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September 2008 eCon Update
Don't miss PubTalk this Thursday, September 18, with keynote speaker Dudley Slater, CEO and Co-Founder of Integra
 PubTalk kicks of its fall lineup with two great speakers - acquisition expert Dudley Slater and local inventor Judy Shasek. Slater currently heads Integra Telecom’s executive management team and has extensive experience in acquiring, integrating and managing local and competitive telephone properties, including the most recent acquisition of Eschelon Telecom (formerly UNICOM) in Bend. Attendees can look forward to many "lessons learned" from his M&A experience and what it takes to successfully integrate companies.
Early stage presenter Judy Shasek will introduce her new web portal and online community called FootGaming™. Shasek's patented invention, FootPOWR™ - a new type of computer mouse you play with your FEET - is at the intersection of exercise and casual gaming. She will outline her business plan to establish sales, distribution and customer-focused relationships with companies in education, gaming, and workplace wellness markets. So grab a brew and join the networking at 5:00 at McMenamins in Bend. Speakers start at 6:00. Cost is $15 for EDCO and OEN members, $25 for non-members. Call EDCO at 541-388-3236 or email Dayna to reserve your spot.
EDCO joins Oregon team at international solar trade show
 Earlier this month, EDCO joined a team of 18 representatives from the private and public sector in Oregon at one of the world's largest solar power manufacturing shows in Valencia, Spain. The show attracts more than 20,000 professionals from across the globe. Team "Invest in Oregon" included representatives from the Governor's office, commercial real estate (Colliers), Oregon Dept. of Energy, investor-owned power utility PGE, University of Oregon, a private engineering and site selection consulting firm, Bend-based solar inverter manufacturer PV Powered, four economic development organizations, local government and a chamber of commerce. Oregon was the only U.S. state represented at the show, which enabled the team to generate significant interest by companies interested in siting new manufacturing operations in North America.
Solar power manufacturers are one of the hottest industries currently on the globe. Typical production facilities can run from $75 million in new buildings and equipment to more than $2.5 billion. Today, Oregon is uniquely positioned with tax credit and property tax programs to lead the nation in attracting these investments and, more importantly, the high-paying jobs that accompany them. In just the past 18 months, Oregon communities have landed more new solar projects than any other state including industry leader SolarWorld, Solaix, xSunx, Intel's new solar venture SpectraWatt, and polycrystaline manufacturer Peak Sun Silicon. Homegrown PV Powered is also on the global map as a growing concern and the largest U.S.-based inverter manufacturer. Oregon raked in a large number of quality leads from the Valencia show, some of which are already planning site visits to the state.
 Jefferson County, Madras and EDCO sign MOU to create local economic development program
EDCO is one step closer to establishing a satellite office in Jefferson County, much like existing programs in Redmond and Prineville. Last week Jefferson County commissioners approved and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the program, including deliverables relating to business recruitment, expansion and retention activities and funding details. The Jefferson County business community, as well as the incorporated communities within its political boundaries, is motivated to have a local manager and support the implementation of this multi-faceted economic development program, as is evident by the commitment of a 4 year relationship with EDCO. Look for the Jefferson County Economic Development Manager position to be advertised in the coming weeks.
Get ready for October's Industry Month!
 EDCO’s month-long Industry Month forum recognizes and celebrates contributions of the tri-county area’s business community. Look for your copy of the Industry Month Guide in the October 2 issue of Cascade Business News for events, what’s up with the area’s technology companies, as well as great reference articles. Below is the quick lineup of events; check back to the Industry Month page on our website for updates, details about workshops, and how to register. Or download a PDF of Industry Month events to get those "must attend" events on your calendar.
