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News Release

The Leading Commercial Real Estate Organizations Join Together To Form The Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative For The Commercial Real Estate Industry - 12/10/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 10, 2025

 

Press Contact:

Monice Wong

mwong@portlandalliance.com

 

The Leading Commercial Real Estate Organizations Join Together to Form the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative for the Commercial Real Estate Industry

PORTLAND, OR—December 10, 2025—Three of the city’s leading commercial real estate and development organizations have joined forces with the Portland Metro Chamber (PMC) to expand and strengthen their collective influence in public affairs, launching the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative.

 

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Oregon (BOMA Oregon), the National Commercial Real Estate Development Association of Oregon (NAIOP Oregon), Oregon Smart Growth, and the Portland Metro Chamber have aligned around a shared goal: to address the region’s pressing commercial development challenges. As Greater Portland continues to experience economic headwinds, particularly in the Commercial Real Estate sector, these organizations have committed to leveraging their collective expertise and resources, collaborating closely on policy issues impacting commercial real estate, and advancing a unified voice on issues impacting the industry in the Portland region and across Oregon.

 

Avaly Scarpelli, Executive Director of BOMA Oregon, adds, “Through this partnership, our organizations will lead unified, focused action to improve the region’s commercial real estate environment. As the leading voice for the region’s office building and commercial real estate industry, BOMA Oregon will contribute the expertise and perspectives of industry leaders. We look forward to addressing this tough economic moment with even stronger collaboration.”

 

Sarah Zahn, Board Chair of Oregon Smart Growth, highlights, “This partnership will support our organizations in spearheading focused, collective action toward regional economic recovery. Oregon Smart Growth guides economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable development for Oregon’s future. We are excited to join with other leading organizations in our community and contribute our membership’s hands-on experience and expertise on how Oregon can create more jobs and housing opportunities, increase property values, and provide sustainable economic growth.”

 

Travis Drilling, Board Chair of NAIOP Oregon, adds, “Our region needs a stronger culture of unified action, and our organizations have committed to taking action together. As one of the most important forums for Oregon’s commercial real estate marketplace, NAIOP Oregon will contribute insights from developers, investors, and owners across all real estate product types throughout the state. We look forward to working alongside these three partners to advance productive commercial real estate policy that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live.”

 

Michael Liu, Board Chair of the Portland Metro Chamber, states, “This is the beginning of a new chapter for our organizations. The Portland metro region is confronting significant economic challenges—restoring our region’s vibrancy will require strategic, coordinated investment to expand all housing options to address the high cost of real estate and scarcity, activate vacant commercial spaces, and revitalize our downtown core. Together, our organizations will achieve significantly greater impact on these issues than alone. Our team is grateful to BOMA Oregon, NAIOP Oregon, and Oregon Smart Growth for meeting this challenging moment with partnership.”

 

More than 18 months of collaborative planning informed the partnership. While each organization will retain its own independent board of directors and staff, they will combine resources to create a new position within the Portland Metro Chamber dedicated to advancing a proactive commercial real estate policy agenda.

 

At a time when the Portland metro regional economy faces significant economic headwinds, these regional economic leaders opt to collaborate even more closely, align their objectives and efforts, and leverage their collective resources to effectively drive economic recovery. The launch of the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative marks a new chapter of strategic, unified leadership designed to drive economic solutions for the greater Portland metro region.

The Leading Commercial Real Estate Organizations Join Together To Form The Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative For The Commercial Real Estate Industry - 12/10/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 10, 2025

 

Press Contact:

Monice Wong

mwong@portlandalliance.com

 

The Leading Commercial Real Estate Organizations Join Together to Form the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative for the Commercial Real Estate Industry

PORTLAND, OR—December 10, 2025—Three of the city’s leading commercial real estate and development organizations have joined forces with the Portland Metro Chamber (PMC) to expand and strengthen their collective influence in public affairs, launching the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative.

 

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Oregon (BOMA Oregon), the National Commercial Real Estate Development Association of Oregon (NAIOP Oregon), Oregon Smart Growth, and the Portland Metro Chamber have aligned around a shared goal: to address the region’s pressing commercial development challenges. As Greater Portland continues to experience economic headwinds, particularly in the Commercial Real Estate sector, these organizations have committed to leveraging their collective expertise and resources, collaborating closely on policy issues impacting commercial real estate, and advancing a unified voice on issues impacting the industry in the Portland region and across Oregon.

