RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_c08bb6a3-8baf-4b88-b30d-f1fc9e957196 -- Rendered At Sat, 02 May 2026 02:33:14 +0000 Oregon Business Matters https://redcircle.com/shows/oregon-business-matters en-US All rights reserved. A podcast about issues and initiatives that matter to Oregon businesses Oregon Business & Industry A biweekly podcast produced by Oregon Business & Industry, Oregon's statewide chamber of commerce, that focuses on insights, issues and initiatives that affect Oregonians' shared prosperity and the state's economic health. c08bb6a3-8baf-4b88-b30d-f1fc9e957196 A biweekly podcast produced by Oregon Business & Industry, Oregon's statewide chamber of commerce, that focuses on insights, issues and initiatives that affect Oregonians' shared prosperity and the state's economic health.

]]> episodic no Oregon Business & Industry eriklukens@oregonbusinessindustry.com no full KL Wombacher, president and general manager of the Hillsboro Hops KL Wombacher, president and general manager of the Hillsboro Hops Oregon Business & Industry Hillsboro Hops President and General Manager KL Wombacher talks about the minor league baseball team's history in Oregon, its new stadium and the economic and cultural importance of the team to the Portland metro area and to the state. Hillsboro Hops President and General Manager KL Wombacher talks about the minor league baseball team's history in Oregon, its new stadium and the economic and cultural importance of the team to the Portland metro area and to the state.

]]> <p>Hillsboro Hops President and General Manager KL Wombacher talks about the minor league baseball team&#39;s history in Oregon, its new stadium and the economic and cultural importance of the team to the Portland metro area and to the state.</p> 4b8fdd27-d8be-4730-92a0-f3fa394f42be https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:45 +0000 1836 no full Scott Hamlin, founder of Looptworks Scott Hamlin, founder of Looptworks Oregon Business & Industry In 2009, apparel industry veteran Scott Hamlin founded Looptworks to address the problem of textile waste. Looptworks, which recently moved into its new facility in Gresham, transforms excess clothing and other textiles into thread or yarn that can be reused and nonwoven fibers that can be used to produce insulation and other non-clothing products. Scott talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the company's evolution, its newly acquired Global Recycling Standard certification and the challenges of operating a business in Oregon. In 2009, apparel industry veteran Scott Hamlin founded Looptworks to address the problem of textile waste. Looptworks, which recently moved into its new facility in Gresham, transforms excess clothing and other textiles into thread or yarn that can be reused and nonwoven fibers that can be used to produce insulation and other non-clothing products. Scott talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the company's evolution, its newly acquired Global Recycling Standard certification and the challenges of operating a business in Oregon.

]]> <p>In 2009, apparel industry veteran Scott Hamlin founded Looptworks to address the problem of textile waste. Looptworks, which recently moved into its new facility in Gresham, transforms excess clothing and other textiles into thread or yarn that can be reused and nonwoven fibers that can be used to produce insulation and other non-clothing products. Scott talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the company&#39;s evolution, its newly acquired Global Recycling Standard certification and the challenges of operating a business in Oregon.</p> 69881ad2-7074-43e1-aae5-71fe9f17d5c2 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:00:07 +0000 2332 no full Trevor Giroux, president of ATI's Specialty Alloys and Components Division Trevor Giroux, president of ATI's Specialty Alloys and Components Division Oregon Business & Industry In this episode, Oregon Business Matters talks with Trevor Giroux, president of ATI's Specialty Alloys and Components Division in Millersburg. This might be the coolest company in Oregon that few people know about. It produces metals that can withstand incredibly harsh conditions, and its products are used in a wide variety of products, from jet engines to MRI machines. ATI's Specialty Alloys and Components Division in Millersburg might be the coolest company in Oregon that few people know. It produces metals that can withstand incredibly harsh conditions, and its products are used in a wide variety of products, from jet engines to MRI machines.

