Ray Davis of Umpqua Bank headlines March 20th PubTalk 
Ray Davis is CEO and President of Oregon-based Umpqua Bank, but he’s quick to point out that his real function is Head of Support.  He also happens to be the keynote speaker for March 20th PubTalk.  Anyone who’s in the business of delivering exceptional service at the local level and wants to raise the bar with employees will want to attend.  Umpqua has been repeatedly recognized for its outstanding customer service, not to mention using technology in innovative ways and infusing community banking with new meaning.  Sign up online (always easier than at the door) to hear how Davis has expanded this successful bank with the funny sounding name to an $8 billion powerhouse with 144 west coast locations.  

For the early stage presentation, we’ll host the winning student teams from Pam Stevenson’s OSU-Cascades New Venture Management class as well as from her Concordia University Graduate School of Management MBA called The Entrepreneurial Manager.
 

---

PubTalk spring season
Mark your calendars now for the rest of spring so you don’t miss your monthly dose of brain food and casual networking with the PubTalk lineup:  

• April 17 – Dave Hersch, President and CEO, Jive Software (social collaboration software)
• May 15 – Chris Van Dyke, CEO and President of Nau (outdoor apparel company with sustainable products and business practices)
• June 19 - Dan Eilers, Managing Director of Vanguard Ventures (technology investment and emerging trends)

---

La Pine, Deschutes County give the green light for new rural enterprise zone application
A unanimous decision on February 13th by the La Pine City Council to move forward with an application for a new enterprise zone launched EDCO into action this month.  The application, which will create a rural zone that includes the Bend Airport and the newly incorporated City of La Pine, would help cover an area of the state historically without the benefits of the property tax exemption program. Only 57 zones are authorized across Oregon. The program, which cannot take away from the existing tax base, exempts new capital investments made by manufacturers, high technology firms and other traded-sector employers for a short period of time, typically 36 months.  

La Pine’s approval followed that of Deschutes County which will be a co-applicant in the request.  EDCO has volunteered to bring together all the necessary elements of the application and, if successful in obtaining the zone, manage the program for both areas of Deschutes County.  EDCO currently manages the Prineville/Crook County Enterprise Zone, the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone, and works closely with the City of Redmond on its zone, which is among the most successful in Oregon. 

The next step in the application process will be public meetings designed to provide information to all taxing districts within the proposed zone boundaries.  These meetings will be held in the morning and evening of March 18 in La Pine and Bend.  For more information about these meetings, the application process, or enterprise zones, contact Roger Lee at 541-388-3236. 

Additionally, there will be an Oregon Enterprise Zone workshop in Redmond on March 6th, 10:00am – 3:00pm at the City’s Fire Hall for anyone interested in how the program operates and how it has helped attract new jobs and investment to the state.  The workshop is free, but if you would like to attend and have lunch, there is a $7.50 charge.  Email Sandy Manns or call 541-923-7758. 

---

New Jefferson County economic development concept pursued with local leaders 
Groundwork continued in February for the possible launch of a new, local economic development program for Jefferson County and the communities within, modeled after the effort in Prineville/Crook County that EDCO and other partners started last year.  At the invitation of Jefferson County, EDCO attended council meetings in Madras, Metolius and the Crooked River Homeowner’s Association to present the concept to local leaders for discussion and buy-in.  Presentations were also made to the Culver City Council and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs tribal leaders. 

Reception to the concept of a local economic program and professional staff based in Jefferson County has generally been positive.  Follow-up correspondence is being sent in March by Jefferson County to its communities both for involvement and financial support.  EDCO will continue keep you informed as news happens with this exciting initiative.  

