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December 2007 eCon Update
BUSINESS NEWS
Cessna acquisition of Colombia bodes well for region’s aerospace industry
 Good news for the region was the result of a bankruptcy auction for assets (and liabilities) for Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing, one of the region’s top private employers in recent years and the single largest general aviation aircraft manufacturer in Oregon. Columbia announced its Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the end of September and its intention of selling to Wichita, KS based Cessna, the world’s largest general aviation aircraft manufacturer. In the months following the announcement, several other bidders surfaced including Columbia’s chief competitor, Cirrus, material supplier Park Electrochemical and several investment groups. In the end, Cessna’s bid prevailed and the company made the official announcement last week that it would keep the plant operating in Bend. As part of the acquisition, Cessna signed a long-term lease at the manufacturing facility at the Bend Airport, and has made a commitment to invest in the operation to boost production and profitability.
In addition to the jobs retained (exact number is yet to be determined), the news was welcomed enthusiastically by other companies in the industry cluster including Precise Flight, a longtime supplier of both companies for aeronautics, lighting, air brakes and other products. According to an Oregon Department of Aviation report released earlier this month, Oregon public-use airports directly employ 7,000 people in aviation-related activities and expend $259 million in wages, resulting in a total economic impact to the state of nearly $3 billion annually.
The Columbia story dates back to one of EDCO’s recruitment projects in the early 1990’s when it helped Redmond recruit kit-airplane maker Lance Neibauer, and his company, Lancair, from California. Neibauer and his team later designed and certified the Columbia 350 and 400 (now to be called he Cessna 350 and Cessna 400), and following a national search (in which EDCO was again involved) chose the Bend Airport for the production facility. Over the last several months, EDCO provided Cessna with information about logistics, market information and economic development incentives as it completed its due diligence evaluation. As in the past, EDCO continues to work with the company behind the scenes to help grow the Cessna Bend plant and the overall aerospace/aviation cluster.
Employers advised to study new workplace regulations
Special report from Ball Janik
As a service to eCon Update readers, Rob Stout, counsel in Ball Janik LLP's Central Oregon office, tells us that Oregon has narrowed the circumstances in which non-competition or arbitration agreements in employment situations are enforceable but has carved out exceptions for agreements restricting solic itation of employer’s customers or employees. Stout says Oregon employers who use non-competition agreements with employees should prepare themselves for significant changes to Oregon’s non-competition law, which while set to take effect on January 1, 2008 and apply only to non-competition agreements entered into after that date, may require an employer to take action as early as December 2007. Click here for the full report.
Oregon businesses gear up to protect consumer information
Julie Brandis, of Association of Oregon Industries (AOI), provides a recap of new regulations passed during the 2007 Legislature from The Oregon Consumer Identity Theft Protection Act. The Act creates strong standards for businesses to ensure the safety of sensitive data that can be used by identity thieves. For more information on how the new requirements impact business and a business implementation guide, click here.
Central Oregon continues to power Oregon’s population growth
According to information released November 15th by Portland State University and the U.S. Census Bureau, the tri-county area continues to lead population growth in the state. Over the past year, nearly one in five new Oregon residents resides within the tri-county, even though Central Oregon accounts for only 5% of Oregon’s population.
For year-over-year population growth, Crook County ranked #1 (+5.5%) followed closely by Deschutes (+5.4%) and Jefferson County (+2.9%) was third for a sweep again this year of the top three spots. Combined, the tri-county area grew by a net 10,175 new residents, despite the housing slowdown, which was factored into the estimates. Each of Central Oregon’s counties held the top three fastest growing counties for seven-year averages (2000-2007) with Deschutes, +39.4%; Crook, +34.9%; and Jefferson, +15.9%. In fourth place for both time periods was Washington County at +2.1% and +14.8% respectively. At the city level, most notable was Redmond in the 19th most populous position for the state, surpassing West Linn in size. Redmond appears destined to surpass slower-growing Tualatin next year, claiming the 18th position. Also significant was Prineville exceeding 10,000 in population.
