Trip to Portland Oregon

In May regional leaders emerged on Portland, Oregon to learn about Portland?s infrastructure, culture, and exchange best practices while creating connections and sharing ideas which will spark ideas to improve the region.

A theme I assessed while in Portland: rising professionals are critical for community and regional leaders would like (and need) us to get involved. There is no time to wait.

The change-agents who made Portland what it is today ? ?a place where twenty something?s come to retire? ? were rising professionals 30 years ago. They had a vision and the ambition to create the foundation to make Portland the urban mecca attracting America?s millennial population it is today.

Rising professionals were welcomed and included, not as participants, but leaders on the trip. Due to our presence the rising professionals gained creditability, respect, and insight. The regional leaders in attendance understand the community?s need for rising professionals to thrive, become involved, as well as become leaders, NOW.

The trip inspired me to become an active participant while igniting my passion on many levels. Most of all, this was a call to action for all of us in Portland to not wait for other people to create the change ? WE are the change.

The leaders also understand the fact Colorado Springs has a decreasing rising professional population and aging leaders. Colorado Springs is in transition. The actions we initiate today will benefit our area for generations.

The trip is not about becoming the city we visit, the trip is a medium for making connections, sharing ideas, sparking passion, and gathering community leaders who genuinely care about the success of region. Speaking for myself, a relatively new transplant to Colorado Spring, I learned more about the Colorado Springs region than Portland. This place is amazing; the potential we possess is infinite.

What does this trip mean to the region? The trip was a platform for ideas, communication, passion, and action. Most of all, leaders began to communicate! Some of concepts derived from the trip are how can WE incorporate art in the city, capitalize and protect our majestic backdrop while creating a healthy economy and community, which is open to everyone. The Pikes Peak region is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We need to focus on the positive aspects of our region and consider taking advantage of them, including our waterways.

Colorado Springs needs a unified identity and positive perception. What shall it be? Who WE are and what WE become is up to us! We can become a renewable energy trailblazer, a sports and recreation mecca, a small/local business incubator, a mountain biking capital, or a?you fill in the blank (please, send us your suggestions!)

Above all, WE are the change ? let?s create a dynamic community filled with opportunity for everyone. It is time for rising professionals to get involved. If you have an idea and/or ambition it is time for you to join the renaissance! After all, you and I ? WE ? are the Pikes Peak region. Our city and our regional leaders need your input, creative thoughts, and fresh thoughts. The doors have opened ? let?s make Colorado Springs the best city we can.

Expect to get involved and see some action items soon!

-Keith Willschau
Member, Chamber Rising Professionals
Colorado Technical University

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