In 2018 Business for a Better Portland Became a Force
In 2017, we blazed the trail in Portland as a new kind of business organization. In 2018 we became a force for positive change. With a growing and energized membership, BBPDX hit its stride in providing a new and needed channel for values-driven companies to learn, lead, and civically engage.
Here’s a snapshot of 2018:
For details on our current work, go to our update section
300
Our membership grew steadily over the year to include sectors like food & beverage, commercial real estate, architecture, and financial planning.
501(c)(3)
We launched Friends of Business for a Better Portland, a charitable nonprofit, to support our member education and community partnerships.
2
We endorsed two ballot measures. Connecting our members with affordable housing and clean energy campaigns to advance equity
90
Number of members participating in 3 member workgroups to dig deep on transportation, housing and economic policy
$13,000
Amount in donations to the affordable housing bond campaign catalyzed by the Rockin’ It For Affordable Housing concert
175
Number of businesses signing onto letters to lawmakers in support of issues we care about including funding to support underrepresented entrepreneurs and better transit .
We also became
A voice for businesses on issues they care about
Businesses large and small now have a place at the table on policy discussions — all members have the opportunity to learn, engage and advocate with equal voice.
“I joined BBPDX because I immediately felt that it was going to provide something very important to the business community: a voice for businesses that want to be advocates for the greater good of the whole city. I am beyond grateful that BBPDX finally exists in the City of Portland.”
A place to connect with like-minded business owners
Our members believe that business thrives when the Portland community thrives. This shared philosophy connects them at our events, in partnership with organizations, and in the links they make between one another.
“We met at a BBPDX event in early 2018. Ashley made introductions as soon as she heard we were in the same industry, and as they say, the rest is history. We quickly discovered a definitive like-mindedness in our business visions. Over the course of the year, we explored opportunities to work together, and in the fall of 2018, our business collaboration came to life.”
A trusted liaison between community leaders
We helped our members connect with their community, become informed about the issues they care most about, provide an onramp for them to actually get involved.
“To say that Business for a Better Portland came along when our community needed it the most would be an understatement. We need a chamber of commerce that helps ensure prosperity and equity for all Portlanders, and BBPDX is that organization. They truly believe in lifting our entire community, and the organization lives this through its work.”