---

Redmond Airport continues to outgrow other Pacific Northwest airports
We knew it would be just a matter of time, but this past quarter Redmond’s passenger traffic exceeded that of the Tri Cities, WA – yet another a new milestone for the airport.  For the first time, year-over-year boardings (Sept. 07 – Sept. 08) were 222,380 compared to Pasco’s 220,430.  The new figures put Redmond at the Northwest region’s 14th largest commercial airport and with an annualized growth rate of 19.1%; it is the second fastest growing among the top 20.  For the past three years, Redmond had been the fastest growing in this group, but Bellingham (#17); WA took the honors this quarter with an incredible 76.9% growth rate. The numbers reflected this quarter for Redmond included no new flights over the previous year; however passenger travel was up again due to Horizon Air’s change out of its smaller turbo prop aircraft for the larger, Q400 series.  Passenger travel in Redmond could level off briefly this year as construction of the expanded terminal starts this spring.  As this project nears completion, EDCO will again be working closely with the Redmond Airport and Central Oregon Air Service Task Force members to attract new service to Denver and Phoenix – ideally for late 2009. 

---

Reaping the impacts of good commercial air service - new companies, new jobs
Citing easy access from Central Oregon to most other major metro areas on the west coast, a company serving the aviation industry has selected Redmond for a new office.  The Ridge Group, LLC,offers airport and aviation related planning, design, architecture and construction management services.  Principal architect Tony Monroe, who has 21 years of aviation design experience, has teamed with Steve Baron, principal consultant, who started the firm in early 2007.  Noting that “airport design is specialty,” Monroe believes that Central Oregon is an ideal location from which to serve their Pacific Northwest market.  “In addition the area has a great core of aviation related business with Cessna, Professional Air, and Leading Edge Aviation, just to name a few.”  For further information, email Tony Monroe or call 541-923-6595.  

---

Redmond businesses endorse second five year development program    
A lot can happen in five years.  50 industrial new or expanded industrial companies.  1,100 traded sector jobs. $36+ million in payroll.  Over a million square feet in industrial buildings valued at over $100 million.  Those are the results tied to REDI, Redmond Economic Development Incorporated, managed by Bud Prince.  Last month, a supportive business community scrutinized the return on their five-year investment and endorsed REDI’s strategic plans for the next five year phase.  It’s hard to fathom that only five short years ago the Redmond business community faced a critical decision if REDI should continue to exist.  Fortunately, many companies pledged their financial support and participation to a five year program in a new partnership arrangement with EDCO.  REDI Manager Bud Prince advised the group that while “extreme” industrial growth of the past few years won’t continue, he expects industrial development in Redmond to remain strong and diverse.

---

National economist at EDCO's annual lunch dispels myths, offers crowd much to ponder
Contrary to media reports, we aren’t in a recession, stated Alan Beaulieu matter of factly at EDCO's 2008 Annual Luncheon.  Beaulieu, senior economist with The Institute for Trend Research, a New-Hampshire-based economic forecasting group and this year's keynote speaker for the luncheon went on to tell the 400+ audience that the Institute’s 40 leading economic indicators point to a global recession in early 2009 that could last well into 2010.  Beaulieu called the portending recession a “necessary event,” noting that it was a combination of the business cycle, a decade-long lack of leadership at the federal level, false growth driven by easy consumer credit, huge deficit spending, energy prices, and mounting entitlement payments.  The message was not all gloom and doom - Beaulieu and his colleagues at the Institute are forecasting a strong recovery in late 2010 and growth well into 2012. 

In his graph-driven and humor-laden presentation, Beaulieu burst some bubbles.  No, he stated, China is not overtaking the U.S. in manufacturing output.  In fact, the US economy makes up 27.7% of the world’s GDP, and continues to be competitive in surprising arenas. (He did however caution that a global recession is likely to have greater impact on China than the U.S.)  A fact not well understood, he said, is that the U.S. is the largest exporter in the world.  Immigration, Beaulieu contended, is a positive force for the U.S. economy, citing our “winning demographics” for growth.  The US, he maintains, is still an economic engine and pointed to areas in which the US is number one: technology and innovation, technology readiness, quality of research institutions, productivity, and profits.       

