Gov. Ted Kulongoski, D-Ore., is visiting Europe as part of a business development mission to focus on retaining and creating jobs for Oregon. The governor plans to meet with key businesses that currently employ state residents.
Kulongoski will travel to Denmark to visit Vestas, which chose Portland, Ore., as its U.S. headquarters in 2002 and announced an expansion in 2008.
Vestas currently employs over 500 people in Oregon, and is working on plans to consolidate office space and expand its Portland headquarters. The governor says he wants to attract more renewable energy companies like Vestas and encourage them to remain and grow in Oregon.
‘Everyday businesses make tough decisions about where they locate and create jobs,’ says Kulongoski. ‘I am going to reassure them that they have a strong partner in Oregon to help weather this difficult time.’
The governor will be accompanied by members of his staff, the Oregon Business Development Department and the Oregon Department of Energy. Also joining him for portions of the business trip will be Bill Wyatt, director of the Port of Portland.
SOURCE: Office of Ted Kulongoski
