Illuminating the best of Portland: Jim Mark & OBI shine at Business Leadership Evening

The 2024 Business Leadership Evening was held on Wednesday, November 13 at the Portland Art Museum. The event celebrates business leaders who exemplify philanthropy, civic engagement, and commitment to our Rose City. Our program honored the CEO of Melvin Mark Companies, Jim Mark, for his leadership and service to Portland, and Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), represented by Angela Wilhelms, for their advocacy of creating a more vibrant Portland and their leadership in our business community.

Mayor-elect Keith Wilson took the stage to speak, to thank his supporters, and to share his determination to be a guiding light and to unify all of us for the betterment of Portland.

Jim Mark, former Chamber board chair and current DPCS board member, accepted the William S. Naito Outstanding Service Award and remarked that through the city’s hard times, whether it was in the 80’s or 2008, Portland has always persevered, and he was confident that we will continue to do so. He ended his acceptance speech with an inspiring quote from his father;

“I believe we should take responsibility for reinvesting into our community which has provided so much for us.” A worthy sentiment for the renaissance of Portland.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Wells Fargo, for their ongoing, generous support of the Portland Metro Chamber’s Business Leadership Evening event.