> Thanks to everyone who responded to the CIBA SURVEY regarding the proposed BUSINESS LICENSE FEE! Of those of you who took the survey, 70% of you do not support the BLF and 59% of you feel the proposed fee structure is unfair to your businesses. Survey results and an analysis are attached to the email with this newsletter. Based on the results of the survey, CIBA announced that we do not support the Business License Fee as it has been proposed by the City of Corvallis to fund economic development.

> The CIBA SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING will be Wednesday, September 24, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (note new time). We will meet at Citizens Bank Circle Branch, 978 NW Circle. Be sure to put this meeting on your calendar. Our focus will be on LOCAL ISSUES, including the Business License Fee, the proposed railroad crossing closure at 7th & Western and its impact on Denson Feed & Seed, and an update on the Urban Renewal District. Bring a friend!

> The CIBA Board held a productive PLANNING SESSION the afternoon of August 26. Topics included a budget for the coming year, committee chairs and goals, a membership drive, and board recruitment. The entire Board will be involved in a year-long Buy Local Campaign. We are looking forward to an active, productive year that will support our members and local businesses.

> You can help us reach our goals this year by VOLUNTEERING for a committee. The Membership Committee (Kate Lindburg, chair) and the Marketing Committee (Pat Sardell, Chair) are eager to hear your innovative ideas. The Board also would welcome input regarding a Buy Local Campaign. Interested? Let Colleen know (info@corvallisiba.org or 752-0047).

> As part of the Buy Local Campaign, CIBA is looking for SPONSORSHIP in order to participate in this year’s WHERE IT’S @ BEAVER COMMUNITY FAIR. This year’s Fair will be October 3, from 12-5 p.m. at the OSU Memorial Union Quad. This is a vendor fair that introduces local businesses to the OSU community. We need to reserve a ½ table, at a cost of $162.50. If you are willing to be our sponsor, call Kate Lindburg at 753-4559. If you would like to provide business cards or other information about your business for us to make available at the table during the Fair, drop your materials by our office at A&S Accounting (316 SW Washington) by September 30. For more information on reserving a table, go to www.cbchambercoalition.com.

> Mid-Valley Health Care Advocates is sponsoring two POLITICAL FORUMS ON HEALTH CARE at the Corvallis Benton County Public Library. The Presidential Candidate Forum will be Monday, September 29 at 7:00 pm. Representatives of the Democrat, Republican and Green Party have been invited to present their candidates health care plan. On Tuesday, October 7, at 7:00 pm, local candidates for the State Legislature have an opportunity to share their views. The public can provide questions at both events.