MARCH 2007 ECON UPDATE
LOCALLY-DRIVEN PRINEVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MOVES FROM VISION TO REALITY
 In April, EDCO will make considerable progress toward implementing a dedicated, locally-driven program to lead economic development for Prineville and Crook County. A collaboration between EDCO, the Prineville/Crook County Chamber of Commerce, Crook County, the City of Prineville, and local businesses, the partnership results from more than two years of community discussion, planning, and funding efforts. Modeled after the highly successful partnership EDCO and Redmond Economic Development, Inc., the new Prineville Economic Development Manager position extends the EDCO Board of Directors' vision to deliver optimal economic development by combining a strong regional effort with local resources closely tied to their communities.
Full implementation of the program can proceed now that three critical financial milestones have been achieved: Crook County funding, City of Prineville funding (collectively allocating $50,000 for the first year), and private business contributions ($10,000 for the first year and $34,000 over three years). These resources will be combined with a $50,000 grant awarded by Les Schwab Tire Centers in December 2006. Thanks go to Prineville/Crook County Executive Director Diane Bohle and Vice-Chair Bryan Iverson, who spearheaded the private business fund raising effort.
Next action steps are the final approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between EDCO and the Chamber, advertising for candidates, formation of an 11-member Advisory Board by the Chamber, selection of a local hiring panel for candidate interviews, and determination of an office location. For full information about the new program and position, visit our website.

2007 CENTRAL OREGON AREA PROFILES ARE NEARLY READY, NOW TAKING BULK ORDERS
We are in the final stages of updating the 2007 Central Oregon Area Profile and offering EDCO members the opportunity to purchase this popular publication in bulk, at a reduced cost. 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. Preordered profiles are $0.30 each, with a minimum order of 25. Rates for EDCO members ordering quantities of less than 25 will be charged $0.35 each ($1 for non-members). Email order forms will be sent out to past bulk customers shortly that allows you to place an order. Profiles will be printed at the end of the April and delivered shortly thereafter along with an invoice for the quantity ordered. If you have questions, please contact Ruth Lindley at 388-3236 or via email at ruth@edcoinfo.com.
1300 APPLICANTS JAM JOB EXPO 2007 - DEEMED SUCCESS BY REGIONAL MANUFACTURERS
"We had some excellent candidates stop by our booth" said Jason Mckibbin, COO for MediSISS. MediSISS was joined by seven other traded-sector companies (those doing sales outside the region, thereby increasing wealth in the region) voicing the same opinion at the 2007 Job Expo held March 21st at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. Keith Manufacturing, EntrePrises USA, Contact Industries, Woodgrain Millwork, Nosler, T-Mobile and iSKY all had good things to say about the number and quality of job seekers. "I have seen more production-oriented workers with experience this year," said Lisa Cowger from Woodgrain Millwork. Keith Eager and Israel Sarabia from Contact Industries commented they were pleased to see applicants with engineering and mechanical experience. Representatives from Worksource Oregon Employment Department were equally impressed by the more than 1,300 applicants that came through the doors for the seven-hour event, about 100 more than last year.
ATTENTION EMPLOYERS AND JOB SEEKERS - JOB FAIRS ABOUND
Here's a tool for easy reference for employers and job seekers alike.
