December 05, 2011
The power of diversity as an industry game-changer is the theme for the second annual Athletic and Outdoor Industry celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 pm at Union Pine, 525 SE Pine Street. Sponsored by the Portland Development Commission, the event builds on the energy and enthusiasm generated by a similar gathering in 2010 which launched the PDC’s Athletic & Outdoor cluster analysis and an industry-led action plan to encourage job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Keynote speaker Laura Swapp, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at REI, will kick off a panel discussion and brainstorming session on developing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts to drive growth and innovation in the industry. Panelists include Crystal Neill, Learning Delivery Specialist, Nike; Victor Perry, CFS, Sr. Analyst, Corporate Credit, Nike; Enrique Washington, CEO & partner, Generator Group; and Daniel Clancey, founder of Homeschool Snowboarding. The presentation and panel discussion will be followed by networking. An entrepreneurs showcase will display the latest products and ideas from local innovators Korkers, Homeschool Snowboarding, Looptworks, RYZ and Wicked Quick.
The event will be streamed live at BrandLive, with the opportunity to submit questions online at any time before or during the event.
“We’ve made significant progress in the past year to implement the industry action plan,” Mayor Sam Adams said. “We have terrific industry partners who are really pushing to further Portland’s recognition as the A&O global hub.”
