A new nonprofit funded by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce launched this week. Onward Eugene is aimed at sustaining and building economic growth in the city.
The idea is for Onward Eugene to build cross-sector relationships with businesses already running in the city as well as attract new trade sector industries.
Managing director Matt Sayre previously served as the vice president of the Technology Association of Oregon, he said the tech field is a key area for the initiative.
“Over the past five years, if you’ve been following the rise of the tech industry here, you know that those jobs are nearly double the average wage in greater Eugene. When we talk about traded sector companies, in large part these companies that are both a good for Eugene and high wages,” Sayre said.
These jobs, he said, could help with the city’s current housing crunch.
Another goal for the nonprofit is to slow down “brain drain” by recruiting and retaining local talent. Onward Eugene plans on cultivating relationships with schools, colleges, and local universities in the city.
