OEDA is your source for economic development resources, tools, best practices, training, and a broad statewide network.
The Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) is Oregon’s leading state-wide economic development organization, representing a diverse and dynamic network of stakeholders committed to advancing economic prosperity across the state. Our membership spans over 150 cities, counties, regional Economic Development Organizations (EDOs), ports, utilities, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), chambers of commerce, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and partners in higher education, finance, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
We work on the front lines of Oregon’s economy—creating jobs, fostering business retention and attraction, and supporting the growth of key sectors. Our collective efforts are focused on building vibrant, sustainable regional economies throughout Oregon.
At OEDA, we believe economic development is a team sport. We connect our network through a wide array of resources, including industry-leading training, conferences, research tools, and essential policy advocacy. As the only statewide group dedicated to advancing policy addressing Oregon’s economic development priorities, programs, and initiatives, we advocate for the policies and legislation that drive economic success and opportunity for all Oregonians. Now more than ever, being part of the OEDA network adds critical capacity to your work and to your community.
We invite your organization to join OEDA and become an integral part of Oregon’s economic development support network, ensuring that your team has access to the tools, resources, and connections needed to succeed.
HOW MEMBERSHIP WORKS:
At OEDA, we’re proud to offer highly affordable dues to support all communities’ access to economic development support.
Membership Dues cover the whole organization, including all colleagues and elected officials who wish to participate.
Organizational Membership Model: All-Inclusive Benefits
OEDA memberships are organizational, meaning that when your organization joins, all team members have access to benefits. This inclusive model ensures that everyone in your organization can participate, engage, and grow through OEDA’s resources, events, and professional development programs.
By joining as an organization, your entire team can benefit from collective learning, collaboration, and networking. Every individual within your organization–from staff to leadership–can participate in OEDA’s offerings and enhance your organization’s capacity by fostering collaboration among your members and peers within the OEDA network.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:
Find Connections and Community within OEDA’s Network
OEDA provides exclusive networking opportunities, bringing together professionals from across the state and beyond. As a member, you’ll have direct access to economic development leaders, government officials, industry experts, and fellow members who share your goals and values.
We believe that economic development touches us all, and all those whose work supports a thriving and prosperous Oregon economic ecosystem–from practitioners to professionals–has a seat at the table.
Statewide Collaboration: Build relationships with like-minded professionals and organizations dedicated to driving economic growth in Oregon.
Access to Industry Experts: Gain insights and advice from top professionals in the economic development field.
Expanded Influence: Increase your organization’s visibility and credibility within the economic development community.
Professional Development and Educational Resources
OEDA is committed to the professional growth of its members. By joining, you gain access to a wealth of educational resources and development opportunities, designed to help you and your team stay informed, engaged, and skilled in the latest economic development practices.
Training Programs & Workshops: Attend in-depth training sessions, webinars, and workshops covering key topics like Understanding the Oregon Legislature 101, Business Recruitment & Lead Generation, and more.
OCED Training Program: Pursue your Oregon Certified Economic Developer credential to bolster your credibility and expertise in economic development.
Industry Research & Best Practices: Stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge research, reports, educational resource guides, and case studies on economic trends and innovations.
Advocacy at the State Level
OEDA is your voice at the Oregon state legislature, advocating for policies that support economic development in Oregon. As a member, your organization will be part of a strong collective voice that shapes policy decisions, regulations, and incentives that impact Oregon’s economy.
Amplify Your Voice: Share your perspective on policies and programs that impact your work and community by joining our monthly Government Affairs Conference Calls, led by our lobbyist partners at Tonkon Torp, LLP in collaboration with OEDA’s Policy Council.
Exclusive Legislative Updates: Receive critical updates on legislation affecting your organization, industry, and community from OEDA’s Policy Council, comprised of legislative policy experts from across the state. Policy Council Bulletins include exclusive resources such as our Priority Bill Tracker, one-pagers and educational materials, and detailed reports on emerging issues throughout the legislative session.
Engagement in Statewide Economic Initiatives: Participate in initiatives aimed at strengthening Oregon’s economy and ensuring long-term prosperity.
Annual Events
OEDA hosts a variety of annual events each year that bring together hundreds of economic development professionals for networking, learning, and sharing ideas.
As part of your OEDA organizational membership, all employees of your organization will receive exclusive members-only pricing for all OEDA events, workshops, and professional development programs. This makes it more affordable for your entire team to engage in high-quality educational experiences and networking opportunities.
Annual Conference Access: Attend OEDA’s premier 3-day event, featuring renowned speakers, informative sessions, and extensive networking opportunities.
Annual Collaboration Summit: Join us each spring as we convene professionals from economic development, workforce development, higher education, industry, and more to learn, share, and discover new pathways for collaboration.
Virtual Workshops & Networking Events: Stay engaged with specialized events focused on emerging topics in economic development.
Visibility and Recognition
Membership in OEDA helps raise the profile of your organization through visibility in a state-level platform dedicated to economic development. Whether you’re looking to highlight your successful projects or share your expertise, OEDA provides opportunities for recognition and engagement.
Highlight Your Successes: Share successful projects, strategies, and initiatives with the broader OEDA community through exclusive members-only tools like OEDA’s News Feed, Events Calendar, Social Media platforms, and Newsletters. Gain exposure for your job opportunities by posting to OEDA’s Job Board directly through your OEDA Member Portal.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Showcase your organization’s commitment to economic development by sponsoring OEDA events and programs.
Cross-State Networking & Information Sharing: Build relationships with professionals in other states, gaining insights and strategies that can be adapted for Oregon. Access resources, case studies, and best practices from national and regional partners to help shape your economic development strategies.
READY TO JOIN?
Becoming a member of the Oregon Economic Development Association is a powerful way to position your organization for success in today’s competitive economic landscape. With a wide range of benefits—from networking opportunities and professional development to advocacy and funding support—OEDA provides everything you need to thrive in Oregon’s ever-evolving economic environment.
By joining as an organizational member, you’ll provide your entire team with the tools, resources, and opportunities to succeed, engage with the state’s top economic development professionals, and contribute to Oregon’s economic growth and prosperity.
Use the buttons on the right-hand side of the page to view Membership Pricing and download a Membership Application.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:
- Complete a New Member Application and email it to our Admin Team at info@oeda.biz.
- Once your application has been accepted, you will receive an invoice for your annual Membership dues to the email address you’ve provided.
- Upon receiving payment for your Membership, you’ll receive onboarding information and your new login to the Members Area of our website to begin accessing your account benefits.
PLEASE NOTE: OEDA memberships are non-transferable, meaning that the membership stays with the organization and is not tied to individual representatives. When a person joins OEDA as a representative of their organization, the membership benefits remain with the organization, even if the primary representative changes roles or organizations.