MEDCOC BR January 2025

A monthly online digital publication, The Business Review targets business leaders from the Rogue Valley and beyond. This means that your published articles and advertising message are being seen, read and remembered by those who are seeking your products or services in and around Jackson County and within more than 55 Oregon communities.

THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY

JANUARY 2025

NAVIGATING CHANGE

CONTENTS LEADERSHIP MATTERS

JANUARY 2025 VOLUME 25 ISSUE 1

4 A Letter from the President LOCAL SPOTLIGHT 8 Rogue X Celebrates One Year of Community Impact PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY 10 Southern Oregon Sledding Spots and Winter Fun PROVIDING NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES 14 Securing Our Future: The Business Case for Public Safety 15 Jackson County Correctional Facility Project CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY 18 Celebrating National Wayfinding

Month: 10 Tips for Businesses to Enhance Navigation and Customer Experience

22 New Year, New Business: Setting Goals and Crafting a Strategic Plan for 2025 26 Chamber Leadership Class

selects the Asante Foundation’s Francis Cheney Family Place for community initiative

OREGON UPDATES 30 Dr. Elizabeth Steiner Sworn In As Oregon’s 30th State Treasurer 32 State of Oregon Advocate Saved Small Businesses More than $1.2 Million in 2024

The Business Review | January 2025

Promote. Promoting the community. Create. Creating a strong local economy. Connect. Providing networking opportunities. Represent. Representing business issues. Our Strategic Objectives

Meet the Staff

Eli Matthews President & CEO eli@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8526

Kira Zavala VP of Communications & Programs kira@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8522

Shon Moses Membership Director shon@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8534

Cathy Watt Office Administrator cathy@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8515

Shelly Wager Executive Assistant to the President & CEO shelly@medfordchamber.com 541- 608-8526

The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County 101 E 8th St, Medford, OR 97501 (541) 779-4847 • medfordchamber.com

medfordchamber.com

January 2025 | The Business Review

LEADERSHIP MATTERS A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Partners, Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I am filled with optimism and gratitude. The beginning of the year not only brings new opportunities but also introduces fresh perspectives with the election of new officials. We are eager to engage with them to enhance our advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voices of our business community are heard and considered in policy-making. 2024 was a landmark year for The Chamber. Through collective effort and resilience, we achieved significant growth and provided substantial support to our members. Your involvement has been crucial in these accomplishments, and I am profoundly thankful for your continued trust and participation. This year promises to be transformative. We are poised to expand our membership base, enhance our programs, and introduce new initiatives tailored to meet the evolving needs of our business community. Our advocacy work will continue to be a cornerstone of our efforts as we collaborate with government officials to promote policies that support economic growth and community well-being. Together, we can create a synergistic effect that propels our shared goals forward. Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we will continue to build a strong community and a vibrant economy. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!

Warm regards,

Eli Matthews, IOM President & CEO The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County

The Business Review | January 2025

Join us to enjoy these exclusive member benefits:

Promote: Leverage Chamber communications to promote your business, and enjoy referrals from fellow members.

Connect: Connect with the business community through a variety of networking events hosted by The Chamber, as well as through our weekly newsletter, website, and social media.

Represent: Be a part of the active business voice of The Chamber & be represented by a full time lobbyist.

Create: Raise your profile in the business community through your membership with The Chamber by participating in an Action Team or committee.

Let’s connect

Give us a call, send us an email or drop by our office. 541-779-4847 business@medfordchamber.com The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County 101 E. 8th St. Medford, OR 97501 medfordchamber.com

January 2025 | The Business Review

GREETERS HOST LOCATIONS BOOKING NOW FOR 2024! Welcome 50-65 business professionals to your location on a Thursday at 8am! Showcase your business to community leaders, and get a 5-minute speaking opportunity. Space is limited!

