This Business LO episode explores how a thriving arts community benefits local businesses. Leading the conversation is Chamber Member Heather Graves Ramsey, owner of Coach to Brilliance, who specializes in Executive Coaching & Leadership Development.
Guests Natalie Wood (Lakewood Center for the Arts and Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts) and Eric Evans (Arts Council of Lake Oswego) describe their organizations, including Lakewood’s theater, classes, Dee Denton Gallery, and the Festival of the Arts (June 26–28; 20,000–30,000 attendees), and ACLO’s stewardship of public art, Artspace, and the Gallery Without Walls (about 85 sculptures) with business sponsorships and guidebooks. They share data showing that visitors drive retail and restaurant activity, that many attendees are first-timers, that arts visitors spend more than locals, and that arts-related activity totals about $8 million annually. Plus, Chamber CEO Liz Hartman has insider info in What You Need to Know in LO, which includes the office move to 311 B Ave, Suite E; June 19 multi-chamber networking at The Foundry; and July 4 parade participation and sponsorships.
ACLO - Arts Council of Lake Oswego
Lakewood Center for the Performing Arts - Lakewood Center for the Arts
Lakewood Festival of the Arts – June 26-28, George Rogers Park and Lakewood Center LOFA 2026 – Lakewood Center for the Arts
LO Rotary Lobster Feed – Saturday, June 20 – lobsterfeed.org, lakeoswegorotary.org
Fourth of July parade - Star Spangled Celebration