This episode features Oregon Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna, interviewed by Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, who specializes in Executive Coaching & Leadership Development. We discuss how his office forecasts state economic conditions and revenues for the biennial budget, delivering quarterly public testimony to legislators and publishing materials via OLIS and the Office of Economic Analysis website. Riccadonna highlights Oregon’s strong civic engagement, explains how national and global forces shape Oregon outcomes, and describes forecasting as “art and science” using historical economic relationships while relying on and adjusting national forecasts. He warns small businesses about persistent, elevated inflation driven by multiple factors (including energy, wages, and tariffs) and a potential shift toward higher interest rates versus the pre-pandemic era. He urges focusing on fundamentals rather than recession headlines or calendar-based cycle assumptions. Chamber CEO Liz Hartman announces a meet-and-greet for new city manager Denzel Maxwell, a candidate forum, a Tuscany 2027 trip event, the Business Leadership Program starting in January, and endorsements for three City Council candidates.

OLIS - Oregon Legislative Information System to listen to hearings and presentations

Candidate Forum - Thursday, October 8 - 7:30 am, 8 am start time - go to Lake Oswego Chamber events

Spotlight on Tuscany = Thursday, October 8 - 4:30-6 pm - click here for a reservation Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Development - Business Leadership Development - January-June - Call 503-636-3634 or go to Business Leadership Development

LO Chamber city council candidate endorsement (candidate websites)

Neil Tunmore Neil Tunmore for Lake Oswego City Council

Heather Graves Ramsey Heather Ramsey for Lake Oswego City Council

Brian Guiney Home | Bryan for Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E

(next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's)

We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.

Questions? Call 503-636-3634

For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

On this episode of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce podcast Business LO, Chamber Member Heather Graves Ramsey interviews government affairs expert Paul Glass about how government affairs committees engage members, build relationships with elected officials, and advocate on issues affecting businesses, including regulations, permitting, fees, taxes, transportation, insurance costs, business retention, and land development. Glass emphasizes that “business friendly” means officials listen, understand business impacts, and apply consistent processes; he urges business owners to pay attention via chamber communications and city agendas, bring concerns first to the chamber, invite officials to visit businesses, and follow up to maintain accountability. He also advises prospective candidates to prepare for major time demands, fundraising, public scrutiny, and family impacts. Chamber CEO Liz Hartman shares chamber updates with What You Need to Know in LO, including September ticket sales for the October 3rd Wine Walk, booking 2027 networking hosts, rebooting the Downtown Business Group, and upcoming affinity group meetings, including Women’s Lakeside Leaders on September 23, 2026.

Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E

(next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's)

We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.

Questions? Call 503-636-3634

For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com

This episode of Business LO is all about beautifying our fair city! We appreciate it so much that our podcast cover art highlights our love of the signature flower baskets all over town.

You may be wondering who and what is behind all this. We are excited to feature Jonn Karsseboom, owner of The Garden Corner in Tualatin, also known as the "Garden Rebel." As he says on his LinkedIn profile, "Under the guise of 'work' I play the entire day long outside...creating all kinds of hanging baskets for every season and every occasion."

We also have Beth Oliphant Hoover, Executive Director at The Oliphant Hoover Community Charity, who will discuss the story of our beautiful, bodacious baskets around Lake Oswego. Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, leads the conversation and specializes in executive coaching and leadership development.

Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website

Visit us at 311 B Avenue, Suite E

(next to the Post Office, across from the fire station and the Beacon Building/Lola's)

We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.

Questions? Call 503-636-3634

For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions michelle@modcastproductions.com