“Powerful Practices for the Small Business”
Wednesday, October 1, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Keynote: Peter R. Marsh, Adair Homes
COCC’s “Leading From Possibility”
Thursday, October 9, 8:30 – 11:30 am
Keynote speaker: Guy Smith
“Now’s the Time: Making the Most of Today’s Economy”
Monday, October 13, 4:15 – 6:30 pm
Panel from Clear Choice, Deschutes County Title, and PV Powered
OK Best Practices Series
“High Performance Workplace: The Modern Office Environment”
Wednesday, October 15, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Panel from Steelcase, Steele Architects, Compass Commercial, and Smith CFI
“The Toyota Way Leadership: A Comprehensive Management System for Enterprise”
Thursday, October 16, 8:00 - 4:00 pm
Workshop leader: Mike Hoseus
BVC Networking Event
Thursday, October 16, 5:00-8:00 pm
Networking for investors, entrepreneurs, and the business community
5th Annual Bend Venture Conference
Friday, October 17, Full day event, 7:30 am start with breakfast
“A Culture of Empowerment: The Nature of Participation in Tomorrow's Consumer Economy”
Tuesday, October 21, 7:30 am breakfast; 8:30 – 10:00 am
J. Walker Smith, President of Yankelovich, Inc.
Presented by COCC Foundation Visiting Scholars Series
“The Other Kicker Check: How to Take Advantage of Overlooked Tax Credits”
Wednesday, October 22, 10 – 11:30 am
Workshop includes Zenith TransLucre and Sunlight Solar
“Building a Culture of Safety”
Thursday, October 23
Panel from Mid Oregon Personnel, Contact Industries, and O’Keeffe’s Company
“Tips on Acquiring or Selling a Business in This Economy”
Tuesday, October 28, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Panel from First American Title, Compass Commercial, PremierWest Bank, and Umpqua Bank
“Serious Business. Serious Fun!”
Thursday, October 30, 6:00 to 8:30 pm
EDCO Annual Awards
Milken Institute ranks Bend a top-performing city
 Cities with strong technology, energy and trade sectors lead the nation in job creation, according to a report released last week from Milken Institute and Greenstreet Real Estate Partners. The annual index provides a snapshot of where America's jobs are being created and sustained, factors in both long- and short-term indicators of employment and salary growth, as well as technology output measurements. The 2008 results reveal a broad rebound in the technology sector, plus strong activity in exports and energy production. Among 124 smaller metro areas, Midland, TX took top honors, Coeur d’Alene, ID ranked second and Bend, OR came in third. Among the largest metro areas, Provo-Orem, UT; Raleigh-Cary, NC; and Salt Lake City, UT; held the respective #1, 2, and 3 ranks. The report is available for free download and underlying data can also be explored.
Sisters makes Sunset Magazine’s Top Ten List of Western Dream Towns
 In their October issue dedicated to the “Top Ten of Everything,” Sunset Magazine places Sisters in the top ten list for The West’s top 10 Dream Towns. With 1700 in population and a median home price of $415,000, Sunset says “Just 22 miles up the road from its big brother, Bend, sleepy little Sisters combines a jaw-dropping natural setting in the high desert of central Oregon's eastern Cascades with quaint Old West style and one of the state's most highly touted school districts.” Check out all the top ten lists here.
Join EDCO as we celebrate Central Oregon’s industry leaders
 EDCO is pleased to announce we will be accepting nomination in six categories for the 2008 EDCO Annual Awards to be held Thursday, October 30th. We want our members to get involved with the process! Our goals are to reward those “unsung heroes” who are making a difference behind the scenes and forging partnerships to make Central Oregon more business friendly, and to educate EDCO Membership about the stability and strength traded-sector employers bring to the region. If you know someone who deserves recognition, please submit a half page to 2 page description about this person or company to Dayna by Friday, October 3. We encourage members to be specific about this person’s contributions and involvement. If selected as the winner, your nomination will be read at the Awards ceremony. Self-nominations are welcome.
Public Sector Person of the Year
Recognizing outstanding leadership and/or initiative in the public sector, within Central Oregon.
Private Sector Person of the Year
Recognizing outstanding leadership, initiative and other contributions to the economy from the private sector, within Central Oregon.
Central Oregon Product of the Year
Recognizing the most innovative, successful, pioneering or otherwise outstanding product manufactured in Central Oregon.
Economic Development Partnership of the Year
Recognizes most outstanding collaboration, either between companies or public/private enterprise within the past year.
Manufacturing Excellence
Recognizing the most dramatic innovation and/or progress in Central Oregon manufacturing.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognizing outstanding success of an early stage company or individual and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Be sure to save the date on October 30th! Invitations will be sent out via email the first part of October, and all EDCO and HiDEC members are welcome. Please RSVP to Dayna at 541-388-3236.
