Episodes

  • Prepare, Protect: LO's Disaster Readiness & Community Safety
    Jan 1 2025

    What better New Year’s resolution to make than to be ready for Lake Oswego’s potential disasters and safety issues?

    In this episode of Business LO, we learn from experience through Lake Oswego’s Fire Chief Don Johnson. He shares the importance of building your own Preparedness Kit, tackling weather-related emergencies and how hands-only CPR can be learned quickly by your employees. Resolve to act and be ready in 2025!

    Don Johnson's phone: 503-697-7403

    BUSINESS EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

    Mayor's breakfast: Mayor's Business Breakfast - Jan 31, 2025 - Lake Oswego Chamber Of Commerce Business Directory

    City council goal setting: City Council 2025 Goal Setting Retreat | City of Lake Oswego

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.

    Questions? Call 503-636-3634

    For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

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    18 mins
  • Increasing Your LO Business Footprint Using the Chamber
    Dec 1 2024

    In this episode Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, discusses Dan Brown’s business move from San Francisco to Lake Oswego three years ago. Dan has been with Farmers Insurance for over 34 years. He shares his real-life experience utilizing all that the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce has to offer to build relationships – and a transplanted business – to be successful in Lake Oswego.

    From Dan Brown:

    I began my Farmers® career as an agency owner in 1990. After a successful 6-year run building my agency, I was called upon to become a district manager. I obtained a small group of 17 agents, and over the next 26 years, my team and I grew the district into 46 agency owners. During that time, the district operated as one of the most successful in the entire company, and in 2014, it was recognized as #1 in the country.

    In 2020, my wife and I came across the beautiful town of Lake Oswego, Oregon. After some soul-searching and buoyed by the opportunity to be close to my two daughters, twin grandchildren, and son-in-law, I made the decision to go back to my agency roots. I am fortunate that one of my daughters, Donna Jo, works alongside me on my team in the office.

    I was pleased to have the opportunity to acquire a very successful agency located in the exact area we decided to settle in. Being able to retain the entire existing staff made the decision all the easier and confirmed it was the perfect next step.

    Our goal is to continue to be known for excellent service, attention to detail, and easy accessibility. We are here to build relationships with our clients while helping them protect their assets and grow new ones through our Farmers Financial Solutions brand.

    We are on Lower Boones Ferry Road and Douglas Way. Thank you, and we hope to speak with you soon!

    Give me a call at (503) 699-0189 and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.

    Questions? Call 503-636-3634

    For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

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    18 mins
  • Loyalty First: Employee Retention Strategies for a Thriving Workplace
    Nov 1 2024

    Today we are going to learn about employee retention and strategies for a thriving workplace with two of Lake Oswego’s powerhouse women. Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance specializing in Executive Coaching & Leadership Development, and Shari Newman, co-owner along with her husband Al of Nicoletta's Table. They discuss how most of her team members have been with Shari for a long time and how she makes that happen, the top 3 things employers could be doing to increase employee retention, and what’s most important to her team members.

    Plus, What You Need to Know in LO provides the details of the 60th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Festival, the Business Leadership Development Series, and a Holiday Get-Together for Chamber members and their guests.

    Nicoletta’s Table and Marketplace where they provide the freshest ingredients the Pacific Northwest has to offer in their delicious homemade pizzas, pastas and breads. They also have an Italian Marketplace where you can find imported cheeses, gelato, olive oils and their Gourmet2Go selections. Nicoletta’s Table creates a casual, yet elegant dining experience.

    JOIN US for a FREE ZOOM on Tuesday, November 12 from NOON – 12:45 pm to learn more about the the Business Leadership Development Series, and “meet” the program’s lead facilitator and sponsor, Heather Graves-Ramsey. Click HERE to RSVP and get the Zoom details.

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.

