Our local economy is full of opportunities for innovation. This series of micro-talks from local thought leaders will explore the projects and initiatives that are cultivating a stronger regional economy. 

Matt Sayre​

​Eugene’s Growing Tech Sector and the Future of Eugene

Greater Eugene Oregon is increasingly known as one of the best places in the country for internet access and was recently recognized as the first Mozilla Gigabit City on the West Coast. Join the Eugene Chamber and Matt Sayre from the Technology Association of Oregon to hear ambitious plans to grow the local tech sector and increase economic prosperity throughout Lane County.
​
Matt Sayre is the Director of the Technology Association of Oregon. In 2015, TAO and other local partners helped Eugene secure a Top 10 up and coming tech cities in the Nation title from Fast Company Magazine

Courtney Griesel

We are Springfield!

​A look at the innovative projects, bold partnerships and resilient culture of leadership in Springfield, Oregon.

University of Oregon Distinguished Recent Alumna award recipient, Courtney Griesel is the City of Springfield, OR Economic Development Manager. She has a Masters of Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy & Management from the University of Oregon

Kari Westlund

The Economic Power of Regional Marketing

Remember all those P words from your college marketing class? They pack an economic punch if used strategically, and are creating potential for community legacy projects to be in place in time for Oregon21. Kari will illustrate for us the power of regional marketing strategies on our local economy.
Kari Westlund has thirty-five years of experience in the hospitality industry in Alaska and Oregon, the past twenty as President and CEO of Travel Lane County. Kari is a past-chair of the Oregon Tourism Commission, Oregon Track Club, and Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene. She currently serves on the US Travel and DMA West Foundation boards.

Isaac Marquez

More than a pretty picture: Arts & Prosperity in Eugene

From economic engine to identity driver; this presentation explores the contributions of Eugenes cultural sector to the city's overall vitality. Utilizing recently released data from Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 and stories from the 20x21 EUG Mural Project, audience members will develop a better understanding of the powerful role arts and culture play in Eugene.
Isaac Marquez is an arts leader and civil servant who has served in leadership roles with the City of Eugene since 2003. Isaac graduated from the University of Oregon in 1998 with a degree in Environmental Studies.