Balanced Voice

Volume 12 ISSue 2 DeCemBeR 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

Now the Fun Begins.........1

Chair’s Message...............2

Business Briefs & Member News...................3

2012 Annual Statesman Dinner...........4-5

2013 Legislative Agenda...6

Strategic Plan..................7

Committee Profiles...........8

Balanced VoiceN e w s a N d I s s u e s F R O M T H e O R e G O N B u s I N e s s a s s O C I aT I O N

OregOn Businesses large and small,

urban and rural –working to

achieve balanced policy solutions to

strengthen quality of life and thestate’s long-

term economic competitiveness.

Ryan Deckert,OBA President

E lections (expen-sive and at times divisive) are a

necessary evil to get us to the real show of gov-erning in an increasingly global economy where competition for the jobs of tomorrow start in the

classrooms and lecture halls of today.

And that is where our story begins. The Oregon story is to live up to the moniker: things look different here. We are the place that leans into tough challenges, takes on the status quo and demonstrates that elections are just that: elections. Governing is for the grown-ups.

Oregon is well-situated to be the beneficiary of this global hunt for traded sector investment. We sit on the edge of the Pacific with port access to expanding Asian markets. We are also comparatively well- educated and have shown others that there is an economic dividend to governing effectively.

If this 2013 legislature can do it one more time, we are certain things really will look dif-ferent here, and the reason why governing is for the grown-ups. Unfortunately there is no glamour in the set of decisions our elected lead-ers will need to make to set the foundation for the Oregon comeback.

It is no easy task for Democratic legislators to tell their friends (and supporters!) that we must enact sensible reforms to Oregon’s retirement system to ensure precious public resources go to reducing tuition, lowering class sizes and

lengthening a too-short academic calendar in our schools and universities.

Where is the joy for Republicans in explain-ing to their political consultants that we cannot continue to politicize every vote on corrections policy, labeling opponents as soft on crime and sympathetic to criminals? The research is crystal clear: The most effective way to reduce recidi-vism is to throw everything you’ve got at it – in some cases that is a jail cell – and in others it is in-home detention, community corrections or technology like electronic bracelets. Do we really have to follow Texas as the leader in sensible correction reform that saves money and yields lower crime rates?

You will read in the following pages OBA’s 2013 Legislative agenda. Our members talked to experts, commissioned studies and put in the time to develop a plan that can be sum-marized in five words: a few more tough votes. But, if our citizen leaders can do it one more time, we can use this economic recovery to set the course for a true investment agenda -- unlocking our potential and advantages in the new economy.

Former Gov. Tom McCall famously pon-dered whether we deserved to have such a special place as Oregon. Would we be good stewards for our children and grand-children? We are seeing a renaissance in public policy by leaders who McCall would say, “Are not stat-ues framed against a red sky. They are leaders who say, ‘This is my community and it is my responsibility to make it better.’”

Let the fun begin!

by Ryan DeckeRt

now the Fun begins

2 December 2012Balanced Voice

O ver the past decade, state spending on

corrections and public safety has represented one of the fastest growing parts of the state budget – grow-ing at a much faster rate than spending on

schools. And without reform, officials project that Oregon taxpayers will spend about $600 million over the next 10 years to add 2,000 new prison beds. OBA is making a very clear recommendation to the Legislature in the next session: do not bond for or build any additional prison beds in the state.

OBA’s Sound Budgeting Task Force met with public safety officials and experts as the group crafted our 2013 legislative agenda on correc-tions. Oregon needs a safe environment for our citizens and for the conduct of business, and OBA supports actions that will continue the reduction of crime in Oregon. But while there is certainly a place for prisons, it is increas-ingly clear that spending more on prisons is not money well spent.

Rather than continue the dramatic growth in the prison budget, we support directing a portion

of public safety dollars toward cost-effective and proven methods of reducing incarceration and recidivism. We are heartened by efforts in states like Texas that are reducing incarceration rates by focusing on stopping the problem before it starts through, for example, funding early learning and student risk assessment programs.

Here are some of the key guidelines OBA has adopted with respect to corrections and public safety:

1. Informed Decision Making in Sentencing. Promote the use of cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment tools in crafting sentences.

2. Improved Sentencing Guidelines. Develop revisions to sentencing guidelines which incor-porate the intent underlying the mandatory minimum sentencing initiatives, the principles of the 1989 sentencing guidelines and the ad-vances in the understanding of the causes of and methods to reduce recidivism.

