Oregon’s future economy isn’t the weather. It’s something regions can get organized to shape. That was the idea behind CEDO’s 3rd Annual Community Collaborative & Industry Luncheon last week, and I want to thank everyone who joined us for a timely conversation about what it takes to build a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.

A special thank you to our emcee, Damon Runberg, State Economist at Business Oregon, for guiding a thoughtful and practical program, and to our keynote speaker, Francie Genz of Formation, for traveling to Lane County and challenging us to think bigger about how business-led collaboration can change a region’s economic future.

I’m also grateful to our Strategic Industry Leadership Panel; Kris Latimer of Knife River, Stephen Laffoon of Penderia Technologies, and Alicia Beymer of PeaceHealth and to everyone who came out in support of inclusive regional economic development. And thank you to our sponsors: Summit Bank, Lane Workforce Partnership, KBF Advisors, Travel Lane County, Oregon Life Sciences, Energy Trust of Oregon, and SKA Wealth Strategies of Raymond James, for investing in this work.

Most of all: thank you for showing up for inclusive regional economic development. Our future economy is being built now. Are you in?

The state of Oregon’s approach to artificial intelligence is rapidly taking shape and Lane County’s technology industry has a unique opportunity to be part of the conversation.

On April 21 from 5 – 7 PM, the University of Oregon, hosted in partnership with the Cascades West Innovation Hub, invite regional tech leaders, innovators, and practitioners to a fireside conversation featuring Nik Blosser, the state of Oregon’s first Chief Privacy Officer, in dialogue with Beth Plale, Executive Director of UO’s School of Computer and Data Science.

For companies, developers, and tech professionals working in AI, data, and emerging technologies, this is a rare chance to hear directly from a key architect of the state of Oregon’s evolving AI and privacy framework. Blosser is helping define the policies and governance structures that guide how the State of Oregon manages and regulates AI across state agencies and operations.

This event is designed with Lane County’s tech ecosystem in mind. Attendees will gain insight into how AI policy at the state level is evolving, and what it means for the region’s technology and innovation ecosystem. It’s also an opportunity to connect with peers across startups, established firms, academia, and the public sector.

Join us for an evening of insight, dialogue, and connection. Food and beverages will be provided, along with dedicated networking time.

Space is limited and registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. Reserve your spot today!

If you are an entrepreneur at any stage, come meet two people every founder should know.

Collaborative EDO is partnering with our friends at Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) to host one of their popular Co-Work with OEN days on Thursday, April 9 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive Street in downtown Eugene.

Cara Turano from OEN will be in Eugene for the day. Cara is one of the most well-connected and knowledgeable people in Oregon’s startup ecosystem. If you want to know what resources exist, where to find capital, or who you should meet next, Cara is the person to talk to.

We are also offering free 30-minute legal office hours with startup attorney Cliff DeGroot from Holland & Knight. Whether you are just getting started or scaling your company, bring your questions about incorporation, fundraising, or contracts, and get direct, expert guidance.

Spots for the legal sessions are limited, so register now to secure your time with Cliff. Stay for a FREE lunch, connect with Cara, and leave with new relationships and clear next steps. Bring your laptop and get some work done while you are here.



This event takes place at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive in Eugene, a place where Lane County startups connect, grow, and get support. Stop by for an hour of networking or stay all day, whatever works for your schedule!

Across Lane County, the Construction Aggregate Sector is stepping up in a big way, demonstrating what’s possible when industry leads workforce solutions.

Through the Lane County Construction Aggregate Sector Partnership, employers are coming together to launch a Skilled Trades Career Connection Series designed to connect high school juniors and seniors directly to careers in the trades. This three-part series, including an employability workshop, industry panel, and talent match event, offers students a clear, supported pathway from classroom to career.

What sets this effort apart is the level of employer engagement.

• Reynolds Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air
• Brinks Land Improvement
• Chambers Construction
• Delta Sand & Gravel
• Peterson Cat
• Rosboro
• River Bend Materials

...and many more are not only helping shape the experience, they are meeting directly with students and opening doors to internships, job shadows, and employment.

Industry leadership is front and center in the panel event, featuring:

• Stan Pickett (Delta Sand & Gravel)
• Darrell Anthony + Wade Cohn (Reynolds Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air)
• Mark Harrington (Chambers Construction)
• Randy Shelton (Peterson Cat)

This work reflects a shared commitment across the sector: investing in the next generation is essential to sustaining our workforce and our industry.



Are you an Industry Partner who wants to get involved? Register to attend the next Lane County Construction Aggregate Sector convening on April 22nd!