 

Avaly Scarpelli, Executive Director of BOMA Oregon, adds, “Through this partnership, our organizations will lead unified, focused action to improve the region’s commercial real estate environment. As the leading voice for the region’s office building and commercial real estate industry, BOMA Oregon will contribute the expertise and perspectives of industry leaders. We look forward to addressing this tough economic moment with even stronger collaboration.”

 

Sarah Zahn, Board Chair of Oregon Smart Growth, highlights, “This partnership will support our organizations in spearheading focused, collective action toward regional economic recovery. Oregon Smart Growth guides economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable development for Oregon’s future. We are excited to join with other leading organizations in our community and contribute our membership’s hands-on experience and expertise on how Oregon can create more jobs and housing opportunities, increase property values, and provide sustainable economic growth.”

 

Travis Drilling, Board Chair of NAIOP Oregon, adds, “Our region needs a stronger culture of unified action, and our organizations have committed to taking action together. As one of the most important forums for Oregon’s commercial real estate marketplace, NAIOP Oregon will contribute insights from developers, investors, and owners across all real estate product types throughout the state. We look forward to working alongside these three partners to advance productive commercial real estate policy that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live.”

 

Michael Liu, Board Chair of the Portland Metro Chamber, states, “This is the beginning of a new chapter for our organizations. The Portland metro region is confronting significant economic challenges—restoring our region’s vibrancy will require strategic, coordinated investment to expand all housing options to address the high cost of real estate and scarcity, activate vacant commercial spaces, and revitalize our downtown core. Together, our organizations will achieve significantly greater impact on these issues than alone. Our team is grateful to BOMA Oregon, NAIOP Oregon, and Oregon Smart Growth for meeting this challenging moment with partnership.”

 

More than 18 months of collaborative planning informed the partnership. While each organization will retain its own independent board of directors and staff, they will combine resources to create a new position within the Portland Metro Chamber dedicated to advancing a proactive commercial real estate policy agenda.

 

At a time when the Portland metro regional economy faces significant economic headwinds, these regional economic leaders opt to collaborate even more closely, align their objectives and efforts, and leverage their collective resources to effectively drive economic recovery. The launch of the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative marks a new chapter of strategic, unified leadership designed to drive economic solutions for the greater Portland metro region.

CORRECTED TITLE: PORTLAND TIMBERS ENTER MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH BANK OF AMERICA TO BECOME FRONT-OF-JERSEY PARTNER - 12/09/25

A logo with red and blue stripes AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

For immediate release: Dec. 9, 2025 
Collin Romer (503) 553-5433, cromer@timbers.com 
Jill Farley (503) 553-5512, jfarley@timbers.com 
Victor Gallardo-Molina (503) 553-5539, vgallardo-molina@timbers.com 
 
Bank of America 
Britney Sheehan (425) 467-9744, britney.w.sheehan@bofa.com 

 
PORTLAND TIMBERS ENTER MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH BANK OF AMERICA TO BECOME FRONT-OF-JERSEY PARTNER  
Tillamook to remain on kit with sleeve patch 

 

Note from the Portland Metro Chamber: The Portland Metro Chamber is proud to congratulate the Portland Timbers and the Bank of America, both engaged Board Members of the Chamber, in announcing this partnership. The Chamber celebrates the strong investment that these leading organizations contribute to Portland and beyond.

 

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers today announced Bank of America as the club’s new front-of-jersey partner in a multi-year deal, a partnership rooted in community impact that will focus on making soccer more inclusive and accessible. Additionally, Tillamook will transition its kit placement to the sleeve patch, continuing its commitment to the club.  


MEDIA ASSETS 
 
"We’re proud to welcome Bank of America to the Timbers family, and together we are committed to making meaningful impact in our community,” said Heather Davis, CEO of the Portland Timbers. “Bank of America’s investment goes beyond the Timbers; it’s an investment in the city of Portland. This partnership will provide valuable resources and opportunities for youth in sports, local small businesses, public schools and more." 
 
Bank of America, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, will be featured prominently on the Timbers’ home and away kits beginning in 2026, marking the first time it has been featured on a professional sports jersey. This partnership is part of Bank of America’s broader, ongoing commitment to supporting communities through soccer. Bank of America is also an official sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26 and U.S. Soccer.  
 
