Someone Else’s Hero AENC Blog

WHAT IS CHRONIC/INVISIBLE ILLNESS? MEMBER BLOG CONTRIBUTED BY DEBORAH TUTTLE-NEEF of AN ENDURING NEW COMPASS

An invisible illness is a term for any medical condition that isn’t easily visible to others. Just because you cannot see a person’s illness doesn’t mean they don’t have one; Just because symptoms aren’t physically there when looking at a person struggling, doesn’t mean they are not struggling internally. Chronic/invisible illnesses have no cure and tend to ebb and flow in severity — some days, weeks, and months go really well, and during others it’s difficult to work, socialize, and function, confusing those who can’t “see” why one day is good and another a challenge. This includes chronic physical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and others (see a short list below).… Read the rest

Big News: Chamber Endorsed Health Plans Are Here! LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAMBER ENDORSED HEALTH PLANS 1

Do you have 2 to 50 employees? If so, we have great news for you!

Your Chamber has been working tirelessly for well over 2 years and with the assistance from our very own Gladys Boutwell of WHA Insurance, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce has the first endorsed health plan!

What does that mean? It means that if you are a member of a Chamber of Commerce, like ours, and that Chamber is a member of the Oregon State Chamber, which we are, you can sign up for this health plan for your business and employees. This plan allows for a reduced rate to be passed along to members with 2-50 employees! 

This has been a long awaited plan. Please contact your Chamber for information on how to apply by emailing holli@wilsonvillechamber.comRead the rest

Team Building is Crucial for Success in Business

Member Blog Contributed by Chamber Member
Donna Crace of The Total Development Center

According to research by Deloitte, 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct corporate culture is important to a business’ success. Team building activities are a great way to build positive workplace culture, boost the morale of employees, and also increase the success of your business.

Every company can benefit from having company events. It doesn’t matter if you’re a large organization or a small start-up or what industry you’re in. Overall, team building in the workplace enables better communication, better relationships and ultimately increases productivity.

The Total Development Center, a Wilsonville Chamber member has recently launched a new program that is a great resource for helping your team flourish called KnockerBall®NWRead the rest

Understanding How Your Customers Think 5 things you didnt know about acupuncture 2

Guest Blog Contributed by Chamber Member
Kyle Bunch of American Family Insurance

If you want to build lasting, meaningful relationships with your customers, it’s important to pay attention to their needs. Improve your business by focusing on your client’s story — exploring their frustrations and their joy — and that can help you understand what drives them. You’re also able to build empathy for your clients by interacting with them regularly, and that feedback can help you create a strategy for retention.

To win repeat buyers and build brand loyalty, as a business owner, you’ve got to be able to anticipate customers’ practical and emotional desires and respond to them. That means seeking out as many points of contact as possible to really appreciate your customer’s buying behavior.… Read the rest

10,000 Reasons to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals 04

Guest Blog Contributed by Chamber Member
Oregon Eye Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Every year, about 10,000 people are rushed to the emergency department for fireworks injuries. Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – treat thousands of patients who suffer a range of fireworks-related injuries, from cuts and bruises to damaged corneas, retinas, and ruptured eyeballs. Many people believe that consumer fireworks are safe. But here’s the explosive truth: Most injuries are caused by legal fireworks parents buy for their children, such as sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. To help reduce the number of potentially blinding fireworks accidents this holiday, Oregon Eye Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are sharing these tips:

•Wear protective eyewear when igniting fireworks: Ophthalmologists recommend that every household have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear.… Read the rest