Governor’s Marketplace to be Held Wednesday, April 17, in Salem

March 28, 2013 -- On April 17, representatives from Governor Kitzhaber’s Office of Economic & Business Equity will host the 11th annual Governor’s Marketplace Conference at the Salem Convention Center. The event is expected to draw more than 300 attendees interested in learning about business certification, working with procurement offices, small business financing, and legal, labor, and health insurance issues.
 
“Oregon’s small businesses are the backbone of our state,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “Our long-term economic strength lies in helping these companies innovate and grow while ensuring we have equitable opportunities for all of Oregon’s workforce.”
 
The Governor’s Marketplace brings together state, regional, and federal governments, private sector companies, and nonprofit organizations to help Oregon’s small and emerging business community grow. Attendees include state agencies, Oregon universities, and companies like Wells Fargo, Century Link, Office Max, Northwest Natural, and Kaiser Permanente. The keynote speaker is Warren Whitlock, Associate Administrator for Civil Rights with the Federal Highway Administration.
 
Online registration is $10 through April 1, $25 thereafter. For more information about the Governor’s Office of Economic & Business Equity or the Governor’s Marketplace, please visit:oregon.gov/Gov/MWESB/.