“The Timbers are a tremendous asset to Portland, and this partnership is an opportunity to strengthen ties in the community and create meaningful economic impact across the region,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America Oregon and Southwest Washington president. “Our collaboration goes well beyond the pitch, as we build programs that create greater access for youth to experience soccer and deliver lasting benefits throughout the community.” 
 
The partnership introduces Bank of America’s Soccer with Us to the Portland community. The initiative aims to make soccer more inclusive and accessible, and will extend this national platform across Oregon and Southwest Washington. 
 
Soccer with Us is designed to remove barriers to play and promote equity through grassroots investments in the community. The program will be activated locally through a series of youth-centric efforts, including free camps, equipment donations and infrastructure improvements: 

  • The partnership includes the development of “Community Futsal Courts,” with plans to build and or resurface 10 futsal courts over the course of the partnership in Portland and underserved communities throughout Oregon. The initiative will provide new goals, nets, and soccer equipment to enhance safe and inclusive spaces for play. 

  • The “Camps for All” program will offer 50 free youth soccer camps at Providence Park and select community locations, engaging 5,000 young athletes across the region. Two hundred fifty scholarships to PTFC Camps will be awarded, resulting in 750,000 minutes of youth soccer exposure. 

  • Through the “Equipped to Play” initiative, the Timbers and Bank of America will donate $200,000 worth of soccer equipment to local schools and community groups. The effort will support 1,000 youth, including Special Olympics athletes, providing them with essential gear such as jerseys, balls, socks, backpacks, and ball bags. 

Additionally, Bank of America is committed to strengthening economic opportunities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, and will invest in the city through a program aimed at supporting local small businesses with the following initiatives: 

  • Through “First Match Access Pass,” the Timbers and Bank of America will provide 100 tickets per game to individuals who have never been to a match, with the intention of introducing low-income families, local youth organizations, and new residents to the Portland Timbers community. 

  • As part of the “Small Business of the Game” platform, Bank of America will select 50 local small businesses over the course of the partnership to promote at home Timbers games, and each will receive a $5,000 grant.  

  • “Game Changers of Tomorrow” will identify 20 students over the course of the partnership who demonstrate exceptional promise to be given a VIP experience at a Timbers match and receive an educational grant for making a difference in their school or community. 

  • Bank of America will annually host the “Small Business Summit” at Providence Park, welcoming over 100 local businesses to attend and benefit from workshops, panels and keynote speakers, networking, and more. 

  • As a co-presenting partner of “Stand Together,” Bank of America will support the club’s annual week-long community initiative, serving non-profit projects and in-person volunteer opportunities across Portland. 

The club partnered with Elevate to secure the jersey partnership with Bank of America. 
 
A partner of the club since 2014, Tillamook will transition its representation on Portland’s jerseys to the sleeve patch after two years of being displayed on the front.  
 
“Tillamook has been an incredible partner of the club, and we’re excited to continue our relationship for years to come,” Davis said. “Their move to the sleeve patch reflects their enduring support of the club and shared commitment to our community.” 
 
The Oregon-based, farmer-owned dairy cooperative will continue its support of the club’s community programs, partnering with Stand Together, PTFC Camps, and activating other local youth initiatives.  
 
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Portland Timbers — a team that shares our deep Oregon roots and commitment to community and excellence. As fellow champions of the Pacific Northwest, we’re grateful for the opportunity to keep celebrating what makes this region so special, both on the field and at the table.” Kate Boltin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Tillamook shared. 
 
About Bank of America 
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. 
 
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. 
 
About Tillamook County Creamery Association 
Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Certified B Corporation® (B Corp™) and prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook's internationally recognized, award-winning cheese, as well as exceptional ice cream, butter, cream cheese spreads, yogurt, sour cream, and frozen meals, are made with unwavering values that never sacrifice or compromise quality for profit. TCCA is owned by a group of farming families, primarily based in Tillamook County, Oregon. TCCA operates production facilities in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon and Decatur, Illinois and employs more than 1,100. The Tillamook Creamery is the largest tourist attraction on the coast of Oregon and one of the most popular in the state, attracting more than one million visitors each year. For more information on TCCA and Tillamook, visit Tillamook.com. 