The Business Review | January 2025

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January 2025 | The Business Review

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Rogue X Celebrates One Year of Community Impact Medford, OR | January 06, 2025 | Press Release T he Rogue Credit Union Community Complex (Rogue X) has been serving the community for a year! Since its grand opening on January 6, 2024, this state-of-

the-art aquatics and events center has become a hub for recreation, events, and connections in Medford. Owned, maintained, and managed by the City of Medford, Rogue X continues to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

A Year of Achievements In its first year, Rogue X has welcomed: • 106,442 Open Swim visitors • 18,271 drop-in sports participants

These milestones highlight the facility’s success in providing accessible, high-quality amenities for all.

From Vision to Reality The concept of combining an event center and aquatics facility under one roof received City Council approval in 2018. Financing was approved in 2020, and construction began in 2022. Rogue X officially opened its doors to the public in January 2024, marking a significant milestone for the community. Rogue Credit Union contributed to this vision through a 10-year, $2.145 million naming-rights agreement. This partnership not only helps offset operational costs but also supports vital community programs, including water safety classes for all fourth-grade students in the Medford School District. Supporting the Community In addition to its recreational offerings, Rogue X is proud to provide initiatives like the Play Everyday Scholarship Fund. This program ensures that Medford youth have access to swim lessons and recreation opportunities, fostering active lifestyles and lifelong skills.

To celebrate its first anniversary, Rogue X will host a birthday party event on Saturday, January 11, from 5 to 7 PM. This event is open to all, with standard admission prices applying. About Rogue X • Rogue X offers a wide range of amenities, including: • A 76,000-square-foot multi-purpose event center • An indoor recreation pool with two water slides

• A 13-lane indoor competition pool • Classrooms and meeting spaces • An outdoor seasonal splashpad • A food truck pod

The facility includes 300 parking spaces immediately adjacent to the building, with an additional 530 spaces in the surrounding area. Situated within Howard Memorial Sports Park, a 54-acre community park in west Medford along Rossanley Drive and Ross Lane, Rogue X anchors a broader vision for the park. When complete, the park will feature multiple sports fields and a playground.

For more details about Rogue X, its amenities, or community programs, visit roguexmedford.com. n

The Business Review | January 2025

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January 2025 | The Business Review

PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY

Southern Oregon Sledding Spots and Winter Fun

SOUTHERN OREGON SLEDDING SPOTS AND WINTER FUN

Medford, OR | January 25, 2025 | Travel Medford

The Business Review | January 2025

W inter is HERE - and so are the top places to ski, snowshoe, sled and more! When the weather is cold, the fun has just begun in the Heart of the Rogue. Don't worry about searching for the sweet spots - because we have snowballed a list of some of the best. Gather your sled, boots, best buddies and head to the snowy slopes of Southern Oregon!

February and early March. When the lights go on, your journey of lights and snow begins! While you’re in the area, head over to Grouse Gap Sno-Park for sledding. It’s just up the road from Mt. Ashland and a great place to sled. DIAMOND LAKE The soft, supple snow at Diamond Lake Resort makes it the perfect winter destination for family fun! Enjoy all the rentals you could hope for, from cross country skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and tubing! With 7 miles of groomed trails and over 35 miles of back country,

TABLE MOUNTAIN AT HYATT LAKE Heading south? Table Mountain has a sweet sledding hill in the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area at the Cascade- Siskiyou National Monument. During the winter months, Hyatt Lake offers sledding, snowshoeing and cross- country skiing. Although Hyatt Lake does not offer rental

Diamond Lake is a cross-country skier's slice of heaven. The lake is locally famous for what it calls its " Wonder Carpet " - or a 470 foot conveyor lift that takes you to the top of the mountain for tubing. Grab your tube, sled or saucer because there’s plenty of room for everyone to have fun on the hill! With seven sliding lanes, fabulous

equipment, see below for some of the best places to suit up for your next adventure! Just 20 miles east of Ashland, Hyatt Lake is a portal to a plethora of winter outdoor recreation activities you won't want to miss! MT. ASHLAND AND GROUSE GAP SNO-PARK The crown jewel of Southern Oregon, Mt. Ashland is an iconic location to start your winter journey. A true mecca for winter recreation, Mt. Ashland has been a local favorite since 1964. There is plenty to do at Mt. Ashland, but twilight skiing is a must. Experience a beautiful Southern Oregon winter sunset, watch as the stars come out, and warm yourself in the lodge with some cozy cocoa. Twilight skiing starts at 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights in January,

