FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2025

Coos Bay, Ore. — The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors (GCEA) convened its quarterly meeting on Oregon’s South Coast on Friday, August 8, hosted by the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay (OIPCB) and the South Coast Development Council (SCDC).  The visit marked a significant opportunity for the region to showcase its growing role in trade and economic development, particularly in light of shifting federal trade policies.  

In addition to a presentation on the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP), a public private partnership between the OIPCB and NorthPoint Development, the Council heard from the South Coast Development Council on investment challenges, solutions, and target industry clusters; and toured the South Coast Accelerator, the business incubator supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. The Council also heard from Derek Tonn, Director of the Southwestern Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC), who discussed their work with the Oregon SBDC’s Global Trade Center and its potential to expand international market opportunities for South Coast businesses.

“The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors plays an important role in shaping Oregon’s  future,” said Melissa Cribbins, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project. “Their visit gave us the unique opportunity to share the economic development opportunity right here on the south coast and so much of the critical work we’re doing to transform and diversify our economy.”

Lexie Woodward, Executive Director of the South Coast Development Council, added, “It was an honor to showcase the collaborative work happening across our region — from the major PCIP project to microenterprise development — and to highlight how these efforts are positioning the South Coast for long-term success in a rapidly changing global economy.”

The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, established in 1980 by Executive Order of Governor Vic Atiyeh, brings together leaders from academia, business, industry, and finance to advise the Governor and state economists on economic forecasts and revenue projections. Members meet quarterly to review national and state economic trends, with one annual meeting held outside the Salem area to engage directly with regional economies across Oregon. 
In addition to the briefings, the group also toured the future PCIP site and Southport Lumber, a large local employer.

About the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP):
The PCIP represents a transformational public–private infrastructure project poised to deliver the first fully ship-to-rail container terminal on the U.S. West Coast. Located on the Port of Coos Bay’s North Spit, the project will improve national supply chain efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate congestion at major coastal ports. Anchored by expansive upgrades to the Coos Bay Rail Line, deepening of the federal navigation channel, and modern terminal facilities, the PCIP is a $2.3 billion investment that will generate thousands of construction and permanent living-wage jobs, extend Oregon’s reach into global markets, and drive economic revitalization across rural South Coast communities.

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Media Contacts:
Matt Friesen
Director of External Affairs, Oregon International Port of Coos Bay
mfriesen@portofcoosbay.com 

Lexie Woodward
Executive Director, South Coast Development Council
lwoodward@scdcinc.org