Meanwhile, unemployment continues to remain low – the October 2007 rate for Deschutes County (Bend MSA) was 4.8%, up from 3.8% for the same month last year, but still lower than Oregon’s seasonally adjusted rate of 5.5%. For all the detailed numbers on population growth, click here.
Tri-County Population: 208, 725
| |
1995 |
2000 |
2005 |
2007 |
| Crook County |
15,700 |
19,182 |
21,150 |
25,885 |
| Prineville |
8,205 |
7,356 |
9,082 |
10,190 |
| Unincorporated |
9,947 |
11,826 |
12,068
|
15,695 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Deschutes County |
89,500 |
115,367
|
143,490 |
160,810
|
| Bend |
29,425 |
52,029 |
70,328 |
77,780 |
| Redmond |
9,650 |
13,481 |
21,109 |
24,805 |
| Sisters |
765 |
959 |
1,706 |
1,825 |
| Unincorporated |
49,660 |
48,898 |
50,337 |
56,400 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Jefferson County |
15,400 |
19,009 |
20,600 |
22,030 |
| Culver |
600 |
802 |
1,019 |
1,315 |
| Madras |
4,290 |
5,078 |
5,592 |
6,585 |
| Metolius |
540 |
635 |
804
|
850 |
| Warm Springs |
NA |
5,727
|
NA
|
NA
|
| Unincorporated |
9,905 |
6,767 |
13,185 |
13,280 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Tri-County Area Population |
120,600 |
153,558 |
185,240 |
208,725 |
| As a % of Oregon |
3.79% |
4.47% |
5.10% |
5.57% |
Sources: Portland State University (Center for Population Research (estimates are for July of each year) and U.S. Census Bureau
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EDCO joins Oregon team at MEDICA trade show
 For nearly a decade, EDCO has been actively pursuing companies in the medical device manufacturing industry cluster for recruitment or expansion to the region. Over that period of time, the organization has consistently attended one of the largest domestic trade shows, the Medical Device & Manufacturing Show (MD& M West) held annually in Anaheim, CA. For the first time in the organization’s history, we made the decision to attend an international show in Europe. MEDICA, held annually in Dusseldorf, Germany, is the largest of its kind in the world and features more than 10 million square feet of exhibitors from across the globe.
Oregon’s booth, which was supported by Portland Development Commission and the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department, was manned by economic development professionals, representatives from OSHU and the Oregon Biosciences Association as well as four Oregon medical device companies. Activity at the booth was brisk (130,000 people attend the show every day) but EDCO found that quality leads were hard to find. We did make contact with many of the U.S. manufacturers, and nearly every company based in California. The best return on investment was had by the companies who shared the Oregon booth, nearly all of whom made good contacts and sales. Although MEDCIA proved to be a good learning experience, EDCO will likely forego attending this show in the future and keep our focus on the MD&M West show, which happens again at the end of January, 2008. For any Central Oregon medical device manufacturers interested in attending either show in 2008, call EDCO at 388-3236.
HiDEC takes part in Oregon Manufacturing Strategy Initiative
Five members of the High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HiDEC) attended a forum in Salem focused on invigorating support and championing the manufacturing industry in Oregon. A cross-section of manufacturers, education and training providers, workforce development professionals, and state agency representatives reported on progress of the year-old initiative. At the end of the forum action items were developed for a two-year implementation plan:
Use data to drive accountability:
1. Highlight the impact of manufacturing to the economy (e.g., what will happen if plants shut down or leave?).
2. Quantify the skilled workforce shortage, by region, industry and occupation.
Stabilize existing high-performance consortia:
1. Provide continued lean training for members.
2. Position them as intermediaries with education and training providers.
Focus workforce efforts:
1. Identify and share effective demand-driven models.
2. Use career pathways to link secondary schools, community colleges and universities.
3. Support apprenticeship as a vehicle for addressing higher level skills through on-the-job training.
Launch an awareness campaign:
1. Promote the benefit of being prepared for both college and the world of work.
2. Target young adults, in-school youth, and those that influence their decisions.
3. Identify and share best practices.
Develop a common legislative agenda:
This includes a comprehensive, multi-year investment strategy that clearly defines the manufacturing workforce problem and illustrates various players’ roles in addressing it.
