List of Events

Welcome + Keynote

“If you build it; they’ll stay – how to attract and engage during changing times.”

Building on last year’s “Dancing in the Rain,” Lou Radja will address how employers can improve their recruitment and retention by creating a sense of belonging in a time of isolation, mental health challenges, and quiet quitting. Employers will pick up helpful tips on how to enhance and maintain culture within a fragmented work-force and how to reimagine a post-COVID workspace.

Connect with Lou Radja

Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises

• 5331 Southwest Macadam Ave. Suite 299
  Portland, OR 97239
• Phone: (503) 367-7409
• Fax: (503) 643-1851
• Email: bemoregivemore@louradja.com

Staying Current to Stay Competitive: Understanding Today’s HR & Benefits Trends

Every time you log onto LinkedIn you are bombarded with articles and posts promoting the latest trends in employment practices. The problem is, these posts are often contradictory – everyone should return to the office, no, everyone should work remote, no, hybrid is the way to go! This session will help you cut through the noise as we discuss the HR and Benefits trends worth taking note of. Want to know what “quiet quitting” really means? Or how about the newest hashtag worthy phrase, “Bare Minimum Monday.” What do these trends mean for you and your company culture? Attendees of this session will learn about what HR practices and benefits are having the greatest impact in today’s employment market.

View Slides

Connect with Evan Cole

• Phone: (503) 716-9338
• Email: ecole@aldrichadvisors.com

Connect with Carrie Koble

• Phone: (805) 704-8146
• Email: cindy@hrannieconsulting.com

Let’s Talk About Money! Building Blocks for Equitable Compensation

Did you know that 49 of 50 states have enacted their own Equal Pay Act mandates since the federal law went into effect in 1963? It’s a good thing and requires detailed work to ensure your wage and compensation programs are clear, fair, defensible, and let’s not forget attractive and competitive to retain our top-notch talent. Join HR Annie Consulting’s Compensation Consultant, Heather Wall, and Head of Consulting, Erin Frost, for this jam-packed break-out session as they share an overview of tools and strategies to build an equitable wage & compensation program, plus provide answers to frequently asked questions.

View slides

Connect with Heather Wall

• Phone: (805) 704-8146
• Email: cindy@hrannieconsulting.com

Connect with Erin Frost

• Phone: (541) 243-2604
• Email: erin@hrannieconsulting.com

HR Compliance Considerations: A Conversation with the Experts

Join Erin Frost, HR Annie’s Head of Consulting, and Peter Hicks, Employment Attorney at Jordan Ramis, for a conversation about HR and Employer Compliance considerations. In this session, we will be sharing real-life examples of the potential pitfalls that often lead to liability for employers. We will also discuss HR and compliance legal updates that are around the next corner and where to look more closely to avoid miss-steps that could lead to bigger issues. Bring your burning questions, and let’s talk!

View slides

Connect with Erin Frost

• Phone: (541) 243-2604
• Email: erin@hrannieconsulting.com

Connect with Peter Hicks

Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC

• Email: peter.hicks@jordanramis.com

Jumpstarting Your DEIB Efforts – how to make meaningful progress

A recent survey found that 81% of employers nationally are focused on improving their DEI but, of those only 56% have an established strategy, and an even fewer 38% of them have a multi-year strategy in place. While there is widespread agreement about the value of DEIB initiatives, employers often report a great deal of difficulty taking their first steps and setting up means of accountability. This session will provide you with a framework to take meaningful steps in your DEIB efforts. Seniye Groff will share tactical, practical, and hands-on ways to develop and grow your DEIB plan.

Connect with Seniye Groff or request a copy of the slide deck

• Phone: (503) 577-4184
• Email: seniyegroff@gmail.com

The Future Challenges of Access to Healthcare

With staffing shortages, cost pressures, and pent up demand, America’s healthcare system is facing a looming challenge of access and affordability. The panel will focus on the current and future challenges from the perspectives of a large healthcare provider, an insurer, and a benefits consultant. The discussion will cover the impact of technological advances on healthcare delivery, rising healthcare costs, and the changing landscape of healthcare regulations. The panelists will share their insights and experiences while exploring the importance of collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to improve access to healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with panelist on these critical topics.