3. Reduce Recidivism. Reduce recidivism through the use of the most cost-effective and proven options.

a. Educationb. Community correctionsc. Drug and Alcohol Treatmentd. Education and Job Traininge. Visitation

4. Judicial Discretion. Restore appropriate judicial discretion to sentencing.

5. Eliminate the Need for New Prison Beds. No beds and no bonds in the biennium.

The links between education, incarceration, public safety and employment cannot be dis-puted. OBA is committed to supporting ef-forts to bring about important reforms, and we look forward to working with legislators, Governor Kitzhaber and the Oregon Public Safety Commission in the upcoming legislative session to ensure that our public safety dollars are directed toward reducing the root causes of incarceration and recidivism.

Special thanks to OBA Sound Budgeting Task Force Member and Dunn Carney Attorney David Zehntbauer for his support in crafting the OBA leg-islative agenda on public safety and corrections.

Nik BlosserChair, Board of DirectorsOregon Business AssociationPresident, Celilo Group Media

NIK BloSSeR, Board ChairPresident, Celilo Group media

GARY W. ReYNolDS, Board Vice-ChairPresident, Perkins & Company, PC

eRIK AmoSDirector, Corporate Tax Division Columbia Sportswear

moRGAN ANDeRSoNNorthwest Region Government Affairs managerINTel

GARY BAueRDirector of Government & Community Affairs, NW Natural

leN BeRGSTeINPresident, Northwest Strategies

RuTH BeYeRmember, Stoel Rives llP

SCoTT BolToNVice President of Government Affairs, Pacific Power

JulIA BRIm-eDWARDS, Immediate Past Board ChairDirector, Government & Public AffairsWestern States and Canada, Nike

RICH BRoWNSenior Vice President, market DevelopmentBank of America

mATT CHAPmANPresident & executive DirectorNorthwest evaluation Association (NWeA)

BARBARA CHRISTeNSeNChief Sales and marketing officerProvidence Health & Services

ANDReW ColASPresident & Coo, Colas Construction

JuSTIN DelANeYVP, Corporate legal & Public AffairsThe Standard

BRIAN GARDPresident, Gard Communications

ADAm GRzYBICKI President, oregon/Alaska/HawaiiAT&T

AlAN HICKeNBoTTomGeneral manager, Tanner Creek DivisionChristenson electric

CHeRYle KeNNeDYTribal ChairwomanThe Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

PeTeR KRATzexecutive Vice President, operationsHarry & David

BeRNIe KRoNBeRGeRVice President-oregon Regional manager Foundation-Charitable Contributions/Government Relations Social Responsibility Group, Wells Fargo

mARK A. loNGmanaging Partner, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, PC

HIRoSHI moRIHARAPresident, Hm3 energy, Inc.

mARTY mYeRSGeneral manager , Threemile Canyon Farms, llC

mIKe RADWAYSenior Director of Government RelationsKnowledge universe

DAVe RoBeRTSoNVice President, Public Policy, PGe

AlYSA RoSePresident and Ceo, Rejuvenation

JoHN W. RuSSellPresident, Russell Development Co.

lISA SeDlARPresident & Ceo, New Seasons market

CoNNIe SeeleYChief of Staff, office of the PresidentoHSu

JAReD SHoRTPresident, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of oregon

PAT SmITHPresident/Ceounitus Community Credit union

BIll SmITHPresident, William Smith Properties, Inc.

JeNNIFeR SPAllDirector of Public Affairs & Government Relations, Wal-mart Stores, Inc.

CHRISTIAN VeNDeRBYChief operating officer, Vestas

DoN WASHBuRNPrivate Investor

SeAN WATeRSDirector of Compliance and Regulatory AffairsDaimler Trucks North America

KeN WIGHTmANCeo, David evans enterprises, Inc.

RYAN DeCKeRTPresidentOregon Business Association

Oregon Business Association6975 SW Sandburg Street, Suite 250Tigard, Oregon 97223

Phone: 503-641-0990Fax: 503-641-0959 Email: oba@oba-online.org

www.oba-online.org

B o A r D o F D i r e C t o r S

Chair’s Message: no beds, no bonds

3December 2012 Balanced Voice

business briefs & Member NewsOba Supports “Fix the Debt” effort

A plan containing core principles to guide the process to solve our national debt issues is being supported by the Oregon Business Association. OBA is also urging members of our Oregon Congressional Delegation to support the plan and help solve the growing federal debt that threatens our future. Read our full support statement at www.oba-online.org/news.

The Campaign to Fix the Debt is a non-partisan effort -- learn more about the campaign itself here: www.fixthedebt.org.

Welcome new Staffer, D.J. Vogt!

We are please to welcome the most recent addi-tion to our staff, new OBA Legislative Director D.J. Vogt.

