Gresham Economic Summit Focuses on Realizing Opportunity

Keynote speaker and author Ron Pernick will discuss "Clean Tech: Emerging Trends, Opportunities and Challenges.

Courtesy: pics4.city-data.com

(GRESHAM, Ore.) - In response to Gresham's rising position as a preferred location for solar manufacturing and clean technology companies, City leaders will convene a Gresham Economic Summit on April 3rd to solicit input from business leaders, stakeholders and partner organizations regarding economic development goals and strategies.

"Gresham is continuing to move forward in this economy to find ways to strengthen and grow our existing manufacturing sector, retain existing family wage jobs, and market our assets and bring in new employment opportunities," said Mayor Shane T. Bemis.

"Inviting businesses, local elected officials and experts to be part of the conversation will give us valuable feedback on shaping economic activity in Gresham."

Gresham officials say the city has much to offer businesses – marketable land, special incentives, close proximity to Portland International Airport and the Port of Portland, plus great quality of life with all the amenities a city of 100,000 can offer and yet still have a close-knit sense of community, said Councilor Paul-Warr King.

"This summit is going to lay the groundwork for taking Gresham's economic future to the next level of recruiting family wage jobs through strategic partnerships," Councilor Warr-King said.

The summit will focus on manufacturing, clean technology and professional and technical services goals utilizing group panel discussions with industry leaders and break-out sessions. Joe Cortright of Impressa Consulting will open the summit with a presentation about the regional economy and Gresham's unique strengths.

Keynote speaker and author Ron Pernick will discuss "Clean Tech: Emerging Trends, Opportunities and Challenges." Pernick is co-author of the book "The Clean Tech Revolution" and co-founder of Clean Edge, a clean-tech research and consulting firm with offices in Portland and San Francisco.

The summit is scheduled for Friday, April 3rd, in the Gresham City Hall Conference Center, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. The summit begins at 8:00 a.m. and adjourns at 2:15 p.m. Seating is limited. Business leaders and partner organizations interested in attending may contact Shannon Lopez, 503-618-2854.

For more information about the summit visit the City's Web site: GreshamOregon.gov/WORK.