Connect with Tracey Davis

• Phone: (503) 485-2482
• Email: tdavis@aldrichadvisors.com

Come with us on a journey to get “comfortable” with Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and government contract accounting. For this introductory training, Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®, will cover the most common pitfalls, how to avoid them, and critical control areas. In this webinar, you’ll learn:

• What it means to comply with the FAR
• How financial information is presented under the FAR vs. under standards required for financial statements and tax returns
• Your role in supporting compliance

Diana will outline future trainings to help you become a true FAR aficionado, or at least a willing accomplice. Subsequent sessions will cover best practices for timekeeping and payroll, internal controls, chart of accounts, maintaining books and records, and being prepared for self-certifying your rate or having an audit.

Who should attend: accounting department staff, controller/CFO, and any staff needing a better understanding of the FAR

Level of understanding needed: basic

List of Events

Welcome + Keynote

Lou Radja, founder of Lou Rodja Enterprises, discussed how we can make the best of the challenges we are currently facing. The relentless global health pandemic has turned the world upside-down. The responses to the pandemic, from social distancing to working from home, are not without side effects, including isolation, stress, health challenges, the great resignation, burnout, and mental health issues. In addition, we are facing an economic downturn exacerbated by the global pandemic. We are also in the middle of polarizing political and racial division, an ugly reminder of the inequities that continue and how far we must come. Dancing in the Rain was an opportunity to come together to unpack proven strategies to turn these adversities into advantages, thus letting our teams, clients, and customers thrive!

Connect with Lou Radja

Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises

• 5331 Southwest Macadam Ave. Suite 299
  Portland, OR 97239
• Phone: (503) 367-7409
• Fax: (503) 643-1851
• Email: bemoregivemore@louradja.com

Paid Leave Oregon – The Definitive Presentation

Evan Cole, Employee Benefits Consultant with Aldrich Benefits, presented an in-depth review of the Paid Leave Oregon program. Evan discussed the practical impact that the new legislation will have on employers of all sizes. The presentation covered the latest rule adoptions, how employers can navigate the new requirements, and some practical advice on whether a private plan option may be an appropriate solution.

Download Slides

Connect with Evan Cole

Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Advisors

• Phone: (503) 716-9338
• Email: ecole@aldrichadvisors.com

Innovative Self-Funding Strategies:

David Underwood, Senior Stop Loss Specialist at Sun Life Financial, and Brian Glock, Employee Benefits Consultant with Aldrich Benefits, explored some of the innovative solutions available to employers considering going self-funded. Attendees learned about the pros and cons of bundled versus unbundled self-funding and how to know which is the best fit for their business. The presentation covered a number of self-funded strategies including level-funding, graded-funding, Reference Based Pricing, and Direct Contracting.

Download Slides

Connect with David Underwood

Senior Stop Loss Consultant, Sun Life Financial

• Phone: 206-669-5780
• Email: david.underwood@sunlife.com
• Website: sunlife.com/us

Connect with Brian Glock

Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Benefits

• Phone: (503) 720-6338
• Email: bglock@aldrichadvisors.com

Recruitment: Managing a Dynamic Workforce with a Modern Mindset

Jessica Ortman, Head of Recruitment for True Calling Recruitment (Powered by HR Annie), covered the latest best practice recruitment strategies and how to lean into the changing workforce demographics. Since the pandemic, we have seen a significant amount of people leave the workforce, change industries, and even create alternative realities for what a career can look like. Not all potential employees are seeking a traditional career any longer. What are they wanting? How do we develop a multi-pronged approach to attract and retain top talent, who may have differing values and aspirations?

Connect with Jessica Ortman

Head of Recruitment, True Calling Recruitment (Powered by HR Annie)

• Phone: Phone: (503) 465-8825
• Email: jessica@hrannieconsulting.com

HR Landmines

Cindy, HR Annie’s CEO, and Peter Hicks, Jordan Ramis’ Employment Attorney, presented ways to avoid stepping on Hidden HR Landmines. In this session, we shared real-life stories of the hidden landmines that grabbed the unexpected footing of employers, talked about what is around the next corner for employment legal updates and where to look more closely, and discussed HR best practices to avoid miss-steps that could lead to bigger issues.

