One of the main priorities of Project Green Purse was to effectively act as a pilot conference, establishing a model for other states to follow in pursuing a retirement savings education campaign. Several states have expressed interest in mirroring Oregon s model of Everywoman s Money Conference. Encouraging other states to host similar women s retirement savings conferences is a decision based upon the overwhelmingly positive feedback and response the state has received regarding the event in Oregon. Sponsors of the conference and planning committee members have requested to be included in the follow-up activities related to this conference, such as future statewide conferences, conferences hosted by other states, and seminars targeting demographic groups other than women. Historically, women tend to miss opportunities to save for retirement.
Women continue to earn nearly one-fourth less than men.
Women are in and out of the workforce more frequently than men, and most pension plans are not crafted with the specific needs of women in mind. Pursuing endeavors with local government agencies, community organizations and businesses to offer this conference at the local level with a more diverse audience is a follow-up priority of Treasurer Hill. A variety of organizations have approached the Treasurer to assist in pursuing these target groups. Discussion will be ongoing as these demographic strategies are implemented. The breadth of businesses, organizations and agencies that volunteered to participate on September 14 th indicated the legitimate need for this educational event for women.