Join Better Portland members for a lunchtime panel with local leaders focused on a single issue.

How Sports Events Affect Portland’s Economy

with Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon

Join us for a conversation with Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon, to explore how sports events impact our region’s economic health.

Come ready to learn how the sports economy works behind the scenes, what events mean for Portland’s future, and how strategic partnerships help bring these opportunities to our city.

12:00 – Conversation with Jim Etzel, CEO, Sport Oregon
12:30 – Q&A

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Jim Etzel is the Chief Executive Officer of Sport Oregon, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sports as a catalyst for economic growth and community impact across the state. A Portland native and University of Portland graduate, Etzel brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in sports, live events, marketing, and brand partnerships.

Since becoming CEO in 2018, he has helped expand Sport Oregon’s reach and influence, attracting major events to the state—including the 2030 NCAA Women’s Final Four and IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon—while strengthening partnerships that position Oregon as a premier destination for sports and community engagement. Under his leadership, Sport Oregon has also launched initiatives like SHE FLIES, which supports girls and women in sports, and has significantly grown the organization’s impact across Oregon.