Central Oregon organizations are coming together to tackle emerging challenges and create new opportunities at Bend 101: Innovation for Community Impact, happening October 1 from 5-7pm at OSU-Cascades’ Edward J. Ray Hall.
The program will highlight how collaboration across education, healthcare, tourism, economic development and other sectors can strengthen the region. Rebecca Robinson, associate vice president for economic development and industry relations at OSU-Cascades, will provide an inside look at the university’s developing Innovation District, including the vision for creating a new economic and innovation hub in Central Oregon.
Additional speakers will share examples of partnerships already making an impact. Leaders from Central Oregon Community College and St. Charles Health System will discuss efforts to address changing healthcare workforce needs, while Visit Bend will explore how destination stewardship can support community organizations and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Speakers include Robinson; Grant Ermis, dean of career and technical education at COCC; Kaylyn Grammater, clinical education director at St. Charles Health System; Zavier Borja, director of destination stewardship at Visit Bend; Damon Runberg, state economist with Business Oregon; Kelly Cannon-Miller, executive director of the Deschutes Historical Museum; and Zak Boone, vice president of college advancement and executive director of the COCC Foundation.
Check-in and networking begin at 5pm, with programming starting at 5:30pm and concluding at 7pm. Attendees will also have time to socialize and enjoy food and beverages.
Online registration closes October 1 at 12pm.
