Creswell HealthMart Pharmacy celebrates 7 years
CRESWELL — Creswell Health Mart Pharmacy at 175 E. Oregon Ave. on Saturday celebrated seven years of business in town. At the celebration, the team dished out deep discounts in its gift shop section, hosted coloring and play stations for the kids, and provided free pizza and shaved ice.
Brian Marr, owner and pharmacist, calls himself the “custodian” of his grandfather’s 1913 Model T, which commanded quite the presence at last weekend’s celebration. A pristine piece of machinery, Marr said his grandfather restored the vehicle in 1970. The leather used in restoration came directly from the exact source Henry Ford used, and his grandfather crafted the wooden spokes and the wooden driving wheel that it still dons today, Marr said. The car has since become a generational gift; Marr’s grandfather passed it down to Marr’s father when he was about his age, he said.
Maycie McCracken, 3, joins in on the fun. Marr’s classic car also drew a crowd.
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Items wanted for Springfield time capsule
SPRINGFIELD — Think you have something that deserves a place in history?
As the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is honoring the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future with a time capsule that will be sealed at the end of 2024 with instructions to be opened in the year 2049 – the Springfield Chamber’s 100th anniversary.
The Chamber is on the hunt for intriguing items, photos, and thoughtful messages from members and businesses to include in our time capsule. Submission types include:
Physical Item: Make your pitch for why you think your item should be considered. Provide a general description of the item, explain its significance to Springfield, the story behind the item and why you think it should be included. You will also need to provide the size dimensions (it’s gotta fit!) and upload a photo of the item.
Photo Submission: Capture a moment in time with a snapshot of your business, current staff, or a creative representation of your business. Include a note to the future.
Messages to the Future: This message-only option allows you to preserve your message for the future. Choose from the following categories:
PREDICTIONS
What will Springfield be like in 2049? Examples: Springfield’s population, big changes in areas, where your business will be, technological advances….
BUSINESS PROFILES
Share info about your business with 2049! Examples: Your biggest accomplishment, current objectives, future vision for the business …
MESSAGES
Deliver a message to Springfield in 2049! Examples: Share big changes you’ve witnessed, stories of how the community has come together, experiences you’ve had, your hopes and dreams …
Messages, photos, and items will be collected throughout the summer, and final decisions made in time for a small ceremony at the Fall Open House at the Chamber Depot in October.
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Bigfoot Beverages in negotiations, warns of strike with Teamsters
EUGENE — Bigfoot Beverages, a third generation and locally-owned beverage distributor in Oregon, is facing the possibility of a strike with Teamsters Locals 206 and 324.
According to an Aug. 23 news release from the company, the unions — which represent team members in Roseburg, Eugene, Coos Bay, and Newport — have authorized a strike. Negotiations between Bigfoot Beverages, LLC and unions have been ongoing for approximately five months, with significant progress made in several areas.
However, the unions abruptly took a strike authorization vote on Aug. 15, even though another negotiation meeting will be held on Sept. 11, according to the release.
The unions advised they would not allow members to vote on any company’s offer, which includes switching from the defined benefit retirement plan to an enhanced 401(k) retirement plan. The company has expressed disappointment in this development, emphasizing its commitment to reaching an agreement that benefits all parties involved. In its latest offer, Bigfoot Beverages proposed wage increases between $3 to $5 an hour more than area comparables.
Additionally, the company has proposed to offer an extremely competitive 401(k) plan with a 9% employer contribution. This plan offers immediate vesting, portability to any employer should the team members leave, and greater control over retirement savings for team members. The company also added a holiday and improved vacation benefits by offering three weeks of vacation at five years (instead of eight) and four weeks of vacation at 10 years (instead of 15).
Despite the unions’ decision to authorize a strike ahead of the Sept. 11 meeting, Bigfoot Beverages reps say they remain open to further negotiations.
“We look forward to meeting with the unions on Sept. 11, and we are hopeful to have a productive session,” said Andy Moore, Bigfoot Beverages Co President .
Bigfoot Beverages will continue to operate in all market areas in the event of a strike, according to the company.
“We are committed to working with our union partner to resolve this,” said Eric Forrest, Bigfoot Beverages co-president. “We are also deeply invested in increasing wages and benefits for our team members. As a locally owned company, we know our team members are the future of our company.”
Bigfoot Beverages delivers a variety of products including soft drinks, energy, water, coffee, tea and craft beer to grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, bars and businesses in Oregon. The nearest location is at 86776 McVay HWY, just off of Interstate 5.