| What |
Crook County Career & Job Fair |
Jefferson County Job Fair |
Summer Retail Job Fair |
| When |
April 4th, 1:00 to 6:00 pm |
April 9th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm |
April 24th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm |
| Where |
Crook County Fairgrounds – Carey Foster Hall |
Jefferson County Fairgrounds |
Cascade Village Mall |
| Contacts |
Teresa Rodriguez |
Kathy Elaine Morales |
Kim Roots |
| |
541-447-8076 |
541-475-2382 ext. 221 |
541-388-6106 |
| |
Teresa.J.Rodriguez@state.or.us |
Kathy.E.Morales@state.or.us |
Kim.M.Roots@state.or.us |
| |
or |
or |
or |
| |
Lauren Werhane |
Lauren Werhane |
Katy Fitzsimons |
| |
541-548-8196 ext. 328 |
541-548-8196 ext. 328 |
541-388-6050 |
| |
Laurel.L.Werhane@state.or.us |
Laurel.L.Werhane@state.or.us |
Mary.K.Fitzsimons@state.or.us |
REDMOND MUNICIPAL AIRPORT EARNS #2 SPOT FOR HORIZON IN OREGON
Roberts Field (RDM) was the second most popular Oregon airport for passengers flying on Seattle-based Horizon Air, according to 2006 statistics recently released by airport officials. Only Portland International Airport saw more passengers board Horizon flights than Redmond in 2006. This statistic is especially impressive given that Eugene and Medford had considerably greater numbers of total passengers pass through their commercial airports in 2006. By comparison, for the 12 months prior to June 30, 2006, Eugene had roughly 318,000 passengers and Medford 265,000 compared to Redmond's 176,390. Horizon officials attribute RDM's increase in passenger count to the successful new Redmond-to-Los Angeles run launched in August 2006.
In other airport related news, Allegiant Air's first flight from Redmond to Las Vegas left this Thursday evening, March 29. Between now and May 8th, two weekly flights will be available (Thursday, Sunday), after which Allegiant moves to three flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday).
HIGH DESERT ENTERPRISE CONSORTIUM HITS HIGH TRAINING GEAR
HiDEC's 18 member companies will see a full slate of Lean manufacturing training and learning tours in the coming months:
| April 2 – April 6 |
Lean 101 and Visual Controls classes (e.g. how to make the workplace visually instructive) |
| April 17 |
Learning Tour at PCC Schlosser – Redmond |
| April 17 – 19 |
Value Stream Mapping event at PCC Schlosser |
| April 30 – May 4 |
Lean 101 and 5s classes (workplace efficiency) |
For most classes, HiDEC will use the services of David Jones from Total Excellence in Manufacturing (TEiM). For the value stream mapping event, consultants from Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) will lead a multi-day exercise at PCC Schlosser. By developing a future-state product value stream, companies can eliminate waste in a process, reduce lead time, reduce inventory and improve throughput. PCC Schlosser has generously invited a handful of HiDEC member companies to take part in the event so they can apply the techniques to their own businesses.
Increasingly, HiDEC will emphasize internal training to lower costs and improve sustainability of the Consortium. "Train the trainer" classes will prepare HiDEC members to conduct classes for their own companies and within the Consortium. Not to be outdone on the coolness scale, HiDEC has purchased a "Lean process simulation model" to be used by companies for experiential Lean training, plus a DVD training library is being assembled for member check out. For more information regarding training or resources, contact Eric Strobel at 388-3236 or eric@edcoinfo.com. Look for a HiDEC website soon!
NEW MILESTONES REACHED IN REDMOND'S COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Nearly matching a record 25 new industrial buildings totaling over 500,000 SF started and/or finished in 2006, Redmond's commercial building sector is also moving ahead with the recent approvals and announcements. The 204,000 SF Wal-Mart SuperStore is well under construction north of Maple Avenue and the City just granted a building permit for a new 100,909 SF Home Depot (plus 28,000 SF garden center) to be located along N. Hwy 97 a few blocks north of the new Wal-Mart location. A third part of this expanding commercial mix is the announcement by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse to locate a new 119,000 SF store south of the Fred Meyer Shopping Center in downtown Redmond.
MAKING SENSE OF PENDING LEGISLATION
 Every two years, the Oregon Legislature generates about 3,000 legislative bills, resulting in an astonishing 1,000 passed. Several issues are emerging in the seasons’ flurry of activity as significant issues for business. These include renewable energy, family leave, and changes in unionization rules. Below, EDCO provides members an overview and analysis of several key pieces of proposed legislation; our goal is to raise awareness and encourage action you deem appropriate to your organization. Please click HERE for EDCO’s analysis of the bills. We’d like to thank Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt for contributing legal expertise to this effort.
Renewable Energy Portfolio Mandate
(SB 838) Establish a Renewable Energy Standard (RES) that calls for Oregon’s utilities to gradually increase the amount of renewable energy in their electricity mix until 25% is supplied by new renewable resources by 2025.
