Colors of Influence Reviews

Establishment of an endowment fund that will serve as a continuous and permanent source of college scholarship monies for Latino youth in Oregon is a solid step in the right direction. Partnering with the Latino business community through the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, the Oregon Community Fund and Meyer Memorial Trust jointly created the Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund. " Research shows that family income is a major obstacle for Latino students in completing college," said Gale Castillo, executive director for the Hispanic Chamber. "This fund provides encouragement to Latino students that Oregonians support their educational advancement in our community and provides hope for Latino families." Pictured from left: Berta Ferran treasurer of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board; Gale Castillo, executive director of the Hispanic Chamber; Sara Gonzalez, a student scholarship recipient; and Greg Chaillé, president of The Oregon Community Foundation at the announce...

I'm grateful for the amazing privilege I had today to work alongside people from all backgrounds who took time out from their busy work and family lives to give back to the community. The 2007 Portland Project Homeless Connect -- a daylong event at the Memorial Coliseum -- drew hundreds of homeless individuals and families to link to community resources, free health screenings and a host of other services. As part of my day job with a health insurer for underpriviliged Oregonians, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few hours in the Health Services area of Project Homeless Connect. My duties for the day involved greeting clients and directing them to appropriate areas. Physicians, nurses, medical assistants and other health care workers at county health clinics were on hand to conduct health screenings, immunizations, vital sign check-ups, and other health services. Podiatry care, as well as acupuncture and massage also were available. The Health Services area provided care...

Commitment to Quality, Excellent Customer Service Ensure Lasting, Sustainable Success for Azumano Travel Sho Dozono For 30 years, Sho Dozono has led the successful corporate travel firm Azumano Travel through the highs and lows of the travel industry. Adhering to the tried and true formula of providing excellent customer service, Dozono led the evolution of Azumano Travel full-service travel agency dedicated to providing corporate, leisure and meeting management services. In 1976, when Dozono took on the reins of the company started by his father-in-law George Azumano in 1949, Azumano Travel employed four travel agents, generating several million in sales each year. Now, the company has more than 200 employees in several offices throughout Oregon, Washington and Alaska, generating more than $160 million in annual sales. The company consistently ranks among the nation's top 50 travel management companies. "We have a simple business philosophy: taking care of our customers a...

Lively discussion at the first meeting of the year for the National Association of Minority Contractors, Oregon chapter (NAMCO). Thanks to Faye Burch, co-founder and vice president, for inviting OMB to witness the group’s meeting with Matt Garrett, executive director of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Pictured above, from left: James Posey, NAMCO president; Faye Burch, vice president; Noni Causey, secretary; and Matt Garrett, ODOT. More than 20 NAMCO members and prospective members attended the event, which offered an opportunity for a frank discussion about contracting issues with the state agency. “It was a good meeting because it helped open the lines of communication. We’re headed in the right direction, and NAMCO is eager to find ways to work with ODOT to address our concerns,” said Burch. John Jackley ( p ictured below), interim Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the Portland Development Commission, announced the agency’s support of the organization by becomi...

The City of Portland Mayor’s Office is seeking nominations for participants to serve in the Immigrant and Refugee Task Force – the culmination of many months of grassroots work by numerous volunteers, community leaders and individuals who are passionate about bringing equality, fairness and social justice to all Portland residents. The City of Portland – indeed, all of Oregon – has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. The ethnic and racial makeup of the largest population centers in the state has changed dramatically, and will continue to evolve. Consider the following statistics presented at a recent TACS event. Establishing the city’s first ever Immigrant and Refugee Task Force is a solid first step toward nurturing a culture of inclusiveness throughout the city. It’s encouraging to see that city officials are making a heartfelt and sincere effort to reach out to communities of color – native or foreign-born, immigrants or refugees. I had an opportunity t...