Past Presentations

October 2011 Forum

When Will it Feel Good Again? Economic Outlook 2012–2013

Presenter: Dr. Bill Conerly of Conerly Consulting

The recession officially ended a year and a half ago, but the economy still feels bad to most people. Dr. Bill Conerly will explain why we’ve had this sluggishness and how long it will continue. The noted economist will also assess risks from a European financial crisis and an Asian recession. On the positive side, he will explore what could go right and get the economy surging forward. All along the way, he will emphasize what business leaders should have on the radar screen as they plan for the future.

Click to download the handout.

April 2011 Forum:

Ten Things You Should Know Before Starting a Business (Even If You Already Have)

Presenter: Thomas G. Jones, Ph.D.
Educator, Consultant, Coach, and Speaker - Clackamas Community College Small Business Development Center & The Ridgefield Institute

Starting a small business can be treacherous. So can managing an existing one. But in both cases,
certain truths prevail—truths that can spell the difference between success, modest success, or failure.

Dr. Jones knows. Named one of the 15 most innovative business educators in the United States, he
has mentored 600 Northwest start-ups and over two thousand smaller ventures in the areas of business
improvement, turnaround, and succession planning. His Greenhouse Program for start-ups has been
selected as a model program—best in class—by the United States Association for Small Business and
Entrepreneurship.

Register now to hear Dr. Jones discuss key issues of entrepreneurship and business management.
You will learn about the importance of differentiation in market positioning, why a business plan
isn’t important, and the “Jones Small Business Diamond”, a powerful model that explains what small
businesses must do to thrive in our current market while maximizing both joy and wealth of the
individual owner(s).

October 2010 Forum:

Three Oregon Businesses Succeeding In The Current Economy

Panelists: Jeane Carver, co-owner of Imperial Stock Ranch, Deek Heykamp, owner of Next Adventure, and Lori Luchak, president of Miles Fiberglass and Composites

During the past few years many companies here in Oregon and nationally have not only held their own but also prospered. How are they doing it? Did they ‘reinvent’ themselves or simply hunker down? What process did these successful companies follow in assessing their market position and defining their strategy? Did they look outside their companies for help—and if so, where and to whom did they look?

Review of the October 2010 Event - Businesses that adapt can prosper

By Jacq Lacy

Three Oregon businesses described their success stories at the Kruse Way Economic Forum on Wednesday, and the common message was that to prosper in this economy you have to be able to adapt.

Jeane Carver, co-owner of Imperial Stock Ranch, Deek Heykamp, owner of Next Adventure, and Lori Luchak, president of Miles Fiberglass and Composites, each gave a 30-minute presentation at the Lake Oswego event. They discussed the hardships endured and how to overcome difficulties by being creative, focusing on customers and diversifying.

April 2010 Forum:

Peering Out Of The Foxhole At the Stimulus, the Deficit, and the Economic Upturn

Presenter: Dr. John Mitchell

Dr. John Mitchell, economic lecturer and former Chief Economist of the U.S. Bancorp, peered out of the foxhole of the current recession to scan the landscape for the anticipated recovery. Discussion included: how have state and federal stimuli impacted the economy to date? What economic growth can we expect going forward? What steps may be taken to reduce growing state and federal deficits? And more...

October 2009 Forum:

Imagining the Future: How Emerging Technologies Will Change Your Business

Presenter: Dr. Thomas G. Jones, Ph.D.

Dr. Tom Jones, educator, consultant, coach, and speaker identifies and assesses the technological shifts that will frame the future in the Northwest and throughout the world.

What Attendees Said:

“Excellent subject & presentation! Very thought provoking, especially as it relates to employee growth!”
“I attend a lot of seminars and conferences. I am always happy to take a few notes but today I filled two pages of notes. Dr. Jones’s insights are more powerful than I expected and it would be nice if Wall St. could take note from time to time!”

April 2009 Forum:

Securing Credit in the 2009 Economy

Panelists: Brad Parrot, Veritas Private Advisors; Hadley Robbins, West Coast Bank; Harry DeWolf, Small Business Administration

Professionals from three sectors of the economy—private equity, commercial banking, and the SBA—describe tactics for securing business financing in the current economic climate.