Oregon’s highest elected officials will descend on Portland Thursday for the Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit.

The summit, which will take place at the Oregon Convention Center, is an annual gathering of business and political leaders to meet and discuss plans for the state’s economy and improve the quality of jobs available to Oregonians.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski will be participating in a panel with Oregon business leaders on staying focused on priorities during tough economic times.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Portland), U.S. Senator-elect Jeff Merkley (D-Portland), U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River), U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland), U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield), and U.S. Representative-elect Kurt Schrader (D-Canby) will participate in a discussion on federal stimulus and policy priorities during the current economic crisis.

Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) and State House Speaker-elect Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas) will be on hand to discuss the economy and the 2009 legislative session, which begins on January 12.

Outgoing Secretary of State Bill Bradbury will also be on hand for the Oregon Sustainability Awards.