"One of the most crucial aspects of
entrepreneurial ideas becoming reality is the presence of sound advice,
access to must have information, and a platform for execution. The
Center of Excellence located in the epicenter of the athletic/outdoor
footwear, apparel and accessory industry will serve as an ideal
platform facilitating the transformation of product concept and
business ambition into reality. The S Group is proud to be associated
with the COE in the continued quest for strengthening our Industry in
the Pacific Northwest."
Gary Peck, President
The S Group, Inc.
"The COE Team has been a tremendous
resource for Speedo as we are deploying new and innovative products.
Their team has a wealth of expertise in the areas of product
development, materials, and process management which is enabling Speedo
to introduce more compelling footwear to the market."
Brad Gebhard
Senior Vice President
Speedo Hardgoods and Footwear
"The Art Institute of Portland is the
professional training ground for apparel and footwear design, apparel
product development, and fashion marketing. It is of utmost importance
that our students be able to observe professional practices and
business models. Through the internship programs provided by the COE,
our students will get the hands-on experience to enter the market with
confidence. The Art Institute of Portland is grateful to partner with
the COE to promote the growth of our future industry professionals."
Sue Bonde
Director of Apparel Design
The Art Institute of Portland
"Innovation and Entrepreneurship are
cornerstones of a successful economy. Oregon has benefited from strong
leadership in the sports apparel and footwear market. The Center of
Excellence is a next step in assisting companies that are poised to
build on that leadership and expertise. The collaboration that the COE
brings to our community will support innovators and entrepreneurs who
will further build economic opportunity in Oregon."
Senator Bruce Starr
State of Oregon
"Oregon has become a recognized center fror
the sports footwear and apparel industry. The COE will ultimately be
defined as a catalyst for business and leadership innovation, strategy
formulation, and educational connection within the region. PSU is
pleased to be a strategic partner with the COE for the benefit of the
industry and the region."
Scott Dawson
School of Business Administration
Portland State University
"The COE is a much needed solution to
Oregons's Entrepreneurs to gain credibility - a launching pad for those
seeking professional advice and direction in the sports footwear and
apparel/design industry. Finally, Portland has a place where talented
professionals can work in a collaborative environment 'for the good of
the whole'."
Brad Christiansen, Vice President
Colliers International
"The COE is uniquely positioned to
capitalize on a "perfect storm" brewing for the worldwide sports
footwear and apparel industry. Pacific Northwest footwear and apparel
designers are companies are being given an entirely new palette of
"whole cloth" to work with. Material science driven primarily by nano
science, will result in footwear & apparel performance and
functionality impossible just a few years ago. The COE is not ahead of
its time -- it is in exactly the right place at the right time and will
become a magnet for venture capital from across the United States and
abroad."
Don Prohaska, Venture Capital Consultant
Boston, MA
"The COE is an extremely versatile resource
center with a range of business skills and industry resources unique to
the Northwest. As an Industrial designer who works with a wide variety
of brands around the world I have only scratched the surface of the
COE's capabilities and i look forward to years of collaboration with
the COE team."
Charles Roth
360 DESIGN