"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 Hardwoods and Footwear
"Newton Running Company has worked with the COE team from its inception.
Our partnership was absolutely essential to our ability to bring a complicated and innovative product to market.
COE's experience and global connections opened doors to designers, vendors and manufacturers we needed to achieve our business objectives.
Our relationship with the COE gave us instant credibility in the marketplace."
Gerald P. Lee
President & Co-Founder
Danny Abshire, Co-Founder
Newton Running Company
"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 capitaliz 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 witha 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