Southern Willamette Valley Innovation Corridor Initiative

Client

The Oregon Business Council and the Southern Willamette Valley Innovation Corridor Steering Committee:

Jordan Papé, Papé, Steering Committee Chair President

• Jayathi Murthy, Oregon State University

• President Karl Scholz, University of Oregon

• Doug Boysen, Samaritan Health Services

• Karla Chambers, Stahlbush Island Farms

• Eric Forrest, Big Foot Beverages

• Sue Richards, HP

Rowell Brokaw, in collaboration with Mithun, worked closely with the Southern Willamette Valley Innovation Corridor Steering Committee to create images illustrating a regional economic vision. The vision is grounded in university research strengths, illustrated through maps and visuals, and framed to preserve the environment that makes this region special.

We were asked to “paint a picture to illustrate how projected new jobs, new companies, and population growth will change and enhance the region by 2035.”

We produced four images related to core themes of the initiative:

It’s a unified regional strategy.

This effort brings together OSU, UO, industry partners, and government to build a connected, innovation-driven economy from Corvallis to Eugene.

We’re solving a long-standing competitiveness gap.

Despite strong research assets, our region has lagged behind peer university-based regions. The corridor creates the alignment needed to compete nationally.

We’re building on real strengths and momentum.

World-class research, entrepreneurial activity, outdoor amenities, quality of life, and recent regional wins provide a strong foundation for growth.

The next phase focuses on coordinated action.

We are developing a unified policy agenda, engaging employers and community partners, formalizing regional meetings, and researching industries that benefit most from proximity to research universities and have strong national growth potential.