Exec. Talk

By: Steve Gilmore, CEO

The economic news right now is all over the place and it is not clear if we have reached the bottom of the recession in Oregon. The numbers from the University of Oregon and other economic indicators show some improvements and some very troubling downward trends.

In Wilsonville we have several good news stories on the economy like the addition to the Oregon Institute of Technology, and several of our employers are adding new jobs to our local economy including Coke and Rockwell Collins as two examples. These are great stories and we are lucky that these companies are investing in Wilsonville. Those investments will help every type of business in Wilsonville and will help spur the economic vitality of our community.

If you are ever feeling a little down about our economy or our future in general, inspiration is not hard to find. Just look at our small businesses and entrepreneurs and they will give you great inspiration and hope. These people are extraordinary individuals who create more than 60% of all net new jobs, develop most of our innovations and inventions, and are the unsung heroes in our community. These “people” are YOU and with your hard work and dedication you will ultimately help pull this economy out of recession. You are the unsung heroes of our community and we thank you for everything that you do.

We cannot lose sight of what allows you to pursue your dreams, better your lives, and hire our friends and neighbors. It is the free enterprise system, which is the greatest economic system ever devised. It is very important that we continue to defend and advance this system during these difficult economic times.

The Wilsonville Chamber is honored to represent you and to defend the free enterprise system. As always please feel free to call me at (503) 682-0411 or email me at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com with your questions or concerns, because we are in this together and the Chamber is here to help you.