Changes in Unionization Rules
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HB 2891 would automatically recognize a labor organization – without Employment Relations Board review - as the exclusive representative of employees when a majority sign an authorization card.
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HB 2893 would prohibit employers from requiring an employee attend any meeting or participate in any discussion regarding the employer’s opinions on political or religious matters.
Overtime Pay
HB 2673 would authorize Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to adopt rules permitting overtime pay for work after eight hours in a day (or when employer has adopted alternative workweek schedule such as 4, 10-hour shifts, after 10 hours in that day).
Family Leave – There are three specific proposals related to family leave to bring to your attention:
-
HB 2575 would provide up to 6 weeks partly paid leave to care for an ill family member or newborn baby. Deducts $1 per paycheck from employees at companies w/ at least 25 employees.
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HB 2485 would permit workers to use accrued paid sick leave when taking family medical leave.
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HB 2460 would prohibit time off for disabled workers’ compensation injury from being counted against state family leave.
HB 2441, Unemployment Benefits Tied to Passing Drug Test would make receipt of unemployment benefits contingent on passing a drug test.
HB 2260, Ability for Employee to Receive Compensation & Punitive Damages over Discrimination, would enable employees to recover not only back pay but receive compensatory and punitive damages as well.
HB 2259, Workplace Safety Complaint Reporting, would increase the time frame from 30 to 90 days an employee has to file a complaint with Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).
SISTERS BUSINESS SUMMIT APPROACHING - MAY 1ST
On May 1, businesses in Sisters have the opportunity to attend a luncheon and learn about the state of the Central Oregon economy, how Sisters fits into the regional economy, and what the Sisters business community needs to do to stay competitive in the tight job market. After the luncheon, a job fair will be held combined with specialized workshops for both job seekers and employers.
| When |
Monday, May 1 |
| Where |
FivePine Conference Center, Sisters |
| Timing |
Noon – 6 pm |
| Contact |
Cheryl Mills at the Sisters Chamber of Commerce, 541-549-0251, manager@sisterschamber.com. |
NEW FUNDING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE NOW AVAILABLE FOR OREGON'S SMALL BUSINESS
 If you're a small or start-up business with a great new technology or product concept that needs funding for development, you may be eligible for grants under federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Each year, these programs award more than $2 billion to small or start-up businesses to help them bring their ideas to fruition. Attend an invaluable SBDC full-day workshop in Bend (two others are being conducted in Eugene and Portland), presented by renowned business and technology experts, Greenwood Consulting Group:
| When |
Thursday, April 12 |
| Where |
COCC, Bend, 151 Boyle Education Center |
| Timing |
7:45 am – 4:30 pm |
| Cost |
$100 fee includes free review of your draft proposal by Greenwood Consulting Group within one year of workshop, training materials, catered lunch and refreshments. |
| Register |
www.bizcenter.org/sbirworkshops or call 541-463-5250 |
Local high-tech success story Bend Research is one of the most successful Oregon companies receiving a record number of SBIR grants. The program helped the company in its earlier stages capitalize on proprietary technology enabling the development of commercial products, and helped spawn a multitude of spin-offs (eleven to be exact).
In addition to the workshop above, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) offers these resources:
NATIONAL HOUSING ECONOMY CHURNS - NEW HOME SALES & PERMITS DOWN, EXISTING SALES & STARTS UP
If you're a fan of bad news first, then the Commerce Department's report of new home sales dropping 3.9% in February to their lowest level since August 2000 is the prescription. Following three successive downward monthly revisions, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) President Brian Catalde attributes February's fall-off to the subprime-related shakeout in the mortgage market. So are you ready now for the good news? The National Association of Realtors show existing homes sales had the biggest monthly rise in three years - 3.9% over January, accounting for 6.69 million units sold -- and hit their highest level since last April. Although the national median existing-home price was tempered marginally from $215,700 a year ago to $212,800, mortgage rates remain favorable. That leads us to the last of this good news/bad news story, with housing starts up across the nation 9% in February, attributed in part to unusually good weather in the South and West allowing builders to start on homes that had been permitted earlier. Meanwhile, permits - a less volatile measure - were down 2.5%, reflecting production 28.6% below last year's pace. "The trend lines are still slightly downward," sums NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders "although we probably are now approaching a bottom in the market." For more information, visit NAHB's news website: http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2007-03-26/.