January 2025 | The Business Review

facilities and a friendly staff, Diamond Lake is one of the top spots to enjoy this winter. For a truly unique experience, tube down the slope under shimmering lights on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. What a rush! The resort also offers 3-hour and all day passes, as well as discounts for families of four. Stay a few hours or all day for the best snowy fun in Southern Oregon.

Make your trip even more memorable by exploring the nearby Rogue Gorge , just half a mile away, and stopping in Union Creek at Beckie’s Cafe for hot cocoa and their famous pie. Both Beckie’s Cafe and the Union Creek Resort are open year-round, making this the perfect destination for a full day of winter fun in the Rogue Valley. ROGUE RENTALS Ready to hit the slopes? Gear up with these local locations for all of your ski, snowboard, and tubing needs! In addition to these locations, many of the above resorts offer rentals. make sure to call ahead when planning your trip with them if you're looking to rent or purchase something specific! n

Spectacular sledding and snowy fun await in Southern Oregon. From trekking the trails to cozying up by the fire, the Heart of the Rogue is your launchpad to the best of Oregon.

FAREWELL BEND SNO-PARK AT THE UNION CREEK SLEDDING AREA Nestled just outside Union Creek along the upper Rogue River, on the way to Crater Lake National Park, Farewell Bend Sno-Park is a winter wonderland perfect for a day of family fun. Known as one of Oregon’s premier sledding destinations, this charming spot features two unique sledding hills, each with an exhilarating 45-foot vertical drop. After carving up the slopes, warm up in the rustic on-site warming hut, complete with picnic tables, a cozy wood-fired stove, and firewood. With ample open space for epic snowball battles, Farewell Bend Sno-Park is a must-visit for winter adventurers.

The Business Review | January 2025

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New to the world of sustainable driving? GreenCars is the place to start. Learn about the tech, the lingo, and how a sustainable vehicle can t into your lifestyle.

Lithia & Driveway and GreenCars support and thank the Medford Chamber of Commerce.

January 2025 | The Business Review

PROVIDING NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

Securing Our Future: The Business Case for Public Safety Sponsored By: Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians T he January Chamber Forum was a significant event centered on addressing public safety, a critical issue within our community. Local law enforcement

officials, first responders, and community leaders convened to discuss strategies and initiatives designed to enhance the safety and security of our neighborhoods. Participants engaged in discussions on collaborative solutions, gaining insights directly from experts about the challenges and successes in maintaining public safety. This forum provided a unique opportunity for key stakeholders to engage, pose critical questions, and contribute to efforts aimed at fostering a safer community. A central issue identified during the forum was the community's lack of awareness regarding the current challenges faced by law enforcement, particularly the difficult decisions that arise when facilities reach capacity and offenders must be released. This underscores the need for greater public education on these critical matters. For more detailed information on this crisis. n

The Business Review | January 2025

Jackson County Correctional Facility Project

Jackson County By the Numbers: * The yearly cost of crime for Jackson County in 2023 ($2,231 per household) was calculated using three sources: 1. The research paper: “Incidence and Costs of Personal and Property Crimes in the United States, 2017” updated in October 2020 can be found HERE. 2. United States Census data for Jackson County (2023 total population estimation: 220,768; total household estimation: 90,679; Approx. 2.41 persons per household). Read more HERE. 3. Oregon State Police Uniform Crime Reporting Data for all Jackson County agencies in 2023 can be found HERE. Jackson County Sheriff's Office staff are exploring ways to help alleviate problems in the local criminal justice system caused by an undersized and outdated jail. The goal of this website is to help educate citizens about the problem so we can work toward an effective solution. The current jail was built in 1981, when Jackson County's population was 134,546, and was designed to hold 176 Adults in Custody (AICs). In 1985, AICs sued Jackson

