Every winning team runs a few plays flawlessly. At Collaborative EDO our game changer is proactive business recruitment that brings good jobs to Lane County. We’re closing the wage gap by recruiting companies whose occupations beat our regional median wage and by strengthening local supply chains so more of every dollar circulates here at home.

What moves the ball?

• Shovel Ready Industrial Land: We’re working with partners to unlock shovel‑ready sites countywide, including recent successes along I‑5 in Coburg and in West Eugene.

• Connecting Talent Pipelines: Pairing city and state tools with practical supports like offsetting the cost of new employee training and connecting talent pipelines, and student career tours that literally bus talent to local employers.

• Aggressive Lead Generation: From SelectUSA to BIO International to collaboration with Technology Association of Oregon and Oregon Bioscience Association; we’re in the right rooms with the right companies at the right time.

Recruitment can and does work. This month’s World Class Industries Tailgate is another chance to put our region’s best foot forward with prospects and suppliers.

If you know a company we should be courting to our region, or a supplier that belongs here, send them our way. Let’s run the playbook together and score big for business.

— Matt

The bioscience industry continues to grow as a key driver of innovation and economic development in Oregon, with Lane County playing an increasingly important role. Across the state, bioscience contributes over $11 billion in direct economic output and supports more than 75,000 jobs. In Lane County, private bioscience companies employ over 1,200 people and received approximately $57 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding last year. With high wages, expanding research capacity, and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, bioscience is one of Oregon’s most promising and resilient sectors.

As the industry grows, so does the importance of recognizing the leaders helping to shape its future. This fall, Oregon Bioscience Association will present its first-ever Bioscience Woman of the Year Award to celebrate exceptional women in bioscience who are driving innovation, mentorship, and impact across the state. The award reflects the mission of Oregon Bio Women, a statewide initiative dedicated to increasing visibility and leadership opportunities for women in the life sciences.

Three finalists have been selected. Dr. Summer Gibbs, a professor at OHSU and co-founder of Trace Biosciences, is developing advanced imaging technologies that improve surgical outcomes. She is also widely recognized for her mentorship of early-career researchers and for building inclusive, high-impact teams. Jenn Klotz, Senior lead of local Government Affairs and Community Engagement for Genentech in Oregon, has led initiatives that strengthen Oregon’s bioscience workforce and raise the profile of the industry through statewide partnerships and programs like Oregon Bio Impact. Heather Ellis, Executive Director of OTRADI and the Oregon Bioscience Incubator, has expanded support for bioscience startups and built a strong culture of collaboration and access for emerging companies.

The winner will be announced during the Oregon Bio Annual Conference, held September 29 - 30 in Portland. The award marks a new chapter in Oregon’s efforts to ensure women are recognized, supported, and celebrated for their leadership in this critical industry.

Starting in October, Latino Professionals Connect (LPC) is hosting networking nights in a new location, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce! This new partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening community ties and expanding opportunities for professionals and business owners across Lane County.

The Chamber’s central location offers more than just convenience, it creates a welcoming hub where ideas can spark, partnerships can grow, and the vibrant contributions of Latinx professionals can shine. Together, LPC and the Chamber are dedicated to supporting Latinx-owned businesses, while fostering the leadership, resilience, and innovation that strengthen our entire region.

Join the kickoff at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, October 1st. The event is complimentary and open to all. Make it a full night out by heading over to Main Street for a bite or drink before or after!

On Saturday, September 20, Collaborative EDO, Oregon Bioscience Association, and Technology Association of Oregon are suiting up for the World Class Industries Tailgate presented by Avantor, an invitation-only pre-game huddle before the Rivalry Series game between Oregon State and the Ducks. We’re bringing over 175 business owners, elected officials, community leaders, and innovative companies together for the ultimate networking play.

This isn’t just about Claim 52 brews, Marsh & Mallow Co. s’mores and pom-poms, it’s about moving the ball forward for Oregon’s economy. From big-picture strategy to quick sideline chats, this is where industries connect, partnerships form, and winning ideas take the field. 

While the event is by invitation only, we’re scouting for organizations and businesses who should be in the room. If you are looking to actively engage in economic development in Lane County and want to join the tailgate, now’s the time to call the play.

You’ll be in great company, joining an all-star lineup of sponsors: Avantor, CAI, Emerald Broadband, Heritage Bank, Lane Workforce Partnership, Oregon Bio Women, and SKA Wealth Management by Raymond James.

Email us at info@collaborativeedo.org to learn more.

Oregon’s life science sector is fueling innovation and economic growth statewide, and the Oregon Bio 2025 Annual Conference will highlight how regions like the Southern Willamette Valley are helping drive this momentum. With keynotes, awards, the Innovation Showcase featuring local entrepreneurs, and networking opportunities, it’s a chance to see Lane County’s role in shaping Oregon’s bioscience future.