]]> <p>ATI&#39;s Specialty Alloys and Components Division in Millersburg might be the coolest company in Oregon that few people know. It produces metals that can withstand incredibly harsh conditions, and its products are used in a wide variety of products, from jet engines to MRI machines. </p> b9ececff-b30c-4f48-8c1e-57d799b8a8b5 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00:43 +0000 1750 no full Oregon Business Council President John Tapogna Oregon Business Council President John Tapogna Oregon Business & Industry Oregon Business Matters talks with John Tapogna, former longtime president of economics research firm ECOnorthwest and newly installed president of the Oregon Business Council. John and host Angela Wilhelms discuss his new role and what he believes are the five major challenges facing the state: poor school performance, insufficient housing, wildfires, the state's overreliance on the income tax and Oregon's historic ambivalence about population growth. Oregon Business Matters talks with John Tapogna, former longtime president of economics research firm ECOnorthwest and newly installed president of the Oregon Business Council. John and host Angela Wilhelms discuss his new role and what he believes are the five major challenges facing the state: poor school performance, insufficient housing, wildfires, the state's overreliance on the income tax and Oregon's historic ambivalence about population growth.

]]> <p>Oregon Business Matters talks with John Tapogna, former longtime president of economics research firm ECOnorthwest and newly installed president of the Oregon Business Council. John and host Angela Wilhelms discuss his new role and what he believes are the five major challenges facing the state: poor school performance, insufficient housing, wildfires, the state&#39;s overreliance on the income tax and Oregon&#39;s historic ambivalence about population growth.</p> 808dad90-2ab3-4977-a389-37aaad11df38 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:00:02 +0000 2722 no full Peter Skrbek, CEO of Deschutes Brewery Peter Skrbek, CEO of Deschutes Brewery Oregon Business & Industry In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Peter Skrbek, CEO of Bend-based Deschutes Brewery, about the iconic craft brewer's history, its approach to product innovation, its connection to Central Oregon and much more. In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Peter Skrbek, CEO of Bend-based Deschutes Brewery, about the iconic craft brewer's history, its approach to product innovation, its connection to Central Oregon and much more.

]]> <p>In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Peter Skrbek, CEO of Bend-based Deschutes Brewery, about the iconic craft brewer&#39;s history, its approach to product innovation, its connection to Central Oregon and much more. </p> 79ed076f-8078-4d8b-9a0f-d4de2f81650e https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:00:31 +0000 1471 no full Cara Turano, president and executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Cara Turano, president and executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Oregon Business & Industry Host Angela Wilhelms talks with Cara Turano, president and executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, about the important role of entrepreneurs in the state's business ecosystem. They discuss the major challenges entrepreneurs face, the common mistakes they make, what it's like to start a business in Oregon and more. Host Angela Wilhelms talks with Cara Turano, president and executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, about the important role of entrepreneurs in the state's business ecosystem. They discuss the major challenges entrepreneurs face, the common mistakes they make, what it's like to start a business in Oregon and more.

]]> <p>Host Angela Wilhelms talks with Cara Turano, president and executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, about the important role of entrepreneurs in the state&#39;s business ecosystem. They discuss the major challenges entrepreneurs face, the common mistakes they make, what it&#39;s like to start a business in Oregon and more.</p> e5e77544-e1b2-45bc-974c-a36e288dff34 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:32 +0000 1902 no full Tax Foundation senior fellow Jared Walczak on Oregon's tax competitiveness Tax Foundation senior fellow Jared Walczak on Oregon's tax competitiveness Oregon Business & Industry Jared Walczak, a senior fellow at the Tax Foundation, joins host Angela Wilhelms to discuss the organization's annual ranking of state tax environments, the State Tax Competitiveness Index. Until recently the vice president of state projects, Walczak explains how the index works and why 35th-ranked Oregon has fallen further than any other state since 2020. He also warns about the consequences of decoupling Oregon from the federal tax code. Jared Walczak, a senior fellow at the Tax Foundation, joins host Angela Wilhelms to discuss the organization's annual ranking of state tax environments, the State Tax Competitiveness Index. Until recently the vice president of state projects, Walczak explains how the index works and why 35th-ranked Oregon has fallen further than any other state since 2020. He also warns about the consequences of decoupling Oregon from the federal tax code.

]]> <p>Jared Walczak, a senior fellow at the Tax Foundation, joins host Angela Wilhelms to discuss the organization&#39;s annual ranking of state tax environments, the <a href="https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/state/2026-state-tax-competitiveness-index/" rel="nofollow">State Tax Competitiveness Index</a>. Until recently the vice president of state projects, Walczak explains how the index works and why 35th-ranked Oregon <a href="https://taxfoundation.org/blog/best-state-tax-rankings-most-improved/" rel="nofollow">has fallen further than any other state</a> since 2020. He also warns about the consequences of decoupling Oregon from the federal tax code.</p> 916cefee-bbdb-4f03-bfff-c6b4da09f9c7 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:30:49 +0000 1590 no full Portland's outlook: A conversation with Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland Metro Chamber President and CEO Andrew Hoan Portland's outlook: A conversation with Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland Metro Chamber President and CEO Andrew Hoan Oregon Business & Industry Host Angela Wilhelms talks with Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland Metro Chamber President & CEO Andrew Hoan. Topics covered include unsanctioned camping, overnight shelter construction, increasing trust in government, the city's tax burden and other issues of importance to Portland's residents, visitors and businesses. Host Angela Wilhelms talks with Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland Metro Chamber President & CEO Andrew Hoan. Topics covered include unsanctioned camping, overnight shelter construction, increasing trust in government, the city's tax burden and other issues of importance to Portland's residents, visitors and businesses.

]]> <p>Host Angela Wilhelms talks with Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland Metro Chamber President &amp; CEO Andrew Hoan. Topics covered include unsanctioned camping, overnight shelter construction, increasing trust in government, the city&#39;s tax burden and other issues of importance to Portland&#39;s residents, visitors and businesses.</p> 5c59356e-9c82-4ed3-9bc8-802fde700fca https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:03:20 +0000 2375 no full Paul Meade, chief financial officer, Columbia Distributing Paul Meade, chief financial officer, Columbia Distributing Oregon Business & Industry When you go to the store to buy a beverage – whether it’s a nonalcoholic drink or a six-pack of beer – you’re aware of the brand you’re buying, obviously, as well as the store at which you’re buying it. But what you don’t see is the distributor that brought that beverage to the store – and probably stocked the shelf. Beverage distributors play an important but largely invisible role linking manufacturers to retailers. In this episode, Oregon Business Matters host Angela Wilhelms talks with Paul Meade, chief financial officer at Columbia Distributing, one of the largest beverage distributors in the country. Columbia Distributing handles a broad mix of beverage brands, including Molson/Coors, 7-Up and many craft beers and other brands. The company's many Oregon partners include Deschutes Brewery, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Migration Brewing and Del Rio Wines. Columbia Distributing is also the nation's biggest distributor of Red Bull. When you go to the store to buy a beverage – whether it’s a nonalcoholic drink or a six-pack of beer – you’re aware of the brand you’re buying, obviously, as well as the store at which you’re buying it. But what you don’t see is the distributor that brought that beverage to the store – and probably stocked the shelf. Beverage distributors play an important but largely invisible role linking manufacturers to retailers.

In this episode, Oregon Business Matters host Angela Wilhelms talks with Paul Meade, chief financial officer at Columbia Distributing, one of the largest beverage distributors in the country. Columbia Distributing handles a broad mix of beverage brands, including Molson/Coors, 7-Up and many craft beers and other brands. The company's many Oregon partners include Deschutes Brewery, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Migration Brewing and Del Rio Wines. Columbia Distributing is also the nation's biggest distributor of Red Bull.

]]> <p>When you go to the store to buy a beverage – whether it’s a nonalcoholic drink or a six-pack of beer – you’re aware of the brand you’re buying, obviously, as well as the store at which you’re buying it. But what you don’t see is the distributor that brought that beverage to the store – and probably stocked the shelf. Beverage distributors play an important but largely invisible role linking manufacturers to retailers.</p><p>In this episode, Oregon Business Matters host Angela Wilhelms talks with Paul Meade, chief financial officer at Columbia Distributing, one of the largest beverage distributors in the country. Columbia Distributing handles a broad mix of beverage brands, including Molson/Coors, 7-Up and many craft beers and other brands. The company&#39;s many Oregon partners include Deschutes Brewery, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Migration Brewing and Del Rio Wines. Columbia Distributing is also the nation&#39;s biggest distributor of Red Bull.</p> 3598da4a-03b1-4064-b638-22c4c749bb3e https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:00:21 +0000 1512 no full Dan Schwoerer, founder of Bullseye Glass Dan Schwoerer, founder of Bullseye Glass Oregon Business & Industry Bullseye Glass is Portland manufacturing institution, producing colored glass used by artists around the world since the 1970s. This fall, the company won OBI's third annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest. In this episode of Oregon Business Matters, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Bullseye Glass founder Dan Schwoerer about the company's history and its unique products.

