AGENDA | MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH
7:00 am
REGISTRATION OPENS
Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. at Treasure Valley Community College. Attendees will check in and receive materials for the day’s events. Beginning at 7:45 a.m., buses will begin loading for the industry tours, with departure promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Please note that individual transportation is not permitted—bus transportation is required for all tour participants. Early arrival is strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth and timely departure.
8:00 am
WORKING WATERS TOUR: FROM SOURCE TO SYSTEM
This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the infrastructure that keeps water moving across Eastern Oregon. Participants will visit a dam, pumping station, and local irrigation operations to see how water is stored, managed, and delivered in real time. Along the way, experts will share how these interconnected systems support agriculture, communities, and regional economies. This tour highlights the coordination and investment required to keep a working water system functioning effectively.
8:00 am
BUILDING THE WORKFORCE TOUR: FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
This tour highlights how Eastern Oregon is developing the next generation workforce through education, training, and real-world application. Participants will visit Treasure Valley Community College’s CTE and emerging programs, explore active solar projects, and tour the OSU Extension station to see how innovation and industry intersect. The experience connects the full workforce pipeline—from learning to employment—while showcasing the partnerships that make it possible. Attendees will gain insight into how regional investments in education and training are shaping long-term economic opportunity.
8:00 am
ACROSS STATE LINES: A REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOUR
This cross-border tour offers a side-by-side look at economic development in Idaho and Oregon, beginning in Idaho and returning to Ontario in the afternoon. Participants will explore town centers, housing developments, and local businesses to better understand how each state approaches growth and investment. The tour is designed to spark conversation around what’s working, where challenges exist, and how regional collaboration can strengthen our communities. Attendees will leave with practical insights and fresh perspectives on shaping Eastern Oregon’s economic future.
5:30 pm
EVENING DINNER & RECEPTION
Join fellow attendees for a relaxed and engaging evening of networking, conversation, and regional hospitality. The reception offers an opportunity to connect with community leaders, policymakers, and industry partners in an informal setting. Enjoy local refreshments as we celebrate the shared commitment to Eastern Oregon’s future. Reception begins at 5:30pm, dinner will be served at 6:00pm.
AGENDA | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25TH
7:00 am
REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
Begin your summit experience with breakfast starting at 7:00 a.m., offering a chance to fuel up and connect with fellow attendees. Doors to the general session will open early to allow ample time for seating, networking, and preparing for a full day of engaging discussions and presentations. We encourage early arrival to ensure a smooth and welcoming start to the day.
8:00 am
WELCOME
The summit officially opens with a welcome from event organizers and local leaders, followed by a series of keynote presentations and panel discussions. This portion of the program will set the stage for the day’s themes, offering insights into regional priorities, opportunities for collaboration, and strategies for fostering long-term growth and resilience in Eastern Oregon.
Bobby Levy | President, EOWC
Bobby Levy
President, Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition
Over the last 20+ years Bobby has enthusiastically planned, designed and hosted numerous parties and events; including graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, retirement and holiday parties for family and friends. Since 2006, Bobby has been planning and hosting political parties and introductions where candidates, government officials, business leaders, as well as state department directors, have come to Umatilla, Morrow and Wallowa Counties to get to know and be known by the people of Eastern Oregon. Bobby is passionate about rural Eastern Oregon and sharing information and successes with all of Oregon.
Bobby received her MBA from Portland State University in 1995, as well as an MTE from Eastern Oregon University in 1999.
She is one of the five founding members of Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition. Bobby is the past Chair of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission, serving an eight-year term on the commision. Bobby has served on numerous boards and committees and is a member of the Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and the Hermiston Government Affairs Team, as well as a member of the Umatilla County Budget committee. She is a past member of the Umatilla County Housing Authority Board. In addition to her work with EOWC, Bobby also raises sheep and Large Breed Guardian dogs for predator protection for sheep producers in the Northwest. Along with her business partner Joe Benner, BJ’s LGD Spike Collars, she is producing and selling spike collars to LGD owners all over the US and Canada for predator protection.
Bobby is currently in her third term as Oregon State Representative for District 58.
