Grants Pass and Josephine County’s business community is poised to gain a stronger voice at the state level following the nomination of Terry Hopkins, President and CEO of the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce, to serve on the Board of Directors for Oregon Business & Industry.
The nomination places Hopkins in line to join the leadership of Oregon Business & Industry, widely regarded as the state’s leading business advocacy organization. The appointment would connect Southern Oregon’s local economic priorities with policy discussions unfolding in Salem and across the state.
Oregon Business & Industry, often referred to as OBI, works to strengthen Oregon’s economy by promoting competitiveness, opportunity, and long-term prosperity for businesses of all sizes. Through research, education, and legislative advocacy, the organization provides data-driven analysis to lawmakers and business leaders alike. OBI and its foundation publish major economic reports, including the Oregon Competitiveness Book and the Oregon Scorecard, offering benchmarks on tax policy, workforce trends, regulatory impacts, and overall economic performance.
Recent OBI studies have examined Oregon’s business tax structure, manufacturing performance, regulatory burdens, and long-term economic outlook. These reports are frequently cited in legislative hearings and policy debates, shaping conversations around how the state can attract investment and retain employers.
Beyond research, OBI plays a prominent role in political advocacy. In 2024, the organization led a coalition effort to defeat a proposed multibillion-dollar corporate tax initiative. That same year, it participated in negotiations surrounding bipartisan campaign finance reforms, changes supporters say helped preserve businesses’ ability to participate in the political process.
One of OBI’s current priorities is addressing House Bill 3115. Through what it calls the Local Control and Safety Act initiative, the organization is advocating for repeal of the law. Critics argue the measure limits cities’ authority to manage unsanctioned camping and public safety concerns, an issue that continues to generate debate in communities throughout Oregon. OBI has launched legislative outreach efforts and filed a ballot initiative as part of its strategy heading into the 2026 session.
Hopkins said he views the nomination as both an honor and a responsibility.
“I am truly honored to represent the voice of Southern Oregon businesses at such a high level through OBI,” Hopkins said. “While this role expands my involvement in statewide business advocacy, my commitment to our local community and to fostering economic growth and leadership here in Grants Pass and Josephine County remains unwavering. The challenges our local businesses face are directly impacted by state policy decisions and through this platform, I can help ensure their needs and perspectives are heard where it matters most.”
Locally, Hopkins has overseen the Chamber’s participation in a range of committees and initiatives, including the City of Grants Pass Tourism Advisory Committee, the Chamber’s Business Retention and Expansion Committee, its Government Affairs Committee, and the City Budget Committee. The Chamber also engages with statewide networks such as the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, building relationships that connect local entrepreneurs to broader policy conversations.
For business owners in Grants Pass and Josephine County, the nomination signals a direct line to statewide advocacy efforts that shape taxation, regulatory policy, workforce development, and public safety laws. As economic pressures and legislative proposals continue to influence daily operations for employers large and small, representation at the state level carries tangible implications.
If confirmed, Hopkins’ service on the OBI Board of Directors would formalize Southern Oregon’s seat at one of the most influential business policy tables in the state. For the local Chamber, it marks another step in expanding its reach beyond county lines while maintaining its stated mission of strengthening the region’s economic future.