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PartnershipsProvide StrategicPositioningRay Burstedt, PresidentSEDCOROften times, when I think of business promotion,I think first of community, region, and state promotionand how efficiently and effectively we accomplishthose tasks as they relate to promoting businesses. We arein the business of, not only recruitment of new companiesand industries to our economy, but also in enabling ourexisting businesses and industries to expand and create newopportunities. Promoting our region as a viable economicallyhealthy place to do business is critical to SEDCOR’s mission.As far as SEDCOR is concerned, we typify the importance of aviable local economy by applying 70% of our resources towardjust that, a viable, healthy regional economy. If the companiesand industries we have here are not healthy or happy, and areunable to contact resources that will assist them with retention/expansion opportunities, and other needs – the promotion ofour area as a good place to do business will not prosper.Every client who looks at our region as a place for possibleexpansion or relocation has a unique tool that is easy to use andvery effective. It is the Internet. With this tool, they can findout about a communities ability to foster business growth, tocreate effective governments, and their attention to the needs ofbusiness. Finding out about our business and industries “qualityof life” is more complete than it could ever have been conveyedten years ago. Now, with the click of the mouse, they travel intoour State Government offices, our County Commissionersmeetings, our City Council chambers, the area Chambers ofCommerce, our schools, colleges and universities, Travel Salem,all of our resource partners, and SEDCOR.Promotion of our area becomes very transparent and it must sendthe message that yes, we are open for business, yes we have State,City, and County governments that are here to assist, yes ourChambers are vibrant and active, yes we can support tourism, andyes, the resources necessary to implant sound business practicesare here to make the difficult decision to expand or relocate lessarduous.I am a firm believer that:• A strong Chamber of Commerce promotes and is essential to astrong economy. We have strong chambers throughout Marionand Polk counties.• Governments have to promote business in a positive way andwe have governments that do just that.• Good schools, K-12, and colleges and universities promote ahealthy business climate. We have the best in the nation.• Tourism plays a very important role in our areas promotionand we have one of the best promoters of all time with TravelSalem.• You must have a strong cadre of resource partners ready to stepin and promote local expansion/retention opportunities, aswell as business recruitment activities. We have these resourcepartners in place.This community has a clear focus regarding our strategicpositioning and we have been able to convey our position,nationally and internationally as a wonderful place to live, work,and play. Each group has a dedicated responsibility to positivelypromote our region. It will be the stimulus that guides us throughto better economic times.Build a wealthof health.take care of yourself—it’s the bestinvestment you can make, and you’lllove the returns.302KPa-08/5-08Kaiser foundation health Plan of the Northwest500 Ne Multnomah St., Ste. 100Portland, OR 97232©2008 Kaiser Foundation health Plan of the Northwestwww.sedcor.comPage