Click here to find the full forum summary and here for more information on the manufacturing industry in Oregon.
O’Keeffe’s Company latest to be “blitzed”
 The kaizen blitz descended on the O’Keeffe’s Company in Sisters November 26th – 28th. David Jones from Total Excellence in Manufacturing led a team comprised of host company employees, Structus Building Technologies, and neighbor Metabolic Maintenance through a three-day efficiency-building event identifying production improvements and elimination of waste in the facility. “Everyone involved thinks there is a lot of value in this project,” said owner Tara O’Keeffe. “After the first day, this place was full of energy and new ideas.” Tara was also happy to report that Murphy, the office dog, was spared in the waste elimination process. Next on the kaizen blitz schedule is Dayspring Hardwood and Moulding in Prineville on December 6th and 7th. Wrapping up the five company kaizen blitz series is Vocalbooth.com, manufacturers of professional sound isolation enclosures, in Bend December 10th – 12th.
Crook County to control of Prineville Airport
Control of the Crook County Airport will soon be back in the hands of the county. For several years, both the City of Prineville and county have shared governmental control of the activities and financial obligations of the airport. Airport Manager Eldon Nimo felt there was too much oversight, which created communication problems. “Every time we made a decision, or the Airport Commission wanted to do something, it had to go before the city council and county court. It just didn’t make sense.” The City Council voted unanimously to dissolve its relationship with the airport, giving the county full control again. The county court also voted in favor of the change. Both sides agree the move makes sense, especially since much of the property that’s available for development around the airport is owned by Crook County. The agreement will be effective January 1.
Sixth signal in Prineville alleviates congestion
You know you live in a small town when construction of a street signal makes the front page of the local newspaper. The Oregon Department of Transportation is putting the final touches on a new signal at the intersection of 3rd and Harwood streets in Prineville, the sixth in the small community. The project is part of the widening project of the Crooked River Bridge, which was in disrepair. The signal will increase safety for children crossing 3rd street on their way to Ochoco Creek Elementary School, and help alleviate some of the congestion issues on the highway.
Prineville Freight Depot expands, offers regional solution
One of the important economic drivers for the City of Prineville is getting a boost. Thanks to funds from the Connect Oregon I grant program, the Prineville Freight Depot is expanding its distribution center. The 80,000 SF warehouse will include rail docks to unload three railcars, and two truck docks. The building will also have drive-through access for flatbed truck loading. The warehouse will allow the railroad to expand the current multi-modal trans-load, warehouse distribution center and provide an incentive for new businesses. The long-term hope is to create a regional transportation hub, so Central Oregon businesses can more easily move and store produce locally. Work is already taking place at the site of the Freight Depot, north of Prineville off Lamonta Road. The warehouse should be complete within the next few months, weather permitting. The railroad also sent out its application for Connect Oregon II, which would allow for the construction of another warehouse. EDCO Executive Director, Roger Lee, and Prineville Economic Development Manger, Jason Carr, both wrote letters of support for the railroad’s grant application.
Commercial real estate is alive and well in Central Oregon, thank you
 Put Darren Powderly, broker with Compass Commercial, Brian Fratzke, broker with Fratzke Commercial Group, and Darrell Deglow, owner of Cascade Commercial Appraisal Services into a virtual panel and what do you get? A lively forum for assessing the state of the commercial real estate market in Central Oregon, that’s what. EDCO asked this trio of experts to comment on what is selling, what isn’t, what is scarce, and what hasn’t been reported about their sector of the market. Like so many other trends, Central Oregon is taking a different course, this one for the positive. Click here for the full virtual round up.
