Hello friends,

Economic development does not take summers off! I’m excited to share Collaborative EDO’s August newsletter, highlighting several local gatherings aimed at accelerating inclusive economic prosperity across Lane County.

Welcome: 10 Years ago, local tech sector professionals came together and made a list of things they wanted to change in our region to accelerate job growth in the tech industry. It worked and many benefited. Ride sharing service from Uber, high speed fiber internet throughout Lane County, and the creation of more high wage local jobs are the direct result of that intentional work. On July 9th, tech professionals came together again, read more in the Welcome update below.

Innovate: Local startup companies joined CEDO & Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) on July 13th, in Eugene, to access more resources statewide.

Thrive: Know someone currently looking for work? Tell them to join us on August 18th for Career Highlight Night. Dozens of companies who are hiring will be there AND you can catch the EMS’s game for free!

I invite you to learn more about local leaders gathering together to make amazing things happen in our regional economy! 

In partnership,

Matt

On July 9th CEDO, Lane Workforce Partnership, and Technology Association of Oregon co-convened a Tech Sector Revitalization Meeting, inviting dozens of local tech professionals. Representing both tech companies and tech-enabled companies, the group discussed challenges that are holding back job growth in Lane County. 

Three thematic challenges rose to the top: education, high-wage job attraction, and social welfare.  This series of meetings will help set the agenda for Tech Sector Strategy work over the next few years, for our region.

Interested in adding your voice to this discussion? Please reach out for an invite! Info@CollaborativeEDO.org

On July 13th, Collaborative EDO and Oregon Entrepreneurs Network welcomed guests to Coffee & Connect at Dark Pine Coffee for a morning of networking and collaboration. 

Attendees had the opportunity to meet Cara Turano, Executive Director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, learn about statewide resources for startups, and tips for successful OEN Entrepreneurship Award nominations. The morning was full of key players, local founders from Eugene Made, SynPlexity, Fig and Bean Bakery, Pollinate, ChartLamp, Skufinity, Longevity Path LLC, Scope 3 Solutions, SokoLife, Paige Lakin Consultants, Eugene Stylist, Love for Lane County, Tradition Care LLC, Better Than Nothing and many more! 

Connections were sparked between entrepreneurs and seasoned mentor founders, it was a melting pot of ideas and inspiration, with businesses finding common ground and potential collaborations. The gathering was a testament to our vibrant, supportive community, where productive networking isn’t just encouraged - it’s celebrated with a smile and a cup of Dark Pine’s finest brew.

Collaborative EDO, in partnership with WorkSource Oregon Lane, Lane Workforce Partnership, and the Eugene Emeralds, is excited to announce another Career Highlight Night on Sunday, August 18th, 3:30 pm - 5:30pm at PK Park!

This event offers a fantastic opportunity to meet local employers, explore new career paths, and enjoy a great baseball game. Attendees will receive free parking and tickets to the game, making it a perfect outing for job seekers and families alike. No registration is required to attend the job fair and the game begins at 5:05pm.

Interested in getting a table for your business? 

There is still time, email me and we will get you set up. Don't miss out on this chance to network and have fun. See you at the ballpark!

This exclusive gathering, for partners, members, and invited guests is co-hosted by Collaborative EDO, Technology Association of Oregon, and Oregon Bioscience Organization, and promises a day filled with excitement, networking, and celebration.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Find out more HERE.

Are you a Latinx/Hispanic Artisan, Purveyor, or Craftsperson?

We invite you to showcase your unique talents and products at our Hispanic Heritage Month Mercadito during the Latino Professionals Connect event on October 2nd at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

This is a fantastic opportunity to share your work with the community, connect with fellow professionals, and celebrate your rich heritage. Don't miss out on this chance to shine, send an email to info@collaborativeedo.org for more information!