Next Event:
Forum Speaker Series – “Understanding Oregon’s Economic Landscape: Forecast, Projections & Trends”
WHEN: Monday, March 9, 2026, from 11:30AM to 1:00PM
WHERE: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial Street SE
Join us for our Forum Speaker Series Luncheon on March 9, as we welcome the State of Oregon’s Chief Economist, Carl Riccadonna, to provide a presentation on the current state of our economy and analysis on what forecasts, projections, and trends are telling us. This data-driven presentation is sure to be as entertaining as it will be informative, as Riccadonna is a naturally charismatic speaker who injects humor and historical context into his presentations.
Featured Speaker: Carl Riccadonna, Chief Economist for the State of Oregon
Before taking on his role as Oregon’s Chief Economist last fall, Carl worked as a top economist on a global scale for over two decades, including at Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg L.P., and most recently at BNP Paribas. Carl received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) from Princeton University, where he studied mechanical/aerospace engineering, finance, and economics.
The teams Carl has led have been highly ranked among economic forecasters in a broad array of categories, including monetary policy, labor market dynamics, and inflation. Carl takes pride in distilling complex economic analysis into an engaging message for non-economists. An avid gardener, soccer fan, and father of three, Carl is thrilled to transition to the public sector and to relocate to the Pacific Northwest from the New York City area.
Join us for an informative presentation by the leading economist in the entire state!
TICKETS: $45 – Members and $75 – Future Members
Most Recent Event:
On January 12, 2026, our Forum Speaker Series hosted the first public debate between the two candidates running for Mayor of the City of Salem in 2026: Mayor Julie Hoy and Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke.
During the debate, the candidates answered questions from the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the audience, and questions from one another.
Topics included tax policy, homelessness issues, making local government more business-friendly, and public safety.
Thank you to the more than 350 community members who attended this Forum and to the candidates for sharing their visions for Salem’s future.
Thank you also 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.
Finally, we’d like to thank The Political Center Election News (brought to us by the Salem Business Journal) for serving as this month’s Forum Sponsor, and Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions for being our Presenting Sponsor for the entire Forum Speaker Series.
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.