Current residential real estate activity mirrors a strong year – 2003
 We posed the same set of questions about real estate to EDCO member Greg Yeakel, president of Summit Real Estate. Amid headlines of falling starts, declining permits and sluggish sales, Yeakel offers a different viewpoint. While it’s not all roses, this real estate veteran sees the residential real estate market on par with 2003, which many at the time considered a pretty strong year. Offering the long view, Yeakel says that as long as land prices remain high and availability within the UGB remains limited, we should expect to see average housing prices increase. Read on by clicking here.
More affordable housing just on the horizon in Bend
Bend-based EDGE Development Group announced this week that development is underway of a new residential neighborhood at the intersection of Butler Market and Eagle Road. The 265-lot subdivision will feature single-family homes in the $180,000 to $250,000 price range, which at those prices represents a rollback to prices seven or eight years ago. The developers, who purchased the land from a bank, say the "good deal on dirt" was the major contributing factor the ability to offer such affordable pricing for site-built homes. The size of home models will start at about 1,200 square feet, with design services being provided by EDGE Development's affiliate, Pac-West Homes, an award-winning custom homebuilder with a long history in the region. Infrastructure development is already underway. For more information, contact EDGE Development Group at 383-4201.
EDCO seeks business support for OSU Engineering & Technology internships
 Oregon State University School of Engineering has distinguished itself from other schools by turning out “work ready” engineers. In fact, Dr. Ron Adams, Dean OSU School of Engineering, says OSU grads have earned a global reputation to the degree that China, Ireland and South Korea have requested OSU’s program information to adopt it. Key to the program is engaging undergrads in projects well beyond typical classroom instruction, often involving real time research. OSU requires six-month internships for their undergraduates, one in civil engineering and one in multiple engineering disciplines. Central Oregon businesses which can offer or develop internships should contact Joe Tanous or call 541-737-7098.
COCC launches “bizHELP! Directory”
Central Oregon Community College is developing a new website to serve small businesses. “bizHELP! Directory” will offer “how to” articles, tips, business news, and information about classes and support services for small businesses. Visit the site or call 541-383-7210.
LOOKING AHEAD
Now’s a great time to grab your calendar and pen (make that a mouse) to mark the following 2008 dates.
January 10th - solar inverters and custom guitars have WHAT in common?
Start with the fact that both are made by Central Oregon companies. Both operate in admittedly different but very global marketplaces. And both will be represented by senior management at EDCO’s January 10th membership event.
This is a no-cost opportunity to hear two outstanding guest speakers -- Roger Laubacher, CFO of PV Powered, and Peter Newport, President and CEO of Breedlove Guitar -- talk about what it takes for a Central Oregon-based company to compete effectively at the global level. Plan to join us and bring a non-member who could benefit from learning about EDCO. Roger Lee, EDCO Executive Director, will share the organization's behind-the-scenes work to recruit new companies and help existing companies expand. Not quite stealth, but close to it.
When: Thursday, January 10, 2007, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Parish Center, Father Luke's Room, 720 Bond St., Bend
What: Gain insight into the catalyst role EDCO plays to build a diverse economic base
Cost : Free! Beer, wine and appetizers provided
RSVP: Please RSVP to Dayna Dudkowski by Monday, January 7th at 388-3236
January 14th – TechTalk features Amy Tykeson, CEO of BendBroadband
Join BendTech and WoTech (Women in Tech) in hosting Amy Tykeson, the CEO of BendBroadband to a special “TechTalk” on January 14th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. BendBroadband was the first company to provide high-speed internet service in Oregon, and has played a significant role in the economic development of Central Oregon. Ms. Tykeson will share what BendBroadband is planning for 2008. This wine and cheese networking event will take place at A6, a new printmaking-art studio in the light industrial space next to the Unicom building. If you or your company would like to help sponsor the event by donating food or wine, please contact Julie Anderson below. Check out the BendTech blog and click on WoTech to read that blog.
