Local Officials Participate in Statewide Conference

Local officials from the City of Forest Grove recently joined nearly 700 attendees from across Oregon at the League of Oregon Cities’ 83rd Annual Conference & Business Meeting October 2-4 in Salem.  City officials from throughout Oregon attended work sessions and training seminars to help them manage their municipalities more effectively and to share best practices.  Those attending from Forest Grove included:  Mayor Richard Kidd, Council President Peter Truax, Councilors Tom (TJ) Johnston, Ron Thompson, Victoria Lowe, and City Manager Michael Sykes. 

More than 35 sessions were offered, giving city officials new tools and information on such topics as downtown development and urban renewal, media relations, sustainable development, ethics, disaster preparedness, volunteerism, budgeting, and telecommunications.  In addition, city officials met face-to-face with policy advisors from the governor’s office, several state agency directors, and staff for Oregon’s U.S. Senators and Representatives.

Several cities were given awards for various achievements. Forest Grove was presented with the Award of Excellence in recognition of its “Lincoln Park Renovation & Thatcher Park Phase 1” project in partnership with Pacific University, a “Wellness Promotion Award” for the City’s employee wellness program, and a “Safety Award” for city employees.  Additionally the Mayor accepted, on behalf of a citizen of the community, the “Governor’s Fitness Award” for the time, dedication and enthusiasm in promoting physical activity and wellness in Oregon.  Mayor Kidd will present this award to that citizen at the October 27th Joint Council and Forest Grove School Board meeting in the school district board room.

During this conference the Oregon Mayors Association held its annual business meeting where Mayor Kidd was honored as the outgoing President of that organization. The Oregon Mayors Association will be holding its annual summer conference in Forest Grove July 30 through August 3, 2009.

At the League of Oregon Cities conference, Forest Grove’s Hospitality Room was a huge success! Thanks to Sake One, Montinore Estate, Shafer, and David Hill Wineries, L-Bar-T Buffalo Ranch for sponsoring the number one gathering spot for the after session wind-down time. These sponsor names have become familiar throughout the state. We even had a gentleman from Washington who had lived in and around Forest Grove stop by, and he was duly impressed with the products and services that were showcased from our local area. The Forest Grove open house included displays of product and services available in the community and photographs of our city and surrounding area. Chamber of Ccommerce members furnished brochures and products for the display area. The Washington Ccounty Vvisitors Association and Pacific Uuniversity provided photographs of the county and the university. Local businesses on display included our main sponsors: Sake One, Montinore Estate, Shafer and, David Hill wineries and L-Bar-T Ranch as well as Stuntzner Engineering and Forestry, Merix, Woodfold Marco, Jennings McCall, Marquis Care & Vintage Suites, Blossoming Health Clinic, Q&D Manufacturing, The Wine Behren, Mike Hundley/Farmers Insurance, Parr Lumber, Adelante Mujeres, Tuality Healthcare, and Community Action.

Next year’s League conference will be October 1-3, 2009, at the DoubleTree Lloyd Center in Portland.

About the League of Oregon Cities

Founded in 1925, the League of Oregon Cities is a voluntary association representing all 242 incorporated Oregon cities.  The League helps city governments better serve their citizens by providing legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical assistance and publications.