Business, Education Groups to Brief Legislators On Oregon's Role in the "New Economy".

Business Editors

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2000

The first biannual New Economy Workshop for Oregon's returning and newly elected state and federal officials will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Oregon Zoo in Portland.

"Fueling the New Economy: Capital, People and Ideas for Urban and Rural Oregon" is designed to acquaint Oregon's legislative and policy officials with current issues facing the state's economy. It will be presented by a coalition of Oregon organizations with broad business and educational interests. The Workshop is expected to draw leaders from higher education, business and others interested in aiding Oregon's continuing transition to a leading knowledge and information-focused "New Economy" state.

By educating Oregon's legislators about issues specific to the New Economy, the workshop will provide a context in which to make informed policy decisions and will open a crucial dialogue between business, legislative, and higher education officials.

"Oregon's place in a global economy can only be furthered through the cooperation of these parties," said Bill Newman, co-fund manager of the Oregon Resource and Technology Development Account, a workshop sponsor. "The objective of the New Economy Workshop is to establish the foundation for a proactive, statewide economic agenda for Oregon's future."

In contrast to Oregon's historic dependence on natural resources and manufacturing, the New Economy relies on a workforce armed with knowledge and information. Observers say Oregon's place in such an economy -- which includes such industries as biotechnology, semiconductors, software, telecommunications and Internet-related businesses -- will influence its ability to compete nationally and internationally and will affect the state's ability to serve its residents and maintain its legendary quality of life.

"Oregon's economic success depends upon whether it can expand access to the new economy for both urban and rural residents," said Newman. "For this to happen, the state must support technology development through improved higher education. It must also leverage the intellectual resources and discoveries from its research and education sectors to promote the growth of business and create jobs. As a state, we need to invest in this change so that we can remain competitive in the global economy."

The Workshop is presented by the Oregon Emerging Business Initiative, Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum, Oregon Business Association, Software Association of Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon State Bar Business Law Section and the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants, with participation from Oregon Economic & Community Development Department, Oregon University System, Oregon Health Sciences University, Oregon Graduate Institute, Oregon Independent College Association, Oregon Resource & Technology Development Account, Oregon Growth Account, Oregon Internet Commission, Eugene-Springfield Partnership and the Portland Ambassadors.