Exploring Ways to Keep Things Moving in Smart Growth Communities (and more)
Since 2013 I've been honored to serve on the National Cooperative Highway Research Program panel that has been working on the Integrating Goods and Services Movement by Commercial Vehicles in Smart Growth Environments project. It's a bit of a mouthful, but basically this means members of the panel have been exploring ways to ensure that the everyday goods and services that people rely on can be delivered in a timely, efficient and safe manner - specifically in smart growth communities where commercial vehicles, cars, bikes and pedestrians share many of the same routes.
The overall objective of this research was to develop a guide of tangible proactive and reactive practices policy, planning, design, and operations to integrate commercial goods and services in smart growth communities. Next week I'll be attending a workshop that is a culmination of the work of the panel and the consultants where we'll review the guidebook and assess the content, level of information and how clear and applicable the strategies. We have also invited a group of distinguished leaders from various areas to assist the panel in reviewing the guidebook. When the project is completed, I look forward to sharing with decision makers the strategies used in other cities to integrate commercial vehicle movement in smart growth cities like Portland. With the added transportation funding I hope we can make 'adjustments' in the transportation system that lead to better access to industrial zones, freight centers and Ports.
Leadership Excels with Exercise
According to the Center for Creative Leadership's study "executives who exercise are significantly more effective leaders than those who don't," the researchers write. "Time invested in regular exercise, even if it means spending less time at work, is correlated with higher ratings of leadership effectiveness" by bosses, peers and direct reports. These results aren't surprising. According to a number of studies, those who exercise outperform their peers In tests that measure long-term memory, reasoning, attention, problem-solving and fluid intelligence -- all components of leadership.
The conundrum? As the CCL study points out, our lives are inherently sedentary yet Increasingly busy. But, the study also offers some recommendations for incorporating exercise into a hectic life. Read more:
Do less, more often. Short stints of moderate exercise performed daily have been found to be better for maintaining energy and boosting performance than an hour performed only on the weekends. Find ways to Increase your activity throughout the day: take meetings on your mobile phone and walk while talking, pause for frequent stretch breaks, park at the far end of the parking lot, forgo the elevator and choose the stairs.
Keep track. Documenting what you did and for how long during each workout wlll allow you to track progress, set goals and stay motivated. The variety of electronic wristbands and easy-to-use free exercise apps on the market today can be helpful tracking tools.
Make friends. You're less likely to miss a workout when It means breaking a date with a friend or coworker. And if you can't find a real friend to meet you at 5:30 a.m. to power walk, find a virtual one who uses the same walking app that you do. Put it on the calendar. A workout schedule can help make exercise a habit. Take advantage of an open slot In your calendar whenever it appears to block off some "me" time. And keep it up even when traveling. Book hotels with fitness facilities or health club access. Pack a set of stretch cords for resistance training and a pair of running shoes or a swimsuit.
Mix It up. A common reason for giving up on regular exercise is boredom. So make sure to try new things, such as moving your exercise outdoors when the weather is fine, or taking a class to break the routine.
Oregon's Office of Economic Analysis: March Forecast Economic turmoil has been front page news In recent months, headlined by falling stock prices. Given financial market trends, coupled with declining industrial production and a clearly weakened manufacturing sector, many are wondering if the next recession is just around the comer. Economist Josh Lehner said, "the answer Is a strong "probably not.''
Study Finds Electronics Recycling Standards are Well Implemented
The use of electronic products has grown substantially over the past two decades, changing the way and the speed in which we communicate and how we get information and entertainment. Donating used electronics for reuse extends the lives of these products and recycling electronics helps prevent valuable materials from going into the waste stream. EPA recently released a study assessing the implementation of two third-party certification programs for electronic waste recyclers in the U.S. Both programs include strong environmental requirements that maximize reuse and recycling, minimize exposure of toxics, ensure safe management of materials by downstream handlers, and require destruction of all data on used electronics.
Featured Nonprofit: Chamber Music Northwest
Now in its 46th season, Chamber Music Northwest serves thousands of people in Oregon and SW Washington with exceptional chamber music through over 100 events annually, including the upcoming Summer Festival. CMNW is the only chamber music festival of its kind in the Northwest and one of the most diverse classical music experiences in the nation. CMNW's Protege Project features exceptional young artists who perform with and learn from veteran festival artists, and present free community and education activities.
MOVE FORWARD
