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Our next Community Service event is coming up in April. Join us for a Spring Clean-up with SOLVE. Sign-up information coming soon.

Oregon Spring Cleanup | SOLVE

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Donate Toys to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital!

Donate anytime via their Wish Lists on Amazon or Target! Once you land on their donation page, click on either Amazon or Target wish list, choose your item(s) and they will be shipped directly to Doernbecher.

View their wish list: Wish List | OHSU

In July 2024 ASSP announced a phased increase in membership dues over the next three years. This decision was voted on by the ASSP Board of Directors and was based on the results of a research project that was approved in 2022 and the fact that costs continue to increase to deliver exceptional member benefits. The research indicated that most members would support an increase in their investment if membership provided additional value. The two key changes are:

1. Phased increase in annual membership dues over next three years
2. All members can now join any and all Common Interest Groups and Practice Specialties at NO COST, giving them access to these colleagues across industries and identities and free CEUs through webinars offered by these communities.

Learn more about the changes here: Q&A: Unlock More Value in Your ASSP Membership

Phased Increase in Membership Fees

Starting September 2024:

• Phased increase in dues over the next three years:
  • First Year: $195 USD (currently $180 in U.S., $150 in Canada)
  • Second Year: $205 USD
  • Third Year: $215 USD
• Other rates:
  • Members outside U.S. and Canada: $80 USD
  • Students and emeritus members: $15 USD

This is the first increase for U.S. members since a phased increase between 2017-2019.

This change does NOT affect your chapter dues.

Increased Free Access to CIG and PS Communities!

As part of this restructuring, all members will now have the opportunity to join any or all common interest groups and practice specialty communities at no additional cost. Previously, membership in each group or community was $20/each/year. Here are a few benefits you can receive when participating in these communities:

• Broader Connections: Engage with colleagues across 18 practice specialties and four common interest groups.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Collaborate, discuss best practices, and share resources with industry peers.
• Learning Opportunities: Access over 80 webinars annually, many offering free CEUs.
• Financial Relief: No extra fees for joining groups, reducing financial burden.
• Customizable Experience: Add or remove groups anytime to suit your needs.
• Commitment to DEI: Reflects ASSP’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Practice Specialties: Practice Specialty Communities for Safety Professionals | ASSP

Common Interest Groups: Common Interest Communities for Safety Professionals | ASSP

Dear ASSP-CWC Members,

As we embark on the 2024-2025 Chapter Year, I want to take a moment to share some important updates regarding our monthly membership meetings. These meetings are a cornerstone of our Chapter, providing valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. However, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these events, we have made some necessary adjustments to the fee structure.

New Fee Structure for Monthly Meetings:

1. ASSP-CWC Member, Pre-Register & Pay in Advance: $25.00 (No Increase)
2. ASSP-CWC Member, Pre-Register & Pay at Door: $30.00 (Increase of $5.00)
3. Guest, Pre-Register & Pay in Advance: $35.00 (Increase of $5.00)
4. Guest, Pre-Register & Pay at Door: $37.50 (Increase of $7.50)
5. Students: $5.00 (Increase of $5.00)
6. Past Presidents at Past President’s Meeting: $0.00 (No Change)
7. New Members (First Meeting w/ Code): $0.00 (No Change)

The Why Behind These Changes:

Our Chapter meetings are hosted at Brix Tavern, a wonderful venue that ensures we have the space and resources needed to deliver high-quality events. However, each meeting comes at a cost to the Chapter, particularly when individuals pre-register and select to pay at the door and do not attend. We provide a headcount to Brix Tavern in advance, and when those numbers don’t align with actual attendance, we incur significant losses.

To reduce our financial losses and ensure the Chapter’s stability, we’ve made the following decisions:

1. Subsidizing Costs for Members: Despite the changes, we are committed to continuing to subsidize a portion of the lunch cost for our members. We believe this is an important benefit that adds value to your membership.
2. Discouraging “Pay-at-the-Door” No-Shows: We recognize that flexibility is important, so we will continue to allow pay-at-the-door registration. However, we’ve increased the cost slightly to discourage this practice as no-shows have been a significant contributor to our financial losses.
3. Reducing Subsidies for Non-Members: Guests who pre-register and pay in advance will still receive a small subsidy on their meal. However, the subsidy will be significantly reduced compared to members, aligning with our goal of incentivizing membership while managing costs.
4. Encouraging Student Attendance: Students remain an essential part of our community, and we want to continue to support their involvement. By introducing a nominal fee, we hope to enhance the likelihood that registered students will attend, reducing the chance of losses due to no-shows.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we implement these changes. Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving Chapter that continues to offer valuable experiences to all members. If you have any questions or concerns about these updates, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the ASSP-CWC community.

Warm regards,

Brittany Johnston

President, Columbia Willamette Chapter

How long have you worked in Occupational Safety & Health (OSH)?

I started working in EHS or OHS in 1999 after my discharge from the Marine Corps. 

When did you begin your safety career? What was your first job?

I was working as a project manager for a small painting contractor. My boss approached me about doing safety because we were getting into military construction. He knew my background in the Marines included being a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare specialist for my section. 

Where do you work now, what is your role? What do you like about it?

I am the EHS director for Skanska USA Building’s Oregon office. I enjoy the type of work we do. I enjoy the people I work with, including the awesome EHS staff. 

What motivates you to be a safety professional?

The service to the profession and the industry. I have been fortunate to have an influence on national and state regulations, consensus standards, and professional development. My career is about supporting people and helping them better their perspectives. 

Do you have any memorable experiences as an OSH professional you would like to share?

Serving as president of the BCSP I was invited by the Saudi Kingdom to present at their second safety conference. I met the head of the UK HSE (OSHA equivalent) and was wined and dined from the day we arrived to the day we left. It was a memorable experience because of the gracious people I met from all around the Middle East. 

Why are you a member of ASSP and what value have you found in being a member?

The people have been the greatest asset in the ASSP. It is the largest representative of our profession. The PDCs and conferences have helped me expand my knowledge and improve upon my career. 

What do you like to do when you aren’t doing safety stuff?

My wife and I have visited several countries, states, and cities. We love to eat and enjoy the finest things life offers. We enjoy smoking a great cigar and drinking the finest whiskey.