Next Event:
Forum Speaker Series: “New Leadership, New Vision for Salem-Keizer Public Schools”
SPEAKER: SKPS Superintendent Andrea Castañeda
WHEN: Monday, September 11, 2023, 11:30am – 1:00pm
WHERE: Salem Convention Center
Join us for the 2023-2024 Forum Speaker Series season kick-off luncheon as we welcome new Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Andrea Castañeda to our community.
Superintendent Castañeda will discuss her background as a high-ranking administrator in public education, her passion for education and children, her leadership style, and her vision for the school district.
As a newcomer to Salem, she will use the opportunity to introduce herself to the business community as we continue to strengthen our already solid and mutually beneficial partnership with Salem-Keizer Public Schools. We hope you join us to welcome her to Salem and learn more about what she will bring to this critical role!
2023-2024 Forum Speaker Series Schedule:
Monday, September 11, 2023 – Superintendent Andrea Castaneda, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Monday, October 16, 2023 – The Cannery Project on Historic Front Street, featuring developer Trent Michels
Monday, November 13, 2023 – Wildfires & Oregon’s Uncertain Future in Forestry
Monday, December 11, 2023 – Young Professionals Panel Discussion
Monday, January 8, 2024 – Curtis Robinhold, CEO of Port of Portland
Monday, February 12, 2024 – Congresswoman Andrea Salinas & Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Monday, March 4, 2024 – Future of Modern Healthcare
Monday, April 8, 2024 – Salem City Council Candidates Debate
Monday, May 13, 2024 – David Hugo Anderson, CEO of Northwest Natural
Monday, June 10, 2024, 11:30am – 1:30pm – Business of the Year Awards & Leadership Salem Graduation
All Forum Luncheons begin at 11:30am
Watch Our Most Recent Forum Speaker Series Event Here:
For the final Forum Speaker Series event of the 2022-2023 season on June 12, 2023, the Salem Chamber hosted and presented its annual Business of the Year Awards and All-Member Meeting at the Salem Convention Center.
Seven outstanding companies and organizations were recognized for their excellence in business, but also for their outstanding community engagement efforts and the key partnerships they’ve established across the Salem-Keizer area.
2023 Awardees:
Business of the Year – Bark Boys, Inc.
Workforce Development Leadership Award – Modern Building Systems
Employer of the Year – Doneth & Sturdivant Wealth Advisors
Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year – Zak Stone Photography
Ag Manufacturer of the Year – Don Froylan Creamery
New Business of the Year – Salem Capitals Basketball
Non-Profit of the Year – CASA of Marion County
In addition, the Chamber took time to recognize its key volunteers, including members of its Board of Directors, and celebrated the 2023 Leadership Salem graduating class.
The Salem Chamber thanks its Business of the Year sponsor, Willamette Valley Bank, for making this event possible.
About the Series
Hear from business and community leaders who inform and 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.