recent posts ‘Your Voice, Your Vote:’ Convention Center hotel
Roy Jay, president of the Oregon Convention and Visitor Services Network, and Sandeep Kaushik, with Coalition for Fair Budget Priorities, join KATU’s Steve Dunn Sunday, March 23, 2014, to discuss who should pay to build a new hotel adjacent to the Oregon Convention Center. View the Video Now...

GOLF ASSOCIATION AND STUDENTS THANK ROY JAY
Portland business icon, Roy Jay served as Master Of Ceremonies for Leisure Hour Golf Club annual dinner and awards ceremonies held last Saturday evening at Holiday Inn at Portland Airport. Jay is president of the African American Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in helping the Western States Golf Association secure a five figure grant for their organizations regional events which will be held in Portland for three consecutive years. According to Keith Edwards, LHGC Chair Emeritus, this is the first time in the history of the association that they have ever received a grant. One of the missions of the Leisure Hour Golf Club is to not only empower more people of color to be involved in golf, but also to raise money for scholarships. This year was no different. Three well deserving local students received scholarships from the organization.  Near the end of the event, Jay asked all three students to return to the stage for a surprise that even Leisure Hour officials were not aware of.  Jay provided the three well deserving student with an additional “personal scholarship” which will enable them to get off to a good start in the fall.  Some scholarship programs award the money directly to...

ROY JAY SCORES POINTS WITH “SCORE EXECUTIVES”
After waiting 6 months to get on his speaking agenda, Roy Jay delivered an early morning, high powered speech that only he can do. Covering a wide variety of topics from tourism, racism, politics, youth, real estate, business and law. A local newspaper identifies him as one of the most intriguing people in Oregon politics, yet he has never held office. Here are just a few of the comments from a few days ago… SCORE is ready to step up and help! “We’ve never had a speaker quite like Roy”… He is entertaining, informative, and full of solutions and action oriented” “Roy Jay kept us awake and enrapt this morning. An undeniable motivating speaker…what a treat. Here’s proof you were doing business Roy!” – Janet Livesay “Thanks, Roy. I’m impressed that you put out an e-mail so quickly to those who gave you their business cards. In addition to my work at SCORE, I am looking to pivot my consulting to focus more on regional SMB’s.” Hi Roy,   I enjoyed your talk yesterday and “get it done” attitude “We know that he is in great demand, but we were glad he was able to come to our group here at the college. He...

Tax Fraud Prevention Tips: Use of Stolen Business EINs
Tax fraud and tax identity theft are a growing crime epidemic. There are a plethora of reports regarding the hundreds of thousands of individual taxpayers nationwide who have had their tax refunds stolen by identity thieves each year. However, individuals are not the only ones who are being victimized in tax fraud schemes. Businesses are also being targeted. As a business owner, imagine receiving a notice of deficiency, and a demand for immediate payment, of more than $800,000 in unpaid payroll taxes for more than 100 employees that have never worked for your company. That’s exactly what happened to a Captain D’s Seafood franchise owner in Georgia when thieves stole his business employer identification number, or EIN, and used it in a tax refund scheme to report more than $4 million in bogus salaries to the IRS and state tax agencies. That business owner is not alone. Hundreds of thousands of businesses are being similarly victimized. Business EINs used in tax fraud and tax refund schemes The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) examined this growing trend, and in September 2013 published an audit report entitled “Stolen and Falsely Obtained Employer Identification Numbers are used to Report False Income and Withholding.” TIGTA...

East Meets West
Portland, Oregon business entrepreneur Roy Jay is seen with Deputy Counsel General Zha Liyou of the Peoples Republic of China at an informal meeting hosted by Jay and one of his business partners in Portland, Oregon in April.  The purpose was simple… strengthen relationships between the two cultures and countries from an economic perspective. Jay, known for his savvy business endeavors, creative partnerships and collaborations initiated conversations around the table on how everyone can benefit. The private close door meeting hosted by Oxley & Associates and Roy Jay Enterprises LLC to an invitation only list of less than 20 people, professionals and government officials that have been collaborative partners with Jay on numerous projects in the past. At the top of the list of talks about tourism opportunities for as well Chinese investments under EB5 and other programs for development in Portland and other urban areas of the country. Jay’s company, Metropolitan Holdings in tandem with the new African American Chamber Inc. announced that they will be opening an office in Shanghai in 2016 which will be headed by Chamber president, O. Matthew Thomas of San...

