PARTNERS SPEAK OUT

February 2010. What a difference a month makes - we like the way things are starting to shape up! The promise of a New Year has changed into progress towards new goals. Resolutions are beginning to reap benefits. The future is looking brighter for the community and the team at Boly:Welch.

Maybe it’s because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we love the energy that this holiday brings to our business. Or maybe it’s the sweet hum of recruiters at work as they match favorite candidates with an ever increasing list of orders from clients old and new. Whatever the reason, we’re busy and we like it!

As community connectors, it’s our job to recognize and understand the needs of clients then create opportunities in response. This month we are introducing the first in a series of forums, designed to bring together members from the business and non-profit communities. Learn more in our Community section below.

Happy Valentines Day,

Diane Boly & Pat Welch

photograph by Chris Pangilinan

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BY THE NUMBERS

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PROPOSED HIRING TAX CREDIT

President Obama has unveiled a temporary tax credit proposal to encourage the hiring of new employees which is tailored more specifically for small businesses.

Under the proposal, a firm that hires a new employee in 2010 would get up to a $5,000 credit against its income tax. Alternatively, a company that raises wages above the 2010 inflation rate would get an income tax credit equal to the additional Social Security taxes it would pay on the increase. Although similar to a payroll tax holiday for an employer, as an income tax credit, the raise incentive would not actually reduce payments to the Social Security trust fund.

The tax credit would be available to employers on a quarterly basis, which is designed to encourage early hiring. It would also be retroactive to the start of the year. Any business could claim the credits, with a cap of $500,000. The administration estimates that one million businesses will take advantage of the credit.

One political official noted, “For businesses right now who are seeing the economy growing but are a little bit nervous about hiring someone today rather than maybe waiting an extra six months, this is about telling them, ‘Go ahead, hire today.' Learn More... »

photograph by Tara Williamson

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IT'S ABOUT COMMUNITY

This month we begin a series of community meetings designed to connect the business and non-profit communities. The format is simple and personal. Attendees will learn from a non-profit panel how to positively impact our community with concrete ideas for involvement in activities and programs that have a huge difference in the lives of others. From volunteer opportunities to in-kind giving to partnership programs, the message is simple - you don’t have to be big to have a big impact! Read more...

As promised, each month this newsletter will connect our business friends with organizations who are making a difference in the community – groups to keep your eye on as you consider how your team can make a difference. Meet our community partner:

COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE

This Portland-based non-profit agency collects and redistributes donated household goods to individuals and families in need, providing them with the basics to establish a functioning home. Tax-deductible donations of gently used furniture, kitchenware, linens, and basic household items are recycled back into the community, directly benefiting individuals and families throughout northwest Oregon and southwest Washington.

Here’s how it works: Over 80 local non-profit and social service agencies screen and refer individuals and families in need of basic household items to the Community Warehouse. Their client base is broad, covering some of Oregon’s neediest groups: women escaping domestic violence, individuals and families moving out of homelessness, elderly persons on limited incomes, people with mental and physical disabilities, refugee families from all over the world, youth and adults recovering from substance abuse, and the working poor.

Community Warehouse is currently the only Oregon resource from Vancouver to Corvallis for low income individuals and families seeking essential household furnishings at no cost. Read on to learn how you can help... »

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