KATU TV-2's Melica Johnson Covers Salem - Salem Business Journal

More documents

Recommendations

Info

page 4 Salem Business Journal april 2008 Dorchester Conference Attracts Salem republicans Many Salem residents might ask, “What is Dorchester”? Although you may have heard about it, if you’re not deep in party politics, this annual event might just pass you by. The Dorchester Conference, held the first weekend of March in Seaside each year, is America’s oldest annual political conference. State Representative Bob Packwood founded the conference in 1964. Packwood invited Republicans from around the state to the Dorchester House in Lincoln City, where the event got its name. If you are looking for many of Salem’s most infamous politicos in the first weekend in March, they are probably at Dorchester. This year, the conference attracted 530 participants. Dorchester boasts attendance of elected officials, candidates and representatives from various organizations who hope to garner support for their races or causes. Considered an event that attracts the mainstream of the party, the party supporters, citizens and students come to debate party issues. This year the group debated: Roads in Oregon: What and how are you willing to pay? Presidential Primaries: Can Oregon Gain Relevance?, Oregon Legislature: Did the COVER STORY...Continued from front page Salem Bureau Chief, Melica Johnson lives and works in Salem At that time, the currently politicallysavvy Johnson, describes herself as someone who “didn’t know anything about the governmental process.” When the station sent her to cover an event with the Governor in Idaho, she was nervous and embarrassed that she was a reporter who did not know how the political process worked. She decided to throw herself into it and taught herself Civics 101. “When I got my first full time job in TV news, I asked for the assignment at the Capitol,” she said proudly. Melica Johnson’s first full-time job was in Boise, where she was the political correspondent. She was a 2001-2002 American Political Science Association Fellow, where she intensely studied Congress and national politics in Washington, D.C. This allowed her to learn how national and local media is managed in a congressional office. “We got to see what’s behind the curtain in Washington,” she said. After this fellowship, she got a job at KGW as a political editor. She loved covering the campaign season. Later, to get back on the air, she took an assignment on the air at KEZI and then KATU. Coming from the small community of Baker City, Johnson brings a broader, Oregon perspective to the news. “I come from a small town and I understand blue collar issues. I relate well to people in all walks of life. I know that in the natural resources industry we need to retrain works. They need to retool their dreams.” She recently covered the story in Newport about the Salmon February “special session” make the case for annual sessions? and Renewable Energy: Free Markets or Government Mandates? Joyce Waggoner, who owns Don Waggoner CPA in Salem with her husband, started coming to Dorchester in 1996. She is also the State President of the Oregon Federation of Republican Women. “I come to Dorchester,” she said, “to interact with Republicans from around the state and to hear their reactions to issues.” Bruce Cuff, a real estate agent in Salem, came to Dorchester for the first time this year, primarily because he will be a candidate for House District 17. “There were a lot more people here than I expected,” said Cuff. “There are also a lot of conservatives here too.” Dorchester provides opportunities for organizations and candidates to share information with attendees in a trade-show environment. Representatives for Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul and John McCain attended as well as various mailing, polling and association groups. One such group was the Oregonians for Immigration Reform (OFIR). This group is promoting Ballot Measure 112, The Respect for Law Act. Salem area volunteers, Sarah Vasche from season being cancelled. “Oregon is built on natural resource industry, and it’s sad that is changing. I have compassion for working class and understand their struggles. My upbringing has given me a ‘common sense’ approach to issues.” “Our commitment to Salem at KATU remains the same. There is a lot on my shoulders to keep on doing stories that are engaging.” It is depressing that other news agencies are cutting back. There is such opportunity here. My hope is that the longer I’m here, the more stories that will come to me. I want longevity in this market.” She sees the hot issues in Salem as downtown parking, the riverfront, Salem Hospital site, the Meridian, Boise Cascade and downtown housing, not to mention the political campaigns. Johnson sees that Salem is emerging and she’s excited to be a part of it. She encourages businesses to reach out to KATU with their story leads. “People have a fear to contact TV news. There is an intimidation factor.” Johnson hopes to bring out the uniqueness of the City. “We’re always looking for unique stories. What is unusual, what’s different about your organization that 100 businesses in Portland aren’t doing already?” she asks. “We like