This is the second article in a series (read the first article) about how landlords and their present and potential commercial tenants can work together to create vibrant, livable neighborhoods. As a topic, the relationships between landlords and their tenants is a dicey one, because neither lessor nor lessee seem interested in speaking about it publicly. If there’s any grumbling, it's often whispered to friends, family or more...

This is the final installment in a series about the steps small business owners need to take before hiring their first employee. If you’ve already taken a hard look at your business and determined the right time to hire your first employee as well as figured thevalue your time, you’ve done the heavy lifting. "For a sole proprietor or someone who has a boutique, there's really not a lot invested in bringing in that more...

This is the second article in a series about neighborhood branding. In the first article we explored outsiders’ perceptions of your neighborhood and began to think about how we can change misperceptions. We will now continue to dig deeper into the process of changing the perception of your neighborhood. Potentially dubbed the "Independent Republic of St. Johns" or the "Best Little Town in Portland," the St. more...

Event date: May 1, 2012 → May 31, 2012

Event location: The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon

The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) will host free spay/neuter clinics for feral and stray cats in the four-county area—Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark—throughout the entire month of May. Space is limited so call today! Why May? In the spring months, cats begin to breed and are more likely to produce kittens. Cats can reproduce as early as five months old, but can be safely spayed and neutered at two more...

Event dates: May 26th, 2012, May 27th, 2012, May 28th, 2012

Event location: Hip Chicks do Wine, 4510 SE 23rd Ave.

Join us at our Portland Winery and try any of our wines you would like! $15 admission includes a tasting of up to 14 wines, appetizers, music and a logo glass. We'll be open extended hours 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday. We'll also be featuring rustic yard art from Terry Powers and gorgeous glass artwork from Imperial Glassworks. more...

Event date: Jun 9, 2012

Event location: Hip Chicks do Wine, 4510 SE 23rd Ave.

Join all nine members of the PDX Urban Wineries Association on Saturday, June 9, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door and includes a tasting of up to 25 wines and light appetizers. Local businesses Roll Chocolates and Portland Creamery will also be on hand to sample and sell some of their delectable products. Wineries include: Alchemy Wine Productions, Division Wine Company, ENSO Winery, Grochau Cellars, more...