In early 2010 Leadership Portland Alumni and friends chartered a Toastmasters club and named it “Suite Talkers.”

What is Toastmasters?  We practice our communication and leadership skills in a friendly environment, always making it fun and giving each other constructive feedback.

Why is it valuable?  You have to be able to communicate effectively with everything you do, from talking with coworkers and friends to influencing potential customers.  By participating in Toastmasters you will:

• Learn to communicate more effectively
• Become a better listener
• Improve your presentation skills
• Increase your leadership potential
• Build your ability to motivate and persuade
• Increase your self confidence

We invite you to come to a Suite Talkers meeting to learn more.  We meet on the first and third Friday’s from noon to 1:30 PM.  We meet in a “suite” at Tonkon Torp located in Pioneer Tower, 888 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland.

For more information, please contact Craig Johanson, craigrjohanson@hotmail.com

A vibrant arts scene with music, galleries, street fairs, and arts centers means more energy and life in a community. Business and community leaders play a big role in keeping the arts healthy and fresh by offering their expertise and strategic insight on arts boards of directors. Hone your leadership skills and sign up for Art of Leadership, a unique five-workshop series offered by Business for Culture & the Arts (BCA). Over half of BCA’s 300 program graduates serve on the boards of Portland’s favorite arts organizations. Learn more and sign-up for Art of Leadership at www.nwbca.org. Deadline for applications has been extended to 9/10. 503-228-2977.

Lloyd District Bike Parking Expansion Project Opens 54 Covered Spots

Leadership Portland’s Impact Project Team The Wheelies formed in September 2009 to enhance Portland transportation. They focused on relieving Lloyd District congestion through better bicycle parking. The group teamed up with the Lloyd Transportation Management Authority (Lloyd TMA) to identify ideal locations before partnering with the Doubletree Hotel to install new covered, secure, and well-lit bike parking spaces, open to public use, on Doubletree property. The group met with Lloyd TMA staff, negotiated funding, and coordinated installation of 31 bicycle racks and public signage. The group also developed surveys, letters, and a step-by-step process Lloyd TMA will use to site more bike parking corrals.

Read more about the project and the Friday opening in the Portland Business Journal.

The Wheelies team members are: Bob Gravely, Jennifer Boe, Jason Brauser, Kaleb Miller, Lance Poehler

LP alum Craig Johanson and Hitachi Consulting invite all PBA members and LP participants to the Greens of Hope golf tournament benefiting Oregon Food Bank. The event will be held on Thursday,  June 24th at the Reserve Vineyards.  It includes a round of 18 holes, lunch, and dinner. One of our primary sponsors Nike Golf will be bringing a couple golf pros out to demo their new line of clubs two hours before the 1pm tee off of the scramble.

The event also includes an auction component to further raise money for OFB in assisting the numerous food insecure individuals in our state. Prizes include full fitted sets of Nike Golf clubs, a set of tires and wheels from Les Schwab, dinner packages, and more. It should prove to be an enjoyable event.

The cost is a 100% tax deductible donation of $100 to OFB for the full event or $50 for just the banquet.  We have several spots still open and would love to fill them with those in or affiliated with the PBA.

Read on for more event information from Hitachi Consulting — including important registration information. Sounds like a winner!

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Hitachi Consulting would like to invite you to the 2010 Greens of Hope Golf Tournament benefiting Oregon Food Bank! Your support in this exciting event will assist in raising vital funds to support Oregon Food Bank’s mission to “eliminate hunger and its root causes … because no one should be hungry.”

The event will be held at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon. The Reserve is home to two championship courses, outstanding restaurant and guest services, and one of the best overall golf experiences in the Northwest. The day will begin at 11:00AM with Registration. Participants will then enjoy lunch, a private Nike Demo day, driving range access, skills challenges and more! Afterwards a banquet and awards presentation will be held to honor our winners and give everyone a chance to get involved with the raffle and silent auction.

Register by Friday, June 4th

Space is limited so Register Today!

2010 Greens of Hope Registration or visit www.greensofhope.org

Doing Business in China; A Role for Oregon Companies

As the recent reshuffle of global finance and the changes it will bring to business come more into focus, there is little doubt that trade between US and China will continue to shape the political and economic landscape. Oregon is poised, both geographically and strategically, to play an important role in this relationship. What does trade with China mean for the economy of Oregon? What does Oregon investment in China mean on the ground? The event is a panel discussion followed by Q&A and is a wonderful opportunity to hear about a very relevant topic from local experts.

Professor Rossitza Wooster, Portland State University, Department of Economics
Marian Hammond, State of Oregon
Akana Ma, Ater Wynne
Karl Mundorff, Bio-Reaction Industries

Event Information
Date and Time: Thursday, May 20, 7:00 PM

Location: Portland State University
Smith Student Union (1825 SW Broadway)
Room 236 (Cascade Room)
Portland, OR

Event Registration $5 WAC members ($7 Non-members)  Free for Students with ID

Register for this event:

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets will not be mailed for this event. Pre-registration is required and the event will be capped at 55. If you are not currently a World Affairs Council of Oregon Member, you may sign up now by visiting our membership page at: www.wordloregon.org/more/membership