peyser, Director of Development, Cascade AIDS Project

Hope you can be a part of this conversation!

Thinking about exporting? Come to our next Cornerstones

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:19:00 +0000

If you have been thinking about expanding your market and selling your products or services internationally, but not sure who to talk to or where to get started, then come to our event on July 9 (get more details by clicking on title of post). Two international trade experts will be there to tell you what to think about, how to get started and what some other companies learned when they went global.

Our two experts are:
Paul Taylor, chair of the Oregon Export Council and a trade law expert
Scott Goddin, Director of the Portland U.S. Export Assistance Center

Thursday, July 9; 7:30 a.m. at Alliance lobby conference room

Are you thinking about expanding to an international market? What have you learned so far?

Stimulus Dollars for Small Business

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Today, two experts shared some really helpful information with the group. Sam Brooks, founder and chairman of OAME and Gabe Silva from the OECDD. They talked about different programs through the state and through the SBA that give small businesses access to capital. Both Sam and Gabe also stressed the importance of getting your business plan certified and getting your certification together if you are a woman or minority-owned business.

OAME is currently administering more than $1 million in SBA loans and OECDD has a bunch of programs for you to learn more about. OAME is doing orientations about their loan program the second Tuesday of each month. The next one is Tuesday, June 9. Here's a link: http://www.oame.org/ and go to Access to Capital tag under the Events Calendar listing on the lefthand side.

Gabe from OECDD has a bunch of information and have a link to his powerpoint.
http://www.slideshare.net/portlandalliance/oecdd-cornerstones-stimulus-funds-presentation

Social Media Research: Kerry Finsand & Kelli Matthews

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:39:00 +0000

Portland Biz Alliance Cornerstone Conversations

View more presentations from kellimatthews.

Thanks for inviting us! We're both happy to answer questions.

Kerry Finsand
@kfinsand
kerry@goseetell.com

Kelli Matthews
@kmatthews
kmatthew@uoregon.edu

Cornerstones on Thursday: Researching Social Media

kmongue@portlandalliance.com (Portland Business Alliance) — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:47:00 +0000

We have two social media gurus with us on Thursday morning to talk about how to start your organization's social media plans off on the right foot - with sound research. U of O Professor Kelli Matthews and Kerry Finsand from GoSeeTell.com. Use link above to register.

Details: Thursday, May 7; 7:30 a.m. 200 SW Market, lobby conference room.