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Connect with Cindy Free

CEO, HR Annie

• Email: cindy@hrannieconsulting.com

Connect with Peter Hicks

Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC

• Email: peter.hicks@jordanramis.com

2023 Economic Forecast

Darin Richards, Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Aldrich Wealth, and Kyle Baisch, Vice President and Relationship Banking Officer at Pacific West Bank, presented a live discussion of the 2023 Economic Forecast. Darin and Kyle shared market commentary and made projections for the year ahead. They also provided attendees with practical and valuable insights into how current economic trends could effect employers and their employees.

Download Slides

Connect with Darin Richards

Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Aldrich Wealth

• Phone: (503) 716-9381
• Email: drichards@wealthadvisors.com

Connect with Kyle Baisch

Vice President, Relationship Banking Officer, Pacific West Bank

• Email: KBaisch@bankpacificwest.com

In 2019, Oregon became the eighth state to approve a Paid Leave law. Paid Leave Oregon will soon allow for employees of companies of all sizes to take paid time off for significant life events. With the program is set to begin collecting contributions on January 1st, 2023, and begin paying out claims in September of the same year, we understand that many questions remain unanswered.

Please join us for a webinar exclusive to Oregon Alliance members, where we will discuss the practical impact that the new legislation will have on employers of all sizes. Aldrich Benefits has been tracking the latest developments and working with our carrier partners to make sure we are delivering the most timely and relevant information to our clients and partners. We will discuss how employers can navigate the new program and provide practical advice on whether a private plan option may be an appropriate solution.

Register Here

As most manufacturers look for a competitive edge through technology, many plan to increase their investment over the next 12-months. The future of manufacturing technology is shifting from an emphasis on “applications” to one on “data”. Data is the foundation and can drive results through predictive analytics that enable business leaders to make better decisions faster.

Download Slides | Watch Recording

Manufacturers see the workforce as both an opportunity and a challenge. According to the 2022 State of MFG in the PNW Survey, while seven out of ten anticipate hiring more full-time employees over the next year and roughly half will add part-time or contract employees, it’s been difficult to find qualified and skilled labor. If you’re fighting the battle of workforce challenges, you’re not alone. Join Schwabe and Aldrich Benefits as we discuss insights to be aware of in the current workplace conditions. This webinar will include topics on:

• Rising Cost of Employee Benefits
• Challenges in Attracting Qualified Employees + Tips for Retaining Talent
• Hiring Expectations
• Diversity + Equity in the Workplace

Watch Recording

Is your nonprofit ready for an audit? Between the documentation requirements and expense analysis, audits can quickly become a daunting task. Bobby LaCour, Partner and nonprofit audit expert from Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, will present with Walter D’Souza from the Mutual of America Financial Group to help you create a roadmap for your nonprofit’s audit. They’ll cover:

• Assembling the correct team for the audit
• Organizing all necessary information
• Preparing an internal control structure

Download Slides

Succession plans that involve a transition to the next generation of leadership within the company often require a long runway. According to the 2022 State of MFG in the PNW Survey, half of the survey participants said they already have a succession plan for the transition of executive leadership or ownership while a quarter still does not. Join Schwabe and Aldrich for a roundtable discussion where we’ll discuss the importance of planning ahead for succession planning. This webinar will include:

• Due Diligence
• Business Valuations
• Succession Planning Best Practices

Download Slides | Watch Recording

Presented by Aldrich CPAs + Advisors + Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

No matter their revenue, manufacturers across the board were overwhelmingly most concerned about state laws and regulations placing additional costs and taxes on employers according to the 2022 State of MFG in the PNW Survey. Manufacturers are feeling a pinch with taxes and tariffs that are increasing their costs which in turn decreases their margins. Join Schwabe and Aldrich for a roundtable discussion where we’ll review potential tax implications from new legislation. This webinar will include the following topics:

• Effects of Current Federal, State and/or Local Taxes, and Policies
• Build Back Better Update
• Regulations Affecting the Manufacturing Industry
• Top Concerns about Regulations
• Impacts of the 2022 Landscape and Beyond

Download Slides | View Presentation

Join Aldrich CPAs + Advisors on Thursday, December 2 for Real Estate Day.