Alternative energy and e-commerce industry executives to address BVC
 Bend Venture Conference has announced that Nancy Floyd, founder and managing director of Portland-based Nth Power, and Mike Morford, founder and CEO of Central Oregon-based Altrec/Greatoutdoors.com, have been added to the speaker roster for the fifth annual conference on October 16 and 17 at the Tower Theatre. Forbes publisher and The Wall Street Journal best-selling author Rich Karlgaard is the event’s keynote speaker.
With $420 million under management, Ms. Floyd has led the pioneering energy venture capital firm's investments in many companies, including three listed on the NASDAQ. Ms. Floyd sits on the boards of the Center for Resource Solutions and ACORE, and is an active member of E2. Prior to Nth Power, she founded, managed and negotiated the sale of one of the country's first wind development firms, and a network management company for private voice and data.
Mr. Morford launched the outdoor lifestyles destination website in 1999 to highlight the “best” of the outdoors – best stories, best destinations, and best clothing and equipment available in today's marketplace. Prior to Altrec/Greatoutdoors.com, he founded and served as CEO for Joppa.com, Inc., a business incubator dedicated to designing and developing e-commerce websites. His previous experience also includes roles as the business development manager for Cofano Venture System, helping to locate high-tech startup ventures.
All BVC 2008 registrants receive a complimentary round of golf as well as the pre-conference networking event at the Broken Top Club (Thursday, October 16) and the full-day conference, including continental breakfast and seated lunch, at the Tower Theatre (Friday, October 17). Visit www.bendvc.com for more information.
Two EDCO Platinum memberships available
For the first time in nearly 5 years, EDCO has two Platinum memberships available. This membership level is designed for company leaders who would like to become more involved with the economic development of the region, the recruitment process, as well as make connections with other business leaders in the tri-county area. The benefits of the $7,500 membership include:
Seat on the EDCO Board (limit is 9)
First right of refusal for event sponsorship opportunities
Website listing with logo, contact information and link to member’s website
Receive for free Central Oregon Profiles (25) and the Manufacturing & Technology Directory
Discounts on additional publications
Listed as a Platinum Member on all EDCO Publications
For more information about the Platinum level membership and how you can play a role in our region’s economic future, visit our Board member website page and contact Dayna Dudkowski.
A new incentive hits the commercial real estate market – cash at move-in
 Area homeowners are getting creative in marketing their property. One owner-broker in Bend dresses up each day as an angel, flagging down prospective buyers to take a closer look. An equally creative, but less eccentric tactic is being taken by the owner of the RedBend office building near the Redmond Airport. Fratzke Commercial Real Estate, representing the property, is going beyond the typical free rent during the first few months of the lease by offering hard cash for a five year lease - up to $27,000 on only 2,800 square feet. The brokers say feedback from the marketplace is that once a fair market rate and generous tenant improvement allowances were enough to lease up quality space in a good location. But now that the leasing side of the equation has tightened, prospective tenants are looking for more than typical concessions. "We found that move-in or relocation costs were often a barrrier for closing a deal, so this provides a truly useful incentive to cover those costs, and more." says John McGregor of Fratzke. Click here for more information about this creative idea.
Redmond receives $1.5M for regional airport improvement
A grant from Connect Oregon II grant for $1.5 million will be used to build a new and larger ramp to better serve air cargo carriers such as UPS and FedEx at Roberts Field in Redmond. The Oregon Transportation Commission approved the grant last month; the airport must match the grant with its own $200,000, funds which were set aside funds in anticipation of grant approval.
Prineville one step closer to new city manager
 As of Friday, September 5th, the City had received 35 applicants for the position, held previously by Robb Corbett. The City of Prineville is working with the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) on vetting applications and setting up a hiring process, which could include a citizen’s panel. The LOC will be in Prineville the second week of September to wade through the applications. While prior experience in government and planning are beneficial, Prineville Mayor Mike Wendel says the council is looking heavily at candidates with good people skills. “We want our new leader to be customer service oriented with the public. We want someone who will be a good ambassador in the community, and can effectively communicate the challenges and opportunities with growth we are facing,” said Wendel. The council hopes the position will be filled before the end of 2008.