In terms of preparing for a recession, Beaulieu offered this advice to business owners: clean up your balance sheet (the balance sheet assuming more importance than the P&L), ensure that you have reserves to carry forward during lean times, draw up layoff lists, keep tight control of inventory, and figure out what new product or service you could offer.  Declaring a 20% decline in the stock market is possible (but not a forecast!) in 2009, Beaulieu stated that the following counter-cyclical businesses would suffer the least impact: professional medical care, insurance, elder care (particularly goods and services that help elders live independently), leisure and entertainment, environmental cleanup, healthcare and medical devices, and energy. 

Beaulieu used the acronym CREATE to offer the following suggestions to provide long-term, solid growth in the US: 
C = Corporate tax rates are the highest in the industrialized world and need to be lowered (holding back investment)
R = Regulatory reform is desperately needed
E = Employee benefits costs are too high; “mandatory” – not universal – healthcare, delivered through private companies, is needed
A = Able workers are becoming harder to find; a major overhaul of our educational system is needed to stay competitive
T = Tort reform (specifically citing the need for support of a plan already developed for a flat tax)
E = Energy plan - the U.S. is still dependent on foreign oil and does not have a clear, comprehensive road map for alternatives.

---

Wood chips bring more business to Prineville Railroad
Starting in March, the Prineville Railroad will begin transporting woodchips for the first time in years, since many of the local mills shut down. The news means added business, and more revenue for the struggling city railroad. Woodchips used to be big business in Prineville while the sawmills were in operation, but now most of today’s mills only produce sawdust, not chips. Woodward Companies, which owns a small sawmill, known as Prineville Sawmill, has long been selling its woodchips to Weyerhaeuser paper mill in Washington State, and transporting them by truck. “With the high cost of fuel, trucking is becoming more expensive. Woodward Companies decided to look at getting its chips out of Prineville the old fashioned way – by rail,” said railroad manager Dan Lovelady. The deal will produce at least one carload of chips per day, and up to five carloads in the future. Lovelady says a typical truck takes about 100 gallons of fuel, at a cost of about $330, plus the driver and maintenance costs. The railroad can provide three truckloads of chips in one railcar, for about the same price as one truckload. The first railcars arrived March 3rd in Prineville to begin delivering woodchips to Weyerhaeuser.

---

Oregon HB 2002 will impact many employers in Central Oregon starting April 1st
We’re providing the following advisory from Tompkins Benefits Group, Inc., a benefits consultancy that recently established a Bend office (780 NW York Drive, Suite 202) expanding from their long-time Portland base.  Company principal is Deborah Tompkins, who summarizes key points below from a white paper on Oregon House Bill 2002 for clients.  


Tompkins has generously made the full white paper available for readers of the eCon Update. For more information, visit www.tompkinsconsultingco.com, or call the Bend office at 541-749-9982. 

---

GoRachaelGo!  EDCO supports Rachael Scdoris’s Iditarod quest and CORIL
While EDCO is first and foremost a business development organization, we do have selected partnerships with a few outstanding charitable non-profit organizations – one of those being CORIL (Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living).  On March 1st Central Oregon’s own Rachael Scdoris started the 1200-mile dog sled race, facing some of the most unforgiving race conditions on the planet, including temperatures as low as -50 degrees. Legally blind, Scdoris has held a childhood dream of competing in and winning the Iditarod.  At 15, Rachael became the youngest athlete to ever complete a 500-mile sled dog race.  Now at 22, Rachael will compete in her 3rd Iditarod and is determined to realize her potential by finishing among the most elite racers.  In 2006, after 12 days, 10 hours and 42 minutes on the trail, Rachael made history as the first legally blind athlete to finish the Iditarod race.

A role model for people with disabilities, Rachael is dedicated to supporting Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living (CORIL) to help other Central Oregonians with disabilities pursue their dreams. In her words, “CORIL team members complete their Iditarods every day”.  To support Rachael in the race, we encourage you to follow the race via KOHD’s exclusive interviews, visit Rachael’s website, and pledge your support (as little as one cent for every mile of the race).  Rachael has insisted that all donations will benefit CORIL.   

