Note from the Executive Director |
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Celebrating Women's History Month |
With the beginning of March we usher in Women's History Month. "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories" is the theme for 2023. And so, we have invited women in leadership roles in politics, in broadcasting, in education and in business to our TWO forums this month. I hope you take a moment today to sign up for one - or both - of these events.
Additionally, with March WEA launches our new quarterly Member Reception. Following our Board Meeting, all members are invited to join us for a Happy Hour. Come meet your Board, fellow members, and the staff. There is no set programming for these Happy Hours. Just a great chance to connect, network, and enjoy refreshments together. Mark your calendars for Wednesday March 22, 5:30 - 7pm. Member invitations to follow.
Finally, as we begin to plan our 25th Anniversary celebration, I want to encourage you to reach out to WEA staff with stories, photos and memories. We will be announcing a special program in the coming months, and are hoping that those of you that have been long-time members and supporters can help us tell the full story of the WEA’s impact over the years.
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What is Senate Bill 4 and why you should care about it. |
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As the Oregon legislature enters its eighth week of session, those interested in what the state is planning to support for CHIPS Act funding should become familiar with Senate Bill 4.
Senate Bill 4 (SB4) directs Oregon Business Development Department to develop grant and loan program to support businesses applying for financial assistance under Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act of 2022. But, and importantly, it also provides the Governor a unique opportunity to redraw urban growth boundaries, bypassing Oregon’s land use system.
Oregon's land use laws are rooted in legislation passed in 1973 which created a structure that required cities and counties to prep area comprehensive plans. While this granting of additional power via the Executive Order is temporary in the bill’s language, the impact to the state’s landscape would have long lasting impacts for expanding and attracting new manufacturers as well as building out Oregon’s workforce.
Many have argued that Oregon’s land use system leaves the state unable to move quickly to identify and prepare appropriate tracks of land for development, resulting in less competitiveness for large advantaged manufacturing opportunities.
While it is too early to know what the final language of the bill will permit, the discussion in Salem is heating up. To find out more about SB4 or other issues coming before the Joint Committee on Semiconductors click here for their meeting calendar and to view previous hearings.
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Notice of Funding: Commercial Fabrication Facilities
Late last week Congresswoman Bonamici's office shared that the Commerce Department released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities. This is the first of several funding opportunities that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Program Office will use to accomplish the goals laid out in the CHIPS and Science Act. The CHIPS Program Office also released a Vision of Success which details what a decade of strategic CHIPS Act investments can accomplish.
NOFO Launch Webinar February 28th: The Commerce department hosted a public webinar about the NOFO launch on Tuesday, February 28. The presentation slides can be viewed here. Future webinars, will be hosted throughout March, and will be available on the Chips.gov website.
If you are interested in more information the Chips Program Office Bonamici's office has two dedicated emails, [email protected] and [email protected] (applicants, customers, investors), with a team ready to share accurate information in a timely manner.
Please see the resources below and feel free to share these widely with your colleagues.
NOFO AND VISION PAPER
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March Forums: Registration Open |
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Westside Economic Alliance is pleased to announce a first-time visit from newly elected Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. Salinas represents Oregon's new 6th Congressional District. This district was one of seven new U.S. House districts created as a result of apportionment after the 2020 census. She will join WEA to share her perspective on DC from the eyes of a newcomer.
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ANNOUNCING MODERATOR: KGW'S Brenda Braxton
We are thrilled to announce that KGW Anchor Brenda Braxton will be moderating our esteemed panel. As WEA celebrates Women’s History Month we will amplify and elevate women in leadership roles to provide inspiration and insight. Being a woman in a leadership position brings unique challenges and opportunities. Join PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings, PGE CEO Maria Pope and President & Chief Executive Officer for Legacy Health, Kathryn Correia for a lively and engaging conversation about life in the “C-Suite”.
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Washington County Online Open House: Transit Study
What can make public transit easier to use? Which important issues or concerns should we address first? Learn more and take the survey. Sign up for study updates to have a chance to win a gift card!
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Westside Cities celebrate Women's History Month
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. This celebration has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.
The 2023 Women's History Month theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." This theme recognizes, "women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media."
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Cornelius and Forest Grove State of the Cities
The Cornelius and Forest Grove Joint State of the Cities were held on Monday, February 27 at the Cornelius Library. Jeffrey Dalin, Mayor of Cornelius, and Malynda Wenzel, Mayor of Forest Grove, shared recent collaborations and success and upcoming projects in their communities.
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Committee & Board Meetings |
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Upcoming Committee & Board meetings
WEA Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday Mar 22, 3:30 - 5pm.
Coming soon:
Joint Land Use & Housing and Government Relations on SB 4
Joint Transportation and Government Relations Committee on Tolling
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Want to Join the Golf Committee?
The Westside Scramble is Thursday, July 27th at the Reserve Vineyard & Golf Club with a shotgun start at 12:30. The Committee, chaired by Diego Arguea, meets the second Friday of the month at WEA.
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Want to get your organization out front?
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Looking to get more involved with WEA?
There are lots of opportunities to engage. In addition to our regular Forums, members can join a committee. Come to every meeting, or just pop in for the topics of interest. Reach out to Dani to get connected with Transportation, Government Relations or Land Use & Housing committees.
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