Advancing World-Class Ambitions

The 22nd Annual Leadership Summit
December 9, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This year marked the 22nd annual Leadership Summit! On December 9th, more than 1100 Oregonians gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to renew this collaborative effort between Oregon’s business, community, and elected leaders.

Advancing World-Class Ambitions, the theme of this year’s Leadership Summit, speaks to the extraordinary opportunities for Oregon to compete on a global scale with innovative products and services – from specialty cheeses to sneakers, and from advanced wood products to computer chips and beyond. It also speaks to the opportunity we have to develop talent pathways that give Oregonians access to fulfilling careers in our advanced economy.

In keeping with the theme, this year’s Summit focused on innovative pathways for workforce and talent development and addressed Oregon’s pressing economic challenges and opportunities. Breakout sessions delved deeper into topics such as talent development through industry consortia, rural economic development, and more, offering participants actionable insights and collaborative opportunities.

The day wrapped up with the Food Forward reception, where over 400 attendees gathered to celebrate Oregon’s exceptional culinary ecosystem. Renowned chefs, talented artisans, and acclaimed producers from across the state came together to showcase the innovation and excellence that define Oregon’s vibrant food culture.

Summit Photos and Videos

See Summit photos here.

See Summit videos here.

Summit and Breakout Materials

2024 Leadership Summit Agenda

2024 Leadership Summit Handout

Breakout Session Descriptions

Key Speakers

  • Maria Pope, President and CEO of Portland General Electric and Chair of the Oregon Business Plan, led us through the day.
  • Keynote: Tom Vander Ark, CEO and Partner at Getting Smart, explored how to reimagine education to connect students with meaningful work, create pathways that meet evolving workforce needs, and leverage innovative tools for equitable, impactful learning. See more details here.
  • Dr. Jayathi Murthy, President of Oregon State University, and Dr. Karl Scholz, President of the University of Oregon, took the stage to discuss current contributions and opportunities to create more robust innovation in the Southern Willamette Valley. See more details here.
  • John O’Leary, President and CEO of Daimler Truck North America, shared the findings of the Oregon Clean Technology Task Force and outlined how the state can expand its clean tech sector. O’Leary spotlighted the economic potential of clean energy to reduce carbon emissions, generate investments, and create sustainable jobs across Oregon.
  • Renée J. James, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Ampere Computing, provided insights, focusing on advancements and opportunities to secure Oregon’s position as a global leader in this vital sector. Her perspective emphasized the importance of innovation and strategic investment in shaping the future of technology.

  • Katherine Lam, President and Co-Owner of Bambuza Hospitality Group, joined Nikki Guerrero, Owner, Hot Mama Salsa; Hannah Kullberg, Community Connector; and Mike Thelin, Principal, Bolted Consulting to discuss the industry’s role in economic development. From Oregon’s world-class culinary ecosystem to the potential for greater market expansion, this conversation explored how the sector can be a catalyst for growth and job creation.

  • Representative Ben Bowman, House Democratic Leader; Representative Christine Drazan, House Republican Leader; Senator Kayse Jama, Senate Democratic Leader; and Senator Daniel Bonham, Senate Republican Leader shared the legislative perspective on growing the economy.

  • Speaker Julie Fahey, Oregon House of Representatives and Senate President Rob Wagner, Oregon State Senate, shared the legislative outlook for 2025.

  • Governor Tina Kotek joined us to share her agenda for the year ahead.
  • Musical performances by Portland State University School of Music Student Ensembles, including PSU’s String Trio, Saxophone Quartet, Trombone Ensemble, and Jazz Vocal Collective and alumni soloists kicked off our day.

News Coverage

Oregon food and beverage CEOs on raising the industry to the next level, Portland Business Journal

Ampere’s Renée James tells Leadership Summit: ‘We can do better,’ Portland Business Journal

Oregon Gov. Kotek, lawmakers say state needs to keep focus on housing, education, mental health, Oregon Capital Chronicle

Kotek looks to tweak her signature housing legislation from 2019, aide says, The Oregonian/OregonLive

Industrial opportunities pass on Oregon due to lack of development ready land, Portland Business Journal

Governor Kotek says Portland’s a City on the Rise, KXL

Accessibility

The Oregon Business Plan is rooted in a commitment to Shared Prosperity — a vision where all Oregonians, regardless of race, region, economic circumstance, or ability, have the opportunity to thrive. This year, we’re partnering with Relay Resources as we strive to make greater shared prosperity a reality for all, recognizing that prosperity includes accessible opportunities for Oregonians with disabilities. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive space where every voice is heard, and every attendee is supported.

Relay Resources is a social enterprise nonprofit and the leading disability inclusion partner in the Pacific Northwest. With a mission to transform workplaces and communities through disability inclusion, Relay Resources works closely with organizations to implement ADA accommodations and provide guidance to support all attendees. Learn more about their work here.

Accessibility Features at the Leadership Summit:
  • ASL Interpreters & Captioning: ASL interpreters joined us for the day, and live captioning was available on screens, making it easier for those with hearing needs to engage in the conversation.
  • Sensory Relief: Sensory bags and designated sensory break stations provided a calm environment to help attendees recharge and remain engaged.
  • Sunflower Lanyards: To support those with nonapparent disabilities, we offered optional sunflower lanyards, which help others recognize and respect their needs. 
  • Accessibility Table at Registration: Our dedicated team from Relay Resources was available near registration, with trained accessibility specialists on hand to offer support throughout the day.
  • Check out the Guest and Accessibility Map!

2024 Reception

Food Forward: A Celebration of Oregon’s World-Class Culinary Ecosystem

Oregon has been at the forefront of America’s food and beverage evolution for decades. From innovative farmers and boundary-pushing chefs to independent winemakers and visionary product creators, our state has shaped the culinary landscape nationwide. This event brought together the chefs, makers, leaders, and innovators who have made Oregon a hub of culinary excellence. As we look ahead, we celebrate the vital role food and beverage will continue to play in defining our state’s identity and fueling its global ambitions.

The evening featured delicious creations from top chefs, artisans, and celebrated producers who embody Oregon’s culinary innovation and commitment to excellence. See that list here: