A Few Words

Happy New Year. It’s only the middle of January and so much sad business news has happened already this year, it is overwhelming.  I’m wired to be a positive person. I like to see and report positive things.  But as the deluge of negative press releases and sad news rolled in during the first week…

It’s Christmas time! We are supposed to be spreading cheer at this time of year.  The photo on the covers are from Chad Sobotka. I love his photos and I’m thankful that he gives me permission to share them with all of you.  This issue focuses on Cyber Fraud. Not very Christmasy of a theme,…

This month is mostly about employment. It’s top of mind for me. The subject comes up at every meeting I attend. The Oregon Employment Department always has great articles on employment that we can all learn from. I’m reposting several of the most recent and relevant in this months journal.  Hunter Fiber is rolling out…

I was asked to moderate a panel at the Plug into Eugene: Resources in the Local Innovation + Bioscience Ecosystem event as the publisher of the Southern Oregon Business Journal. Normally I’m asked to speak as president of Project A or Rogue Broadband or even Art Authority, but this was the first time I was…

“Innovation is hard, important and exciting. “ I’m going to spending the next couple of years with you focusing on innovation driven entrepreneurship and broadband.  I toured Arcimoto’s new 250,000 SQFT manufacturing facility in Eugene and drove the FUV. I fell in love with the company, the people, the FUV and all the innovation. I’m seriously…

June 2022 Innovation The state is about to award every region that asked for it, an innovation grant to hire a consultant that will help the region go after a much larger and harder to get innovation hub grant. I’m serving on the task force that is working hard to get the first grant, hire…

May 2022 It’s what you do in Southern Oregon. Raise a Family, Grow a Business and Give Back where you can.  Thank you for all the wonderful feedback about last months journal. I’m blown away at how the stories I have published and/or written have impacted you and helped you.  This month I want you…

All In… Gene Pelham retired as CEO of Rogue Credit Union. It grew 10X during his tenure because of a simple strategy he had adopted when he became CEO. “Our strategy was to create the most loyal members in the nation.” He used poker chips to explain his idea. The board, the exec team and…

Last month’s issue celebrating Black History month was mostly dedicated cover to cover to Black owned businesses in Southern Oregon. It was wildly successful. It is the most read issue so far and the most commented on. It was the most shared on social and the most positively responded to issue. It was surprisingly also…

Every February for the last 5 years we have been celebrating Black History Month at 1000Museums.com by showcasing Black artists and their amazing art. It’s pretty cool and I’m proud of our little company for doing that. This year I’m excited to do something just as cool. I interviewed several Black small business owners in…