Pac/West Lobby Group

05/31/2026

Emerge Oregon’s Class of 2026 graduated this weekend, and we were proud to help sponsor the celebration.

Leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It requires people willing to step forward, learn the craft of public service, develop their skills, and commit themselves to serving something larger than themselves. Organizations like Emerge help make that possible.

For years, Emerge has been quietly building one of the most influential leadership pipelines in Oregon politics. Their alumni include members of Congress, legislators, mayors, county commissioners, judges, and community leaders serving throughout the state.

If you want a glimpse of Oregon’s political future, look closely at this photo.

The names in this year’s class may not all be familiar today, but just give it a little time. This May alone, 48 Emerge women appeared on ballots across Oregon, and 89% either won outright or advanced to the November election.

This year’s class included Salem Mayor-Elect Vanessa Nordyke. In a fitting moment, her graduation pin was presented by Salem Senator Deb Patterson—an illustration of how Emerge’s network now connects leaders across generations and across every level of government.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and thank you to Emerge Oregon for investing in the next generation of Oregon leadership.

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor the brave individuals who gave their lives for our freedom.

In their legacy, we’re reminded of the importance of service, connection, and making a lasting impact. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

There’s something pretty incredible about sitting in a room listening to high school students thoughtfully discuss community history, civic engagement, nonprofit leadership, public policy, business, healthcare, volunteerism, and what it means to actually belong to a community.

Today was the graduation for and exit interview roundtable with the inaugural Youth Leadership Project cohort through the Salem Chamber and the McLaran Leadership Foundation — and honestly, the future feels bright.

These students weren’t just learning facts. They were learning how communities function, how leaders collaborate, and how their own voices can matter inside the process. Really exciting to witness.

05/18/2026

Before she was Betsy Johnson, state legislator, she was Betsy Johnson, "Sky Queen." 🚁

On the anniversary of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Johnson spoke with Pac/West's Rick Metsger about her experiences flying local news crews as they competed to cover the story of the decade.

“I would fly them all, Channel 2,6,8, didn’t matter," Johnson said. "We didn’t care about their Nielsen rating, only their credit rating."

Read more of Betsy's harrowing stories here: https://pwlobby.com/blog/2026/05/18/the-sky-queen-of-mount-st-helens/

05/14/2026

Last night at AmeriTitle Idol, the room at Half Penny was absolutely packed.

Great music. Even better performances. But more importantly, a reminder of what community rallying together actually looks like.

Jim Sparkman from HomeSmart Realty Group shared the story of how Darian's Gift-Children's Cancer Foundation impacted his family personally, and you could feel the room lock in. These aren’t abstract causes. These are real local families walking through impossible situations.

Huge credit to AmeriTitle for continuing to create fun, community-driven events that directly support organizations doing life-changing work right here in the Mid-Valley.

If you’re looking for a local nonprofit making a real impact for families battling childhood cancer, consider supporting Darian’s Gift:
Donate Here (https://dariansgift.org/donate)

05/11/2026

Two races have emerged as major battlegrounds between institutional Democrats and Democratic Socialists. In the House, Daniel Nguyen continues to lead fundraising and spending, outpacing not just his opponent, but every other member of the Oregon House of Representatives. And in the Senate, money pours in to support socialist challenger Myrna Muñoz, who is setting the pace financially in an effort to disrupt institutional incumbent Sen. Janeen Sollman’s re-election.

These are the races where the most money is being raised and spent. This is where the real action is happening in the fight over the future of Oregon’s Democratic Party.

Track the money, PAC activity, fundraising, and spending in real time at ORMoneyWatch.com.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day 💐
To the women who lead with strength, show up with heart, and make an impact in every space they’re in—we celebrate you today.

05/07/2026

We’re excited to announce that Brayden Sparkman has officially joined Pac/West Lobby Group full time!

What started as an internship in 2024 quickly grew into a passion for public policy, advocacy, and serving clients at the Oregon Capitol. Over the past two years, Brayden has contributed across our communications and government affairs teams.

Following his recent graduation from Corban University, he’ll continue supporting our clients in an expanded role, helping to achieve their legislative and policy goals.

Brayden has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to jump into new challenges, and we’re thrilled to have him continue building his career with Pac/West.

Please join us in congratulating Brayden on this exciting next chapter!

Pac/West is pleased to announce that Brayden Sparkman has joined our team full time, where he will continue to support clients and their legislative goals in an expanded role.

05/06/2026

A fire truck dropping golf balls onto a putting green (for cash prizes) sounds like absolute chaos…in the best possible way. 😂⛳🚒

And, this is exactly the kind of community fundraiser we can get behind.

We’re proud to support the work of Believe- In Your Community and the people behind it, who show up year-round for local kids through programs like Shop With A Cop at back-to-school time and Christmas.

Get in on the action here:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZQRVX6J4UNMUC

05/04/2026

May the 4th be with you. ✨
Celebrating big ideas, bold thinking, and a little inspiration from a galaxy far, far away.
Drop your favorite Star Wars moment in the comments 👇