 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
FEATURE ARTICLES | |
Memo Calendar | Memo Pad | Business Memos | Loaves & Fishes | Letters | Home |
Significant forces in any community are its neighborhood businesses. The Mid-county MEMO offers this section to our business neighbors for news, advancements, promotions, expansions and other noteworthy events to be shared with the community at large. Business MEMO submissions for the March issue are due by Tuesday, Feb. 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. Or you can also mail editorial submissions to: 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR, 97230. To call or leave a phone message, dial 503-287-8904. Mid-county MEMO fax number is 503-249-7672.
Financial institution announces new board member, top producer
Merchants Bancorp of Gresham is pleased to announce the election of Fred Bruning as its newest board member. Bruning, current president of Center Oak Properties, is a local Gresham resident and developer of such properties as the Gresham Station, Mall 205 and the new Bridgeport Village. “We are pleased to have Fred join our board. His insight and property development experience will be a tremendous asset to Merchants Bancorp,” said Stan Morris, chairman of the board for Merchants Bancorp.
Bruning is a member of the California Bar Association, the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Urban Land Institute. Bruning was also inducted as a member of Lambda Alpha, an honorary real estate organization. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif. and holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola University in Los Angeles.
MBank, a subsidiary of Merchants Bancorp, is pleased to announce that Jeff Strode, mortgage manager and consultant with MBank Mortgage, has been awarded the “Top Producer” distinction for the third year in a row. In 2004, Strode closed 177 loans representing over $25 million in volume.
Strode is among 16 mortgage bankers at MBank’s four banking offices. Qualification for the Top Producer award is based on quality performance and the highest number of loans closed in the year.
“Jeff’s ability to exceed our customer’s needs and his outlook on the mortgage industry make him a great asset to MBank Mortgage,” stated Tom Bennett, senior vice president, MBank Mortgage.
Cherry Blossom Loaves & Fishes welcomes new manager
Loaves & Fishes Centers, The Meals-On-Wheels People, has hired Joseph Lyons to oversee the Cherry Blossom Center, located in the East Portland Community Center at 740 S.E. 106th Ave.
Lyons, who formerly worked in nonprofit administration for a statewide employment and training agency, said community building is an essential part of his plans as the new manager of the Cherry Blossom Center.
“There is already such strong support and growth here, and I want the seniors who dine at Cherry Blossom, the volunteers who deliver meals for the center, and donors who live in the neighborhood to contact me with any suggestions or ideas they may have,” he said. Lyons can be reached at 503-256-2381.
Since 1970, Loaves & Fishes Centers has provided a nutritional and social lifeline through daily Meals-On-Wheels delivery to homebound seniors. The nonprofit, nonsectarian agency also operates 20 meal sites in Multnomah and Washington counties. With the help of close to 6,000 volunteers, the organization now serves about 4,000 meals each day, which works out to nearly 1 million meals a year.
Women’s fitness center begins third year
Diane Ray, owner of the Gateway Curves franchise at 10634 N.E. Halsey St., says she can’t believe it’s been two years since opening her doors on Dec. 9, 2002.
“It was a little overwhelming at the time but I wouldn’t change anything,” she said. “It has been so exciting being part of something that has grown so big.” There are over 8,400 clubs in the U.S. and 28 countries. The philosophy of a 30-minute no-frills fitness center for women has really caught on. There are over 30 clubs in the Portland area alone, and you won’t find any treadmills, saunas, locker rooms, mirrors, aerobics classes, or free weights in any of them. Ray says, “I don’t believe you will see anybody wearing spandex; most ladies will wear something comfortable like a sweatshirt or a T-shirt.”
Being part of the big picture is great, but what has been really exciting for Curves management is what is happening right here in Gateway.
Lisa Ortquist, a CPA at Gulde & Ortquist, PC in the Gateway area, has been a member for almost two years. She says the “efficient 30-minute workout makes it easy to fit into my busy schedule as a business owner and full-time working mom. Plus, it’s only a commitment of three to four times a week.” She credits her regular workouts with keeping her weight gain within recommended allowances during a recent pregnancy as well as contributing to a quick, easy and on time labor and delivery.
Since opening two years ago, eight workout stations have been added to the circuit. This adds variety to the workout, and reduces the number of circuits needed to complete a session. More stations and expanded hours have resulted in little or no wait time for starting workouts.
Curves weight loss classes are available to members. If you would like to learn more, call the Gateway Curves and ask for Ray at 503-253-0007.
MEMO Advertising | MEMO Archives | MEMO Web Neighbors | MEMO Staff | Home