Angela Wilhelms with Oregon Business & Industry talks manufacturing in Oregon | EP 42

Born and raised in Klamath Falls, Angela Wilhelms has had a long and diverse career in Oregon politics. After steering away from a projected career in corporate finance and life in the Bay Area, Wilhelms worked on the communications team in D.C for Congressman Greg Walden. She then returned to her home state and served a seven year stint as Chief of Staff for former minority leader and Co-Speaker of the House Bruce Hanna. She then spent time practicing law in Portland and working at the University of Oregon as the first secretary of the board of trustees, before taking her current position with Oregon Business Industry (OBI). With approximately 1,600 members, of which 83 percent represent small businesses, OBI's members are responsible for the employment of over 250,000 people across Oregon. Angela refers to manufacturing as "the unsung hero" of Oregon's economy. In this episode we talk politics, economics, policy, and the future of Oregon--including some innovative ideas for how to build common understanding across the state.