Rohrer Manufacturing Expands in Prineville
A small Powell Butte company has relocated to Prineville, citing a need for more space to expand its growing business. Rohrer Manufacturing makes T-Post Drivers, which are used to drive fence posts, mile markers, and other poles into the ground. The device is handheld, giving ranchers and other businesses the ability to do the work themselves without renting large machines. Rohrer is a perfect example of traded-sector companies EDCO seeks, because a significant amount of its products are sold outside the local economy. A majority of Rohrer’s business is with ranchers and companies across the Midwest and along the East Coast. The company recently purchased a 3,000 SF building in the Prineville Industrial Park, invested more than $300,000 in building upgrades, and purchased new equipment. With six employees, the company plans to add another three to four to staff in the next year.
New regional manager for Cascade Natural Gas outlines infrastructure improvements
Eric Martuscelli, new regional manager for Cascade Natural Gas Company (CNGC), tells us he’s excited to be back in Bend. A Walla Walla native, Martuscelli has been with CNGC since 1992. He worked in various capacities in CNGC’s Walla Walla district until 2002, moved to Bend as Construction Coordinator, then served as General Manager of both Pendleton/Hermiston and Mount Vernon, WA districts. In his current position of Senior Director - Southern Region for the Washington-based utility, Martuscelli manages three separate districts offices which serve the entire Oregon service territory, including Bend, Eastern Oregon (Ontario and Baker), Pendleton/Hermiston and surrounding communities.
 Martuscelli also shares significant new infrastructure improvements CNGC is making to provide adequate and reliable gas service in the tri-county region. Upgrades to gate stations with larger equipment will allow flow of more natural gas to growth areas. CNGC is working on full upgrades in Redmond and Madras in 2008, having completed a full upgrade in Bend two years ago. The company is also looping existing high pressure lines with new larger capacity lines to ensure they can get enough gas to the town regulator stations with enough pressure to serve customers in the town.
In 2007, CNGC completed three important high pressure main upgrades in Bend and Redmond which include:
11,000 feet of 6-inch high pressure main on Knott and China Hat Road in Bend
6,000 feet of 8-inch high pressure main on Simpson in Bend
17,000 feet of 8-inch high pressure main along Hwy 126 in Redmond
Future CNGC projects include:
West 4,000 feet of 8-inch main in Bend – 2009
Planning for more North end reinforcements in Bend
Continuation of West Bend reinforcements
Transportation specialist Kittelson & Associates opens a new office in Bend
 Kittelson & Associates, Inc. (KAI), an international transportation planning, engineering and research firm, has opened its Bend office at 354 SW Upper Terrace Drive, Suite 101 to better serve its clients and partners in the area. The new office is led by Joe Bessman, PE, Scott Beaird, PE, and Casey Bergh, who have relocated to Bend from the firm’s Portland and Boise locations. For more information, visit their website, call 541-312-8300, or contact Joe Bessman or Scott Beaird.
EDCO supports Bond Measure 9-58 for COCC expansion
With record enrollment last year and a second year of double-digit percentage increase expected beginning this fall, Central Oregon Community College is looking to area residents for help. COCC has plans for a new health careers and science building, regional centers in Madras and Prineville, and renovations of several existing buildings to create more classrooms. Funding would come primarily from a bond measure on the November ballot. The facility would also include space for the Volunteers in Medicine Dental Clinic and the Community Massage Clinic which serve the community and provide students with practical experience. Increased cost to the average homeowner in the region would be less than $6 per year.
Business practice reviews improve school district operations
 It is never fun going to the doctor for an annual physical, even if you think you are healthy. There is always the fear of the unknown. However, even an unknown ailment can compromise your health and keep you from performing at your best. That’s the same concept behind a series of performance reviews of school district operations. Three independent groups worked together on these reviews: The Oregon Association of School Business Officials, the Oregon School Boards Association and the nonprofit Chalkboard Project. Reviews of school districts in Beaverton, Burns and Yoncalla are complete. A review of the Albany School District is due later this month and a look into the Eugene school district begins next month. In each case, a team of expert reviewers has found solid operations worthy of praise, while also identifying areas that need improvement. The ultimate goal is to create a toolkit of best practices for every school district in Oregon, to help them find efficiencies and make better use of their resources. Visit Chalkboard’s website for more information about the project.
