Oregon Business Council

"The Oregon Business Council is an association of more than 40 top business executives focused on public issues that affect Oregon's life and future. Founded in 1985, OBC is patterned after the national Business Roundtable and affiliate organizations in a number of other states. OBC is nonpartisan and independent, and its policy agenda is broader than the interests of individual businesses or industries. Since it was founded, OBC has worked on issues as diverse as K-12 and higher education, salmon and watershed health, a drug-free workplace, transportation, fiscal reform, and economic development. The business leaders who belong to OBC serve as directors of the organization. OBC members represent Oregon's largest employers, in fact, nearly a third of the state's 100 largest companies. OBC's mission is to mobilize business leaders to contribute to Oregon's quality of life and economic prosperity. Directors apply their energies, knowledge, and leadership, as well as the resources of their companies, to accomplish this mission. As a context for this work, OBC embraces the vision of Oregon Shines II, the state's long-range strategy, which calls for quality jobs for all Oregonians; safe, caring and engaged communities; and healthy, sustainable surroundings. The Council studies and often takes positions on issues through standing committees chaired and made up of Council directors. The directors are frequently assisted by managers from within their companies acting as OBC deputies. These issue teams are supported by OBC's small staff, with support from consultants.