Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

09/08/2026

Did you know longtime OAME member David Terrell, PhD, is also sharing his voice over the airwaves?

If you’ve attended an OAME meeting, you probably know David as one of the happiest people in the room. When he introduces himself, he always begins by reminding us that he’s **“happy to be here for no reason” and anyone who knows David knows he means it!

Dr. Terrell brings that same positive energy to “Educación con Poder,” his Spanish-language radio program on Radio Poder 98.3 FM, airing every Tuesday at 2:00 PM.

We love discovering and sharing the many ways OAME members are making an impact in our community.

Tune in Tuesdays at 2:00 PM and learn more or listen live through Radio Poder 98.3 FM.

09/07/2026

Did everyone have a good weekend? We know back to school has been busy for some folks, we wish our youth the best year this year. Let’s keep checking in with them and making sure they have OAME family in their corner.

Please mark your calendars the 3rd Annual Sam Brooks Classic is happening Thursday, October 23rd at Topgolf Portland in Hillsboro!

This one’s named after OAME’s founder, Sam Brooks. It’s become one of our favorite events of the year. It’s golf, but really it’s an excuse to get entrepreneurs, business leaders, community partners, and the folks who fund and support small businesses all in one room (well, one bay) for a day of good conversation and easy networking.

Never picked up a club? Doesn’t matter. Come meet people, learn about resources you didn’t know existed, and maybe reconnect with someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with.

See you on October 23

‼️ Register now: ‼️ Link in bio

09/02/2026

OAME Vice Chair Eric Ufer, President of Eco Property Solutions, was recently featured on KGW News, where he discussed his growing family of property service companies, his commitment to the Portland community, and the importance of giving back.

During the interview, Eric shares how Eco Property Solutions serves residential, commercial, and government clients while working toward a larger mission of helping “clean up the city of Portland one building, one block at a time.”

Eric also talks about his passion for supporting young people and creating exposure to entrepreneurship and career opportunities. He highlighted his recent involvement with the OAME Youth Entrepreneurship Conference, where he helped mentor a team of young entrepreneurs as they developed and presented their own business concept.

We’re proud to see OAME leadership represented in our community and to see Eric highlighting the role businesses can play not only in providing great service, but also in mentorship, community involvement, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

This segment is sponsored by Eco Property Solutions

09/01/2026

At a recent Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) event, John Cardenas shared insights on the Port of Portland’s recent projects. Out of 374 subcontractors on a major port construction project, 134 were COBID-certified local small businesses.

08/29/2026

“Diversity in business isn’t performative—it’s good business.”

At the Port of Portland, commitment to supporting small and BIPOC-owned businesses is woven into how we operate every day. True inclusion brings diverse perspectives to the table that strengthen decision making, prevent blind spots, and move our whole community forward.

08/28/2026

This morning’s OAME networking brought together all kinds of small business owners for a great conversation. Big topics on the table: the opportunity the Port of Portland offers for small businesses to get involved and grow, and the importance of keeping mental health front and center because if we don’t talk about it, we can’t help each other.

OAME has resources to support you when things get hard, so your business can keep thriving. That’s what this community is about.

We are family. Everybody in, nobody out.

08/25/2026

Congratulations to OAME Member Edgar Garcia Chavez!


Edgar was happy to share a recap of the event.

What an unforgettable experience at the Chicano Hollywood Film Festival! 🎬✨ The premiere of our feature film “The Subcontractors” was an absolute blast! Watching the film with a live audience and feeling everyone’s reactions made the night even more special. ❤️🎥 Following the screening, it was a pleasure to interact with the audience and respond to their thoughtful questions and reflections. The film was nominated for Best Picture. Although it didn't win, the nomination itself was a tremendous honor.

A huge thank you to producer Kent Shocknek and all of the incredible cast members who came out to support the film. It was wonderful to celebrate together and enjoy such a memorable red carpet event!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our family members and loved ones who came to celebrate this special night with us. 🫶

The OAME family was there to show their support as well, with Ozzie Gonzalez joining us for the event.

Thank you,
Edgar

08/25/2026

Meet our featured speaker: Kendall Foose, Director of Contracts and Procurement at the Port of Portland!

Kendall leads the Port's centralized Procurement and Contracting group as well as its Office of Small Business, advancing strategies that strengthen regional prosperity through aviation, marine, and business-focused contracting.

Kendall is deeply committed to ensuring all businesses — especially small and emerging firms — experience transparent, efficient, and equitable access to opportunities at the Port. With a career spanning state agencies, municipal government, and K–12 education, Kendall brings a broad, practical understanding of public procurement and contracting. Since joining the Port of Portland in 2016, Kendall has helped shape programs and policies that expand participation, remove barriers, and drive more inclusive economic outcomes across our region.

Join us to hear from Kendall at our next in-person Networking Meeting:

📅 Friday, August 28, 2026
🕢 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
📍 University of Oregon Portland – Library and Learning Center, 2800 NE Liberty St, Portland, OR 97211

Arrive early to grab your favorite spot — we can't wait to see you there!

A huge thank you to the Port of Portland for making this meeting possible. 🙌

08/24/2026

Did everyone have a good weekend? We know back to school has been busy for some folks, we wish our youth the best year this year. Let's keep checking in with them and making sure they have OAME family in their corner.

Please mark your calendars — the 3rd Annual Sam Brooks Classic is happening Thursday, October 16 at Topgolf Portland in Hillsboro!

This one's named after OAME's founder, Sam Brooks. It's become one of our favorite events of the year. It's golf, but really it's an excuse to get entrepreneurs, business leaders, community partners, and the folks who fund and support small businesses all in one room (well, one bay) for a day of good conversation and easy networking.

Never picked up a club? Doesn't matter. Come meet people, learn about resources you didn't know existed, and maybe reconnect with someone you've been meaning to catch up with.

See you on October 16th.

‼️ Register now: ‼️ https://oame.org/events/sambrooksclassic/?inf_contact_key=3e3a325e70d28c3471d7ccb6f7bd9c60