to know what people are doing to help businesses or the city solve their problems,” she adds. “What’s happening in the area is exciting. I am a resident here too. I feel like I’m living at Salem at a time where it’s….ready to change,” she said. “I have the job of my dreams. I get to cover state politics and get to be in a city that has a lot to offer and will prove that to the rest of the state.” You can reach Melica Johnson at mjohnson@KATU.com Bob Packwood at the Dorchester Conference in Seaside Willamette University Law School and local real estate agent Lee Vasche worked their booth. “We’re at Dorchester,” said Lee Vasche, “because there are over 500 people who can sign this initiative. Activists in politics are people who make things happen.” The initiative states that there would be no voting, no sanctuary from police and no driver’s licenses for illegal aliens. OFIR representatives emphasize that this would Continued on page THE LEADING NAME IN LUXURY WATCHES 225 Liberty St. NE 503-363-5640 Salem Business Journal SERVING THE MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY www.salembusinessjournal.com Publisher Bruce Taylor Columnists & Writers Alice Berntson Bill Bradbury David Chandler Katy Coba Randall Edwards Gerry Frank Elaine Gesik Linda Harris Bill Isabell Laine Lattimer Patti Milne Bo Rushing-Barnes W. Ray Sagner Terry Simmons Randy Sutton Janet Taylor Lullu Truitt Mary Louise VanNatta Account Executives Scott Mills Lindzey Taylor Cary Taylor Graphics Manager Gwen Graham Technical Support Scott Rainey Executive Assistant Justin Kimble Salem Business Journal is published monthly by the Salem Business Journal, P. O. Box 93, Salem, OR 97308, 503-365-9544. The opinions expressed in columns are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Salem Business Journal or its staff. ©2008 Salem Business Journal Member of:
april 2008 Salem Business Journal page Downtown’s Blooming with New Businesses, Expansions, relocations and Flowers Coming Soon! Spring not only brings about changes in nature but there is something new on almost every block in Downtown Salem. New businesses are opening and existing businesses are expanding and moving to new downtown locations. If you haven’t been downtown lately you will be surprised to feel the buzz. Mark your calendar for the kick off of First Wednesday May 7th, 5 PM to 8 PM. There will be almost too much to see, shop, and dine in one evening. If you love art, music, shopping, and dining out there will be something for everyone. Save the date, make a date, or bring a friend but you need to “Go Downtown Salem” May 7th. Check out the four entertainment locations and stop by the information booth on the corner of Liberty and Court for a list of all the events and activities planned for the evening. Ride public transit or park in a free parking garage and catch the “Downtown Trolley” and move to the beat of First Wednesday through out Downtown. Here is the buzz and what is blooming in just a few Downtown businesses: Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery 444 Ferry Street SE, Salem Last November Business Owner, Steve Narkaus moved his gallery to 444 Ferry Street. The owners, Steve & Barb Narkaus have been in the Art & Framing business for over 20 years. Starting out in a small location in 1984, their business grew to include two locations, Candalaria Gallery in South Salem and Creekside Gallery in Keizer. Their current gallery opened in November of 2007 after 12 years in their previous location. What has transpired for the gallery is a dream come true. DORChESTER...Continued from page have no impact on those here legally. While the weekend includes debates about important issues, Dorchester also attracts great speakers. The conference has hosted notables such as Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Nelson Rockefeller, Jack Kemp, Elizabeth Dole, and Gale Norton as well as a host of Oregon’s famous leaders. This year, William Kristol, a leading political commentator spoke. This event does not go without fun; the “tent show,” a musical-comedy review that pokes fun at both parties and its leaders, brings levity to the Dorchester participants. A good number of Salem area elected officials and hopefuls also attend this event to participate in both the fun and the serious debates. Representative Kevin Cameron was on hand for the special presentation by Bob Packwood at lunch. “I’m here to meet the people, to hear the ideas and to participate in the synergy that comes from people joining together to discuss topics. The product of these ideas is greater than any one person can contribute. It’s an extremely positive experience,” Cameron said. To learn more about the Dorchester conference visit www.dorchester.org. The move to the busy Ferry Street has helped the business increase its visibility and now 1 out 5 new customers walk into their business. ‘’We keep the lights on 24 -7 in our windows and added dramatic color schemes, said Narkaus.’’ Narkaus comments that life doesn’t lead on a straight path. His idea of opening a gallery started from having a conversation with his wife and artist Barb Narkaus on what she would like to do for a job. Barb communicated her desire to open a gallery. Narkaus made her dream come true and the gallery has grown to a reputation of being one of the most productive frame shops in the Northwest with monthly changing art shows, over 20 limited print dealerships and full catalog and secondary market resources. Mark your calendar for their following events: April 5th: Monmouth artist, Nathelle Norfleet will be exhibiting her beautiful and realistic paintings at the gallery during April. Plan to attend her artist reception from 3-5 PM. In Gallery 444. May 3rd: Bromeliads and Brushes Show. This mixed showing features a group of over a dozen artists working in a variety of media, centered around a rare plant from the rain forest of South America called the Bromeliads. The Bromeliads is known as the Jewel of the rain forest. This is a plant that doesn’t have a root and absorbs food and water through the humidity of the air. Bend area grower, Oscar Allen will create a new variety of bromeliad to commemorate the event and bidders will have the opportunity to purchase the plant upon maturity. Plan to attend the public artist reception from 3-5 PM. in Gallery 444. And then, at 6 and & 7:30 PM, Oscar will present a 45 minute presentation which will be a ticketed event. The tickets will cost $10 and limited to 50 people per session. Jacquelynn’s Boutique Apparel, Accessories & Gifts 188 Commercial St. NE, Salem Owner, Jackie Chittick enjoys downtown and is invested in working with the community in creating a vibrant shopping experience for her customers. Jacquelynn’s Boutique will be taking on a new identity and reinventing themselves. Chittick is making plans to expand her shop. Jackie Chittick is excited about the new venture and plans to continue showcasing clothing from April Cornell, Tribal, Joseph Ribkoff, Nataya (Vintage), Brazilian Havaianas flip flops, Bath & Body products, soaps from France and children shoes. ‘’The Havaianas flip flops last a long time are real cute with skirts and are very comfortable,’’ said Chittick. Chittick has been selling April Cornell clothing for four years and is part of a larger following that is familiar with the high quality Cornell brand. April Cornell has a loyal customer base and they are willing to travel for the goods. A lady from Medford stopped by the shop excited to find Chittick selling April Cornell. “We are going to have a really good relationship and get to know each other very well,’’ said the loyal April Cornell customer. ‘’My passion for April Cornell is what prompted me to open my business.’’ said Chittick. ‘’April Cornell makes her own fabrics which are easy care, comfortable and unique.’’ Chittick has been wearing Cornell clothing for almost ten years. In conjunction with the May 7th Downtown Salem “First Wednesday” event, Jacquelynn’s Boutique will be hosting a ‘’Reinventing Yourself Open House’’. Venti’s Cafe, ventiscafe.com 189 Liberty Street NE, Salem Customers at Venti’s Cafe are excited to hear that Venti’s will be moving to a bigger space and will be offering more food and drinks to their menu. Owner, Dino Venti has signed a 10 year lease at his new downtown location at 325 Court Street. Venti’s Cafe team has Chef Jim Tuttle and a Sous Chef Tyler Gresley to help with the transition. Tuttle and Gresley are committed in providing the Venti’s customer the best in healthy and organic cuisine. Venti’s Cafe plans to expand their menu and add a variety of appetizers and four additional tap micro brews along with a downstairs lounge that will serve a variety of drinks from wine to specialty drinks. Catering services will continue to be provided at the new location. Venti’s Cafe is more than just a Cafe, its a Cafe that has built a reputation for 12 years as being a place were people feel accepted and everyone is welcome. Venti’s plans to continue with the open kitchen at his new restaurant so his Chef and Sous Chef can continue building relationships with the customers. Popular dishes that the customer enjoys eating is the fresh organically grown vegetables, chicken Teriyaki, Yakisoba Noodles, Chicken/beef/shrimp bowls and wraps, falafel, salads, vegetarian dishes and a variety of Microbrews. Prior to 1996 Dino was living in Portland and decided to bring Salem a business that was an urban edgy food establishment. ‘’Salem needs to attract the young crowd and offer a night life where they can go to after work,’’ said Dino. ‘’ I hope that this will inspire other businesses to do the same thing I did and the downtown area will have this urban feel.’’ New businesses and expansions you won’t want to miss: Welcome new business a la mode, boutique pour les femmes on 415 State Street, stop by and say hello to business owner Debbie Hendren. Soon to open is Brown’s Town Lounge next to the Reed Opera House on Liberty Street. Owners Gary and Dee Brown expect to be open in early to mid April. The French Unicorn Home is expanding and relocating to the corner of Liberty and Court Street. Stay tuned in - the unveiling will be soon.
Page 1 and 2: BeSt Steak & BurgerS red Lion’S w
Page 3: Chris Aldrich Principal Broker Angi
Page 7 and 8: april 2008 Salem Business Journal p

KATU TV-2's Melica Johnson Covers Salem - Salem Business Journal

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?