County for overcrowded conditions; the settlement led to clear restrictions on the ability to house additional AICs within the current facility. In 2017, the jail handled approximately 14,000 lodgings. Due to capacity restrictions, about half were released before they could appear in court or pay bail. Upon release, many offenders go on to commit additional crimes, to be lodged in jail, and to be released again. This "revolving door" affects livability in the community and creates a strain on local resources. In 2018, Jackson County's population reached 215,000 and continues to grow. Modifications to the jail now allow a total capacity of 300 AICs (315 overnight) - a capacity that is still inadequate to address the needs of the community. In 2019, Jackson County completed the purchase of a parcel of land in North Medford upon which to build a proposed new jail. Efforts are currently under way to introduce a plan to voters to approve a service district to support future jail operations. Sheriff Sickler is available to present information about the jail project to local groups and organizations. Please call (541) 770-8923 to make a request. n

January 2025 | The Business Review

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The Business Review | January 2025

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January 2025 | The Business Review

CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY

January is National Wayfinding Month, a time to focus on the importance of effective navigation and orientation systems within business environments. Wayfinding systems are crucial for guiding customers and enhancing their experience, whether in retail stores, office buildings, healthcare facilities, or online platforms. Here are ten tips to help businesses optimize their wayfinding strategies: CELEBRATING NATIONAL WAYFINDING MONTH: 10 TIPS FOR BUSINESSES TO ENHANCE NAVIGATION AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

1 ASSESS EXISTING SIGNAGE: Start by evaluating your current signage. Is it clear, visible, and consistent throughout your space? Make sure signs are up-to-date and replace any that are confusing, damaged, or outdated. 2 When it comes to signs and maps, clarity is key. Use simple, straightforward language and universally recognized symbols. This ensures that all visitors, regardless of their language skills, can navigate your space effectively. EMPHASIZE CLARITY AND SIMPLICITY: 3 LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY: Consider incorporating digital solutions such as interactive maps and digital directories. Apps and QR codes can guide customers through complex spaces like shopping malls or large office buildings.

The Business Review | January 2025

4 MAINTAIN BRAND CONSISTENCY: Ensure that your wayfinding elements align with your brand’s aesthetics and values. Consistent use of colors, fonts, and logos reinforces your brand identity and contributes to a cohesive customer experience. 5 PRIORITIZE ACCESSIBILITY: Make your navigation tools accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This means accommodating visual impairments with Braille or large print and ensuring physical access is unobstructed. 6 USE LIGHTING EFFECTIVELY: Proper lighting can significantly enhance the visibility and effectiveness of your wayfinding systems. Make sure signs are well-lit and consider the use of illuminated signs in low-light conditions.

7 Large-scale environmental graphics can transform walls, floors, and ceilings into navigational aids while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your space. CONSIDER ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS: 8 As your business evolves, so should your wayfinding systems. Regular updates to digital and physical navigation tools are necessary to accommodate changes such as new locations, services, or layout adjustments. REGULARLY UPDATE NAVIGATION TOOLS: 9 EDUCATE YOUR STAFF: Ensure that all staff members are familiar with the wayfinding systems and can assist visitors when needed. Staff should be seen as part of the overall wayfinding solution, capable of providing directions and clarifications. 10 GATHER FEEDBACK: Use customer feedback to refine your wayfinding systems. Regularly ask visitors about their experiences with navigating your space and use their insights to make improvements. National Wayfinding Month is an excellent opportunity for businesses to revisit and revamp their navigational aids, ensuring they provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for all visitors. By following these tips, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen their brand identity.

