If you agree that one of the things that makes Portland so darn special is its culture of small manufacturing—of food things, clothing things, apothecary things, wood things, bike things, etc—I’m guessing you want to see that culture perpetuated. And, if you are out there making things yourself, selling at farmers markets and craft fairs or local shops and beyond, you should really consider joining the Portland Made collective.
It’s a way to network, find and share resources, and a way to boost small business marketing, but it’s also the subject, for the second year now, for a very important survey. PSU Urban Studies and Planning associate professor (and author of the landmark Brew to Bikes: Portland’s Artisan Economy) Charles Heying and his Artisan Economy Initiative are currently conducting the second annual Portland Made Collective member survey. The objective is to gather the metrics necessary to bend the ear of politicians and other decision makers in positions to help nurture this aspect of the city’s economy.
Just before heading home from the east coast, where she represented Portland Made at events in New Your and Washington, DC along with organizations like Supportland, Kelley Roy noted that, “My travels definitely reconfirmed that we will not have a voice at the table unless we have numbers. The more makers the more jobs the more revenue, etc we can show, the more we can advocate at the local, state, and federal level for things that benefit makers.”
Basic membership is free! Join the movement to preserve and build our manufacturing sector, and add your voice, and your numbers where they count—it makes the city and its quality of life better for everyone.
- Portland Made