Eastern Oregon University was title sponsor of Eastern Oregon Economic Summit that brought hundreds to La Grande

Aug. 8, 2023

Eastern Oregon University was title sponsor of Eastern Oregon Economic Summit that brought hundreds to La Grande

LA GRANDE, Ore. – More than 200 statewide industry leaders, politicians, businessmen, and businesswomen gathered at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) on Thursday and Friday of last week to participate in tours, listen to speakers, and attend discussion panels focused on the regional economy, federal and state legislation, program and industry updates. 

Eastern Oregon University was a title sponsor and host of the 2023 Eastern Oregon Economic Summit (EOES), the third year the event has been held. 

“Eastern Oregon University is a mainstay for the Eastern part of the state,” State Representative Bobby Levy said. Levy is the  President of the Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition which sponsored the event. “We were excited to hold the event in La Grande. We had a dream we would take this event and grow it.” 

The Eastern Oregon Economic Summit is an annual event organized by the Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition. It aims to bring together private and public sector leaders from across the state interested in exploring economic opportunities and potential in Eastern Oregon. 

The summit features various activities such as industry tours, guest speakers, and discussion panels focusing on different regional economic aspects. Levy said it was important to bring people together to do what is right for the State of Oregon, and to let leadership know what Eastern Oregon does right, and where they can help. 

“This is all about building relationships and educating people from all walks of life,” Levy said. 

Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, included the General Session with keynote speakers, including Congressman Cliff Bentz, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, and State Treasurer Tobias Read, a state legislator panel, followed by breakout discussions.

Topics of discussion included the future of groundwater in Eastern Oregon, housing planning and funding, and lessons learned from Women-Owned Small Businesses in Rural Oregon.

The goal of the summit was to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, the group believes the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit provides a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration, driving economic growth and prosperity in the region.