When: Monday, January 14, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Where: A6, 389 SW Scalehouse Court, Suite 250 (next to Unicom)
Cost: $10 at the door
RSVP: Please contact Julie Anderson or 541-977-8282
Spring 2008 PubTalk - grab your calendar and save the dates
 We have an outstanding lineup of speakers locked and loaded for the coming spring season. Now’s a great time to grab your calendar and pen (make that a mouse) to mark these dates. Look for more details on a season pass that makes it even easier to become a PubTalk regular. PubTalk has moved to the THIRD Thursday of each month, so reserve the following dates, 5:00 – 7:30 pm, for PubTalk events:
January 17th
February 21st
March 20th
April 17th
May 15th
June 19th
An outstanding set of speakers have committed to the first half of 2008. We’re finalizing the schedule now, but wanted to share with you PubTalk’s stellar cast of keynote speakers:
• Allen Alley, currently Deputy Chief of Staff of Governor’s Office, and co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Pixelworks, Inc. Pixelworks designs and develops “system on chip” semiconductors and software that drives the flat panel display industry.
• Dan Eilers, Managing Director of Vanguard Ventures, which invests in software, hardware, storage, and other information technology companies. Eilers was founding managing partner of Apple Computer's venture capital fund and has been CEO of several other technology ventures.
• Patrick Kruse, Ruff Wear, the company’s founder and acknowledged “leader of the pack” talks about efficiency and building a niche brand in the global outdoor industry.
• Dave Hersh, President & CEO of Jive Software, developer of social collaboration software and winner of the Oregon Entrepreneurs annual award in the Growth Company of the Year category.
• Ray Davis, CEO & President Umpqua Bank about service differentiation in financial services.
• Chris Van Dyke, President Nau, the transformational outdoor clothing company making waves both in the world of outdoor apparel and sustainability, which has attracted significant equity capital the past two years.
February 1st - The people value stream: how to change your culture to drive productivity
 High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HiDEC) opens up a full day workshop to Central Oregon’s business community. The workshop features Mike Hoseus, a corporate leader for 13 years at Toyota Motor Manufacturing’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant. Any business or organization interested in how to improve their productivity and teamwork will benefit from this engaging session. Mike wowed the crowd earlier this year at the Nike Center in Beaverton with dynamic two-way discussions on the Toyota culture, the underlying foundation for the company's phenomenal success. Contact Eric Strobel at 388-3236 for more details about this event.
February 14th - EDCO’s 2008 Annual Luncheon features another world-class speaker, expert
 Still have that pen out? Make a note to reserve February 14th for EDCO’s 2008 Annual Luncheon. We’ve lined up a riveting speaker – economist Alan Beaulieu from New Hampshire-based Institute for Trend Research. (It’s not often that you get to use the words riveting and economist in the same sentence!) The Institute’s focus is distillation of 40+ market indicators into an accurate forecast of the economy and industry trends – all in plain English. Those of you who listened to his twin brother, Brian Beaulieu, four years ago at the luncheon had nothing but raves. This year you’ll have an opportunity to shape the presentation by sending us the questions you’d like to see our expert address. Look for an email soon. Click here for more information.
Date: Thursday, February 14th
Time: 12-2 pm (registration begins at 11:30)
Location: The Riverhouse Convention Center
Speaker: Alan Beaulieu, Institute for Trend Research
March 8th - Central Oregon’s 4th Annual Job Expo
Think you may need additional employees in 2008? Looking for a new career? For the fourth year, the Bend Bulletin and Express Personnel Services and Express Professional Search present the Job Expo at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. The 2008 Expo will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Early bird registration for booth space ends on February 1, 2008. For a fee of $250 you’ll receive booth space and an ad published by the Bulletin for participating businesses. Last year over 2,000 individuals looking for employment attended. For information contact Stacie Oberson or call 383-0389.
NEW MEMBERS
EDCO extends a warm welcome to our newest members. A reflection of the vitality of Central Oregon business, they include local confectioner extraordinaire Goody’s; Smith Herrick Engineering, which provides valuable services to the region’s diverse manufacturing sector; and staffing specialist to the IT world, TEK Systems.