    Questions? Call 503-636-3634

    For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

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    28 mins
  • Corporate Transparency Act: Steps Businesses Need to Take Now with Buckley Law
    Oct 15 2024

    We are jumping in mid-month to discuss a very important topic for business owners, it’s the Corporate Transparency Act. Failure to comply could result in federal fines of $500 per day.

    The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) mandates that non-exempt businesses file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by December 31 to complete a new federal requirement unless you are exempt. You need to find out if you are exempt or file the BOI. This report identifies information about the individuals who directly or indirectly own or control a company.

    Martin Medeiros, a Shareholder at Buckley Law with more than 20 years of experience, explains everything you need to know if you are one of the businesses needing to comply with the CTA.

    Important Links and Terms to Know

    FinCEN: https://www.fincen.gov/boi

    More about CTA: https://www.buckley-law.com/articles/cta/

    Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)

    Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting | FinCEN.gov

    Corporate Transparency Act — What You Need to Know | CO- by US Chamber of Commerce

    Martin Medeiros’s practice area encompasses a range of services to clients including business formations and transactions, intellectual property, technology applications and IT, business succession management, privacy and security, and copyright and trademark law.

    Buckley Law is instrumental in scheduling the Kruse Way Economic Forum, presented two times each year in the fall and spring. The next one is Wednesday, October 23. Doors open at 7:30 am, the program begins at 8 am, concluding at 9:30 am. Please make your reservations through 2024 Fall Kruse Way Economic Forum Tickets, Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 7:30 AM | Eventbrite

    Location: Kruse Way Conference Center, 5300 SW Meadows Road, Lake Oswego – plenty of free and easy parking

    Tickets are $20 each.

    Economic Prospects for the Northwest with Jake Procino, Workforce Analyst/Economist – Multnomah County, Oregon Employment Department

    Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

    Visit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

    We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.