---

Six Central Oregon companies make prestigious Oregon Business Magazine “100 Best” List 
Oregon Business Magazine just released their annual ranking of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the state.  Over 25,000 employees took part in the confidential survey process, rating their company in six categories: benefits and compensation, work environment, decision making and trust, performance management, career development and learning, and employee benefits. We show the Central Oregon companies that placed on this influential list.  New to the list are Les Schwab and Bend Metro Park and Recreation District, both not rated last year.  

---

Film Oregon Alliance takes the stage
Lights..Camera...Action!!!!  These words may be heard more around Central Oregon if the Film Oregon Alliance (FOA) has anything to say about it.  The number one goal for the new non-profit organization, formed by film industry veterans, is promoting the Central Oregon region as a desirable filming location. The group also provides education and networking opportunities to those interested in film careers and bringing high paying jobs to the region to retain and attract talented artists.  FOA is well on its way to establishing itself in the non-profit world.  Fifty members have joined, over 400 receive their communication, and the community’s gotten involved in two high energy events.  The first, a premiere and fundraiser, featured the works of local talents such as Rage Films and Fluid Images. The second was a kickoff of the 2008 lecture series featuring the Oscar-nominated director, Jack Green. For more information on FOA and their upcoming events visit www.filmoregon.org. 

---

WorkLife Oregon offers resources for business owners
Are your employees struggling with finding quality child care?  Or, as a business owner, perhaps you’re contending with time off requests or the cost of hiring temporary personnel.  Enter WorkLife Oregon. WorkLife Oregon’s mission is to help organizations with child care solutions and offers a single point of access to a range of work/life options, including child care networks, assistance with Dependent Care Tax Credits, child care resource and referral services, and guidance in developing a variety of child care solutions. These solutions have multiple benefits – reduction in absenteeism, success in retaining talented workers, and enhanced ability to recruit. To explore local options and resources, contact Jessica Born or call 541-548-2380 ext. 157.  

In Central Oregon, WorkLife Oregon partners with Child Care Resources, a program of NeighborImpact located in Redmond. At the state level, WorkLife is a partnership of the Oregon Child Care Resource and Referral Network, Oregon Child Care Division, and the WorkSource Oregon Employment Department. For more information about WorkLife Oregon initiatives and solutions developed for other Oregon companies, visit www.worklifeoregon.org.

---

Bend #7 of 173 for best low-tax retirement towns
Now in its third edition, America's Best Low-Tax Retirement Towns ranks 203 metropolitan areas and retirement towns by the total tax burden on retirees. The book is the culmination of a seven-month project by nine researchers, who collected and verified tax rates in towns in all 50 states.  State and local taxes vary dramatically from state to state, and even between towns in the same state. The book reveals the best and worst picks for folks in different income brackets and includes chapters on Tax Heavens, Tax Hells, and profiles of 102 Top Retirement Towns.  Ranked #7 of 173 in its category, the city of Bend is featured because of its low overall tax rate.  Additionally, the profile gives readers a glimpse of the quality of life Bend has to offer including living and housing costs, climate, recreational and cultural opportunities. 

---

Area schools, students and teachers receive national attention
Bend High School’s Restaurant Management Team has done it again – claiming the state championship for the fourth consecutive year.  Students Katelynn Cockrum, Casey Anderson, Jackie Baird, and Jordan Good (also on last year’s state champion team) beat out 35 other Oregon high schools to earn a trip to the National High School Culinary Competition National ProStart Student Invitational in San Diego on April 24th-26th.  Also honored was Bend High’s culinary team comprised of Amanda Fleischer, Evan Sigvaldsen, Kristine Bumbar, and Allegra Keith, who finished in second place while winning highest awards for appetizer, teamwork, Pacific Northwest menu, and presentation. 