Bronze Level - Goody’s
 Visions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory come to mind as delectable handmade and hand-dipped confections roll off Goody’s assembly line. This time of year Goody’s runs full force, with double shifts, at their busy eastside Bend manufacturing facility. You can certainly smell (and happily, taste) holiday cheer in each chocolate or confection, all made from only the finest ingredients with no preservatives or additives. One of their hottest selling items, says long-time employee Linda Easton, is the corporate chocolate bar imprinted with a company logo. Founded 24 years ago in Sunriver, Goody’s has grown exponentially since new owners Jvon & Dane Danforth bought the company several years ago. On November 24th the Danforths celebrated the grand opening of their fourth retail store in downtown Redmond, adding to the two Bend locations and the original in Sunriver. This traded-sector company is currently looking for new manufacturing space to keep up with sales demand from Central Oregon and nationwide. Swing by your local Goody’s for a taste of the sweet life in Central Oregon or visit www.goodysgoodies.com to order your favorites.
Bronze Level - Smith Herrick Engineering
 What do you get when you take deep expertise in the design and manufacture of mechanical systems and cross it with the most current knowledge of electrical circuitry? In general, the growing field of electro mechanical engineering, but more specifically, Smith Herrick Engineering of Bend. Electromechanical engineers design and build everything from brewery bottling machines to delicate medical equipment. Mathew Smith and John Herrick, owners of Smith Herrick Engineering LLC, offer a broad array of services to Central Oregon’s diverse set of manufacturers, including manufacturing system design, project management, product improvement and cost reduction, and product and patent research. Both partners traveled the world before settling down in Bend. Central Oregon native Mathew Smith set up and ran a 40,000 SF manufacturing plant in China for Portland-based Williams Controls for several years. John Herrick spent seventeen years with Freightliner before becoming Chief Engineer at Williams Controls. The company has a growing local manufacturing client base, Smith says, mostly operating under NDA arrangements. “Great engineering is the easy part,” he says, “but we also research and analyze the end user and the market to ensure the product is successful.” For project assistance, contact John Herrick or visit www.smithherrick.com
Bronze Level - TEKsystems
 With over 90 offices throughout the country, TEKsystems, the nations largest IT Staffing company, has been operating in Central Oregon for the past 3 years. TEKsystems is an IT services company with an emphasis in IT staffing, training and managed services. The company’s staffing service recruits the most highly educated IT and Software Development professionals through a nationwide network. Although the company primarily provides project based staffing to clients around the nation, Nathan Chapman, Technical Recruiter for the company, says “Central Oregon’s office sees a lot more direct placement and ‘temp-to-perm’ opportunities.” They have recently moved into offices in Northwest Crossing, at 750 NW Charbonneau Dr., Suite 105. Stop by and visit Nathan or Account Manager, Rob Guthrie, or call 541-504-6240 for more info. (www.teksystems.com)
PROJECT REVIEW
DONE DEALS – EXPANDING OR RELOCATING MANUFACTURERS & TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES TO THE TRI-COUNTY AREA
This month EDCO has some exciting “done deals” (companies that have either completed a relocation or expansion to the region) that include:
Beau Nouveau, recently relocated from Florida to Redmond. The company designs, sells and distributes fancy canine personal accessories (leashes, collars, etc.) internationally. Current employment is three, but the company is already looking to expand since being here less than one quarter. www.beaunouveau.com
Integrated Environmental Technologies LLC (IET), a leader in clean renewable energy technology, announced this quarter that it is establishing a headquarters office in Bend. IET has already moved into offices in the Old Mill District with five people in its top management, and has plans to quickly expand its project development personnel in that office. The company is also evaluating establishing a new research and development operation in Central Oregon within the next few years. EDCO is working with IET on an official press release regarding IET’s new office, which we hope to release in the next week or two. www.inentec.com
MPress Packaging, a recently formed food packaging company opened a new manufacturing operation in Redmond earlier this month. EDCO has been working with the principals of the company for the past two years with site location assistance, business planning and with incentives. The company expects to employ six people initially, and double within the first year. www.m-presspac.com
Ferguson Industries, a leading supplier of industrial and commercial pipe in the tri-county region recently expanded and consolidated on a site located at the intersection of Kingwood and 9th Street in Redmond. EDCO, through our Redmond office, worked with the company’s developer on site planning enabling them to maximize the use of their site.