 

-- visit www.timbers.com -- 

CORRECTED TITLE: PORTLAND TIMBERS ENTER MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH BANK OF AMERICA TO BECOME FRONT-OF-JERSEY PARTNER - 12/09/25

A logo with red and blue stripes AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

For immediate release: Dec. 9, 2025 
Collin Romer (503) 553-5433, cromer@timbers.com 
Jill Farley (503) 553-5512, jfarley@timbers.com 
Victor Gallardo-Molina (503) 553-5539, vgallardo-molina@timbers.com 
 
Bank of America 
Britney Sheehan (425) 467-9744, britney.w.sheehan@bofa.com 

 
PORTLAND TIMBERS ENTER MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH BANK OF AMERICA TO BECOME FRONT-OF-JERSEY PARTNER  
Tillamook to remain on kit with sleeve patch 

 

Note from the Portland Metro Chamber: The Portland Metro Chamber is proud to congratulate the Portland Timbers and the Bank of America, both engaged Board Members of the Chamber, in announcing this partnership. The Chamber celebrates the strong investment that these leading organizations contribute to Portland and beyond.

 

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers today announced Bank of America as the club’s new front-of-jersey partner in a multi-year deal, a partnership rooted in community impact that will focus on making soccer more inclusive and accessible. Additionally, Tillamook will transition its kit placement to the sleeve patch, continuing its commitment to the club.  


MEDIA ASSETS 
 
"We’re proud to welcome Bank of America to the Timbers family, and together we are committed to making meaningful impact in our community,” said Heather Davis, CEO of the Portland Timbers. “Bank of America’s investment goes beyond the Timbers; it’s an investment in the city of Portland. This partnership will provide valuable resources and opportunities for youth in sports, local small businesses, public schools and more." 
 
Bank of America, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, will be featured prominently on the Timbers’ home and away kits beginning in 2026, marking the first time it has been featured on a professional sports jersey. This partnership is part of Bank of America’s broader, ongoing commitment to supporting communities through soccer. Bank of America is also an official sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26 and U.S. Soccer.  
 
“The Timbers are a tremendous asset to Portland, and this partnership is an opportunity to strengthen ties in the community and create meaningful economic impact across the region,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America Oregon and Southwest Washington president. “Our collaboration goes well beyond the pitch, as we build programs that create greater access for youth to experience soccer and deliver lasting benefits throughout the community.” 
 
The partnership introduces Bank of America’s Soccer with Us to the Portland community. The initiative aims to make soccer more inclusive and accessible, and will extend this national platform across Oregon and Southwest Washington. 
 
Soccer with Us is designed to remove barriers to play and promote equity through grassroots investments in the community. The program will be activated locally through a series of youth-centric efforts, including free camps, equipment donations and infrastructure improvements: 

  • The partnership includes the development of “Community Futsal Courts,” with plans to build and or resurface 10 futsal courts over the course of the partnership in Portland and underserved communities throughout Oregon. The initiative will provide new goals, nets, and soccer equipment to enhance safe and inclusive spaces for play. 

  • The “Camps for All” program will offer 50 free youth soccer camps at Providence Park and select community locations, engaging 5,000 young athletes across the region. Two hundred fifty scholarships to PTFC Camps will be awarded, resulting in 750,000 minutes of youth soccer exposure. 

  • Through the “Equipped to Play” initiative, the Timbers and Bank of America will donate $200,000 worth of soccer equipment to local schools and community groups. The effort will support 1,000 youth, including Special Olympics athletes, providing them with essential gear such as jerseys, balls, socks, backpacks, and ball bags. 

Additionally, Bank of America is committed to strengthening economic opportunities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, and will invest in the city through a program aimed at supporting local small businesses with the following initiatives: 

  • Through “First Match Access Pass,” the Timbers and Bank of America will provide 100 tickets per game to individuals who have never been to a match, with the intention of introducing low-income families, local youth organizations, and new residents to the Portland Timbers community. 

  • As part of the “Small Business of the Game” platform, Bank of America will select 50 local small businesses over the course of the partnership to promote at home Timbers games, and each will receive a $5,000 grant.  

  • “Game Changers of Tomorrow” will identify 20 students over the course of the partnership who demonstrate exceptional promise to be given a VIP experience at a Timbers match and receive an educational grant for making a difference in their school or community. 

  • Bank of America will annually host the “Small Business Summit” at Providence Park, welcoming over 100 local businesses to attend and benefit from workshops, panels and keynote speakers, networking, and more. 

  • As a co-presenting partner of “Stand Together,” Bank of America will support the club’s annual week-long community initiative, serving non-profit projects and in-person volunteer opportunities across Portland. 

The club partnered with Elevate to secure the jersey partnership with Bank of America. 
 
