Chamber Calendar
Connect with Success AM meeting, 7-9 a.m. Friday, March 29, ITT Technical Institute, 9500 N.E. Cascades Parkway, Portland.
Connect with Success AM meeting, 7-9 a.m. Friday, April 5, hosted by Honest-1 Auto Care at Skyland Pub, 3175 S. Troutdale Road, Troutdale.
Board of Directors, 7-9 a.m. Thursday, March 28, Mount Hood Community College Board Room, 26000 S.E. Stark St., Gresham.
Government Affairs, noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, Riverview Community Bank, 225 E. Burnside Road, Gresham.
Resource Team, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Thursday, April 4, Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, board room, 701 N.E. Hood Ave.
Local pediatrician heads research program
Dr. John Calcagno is leading the local ConnectMe clinical research program to determine the safety and tolerability of an investigative drug to treat specific symptoms of autism, Aspergers disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). 
The program is enrolling children ages 6-12 who have autism, Aspergers disorder and PDD-NOS to evaluate the drugs effects on social interaction and communication.
Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that autism spectrum disorders affect one out of every 88 children in the United States. Two of the most common characteristics of the disorders are problems with social interaction and communication.
Problems with socialization and communication can have a devastating impact on families touched by autism spectrum disorders, Calcagno said. As one of the largest independent pediatric research facilities in Oregon, we are committed to being a part of this important global study.
Calcagno is a local pediatrician with a 20-year career in private practice in Gresham. He is also president, medical director and principal investigator with Cyn3rgy Research, an independent research clinic in Portland. The organization works with local and statewide medical associations and has conducted federally funded studies to improve the health and wellness of pediatric patients.
For more information on the research program or to see if your child is eligible to participate in the study, call 877-900-8735.
Riverview names two new VPs
Riverview Community Bank recently announced the addition of Larry Schwartz, as vice president, business development officer, and Robert Johnson, as vice president, commercial loan officer.
Schwartz brings nearly 30 years of business and local banking experience to Riverview, including a strong background in management, lending and credit approval. He is a graduate of the National Consumer Credit School in Norman, Okla. He serves on the board and executive committee for the Portland Sunshine Division and is also a board member with Portland Fire and Rescues Toy N Joy Makers. In his new capacity at Riverviews Gresham branch, Schwartz will continue to build professional and strategic business banking relationships throughout East County. Schwartz can be reached directly at 503-912-5403.
Johnson is an Oregon native, with a bachelors degree in economics from the University of Oregon. He also holds certification in bank management from the Pacific Coast Graduate School of Banking in Seattle. 
Johnson has more than 25 years of experience in commercial lending and banking services. He is a board member of Westside Community Focus, a regular volunteer with his church and a longtime volunteer with Boy Scouts of America. Based in Riverviews Gateway branch, Johnson will help local businesses with their banking needs. Johnson can be reached at 503-517-3504.
Riverview Bancorp, based in Vancouver, Wash., is the parent company for Riverview Community Bank and Riverview Asset Management Corp. The bank operates 18 branches, with 13 in the metro area and three lending centers.
Gresham businessman joins floor covering staff
John Pertl, former owner of Pertile Masters in Gresham, has been added as a consultant with Classique Floors in Portland.
Pertl brings many years of experience as tile setter and floor covering specialist, said Judith Huck, owner of Classique Floors, and will help us meet the floor covering needs of both our residential and commercial customers.
Classique Floors operates a showroom at 14127 S.E. Stark St., and has recently undergone a major expansion. The business was founded in 1977.
For more information, call 503-255-6775.
Just in time for spring
Soroptimist International of Gresham has started its annual Spring Flower Sale, with a variety of hanging baskets and potted color gardens available for order through Thursday, April 18.
Proceeds from the sale support ongoing Soroptimist philanthropy projects, such as local scholarships, grants and aid to community nonprofit groups.
Soroptimist International of Gresham is a professional womens association dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls by helping them achieve their goals. The local group was founded in 1977 and maintains a membership of approximately 45 women.
Flowers will be available for pick up Friday, May 10, at Gresham Memorial Chapel.
For more information or to order flowers, call Lee Kinnear-Devore at 503-665-6857 or Kathy Grimes at 503-665-8804.