D.J. most recently served as a policy and budget analyst in the Governor’s budget office, focused on economic development. In this posi-tion, he was responsible for advising the Governor

and Chief Financial Officer on economic development policies and budgets for state government. Mr. Vogt also developed recommenda-tions and proposals for the Governor on statewide fiscal policies, issues and program areas.

Before joining the State of Oregon, D.J. managed financial analysis

and investor relations activities for Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., a $3 billion metals recycling company based in Portland, Oregon. Prior to relocating to Oregon in 2006, he served as Senior Advisor in the Office of Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C. As a White House appointee, D.J. managed legislative agendas and advised the Secretary on legislative strategies to achieve the administration’s policy objectives in tax policy, foreign investment and pension reform.

Earlier in his career, D.J. was a management consultant with Ernst

& Young LLP, and he began his career as a financial analyst in the investment banking group of LaSalle Partners Limited (now Jones Lang LaSalle) in Chicago, Illinois. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Policy from Duke University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame.

D.J. is very active in non-profits and community organizations in Oregon. He currently serves on the board of Hands On Greater Portland. He lives in West Linn with his wife and two daughters. Contact D.J. at 503-641-0990, dj@oba-online.org.

Oba Meets with congressman kurt SchraderA group of OBA

business leaders met recently with Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-Oregon) to discuss the state of national affairs and Oregon’s role in large issues such as the fiscal crisis and jobs creation.

Schrader, re-elected November 6, represents Oregon’s 5th Congressional District (Marion, Polk, Lincoln & Tillamook Counties as well as the bulk of Clackamas and small portions of Multnomah and Benton Counties). He is a veterinarian from Canby who was first elected to Congress in 2008. During the OBA meeting, Schrader said the number one request he receives from constituents is, “I want you to work together with the other side.” He also stressed his commitment to working towards solving the national debt issue, saying, “Curing the fiscal issue is critical to solving the jobs problem.”

Oba at WorkOur Health Policy

Committee met November 19 with Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward and Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer to prep for the upcom-ing legislative ses-sion. Health Policy Committee Chair is Gayle Evans of Unitus Community Credit Union. Our Health Policy goals for 2013 are focused on Medical Liability Reform, Coordinated Care Organizations and the Health Insurance Exchange. See Page 6 for more information about OBA’s full 2013 Legislative agenda.

kudos! OBA Board Vice Chair Gary Reynolds, share-

holder and president at Perkins & Co, has been named to the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). With this position, Gary becomes only the third person in Oregon to be selected to serve in the past half century. The AICPA is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession, with nearly 386,000 members in 128

countries. The association sets the ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local governments. “We look forward to Gary’s service on the AICPA Board of Directors representing both CPAs in Oregon and those nationally and internationally,” said Sherri McPherson, CAE, President/CEO of the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA).OBA Meeting with Congressman Schrader

OBA Health Policy Committee meets with Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (left) and Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer (right) to prep for the upcoming legislative session. Committee chair is Gayle Evans (far right) of Unitus Community Credit Union.

OBA’s policy committees and task force groups meet monthly from July to November. We thank our committed volunteers for their time and dedication.

4 December 2012Balanced Voice

C elebrating leaders who put policy before party for the greater good was the theme of the night as the

Oregon Business Association honored a team of 11 “Health Care Heroes” with its prestigious Statesman of the Year Award.

Each year, OBA presents its Statesman award to leaders and visionaries exemplify the definition of Statesman as one who promotes the common good of the citizens of Oregon with great wisdom and integrity.

In addition to the awards, nationally recognized speakers Mark Penn and Ron Shaich addressed the audience of about 550 attendees. Penn served as chief political strategist and pollster for former U.S. President Bill Clinton and was recently hired by Microsoft as Corporate VP, Strategic and Special Projects. Penn presented remarks on the “New American Electorate” and

participated in a question-and-answer session with April Baer of Oregon Public Broadcasting, offering his views on the November elections.

Congressman Kurt Schrader introduced business leader Ron Shaich, founder of Panera Bread and co-founder of No Labels. Shaich spoke passionately about the importance of breaking gridlock in Washington D.C. by pushing elected leaders to work together.

Previous OBA Statesman Dinner keynote speakers have included U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee and U.S. Sen. John Edwards.

Please go to OBA-Online.org for additional information and photos about the event.

