What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Portland’s Pearl District? Perhaps it’s the area’s restaurants, urban parks, art galleries, stylish boutiques or high-rise condo buildings or the streetcar. While the district has benefited from great branding, it has become much more. It is a thriving, successful mixed-use neighborhood that continues to attract interest from both local and national retailers.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up to date in the profession through continuing education to better serve the public, is pleased to announce that Kasra Rafia DDS, of Portland, Oregon, received the association’s 2011 Fellowship award.

Bluehour, Portland’s premier Pearl District restaurant, welcomes new Executive Chef Thomas Boyce.

Portland Farmers Market just got a bit greener thanks to Portland General Electric’s sponsorship as the market’s EverGreen sponsor for the next two years.The markets, along with Portland Farmers Market’s office, will be powered by PGE renewable energy.

Lou Radja's 2011-12 term as president of Portland Pearl Rotary is well underway, after a planning meeting in June with club leaders and his induction meeting July 5. Radja succeeded Phil Rothrock on July 1.