Portland is Destination for GLI’s GLIDE Trip from Louisville KY

March 18, 2015

Greater Louisville Idea Development expedition looks to build on regional collaboration

Louisville, KY — Greater Louisville Inc. – the Metro Chamber of Commerce, announced Portland, Oregon as the destination for its 2015 GLIDE (Greater Louisville Idea Development expedition) trip. The annual GLIDE trip is a three-day excursion designed to introduce participants to cities throughout the world in order to better understand how they have overcome obstacles and achieved goals. Destination cities for the GLIDE program are strategically selected to represent some of the issues and opportunities that the Greater Louisville region is experiencing.

“We keep showing up on top-10 lists with Portland and there is much for us to learn and take away from visiting.” said GLI President and CEO Kent Oyler. “This thriving, diverse city encompasses a bi-state region, just like Louisville, and is enjoying considerable success at attracting young, talented and educated people. Its food and beverage economy is booming with the continuing development of micro-roasteries, distilleries and microbreweries, as well as a fast growing and diverse restaurant scene.”

The city is home to more than 60 breweries and distilleries and recently was named the best city for happy hour in the U.S. Known as a “foodie” town, Portland boasts over 600 food carts, making them one of the most robust food scenes in North America.

In addition, Portland shares some of the same benefits and challenges as the Louisville region. As a two-state metropolitan area, the Portland region has successfully leveraged the unique assets on both sides of their river to forge a vibrant, growing economy.

A Louisville chamber sponsored delegation, known previously as the Urban Workshop, visited Portland in 1999 and resulted in such programs as the Young Professionals Association (YPAL), support for extended waterfront development and a continued push for merged government, which was realized in 2003.

Other past destinations for GLIDE include Denver CO, Toronto, ON and Houston, TX. Last year’s trip to Charlotte was a joint venture with Commerce Lexington Inc. (CLX), designed to build on public/private partnerships and continuing regional collaboration.

“This three-day trip has become the most valuable opportunity to build collaboration to make positive changes in our region, especially as we embark on the implementation of Advantage Louisville 2020,” added Oyler. “I’ve gone on nine GLIDE trips over the years and have always found them valuable. It’s a unique program that includes a who’s who of business, education, government and community representatives from across the Greater Louisville region.”

The GLIDE trip to Portland is scheduled for October 18-20, 2015. Registration is $2,995 and includes hotel accommodations, group meals, charter flight, ground transportation and briefing materials. For questions or more information, go toregistration@greaterlouisville.com or visit the GLI events.

Presenting Sponsor for the 2015 GLIDE trip is LG&E. Event sponsorship packages are still available. Please contact Lisa Young at (502) 625- 0064 or email for more information.

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