Pro-line Fabrication, manufacturer of custom flatbeds and bumpers sold throughout the Pacific Northwest, has completed and occupied its new facility on Tom McCall Road in Prineville. The 17,500 SF building will house the headquarters, and fabrication operations. Pro-Line will add three new employees and plans to occupy the building this month. www.prolinefab.com
PENDING PROJECTS
Without breaching obligations of confidentiality, we want to make you aware of a few of our pending projects for the region – a section of the newsletter we update every other month. They include, but are not limited to:
Expansion
Riverman Boatworks, has been formed from the purchase of Fishcraft boats in Sisters by Smith Rock Riverboats in Redmond. Final inspections for occupancy on a new building were completed to enable the combined product production to commence in October. They will be fabricating their quality driftboats, fishing boats, rafts and trailers under one roof in Redmond. EDCO Business Development Manager Eric Strobel and RED Manager Bud Prince have been working actively to help the company with site location and logistics issues. www.theriverman.com
Ironhorse Parts & Supply is a small Redmond-based company that makes and refurbishes radiators, and other heavy equipment parts for backhoes and tractors. Their business has expanded considerably over the past year and is looking to occupy an existing building in Prineville this winter. Current employment of 5 is expected to grow to 8 within a few months. www.ironhorseparts.com
Ameritech Machine Mfg is on schedule with land purchase, design work and construction planning underway to occupy a new 25,000 SF machine and metal fabrication facility in Redmond in early 2008. The facility will house 21 employees initially, however plans are to significantly grow employment over the next few years. Relocating from leased property in Bend, Ameritech will have additional room in their new facility to develop new and expand existing product lines. The company manufactures steel building components and a wide variety of industrial fabrication machinery. www.ammimfg.com
MST Corp, a small Prineville company that refurbishes parts for machines used in recycling applications, would like to add-on to its existing facility for more space, and add 3-5 employees. The company is in the process of filling out an enterprise zone application.
A long time Bend specialty products manufacturer has recently purchased a new 15,000 SF facility in NE Bend. The company, desperate for more space, has been leasing for the past year and on the hunt for a new home for several years. The relocation will allow addition of more employees to their current staff of seven and provide added room to expand production of their popular product.
Recruitment
Following the La Pine Business Roundtable, EDCO has begun working actively with the principals of Sylvan Power on the proposed biomass electric power plant in La Pine. The company has experienced some difficulties with the local sewer and water district with respect to infrastructure costs and timing. The company expects to employ more than 100 people when the $45 million plant is completed and operational.
A small manufacturing company that specializes in racing safety equipment is seriously looking at a move to from Oakland, CA to Prineville. The company, which will have approximately 10 employees, makes everything from helmets to racing suits, gloves, shoes, and restraint systems. Plans are to double employment within two years.
A dietary supplement company has completed a site visit and is evaluating relocating their manufacturing operation to Redmond or the Reno, NV area. They would occupy a 25,000 SF or larger building and create 40 - 50 local jobs. Their products are sold and shipped across the U.S.
A small, family-owned aerospace parts manufacturer based in Ontario, CA is considering a move to Prineville. The company employs about 10 people with above average wages and specializes in machining and programming. The company is a Boeing client, and ships product throughout the western U.S.
A rendering/bio-fuels plant that would have 60-100 employees is negotiating with Crook County over property next to the landfill. The company would like to break ground in early 2008. Energy production would come from waste and by-products.
A medical device manufacturer from southern California is considering, along with several other options on the west coast, a move to the Bend or Redmond area. The company employs 20 people, needs 15,000 SF space and the owners will be back for a visit to the region in mid-January.
A new concrete block manufacturing company is considering several Central Oregon locations including Metolius, Prineville and Redmond for a new $25 million plant. The planned facility will employ approximately 50 people.
FEEDBACK
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