Oregon Business Association

OBA Business Leaders Host Governor for Discussion on Oregon's Economic Future

On Thursday February 12th, Governor Ted Kulongoski met with business leaders to review OBA's 2009 Legislative Agenda.  The lunch meeting hosted by Stoel Rives focused on the current budget challenges at the state level and Oregon's economic future.

Thirty OBA board and member company representatives comprised a broad coalition of business perspectives ranging from Oregon's two Fortune 500 companies, Nike and PCC Structurals, to the state's largest craft brewing company, Bend-based, Deschutes Brewery.

Not surprisingly, the discussion centered on the economy, with OBA business leaders offering to assist Governor Kulongoski as he steers Oregon through the choppy waters of the economic crisis.  With a focus on job retention and creation, OBA announced the formation of an OBA Economic Crisis Taskforce.  Chaired by Matt Chapman, CEO of NWEA and OBA board member, the task force will present the business community's perspective on how to deal with the current 2007-09 budget shortfall and a plan for addressing the 2009-11 budget.

OBA Economic Crisis Taskforce

On Wednesday night, following a meeting focused on education funding with Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo and the dire budget prognosis presented by House Majority Leader Rep. Mary Nolan, the OBA Board of Directors established the before metioned taskforce to address and advise on the economic crisis facing our state. The OBA Economic Crisis Taskforce will include members from the OBA Board and representatives from other OBA companies, who will develop a short-term and long-term plan for Oregon's growing budget shortfall.

With respect to the budget crisis for the 2007-09, OBA will publish its recommendation by March 1st.  These recommendations will center on a thoughtful approach to whether or not the state should dip into the Education Stability Fund and/or Rainy Day Fund to protect education and other critical services.

OBA Economic Crisis Taskforce will develop recommendations to assist in the conversation about the 2009-11 budget following the March forecast.  The plan will include proposals around efficiencies, revenue, use of one-time resources and potential cuts to balance the 2009-11 budget.  The report will recognize that we are in an unprecedented economic environment and we must find ways to engage in shared sacrifice by all sectors in order to get Oregon through these challenging times.