By Dan Corcoran

EUGENE, Ore. -- Government and business leaders from Eugene, Springfield and Lane County came together at the Eugene Hilton on Thursday to discuss how they could turn the area economy around.

The group's goals were clear: Create jobs, increase the median income and promote sustainability. Following a keynote speech by University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere, attendees joined interactive breakout sessiosn to hammer out the best ideas for success.

The groups focuces on what will best spur new business in the region, how to better prepare the local workforce for the jobs of tomorrow, and how to attract entrepeneuers in cutting-edge industries to come here.