]]> <p><a href="https://www.bullseyeglass.com/" rel="nofollow">Bullseye Glass</a> is Portland manufacturing institution, producing colored glass used by artists around the world since the 1970s. This fall, the company won OBI&#39;s third annual <a href="https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/coolestthing2025/" rel="nofollow">Coolest Thing Made in Oregon</a> contest. In this episode of Oregon Business Matters, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Bullseye Glass founder Dan Schwoerer about the company&#39;s history and its unique products.</p> 75128feb-e1d1-4acd-abfa-a6b34a475494 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:00:31 +0000 1717 no full Ned Ford, Chief Operations Officer at Harry & David Ned Ford, Chief Operations Officer at Harry & David Oregon Business & Industry In the latest episode of the Oregon Business Matters podcast, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Ned Ford, chief operations officer for Harry & David parent company 1-800-Flowers. Ned oversees Harry & David, which maintains its headquarters - along with an impressive operation - in Medford. With the holiday season just around the corner, Ned and Angela talk about Harry & David's evolution, the complex logistics behind the company's Medford operation and, of course, pears. In the latest episode of the Oregon Business Matters podcast, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Ned Ford, chief operations officer for Harry & David parent company 1-800-Flowers. Ned oversees Harry & David, which maintains its headquarters - along with an impressive operation - in Medford. With the holiday season just around the corner, Ned and Angela talk about Harry & David's evolution, the complex logistics behind the company's Medford operation and, of course, pears.

]]> <p><span>In the latest episode of the Oregon Business Matters podcast, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Ned Ford, chief operations officer for Harry &amp; David parent company </span><a href="https://www.1800flowers.com/" rel="nofollow">1-800-Flowers</a><span>. Ned oversees </span><a href="https://www.harryanddavid.com/" rel="nofollow">Harry &amp; David</a><span>, which maintains its headquarters - along with an impressive operation - in Medford. With the holiday season just around the corner, Ned and Angela talk about Harry &amp; David&#39;s evolution, the complex logistics behind the company&#39;s Medford operation and, of course, pears.</span></p> c5ecf6d7-e9d5-4170-9587-6b58f5f6308d https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:59:47 +0000 1983 no full Matthew Drake, CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort Matthew Drake, CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort Oregon Business & Industry Matthew Drake, CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the ski resort business, including challenges posed by weather variability, running an independently owned ski resort, and the threat to resorts like Mt. Hood Meadows created by Oregon's unusual liability law relating to recreational uses. Matthew Drake, CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the ski resort business, including challenges posed by weather variability, running an independently owned ski resort, and the threat to resorts like Mt. Hood Meadows created by Oregon's unusual liability law relating to recreational uses.

]]> <p>Matthew Drake, CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the ski resort business, including challenges posed by weather variability, running an independently owned ski resort, and the threat to resorts like Mt. Hood Meadows created by Oregon&#39;s unusual liability law relating to recreational uses.</p> 92caf359-e141-48c2-bdf1-79746634cc28 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:00:10 +0000 1654 no full A conversation about Oregon manufacturing with OBI Senior Policy Director Duke Shepard. A conversation about Oregon manufacturing with OBI Senior Policy Director Duke Shepard. Oregon Business & Industry October is National Manufacturing Month. Host Angela Wilhelms talks with OBI Senior Policy Director Duke Shepard about the importance - and struggles - of Oregon's manufacturing sector. Duke also recaps OBI's annual Manufacturing & Innovation Roadshow, which toured seven manufacturers in the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon on Oct. 6-7. October is National Manufacturing Month. Host Angela Wilhelms talks with OBI Senior Policy Director Duke Shepard about the importance - and struggles - of Oregon's manufacturing sector. Duke also recaps OBI's annual Manufacturing & Innovation Roadshow, which toured seven manufacturers in the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon on Oct. 6-7.

