About this Event
The 2026 Cascades West Economic Development District (CWEDD) Annual Summit will bring together local government and State officials, elected and business leaders, economic development professionals, and regional partners for a day of insight, collaboration, and action focused on the economic future of the Cascades West Economic Development District.
Attendees will get to hear directly from Tim Knopp, Chair of the Oregon Prosperity Council, about Oregon's Prosperity Plan and plans for the future. The Summit will also spotlight Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) include resources for small businesses, and examine how councils of governments help communities turn local priorities into coordinated regional action. Through facilitated discussion and interactive prioritization, participants will help identify projects to strengthen infrastructure, support resilient communities, expand economic opportunity, and advance the region's 2025-2030 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. This feedback will help the CWEDD Board prioritize projects and initiatives, focus resources and capacity, and begin to source gap funding.
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the forces shaping our regional economy, build meaningful connections with public-and private-sector leaders, and a have a direct voice in determining the priorities that will ignite economic vitality across the four county region.
Registration & Refund Policy: Registration includes a continental breakfast and catered lunch. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received after October 23, 2026. Eventbrite service and processing fees apply to paid registrations.
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration and Continental Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:05 AM
Welcome, Overview, and Outcomes
🕑: 09:05 AM - 09:10 AM
Roll Call/Board Member Introductions
🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:40 AM
Oregon's Prosperity Plan and Next Steps
Host: Sen. Tim Knopp
🕑: 09:40 AM - 09:50 AM
Public Comment
🕑: 09:50 AM - 10:05 AM
Break and Networking
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:30 AM
Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST)
Host: Oregon State University
Info: A partnership advancing semiconductor innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in Oregon. Learn about its purpose, status, and implementation plans.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
CWEDD Business Innovators Showcase Panel
Host: Hatfield Marine Science Center
Info: Overview of innovative products, services, and their impact on our regional economy
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
What's New and Cool? Small Business Support
Info: Reverse pitch and spotlight on services to support businesses
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Buffet Lunch and Access to Capital
Host: Greg Price, SBDC OCCC and OGCC
Info: Panel will discuss small business financing options, processes, and pragmatic solutions.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Council of Governments and Their Role in Economic Development
Host: Ryan Vogt, OCWCOG and CSC
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:50 PM
2025-2030 CEDS and Significant Projects Prioritization
Info: A high-level review of the CWEDD 2025-2030 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy priorities and brainstorm regionally significant projects for the CWEDD Board to consider. Your feedback will help us prioritize and mobilize projects for gap funding and implementation.
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:00 PM
Next Steps and Evaluation
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
No Host Summit Gathering (Cascade Grill)
Event venue & nearby stays
Linn County Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road East, Albany, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.