EXHIBITORS - LAST CHANCE FOR BOOTH SPACE
This is your last chance for booth space at the Technology Showcase - Deschutes Co. Fairgrounds - May 12-13th, 2007, sponsored by Bend Broadband. This new, local tradeshow features the latest in technology innovations for the consumer. For more information visit their website at http://www.technologyshowcases.com/ or contact Brian Wilson at 541-385-9644 or by email at brian.wilson@technolgyshowcase.com. This event is free to the public, but there are only a few booth spaces left!
APRIL 12TH PUBTALK FEATURES KEYNOTE BILL WILLITS, CREATOR OF SISTERS' INNOVATIVE FIVEPINE RESORT
 At EDCO's March board meeting, Bill Willits shared his dream brought to reality in the form of Sisters' FivePine development. The resort complex encompasses a 12,000 SF classic Northwest style lodge, 24 upscale cabins, a stunning meeting conference area, the Shibui Spa, Sisters Athletic Club, and Sisters Movie house. We were captivated not only by FivePine's beauty but also by Bill's simple yet profound life philosophy of "tossing the rope back". A successful businessman in the import business, Willits sold his business to Hallmark; now he's become a local force to bring about change - while preserving (some would say creating) what makes Sisters special.
If you've wondered about the white foam walls in early stage area construction, then you'll be interested in our early stage presenter, Northwest ICF Solutions. ICF is short for insulating concrete forms - a high performance alternative to stick frame construction - with considerable energy, sound, maintenance and durability advantages, and represents an investment opportunity for attendees.
| When |
Thursday, April 12th, 5:00 – 7:30 pm |
| Where |
McMenamins Old St. Francis School - Fr. Luke's Room - Downtown Bend |
| Cost |
$15 for EDCO and OEN members; $25 for non-members |
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS PRESENTS "DEVELOPING YOUR EXIT STRATEGY" SEMINAR
Learn how to design your own exit strategy from two experts -- Steve Gerlicher, past owner, and Marilyn Beem, past President of Orcom Systems, a Central Oregon software start-up that grew to over 300 employees. Today, Steve is in the enviable position of splitting his time between New Zealand, Hawaii and Washington, while managing his real estate holdings remotely. Steve and Marilyn will discuss how to create and extract value in your company, as well as the role of outside assistance and finding a buyer.
| When |
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 |
| Where |
Central Oregon Association of Realtors; 2112 NE 4th St., Bend |
| Timing |
8:00 – 10:00 am |
| Contact |
|
| Cost |
$30 OK members, $40 non members; includes continental breakfast |
HAVE A KEY EMPLOYEE BUT LITTLE TIME TO TRAIN? ENTER OK'S NINE MONTH MANAGEMENT TRAINING WORKSHOP
It's paradoxical -- but true -- that among Central Oregon's plethora of training offerings, virtually none are geared toward key employee development. Enter Opportunity Knocks (OK) with a new nine-month program, The Management Training Workshop, running September of this year through May, 2008. It's geared specifically for employees who have supervisory responsibility and play an instrumental role in the current and future direction of your business. Twenty-one key employees - no more than one from any business - will have the opportunity to participate, with first preference given to OK members. Attendees meet monthly for three hours, from 8:00 to 11:00 am, with guest speakers, and focus on these criteria: 1) Leadership, 2) Strategic Planning, 3) Customer and Market Focus, 4) Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management, 5) Workforce Focus, 6) Process Management and 7) Results. Don't be fooled by the plain vanilla title, this is serious work! Participants will have homework, reading assignments, a presentation, and peer feedback. The cost is $995 per employee. To pursue, call Susie or Cathy at 318-4650.
