Key players in the discussion included Shiau Yen Chin-Dennis, managing partner at K&L Gates’ Portland office and board member of K&L Gates; Angela Wilhelms, president and CEO at Oregon Business & Industry Association; Katherine Lam, president and CEO at Bambuza Hospitality Group; and Monique Claiborne, president and CEO at Greater Portland Inc. Read on for their thoughts, observations, concerns and suggestions.
Katherine Lam: To me, competitiveness is about bringing our unique selves to the table. Oregon doesn’t need to be like every other state — we need to focus on what makes us attractive: our people, our industries and our quality of life. We have abundant natural resources — delicious water, fresh clean air, mountains, forests, waterfalls, oceans and climate-friendly environmental protections to keep these intact. We have family-friendly outdoor recreation activities, festivals, farmers markets and more. And Oregon’s culture stands out from the pack, with its diverse community of kind and talented people, its skilled workforce, an appreciation for the arts, sports celebrations, a passion for good food, great infrastructure, and historic bridges and neighborhoods. What makes us unique gives us an edge, if we choose to own it.
Right now, Oregon is losing ground — and it’s not for lack of talent, creativity or passion. It’s because the cost of doing business is rising fast, and the red tape and taxes we experience at the state and local level feel out of touch with the reality of operating a business. Small and mid-size businesses bring so much value to Oregon — especially the ones owned by local entrepreneurs, families and immigrants. These are the job creators. The hard workers. Local and state policymakers should collaborate to make it easier for all sizes of businesses to open, grow and stay with Oregon.