    Questions? Call 503-636-3634

    For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

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    15 mins
  • Year End Power Moves for Your Business
    Oct 1 2024
    Today’s episode of Business LO is all about getting businesses to maximize opportunities, finish the year strong, and prepare for an even more successful new year. Join us as we hear expert insights and power moves from Eric Seifert, Partner + Director of Outsourced Accounting at Aldrich Advisors. Learn about an opportunity to offer Employee Health Insurance through the Bend Chamber of Commerce Health Benefits program for LO Chamber members. Plus get caught up with local events and programs with What You Need to Know in LO! Aldrich Advisors - aldrichadvisors.com Bend administers for all Chambers in the State of OregonBenefit Design Group – Dennis Warneke – dwarneke@risk-strategies.com www.bdgllc.netBend Chamber of Commerce Health Benefits program for LO Chamber members - Chamber Health Insurance - Bend Chamber of CommerceProvidence Health Plan - Bend Chamber of Commerce | Providence Health Plan60th Annual Tree Lighting – Friday, November 29 – sponsorships available - 60th Annual Tree Lighting Festival | City of Lake OswegoBusiness Leadership Development - Business Leadership Development Series - Lake Oswego Chamber Of CommerceMeals on Wheels – lakeoswegomealsonwheels.orgCommunity Awards – Wednesday, February 26, 20252024 information: Community Awards - Lake Oswego Chamber Of CommerceAldrich is a West Coast-based financial services firm, headquartered in Lake Oswego, that works closely with businesses, business owners, and individuals to manage financial, wealth, tax, and business transition strategies. Since founding in Salem, Oregon in 1973, Aldrich’s mission has been to help clients achieve their goals. With decades of experience in accounting, business advisory, and wealth management, Aldrich offers deep industry knowledge to guide clients through today’s financial complexities. Including a Top 100 Accounting Firm and Top 25 Wealth Management Firm, Aldrich works closely with business owners and individuals to develop financial, wealth, tax, and business transaction strategies tailored to their needs.Eric's bio:He specializes in navigating complex tax and accounting issues across multiple industries, including real estate and private equity, professional services, and entertainment. Eric started with Aldrich in 2013 and joined the Aldrich partnership in January 2024.A strong believer in the power of business, Eric is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. This passion inspires his service as Treasurer and board member of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce and participation in the University of Oregon’s Partnering Firms Discussions.Eric received his master’s degree in accounting and bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business. In 2013, Eric was recognized as a Top 3 Scorer in Oregon on the unified CPA Exam and the University of Oregon’s MAcc Most Outstanding Student Award. He is also a 2024 recipient of Portland Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award.Outside of the office, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his alma mater, the Oregon Ducks, as a season ticket holder. Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce WebsiteVisit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com
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    19 mins
  • Why Wine Walk? Building Community One Pour at a Time
    Sep 16 2024
    This is a bonus episode of Business LO all about the LO Wine Walk Saturday, October 5, 2024, title sponsorship by Justin Harnish and Harnish Properties. Additional thanks to Gold Sponsors Oswego Wealth Management and Aldrich Advisors for this spectacular event.We’re here to focus on getting businesses to attend, to demonstrate what the chamber is capable of and how they can be a part of it in the future. This is practical advice for you and your business that helps you maximize your exposure! Guests Krystal Hanna, with Lions Capital Mortgage and Staci Barnes from Mapel Boutique who talk about why their business participates and what they get out of it in the short and long-term. Join Liz Hartman and Michelle O’Dell to discuss the LO Wine Walk experience through food, wine, community, and connection. Silver sponsor Lakeshore Inn and special thanks to Good Vibes Tours for providing downtown shuttle services.Register early. Must be present to show ID for ticket and glass pick up The Pouring Locations:AdornAmaWaterways (Travel & Cruise Desk) Beso Bar and BottleCascade Hasson Sotheby's International Real EstateCitrus SalonCity HomeCougar Crest Estate WineryDirectors Mortgage (pouring Chamber member wine: Tumwater)Domaine Serene (pouring their own)Eleete Real EstateExceptional Homes by John L. ScottfacebarGoldenGrapevineHarnish PropertiesJewel Box Lakeshore InnLawrence GalleryLions Capital Mortgage (food: Momo Sushi)Lola's Café BarLucky Me Gift BoutiqueLUXE | Forbes Global Real EstateMaison de Burgundy Mapel BoutiqueMeraki Medical AestheticsNicoletta's TableOregon Wine Reserve Pig'mentsR. Bloom's of Lake OswegoReviveSkinSpiritState Farm - Don ClarkeStretchLabThe House of Rose (THOR)The Windward ApartmentsWillamette Valley VineyardsWishbone Home & DesignWizer's Fine WineWyatt Moon Mercantile Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce WebsiteVisit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com
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    15 mins
