Oregon Business Development Day at the Capitol highlights state efforts to create and save jobs for Oregonians

Officials, business leaders outline successful efforts to help communities create jobs statewide

SALEM—The state's top economic development officials today outlined their plans for helping Oregon businesses create and retain jobs while positioning the state to succeed in the post-recession, 21st century economy.

Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) Director Tim McCabe and Oregon Economic and Community Development Commission Chair Wally Van Valkenburg visited key state legislators during Oregon Business Development Day at the Capitol.

"We want our legislators to know that our emphasis is on creating and saving jobs at existing Oregon businesses as well as our efforts to attract more investment into the state," said OECDD Director McCabe. "Our team is working closely with our economic development partners across the state to help local communities and their residents."

In addition, McCabe and Van Valkenburg echoed the Governor's vision to cement Oregon's position as a recognized leader in innovation and the renewable energy economy of the 21st century.

"Whether it is testing electric cars, building solar panels or encouraging wind energy developments, Oregon has already surged to the front of the pack when it comes to the nation's next wave of economic growth," said Van Valkenburg. "When the current recession recedes—and it will—we want to make sure Oregon is well positioned to grow jobs and wealth from coastal communities to the plains of eastern Oregon."

The state's business development team met with legislative leadership and more than two dozen legislators during the all-day event. The group described the many local successes fueled, in part, by the assistance of the OECDD statewide team of business development officers.

"We have helped create and retain thousands of jobs across the state of Oregon," said McCabe. "But now we must ensure existing Oregon businesses survive this economic storm and the state is well positioned to hit the ground running when it ends. To that end, our efforts will focus on making sure existing Oregon businesses sustain their competitive advantages."

The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department works to create, retain, expand and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living wage-jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. Visit www.oregon4biz.com for more information on doing business in Oregon.