The Oregon Business Council is an
association of more than 40 top business executives focused on public
issues that affect Oregon's life and future. Founded in 1985, OBC is
patterned after the national Business Roundtable and affiliate
organizations in a number of other states.
REPRESENTATION
OBC is nonpartisan and independent, and its policy agenda is broader than the interests of individual businesses or industries. Since it was founded, OBC has
worked on issues as diverse as
K-12 and higher education, salmon and watershed health, a drug-free workplace, transportation, fiscal reform, and economic
development.
The business leaders who belong to OBC serve as directors of the organization. OBC members represent Oregon's largest employers, in fact, nearly a third of the state's 100 largest companies.
MISSION AND WORK
OBC's mission is to mobilize business leaders to contribute to Oregon's
quality of life and economic prosperity. Directors apply their energies, knowledge, and leadership, as well as the resources of their companies, to accomplish this mission.
As
a context for this work, OBC embraces the vision of Oregon Shines II, the
state's long-range strategy, which calls for quality jobs for all Oregonians;
safe, caring and engaged communities; and healthy, sustainable surroundings. The Council studies and often takes positions on issues through standing committees chaired and made up of Council directors. The directors are frequently assisted by managers from within their companies acting as OBC deputies. These issue teams are supported by OBC's small staff, with support from consultants.
Many of the Council's current efforts are listed on the main menu on the left
side of this page. OBC ALLIANCES
While OBC
is independent in its deliberations and policy positions, it often works
closely with other business organizations, nonprofits, and government
agencies to promote policies that improve Oregon life. OBC works
frequently with Oregon's U.S. Senators, the Governor and the legislative leadership in Salem,
as well as with leaders among city and county
governments, school districts, and colleges and universities.
On K-12 education reform, for example, OBC has had a variety of roles. It worked directly with the legislature to help shape the Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century.
Its members and staff have participated on numerous boards and
task forces to support implementation of the reforms. Member companies work
closely with schools through a variety of partnerships. This work has
become so important that OBC has created a separate entity, E3, to promote and
nurture school improvement.
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