In other education news, Prineville’s Mike Geisen, 7th grade science teacher at Crook County Middle School, goes up against three other outstanding educators from across the country for 2008 National Teacher of the Year.  Geisen was recognized for his innovative teaching that uses movement, music, technology, and humor to help students enjoy the learning process.  Selection as Oregon Teacher of the Year earns Geisen the chance to compete for the national honor, which is awarded by the President in April this year. The National Selection Committee, composed of representatives from fourteen national education organizations, chose the finalists and will name the winner based on personal interviews held in Washington, D.C. in late February.  Past Oregon finalists include John Arthur Ensworth of Bend’s Kenwood Elementary School, the 1973 National Teacher.  

---

UPCOMING EVENTS
March 8 - Central Oregon’s fourth annual Job Expo
Think you may need additional employees in 2008? Looking for a new career? For the fourth year, The Bulletin, Express Personnel Services and Express Professional Search present the Job Expo at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.  Last year over 2,000 individuals looking for employment attended.  For information

When:  Saturday, March 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where:  Deschutes County Fairgrounds
Charge:  None
Contact:  Email Stacie Oberson or call 541-383-0389.

---

March 18 – Team, Culture, Values Survey
TIGERS Success Series is giving a free demonstration of a collaborative core values game that helps employees discuss behaviors that build great teams and behaviors that predictably cause team problems.  Participants will play the game and learn multiple applications for anchoring trust, interdependence, genuineness, empathy, risk and success in their organizations.  This is a research-based and independently validated core values process.  Space is limited and appropriate for business owners, executive directors, board presidents, founding entrepreneurs and organizational leaders. 

When:  Tuesday, March 18, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: Bend, School Administration Building on Bond, Room 314
Charge:  None
Contact:  Call 541-385-7465 or info@corevalues.com

---

March 12 - The way we do things here….why a company culture matters
This two-hour seminar examines key elements of a successful business culture and is presented by Moe Carrick, Principal, Moementum, Greg Ranstrom, Principal, Outside Insights and Bill Moseley, President, GL Suite.

When:   Wednesday, March 12, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Where:  Central Oregon Association of Realtors; 2112 NE 4th St. Bend, OR
Cost:  $30 for Opportunity Knocks Members and $40 for non-members
Contact:  Register online at www.opp-knocks.org or send a check to Opportunity Knocks 86 SW Century #249 Bend, OR 97702.  For more information, email: cathy@opp-knocks.org or call 541-318-4650.

---

April 3 - New Market Opportunities for Central Oregon Food and Farm Businesses
This half-day workshop will connect local farmers/producers with direct markets in the region and is hosted by COIC, OEC, and OSU Extension Service.  Admission is free and includes a light dinner.

When:  Thursday, April 3, 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Where:  Bend St. Charles Hospital, 2500 NE Neff Rd., Bend
Charge:  None 
Contact:  Call Katrina Van Dis or call 541-504-3307

---

April 9 - Health, Balance and Fitness
A panel of health and medical consultants share tips on optimum lifestyles and how we can achieve them. Presenters include Dr. John Corso of Nutrition and Aging; Monica Wheeler, Life Coach: Living in Balance; and Kyle Will, Owner WillRace Performance: Minimum Fitness.

When:   Wednesday, April 9, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Where:  Central Oregon Association of Realtors; 2112 NE 4th St. Bend, OR
Cost:  $30 for Opportunity Knocks Members and $40 for non-members
Contact:  Register online at www.opp-knocks.org or send a check to Opportunity Knocks 86 SW Century #249 Bend, OR 97702.  For more information, email: cathy@opp-knocks.org or call 541-318-4650.

---

April 24 - Central OR Business Expo
The tenth annual Central Oregon Business Expo, presented by Community First Bank, will focus on sharing information, strategizing for success and selling small business services and products.  It’s slated to be the most significant networking event for businesses hosted in Central Oregon.

The Trade Fair floor will open immediately following the luncheon. Throughout the day, there will also be no-cost business workshops and regional businesses on hand to network and promote their products and services. You won’t want to miss out on these excellent business opportunities!