January 2025 | The Business Review

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The Business Review | January 2025

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January 2025 | The Business Review

CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY

New Year, New Business: Setting Goals and Crafting a Strategic Plan for 2025 NEW YEAR, NEW BUSINESS: SETTING GOALS AND CRAFTING A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2025

A s businesses around the world usher in the New Year, it's the perfect time for leaders and entrepreneurs to set fresh goals and develop a strategic plan for 2025. The start of the year offers a unique opportunity to reflect on past achievements and challenges, and to outline the steps necessary to drive future success. Here’s how businesses can approach setting resolutions and building a strategic plan to make 2025 a landmark year. 1. Reflect on the Past Year __________________________ Begin by reviewing the previous year's performance. Identify what worked well and what didn’t. This reflection should include financial reviews, customer feedback, employee performance, and operational efficiency. Understanding past outcomes will provide valuable insights that will inform your strategies for the new year.

2. Set Clear and Measurable Goals _________________ Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Whether it’s increasing revenue by a certain percentage, expanding into new markets, or improving customer satisfaction scores, having clear objectives will give your team a concrete target to aim for. 3. Prioritize Flexibility _____________________________ While it’s important to have a clear direction, 2025's business environment will likely continue to change rapidly. Build flexibility into your strategic plan to allow for adjustments as market conditions evolve or new opportunities arise. This adaptability can be crucial to leveraging unforeseen opportunities or navigating challenges.

The Business Review | January 2025

4. Engage Your Team _______________________________ Involving your team in the goal-setting and strategic planning process can enhance commitment and creativity. Encourage input from employees at all levels, as they may offer insights into areas that are not always visible to upper management. This inclusiveness can also boost morale and aid in the execution of the plan. 5. Embrace Technology and Innovation ___________ Continuously seek out new technologies and innovative practices that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance customer engagement. Whether it’s upgrading your CRM software, adopting cloud computing, or utilizing AI and analytics for better decision-making, staying ahead of technology trends is crucial. 6. Focus on Customer Needs _______________________ Align your goals with the evolving needs of your customers. This might mean reevaluating your product line, improving customer service, or adopting new sales strategies. Keeping the customer at the center of your planning ensures that your business continues to provide value and remains competitive. 7. Develop a Marketing Strategy ___________________ Craft a detailed marketing strategy that supports your overall goals. This could include expanding digital marketing efforts, launching new advertising campaigns, or enhancing public relations tactics to boost brand awareness and drive sales.

8. Monitor Progress and Adjust Accordingly _______ Set up regular intervals to review your progress towards achieving your goals. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular reporting to keep track of advancements and setbacks. Be prepared to adjust your strategies in response to performance data or external changes in the business environment. 9. Invest in Professional Development _____________ Invest in training and development programs for your staff. As business strategies evolve, so too should the skills of your team. Continued learning opportunities are crucial for maintaining a knowledgeable and innovative workforce. 10. Prioritize Sustainability _________________________ Consider the environmental impact of your business operations and set goals to reduce your carbon footprint. This might involve optimizing energy use, reducing waste, or sourcing sustainable materials. Not only is this good for the planet, but it can also be a significant draw for eco- conscious consumers. By following these steps, businesses can set themselves up for success in 2025. Crafting a thoughtful and flexible strategic plan based on comprehensive goals will not only pave the way for financial growth but also enhance organizational resilience and innovation. n

January 2025 | The Business Review

The Business Review | January 2025

January 2025 | The Business Review

CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY

Chamber Leadership Class selects the Asante Foundation’s Francis Cheney Family Place for community initiative Medford, OR | December 16, 2024 | Press Release T he Chamber of Medford & Jackson County’s 2024 Leadership Class selected the Asante Foundation’s Francis Cheney Family Place for its annual community service initiative. This initiative will aim to enhance this vital resource for Asante patients and their families.