2nd Annual International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show
This event is presented by The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD), International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network (IMFITN), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine and Horizons International Group, Inc. The theme is “Business of Multicultural & Heritage Tourism”. The summit is designed to educate attendees on how to gain a share of the $90 Billion+ Multicultural & Heritage Tourism market, share minority travel trends, learn how to market Multicultural & Heritage Tourism and look at diversity issues affecting the Hospitality industry. [ Click HERE to view photos ] Multicultural and Heritage Tourism is the fastest growing segment in the tourism industry. The Summit is also intended to empower urban and rural communities to become self-sufficient through the development and marketing of Multicultural & Heritage Tourism. We encourage and invite researchers of Multicultural & Heritage Tourism to present specific research topics & projects at the Summit. National Leaders and top industry professionals will lead General Sessions and workshops that will spark discussion on the growing opportunities that exist in this...

DON’T BE PIMPED BY THE PAYDAY LOAN COMPANIES
In some cities there are more of these operators than Subway sandwich shops. It is the growing multibillion dollar payday loan industry that is raping Black, Latino, immigrant and poor white communities at an alarming rate. To hear both sides of the argument one would have to start to dig under the fingernails to determine if the dirt of payday loan and similar services are valid.  In some states, there are little if any regulations governing payday, car title loans or similar services.   In calculating fees, extensions and other charges the rates could be extremely high. Some government legislators have passed laws, ordinances and resolutions which requires further disclosure of certain fees, charges and penalties of doing business with payday and title loans.  Even to the point of indicating that the small print is now required to be large enough for a person to read. In all fairness, we discovered two locations that actually took time to fully explain all of the charges, and potential charges to customers before they decided to proceed with the transaction. ORGANIZATIONS CAPITALIZING ON LOW INCOME RESIDENTS – Shame on those ethnic organizations and individuals that are supported by these multimillion dollar industry moguls. We have discovered that...

A Used Car May Cost You Three Times The Purchase Price
“We Finance Anyone The Law Allows” A familiar slogan from heard at many used car and some new car dealerships from coast to coast.  Realizing that the economy is starting a slow recovery, the amount of available credit has increased but maybe not in the conventional locations. The confessions of a used car salesman tells some experiences that many people may not really understand or were aware of.  Some of the biggest profit is made in the secondary credit finance business. Interest on secondary credit, like car financing, is paying some investors double digits while your local bank could only muster up 2% APR in a good year. It is usually the poor, minorities, single mothers and people recovering from financial hardships that cannot get conventional credit financing for reliable transportation for work or to get the gets safely to the soccer games and other activities. The ads and promotions are creative and endless. “In house financing, fifteen different lenders standing by”… What many people may not realize is that shiny used car that they are driving off the lot may cost them two or three times the actual purchase price and sometimes even more. Those individuals that have questionable credit numbers are...

Spinners Laud Spam and Velveeta Planning
After a very successful event the management group for the Spinners was so impressed by the coordination and planning that went on they were compelled to write about it…

Jay Returns for 6th consecutive year to raise Thousands
Portland, Oregon- September 27, 2013 Roy Jay, returned for the sixth consecutive year as the celebrity auctioneer to raise thousands of dollars to benefit the M.I.K.E. (Multicultural Integrated Kidney Education) Program. The black tie optional event attracted a packed room at Portland’s MAC Club in September 2013. Jay’s comedic style of auctioneering keeps all of the participants actively involved in an entertaining evening. Dr. Cheryl Neal says that every year Roy Jay has been announced as the celebrity auctioneer, the attendance has increased. Jay teamed up with his longtime friend, Keith Lyons of KBNP Radio to keep audiences engaged. Both Jay and Lyons have a celebrated years in Portland...

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center nurse works her way up from addiction, homelessness
Melonie Powell, a nurse in the TRACU unit at Emanuel Hospital, works with a patient. Powell is asking her to wiggle her toes. (Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian) Before Melonie Powell began her talk to the crowd in a Multnomah County courtroom, she had a caveat: My story is not pretty. The crowd leaned closer at that. Most of the two dozen people in the audience had their own ugly tales, of lives derailed by gambling, alcohol or violence. They were at the courthouse seeking redemption with Project Clean Slate, a program that helps people expunge criminal records and find jobs and housing. Powell, a 41-year-old nurse at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, looked like someone whose happy ending was never in doubt. Her pink blouse, earrings and toenail polish all matched. She prowled the front of the room like a preacher. Her face showed no signs of the decades she struggled with crack addiction. As the Clean Slate crowd was about to learn, Powell has worked hard to escape rooms like this one. She comes back only because she hopes her own embarrassing tale can do other people some good. “We all reach places in our life where we question what are we doing here,” she told...

That's The Way We Roll
Roy Jay’s partnership with Motorola on a multi-million dollar communications package for police and fire departments. Voted one of the best promotional videos of...

ROY JAY TO RECEIVE AWARD FROM U.S. SENATOR
Portland, Oregon business entrepreneur, Roy Jay has been named as one of the recipients of the 3rd Annual “Bending Toward Justice” award presented by United States Senator, Jeff Merkley (D).   The event was held Friday, June 14th at a luncheon at Multnomah Athletic Club. Jay is one of four high profile Portlanders recognized for their business and community involvement efforts. Also included were developer, Terry Bean, film makers Harry & Joe Gantz and housing activist, Gretchen...

