January 20, 2011
Top 5 Karaoke Hotspots in Tokyo
No business trip to Tokyo would be complete without a company stop to a local karaoke bar (locally known as a “karaoke box”). The sing-along entertainment machine was made famous in Japan, and is considered to be more of an art form than just play. When choosing the right lounge for your group, take into consideration its proximity to your hotel, the atmosphere (some may be more comfortable with a private room vs. a public room), and the cost. Most bars have a flat usage fee, though there are others that charge an hourly rate.
The next time you are visiting Tokyo, warm up your vocal chords for an evening of team bonding at these venues: Read more »
-
November 22, 2010
Green Your Travels
Carbon emissions can come from a variety of sources and helping to reduce these emissions is all of our responsibility in order to preserve and protect Mother Earth. While committing weekends to planting trees in your local forest is an ideal way to offset your carbon footprint, it does not always fit into a busy schedule. Below are a few ways that you can green your travels. Read more »
-
February 8, 2010
Support Nonstop Service for a Better Economy
The big storms this winter that shut down East Coast airports provided a great reminder of the importance of nonstop flights out of Portland. My young daughter is a great traveler but long delays in strange crowded airports are not fun for anybody in our family. Direct travel is also a great time saver. As someone who tries to eke every single minute out of every single day, I really appreciate the benefits of nonstop travel; as the Chairman of Multnomah County, I appreciate the good jobs and the accompanying vitality that international air service brings to our community. Read more »
-
December 14, 2009
Bringing Big Business to Portland
Hey, Port of Portland! Thank you for attracting nonstop service from PDX to both Asia and Europe! It makes a huge difference in SO many ways!
Here are some personal examples of why I think this service is so significant to Portland:
First, I have helped to drive business to this region for almost 40 years. The companies we attract all require essential elements to consider this as a relocation city. Without exception, they all travel internationally and require nonstop flights to Asia and Europe. Oregon is among the most international trade-dependent states in the U.S., and conditions would be worse here without those flights. Read more »
-
November 9, 2009
Precious Cargo to AMS and TYO
International travel typically brings to mind a sense of adventure and excitement. However, one of the hardest parts of a trip abroad is sitting on an airplane for eight or 12 hours. I have had the pleasure of traveling to Tokyo and Amsterdam several times, and the first piece of advice I would give to anyone contemplating one of these trips is to “definitely take the nonstop flight on Delta!” Traveling on Delta makes that very long plane ride just a little bit easier. In addition, the service is always outstanding and makes you feel at home, even when you are many miles from home. Read more »
-
October 26, 2009
Western Surfer Meets Eastern Music
I feel fortunate to be making a living as a musician! Because I am on the road about half the year, travel is a big part of my work and probably the one thing that causes the most stress. Nonstop flights are always appreciated by everyone, but for a musician, it often determines if the focus and energy are appropriately high. Read more »
-
October 19, 2009
Building Relationships and Tourism with Japan
On Oct. 30, I will join a delegation of Portlanders on a trip to Japan. Our trip will focus heavily on furthering business relationships and bringing jobs in the green economy back to Portland. While in Japan, I have the honor of celebrating the 50th anniversary of our sister city relationship with the city of Sapporo. Read more »
-
September 16, 2009
It’s Not Business as Usual in Amsterdam
Let’s face it, when traveling for business there are rare occasions to appreciate the destination’s culture, famous landmarks, and lifestyle. But who says that because it’s business, you can’t have a little fun?
If you only have a few days, or even a few hours to enjoy Amsterdam while you’re meeting with clients, here are a few suggestions to enhance your travel experience. Read more »
-
September 14, 2009
Welcome to I Fly Nonstop
As a member of Portland’s International Air Service Committee, it is important for the Port of Portland to actively work with fellow committee members to retain and recruit nonstop international air passenger service at Portland International Airport. Frankly, in this tough economic climate, I feel unbelievably fortunate that we are still in the game with our nonstops to Tokyo and Amsterdam. Read more »
-
September 10, 2009
Tips on Japanese Business Etiquette
When engaging in business ventures in Japan, it is important to have an understanding of the proper business decorum within Japanese culture. But if your flight to Tokyo is tomorrow, you definitely don’t have enough time to master all the intricacies of the rich Japanese culture.