When: Thursday, April 24th, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm kick-off luncheon, 1:00 – 6:00 pm trade fair
Where:  Deschutes County Fairgrounds & Expo Center
Charge:  None
Contact:  For more information contact the Redmond Chamber or call 541-923-5191.

---

May 1 & 2 - Woody biomass heat: making it work for communities
This is a practical two-day workshop to develop projects that use woody biomass to produce thermal energy. Where’s the opportunity? Schools, recreational facilities, public and commercial building and industrial drying processes are all candidates.  Participants will learn about feasibility and construction, technology options, financing, air quality and visit real success stories.  The workshop is presented by COIC, Sustainable Northwest, Resource Innovations, and others.  For more information visit the website.

When:  Thursday & Friday, May 1&2
Where:  Mt. Bachelor Village
Cost:  Early-bird registration is $75 ($100 after April 11th)
Contact:   Email Marcus Kauffman of Resource Innovations or call 541-346-0661.
 

---

May 22 - The Bend Oregon Economic Forum
Join the University of Oregon at The Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend, Oregon for a fresh look at new developments in health care policy at the national, state, and local levels. Speakers at this lunch time event will include Jim Diegel, CEO, Cascade Community Healthcare, Barney Speight, Executive Director, Oregon Health Trust Board, JoAnn Lamphere, National Coordinator of the State Affairs Health & Long-Term Care, AARP, and Robin McKnight, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Oregon.  Click here for more information.

When: Thursday, May 22, 11:30 am – 2:30 0pm
Where: The Riverhouse Conference Center
Cost: $45/person or $320 for a table of eight
Contact: Register online
 

---

EDCO’s Central Oregon Profile to be ready in April; accepting pre-orders
EDCO members have an opportunity to purchase this popular publication at a reduced cost when ordered in advance.  The Profile includes a statistical snapshot of the regional economy with trend information about employment, income, population, housing prices, utility costs, transportation, climate and other frequently requested data. Many regional businesses use the Profile as an element in recruitment packages and for client presentations.  This is the first year in over five that we’ve increased the price of the Profile and, as such, only look to recoup printing and production - but not development - costs.  Pricing is also simplified:   


Past bulk customers will receive an email shortly allowing you to place your order.  We expect profiles will be available in April.  If you have questions, please contact Ruth Lindley or call 541-388-3236. 

---

RENEWING MEMBERS
Thanks go to the members below who are renewing their membership in EDCO, making it possible for our organization to help businesses expand and to recruit new businesses to the region. 

---

NEW MEMBERS
Bronze Level
Breedlove Guitar Company
Winner of the 2007 EDCO Annual Awards Central Oregon Product of the Year, Breedlove Guitar Company is one of the most distinctive of the region’s traded sector employers.  Internationally renowned for fine instrument craftsmanship, Breedlove is also recognized for their unique company culture as well as creation of the Central Oregon “Extraordinary Experience” which engages customers with their products and the beautiful Cascades scenery.  This 4-day trip for Breedlove customers includes shop tours, custom instrument design, and guitar clinics -- all interspersed with private concerts and scenic drives in exotic cars. The new program necessitated the purchase of a limousine, and realizing limousines and guitars were a natural fit for a rock-n-roll lifestyle in the high desert, the company formed a sideline business, Breedlove Limousine Services.

Breedlove Guitar President Peter Newport, affectionately known as “Crazy Pete”, spoke at EDCO’s January membership meeting.  Newport humorously recounted his skeptical start with EDCO, explaining that total concentration on the company’s major sales markets - New York, London and Tokyo – caused him to rebuff initial EDCO assistance offers.  He didn’t understand how EDCO could possibly assist Breedlove and “was sort of annoyed” by persistent attempts.  Several years later, Newport realized the company needed to expand from their cramped Tumalo operations into a larger facility.  EDCO and OECDD stepped in to help, securing funding from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund to offset relocation and ramp-up costs.  In turn, Breedlove will expand their manufacturing capacity and hire additional employees.  The company plans to move into their new Northwest Crossing home this fall, complete with a new showroom and workshop.  Through the process, EDCO helped with incentives, site location and low-cost financing, making Newport a "true believer" in the organization and its efforts.

