Next Event:
Forum Speaker Series: “An Industry Under Siege: An Intimate Conversation with NW Natural Executives”
WHEN: Monday, May 13, 2024, 11:30am – 1:00pm
WHERE: Salem Convention Center
SPEAKERS: Speakers: NW Natural CEO David Anderson & President Justin Palfreyman
In May, our Forum Speaker Series welcomes NW Natural executives David Anderson (CEO) and Justin Palfreyman (President) to talk about the value of natural gas to our local economic ecosystem and their industry’s vitality amidst recent attacks against the use of natural gas, including harmful legislation. Join us to learn more about this critical utility and its future in our state.
About Our Speakers:
Justin Palfreyman – Mr. Palfreyman is President of NW Natural Holdings and NW Natural. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development of NW Natural since February 2023 and from 2016 to 2023, he was Vice President, Strategy and Business Development of NW Natural. Before joining NW Natural, he was with Lazard, Freres & Co., one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, serving as a Director in Lazard’s Power, Energy & Infrastructure Group from 2009 to 2016. In that position, he provided strategic and financial advice to corporations, institutional investors, private equity funds, and government clients. Prior to Lazard, Mr. Palfreyman was an associate in the Infrastructure Investment Banking Group at Goldman Sachs in New York. He has also held various positions in finance, strategy, and business development at both Apex Learning and Accenture in Seattle. Mr. Palfreyman is President and a member of the Board of Directors of NW Natural Water Company, LLC and its subsidiaries. He also currently serves as President of NW Natural RNG Holding Company, LLC, as well as serving as Vice President of NWN Gas Reserves LLC, NW Natural Energy, LLC, and NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC. He serves on the boards of NW Natural RNG Holding Company, LLC, NW Natural Renewables Holdings, LLC, and NW Natural Ohio Renewable Energy, LLC.
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 & real estate broker Jordan Truitt
Monday, November 13, 2023 – A Path to Healthy Forests in Oregon
Monday, December 11, 2023 – Emerging Leaders Panel: How to Maximize the Effectiveness of Our Emerging Leaders Workforce
Monday, January 8, 2024 – The State of Business in Oregon & The Year Ahead with Governor Tina Kotek
Monday, February 12, 2024 – Representing Oregon on Capitol Hill: Andrea Salinas Shares Insights and Perspective
Monday, March 4, 2024 – National Trends Impacting Healthcare in Salem with Dr. John Combes
Monday, April 8, 2024 – Salem Mayor & City Council Candidates Panel
Monday, May 13, 2024 – An Industry Under Siege: An Intimate Conversation with NW Natural Executives
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:
On April 8, our Forum Speaker Series welcomed a panel of candidates running for Salem Mayor and City Council seats in Wards 3, 5, and 7.
The Forum provided an opportunity for our business community to learn and hear from these candidates as we prepare to vote in the upcoming May Election.
At the same time, the luncheon provided the candidates with the opportunity to share their views on the key issues impacting our community and what they believe Salem’s priorities should be.
Following an introduction, the candidates answered questions about their positions on issues, including the City’s budget and revenue mechanisms, before asking two questions of their respective opponents.
We’d like to thank the candidates for sharing their time and their perspectives with us this month.
Mayoral Candidate Panel:
Chris Hoy (incumbent)
Julie Hoy (current Salem City Councilor)
Salem City Council Candidate Panel:
Shane Matthews (Ward 3)
Nathan Soltz (Ward 3)
Dr. Irvin M. Brown (Ward 5)
Michael Hoselton (Ward 5)
Vanessa Nordyke (Ward 7, incumbent, running unopposed)
We’d also like to thank the more than 200 members of the business community for attending, the Salem Convention Center for providing the venue and meal, and Allied Video Productions and Capital Community Media for their help with producing this event.
Finally, a huge thanks goes to PGE for serving as this month’s Forum Sponsor and to Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions for being our Presenting Sponsor for the entire 2023-2024 Forum Speaker Series season.
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.