Business and Leaders Luncheon 2026

Date and Time

Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM PST

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location

Persimmon Country Club
500 SE Butler Rd
Gresham, OR 97080

Fees/Admission

Members, attendance with lunch: $24
Non-Members, attendance with lunch: $32
Members, attendance and a beverage only: $5
Non-members, attendance and a beverage only: $8

Website

http://www.greshamchamber.org

Contact Information

Amy Barnes, Director of Sponsorships and Events
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Description

The Chamber's mission is to Advocate, Educate, and Collaborate with our local organizations for the vitality and prosperity of the region. Our Business and Leaders Luncheons are among the ways we fulfill that mission, and we invite you to join us for the monthly opportunity to network, learn, and grow over a delicious, locally prepared lunch.

Our special guest for February is Oregon Metro Council, Deputy President Ashton Simpson.

Deputy President Ashton Simpson (he, him, his) is a proud East County resident, community advocate, Air Force Veteran and a committed public servant. He represents District 1, which includes Gresham, Rockwood, East Portland, Troutdale and Wood Village.

Councilor Simpson’s priority issues — housing affordability, economic development, and addressing homelessness through strategic policy and regional collaboration — directly reflect the needs of those he represents. Living in East Multnomah County, he has seen firsthand how this growing part of the region has been overlooked – in investments in walkable and safe neighborhoods, transportation infrastructure, jobs, educational opportunities, housing for all incomes and addressing the issues of homelessness.

As the former executive director of Oregon Walks, he championed pedestrian safety and mobility, particularly in historically underserved communities. His leadership extends to multiple transportation and infrastructure boards, where he continues to advocate for safe, walkable neighborhoods.

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Councilor Simpson is proud to represent the Metro Council and Metro region on a number of committees and boards. These include the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) and Greater Portland Inc. He sits on the boards of Travel Portland, Visitor Development Fund and Workforce Development, and is a member of the Ultra High Speed Corridor Advisory Group.

Prior to joining the Metro Council, and as a part of a coalition of transportation advocates, Councilor Simpson helped secure $185 million to transform 82nd Avenue into a safer corridor for our kids, seniors and neighbors. Too many pedestrians, motorists and cyclists have been killed or injured over the years. No one should feel that they risk their life to get to work, school or the store. Improved sidewalks, crossings, lighting and ADA ramps will soon transform this major corridor.

As the former executive director of Oregon Walks, Councilor Simpson led a dynamic organization that is removing barriers and enhancing neighborhood livability and safety. This work is making a real difference in people’s lives, especially in historically underserved communities. Councilor Simpson also served as chair of PBOT’s Fixing Our Streets Oversight Committee, The Roselane Project, Metro’s Local Investment Team, I-5 Bridge Replacement Program, and ODOT Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation.

As an Air Force Civil Engineering Technician, E-4, Councilor Simpson learned the value of service, teamwork and never leaving anyone behind. Raised in Houston, he saw the consequences of underinvestment and poorly planned growth, most recently with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey wiping out whole communities.

Greater Portland faces challenges that include growth, housing affordability and houselessness, economic development, infrastructure, and a need to address the impact of climate change while preparing for a Cascadian Subduction Zone earthquake – all things that must be tackled together.