A partner of the club since 2014, Tillamook will transition its representation on Portland’s jerseys to the sleeve patch after two years of being displayed on the front.  
 
“Tillamook has been an incredible partner of the club, and we’re excited to continue our relationship for years to come,” Davis said. “Their move to the sleeve patch reflects their enduring support of the club and shared commitment to our community.” 
 
The Oregon-based, farmer-owned dairy cooperative will continue its support of the club’s community programs, partnering with Stand Together, PTFC Camps, and activating other local youth initiatives.  
 
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Portland Timbers — a team that shares our deep Oregon roots and commitment to community and excellence. As fellow champions of the Pacific Northwest, we’re grateful for the opportunity to keep celebrating what makes this region so special, both on the field and at the table.” Kate Boltin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Tillamook shared. 
 
About Bank of America 
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. 
 
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. 
 
About Tillamook County Creamery Association 
Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Certified B Corporation® (B Corp™) and prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook's internationally recognized, award-winning cheese, as well as exceptional ice cream, butter, cream cheese spreads, yogurt, sour cream, and frozen meals, are made with unwavering values that never sacrifice or compromise quality for profit. TCCA is owned by a group of farming families, primarily based in Tillamook County, Oregon. TCCA operates production facilities in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon and Decatur, Illinois and employs more than 1,100. The Tillamook Creamery is the largest tourist attraction on the coast of Oregon and one of the most popular in the state, attracting more than one million visitors each year. For more information on TCCA and Tillamook, visit Tillamook.com. 

 

-- visit www.timbers.com -- 

MEDIA ADVISORY: 2025 Economic Summit Hosted By The Portland Metro Chamber On December 4 – RSVP Now - 12/01/25

MEDIA ADVISORY: 2025 Economic Summit Hosted by the Portland Metro Chamber on December 4 – RSVP Now 

 

What: The Portland Metro Chamber will host a sold-out 2025 Economic Summit this Thursday, December 4th featuring dynamic presentations from regional leaders on how trade, investment, and regional development are shaping Portland's economy.  

The event will begin with a keynote address on national and local economic trends; insights on the evolving dynamics of trade, investment, and regional economic development; and perspectives on the role of higher education in shaping competitive and resilient economies by Dr. Karl Scholz, President of the University of Oregon, and renowned economist Dr. Michael Knetter, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and senior advisor on the Wisconsin Investment Management Company (WISIMCO). 

 

Following the keynote address, regional leaders from the trade infrastructure, tourism, and hospitality industries will provide a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Blair Best of KGW. They will offer their perspectives on the larger economic trends influencing our region. 

  • Joining the panel: 
    • ​Kimberly Branam, Port of Portland 
    • Megan Conway, Travel Portland 
    • Katherine Lam, Bambuza Hospitality Group ​​
  • ​Moderator: Blair Best, KGW 

Media are invited and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP with Monice Wong, mwong@portlandalliance.com. Please note if you will need space for camera equipment. 

 

When: Thursday, December 4. Program will begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m. 

 

Where: The Ritz-Carlton Portland, 900 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205

 

Why: At a time when the region faces severe economic headwinds, this sold-out Economic Summit provides an opportunity for policymakers, business leaders, community leaders, and academics to learn from cross-sector experts about the regional economic climate and insights for the future.  

MEDIA ADVISORY: 2025 Economic Summit Hosted By The Portland Metro Chamber On December 4 – RSVP Now - 12/01/25

MEDIA ADVISORY: 2025 Economic Summit Hosted by the Portland Metro Chamber on December 4 – RSVP Now 

 

What: The Portland Metro Chamber will host a sold-out 2025 Economic Summit this Thursday, December 4th featuring dynamic presentations from regional leaders on how trade, investment, and regional development are shaping Portland's economy.  

The event will begin with a keynote address on national and local economic trends; insights on the evolving dynamics of trade, investment, and regional economic development; and perspectives on the role of higher education in shaping competitive and resilient economies by Dr. Karl Scholz, President of the University of Oregon, and renowned economist Dr. Michael Knetter, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and senior advisor on the Wisconsin Investment Management Company (WISIMCO). 

 

Following the keynote address, regional leaders from the trade infrastructure, tourism, and hospitality industries will provide a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Blair Best of KGW. They will offer their perspectives on the larger economic trends influencing our region. 