The Chamber Leadership Class is seeking donations to help fund materials, equipment, and labor for these improvements. Donations can be made to the Rogue Valley Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization (Federal Tax ID No. 93-0903879) and may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. Media Contacts: Isis Thornton-Saunders - Leadership Co-Project Chair (785) 410-1345 | isis@ustrategies.org Mandy Hurley - Leadership Co-Project Chair 541) 944-8263 | mandy.hurley@peoplesbank.bank MORE ABOUT THE CHAMBER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The Chamber Leadership Program cultivates a deep understanding of the Rogue Valley and its dynamic community. By offering participants a comprehensive, hands-on experience, the program inspires commitment to the region and equips emerging leaders to address future demands. Since its launch in 1983, this distinguished and highly regarded program has graduated over 1,000 individuals, many of whom now serve as influential leaders shaping the growth and vitality of the Rogue Valley.

Cheney Place provides affordable, temporary lodging for patients and their families receiving care at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center or nearby Asante facilities. Located within walking distance of Rogue Regional, the 8,000-square-foot facility serves as a home-away- from-home for patients and their families traveling from outside the Medford area. Thoughtfully designed, Cheney Place ensures that patients and their loved ones have a comfortable, supportive environment during challenging times. The Chamber Leadership Program, a flagship initiative of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County, equips local business leaders with essential skills to drive community development. Each year, its participants select a capstone project to benefit the community. This year’s focus on Cheney Place highlights the class’s commitment to strengthening local organizations that provide essential, affordable resources to local families in need. The 2024 Leadership Class will tackle several key upgrades to the Francis Cheney Family Place, including: • Modernizing its living quarters with updated furniture and linens; • Expanding its laundry facilities with an additional washer and dryer; • Enhancing its outdoor aesthetics with refreshed landscaping; • Revitalizing its kitchen with a new tile backsplash; • Adding an outdoor play structure for its younger guests; • Restocking its food pantry. “We believe this project will have a positive impact on countless families across Southern Oregon, providing essential resources and support to those in need for many years to come,” said Mandy Hurley, co-project chair of the 2024 Chamber Leadership Class.

The Business Review | January 2025

The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Leadership Class of 2025

Partnered With

Francis Cheney Family Place

PROJECT DETAILS

WHAT IS THE FRANCIS CHENEY FAMILY PLACE? The Francis Cheney Family Place provides affordable, temporary lodging for children and adults who are patients at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center or nearby Asante facilities and for their families. Designed for patients and families who live outside the Medford area, lodging is provided based on availability. HOW IS THE CHAMBER LEADERSHIP CLASS HELPING? The Chamber Leadership Class of 2025 is facilitating a fundraising campaign to support patients who stay at Francis Cheney Family Place by:

• • Building a children’s play structure for the backyard • Purchasing a new washer and dryer for guests • Installing a new backsplash in the communal kitchen • Replacing chairs in guest rooms

Supplying new bed linens in guest rooms • Stocking the food pantry accessible to guests • Refreshing the back courtyard • Assisting with a minor parking lot renovation

ELIAS’ STORY

Grateful for Consolation

An initial doctor visit showed no cause for concern, but after a few days Elias wasn’t feeling better — in fact, he was feeling worse and a lump had appeared on his neck. They took him back for another visit, which led to a biopsy, which led to an emergency visit to a hospital nine hours from home. A grueling day of tests and visits revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer. Elias initially began treatment at that hospital far from home – a big facility where he struggled with undergoing treatment alone, without his parents nearby to console him. Fortunately, there was a better way. Elias was referred to Dr. Ellen Plummer at Asante. Dr. Plummer is the only pediatric oncologist from the San Francisco Bay Area to Portland. Under her care, Elias’ world changed. She understood his fears and allowed his parents to be by his side for every procedure. And thanks to donors like you, traveling to receive care at Asante is easier, too. Although it’s still three hours from his home in Smith River, when Elias came to Asante for monthly treatments, his family stayed at the Francis Cheney Family Place, which provides lodging for patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay. Staying there, just steps away from Asante, relieved Elias’ family of unnecessary worries, so they can focus on helping him heal.