]]> <p>October is National Manufacturing Month. Host Angela Wilhelms talks with OBI Senior Policy Director Duke Shepard about the importance - and struggles - of Oregon&#39;s manufacturing sector. Duke also recaps OBI&#39;s annual Manufacturing &amp; Innovation Roadshow, which toured seven manufacturers in the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon on Oct. 6-7.</p> d07a8645-20e9-49de-afde-e75c52a7f55f https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:44:41 +0000 1865 no full Tyler Freres of Freres Engineered Wood Tyler Freres of Freres Engineered Wood Oregon Business & Industry Tyler Freres is vice president of sales at Freres Engineered Wood, a family owned company that has produced timber products in Lyons and Mill City for more than a century. Tyler talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the evolution of the family business, state and federal forest management practices and Mass Ply, a cross-laminated product developed by Freres Engineered Wood that won OBI's inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest in 2023. Tyler Freres is vice president of sales at Freres Engineered Wood, a family owned company that has produced timber products in Lyons and Mill City for more than a century. Tyler talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the evolution of the family business, state and federal forest management practices and Mass Ply, a cross-laminated product developed by Freres Engineered Wood that won OBI's inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest in 2023.

]]> <p>Tyler Freres is vice president of sales at Freres Engineered Wood, a family owned company that has produced timber products in Lyons and Mill City for more than a century. Tyler talks with host Angela Wilhelms about the evolution of the family business, state and federal forest management practices and Mass Ply, a cross-laminated product developed by Freres Engineered Wood that won OBI&#39;s inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest in 2023.</p> a9ae11be-5077-4d38-9f5e-e57c13af7a7e https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:01:45 +0000 1922 no full NIL expert - and former University of Oregon football player - Max Forer NIL expert - and former University of Oregon football player - Max Forer Oregon Business & Industry If you follow college sports, you've heard the term NIL, which stands for "name, image and likeness." You also probably know NIL refers to the payment of collegiate athletes. Beyond that, you can be excused for knowing little about the complex world of collegiate athlete compensation.

In this episode of Oregon Business Matters, host Angela Wilhelms talks with an expert in this rapidly evolving area. Max Forer is a partner with Miller Nash in Oregon and a former offensive lineman with the Oregon Ducks. If you're at all curious about collegiate sports, this episode is a must-listen.

]]> <p>If you follow college sports, you&#39;ve heard the term NIL, which stands for &#34;name, image and likeness.&#34; You also probably know NIL refers to the payment of collegiate athletes. Beyond that, you can be excused for knowing little about the complex world of collegiate athlete compensation. </p><p>In this episode of Oregon Business Matters, host Angela Wilhelms talks with an expert in this rapidly evolving area. Max Forer is <a href="https://www.millernash.com/professionals/max-l-forer" rel="nofollow">a partner with Miller Nash</a> in Oregon and a <a href="https://goducks.com/sports/football/roster/max-forer/2350" rel="nofollow">former offensive lineman</a> with the Oregon Ducks. If you&#39;re at all curious about collegiate sports, this episode is a must-listen.</p> 8f46aede-979e-4f9a-8e92-cfa18cccfe62 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:00:46 +0000 2088 no full Brian Hall, CEO of NIC Industries Brian Hall, CEO of NIC Industries Oregon Business & Industry In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Brian Hall, CEO of rapidly growing NIC Industries. Based in White City, NIC Industries manufactures powder coatings and liquid ceramic coatings, which it sells around the world. The company's products include its successful Cerakote car-care line, which can be found in retail stores around the country.

NIC Industries is a 2025 recipient of OBI’s Visionary Award, which recognizes people, companies and organizations that strengthen Oregon’s economy and contribute significantly to shared prosperity.

Brian himself was honored in June as EY’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year for the Mountain West region, which includes Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Brian and Angela talk about the evolution of NIC Industries, the benefits and challenges of operating in Oregon, and Brian’s successful approach to leadership.

]]> <p>In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Brian Hall, CEO of rapidly growing <a href="https://www.nicindustries.com/" rel="nofollow">NIC Industries</a>. Based in White City, NIC Industries manufactures powder coatings and liquid ceramic coatings, which it sells around the world. The company&#39;s products include its successful Cerakote car-care line, which can be found in retail stores around the country. </p><p>NIC Industries is a 2025 recipient of <a href="https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/visionaryaward2025/" rel="nofollow">OBI’s Visionary Award</a>, which recognizes people, companies and organizations that strengthen Oregon’s economy and contribute significantly to shared prosperity.</p><p>Brian himself was honored in June as <a href="https://soredi.org/press-release-oregon-ceo-brian-hall-named-entrepreneur-of-the-year-2025-mountain-west-winner/" rel="nofollow">EY’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year</a> for the Mountain West region, which includes Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.</p><p>Brian and Angela talk about the evolution of NIC Industries, the benefits and challenges of operating in Oregon, and Brian’s successful approach to leadership.</p> acafe260-5b9a-4998-91fc-656be8b2b4ef https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:00:39 +0000 1920 no full Sara Duckwall and Ed Weathers of Duckwall Fruit Sara Duckwall and Ed Weathers of Duckwall Fruit Oregon Business & Industry Family owned Duckwall Fruit packs and ships more than two million cartons of premium pears every year in Oregon's Hood River Valley. In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Duckwall Fruit's Sara Duckwall and Ed Weathers about Oregon pears, running a century-old family business and much more.