At a recent Anaheim trade show of 80,000 in the music industry, Breedlove recently won another award, Best in Show: Trendsetter Award, for their new electric guitars. Learn more about the exciting things happening at Breedlove.

---

Incentives available only to EDCO members, courtesy of Breedlove Guitar Company  

In the same membership meeting referenced above, Crazy Pete Newport offered two exceptional incentives to fellow EDCO Members.  Contact Dayna Dudkowski at EDCO if you’re a member and would like to take advantage of these offers.  •    20% discount on the company’s limousine services.  (What could you do to showcase Central Oregon to your clients?) •    Purchase of a Breedlove guitar – at cost – if used for a non-profit fundraiser (limited number available)

---

Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor
Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village is Central Oregon’s premier resort retirement community. The 25-acre community includes 31 stunning single-family homes and three lodges. Recently, the National Association of Home Builders awarded Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village its Platinum Award for its superior design. The Terrace Lodge is the center of the community, which includes more than 100,000 sf of common areas. Amenities include a bistro, gift shop, convenience store, library, barber shop and beauty salon, an Umpqua Bank branch, restaurant-style dining, performing arts center, art gallery, game room, shop and crafts area—and more. And lodge homes include underground parking garages.  CEO Tom Biel says one thing residents most appreciate is that they can select from a variety of spacious floor plans, sizes, and services.  Trading the responsibilities of home maintenance for a vibrant, enriched lifestyle, he says, is a good tradeoff for their residents.  When the third and final phase is complete, Touchmark will encompass over 280 homes and employ more than 100 Central Oregonians. For more information, visit www.TouchmarkBend.com or call 541-383-1414.

---

RE/MAX Commercial Central Oregon - Commercial Division
A two-year partnership of brokers Ken Streater and Reggie Koth has formed the RE/MAX Commercial Central Oregon division of Redmond’s RE/MAX Land and Homes.  The brokerage, staffed by Ken Streater, Reggie Koth, and Don Chapin, represents approximately $50 million of office, industrial, retail, and development lands in Redmond and throughout Oregon, including the old Seaswirl building in Culver.
 
Recently, a group of commercial brokers in Redmond formalized their collaboration with other firms in town and collectively will support each other during Redmond’s growth. The charter group is composed of nine brokers, representing six Redmond companies, and will meet bi-monthly. “We realized we could do a better job of handling growth in Redmond if we collectively shared information and assets in our city,” says Streater.  Their mission is to share properties to match buyers and sellers and/or landlords and tenants, discuss development opportunities, and to broaden insights, knowledge and relationships via a guest speaker program. The next meeting is March 6th.  For more information about the Redmond Commercial Group or RE/MAX Commercial Central Oregon contact Ken Streater or call 541-325-2027.

---

Grace Bio-Labs
Founded in 1986, Grace Bio-Labs set new standards for speed and accuracy in cell analysis and the molecular pathology industry. The company has grown through creativity, developing and patenting its own technology. Since moving to Central Oregon from Michigan in 1992, Grace Bio-Labs has continued to grow by designing and manufacturing innovative lab-ware for the molecular study of cells and recently purchased a new manufacturing and laboratory facility on Bend’s west side.

“Grace Bio stands with EDCO” says Michelle Carney, Grace Bio-Labs Marketing Manager “in its efforts to support and grow a thriving regional economy.”  While Grace Bio does not have a local customer base, Carney explains a healthy local economy is key to supporting their growing need to recruit key management staff, laboratory personnel and skilled assembly workers.  “The future of our industry is strong,” she continued “and we look forward to working closely with EDCO staff and members towards the continued growth of our area.”

