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APNBA receives $250,000 for Strategic Plan
As part of the Fall Budget Monitoring Process, better known as the BuMP, the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Districts (APNBA) will receive $250,000 to begin implementation of their new strategic plan.

"Our business districts have been underfunded since their creation," stated Commissioner Adams, who is the liaison for the APNBA. "Building capacity for our business districts has been one of my top priorities. I look forward to working with APNBA to help them achieve their goals."

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What happens now?
Thanks to the efforts of Commissioner Sam Adams, we will soon have a one time $250,000 check, the equivalent of 10 years of our usual contract. The APNBA's strategic plan will serve as our guideline as we start making concrete plans. Plan to attend the December 11th board meeting, 5:30 - 7:00 PM at Friendship Lodge, 57th and Sandy, prepared to talk about requirements and priorities.

Grant update
Both the BDA grant and the first cycle of the Association grants have been received. Sixteen groups applied for $61,000 of BDA funds and 15 groups applied for $73,000 of Association funds. A number of groups applied for both grants to help fund a larger project than has been possible before. The results of the deliberations should be available before the holidays.

Your Comments Needed For Regulatory Reform
The Small Business Advisory Council has developed a short survey to help identify issues affecting business regulations. Information gathered from this survey will be used to develop suggestions for improvement of current regulatory practices. Voice your opinion and make suggestions regulatory reform by completing the short survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=434042476645.

If you have any questions or if you would like to receive a paper copy of this survey please contact Jordan Wheeler, PDC Small Business Development Project Coordinator, at 503-823-1034.

ONI's Business Liaison
Christopher Hartye joined the Office of Neighborhood Information as Business Program Coordinator on December 1, 2006. Chris is charged with "working with business associations and other public and private community-based organizations to provide a variety of services, which include providing technical assistance, leadership and organizational development training." His work will be overseen by a committee composed of representatives of ONI, APNBA, and the Small Business Advisory Committee (SBAC).

While Chris is acquiring background information, APNBA is looking for three or four business district associations to work with Chris to reach their individual goals. If you are interested and want more information, email us at info@apnba.com and tell us what you would like him to help you accomplish.

Chris was Community Development Specialist with the City of Phoenix, where he worked with industrial business associations to attract business and create jobs. He also assisted the long term strategic planning and marketing programs. Anticipating his success, ONI is already working to make his position a permanent part of their budget.

Holiday Events
December 1 - 31: Come judge the Window Decorating Contest, SE Stark between SE 72nd and I-205, votes tallied December 19th. Alema McCrea, metbassoc@yahoo.com.

December 1 - 31: Tannenbaum Madness, whimsical, artistic, unique and sometimes fir-free holiday trees, NE Alberta Street. Allan Oliver, 503.493.1909.

December 2 - 24: Holiday Village, weekends 11 - 8PM, NW 23rd and Glisan, valet parking, parkage gift wrap area, children's activity center, gift giving tree, Santa, warm drink cart, carolers. Peggy Anderson, peggyander@yahoo.com.

December 7: LDCA Holiday Mixer, 5:00 - 7:00PM, Lloyd Doubletree. Bring a new teddy bear for children hospitalized over the holidays. Bridget Bayer, 503.774.2832.

December 8: Holiday Ice Cream Social catered by Ben and Jerry's - 7:30 to 9pm at St. Therese Social Hall, 132nd and NE Halsey in the Gateway Area. All proceeds to New Avenues for Youth PartnerShop. Music, special guests. Tickets are $8.00 in advance by calling 503-238-3352 or $10.00 at the door.

December 9: "Fireman Santa" 9:00AM - noon at the Belmont Fire House, SE 35th & Belmont. Get your kids' photo with Santa and his big red fire truck. $5 donation requested. John Barker, 503-231-9118.

December 15: Pink Quilt Show, 5:00 - 9:00PM, Heart to Hand, 4823 SE Division, hors d'oeuvres and door prizes, $5.00 per person. 503-230-9075.

2007 Events
January 5:First Friday Art Quest - 6:00 - 9:00PM Greater Brooklyn and Sellwood. Contact Madeline Janovec, 503-231-8346.

January 7: First Sunday, Old Town Chinatown, Self-guided walking tour, 121 NW 2nd for program.

Tell us about your event - Contact the Editor.

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