The City of Salem and Launch Mid-Valley have partnered with Oregon Technology Business Center (a startup incubator in Beaverton, Ore.), to offer a Virtual Incubation Program (VIP) to startups in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties for a reduced total price of $79. VIP is a popular six-week entrepreneurship course for startups that are building a growth company, meaning they are developing a product or service that will be sold regionally, nationally, or internationally, not just locally.
“We heard from last year’s participants in the VIP program that it helped them refine their business plan and strategic thinking. We are excited to offer this unique program again and hope that Salem businesses will take advantage,” said Salem’s Economic Development Manager, Annie Gorski.
The course materials for VIP consist of online videos that participants can view at their convenience as well as six interactive online sessions Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. where entrepreneurs can ask questions to explore how the VIP materials can be applied to their specific businesses. Topics covered include: validating your business model, protecting your company and your intellectual property, and developing a go-to-market plan.
Entrepreneurs can learn more about VIP and register at www.virtualincubationprogram.com. For more information regarding LAUNCH Mid-Valley, please contact Chris Drobnicki, Project Coordinator, at 503-540-2435 or obnicki@cityofsalem.net">cdrobnicki@cityofsalem.net. Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta información, por favor llame 503-588-6178.
Launch Mid-Valley is a partnership of regional communities and economic development organizations working together to provide a portfolio of programs, projects, operations, and decentralized activities aimed at supporting startup businesses/entrepreneurs in the Mid-Willamette Valley in order to achieve greater impact and efficiency through collaboration.
# # #
Salem, Or. The City of Salem Public Works Department announces team registration has been extended for Spring and Spring/Summer Leagues. To register your team please call the City of Salem Parks and Recreation office at 503-588-6261.
2019 Spring & Spring/Summer Leagues still open for registration:
The registration deadline has been extended until Friday March 22, 2019, at 3 p.m. League openings are available on a first??'come, first-served basis. All fees must be paid in full by March 22, 2019, at 3 p.m.
League fees vary in price dependent on the length and number of games. Please visit softballcityusa.com for more details. The first pitch of the 2019 season will be Friday, April 12, 2019. Please contact Billy Powers, Recreation Coordinator, at powers@cityofsalem.net">bpowers@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6261 for additional information.
Salem, Ore. — Beginning Apr. 1, large retailers in Salem will no longer provide plastic carryout bags at checkout. Shoppers will need to bring their own reusable bag or purchase a paper bags for five cents. For stores that sell both retail items and prepared food, plastic carryout bags will be given at checkout for prepared food items. By Sept. 1, 2019, no retailers in Salem will provide plastic carryout bags.
“Last November, the Salem City Council passed the ordinance to reduce the use of single-use plastic carryout bags in Salem as a way to protect the environment, reduce litter, and improve animal health. The City will begin implementation next month," said Salem City Manager Steve Powers.
Retailers may provide recyclable paper bags or reusable bags for customers to carry away purchases. To encourage reusable bags, and to offset the higher cost of paper bags, retailers will charge at least five cents per paper bag given at checkout. This charge is called a pass-through cost and will be shown on a customer's itemized receipt. Retailers will also provide a free carryout option to low-income customers who request a bag and show an Oregon Trail Card or assistance voucher.
For more information and resources for businesses and residents, please visit http://bit.ly/bring-your-bag, email commteam@cityofsalem.net, or call 503-763-3459.
A Spring Chick Women’s Conference will be helld on Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Center 50+. This annual event has grown in popularity in recent years to full capacity and is anticipated to fill up quickly again this year. Tickets are $10 each, and includes breakfast, workshops, entertainment, vendors, snacks, and door prizes. Tickets will be available beginning March 1st at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Road NE in Salem. Please call 503-588-6303 for additional information.
Kicking off the event will be Ramona Scarborough, author of 10 books, and writer for the Keizer Times. Our afternoon keynote speaker will be Vickie Hardin Woods, “The Pie Lady,” who has made an adventure out of retirement. Prior to retirement she was the Community Development Director for the City of Salem.
Numerous interest sessions will be offered by our sponsors and other presenters. A wide variety of topics related to women’s health, safety, and all-around wellness will contribute to our “Attitude of Gratitude.”
Between sessions, check out our sponsors and vendors offering a variety of information, products, and services. Be sure to thank our sponsors for their support of the Spring Chick Women’s Conference: Salem Health, Salem Clinic, Northwest Rehabilitation Associates, Medical Center Eye Clinic, Edward Jones, and HealthNet.
Center 50+ is Salem’s premier non-membership community center providing programs and services to adults age 50 and older. Located at 2615 Portland Rd NE, Center 50+ serves more than 850 people a day, and hosts more than 150 programs and activities each term.