8:15 am
WORKING WATERS – OPENING SPEAKER
Adam Ratliff | Armchair Engineer
Bio TBD.
8:40 am
MAKING WATER WORK: SYSTEMS, STEWARDSHIP, AND SUPPLY
This panel will explore the importance of maintaining and supporting a working water system that sustains Eastern Oregon’s communities and economy. Panelists will discuss the role of dams, pumping infrastructure, irrigation networks, and emerging technologies in ensuring water is effectively managed and utilized. The conversation will highlight the need for ongoing investment, coordination, and stewardship to keep these systems functioning as intended. Attendees will gain insight into how thoughtful management and innovation can help ensure water systems continue to work for the region—now and into the future.
9:30 am
THE ENERGY CHALLENGE: SUPPLY, DEMAND, AND REGIONAL CONSTRAINTS
This panel brings together regional energy providers to examine the realities of meeting Oregon’s energy goals in a market where supply has not yet caught up with demand. Panelists will discuss the challenges of limited access to available clean and traditional energy, infrastructure constraints, and the complexities of long-term planning under evolving policy requirements. The conversation will focus on what it will take to close the gap—from expanding generation and transmission to strengthening regional collaboration. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of both the barriers and the practical pathways forward for delivering reliable and affordable energy in Eastern Oregon
10:20 am
BREAK
10:40 am
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – OPENING SPEAKER
Shawna Peterson | Executive Director, Eastern Oregon Border Board
Bio TBD.
11:05 am
SUSTAINING ONTARIO: CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS FORWARD
This panel will take an honest look at the economic challenges facing Ontario and similar rural communities, from workforce constraints and housing to infrastructure and investment gaps. Panelists will discuss what it will take not just to stabilize, but to strengthen and grow the local economy in a competitive regional landscape. The conversation will focus on practical strategies, partnerships, and policy considerations that can support long-term economic vitality. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of both the urgency and the opportunity to shape Ontario’s future.
11:55 am
SUPPORTING THE WORKFORCE: THE ROLE OF CHILDCARE
This panel will examine the critical role childcare plays in supporting a strong and stable workforce across the region. Featuring both regional experts and employers who are actively developing childcare solutions, the conversation will highlight real-world approaches to expanding access and capacity. Panelists will discuss the challenges families and businesses face, as well as innovative strategies that are making a difference. Attendees will gain insight into how investing in childcare can drive workforce participation, employee retention, and long-term economic prosperity.
1:00 pm
LUNCH
2:00 pm
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Breakout session information TBA.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sign Up To Sponsor the 2026 Summit Now! Become a sponsor of the 2025 Eastern Oregon Economic Summit. As a sponsor, you can help bring together state, regional, and local leaders from across private and public sectors to discuss issues and set goals to improve our region and state. The Eastern Oregon Economic Summit will be advertised on multiple platforms in all Eastern Oregon counties and the wider region. There are five sponsorship levels for your consideration.
Title Sponsor Level | $10,000
Title Sponsor Benefits
Extra-large logo on summit registration website.
Extra-large logo on summit registration materials.
Extra-large logo on summit packet.
Logo on lanyards/name badgets.
Full page ad in program.
Exhibit booth.
Complimentary event registration (10 tickets)
Platinum Sponsor Level | $7,500
Platinum Sponsor Benefits
Large logo on summit registration website.
Large logo on summit registration materials.
Large logo on summit packet.
Half page ad in program.
Exhibit booth.
Complimentary event registration (10 tickets).
Gold Sponsor Level | $5,000
Gold Sponsor Benefits
Medium logo on summit registration website.
Medium logo on summit registration materials.
Medium logo on summit packet.
Quarter page ad in program.
Exhibit booth.
Complimentary event registration (5 tickets).
Silver Sponsor Level | $2,500
Silver Sponsor Benefits
Small logo on summit registration website.
Small logo on summit registration materials.
Small logo on summit packet.
Exhibit booth.
Complimentary event registration (2 tickets).
Bronze Sponsor Level | $500
Bronze Sponsor Benefits
Name on summit registration website.
Name on summit registration materials.
Name on summit packet.
Complimentary event registration (2 tickets).
