Economic summit showcases Eastern Oregon’s opportunities and challenges in changing environment
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON — (News release from the Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition) More than 300 leaders from across Oregon gathered on June 20-21 for the 4th Annual Eastern Oregon Economic Summit for an in-depth and thought-provoking discussion on energy, environment, workforce, and more.
The two-day event, developed and hosted by the Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition, included industry tours, expert presenters, and a legislative panel looking ahead at the 2025 Legislative Session.
“It was an incredible opportunity to have a detailed and informed conversation about Eastern Oregon’s economy with people who work in our communities and industries every day. Hearing so many different voices and perspectives empowers leaders to make better decisions and plan for a better future,” said Bobby Levy, president of EOWC. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to our guests, our presenters, and our sponsors who make this event possible.”
Industry tours on Thursday included stops at the McNary Dam and ports of Umatilla and Morrow, as well as housing development, farming, energy production, and waste management sites. An evening reception at the base of a wind turbine hosted on the family farms of EOWC board members Melissa Lindsay and Erin Hansell-Heideman showcased Eastern Oregon’s hybrid approach to agriculture and energy production.
On Friday, leaders in energy, transportation, agriculture, local government and other areas gathered at Hermiston High School to discuss the ways the changing climate and state policy decisions affect Eastern Oregon’s economy. The panelists talked about innovative problem-solving and opportunities for collaboration, and legislators discussed their plans for the 2025 Legislative Session.
The Summit was created as a collaborative platform to forge partnerships, share innovative ideas, and chart a course for sustained economic vitality in Eastern Oregon communities. More than a dozen legislators from across the state participated in the Summit to learn more about issues relevant to Eastern Oregon.
The Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition was created in 2006 to help bridge the urban-rural divide in Oregon by offering education and facilitating meaningful dialogue. Learn more at https://eowc.biz/.
Photo by Timothy Bishop for EOWC shows the more than 300 people gathered at Hermiston High School Friday for the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit.
