Thursday, February 25, 2010

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

Curry’s Landing Restaurant at Charbonneau
31840 SW Charbonneau Drive, Suite E
Wilsonville
503-694-2223

Curry’s Landing Restaurant - the name may indicate to some that this establishment serves East Indian cuisine. But no, not so. Curry’s Landing serves bistro cuisine, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. No spicy, curry infused dishes here. It is traditional American-style cooking to order. In fact, the name Curry’s Landing owes nothing to fragrant spices of the East and owes much to a historic pioneer from Oregon’s rich past.

Established in December 2007, providing a comfortable environment and a social gathering place for all people in the greater Wilsonville/Charbonneau community. Also, they welcome business and professional group participation with business luncheons, group dinners or specialty meetings.

Bill Grier, Cindy Grier and Lexi (daughter) run this family restaurant. The staff is also a part of “the family” Bill, Cindy and Lexi have several years in the restaurant and hospitality business, primarily with lunch, dinner and breakfast/brunch experience. Lodging, retailing and farming also play a part in their lives. Curry’s Landing Restaurant offers traditional Northwest fare -- house cut steaks, seafood, poultry, creative fresh cuisine and a full bar.

They provide casual catering (by design), offer “to-go” entrees for lunch and dinner. Call ahead if possible, 503-694-2223

Hours - Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 9pm
Summers Sundays 9am - 3pm

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Deep Cleaning and Selecting a Carpet Cleaning Professional

Deep Cleaning and Selecting A Carpet Cleaning Professional
Hire a carpet cleaning professional

If you find that no matter how much you vacuum, your carpet still does not look like it used to, it may be time for deep cleaning. While there are do-it-yourself cleaning methods on the market, hiring a professional is the safest, fastest and easiest option. To keep your carpet at peak performance, CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) recommends professionally deep cleaning your carpet every 12 to 18 months. (Be sure to check your carpet warranty for particular requirements.) One source for finding a professional cleaning company in your area is the Institute of Inspeciation, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) at www.certifiedcleaners.org.

When looking for a cleaning professional, take these cautions to heart:

Be careful of any company that contacts you by phone or that advertises a cleaning price by the room. Room sizes vary and charges should be based on the total area cleaned.

The use of brand name cleaning products does not necessarily suggest an affiliation with those companies or added credibility for the cleaning service. Make sure that you select a cleaning
professional with certification from an organization that certifies professionals.

Ask good questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Here are a few questions to keep in mind:

“How long have you been in business?”
The answer can speak volumes about a company’s reputation and experience.

“What formal training is required for the company’s cleaning technicians?
A reputable company should require employees receive training certifications.”

“Do you vacuum before deep cleaning the carpet?”
All professional cleaners should vacuum before they deep clean the carpet. This critical first step makes a huge difference in the end result.

“Do you use Seal of Approval cleaning solutions and equipment?”
Seal of Approval products have been independently tested and certified to effectively clean carpet without causing any damage.

Get an in-home inspection and estimate

Never go strictly by television advertisements or newspaper inserts or jump at the lowest bid. DON”T accept quotes over the phone!

Have the cleaning representative come to your home for an inspection to determine the type of cleaning method that is most suitable, as well as to inspect your carpet for problem spots or extremely soiled areas. Obtain a written agreement before any work is done. Usually they will not charge for furniture removal, routine spot removal or preconditioning. Make sure your are not charged for any extras. Get a written contract with the total price and statements of guarantees that the clean company offers. For more information visit, www.carpet-rug.org

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Portland Saturday Market

Portland Saturday Market
Arts and Crafts by the River - 37th Season Openning March 6th & 7th
March 6 - Dec 24 - SAT 10 - 5pm - SUN 11 - 4:30pm
108 W Burnside Portland, OR 97209

Operating since 1974 the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation. Centered in Portland’s historic Old Town, the Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for local handcrafted goods.

The Market offers a unique opportunity for customers to meet the artist as well as see one of a kind pieces created in the artist’s booth. Over 250 small businesses and individuals artists from across the NW region gather each week for the Saturday/Sunday event with live music and a plethora of exotic foods that will satisfy everyone’s appetites.

Check out the web site at www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com

QC Newsletter March 2010 - Three Keys to Successful Spot Cleaning

Three Keys to Successful Spot Cleaning

Here are a few things to keep in mind when spotting your own carpet:

1. All spots are not created equal. All spots should not be cleaned with the same product. For example, urine spots that are dried should be cleaned with an “acid side” spotter due to the fact that the pH of urine changes with hours of drying. Oil or grease spots require a solvent-based spotter and do-it yourself traffic area cleaning is best approached with a dry compound material, leaving just food and general spots for the general spotter.

2. Using the wrong product can actually cause a permanent stain. Many over-the-counter products are high in alkaline content and can actually “set” the stain. In addition, some tend to leave heavy residues that cause spots to re-soil quickly.

