We are aware that 2003 Board President and a current volunteer serving on the Public Policy Committee, Doris Wehler made a number of disturbing and hurtful public comments in a recent independent podcast. We want to stress that these comments do not reflect in any way the beliefs of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce (WACC), its Board of Directors, or its Membership. 
 
We have discussed this very serious situation with Doris. We shared with Doris that while during the past twenty years she has donated hundreds of hours of her time and made important contributions to our Chamber and business community, her podcast comments were totally opposed to WACC beliefs and were unacceptable. July 15^th Doris said in writing she deeply regrets the comments she made and the hurt they may have caused.… Read the rest

Member Blog Contributed by Chamber Member Liz Hatcher, Founder of Women to Women Network

So, in case you hadn’t noticed, Zoom has thoroughly infiltrated the business world, and virtual networking has taken over this spring! In just a few short weeks, we’ve become familiar with terms like Zoom bombing and Zoom fatigue (are you feeling it?), and you’ve probably laughed at some funny Zoom bloopers. Hilarious faux pas aside, Zoom and other tools like Microsoft Meetings and Google Hangouts have become vital to how we are doing business now.

But what about networking? Is virtual networking possible? Well, based on the events we’ve been holding and the events many of you have been attending, the answer is a resounding yes! And, the “rules of engagement” are really no different.… Read the rest

Member Blog Contributed by Chamber Member Oregon Eye Specialists, PC

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 providers 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.

Member Blog Contributed by Chamber Member Tutor Doctor – Wilsonville

In the world of education, we hear the term “learning gap” all the time. When a student begins to struggle or fall behind with their academic progression, we often refer to learning gaps as a reason why they are having trouble understanding the material. But what exactly are learning gaps, and how do they form? More importantly, how can we help close these gaps and get students back on track?

What Are Learning Gaps?

By definition, learning gaps are the difference between what a student is expected to have learned by a certain grade level versus what they have learned up to that point. In other words, a student is expected to have acquired a specific reading level by the time they complete any given grade or school year.… Read the rest

Vanguard Brewing Company is giving free soup meals for those in-need during COVID-19.

Wilsonville, OR. – ​​Beginning Thursday, May 14, Vanguard Brewing Company will be serving in-need neighbors and friends with one FREE pint or quart of soup per day to anyone in need – no questions asked.

“With unemployment now around 20% in Oregon and so many of our fellow service, restaurant, and retail industries being affected, we want to give back to the community that supports us. We also hope this program (Soup On Us) grows enough to bring back some of our staff furloughed due to the government-mandated closures,” said Don Anderson, co-owner. 

“We think there’s a need for it,” said Lin Anderson, co-owner. “We just want to do our part, so we decided to convert our kitchen to make scratch-made soups ​for in-need neighbors to grab-and-go from 3 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday through Saturday.… Read the rest