]]> <p>Family owned Duckwall Fruit packs and ships more than two million cartons of premium pears every year in Oregon&#39;s Hood River Valley. In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Duckwall Fruit&#39;s Sara Duckwall and Ed Weathers about Oregon pears, running a century-old family business and much more.</p> f56e33b5-12da-49c5-90cc-617bf72b71d5 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:00:49 +0000 1825 no full Jeff Stone, executive director and CEO of the Oregon Association of Nurseries Jeff Stone, executive director and CEO of the Oregon Association of Nurseries Oregon Business & Industry For the past 15 years, Jeff Stone has the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which represents the state's expansive nursery and greenhouse industry. It is the state's largest agricultural sector, and Oregon is the nation's third largest nursery state in the country after California and Florida. About 80% of what Oregon's nurseries grow is sold outside the state, contributing to Oregon's trade surplus.

]]> <p>For the past 15 years, Jeff Stone has the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which represents the state&#39;s expansive nursery and greenhouse industry. It is the state&#39;s largest agricultural sector, and Oregon is the nation&#39;s third largest nursery state in the country after California and Florida. About 80% of what Oregon&#39;s nurseries grow is sold outside the state, contributing to Oregon&#39;s trade surplus.</p> 7f1e2ac9-aa61-4758-b0ae-756ccacd5881 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:00:47 +0000 1394 no full Patsy Smullin and Bob Wise of KOBI in Medford Patsy Smullin and Bob Wise of KOBI in Medford Oregon Business & Industry The Oregon Business Matters podcast talks with two pillars of Oregon journalism. Patsy Smullin is owner and president of California Oregon Broadcasting (COBI), the parent company of KOBI-TV in Medford. And Bob Wise is president and general manager of KOBI-TV. KOBI is an NBC affiliate in Medford. Bob Wise has worked at KOBI-TV for more than 20 years. And last November, Patsy was honored as a "giant of broadcasting and the electronic arts" by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation. Patsy and Bob talks with host Angela Wilhelms about their years in the broadcast business, the shifting journalism landscape, the importance of local news providers and much more. The Oregon Business Matters podcast talks with two pillars of Oregon journalism. Patsy Smullin is owner and president of California Oregon Broadcasting (COBI), the parent company of KOBI-TV in Medford. And Bob Wise is president and general manager of KOBI-TV. KOBI is an NBC affiliate in Medford.

Bob Wise has worked at KOBI-TV for more than 20 years. And last November, Patsy was honored as a "giant of broadcasting and the electronic arts" by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.

Patsy and Bob talk with host Angela Wilhelms about their years in the broadcast business, the shifting journalism landscape, the importance of local news providers and much more.

]]> <p>The Oregon Business Matters podcast talks with two pillars of Oregon journalism. Patsy Smullin is owner and president of California Oregon Broadcasting (COBI), the parent company of <a href="https://kobi5.com/" rel="nofollow">KOBI-TV</a> in Medford. And Bob Wise is president and general manager of KOBI-TV. KOBI is an NBC affiliate in Medford.</p><p>Bob Wise has worked at KOBI-TV for more than 20 years. And last November, Patsy was honored as a &#34;giant of broadcasting and the electronic arts&#34; by the <a href="https://www.tvradiolibrary.org/" rel="nofollow">Library of American Broadcasting Foundation</a>.</p><p>Patsy and Bob talk with host Angela Wilhelms about their years in the broadcast business, the shifting journalism landscape, the importance of local news providers and much more.</p> b63762f4-fad5-46e0-a093-09d7c68f40d6 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:00:59 +0000 1586 no full Jordan Papé, CEO of The Papé Group Jordan Papé, CEO of The Papé Group Oregon Business & Industry Jordan Papé is one of Oregon’s busiest people. He’s the president and CEO of The Papé Group, a multigenerational family business that operates in nine states throughout the west. He is highly engaged in civic and public life, and he serves on OBI’s board of directors. The Oregon Business Matters podcast talks with Jordan about the evolution of his family’s business, its work to fuel vehicles with clean hydrogen, the advantages and challenges of operating in Oregon, and more. Jordan Papé is one of Oregon’s busiest people. He’s the president and CEO of The Papé Group, a multigenerational family business that operates in nine states throughout the west. He is highly engaged in civic and public life, and he serves on OBI’s board of directors.

