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Dear Canvas Workshop Veterans and Newcomers:

I am honored to be leading the charge as we make plans to head to the Pacific Northwest for our fourth annual Baton Rouge Area Canvas Workshop! The 2007 workshop will take place in Portland, Oregon from Sunday, September 23rd to Wednesday, September 26th.

We will venture farther than we ever have before on a Canvas trip to explore a city that is considered one of America's most beautiful and livable cities. This year, we will focus our trip on four key issues areas relevant to our current challenges and opportunities in the Baton Rouge region: 1) investing in transportation and infrastructure, 2) focusing on knowledge based economic development, 3) building a more diverse, creative, and tolerant community; and 4) leading smart growth in river cities.

Portland has incredible assets for us to experience- including one of the most successful transportation models in our country. The city's impressive mass transit system includes buses, light rail, streetcars, and even a new aerial tram. During our workshop, we will have an opportunity to travel by light rail system, a great way for us to see the city and commute like real Portlanders.

We will also discover how transportation innovations have contributed to Portland's river front development and economic growth, as we take a ride on the recently launched aerial tram, one of only two in the United States. The tram, which soars high above the Willamette River, has been a leading catalyst for $2 billion of new investment in the South Waterfront area and will result in thousands of new jobs for the region.

These advancements contribute to Portland's "green appeal" with thousands of residents commuting using public transportation and bicycles each day. The city also has the most Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings per capita in the nation. In September, the most beautiful month of the year according to our Portland friends, we will have the opportunity to see the extraordinary natural beauty surrounding the city including views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Saint Helens from the tram and a sunset dinner in wine country.

During the past two decades, Portland has also transformed itself to become a magnet for highly educated, creative, and entrepreneurial people. These residents have contributed to building a strong workforce and economy; and to developing a more diverse and tolerant community. We will discuss these important issues with Portland leaders and we will also encounter some of Portland's most exciting cultural opportunities including the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Portland Museum of Art and the Portland Zoo complex which houses a Children's Museum and the World Forestry Center.

Experiencing Portland will challenge us to think even more strategically and even more creatively about our regional opportunities to effectively strengthen our economy and improve the quality of our everyday life.

I hope you can join us for this inspiring adventure!

Jennifer Eplett Reilly
2007 Canvas Workshop Chair

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