FINDING IT HARD TO PURSUE A CAREER AND AN MBA? PSU OUTLINES MBA+ PROGRAM AT RECEPTION
 On Monday, April 16th at Cascade Lakes Brewing Company, the School of Business Administration at Portland State University hosts for a reception for prospective MBA+ students. Scott Dawson, Dean of the School of Business Administration, and Carolyn McKnight, Director of MBA programs, will connect with alumni and individuals interested in the program. Launched in fall 2005, the MBA+ program offers online courses. PSU's MBA program, the largest in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its unique integration of business theory and practice and is considered one of the region's most selective. Learn more about the School of Business Administration at http://sba.pdx.edu/. To attend the reception in Bend, contact Julie Raymond at julier@sba.pdx.edu or (503) 725-3758.
THANKS TO RENEWING MEMBERS
EDCO would like to thank our renewing members -- newer and longstanding alike. Our success very much depends on your ongoing investment in our efforts to build a strong, vibrant and diversified regional economy!
|
Level
|
Company
|
Member Since
|
| Platinum |
BendBroadband |
1997
|
| Central Electric Cooperative |
1987
|
| Financial |
Bank of the Cascades |
1987
|
| Gold |
Pahlisch Homes |
2006
|
| Silver |
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation |
2003
|
| Bronze |
Barrett Business Services |
2005
|
| Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis, P.C. |
1981
|
| Cardinal Services, Inc. |
2005
|
| DVA Advertising |
1987
|
| Microsemi |
1995
|
| Murray & Holt Motors, Inc. |
1994
|
| Precise Flight |
2005
|
| Individual |
Bend Real Estate - Jessica Dickinson |
1986
|
| Keller Williams Central Oregon Realty - Derek Ness |
2005
|
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
SILVER LEVEL
The Center: Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Care & Research - Mark Fairbanks and Melissa McKenney
 Born of a 1999 merger of Bend Orthopedic & Fracture and Bend Neurosurgery, The Center now provides Central and Eastern Oregon with state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialized physician care. It makes sense that Central Oregonians' thirst for outdoor recreation has created a world class operation, attracting 21 physicians in the areas of orthopedics, neurosurgery and physiatry from all over the nation. Recently The Center expanded services in the areas of pain management, physical rehabilitation, rheumatology, circulatory vein therapy and, starting in April, acupuncture.
Melissa McKenney, marketing manager and executive assistant to CEO Mark Fairbanks, says The Center can now focus on broader regional efforts, given the completion of their new building, physician staffing and installation of the latest MRI technology. "We have a full time clinic in Redmond and send physicians and staff to Madras, Burns, John Day, La Pine and Prineville. It's very difficult for patients to make multiple returns to Bend after surgery for follow up appointments and physical therapy. We recognize how important it is to be accessible in more rural communities. We provide the best technology and care Bend has to offer to the most rural communities of Central and Eastern Oregon."
Most recently, The Center is responsible for a concerted effort to educate Central Oregon youth with health and safety training. The Center Foundation encourages proper athletic training for high school students, providing free concussion impact testing for athletes, and just adopted the ThinkFirst curriculum teaching kids how to protect their body and brain from injury. Recently, every 6th grader in Bend received a helmet, courtesy of The Center Foundation. For more information, visit www.thecenteroregon.com.
BRONZE LEVEL
Cascade Occupational Medicine, Inc., Dr. Christopher DiGiulio
 There's a new clinic in Bend! Cascade Occupational Medicine, Inc. is 100% dedicated to preventing and managing occupational disease and injuries. "Our objective is to prevent unnecessary time loss while providing patients with state-of-the-art medical treatment," says Dr. Christopher DiGiulio "so patients can return to work healthy and in a timely manner." Their new facility, located on Hunnell Road between Highways 97 and 20 in north Bend, will open June, 2007, and be equipped with a licensed physical therapist, dedicated treatment area and equipment, sound booth for hearing tests, exercise treadmill for EKG stress testing, digital radiography, two trauma bays for acute work injuries, and laboratory services for performing drug tests and OSHA required testing. They will also perform special services for D.O.T., aviation and immigration exams. If you would like to find out more about these new services, contact Dr. Christopher DiGiulio, MD at chrisd@cascadeoccmed.com.