HealtH Care Heroes Feted

at 2012 Statesman Dinner

Commissioner tammy Baney, Deschutes CountySen. Alan Bates, Senate District, AshlandDr. George Brown, CEO, Legacy HealthDr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Roseburgrep. tim Freeman, House District 2, RoseburgMegan Haase, FNP, CEO, Mosaic Medical, Prinevillerep. tina Kotek, House District 44, North Portland

Andrew McCulloch, CEO, Kaiser PermanenteDr. Joe robertson, President, OHSULillian Shirley, Director, Multnomah County Health DepartmentGreg Van Pelt, Chief Executive, Providence Health & Services – Oregon Region

Guest speaker Ron Shaich, founder of Panera Bread

April Baer of OPB interviews guest speaker and political strategist Mark Penn

tHe 2012 oBA StAteSMAN oF tHe YeAr AwArD HoNoreeS Are:

PrESENTINg SPoNSor

VIP SPoNSor

OBA Board Chair Nik Blosser thanks event sponsors Commissioner Deborah Kafoury and Sen. Mark Hass

From left, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici; Jill Eiland and Bridget Burns

James Walker, Krystal Gema and Charles McGee

Congressman Kurt Schrader introducing Ron Shaich Statesman honoree Megan Haase, Mosaic Medical at the podium

Statesman honoree Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, at the podium

Statesman honoree, Greg Van Pelt, Providence Health & Services, at the podium

Statesman Honoree Andrew McCulloch, Kaiser, at the podium

Guests mingle at the pre-event Reception Rep. Matt Wand (left) and Mike Dewey Founding OBA board member Tom Kelly (center) with guests

tHe 2012 oBA StAteSMAN oF tHe YeAr AwArD HoNoreeS Are:

Thank you Sponsors!

December 2012 Balanced Voice 5

6 December 2012Balanced Voice

Oba board Praises Policy committee efforts, approves 2013 Legislative agenda

pillar one:Sound Budgeting and Resource Management A. Sound Budgeting & resource

Management task Forcei. Revenue Reform ii. Total Compensation & PERS

Stabilization iii. Corrections Reform

B. Health Policy i. Medical Liability Reform ii. Coordinated Care Organizations iii. The Health Insurance Exchange

pillar two:Grow the EconomyA. Business and Finance

i. 2013 Tax Credits ii. Oregon Investment Board iii. Interstate Tax Competiveness

B. environment and economic Development i. 10 Year Energy Plan ii. Energy Efficiency iii. Columbia River Water iv. Streamline Permitting

C. transportation i. Columbia River Crossing ii. Connect Oregon V

pillar three: Structure Education Systems to Prioritize Student AchievementA. education

i. Education Redesign – Driving 40/40/20

ii. University Autonomy

pillar four:Balanced VoiceA. Balanced Voice

i. Court Funding – Judicial Budget

Please note: The policy committee work and resulting 2013 Legislative Agenda aligns with our recently adopted five-year Strategic Plan, shown on the next page.

Watch for OBA updates as the session nears. We will keep you well-informed in the months ahead on our work in Salem.

After meeting since July, our hardworking policy committees submitted their 2013 legislative agenda recommendations to the OBA Board of Directors for finalization on November 7. This effort is our vision at work – to “build a sustainable Oregon economy that serves the common good.” Following is the legislative agenda outline, but the full document is available on our website at OBA-Online.org/Policy Committees and will soon be published in printed and electronic form. Please contact Gina Williams, OBA Public Affairs Director, to have a printed copy sent to you: gina@oba-online.org.

oBA News: Are you on our list?Whether it’s breaking news from Salem, member news, policy committee updates or the latest OBA PAC endorsements, we work hard to keep our members informed on issues that matter to you. Subscribe to our Balanced Voice eNewsletter by sending an email to gina@oba-online.org.

Your membership in oBA helps to make Oregon an even greater place to live and work. We thank our members for your generous support!

7December 2012 Balanced Voice

vIsION: Build a sustainable Oregon economy that serves the common good

sTRaTeGIC IMpeRaTIvesSound budgeting

and Resource Management

Grow the economyStructure education System to Prioritize

Student achievementbalanced Voice

Construct and effectively manage a strategic,

sustainable, and stablestate budget and

public finance system.

Create a policy climate that drives economic growth, wage growth, entrepreneurship, and

environmental stewardship.

Develop a Pre-K through University public education

system that prepares all students to participate in civic

and economic life.

Create an environment that promotes bipartisanship,

independent thought, andeffective policy development.

