John Gimby in a photo by Thomas Patterson | Statesman Journal
John Gimby, a recent graduate of the MERIT class, has had an indelible impact on the program, not just as a star participant, but also in facilitating the development of new relationships between MERIT and other organizations in our community that serve veterans. He recently started his business, Omega Landscape Maintenance and Design. To learn more, check out the article in today’s Statesman Journal: Oregon programs help put veteran back to work
If you or someone you know are interested in community service, please consider applying to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer with MERIT. MERIT is currently seeking applicants for a VISTA position which will start in the Fall of 2010.
The VISTA member will write a strategic plan to provide affordable legal services and increased sources of start-up and expansion capital to micro entrepreneurs served by MERIT and other business assistance programs in the Mid-Willamette Valley region.
Applicants should be college graduates, preferably with experience in law or business. We are accepting applications until the position is filled. To apply, visit the AmeriCorps website by clicking here.
Salem Keizer CDC is also seeking a VISTA to help with fund-raising, managing volunteers and assessing the feasibility of a plan to provide a commercial kitchen to clients starting food-based businesses. View their application and apply here: AmeriCorps website.
VISTA is a one-year volunteer program run by the federal government. VISTA volunteers work full-time for a non-profit, gaining valuable work experience. During the year of service, VISTAs receive a small living allowance, some health benefits, and child care, if needed. At the end of the year, they are awarded a grant that can be applied to student loans or higher education. Click here for more information about VISTA and other AmeriCorps programs.
Roberto Oran shows off his artwork in a photo from the Statesman Journal
The Cesar Chavez Community Action Day at Chemeketa, co-sponsored by MERIT, the Multicultural Center and the Juntos Club, was featured in the East Salem insert of the Statesman Journal today. Check out the article here:
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100407/COMMUNITIES/4070343/1108/EAST_SALEM
The SBDC is offering a free 3-part series that covers the basics of starting a non-profit organization in Oregon. The classes will be held here at the SBDC (626 High Street NE, Salem). For more information call 503-399-5088.
1. What am I? – Mon, April 12 1:00-2:00pm
- Reshape the Mission
- Partnership opportunities with existing institutions
- Am I fundable? Measurable outcomes.
- Is there a need?
2. Funding/Resources – Mon, April 19 1:00-2:00pm
- Grant Writing – Foundation
- Donations, memberships
- Day to day maintenance
3. Set Up – Mon, April 26 1:00-2:00pm
- The differential between an Oregon nonprofit corporation and federal tax exempt status
- Types of Oregon nonprofit corporations
- Types of federal tax-exempt entities
- Tax-exempt Oregon Public Benefit corporations
- Organizational Filings & Process
- Annual Filings
- Operating as a tax-exempt entity under the federal tax rules (private inurement, intermediate sanctions, etc.)
The Chemeketa Small Business Development Center is partnering with NASE (the National Association for the Self Employed) to offer a no-cost 2-hour workshop on filing business taxes. You will have access to a CPA specializing in taxes affecting the self-employed. Get the tax help you need. Enjoy breakfast and networking with other local business owners. Register online today.
The workshop will be held at the SBDC at 626 High Street NE, Salem on Friday March 26th at 8:30 am. Visit: http://www.nase.org/taxseminars/ for more information or to register.
Check out this great article in March’s Salem Monthly about Enigma, owned by MERIT grad Tina Grissom, and Thursday’s q & a with sex columinst Tarin Taormino:
http://ping.fm/hV9cZ
MERIT is co-sponsoring a Cesar Chavez Community Action Day with Chemeketa’s Juntos Club at Chemeketa’s MultiCultural Center (Building 2) on March 31st from 1-5pm. All are invited to learn about volunteer opportunities, hear great speakers and celebrate Cesar Chavez’s legacy. There will be food, music, prizes and more! The event is free but we encourage you to bring donations to Marion Polk Food Share! Click here to see a flyer.
The event also includes an art contest open to artists of all ages and abilities. Click here or contact Kate at 503-399-5088 for more information on how to register. Register by March 15th. Haga clic aqui para informacion en espanol.
Local organizations are invited to host informational tables at the event. Space is limited. Contact Kate for more information:503-399-5088 or kgibso17@chemeketa.edu.
Crush Wine Bar in Monmouth, owned by MERIT client Joanna Brandt has been getting a lot of press lately! The wine bar, which opened in January, has been featured in the Statesman Journal and in Western Oregon University’s Western Oregon Journal. The bar offers local wines and microbrews accompanied by local artisan bread and cheese.
1/13/10: Wine bar features Oregon products
1/20/10: Sipping Satisfaction: Crush Wine Bar and Tasting Room caters to students, community
facebook: Crush Wine Bar & Tasting Room
My Mom’s Basement, owned by MERIT client Michael Haynes was featured in the Itemizer Observer last week. The store, in downtown Monmouth, sells role-playing board games, as well as accessories, minatures and books related to the games.
2/3/10: Role playing game lovers have found a new home in Monmouth
Shelly’s Kids Preschool and Childcare was named best child care business in Keizer by the Best of Keizer competition! The contest was sponsored by the Keizer Chamber and winners were selected by online vote and were featured in the January 1st Keizer Times.
See all the winners: http://www.keizertimes.com/downloads/Best_of_Keizer_2009.pdf
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