Becoming the Best

What makes a city shine in its own special way? Is it the architecture, scenery, transit, or political views? While all these elements may help a city stand out or even shape people’s views about it, the one thing that makes a city truly unique are its people. So whether it is the people that “Keep Portland Weird,” or those individuals that pull national press and attention Portland is empowered by her people. Livin’ Life Local took a night in December to recognize and celebrate some of Portland’s finest contributors at a private event that was as unique as the guests that attended it.

Since the official announcement made in February of 2011 Livin’ Life Local featured three new members of “THE PDX 30″ each month as part of their community empowerment and outreach program. A panel of Portland leaders carefully selected each member for standout behavior that added value to our community, boosted the economy, or inspired others to do something significant in our city. Livin’ Life Local is a “for benefit” organization that puts a focus on purpose before profits and features local news and happenings, while profiling key members of the Portland community.

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Through “THE PDX 30″ Campaign Livin’ life Local has featured local icons 30 years of age and under doing significant things in and around Portland. Members include Social Entrepreneurs, Television & Film Producers, Clothing Designers, Community Activists, Elite Athletes, Promotions and Marketing Gurus, and Small Business Owners just to name a few. “It’s our hope that by showcasing young people doing signifigant things in and around the city of Portland we will inspire people of all ages to get out and make their own contribution,” shared Jeremiah Stroup Livin’ Life Local spokesperson.He added, “Even in these difficult economic times Portlanders can relay on their creativity, drive and passion to add value to the world around them. Many of our PDX 30 members are boosting the economy locally while others have taken lessons they learned here in Portland to other parts of the nation and are making a real difference there.”

For the majority of the campaign each month new members of “THE PDX 30″ had been announced live at the Portland RAW Artistic Showcase to crowds of hundreds of art lovers and community supporters. To see a News Story about RAW: Click Here. For the final announcement of “THE PDX 30″ December members Jeremiah took the stage at Couture and brought each one up individually. For the full story: Click Here. Each new member spoke breifly about their current and future projects and received cheers and applause from the onlooking crowd of their peers, press and local icons.

In attendance at the event were local icons also adding value to Portland in their own special way. Guests included Mayor of Portland Sam Adams, Star of TLC’s “Little People, Big World” Amy Roloff, Ehren “Danger” McGhehey from MTV series “Jackass” and subsequent films, as well as recording artists Patrick Lamb, Internet Show Host and Blogger Byron Beck, and the Trailer Blazers’s DJ O.G. One. Select members of the press also attended this private event while images of current PDX 30 members flashed on the large flat screens behind the main bar. The night was catered by C Burger who served up large platters of “slider”. The mini burgers where a hit and a unique alternative to the typical finger food you find at many special events. Open bar service was provided by YEYO Tequila who also suprised guests with divine drinks that enticed people that normally turn down tequila. YEYO lived up to their tag line, “Tequila, as intended”. Couture provided the perfect upscale environment for the night and our elite guests networked and visited long after the doors opened to the general public. Stay tuned for more fresh events with Livin’ Life Local and our partners as we bring you the Best of the City of Portland online and live and in person.