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OBA Member Mark Edlen Speaks to president Obama's cabinet

This past Friday, Mark Edlen, CEO of Gerding Edlen Development, met with members of President Obama's cabinet, other "green jobs" experts and Vice President Joe Biden at the inaugural meeting of Biden's White House Middle Class Task Force. The meeting was held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and its main focus: Green Jobs.

Edlen spoke about the role of the business community in the creation of green jobs, as well as how some of the federal stimulus money can go to make commercial buildings more energy efficient. He envisions thousands of new engineers, architects and other skilled laborers being hired for this new work. According to Edlen, just $1 billion of the $787 billion federal stimulus would go into this project, creating more than 12,000 construction jobs and 6,000 factory jobs.

During the meeting, Edlen also spoke to Vice President Biden and the rest of the attendees about The Oregon Way, a new initiative orchestrated by Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The Oregon Way advisory board will help guide the state's share of the stimulus package, in addition to evaluating new projects based on how sustainable they are.

A proud Oregonian, Edlen discussed Oregon's efforts to be a leading contender in the "green" race by focusing on the integration of various forms of transportation, zero emission buildings and other sustainable practices. We are lucky to have such an enthusiastic spokesperson speaking as both an Oregonian and a member of Oregon Business Association.

The Fabulous Forty under 40

Each year, the Portland Business Journal announces its annual 40 Under Forty Award. The award is given to celebrate 40 professionals under the age of forty who are currently making a name for themselves in Portland. These distinguished professionals are honored for their achievements at an annual reception and dinner, hosted by the Portland Business Journal. Once again, OBA and its members have done fabulously - ten have made the cut! Congratulations to these members for their outstanding work:

Braulio Baptista, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP
Chris Bowles, Portland Trail Blazers
Andrew Campion, Nike Inc.
Ryan Deckert, President, Oregon Business Association, Former Oregon State Senator
Elisa Dozono, Miller Nash LLP
Dr. Gwen Grewe, Legacy Health System
Elizabeth Howard, Dunn Carney Allen Higgins & Tongue LLP
Orlando Medina, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Tatiana Perry, Tonkon Torp LLP
Tobias Read, Nike Inc., Oregon State Representative