Springfield Chamber of Commerce Prepares for 2025 State of Business Breakfast

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for their annual State of Business Breakfast. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 13, starting at 7:30am and will be held at the Ford Alumni Center on the University of Oregon campus. This year’s program title sponsor is PeaceHealth.

As in previous years, the State of Business program will share preliminary results from the Chamber’s Business Climate Survey, offering a snapshot of how Springfield-area businesses view the current economic landscape, emerging challenges, and the region’s competitive advantages. This preview is a chance for attendees to hear what local employers are saying before the full report is released later in the year.

Attendees can enjoy breakfast while engaging in conversation on Oregon’s economic outlook, business climate, and policy landscape. This year’s program brings together leading voices from the economic and advocacy arenas to share data-driven insights and actionable perspectives.

Presenters

• JL Wilson, contract lobbyist for the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, will provide a real-time update on the 2025 legislative session and the state-level advocacy efforts shaping the business environment.
• Mark McMullen, Vice President of Policy & Research with the Common Sense Institute, will follow with a presentation on the Institute’s recent State Budget Report, examining Oregon’s fiscal outlook, long-term budget pressures, and the impact on our state’s economic competitiveness.
• Angela Wilhelms, President & CEO of Oregon Business & Industry, will speak to findings from a recent external recruitment and retention study commissioned by Business Oregon, and will share how those insights connect to OBI’s broader efforts to restore Oregon’s business competitiveness and economic resilience.

The morning will wrap with a facilitated Q&A with the presenters.

Program overview
Location: University of Oregon Ford Alumni Center, Lee Barlow Giustina Ballroom
1720 East 13th Avenue, Eugene

7:30 AM – Networking & light breakfast
8:00 AM – Springfield Chamber Welcome + preliminary findings from our Business Climate Survey
8:15 AM – Presentation: JL Wilson, Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
8:30 AM – Presentation: Mark McMullen, Common Sense Institute
8:50 AM – Presentation: Angela Wilhelms, Oregon Business & Industry
9:10 AM – Facilitated Q&A with all speakers (moderated by Vonnie Mikkelsen)
9:30 AM – Program concludes

Whether you are a business leader, policymaker, or community advocate, the Springfield Chamber urges attendees to RSVP to this event as it will likely fill up quickly. Admission is $35 for Springfield Chamber members and $55 for non-members. Table Sponsors reserve eight seats for $500.

Table sponsorships available

If your business would like to participate as a Table Sponsor, please reach out to Mary Ann Reilly via email, maryann@springfield-chamber.org or call 541-746-1651 ext. 209.

2024 program highlights

Read the 2024 Business Climate Survey results here.

More About the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts
As a trusted convener and provider of business resources, the Springfield Chamber is committed to fostering policies and incentives that contribute to our competitive position in private sector job creation, retention, and economic growth. The Chamber recognizes the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provides an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. Through a robust platform of member advocacy services, the Chamber advocates for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members.

About the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
A hub for businesses, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a trusted resource and connector, known for opening doors, taking bold steps, and moving our business community forward positively and fearlessly. Learn more at springfield-chamber.org.