Upcoming Events
Sept 24 or 25 Fraud Prevention Workshops
South Valley Bank & Trust will host two seminars on Preventing Fraud in Your Small Business with CPAs from Jones & Roth. This is a great opportunity for small business owners to learn about internal controls. Seating is limited to 20 and reservations are required. Contact Kate Bailey at 541-312-7170.
Sept 24 - Redmond South Valley branch conference room, 8:00 – 9:30 am
Sept 25 - Mill South Valley branch conference room, 8:00 – 9:30 am
Sept 24 Workshop on non-competition and non-solicitation agreements
Learn the ins and outs of safeguarding your secrets and curbing competitive cheats at this Karnopp Petersen LLP workshop, which is free for clients and friends. The workshop is Sept 24, 7:30-8:30 am, 1201 NW Wall St., Suite 300, Bend. RSVP to Marisa Chappell or call 541-382-3011.
Sept 25 Act now to tour 360 Bond: soon to be Bend's first Class "A" Gold LEED certified building!
This building will be the focus of the case study presented at the luncheon at the 2008 CCIM/CID Annual Real Estate Conference (see flyer with updated information on the CCIM conference). The first 25 respondents are able to tour this property with Project Manager, Erik Gerding, principal of Gerding Edlen. Contact Tara Donaca at Compass Commercial to sign up. Those who reply soon enough will meet at the property at 11:00 am, September 25th. The building is located at the NE corner of SW Wilson Avenue and Bond St. and access is from Scalehouse Loop.
Oct 2 Educational seminar on creating an organization with staying power
According to keynote speaker Paul Spindel, of Paul Spindel, LLC, the goal of the workshop is to help businesses “create an organization that people want to join, are excited to work for, and can’t imagine leaving.” Spindel will also address pieces of the “organization puzzle” such as hiring practices, corporate policies, coaching and performance management, training, communication behaviors, and trust. Jan Swander, Workforce Analyst for WorkSource Oregon Employment Department, will discuss reasons, trends, and the cost of turnover to a business. Cost for this seminar, sponsored by Central Oregon Employer Council, is $50 per person and includes all materials and breakfast. Register by September 25, 2008 with Teresa Asher at 541-617-7179.
Oct 8 breakfast briefing on exempt vs. non-exempt employees
Learn what criteria the US Department of Labor uses to determine which positions are exempt from over-time pay in this briefing from Tompkins HR Group. A detailed look at each category of position will be examined along with special emphasis on the 2004 changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act. The seminar is Wednesday, October 8th, 7:30 – 8:30 am. Register in advance by calling 541-749-9982 or email Craig. Cost is $10.00 per session and includes coffee and breakfast items, and the location is 780 NW York Drive, Suite 202, Bend.
 Oct 9 COCC's Industry Month workshop: leading from possibility
Ask anyone who attended the Disney Institute in October 2007 and they will remember Guy Smith, one of the presenters, as a passionate and engaging speaker with practical information you could use right away. COCC is bringing Guy Smith back to Central Oregon on October 9 to present "Leading from Possibility." According to Guy, good leaders approach their day by identifying problems and solving them. Great leaders approach their day by thinking "possibility." It may seem like a tiny difference, but the two approaches are miles apart when it comes to creating results. His three-hour workshop will give you the leadership tools necessary to break through your success paradigm to achieve greater results, not just incremental improvement. Leading from Possibility will be held at Cascade Healthcare Community-Bend (St. Charles) on October 9, 8:30 - 11:30 am with buffet breakfast beginning at 7:30 am. Tickets are $129 per person. For more information, call COCC at 383-7270 or visit their website.
Thanks to our renewing members
Our thanks go to these renewing members who make possible EDCO's work to recruit new companies to Central Oregon and to help existing companies in the region expand.
Bronze
AmeriTitle – 1999
Lowes Commercial – 2004
RL Allen Group, LLC – 2007
Steele Associates Architects LLC – 1999
Silver
AT & T – 2005
Financial Member
Columbia River Bank – 1997
Feedback
Have a story idea? Or something you’d like covered in the eCon Update? We appreciate your comments; email Ruth Lindley.
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