Business Alliance CEO Discusses Portland
Published Mar 06, 2007
Sandra McDonough enjoys serving the city where she was born and raised.
As president and chief executive officer of the Portland Business Alliance, Sandra McDonough works to ensure the economic vitality of downtown Portland and the metro region as a whole.
But it’s not just a job to her.
Born and reared in the area, McDonough enjoys its many offerings – hiking, bicycling, museums, theater, nearby beaches – and takes an active role in the community.
“It’s a great place to raise a family,” she says.
Prior to joining the Alliance in August 2004, McDonough worked in the energy industry for 20 years and before that as a reporter for The Oregonian and The Seattle Times. She took time out from her busy schedule to answer some questions about business recruitment efforts here.
Q What kinds of businesses are a good fit for this region?
A We are a major focal point for the high-tech industries, semiconductor manufacturing, professional services and open-source development, and we also have a very strong software-development industry.
We have an incredibly strong sports apparel industry, particularly shoes. We’re the center of the universe for sporting shoes, with Nike, adidas’ North American headquarters, Columbia Sportswear and a whole lot of startup companies.
We have a strong manufacturing industry – metals manufacturing, transportation manufacturing – and a strong nursery industry, with high-end nursery plants shipped worldwide.
We are a creative services center, and in terms of developing sustainable industries, we have expertise in sustainable practices that are worldwide. For any company that is looking to be in a center of innovation and entrepreneurial excitement, this is a great place to be.
Q Why do businesses choose to relocate to this area?
A We are an incredibly beautiful and phenomenal city – a world-class city with a wonderful urban character, a sophisticated arts scene, a great business culture and cutting-edge public transportation. We’re also in a natural environment that’s stunningly beautiful and accessible. We have a great education system, and we have a young, bright, entrepreneurial group of people available for companies, whether technology/engineering driven or arts/creative driven.
Q Why are entrepreneurs attracted here?
A We understand the needs of small businesses and try to make them feel welcome. Entrepreneurs find they can connect with and grow and attract the kind of workers they need – creative, entrepreneurial workers. We also have the large businesses that tend to spin off the intellectual force that feeds that entrepreneurial culture.
Q Is there a growing demand for warehouse and manufacturing space?
A We’re very transportation-centric here, largely because of where we are. We’re a major seaport, we have a major airport, major rail lines, and we’re at an intersection of two major western highways – Interstate 5 and Interstate 84. A lot of trade that’s headed for other parts of the world goes through the Portland region. Manufacturing sites are really important, and a major focus of ours is to make sure we have land available to serve the industrial and commercial needs of this region.
Q What training resources are available?
A We have some great training opportunities, starting with students K-12. There is a strong connection between the school districts and employers to make sure that – beginning in middle school – kids and teachers focus on the long-term workforce needs. We have a phenomenal community college system here, and Portland Community College in particular has a strong relationship with employers for workforce training. We have a major research institute, the Oregon Health & Science University. Portland State University and other colleges work closely with employers to determine workforce needs. We have a new center for the University of Oregon in Portland, which is going to be an important education focus. There are also a lot of opportunities to get advanced business degrees.
Q Is it true that the timeline for development here is more deliberate?
A We have a great partnership with the government agencies here to make sure we’re ready when a prospect comes to town. That means working with them to make sure we have sites available, helping them navigate the regulatory process, and making sure the regulatory process is streamlined. The city of Portland and other regulatory entities have worked to make sure the regulatory process is not overly burdensome.
Story by Rebecca Denton
Photo by Brian McCord
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