Our mission at the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce is simple in focus, bold in impact: Building and Connecting Businesses, Growing Leaders and Shaping Our Community. We put our mission at the center of every decision and action, driving success for our members, constituents, and the broader community.
Last week, our CEO Megan De Salvo attended the 23rd annual Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit at the Oregon Convention Center alongside other business, community and elected leaders from across Oregon to confront the forces shaping our state’s future and to chart a path forward. The group examined hard truths with clarity, elevated innovative ideas, and evaluated the strategies necessary to build an economy that serves Oregon now and in the future.
Oregon is at a turning point. The days of effortless growth have passed, and systems designed for past challenges are increasingly out of step with current realities. Still, Oregon has always been defined by opportunity – leveraging its natural strengths and the creativity of its people to turn limits into momentum and uncertainty into renewal.
Following the morning presentations, attendees joined breakout sessions exploring Oregon’s most urgent economic priorities. Megan’s first breakout session was Food Forward: Crafting a World-Class Reputation for Oregon Food, Beverage and Culinary. The Tigard Chamber owns and operates the Tigard Farmers Market and works to support and uplift our local food vendors whenever possible. Tigard is also home to several family-owned restaurants, breweries, taphouses, wineries and new culinary gems. This session educated attendees on ways they can elevate Oregon’s reputation as a world-class food, beverage and culinary ecosystem while expanding economic benefits statewide.
Megan’s second breakout session was FAST: A Model for Faster Economic Development. FAST unites 95 partners to expand semiconductor and AI innovation and build pathways to high-wage jobs. Attendees learned how FAST is partnering to pursue major federal investment to boost Oregon’s competitiveness. The Tigard Chamber is a workforce development advocate. We partner with other local organizations whose missions align with our goal of developing community leaders and being a catalyst for business growth. We value our workforce talent and recognize it as essential to long-term economic strength.
Overall, the Leadership Summit was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with state leaders on a clear, actionable path forward. We are entering 2026 with optimism and a clear focus on achieving meaningful results!