At 5, Elias is thriving, in spite of his illness. He loves to play and help his parents around the house. They’re grateful for the help – from Elias, and from you!

SPONSOR PACKAGE DETAILS

January 2025 | The Business Review

The Business Review | January 2025

January 2025 | The Business Review

OREGON UPDATES

Photo courtesy of Alex Knotts

Dr. Elizabeth Steiner Sworn In As Oregon’s 30th State Treasurer Historic Ceremony Marks The Swearing-In Of Oregon’s First Female State Treasurer Salem , OR | January 7, 2025 | Press Release T he Oregon State Treasury is proud to announce the swearing-in of Dr. Elizabeth Steiner as Oregon’s 30th State Treasurer. The historic ceremony took assets through the Unclaimed Property and Escheated Estates Programs. As State Treasurer, Dr. Steiner will be the state’s financial leader, overseeing these critical functions to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with Oregon’s long-term priorities.

place yesterday evening at the Oregon Historical Society, where Treasurer Steiner made history, becoming Oregon’s first female State Treasurer when she was sworn in by Governor Tina Kotek. “As State Treasurer, I am committed to ensuring every Oregonian has the opportunity to save for their future while protecting and growing the critical investments that support our public employees in retirement and the continued growth of our communities across Oregon,” said Treasurer Steiner. From safeguarding public funds to managing state investments and bond issuances, the Oregon State Treasury plays a critical role in ensuring the state’s financial stability. Treasury also promotes financial empowerment through the Oregon Treasury Savings Network and helps reconnect Oregonians to their lost

Prior to becoming State Treasurer, Dr. Steiner served in the Oregon State Senate since 2011. During her tenure, she co-chaired the Oregon legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee, where she supported sound fiscal policies and funding that supported the development of affordable housing, Oregon’s economic growth, and educational programs. Treasurer Steiner was a family physician for more than 30 years and is also an adjunct associate professor of family medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. Following her swearing-in, Dr. Steiner will serve a four- year term as State Treasurer. She was preceded by Tobias Read, who was sworn in yesterday as Oregon’s Secretary of State. n

The Business Review | January 2025

Working Together in the Rogue Valley for a Stronger Community

January 2025 | The Business Review 31 541.622.8577 • 40 S Central • Medford, Oregon 97501 • cowcreek.com

OREGON UPDATES

State of Oregon Advocate Saved Small Businesses More than $1.2

Million in 2024 Salem, OR | January 29, 2025 | Press Release T he Small Business Ombudsman for Workers’ Compensation saved small businesses $1,267,862 in 2024 by

helping constituents with audit and compliance issues and finding more affordable coverage. “Small businesses provide opportunities for success for so many and give our neighborhoods the vibrancy that makes Oregon so special,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “The Small Business Ombudsman makes it easier to open and operate a business, and when our small businesses succeed, the whole state benefits.” The Small Business Ombudsman is the state office that serves as an independent advocate for workers’ compensation questions, complaints, and disputes. “Every dollar that we are able to save small businesses is a dollar they

can use to help their business thrive, help their employees, and feed back into our local economy,” said Small Business Ombudsman Caitlin Breitbach. “We are here to help businesses so they don’t have to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone.”

The office can help small businesses by: Explaining workers’ compensation coverage requirements and what type of coverage best suits businesses’ needs. Providing advice on how to shop for workers’ compensation insurance. Helping businesses that are in dispute with their insurance company, and helping them navigate through the appeal processes that are available. Conducting outreach to businesses and their professional advisers to educate them about their rights and responsibilities under the workers’ compensation laws. For more information, call Breitbach at 503-329-4260, email wc.advocate@dcbs.oregon.gov, or go click HERE. n

The Business Review | January 2025

January 2025 | The Business Review

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