The Portland 50

In this week's episode we feature Fred Nilsen. Fred retired in 2008 as Forest Park's Chief Arborist, a job that he held for 22 years. In the early 1900's, John Charles Olmsted proposed that the densely wooded area above Northwest Portland be designated by the city as a forest park. Dedicated in 1948, Forest Park is 5,200 acres with more than 80 miles of trails.

In this week's episode we feature Tim Boyle, President and CEO of Columbia Sportswear. Tim's grandparents bought the small hat company after fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930's and named it the Columbia Hat Company. Tim and his mother, Gert Boyle, eventually took over the company in 1970. Now in its 80th year, Columbia Sportswear is still based in Portland, where the company's Tough Mother still goes to work every day.

In this week's episode we feature Intel, Oregon's largest private employer. I spoke with Courtney Martin, Intel's Public Affairs Director and Fawn Bergen, who leads Intel's Water Sustainability and Carbon Footprints programs globally. Intel is also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

In this week's episode we feature Lisa Schroeder. Lisa is the executive chef and owner of Mother's Bistro. Mother's Bistro features mothers food, traditional home-cooked dishes served by Portland's unofficial Mother, and has been recognized by Food & Wine Magazine, Willamette Week and The Portland Monthly. Mother's Bistro celebrates their 19th anniversary on January 1st.

In this week's episode we feature Mike Thelin. Mike is a former food writer and contributor to Willamette Week and The Portland Monthly. In 2012, he co-founded Feast Portland with his partner Carrie Welch. Now approaching its 8th year, Feast Portland frequently sells out and is one of Portland's most popular events.

In this week's episode we feature Mike and Emily Powell of Powell's Books. Powell's has its roots in Chicago where Mike started his first bookstore in 1970. A few years later his dad, Walter Powell, opened a used bookstore in Portland. In 1979, Michael joined Walter in Portland to ope the store on Burnside that we now know as Powell's City of Books. Emily is now at the helm of this third-generation family-owned business. Powell's celebrates their 50th anniversary next year.

In this week's episode we feature Lynn Peterson. Lynn is a transportation engineer and a land use expert. She started in public service as a Lake Oswego City Councilor and Clackamas County Commission Chairperson. Lynn has also worked in the administrations of two governors. In January, Lynn Peterson takes over as the new president of Metro, the area's regional government.