We will host leaders of the real estate industry for a networking and learning symposium. You will hear from a panel of experts focusing on market trends, tax law changes, legal developments, and other hot topics. Following these engaging discussions will be a Q&A panel with the industry-leading presenters.

Capacity limited to 100 attendees.

Presentation Topics

2021 Tax Planning and Looking Forward into 2022

Aldrich’s Jonathan McGuire will lead a session covering the latest updates and happenings in the real estate industry. With decades of experience, Jonathan will help attendees understand the current landscape and spot investment, growth, and development opportunities. In this session, you’ll learn:

• How COVID-19 impacted commercial real estate
• Current challenges that investors face

Market + Industry Trends

Michael Hironimus from Duckridge Realty Advisors will guide attendees through the emerging real estate trends and paint a picture for what’s to come. Michael’s market analysis is perfect for investors looking to make their next big move in 2022. Join Michael and uncover:

• What opportunities are on the horizon for investors
• How to get ahead in 2022

Real Estate Securities + Qualified Opportunity Zones

A local expert and Partner of Dunn Carney, Coni Rathbone, will discuss two of the most pressing topics in the industry: securities and QOZs. The ever-evolving political and regulatory landscape continues to impact real estate investors, and Coni’s expertise will help attendees understand just how to approach and handle the changes. Join Coni and learn:

• When does a real estate offering become a securities offering?
• How can a real estate investor comply with securities regulations?

1031 Exchange + Optimizing a Self-Directed IRA

David Moore is the owner of Equity Advantage and IRA Advantage. He has a unique background and experience in helping real estate investors optimize their profits and develop a plan for the future. Avoiding capital gains tax and maximizing savings vehicles can make all the difference for investors seeking longevity and a smooth transition. With David’s guidance, you will discover how:

• 1031 Exchanges can save you money and set you up for your next investment
• Self-directed IRAs are competitive savings vehicles perfect for investors

Download Slides

This report is a culmination of our recent joint survey, conducted by the Portland Business Journal and the Puget Sound Business Journal. Since our first survey in 2018, we have stayed on top of changes affecting the manufacturing industry and are grateful to continue the conversation.

In this current survey, over 540 respondents from both Oregon and Washington weighed in and shared their experiences and perceptions.

Schwabe’s Michael Cohen and Aldrich’s Carrie Sowders will share key findings garnered from the report.

Immediately following the event, attendees will receive a copy of the report, which details how manufacturers in the region responded to important topics such as the health of the industry, workforce challenges, regulatory and tax concerns, technology usage, and business transition planning, as well as insights from Schwabe and Aldrich on many of these subjects.

Watch Recording | Download Report | Download Slides

Aldrich Technology and Aldrich Wealth will provide an overview of the DOL’s urgent Cybersecurity guidance for Plan Sponsors, explain how we are assisting our clients with compliance, and share how the guidance may have implications for your organization, well beyond its 401(k) plan.

Are You a 401(k) Fiduciary?

Most likely, you’re a fiduciary if you:

• Have authority to sign or direct someone to sign the Form 5500 or other regulatory filings,
• Sign Plan Documents, (like the Adoption Agreement) created by your TPA or recordkeeper,
• Choose the Plan’s Providers – or sit on the committee that hires Plan Providers,
• Exercise authority over the plan – be it on the investment or administrative side,
• Make decisions that affect plan assets, how they are invested, or how they may be spent to cover the cost of operating the plan (like the cost of administrative, investment advisory, or audit services),
• Are identified as a fiduciary in plan documents (now there is no doubt – you ARE a fiduciary).

If you answered yes to any of these statements, this webinar is important new guidance from April 2021 from the Department of Labor (DOL) for 401(k) plan sponsors.

Download Slides | View Presentation