2016 AGC Summer Convention
Sunriver Resort Ι Sunriver, Oregon
August 11–13
If You’re Not First, You’re Last!
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE
Presented by
Premier Breakout Session Just Added to the Convention Schedule
Saturday, August 13
11:00 am–12:00 pm
How Your Company Can Fight a Massive Tax Increase and Support Investments in Career Technical Education: Demystifying November Ballot Measures Critical to Your Company’s Future
There are actions you and your company can take to fight Oregon’s largest proposed tax increase and to increase state investments in high school career technical education. Both of these issues will be at the center of this fall’s November election. You will learn what impact the proposed tax increase would have on the sales of products and services Oregonians buy every day. You will also learn the benefits a large investment in career technical education would have on Oregon’s high school graduation rates and the state’s future construction workforce. Join this panel to understand how you can speak out, educate your employees, and influence the outcome of these two issues when Oregon votes on November 8, 2016
Meet the Panel Members
Russ Batzer was born and raised in Medford, Oregon. After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1982, Russ worked for Senators Bob Dole and Barry Goldwater as an intern for the Senate Commerce Committee. The next five years Russ spent as the regional sales manager for Disston Inc., a steel manufacturer in Philadelphia, Penn. In 1987, he re-joined the family business back in Southern Oregon. Russ’ construction knowledge encompasses a wide range of “hands on” learning experiences. Russ spent nearly twelve years as project manager, estimator, and general manager prior to accepting his current position as Batzer Inc.’s president in 1998.[clear]
Mike Salsgiver became executive director of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Oregon-Columbia Chapter in February 2008. Prior to his work at AGC, Mike served as deputy director and acting director of the Oregon Department of Economic and Community Development (OECDD) from January 2005 to January 2008. He has 35 years’ experience in government affairs, public affairs, and economic development work. Prior to his state service, Mike was public affairs manager for Intel in Oregon from 1994–2002, and served as a professional staff to U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield from 1984–1994, and for U.S. Senator Bob Packwood from 1981–1984. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force (1973–1977), Mike is a 1981 graduate of Portland State University (BS Political Science, 1981). [clear]
Randy Steinman currently serves as outreach coordinator for the coalition opposing the $6 billion tax increase that will appear on the November ballot. His role involves connecting with each of the industries, small- and medium-sized businesses, and associations across the state to explain the consequences of the huge new tax, and enlisting individuals, organizations, and businesses to join the coalition called Defeat The Tax On Oregon Sales. Randy has spent the better part of three decades doing similar work building coalitions and developing consensus on public policies and community decisions.[clear]