Empowering the Pearl: NWCC Hosts Event for Local Business Leaders

Mar 20

Over 45 top business leaders attended the event held at NWCC member Wieden + Kennedy’s office on March 5th. The event included networking and several short panels on issues facing Pearl District business managers and owners.

**The State of Commercial Real Estate in the Pearl:**

Al Solheim, a longtime investor, Pearl District resident, and Pearl District Portfolio property owner, joined Debbie Thomas of Debbie Thomas Real Estate for an update on the state of the commercial real estate market in the Pearl District.
These two iconic real estate professionals provided the audience with insight into the commercial market in Pearl, which is coping with a record number of vacancies, and what property owners are doing to incentivize businesses to make the Pearl District a prime location for doing business.

**Growing Pearl District Foot Traffic**

We also heard from Liam Kass-Lentz, manager of Portland Center Stage, and Quinn Matthewstern, owner of QD’s and Two Wrongs, about strategies to grow foot traffic and attract new customers.

**Pearl District Advocacy**

The event closed with a focus on advocacy and the work of the NWCC. Ken Thrasher, NWCC Chair, former CEO/Fred Meyer, Governor’s Task Force Member, and Holly Elliott, Director of Business Development & Client Relations, Association Management Services NW, and the newest NWCC board member, discussed communicating with elected officials to build economic support for local businesses.

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