Last Saturday January 26, Portland State University's Master of International Management program and World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals group jointly sponsored a one-day leadership conference entitled "G.R.O.W. 2008 – Growing Real Opportunities in the World by Beginning Locally." Over 180 people attended with the primary objective of the conference being to unite the nonprofit and business communities of Portland to tackle key global issues centered on human rights, economic development and education.

http://www.growconferences.org/

The "G.R.O.W. 2008 - Growing Real Opportunities in the World by Beginning Locally" one day leadership conference was held at Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 327, 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97207 on Saturday, January 26 from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, during which for only $30 the event provided all day access to skills development sessions, project plans & include breakfast, lunch and reception.

The conference was a true collaboration between institutions - businesses, nonprofit and public and excellent opportunity for networking. Speakers with diverse backgrounds lead G.R.O.W. 2008 participants through interactive skill development breakout seminars, inspiration-building talks, and nonprofit project plan sessions. Speakers for the event included: Nick Macdonald, Mercy Corps; Brent Hample, India Partners; Dennis Ceru, Babson College; Elliot Maltz, Willamette University; Maria Wulff, World Affairs Council of Oregon; Martin Moll, AKT; Michael Paul, The Commerce Bank of Oregon; Perry Gruber, Intel; and Titus Herman, Goodwill Industries of Columbia Willamette.