  • 5 Powerful Strategies for Employers to Elevate Employee Wellness
    Sep 1 2024
    We love this time of year, but we don’t love the sickness that is often a part of it so the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring you the Second Annual LO and West Linn Wellness Fair on Sunday, September 29th. Today Business LO hosts Michelle O’Dell and Chamber CEO, Liz Hartman with special guest, this year’s board president Heather Graves Ramsey, from Coach to Brilliance discuss some of the small things you can do to get you, your employees and your family excited to meet local health and wellness providers! We are joined by Brianne Whitney, President of Operations at Maxem Health Urgent Care. She has FIVE simple but powerful strategies for employers to elevate employee wellness - things that they may not have thought of - trends that employers should be aware of - plus, of course, we have What You Need to Know in LO: information regarding the Chamber news, meetings, seminars, events – all the things that can help your business.Thank you to Episode Sponsor, Tom D’Amore and D’Amore Law Group. Tom D’Amore and his associates have earned a reputation among insurance companies, corporations, and opposing counsel as experienced, aggressive and ethical personal injury attorneys. He founded D’Amore Law Group in 1994 with the mission of securing justice for innocent people and their families. Tom is licensed to practice law in Oregon, Washington and California. Call or TEXT 503-222-6333 damorelaw.com 2024 Lake Oswego Business Survey September 24 = REGISTER - Lunch on Your Lawyer: Intellectual Property - Strategies and Issue Spotting no chargeSeptember 25 –REGISTER 5-6 pm Barran Liebman, Andrew SCHPAK – Nicoletta’s Table Business Law Series: Top 10 Legal Pitfalls with Barran Liebman - Sep 25, 2024 - Lake Oswego Chamber Of Commerce Business Directory no chargeFarmers' Market | City of Lake OswegoFirst Sunday Market in Lake Grove | City of Lake OswegoNetworking schedule- Event List | Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lake Oswego - Lake Oswego Chamber Of CommerceBusinesses mentioned in this episode:NW Insurance Store - The Insurance Store One Peak Medical - Primary Care Center in Lake Oswego, OR | OnePeak MedicalMoonstone Salon First Nurses - Lake Oswego Primary Care Clinic - First NursesBody 20 - Lake Oswego - BODY20100% Chiropractic - LAKE OSWEGO, OR - 100% Chiropractic Jewel Box Steak - Lisa Shaw-Ryan | LinkedInJulia Fowler, CloudMindersRobert Field PhD - Quest Family Guidance Center- Robert Field, Ph.D. (drbobfield.com)Trainer's Club Travel & Cruise Desk | Travel Agency | Lake Oswego, OR Maxem Health Urgent Care - Lake Oswego Orange Theory Fitness - Group Fitness Classes & Heart –Rate-Based Interval Training NW Natural - Reliable. Comfortable. Convenient. - NW Natural WYATT MOON MERCANTILEComprehensive Orthopedic Care | Summit OrthopedicsClackamas Women’s Service - Home - A Safe Place Modcast ProductionsStretchLab Lake Oswego Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce WebsiteVisit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com
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    28 mins
  • What Does the Chamber Do for You?
    Aug 1 2024
    In this inaugural episode of Business LO hosts Michelle O’Dell and Chamber CEO, Liz Hartman discuss all things Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce with special guest, this year’s board president Heather Graves Ramsey, an independent business owner who does leadership development and executive coaching. Her business is Coach to Brilliance.This first episode highlights all that the Lake Oswego Chamber does for you, your business, and the community. Christopher Boyer from the Academy of Modern Martial Arts, the Chamber's Friday Morning Networking MC and a past chamber president discusses the importance of participating in Leadership Lake Oswego, one of the first leadership programs in the state of Oregon and invites you to the August 15 Meet and Greet at Ironlight. Plus, you’ll learn What You Need to Know in LO: the wonderful events and programs coming up like the free Health and Wellness Fair at Millennium Park Plaza and the new Third Thursdays program. Keep in mind that tickets are now on sale for the LO Wine Walk (the first Saturday in October). Thank you to Episode Sponsor, Tom D’Amore and D’Amore Law Group. Tom D’Amore and his associates have earned a reputation among insurance companies, corporations, and opposing counsel as experienced, aggressive and ethical personal injury attorneys. He founded D’Amore Law Group in 1994 with the mission of securing justice for innocent people and their families. Tom is licensed to practice law in Oregon, Washington and California. Visit damorelaw.com Call or TEXT 503-222-6333 A Special Thanks to:Krystal Hanna, Lions Capital MortgageJen Petersen, LO ChamberThe businesses that were mentioned in this production:D’Amore Law Group -sponsor Modcast Productions – show producer Wellness Fair Sponsors NW Natural, Maxem Urgent Care, The Insurance Store, Ironlight, Harnish Properties, Aldrich Advisors, Oswego Wealth Management and Mapel Boutique Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce WebsiteVisit us in downtown Lake Oswego on the second floor of CENTRL Office in the Ironlight building. 525 3rd St Suite 201, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization. Questions? Call 503-636-3634 For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com
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    28 mins