March 9, 2026  

MEDIA ADVISORY: Breakfast Forum — State of Black Business in Oregon, March 11. RSVP Now. 

WHAT:  

On Wednesday March 11, the Portland Metro Chamber and the Black Business Association of Oregon (BBAO) will host a Breakfast Forum on the current state of Black enterprise across the state, focused on policy and systems. Join to hear in-depth assessments of where Black-owned businesses are today, which strategies and investments are producing measurable impact, and the policy, procurement, and institutional changes required to accelerate sustainable growth and wealth creation. 

This event will also formally launch BBAO’s Strategic Roadmap, an action-oriented framework focused on addressing the systemic drivers of inequity in Black business outcomes. 

Members of the media are encouraged to attend. To confirm attendance, please send an RSVP to media contact Monice Wong at mwong@portlandalliance.com 

WHO: 

• Keynote Speaker: Cornell Wesley, Executive Director, Prosper Portland 
• Moderator: Camille E. Trummer, Founder + Principal Interplayer, Interplay Collective
• Panelists: 
  • ​Monique Claiborne Cardwell , President and CEO, Greater Portland Inc
  • Stephen Green, CEO, Vanport Studio 
  • ​Shannon Isadore, State Representative (District 33), Oregon State Legislature
  • Nate McCoy, President & CEO, NAMC-Oregon & Interim Executive Director, BBAO
  • Ericka Warren, CEO, Evolucion Group 

​WHEN: 

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 8:30 am – 10:00 am. 

WHERE: 

Hilton Portland & Executive Tower, 921 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204