From 100% Fish to major infrastructure projects, this year’s summit showcased the power of bipartisan collaboration and community-driven solutions shaping the future of Oregon’s coast.
The 2025 Oregon Coast Economic Summit wrapped last week in Coos Bay at the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort, bringing together coastal innovators, state leaders, and community partners. Hosted by the Oregon Coastal Caucus, Oregon Coast Visitors Association, and Blue Ridge Strategies, the annual summit is a cornerstone convening for partners dedicated to the long-term prosperity of our region.
Festivities began the evening before with the Taste of the Oregon Coast reception, hosted by Blue Ridge Strategies. Attendees enjoyed locally sourced appetizers prepared by Marshfield High School culinary students and sampled products from local makers including Stillwagon Distillery, Seven Devils Brewing, Cranberry Sweets, and Face Rock Creamery.
Summit day opened with Dr. Alexandra Leeper of the Iceland Ocean Cluster, who introduced participants to the 100% Fish model – a revolutionary approach to using every part of a catch to create value-added products. This theme of innovation carried throughout the day, with panels on industrial symbiosis, leveraging arts and culture for economic growth, restoring salmon runs in the Coquille watershed, and building Oregon’s blue economy workforce. Jason Giffen and Paula Sylvia of the Port of San Diego inspired participants with examples of how ports can act as catalysts for entrepreneurship, sustainability, and new job creation.
The Coastal Caucus – Oregon’s bicameral, bipartisan group of legislators who represent the coast – also held a roundtable discussion on key coastal issues.
Members of the Coastal Caucus include Senator Suzanne Weber, Senator Dick Anderson, Senator David Brock Smith, Representative David Gomberg, Representative Cyrus Javadi, Representative Court Boice, and Representative Boomer Wright.
The event closed with a renewed sense of momentum. We are inspired by the projects already underway on the coast – from the Oregon Ocean Cluster’s work toward our own “100% fish innovation” to transformational initiatives like the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port in Coos Bay.
As the Oregon Coast’s destination management organization, we see tourism as a key part of the region’s economic health – supporting local businesses, sharing our culture and natural beauty, and strengthening communities through the kinds of collaborations highlighted at this summit.
Until next year!