Opportunity Foundation for Central Oregon- Sherman Kirchmeier
 Most people don't realize that the Opportunity Foundation for Central Oregon (OFCO) is one of the region's top 50 employers. Or, perhaps, know that OFCO can assist local businesses with workforce shortages. The company manages a wide variety of businesses activities from document shredding, light manufacturing and assembly to shipping and clothing and plastics recycling. Executive Director Sherman Kirchmeier emerged from retirement (not once, but twice) to run OFCO when locals twisted his arm. With extensive connections to the West Coast timber industry, Kirchmeier launched a new line of wood product applications for OFCO including pallets, blocks, crates, boxes, and cut-to-length lumber. Collaborating with area producers, such as Brightwood, for wood by-product and equipment donations, Kirchmeier has successfully kept their mill running. Asked what it's like to begin yet another career in a completely different field, Sherman says (in all seriousness) "Shoot! This is the most fun than I've ever had!" OFCO could be just the solution your employment needs and comes with the payback that you're helping put roughly 130 people to work who otherwise may not have the opportunity. To find out more, visit www.ofco.org or call 548-2822.
Buzzsaw Studios As Buzzsaw Studios approaches its third year in Central Oregon, they've distinguished themselves as a Brand and Marketing Management service. More precisely, they're a strategic marketing design firm that collaborates with clients to build brands and customer relationships. This marketing services firm marries thoughtful business strategy and customer insight with artful design, skillful tactics, and appropriate marketing vehicles for every client. Jeremy Kwit, Buzzsaw Studios' Business Director says, "We're nimble and creative. Our work connects clients to their customers on emotional and cognitive levels. We understand intuitive design and the importance of website optimization and search engine marketing. Clients appreciate how we embrace the Web, not simply for new customer acquisition, but also for efficient and effective business management." To learn more about Buzzsaw Studios' collaborative approach, visit www.BuzzsawStudios.com/process, call 382-1019, or simply stop by their creative gallery on 920 Bond St., Suite 203.
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL:
Wall Street Storage - Ruth Mallen
There's more to Wall Street Storage than meets the eye. A major provider of storage to downtown commercial and residential tenants for record retention, owners Ruth and Philippe Mallen also operate a 2,000 SF music studio on site. Through the Americana Project, an organization dedicated to preserving the arts and music in schools, the Mallens donate studio time to budding recording artists. This is their passion and clearly what keeps the couple going. "It's easy to provide great service to our tenants," says Ruth, adding that "having great employees makes all the difference." If you need storage space in downtown, contact Ruth Mallen at 389-3661 or visit their website at www.wallstreetstorage.com.
Mark Yoakum - Yo! Productions
Mark Yoakum of YO! Productions wants to change why people visit Sisters. Typically, he says travelers stop for an ice cream and visit several shops, but he believes Sisters has much more to offer in hospitality and recreation for lengthier stays. YO! Productions organizes innovative retreat experiences for the group travel market, dealing with groups of 20-50. Mark creates unique small group meetings and retreats by working with area lodging properties for exclusive use, along with a select number of health and wellness, outdoor recreation, arts and corporate programming providers. The result is individually designed group experiences. Currently, Mark represents the Lodge at Suttle Lake, Rock Springs Guest Ranch and Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman. For more information about these services, contact Mark Yoakum in Sisters at 549-8400 or email him at mark@yoproductions.com.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: THE REDMOND SPOKESMAN
 More than 100 years ago, a local paper began publishing from a small town called Laidlaw, Oregon. The town experienced an early boom, due to busy grain and timber shipments. But the prosperity of the town now called Tumalo was short-lived, and the local paper moved its operations to nearby, more centrally located Redmond. Since July, 1910 - the same month the city incorporated - The Redmond Spokesman has focused solely on local activity. "The content and focus of the paper haven't changed much in the last century," Spokesman publisher Gary Husman wryly notes. "We pride ourselves on staying true to the local reader. That starts with weekly features but we also cover city government, education, the regional airport, and the Deschutes County Fairgrounds." Indeed, current editorial topics still include irrigation debate, railroads and the fairgrounds.
