Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

by Christie Scott Early in the morning on June 9, planning and preparedness prevailed at the Oregon Liquor Control Commission - which prevented what could have been a costly mishap for the citizens of Oregon. Approximately 9:00 a.m. that day, a power line and pole were downed by a contractor working on site at the OLCC headquarters office in Milwaukie. The six-hour power outage affected the entire OLCC building including the warehouse that holds the state’s distilled spirits. Thanks to a contingency plan that involved several divisions within the agency, the OLCC was able to fulfill all of the orders placed by Liquor Store agents with no loss of revenue to the state. The precautions included limited back-up power supply and Information Technology strategy that allowed access to email and the ability for liquor store agents to place orders to the distribution center in such an event. Retail services staff worked one-on-one with liquor store agents to ensure that their orders

by Joy Spencer Michael E. Harper, Sr. has been appointed to the OLCC’s board of commissioners. Harper was nominated by Gov. John Kitzhaber and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Harper brings a rich background in public speaking and a passion for teamwork and collaboration to the OLCC. Harper is a graduate of North Park University in Chicago, IL and is currently an agent with State Farm Insurance. Prior to joining State Farm in 1991, Harper was forward-center for the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball team, and later served as the team’s Speakers Bureau Director. Harper’s also coached youth basketball for Riverdale High School, Fairview High School and Valley Catholic School. Active in the community, Harper’s public service experience includes member of the SW Portland Rotary, Western Oregon University Foundation board member, Prince Hall Mason F & A.M. Deputy Grand Master, served on the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery board and the State of Oregon Commission on Children and Fa