New state Business Development Officer aims to create and retain local jobs

Chad Freeman hired as Business Development Officer for Clackamas and Washington counties

Portland, Oregon—Chad Freeman joined the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) team as the new Business Development Officer representing Clackamas and Washington counties. As the Business Development Officer for these counties Chad will be responsible for recruiting, retention and development efforts within these communities and will be a representative for the state on local economic development efforts.

"I am really excited to work closely with our partners in Clackamas and Washington counties to build on our record of success in the region," said Freeman. "These are tough economic times, and while the state will focus on helping existing businesses create new jobs while holding on to the ones they already have, we also have to prepare to compete in the 21st century economy after this recession ends."

Freeman relocated to Portland from John Day, Oregon, where he had worked for the past four years as the Executive Director of the Training and Employment Consortium (TEC). During this time, Chad was responsible for delivering workforce and economic development programs over a broad six-county area in Eastern Oregon. During his tenure he initiated a strategic planning process for the Consortium as well as leading the successful implementation of this strategic plan.

Prior to his work at TEC, Freeman served as the Grant County Economic Development Coordinator in John Day between 2003 and 2005 where he was responsible for recruitment, development and marketing while working with rural area businesses. In addition, Freeman has more than five years of experience working in commercial real estate with a focus on the retail sector and development.

Freeman earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate and a Masters of Business Administration from Colorado State University.

For additional information please visit our website: http://www.oregon4biz.com or contact your local Business Development Officer, Chad Freeman at 503-229-5117.

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.