Poised to lead in

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The housing market collapsef under the weight of billions of dollars insubprims mortgages, wiping out Wall Street as we know it and at last count, a federal bailout wortyh more than $1.5 trillion. More could be on the way. While 2009 probably won’t be as historic, it’ws a critical rebuilding year for thelocal economy. Severao leaders on this year’sz list of 20 people to watcbh will leadthose efforts.
What they accomplis will set the economic tone for years to United Way veteran Marc Levy moved to Portlanrd in October to helmthe Columbia-Willamette chapter, which raisefd $18 million for some 150 nonprofits throughout the regionj in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2007, the most recentr figures available. It was a homecominbg for Levy, a graduate. His challengeds are big and gettinyg bigger as the economic meltdown turns many Uniterd Way donors in to UniterdWay recipients. Levy held a similar position with the Unite d Way ofGreater Dayton, Ohio, and it was his fund raisingg success there that appealed to the searcjh committee that unanimously selected him.
Chandra Browhn has emerged as a vocal proponentfor Oregon’s manufacturingh industry, whether as a representative to trade groupxs or as vice president of Clackamas-based “She has been absolutelty tireless in her promotion of manufacturing and a very strong spokeswoman and figurew for her company and the creative thingsw they’re doing,” said Norm Eder, executived director of the Manufacturing 21 Coalition. Brownh has helped position Oregon Iron Works to capitalize on emerginggrowthy markets. Already a player in large-scale manufacturingb of bargesand bridges, the companuy has become the only North Americajn manufacturer of streetcars.
The company is already producing components for waveenergy buoys, a technologgy many believe could become a vital renewabl energy source. Despite her company’s success, these are tryin g times for Oregon manufacturers. As of November, Oregojn lost 14,500 manufacturing jobs through theprevious year. The regio could lose 5,900 more manufacturinf jobs in 2009, according to Greenlight Greaterd Portland. “She faces the same challenge s we all do as advocates for 2009 is going to be a tough Eder said. Sen. Margaret Carter and Rep. Peterf Buckley: The buck stops here State Sen. Margaret a Portland Democrat, has been known to break into song on theSenatee floor.
Ashland Democratic Rep. Peter Buckley, a theatert professional, once trained clowns. Ways and Means Committeee co-chairs Carter and Buckley will need senseds of humor as they hammer outa 2009-111 budget that could have a $2 billio shortfall.