---

PROJECT REVIEW
Done Deals:  Expansion and Recruitment Projects Completed in the Last Quarter
Two local Redmond manufacturing businesses are in the final process of moving into their new buildings following our assistance with siting their building and the Enterprise Zone incentive program.  Rocky Mountain Products, www.rockymountainproduct.com, a manufacturer of sauces and seasonings is expanding into prepared foods at their new 50,000 square foot facility in the Desert Rise industrial development located in NE Redmond on Hemlock Avenue.  With this expansion, they expect to employ nearly 30 people in the first year, nearly double last year’s employment.  Industrial Concepts a metal fabrication and machine job shop in Redmond has relocated into their new building at 1103 NE 11th Street. 

Pyrotect, manufacturer and distributor of products for the racing industry, including fire resistant helmets, suits, shoes, liners, gloves, harnesses and other accessories, has relocated from southern California to Prineville.  The company occupies a light industrial space in Baldwin Industrial Park. Initially employing 5 people, Pyrotect expects to double its jobs within the next few years.   For more info, visit www.pyrotect.com.

EDCO’s 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 quarterly. They include, but are not limited to:

Over two years ago, a manufacturing company in the region expressed interest in expanding into Redmond but plans were put on hold.  Recently the company is back with a new plan and is moving forward to build a new 10,000 sf facility in Redmond.  They expect to have about 8-10 employees next year.

EDCO continues to work with a medical device manufacturer from southern California that is seriously considering relocation of its operations to Bend.  The company was back in the region for a third site visit and met with developer-builder teams that could build a turn-key office and production facility.  We are working with the company on all aspects of relocation and in bringing elements of the project together.  The company will employ 15-20 people at annual wages ranging from $35,000 - $65,000. 

An industrial painting company in the tri-county area is considering relocation to a light industrial park in Prineville, where it hopes to source employees.  Starting wages are $20 per hour.
 
Redmond Metal Finishing is being assisted with the Redmond Enterprise Zone incentive program to implement their planned expansion into a new bay adjacent to their current workspace on NE Hemlock Ave.  Over the next few months they plan to have in production a new nickel plating service to compliment their long standing aluminum anodizing and coloring processing.  They expect to add 3-4 more employees to operate the new equipment.

A Bend-based manufacturer of cement blocks for building retaining walls is considering relocation/expansion to Baldwin Industrial Park in Prineville.  There will be three employees to start, with an average wage of about $12 per hour.

EDCO is assisting a Bend aviation company in leasing up to 70,000 sf of low-cost warehouse space.  A recent opportunity to potentially acquire added inventory is driving the expansion.  The company is open to space located throughout in the Central Oregon region and will consider a combination of buildings with smaller square footage.  Email Eric Strobel at EDCO or call 541-388-3236 with ideas. 

New FDA manufacturing regulations, effective June 2009, regarding quality control compliance for nutraceutical companies have led to the necessity for Sisters-based Metabolic Maintenance Products to add an analytical laboratory.  Metabolic will be remodeling, purchasing additional equipment and hiring staff for the lab and quality control measures.  The positions will be for professional individuals with degrees in Analytical Chemistry, Medical Technology and or a Biology Degree with a strong emphasis in bio-chemistry.  Metabolic is currently working with EDCO, the Oregon Economic & Community Development Dept. and an independent lab consulting firm to complete the project.  The goal is to complete the project by the end of the summer 2008.

Earth by Design is a company that’s looking to build a rendering bio-fuels plant in Crook County. The company continues to negotiate a possible lease agreement with the county by the landfill.  The principals of the project expect to that the plant will employ 60 people and will cost approximately $25 million to construct. 

A local manufacturing business in the region is working on a $1.7 million dollar expansion, which will require the addition of 10 new employees. Starting wages will be $13-$15 per hour. EDCO is working with the company on possible incentives and tax credits for the project.  

EDCO is in early discussions with a local technology-based company regarding a possible large expansion project within the tri-county area.  The project could result in 30 new well-paying jobs, and $10-$15 million in capital investment.  

---

Feedback
We love your feedback - likes, dislikes, and story ideas.  Keep those thoughts coming -- contact Ruth Lindley.