Stevie Wonder plays small Portland Benefit
PORTLAND – The legendary Stevie Wonder was in Portland Friday performing at a benefit at Quartet restaurant in Southwest Portland. Getting to see the iconic Motown artist, however, wasn’t easy. There were only 200 tickets for the performance, which were going for a handsome $500 a pop and sold out quickly. It’s also just before Wonder’s 63rd birthday, and if you think that sounds young for the 22-time Grammy winner, just remember, Wonder was signed to Motown records at age 11 where he recorded his first major hit at 13 years old and helped put Barry Gordy’s Hitsville U.S.A on the map. Proceeds from Friday’s performance went to Project Clean Slate, a Portland non-profit designed to help people clean up their criminal histories. The program was started by Portland entrepreneur Roy Jay to help people get a second chance in life by removing traffic tickets and other minor criminal convictions preventing them from getting jobs, housing, and other opportunities. by Evan Sernoffsky, kgw.com...

Taking Back Our Neighborhoods One Family at a Time
MLN Family Services presents a very special evening Dinner  “Taking Back Our Neighborhoods One Family at a Time”. April 24, 2013 Reception  5:30 PM Dinner and Program 6:15 PM Speakers  Roy Jay, Entrepreneur, Community Advocate  Jason Hubert, Portland Police Officer, Member of Gang Enforcement Team Delishia M. Pittman, Ph.D. Professor, consultant and clinical therapist  Arvenelle Chambers, L.C.S.W. Cares Northwest Timothy D. Leavitt, Mayor of Vancouver, WA Kathy Scott, Parent Advocate, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) Emcee Michael Harper, former Portland Trailblazer Entertainment The Parkrose High School Choir and Violinist Emilia Barrera from the MLK Metro Learning Center. Business Attire  Tickets: Individual:  $45 Tables of 8 also available  “RSVP now!” Seating Limited  www.MLNFamilyServices.org          ...

Jay tapped as economic development speaker
April 7, 2013 Portland business entrepreneur, Roy Jay has been tapped as speaker for the City of Birmingham, Alabama’s Civil Rights Economic Development Summit in Birmingham April 26-27th, 2013. Jay will be a featured speaker for April 26 and 27th. The summit is expected to attract 600 to 900 local businesses, government officials and corporate representatives. The Portland based businessman who is in demand for speaking, training and business ventures spends time always sharing and giving back. Jay has been recognized as one of the top 10 most influential African Americans in the convention and tourism industry by Black Meetings & Tourism magazine and the entrepreneur’s entrepreneur in an Oregonian front page feature. He has been the business architect behind several successful business ventures including a multi-million dollar public garage contract and much more. Roy operates, invests or ownership in over eleven different business operations. In business for over 40 years, come and listen to his story from going from “no place to show place”. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his business and community activities. One of his most rewarding (as he claims) is Project Clean Slate which enables individuals a second chance to become productive citizens...

A Note from R. Wilde
Roy, I’d like to join you on FaceBook.  I’m messaging you first so you can look at my FB page and see if you’d like me to join your page. You’re one of my local heroes. When you were running for mayor, I really wanted you to be on the ballot. You’re one of the most accomplished citizens of this city and your example of hard work and success is an example of what is possible in life....

Kind Comments From Rudy Williams of OLCC
Roy, You look better than Donald Trump and your gift eclipses anything he could offer on Apprentice. This is huge and more than being magnanimous in light of the economy. I think what you Shepard here sends a message of profound caring. It is not what you say or what you do that matters. It is what you deliver! Who do you know would extend their self to a non family member to make such an impact on another person’s life. This is analogous to gifting the greatest gift on earth which is truly people helping people. I know no greater gift than this. Lastly, to get a woman of such stature to do a fund raiser speaks volume on your influence and, more importantly, your heart. How can I help from where I sit? Well done and well done!! You know how to raise the stakes for all and tell a story without saying a word. It is in the delivery and not in the promises. Whew! Want to grow up and be like you. Regards Rudy Williams Director, Public Safety...

Portland, Oregon Chamber video debuts in D.C.
The new Portland, Oregon Chamber of commerce video debuts in September in Washington D.C. and let me tell you, it is simply mahhhhh-velous! Be sure to take a peek…...

“ A SUPREME EVENING”
A special holiday fund raising concert for Portland area non profits and activities. Friday , December 14, 2012 at the Oregon Convention Center Portland Ballroom • Door’s open at 6: 45 pm General Admission Tickets Available Now! $100 before 12/8, $150 after 12/8 Ticket price includes special buffet.  Also featuring Portland’s own FUNkTASTIC And special emcee Steve Dunn, KATU/ ABC News...