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Posted July 23rd, 2010 by Green in General
Last week’s release of OBA’s research report, The Advantages and Challenges for Oregon Business, was followed by significant news coverage over the weekend.
The Oregonian highlighted the report in Sunday’s lead editorial, summarizing the need for public finance reform with a quote from OBA president Ryan Deckert, “The single greatest thing Oregon could do for business is get its house in order.” The Portland Business Journal also reviewed the report.
Additionally, Deckert was featured in an Associated Press report on Oregon’s sliding incomes. Follow the links below to read more.
“Oregon’s business climate is cooling, not warming.” The Oregonian July 18, 2010
“Behind Oregon budget woes, a slide in incomes.” Associated Press July 17, 2010
“OBA sets 2011 agenda.” Portland Business Journal July 16, 2010
Posted July 7th, 2010 by Green in General
Congressman Paul Ryan, the well-known rising star of the GOP, will offer the keynote address at this year’s OBA Statesman Dinner on October 21, 2010 at the Oregon Convention Center. The Statesman Dinner is Oregon’s largest gathering of business, political and community leaders.
Congressman Ryan recently introduced “A Roadmap for America’s Future,” a comprehensive proposal that tackles health care, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, an outdated tax code and America’s debt. Mr. Ryan and his budget proposal, called “daring solutions” by Washington Post analyst Ezra Klein, have received positive attention from President Obama and many others in both major political parties.
Mr. Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin’s first district, is currently serving his sixth term as a member of Congress. He is the ranking member of the House Budget Committee, where he is a leading voice for fiscal discipline and accountability in the federal government.
Mr. Ryan is also a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, where he has focused his efforts on making health care more affordable and accessible, reducing the complexity and burdens of our federal tax code, and strengthening American jobs and competitiveness. Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Ryan worked at Ryan Inc., Central – a construction firm that was founded by Ryan’s great-grandfather in 1884.
As previously announced, Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board for Columbia Sportswear, will be honored as the 2010 OBA Statesman of the Year at this year’s Statesman Dinner.
Posted June 29th, 2010 by Green in General
OBA is pleased to announce that Gert Boyle will be honored as 2010 Statesman of the Year at the annual Statesman Dinner. Gert is Chairman of the Board for Columbia Sportswear, the international outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment manufacturer. As a business owner who built a globally recognized brand in the face of great challenges, Gert exemplifies the Oregon entrepreneurial spirit.
Gert Boyle and her family fled Nazi Germany and moved to Portland, where her parents founded the Columbia Hat Company in 1938. After the death of her father, Gert’s husband Neal became president. Six years later at the age of 47 he died of a heart attack. Gert found herself at the helm of a financially struggling company. Her son Tim, while still in college, helped run the business.
Gert and Tim led Columbia to become a leading global seller of outdoor gear with annual sales of more than $1 billion. Gert has become an industry icon and she is a well respected leader in Portland and around the world. Her autobiography, One Tough Mother, was published in 2005. She was the first woman to be inducted into the Sporting Goods Association Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the Global Business Hall of Fame and the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
Gert’s “tough mother” attitude is an inspiration to every Oregonian to make the best of even the most difficult situations. Her success and continued commitment to the state embody the characteristics to which OBA pays tribute with its annual Statesman Award.
The 2010 Statesman Dinner will be held this October at the Oregon Convention Center. Details to follow.
Posted June 17th, 2010 by Green in General
OBA would like to congratulate the 18 member companies that were included in “The 2010 list of Oregon’s Best Green Companies to Work For” in Oregon Business magazine.
Special Recognition to the Top 10:
#1 Gerding Edlen Development Co.
#4 Bonneville Environmental Foundation
#9 Neil Kelly Company
#10 Vernier Software & Technology, LLC
Also on the The Green List:
Posted June 17th, 2010 by Green in General
Congressman David Wu joined OBA business leaders for lunch and a policy conversation on June 1 at the SolarWorld facility in Hillsboro. OBA members had the opportunity to hear the Congressman’s perspective on health care reform, energy legislation and economic development. Wu emphasized the importance of innovation to stimulate economic growth.
After the policy discussion, business leaders joined OBA member and Vice President of SolarWorld, Bob Beisner (pictured with Congressman Wu), for a tour of their solar panel manufacturing facility. The company plans to add 350 workers for two factory buildings by Sept. 30, for a total of 1,000 employees at the Hillsboro site.
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