OBI Visionary Awards Banquet

Oct. 27, 2025 – OBI website account of recent Vision Oregon Event in Portland, Ore:

What happened: OBI’s annual Vision Oregon Event, which took place Oct. 22, was a celebration of entrepreneurialism. The event featured a keynote address by Oregon Entrepreneurs Network President and Executive Director Cara Turano, a panel discussion involving a trio of state entrepreneurs, and the recognition of three Oregon businesses that have demonstrated the power of entrepreneurialism to create jobs and prosperity while manufacturing exceptionally cool products.

Oregon visionaries: OBI presented two Oregon Visionary Awards. Portland-based Daimler Truck North America, a longtime industry leader in technological innovation and efficiency improvement, has produced vehicles in Oregon since the 1940s and employs more than 3,000 people here. Founded in White City more than 35 years ago, NIC Industries produces industry-leading coatings that are distributed and sold in more than 90 countries. It employs more than 250 people at its facility in southern Oregon. To learn more, check out OBI’s videos on Daimler Truck North America (here) and NIC Industries (here).

Amy Browne and Terrill Roper of SOREDI (Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc.) proudly attended the recent awards ceremony to show their support for NIC Industries. Their presence underscored SOREDI’s ongoing commitment to championing regional economic development and celebrating the achievements of Southern Oregon’s entrepreneurial community. NIC Industries’ recognition not only highlights the company’s excellence in its field but also reflects their strength and resilience. Browne and Roper’s attendance served as a meaningful gesture of encouragement and partnership, reinforcing SOREDI’s role as a vital connector between public and private sector success stories in the region.

Pictured from left to right below: Bekah Hallier (Leatherman), Ron Bechtel, David Meador (NIC Industries), Terrill Roper, Amy Browne, and Jonathan Stein (Leatherman)

OBI (Oregon Business & Industry) is a recognized statewide leader in policy making important to Oregon business. As a voice for Oregon business, it is based in Salem with more than 1,600 members across the State.