The Oregon Business Matters podcast talks with Jordan about the evolution of his family’s business, its work to fuel vehicles with clean hydrogen, the advantages and challenges of operating in Oregon, and more. 

]]> <p><span>Jordan Papé is one of Oregon’s busiest people. He’s the president and CEO of </span><a href="https://www.pape.com/" rel="nofollow">The Papé Group</a><span>, a multigenerational family business that operates in nine states throughout the west. He is highly engaged in civic and public life, and he serves on OBI’s board of directors.</span></p><p><span>The Oregon Business Matters podcast talks with Jordan about the evolution of his family’s business, its work to fuel vehicles with clean hydrogen, the advantages and challenges of operating in Oregon, and more. </span></p> a0955d98-4dc6-48f3-8818-6554cc249142 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:00:43 +0000 1771 no full Patrick Nofield, chairman of Escape Lodging Patrick Nofield, chairman of Escape Lodging Oregon Business & Industry Just in time for Oregon's summer tourist season, Oregon Business Matters talks with Escape Lodging Chairman and co-founder Patrick Nofield. Escape Lodging owns and manages hotels and restaurants in Cannon Beach, The Dalles, Beaverton and elsewhere in Oregon. Nofield also serves as board chair for the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.

]]> <p>Just in time for Oregon&#39;s summer tourist season, Oregon Business Matters talks with Escape Lodging Chairman and co-founder Patrick Nofield. Escape Lodging owns and manages hotels and restaurants in Cannon Beach, The Dalles, Beaverton and elsewhere in Oregon. Nofield also serves as board chair for the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.</p> e887a4cf-5320-4063-a13b-6762e7db4616 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000 1413 no full Doug King, president and CEO of Epic Aircraft Doug King, president and CEO of Epic Aircraft Oregon Business & Industry Epic Aircraft's E1000 GX won the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest. Epic President and CEO Doug King joins the podcast to talk about the Bend-based company, the E1000 GX and the challenges of operating a business in Oregon.

]]> <p>Epic Aircraft&#39;s E1000 GX won the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest. Epic President and CEO Doug King joins the podcast to talk about the Bend-based company, the E1000 GX and the challenges of operating a business in Oregon.</p> 4a00587f-db2c-4bc0-ad54-965a1b00c390 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000 1315 no full State Sen. Mike McLane State Sen. Mike McLane Oregon Business & Industry An interview with Oregon state Sen. Mike McLane, a Powell Butte attorney with more than 20 years of military service who has served as a circuit court judge, as Oregon House Republican leader - and even written children's books.

]]> <p>An interview with Oregon state Sen. Mike McLane, a Powell Butte attorney with more than 20 years of military service who has served as a circuit court judge, as Oregon House Republican leader - and even written children&#39;s books.</p> 71001f43-1a84-4fe6-af35-311c13d1dc47 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000 1535 no full OBI President and CEO Angela Wilhelms' comments on Oregon's sliding competitiveness OBI President and CEO Angela Wilhelms' comments on Oregon's sliding competitiveness Oregon Business & Industry This bonus episode is a recording of comments made by OBI President and CEO Angela Wilhelms at the organization's Annual Meeting June 4 in Salem. Wilhelms' comments describe the policy-driven challenges facing Oregon's businesses and the failure of Oregon's political leaders to acknowledge, much less correct, them.

]]> <p>This bonus episode is a recording of comments made by OBI President and CEO Angela Wilhelms at the organization&#39;s Annual Meeting June 4 in Salem. Wilhelms&#39; comments describe the policy-driven challenges facing Oregon&#39;s businesses and the failure of Oregon&#39;s political leaders to acknowledge, much less correct, them.</p> 7b0d400d-e069-4571-bc58-b3ae54939667 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:10:00 +0000 955 no full Memo Diriker on the Oregon Regulatory Impact Analysis Memo Diriker on the Oregon Regulatory Impact Analysis Oregon Business & Industry Dr. Memo Diriker is a faculty member in Salisbury University's Franklin P. Perdue School of Business and the founder of the StratACUMEN Group, which OBI engaged to analyze Oregon's regulatory environment. Dr. Diriker joins the podcast to discuss his team's work, Oregon's regulatory burden and ways other states have found to eliminate excessive regulations.