INITIaTIves/FOCus aReas

1. Advocate for state budget to focus on strategic investments and outcomes

• Bend the health care cost curve and improve quality

• Achieve education redesign to invest in improved student outcomes

2. Support government spending decisions that yield the greatest return on investment

• Reform corrections policy and sentencing to create a sustainable and safe system

• Bring overall public employee labor costs in line with long-term market and revenue projections

3. Champion tax policy that enhances per capita income

• Implement a budget stabilization package that includes kicker reform tied to disciplined state savings

• Develop short and long-term revenue changes and strategic investments

1. Advocate for tax policy, regulations, and smart investments that encourage innovation and economic development• Support research-to-

market innovation initiatives

• Invest in important infrastructure projects

2. Cultivate oregon’s leadership position in environmental quality and clean technology• Support conservation

efforts to ensure best use of natural resources

• Advocate for energy policies that encourage economic growth and Oregon’s competitive advantage

3. Advocate for and support traded-sector job growth • Promote sustainable

initiatives that utilize Oregon’s natural resources and create jobs in rural Oregon

• Support policies that benefit traded sector industries

1. Help establish an integrated and aligned system-wide approach to governing and funding public education• Streamline education

governance to improve access, affordability, and outcomes

• Establish common ground with stakeholders regarding the need for stable, adequate funding for the education continuum

2. Advocate for an accountable system that delivers better student outcomes, innovation, and efficiency• Ensure effectiveness of

achievement compacts• Give educational

institutions greater freedom to operate

3. enhance support for teachers, principals, and schools to improve student achievement • Support teacher mentor

and other professional development programs

1. Promote the mission and values of oBA among decision influencers and the general public• Communicate OBA’s

mission and values through strategic communication efforts

• Improve transparency and civility of elections

• Connect businesses to issues important to the common good

2. engage in policy leader identification, education, and recruitment• Increase interaction be-

tween business leaders and elected officials

• Grow influence of Centered Leadership Forum (CLF)

3. raise influence of oBA PAC* • Increase PAC

contributions

*Please keep in mind that the OBA PAC is an independent and separate entity, but its mission is aligned with that of OBA

FOuNdaTIONal TOOlsLeadership/Staffing• President, VP of Operations

& Public Affairs, Legislative Director, Senior Policy Analyst, Office Manager

• Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Nominating Committee, Chairs Council

• Strategic partnerships & alliances

Planning & Communications• 5-Year Strategic Plan• Balanced Voice (electronic and print)• OBA website• Committee and BOD

communications• Earned media

Membership• Robust recruitment and

retention efforts• Focus on broad-based

membership that reflects and supports OBA’s mission

Public Policy• OBA policy committees• Relationships with Governor’s

office and legislators• Collaboration with other

business associations and other stakeholders

• Research/education for OBA members, stakeholders, and policy leaders

• OBA Political Action Committee

MIssION: Oregon businesses – large and small, urban and rural – working to achieve balanced policy solutions to strengthen quality of life and the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.

8 December 2012Balanced Voice

OreGON BuSiNeSS ASSOCiATiON 6975 SW Sandburg St., Suite 250Tigard, Oregon 97223

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPORTLAND ORPERMIT NO 63

Oba committee Profiles

business and Finance committeeChair: Robert Manicke, Stoel Rives

OBA believes a healthy business environment is essential for fostering economic growth. This committee was formed to analyze business climate and economic development issues, including those that impact business profitability such as regulatory requirements, wage-related issues, immigration issues, cost changing mandates, tax credits and incentives. The committee also focuses on tax and finance issues.

education committeeInterim Chair: Kathy Swift, Capital Pacific BankOBA works to develop a world-class education system from pre-kindergarten through higher education. The committee was formed to analyze educational issues such as funding and policy issues related to curriculum requirements, workforce training and life-long learning, cost-savings mechanisms and skill assessment.

environment & economic Development committeeCo-Chairs: Bill Edmonds, NW Natural & Rick Glick, Davis Wright Tremaine

OBA believes that healthy, sustainable environmental practices can go hand-in-hand with a strong, healthy economy. This committee addresses traditional environmental issues as well as land use, water and air quality, forestry, and economic development in the clean energy sector.

Health Policy committeeChair: Gayle Evans, Unitus Community Credit UnionOBA believes that health care affordability and access are critical business issues. This committee was formed to analyze business health care insurance and related issues such as traditional employer health care insurance cost containment as well as societal and public sector health, health care and health policy issues including delivery, parity and quality.

transportation committeeChair: Joan Snyder, Stoel Rives

OBA works to restore and maintain a reliable, efficient infrastructure and transportation system that accommodates growth and moves people and goods efficiently. This committee examines issues of multi-modal planning and the associated funding issues.

Oregon Business Association members have the opportunity to participate in the direction of the organization by joining one or more committees. Committees report to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors with recommendations on OBA positions on public policy issues in Oregon. For more information on how to get involved in OBA’s policy committees, please contact Gina Williams at (503) 641-0990 or gina@oba-online.org.