Finance news

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. CEO Tamara Lundgren on Thursday said Portland is uniquely positioned to profit from the nation’s economic rebound.

In a keynote speech at the Portland Business Journal’s annual Women in Business Awards luncheon, Lundgren said exports and sustainability — both strengths of the Portland economy — will be the “dominant drivers” as the U.S. emerges from recession.

Oregon is the ninth-most trade dependent state in the U.S., Lundgren said, but only accounts for 1.4 percent of the national export total, giving it significant room for economic growth.

“With demand from Asia expected to continue, our region is well-placed to grab a bigger portion of the American export pie,” Lundgren said.

Lundgren also said the city’s reputation as a sustainabilty mecca will continue to provide the region economic opportunities.

“This is not a passing fad that will evaporate at the first sign of an economic rebound,” Lundgren said.

Lundgren also weighed in on a controversial plan to limit development on the north reaches of the Willamette River, where Schnitzer owns a scrap metal export facility.

“I don’t intend to wade into the thicket of the city’s River Plan debate, except to say that in the city’s push to make a short-term political decision, it risks the long-term economic and environmental benefits of a balanced plan.”

More than 700 business executives attended the event. Lundgren was also honored as the Woman Executive of the Year for Large Businesses.

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