Next Event:
Forum Speaker Series – “An Insider’s View from DC: How New Federal Policies Are Impacting Local Economies”
WHEN: Monday, May 12, 2025, from 11:30AM to 1:00PM
WHERE: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial Street SE
FEATURED SPEAKER: Chris Eyler, Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Join us at our Forum Speaker Series Luncheon in May as we welcome Chris Eyler from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to provide an update on federal policies impacting our region, businesses, and local economy.
Some of the major policy issues Chris will address include national trade tariffsand the current status of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, which was passed and implemented in 2017.
ADMISSION: $40 for Members, $70 for Future Members
Lunch is included!
About Our Speaker:
Chris Eyler represents the U.S. Chamber throughout the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming and helps develop and implement the Chamber’s grassroots, legislative, and political activities in the area. He works closely with state and local chambers and members of Congress in his region to further the legislative priorities of the Chamber.
Earlier in his career, Eyler served as a staff counsel on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, where he advised Ranking Member Mike Enzi (R-WY) on postsecondary education and national service issues. In addition, he served as a legislative assistant handling health care, education, Social Security, and telecommunication issues for former Sens. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) and Conrad Burns (R-MT), as well as for Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX),
Eyler received his B.A. in history and political science from Miami University (Ohio) and a law degree from the University of Oregon.
See the remaining Forum Speaker Series season dates below and mark your calendars for the upcoming luncheons.
2024-2025 Forum Speaker Series Dates:
Monday, May 12, 2025
Monday, June 9, 2025 – Business of the Year Awards
Most Recent Event:
On April 14, 2025, our Forum Speaker Series welcomed a panel of candidates running for the Ward 6 seat on Salem City Council and for seats on the Salem-Keizer School District’s Board of Directors.
The Forum provided the candidates with a platform to share their backgrounds and views on important issues while also allowing our audience to become more engaged and informed about their choices before voting on these key local leadership positions in the upcoming May 2025 Election.
Featured Candidates:
- Salem City Council Ward 6 – Deanna Garcia and Lorgan Lor
- SKSD Board Zone 1 – Lisa Harnisch and Anthony Mitchell
- SKSD Board Zone 3 – Angelo Arredondo Baca and Jennifer Parker
- SKSD Board Zone 5 – Jason Kroker and Karina Guzmán Ortiz
- SKSD Board Zone 7 – Mel Fuller and Jeremiah Radka
Thank you to the Salem Convention Center for providing the venue and meal, and to Allied Video Productions and Capital Community Media for their help with producing this event.
We’d also like to thank AmeriTitle for serving as this month’s Forum Sponsor, and Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions for being our Presenting Sponsor for the entire 2024-2025 Forum Speaker Series season.
About the Series
Hear from business and community leaders who inform inspire, and network with key decision-makers within our community at the Forum Speaker Series luncheons. Featured speakers cover a wide variety of topics designed to build awareness, foster understanding, and spark conversation in the community. The nine-month series runs from September through June.
The Forum Speaker Series’ purpose is to deliver content, at times through controversial speakers, intended to spark conversation in Salem. The inclusion of these speakers does not imply Chamber endorsement or recommendation of any person, political party, idea, or previous action by these individuals.
The views and opinions expressed in any Forum event do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. The Salem Chamber serves as a host for relevant conversations in town and in the state, and you can be part of these conversations by attending the Forum Speaker Series.
For sponsorship information or questions please contact events@salemchamber.org.