  • Joining the panel: 
    • ​Kimberly Branam, Port of Portland 
    • Megan Conway, Travel Portland 
    • Katherine Lam, Bambuza Hospitality Group ​​
  • ​Moderator: Blair Best, KGW 

Media are invited and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP with Monice Wong, mwong@portlandalliance.com. Please note if you will need space for camera equipment. 

 

When: Thursday, December 4. Program will begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m. 

 

Where: The Ritz-Carlton Portland, 900 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205

 

Why: At a time when the region faces severe economic headwinds, this sold-out Economic Summit provides an opportunity for policymakers, business leaders, community leaders, and academics to learn from cross-sector experts about the regional economic climate and insights for the future.  

Victoria Lara Honored With The Prestigious Ohtli Award (Photo) - 11/17/25

November 17, 2025

For Immediate Release

 

Note from the Portland Metro Chamber: The Chamber is proud to celebrate this great honor bestowed to Victoria Lara, who has been a Board Member of the Portland Metro Chamber since 2018 and served as Chair of our Communications Committee. Lara's dedication throughout her career to empowering Mexican and Latino communities has changed many lives in Portland and beyond. We encourage you to cover this event. 

 

Victoria Lara Honored with the Prestigious Ohtli Award

 

The Government of Mexico has selected Victoria Lara as the recipient of this year’s Ohtli Award, the nation’s highest recognition for individuals of Mexican heritage living abroad. The award honors those whose leadership and lifelong commitment have opened paths (“Ohtli” in Náhuatl) for others and advanced the well-being of Mexican communities around the world.

 

The Consulate of Mexico in Portland will preside over the award ceremony, which will bring together advocates, public officials, and distinguished Oregon leaders, including representatives from state and local government, business, and community organizations.

 

Victoria Lara has dedicated her career to empowering Mexican and Latino communities through opportunity, representation, and belonging. Her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion has strengthened countless lives—especially among immigrant families striving to build a better future.

 

Over the years, the Ohtli Award has been presented to notable figures such as Eva Longoria, Dolores Huerta, Iliana de la Vega, Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, and Dr. Patricia Gándara, among others. Victoria Lara now joins this circle of visionary leaders whose impact transcends borders and generations.

 

We extend our sincere gratitude to Angel Reyes, Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank, for helping make this celebration possible, and to La Casa de Mamá, a Latina-owned, family-operated Mexican panadería in Portland, for sharing their delicious food and hospitality during this special occasion.

 

The ceremony will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Portland, Oregon.

 

Contact:
Lara Media Services
Contact@laramedia.com
www.laramedia.com

Attached Media Files: Ohtli_Press_Release.pdf,

Victoria Lara Honored With The Prestigious Ohtli Award (Photo) - 11/17/25

November 17, 2025

For Immediate Release

 

Note from the Portland Metro Chamber: The Chamber is proud to celebrate this great honor bestowed to Victoria Lara, who has been a Board Member of the Portland Metro Chamber since 2018 and served as Chair of our Communications Committee. Lara's dedication throughout her career to empowering Mexican and Latino communities has changed many lives in Portland and beyond. We encourage you to cover this event. 

 

Victoria Lara Honored with the Prestigious Ohtli Award

 

The Government of Mexico has selected Victoria Lara as the recipient of this year’s Ohtli Award, the nation’s highest recognition for individuals of Mexican heritage living abroad. The award honors those whose leadership and lifelong commitment have opened paths (“Ohtli” in Náhuatl) for others and advanced the well-being of Mexican communities around the world.

 

The Consulate of Mexico in Portland will preside over the award ceremony, which will bring together advocates, public officials, and distinguished Oregon leaders, including representatives from state and local government, business, and community organizations.

 

Victoria Lara has dedicated her career to empowering Mexican and Latino communities through opportunity, representation, and belonging. Her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion has strengthened countless lives—especially among immigrant families striving to build a better future.

 

Over the years, the Ohtli Award has been presented to notable figures such as Eva Longoria, Dolores Huerta, Iliana de la Vega, Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, and Dr. Patricia Gándara, among others. Victoria Lara now joins this circle of visionary leaders whose impact transcends borders and generations.

 

We extend our sincere gratitude to Angel Reyes, Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank, for helping make this celebration possible, and to La Casa de Mamá, a Latina-owned, family-operated Mexican panadería in Portland, for sharing their delicious food and hospitality during this special occasion.

 

The ceremony will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Portland, Oregon.

 

Contact:
Lara Media Services
Contact@laramedia.com
www.laramedia.com

Attached Media Files: Ohtli_Press_Release.pdf,