3. Spot cleaning is not a substitute for professional traffic area cleaning. Leaving traffic areas without professional attention for long periods of time will allow abrasive soils to damage carpet beyond repair. If you don’t know how long it’s been since you have cleaned your carpets, then it’s time!

QC Newsletter February 2010 - Beware of Bait and Switch Carpet Cleaners

Beware of Bait and Switch Carpet Cleaners! You know the type – they “bait” you with a low price, then “switch” you to their “dual scrub” or “deep clean” system. They proceed to soak your carpet and leave a soapy residue behind.
>>>>>> Good luck getting them back again!<<<<<<

Beware of low priced carpet cleaning. If their price is truly low, you should be concerned about their quality. How can you pay technicians a decent wage and have the best products and equipment at the lowest price? You can’t.

“This is Bubba. The world’s most notorious carpet cleaner!”

Some companies advertise a low price, then charge you more when they get there. Be clear about what is included and what is not. In this ad, the fine print says “we recommend our dual scrub method for all heavily soiled carpet”. How many carpets are heavily soiled? All of them! Even if you held them to the “$34.95”, you would get a very poor cleaning.

A low priced carpet cleaning company simply cannot provide the most advanced, guaranteed cleaning technology at a low, low price. Something has to be cut from their service.

Our Company obviously offers all of these benefits and more.

QC Newsletter February 2010 - Chamber Member Highlight

Chamber Member Highlight

Express Employment Professionals
503-612-1800

Tualatin Express Office Offers Hope for Job Seekers Survey Finds 61% Say No New Jobs Coming, Express Offers Options

Tualatin, OR February, 2010 – The economic stimulus recovery package continues to stir up debate and discussion – especially about one hot topic: job creation. A new survey released by local staffing firm Express Employment Professionals reveals how workers feel about the topic.

A recent online poll conducted by Express found that 61% of workers are not optimistic that more jobs will be created in the next six months.

“Today’s workers face the realities of a very difficult job market, and it’s unprecedented in the careers of many, especially those who are new to the workforce,” said Franchisee’s Robert Knight, Tualatin, OR Express franchisee.

“The good news is, in the past, we have made it through difficult unemployment rates and bounced back strong. At Express, we are proud to continue to provide both temporary and permanent employment to workers in this community to help them thrive in difficult times like these,” said Robert Knight.

Express offers the following tips for job seekers feeling overwhelmed by the current job market:

– Be optimistic. Optimism is a key factor to a successful job search. So, choose a positive attitude when it comes to every aspect of your search.

– Sell your skills. A new report by CareerBuilder showed that 69% of hiring managers are open to hiring someone who has transferable skills but no experience in the field. So, apply for jobs outside your area of expertise and focus on how you can use the skills you have to thrive in any position.

– Treat your job search like a full-time job. Until you find employment, make it your “job” to find one. Apply your skills, focus and dedication to the job search itself.

The Tualatin, office, located at 19407 SW Martinazzi Avenue , is currently taking applications. Businesses seeking employees may stop by the office, call 503.612.1800, or visit the Express Web site at www.expresspros.com.

Worldwide, Express Employment Professionals employs 350,000 people each year, with nearly 600 offices in four countries. Express provides expertise in evaluation hire, temporary staffing, professional search and human resources.

QC Newsletter February 2010 - Question on the Day

Question of the Day

1) 50% of couples do THIS separately.
2) One million of THESE are consumed every hour.
3) Average person does THIS 200 times a year.
4) Our country has done this 160 times. What is it?
5) 17% of kids do this, only 4% of adults do.
6) More women than men are now legally able to do this.
7) Over 70% of us purchased THESE in the last year.
8) Average Americans ate 11 pounds of THESE last year.

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For more questions - www.katu.com/about/question
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1) Laundry 2) Pain killers 3) Sneeze 4) Sent men & women into space
5) Sleepwalk 6) Drive 7) Pair of jeans 8) Carrots

QC Newsletter February 2010 - Run Spot Run

Run Spot, Run!

What should you do when your pet “goes on the carpet”? Are puppy puddles putting you in a particular predicament? Well, not to worry, that’s what we are here for.

First of all, if you have a pet that is prone to urinate on the carpet, take a quick walk through your home each day when you get home. The quicker you get to a pet stain the better.

Some technical tips on urine: When urine is first excreted, it is on The acid side of the pH scale and very easily removed. Within hours of being exposed to oxygen it turns to an alkaline pH.

When this happens it will continue to increase in alkalinity to the point of becoming practically ammonia. This explains the ammonia like odor.

To clean the urine spot: Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and clean with a white terry towel. If you have a small extraction machine, it would be ideal to use it.

Do not use over the counter spot removers or all purpose cleaners on urine! You may set the spot permanently!

If you have trouble removing it, call us.

If you are experiencing odor problems as a result of having pets in your home, give our office a call for a free evaluation of the situation.

We can advise you of the best course of action.