]]> <p>Dr. Memo Diriker is a faculty member in Salisbury University&#39;s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business and the founder of the StratACUMEN Group, which OBI engaged to analyze Oregon&#39;s regulatory environment. Dr. Diriker joins the podcast to discuss his team&#39;s work, Oregon&#39;s regulatory burden and ways other states have found to eliminate excessive regulations.</p> 330e910a-7adb-4abd-9dbc-d65fa7252876 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 1795 no full Sarah Pope, executive director of Stand for Children Oregon Sarah Pope, executive director of Stand for Children Oregon Oregon Business & Industry Sarah Pope is executive director of Stand for Children Oregon, one of the state's most influential public education-advocacy organizations. She talks with Oregon Business Matters about Oregon's ongoing struggles with statewide standardized test scores, what might be causing the problems and what policymakers can do to address them.

]]> <p>Sarah Pope is executive director of Stand for Children Oregon, one of the state&#39;s most influential public education-advocacy organizations. She talks with Oregon Business Matters about Oregon&#39;s ongoing struggles with statewide standardized test scores, what might be causing the problems and what policymakers can do to address them.</p> 0f8ec2da-8003-4f57-9217-371430603c7b https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Wed, 28 May 2025 14:45:00 +0000 1551 no full Oregon Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham and Oregon House Republican Leader Christine Drazan Oregon Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham and Oregon House Republican Leader Christine Drazan Oregon Business & Industry State Sen. Daniel Bonham and Rep. Christine Drazan are the two highest ranking Republicans in the Oregon Legislature. They talk to Oregon Business Matters about what spurred their interest in legislative service, what leading caucuses in the legislative minority entails and more.

]]> <p>State Sen. Daniel Bonham and Rep. Christine Drazan are the two highest ranking Republicans in the Oregon Legislature. They talk to Oregon Business Matters about what spurred their interest in legislative service, what leading caucuses in the legislative minority entails and more.</p> e4bd1219-7e02-42f2-be4c-8b5335066a3c https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 19 May 2025 14:42:00 +0000 1634 no full Oregon Senate Democratic Leader Kayse Jama and Oregon House Democratic Leader Ben Bowman Oregon Senate Democratic Leader Kayse Jama and Oregon House Democratic Leader Ben Bowman Oregon Business & Industry State Sen. Kayse Jama and state Rep. Ben Bowman are two of the Legislature's highest-ranking Democrats. They talk to Oregon Business Matters about what spurred their interest in public service, what legislative leadership entails and more.

]]> <p>State Sen. Kayse Jama and state Rep. Ben Bowman are two of the Legislature&#39;s highest-ranking Democrats. They talk to Oregon Business Matters about what spurred their interest in public service, what legislative leadership entails and more.</p> ba2b4b4a-9612-46e8-bd07-52b84121fdf7 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 19 May 2025 14:42:00 +0000 1347 no full About Oregon Business Matters About Oregon Business Matters Oregon Business & Industry About the Oregon Business Matters podcast, produced by Oregon Business & Industry, Oregon's statewide chamber of commerce.

]]> <p>About the Oregon Business Matters podcast, produced by Oregon Business &amp; Industry, Oregon&#39;s statewide chamber of commerce.</p> 57221fcf-cade-4c5c-9154-b0fb67c0b4ae https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Tue, 06 May 2025 15:13:50 +0000 138 no full John Horvick, senior vice president of DHM Research John Horvick, senior vice president of DHM Research Oregon Business & Industry Oregon Business Matters talks to John Horvick of DHM Research about how he got started in the public opinion research business, how polling has changed during his nearly two-decade career, how the views of Oregonians have changed and more.

]]> <p>Oregon Business Matters talks to John Horvick of DHM Research about how he got started in the public opinion research business, how polling has changed during his nearly two-decade career, how the views of Oregonians have changed and more.</p> 4dd68db9-2a93-4f53-8844-17e8fbb248b6 https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/oregon-business-matters Mon, 05 May 2025 20:34:36 +0000 2002 no