In 1964, Governor Mark Hatfield established the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women to advise him of the needs and concerns of Oregon women. In 1983, Governor Victor Atiyeh gave the commission independent agency status, with a directive to continue its mission to strive for the implementation of programs and policies benefiting women. The Oregon Commission for Women was legislatively established in 1983 to work for women's equality. The commission does this by advocating for women in the community, providing information on women to the governor and state legislature, serving as a link for women to state agencies, and providing services to individual women in Oregon.

Women at the Table is an initiative through partnerships of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, Center for Women, Politics & Policy, Vision 2020, and the Oregon Commission for Women. The focus is to get more women to serve on public boards and commissions at all levels.

The November 10th event at Multnomah County Chambers was sponsored by Women Transportation-Portland and AAUW-Portland.

Over 55 women from backgrounds in health, human resources, arts, transportation, trades, and social services heard from City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, County Commissioner Judy Shipwrack, and the Governor's Director of Appointments, Kendall Clawson.

Read a brief review of what we have done and a glimpse of what we look forward to accomplishing in the coming biennium.

This report provides a brief review of what we've done this past year and
what we look forward to accomplishing in 2012.

As the sole certification authority in Oregon, the Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business (OMWESB) provides a "one-stop" certification process for Oregon disadvantaged, minority- and woman-owned and emerging small businesses. Certification opens the door to targeted government contracting opportunities.

Did you know that Governor Kitzhaber makes appointments to over 220 Boards and Commissions representing a broad range of areas and issues for the State of Oregon? Most major state agencies and departments are headed by policy making boards appointed by the Governor. These very important citizens help the Governor in his efforts to highlight advocacy, create innovative community strategies, generate policy, and strengthen the responsiveness of governmental agencies.

Since 1985, the Oregon Commission for Women has recognized and honored 73 women who, through their works and lives, have significantly improved the lives of women in Oregon. This award demonstrates our state's appreciation for her endeavors and recognizes her accomplishments across Oregon.

This year's outstanding honorees are:
Minalee Saks, Birth to Three, Eugene, Oregon
Jane Lubchenco, NOAA Director, Newport, Oregon
Dr. Jill Ginsberg, North by Northeast Community Health Center, Portland, Oregon
Dr. Rita Sullivan, OnTrack Director, Medford, Oregon

Congratulations to these incredible honorees for their work supporting and empowering women in Oregon.