Asked why The Spokesman looks and feels so much like a "hometown" paper" - sans website and real time news updates, Husman explains, "The Bulletin does an excellent job of covering regional and national news, so we don't need to duplicate those topics. We're much more Redmond-centric, meaning we're more interested in the local Boy Scout troop or Chamber of Commerce event, and so are our readers."
An EDCO member since 1986, Husman believes all major local publications were quick to support a concept like EDCO. When asked about the paper's future, Husman responds "there's so much activity and growth in Redmond, our job is to keep up with those topics. Between ODOT, the state, the county, private, and corporate development, so much is happening to our town in such a short time." Husman believes his job is to keep the "community" in Redmond via The Spokesman, but quickly credits others working toward the same goal. "I'll tip my hat to Redmond City staff and councilors. They've turned a tremendous growth spurt into positive change for Redmond. I hope we can all stay the course and maintain the community in Redmond."
PENDING RECRUITMENT PROJECTS
Without breaching obligations of confidentiality, we want to make you aware of a few of our pending projects for the region. EDCO's current portfolio of active projects includes 29 recruitment projects and 22 retention/expansion projects (local traded sector employers). They include, but are not limited to:
- EDCO is working to recruit the headquarters and R & D of a high technology and alternative energy company to the Bend or Redmond area. The company's operations are currently spread across multiple states and the injection of new venture investment capital is necessitating a consolidated operation. Both operations of the company would result in 32 high paid ($70,000+ average salary) management and scientific staff, and require a combined office and R & D lab space of 10,000-11,000 SF. The company is visiting the region for a critical board meeting the first week of April.
- A Canadian-headquartered company supplying the building industry with hardware and other specialty door-related components is considering locating a light assembly and distribution facility in the Central Oregon area. The company is looking for an 8,000-10,000 SF facility with on dock high 12' roll up door, 14-20 ft ceilings and small office. The company would initially employ 8-10 people.
- Central Oregon continues to be considered for two state generated leads - both traded-sector operations. A food processor that would construct a 60,000 to 100,000 SF facility and employ 30-40 people is considering Madras and Prineville for its operations. The other project is a customer service center within the health care industry that would construct a 30,000 SF facility and employ 60-90 people at high wages. EDCO believes both companies could be a good fit for the region in terms of size and industry (diversification).
- A U.S based avionics technology company with worldwide manufacturing operations recently had a site visit to the area. The company is attracted to the region by the related aerospace/aviation industry cluster that has developed here over the past decade. The company is just in the research phase on locating an area to build new technology for defense and commercial applications. EDCO is working in coordination with a local company in the industry on this exciting recruitment prospect.
PENDING RETENTION/EXPANSION PROJECTS
-
This month Pro-line Fabrication, a newly formed corporation involved in fabrication of heavy-duty truck bumper units, was approved for Prineville/Crook County Enterprise Zone benefits. The company plans to construct and occupy a new building on Tom McCall Road, near the Prineville Airport. The firm currently employs four full-time, well-paid workers and will look to add an additional three people when the building is complete.
-
Ironwood Construction, a new metal fabrication company also recently formed in Prineville, will be occupying a 2,100 SF space in a newly constructed 49,000 SF multi-tenant light industrial building in Baldwin Industrial Park. The company provides metal railing products to contractors, businesses and retail customers across the Central Oregon region and other parts of Oregon. EDCO is assisting the company with application and eligibility for the Prineville/Crook County Enterprise Zone.
-
PV Powered, a world leader in grid-tied solar power inverters, is eyeing significant expansion as demand for its products have grown dramatically over the past year. Based in Bend, the company recently outgrew its light industrial space in the Old Mill District and expanded into an adjacent building. The company is now looking at the possibility of a 20,000 - 30,000 SF build-to-suit facility more customized to fit its needs. Resulting employment increases at the company are not yet known.
-
A local fabricator serving the boat manufacturing industry is looking to significantly expand its business. A significant supplier to Seaswirl, the company was in a quandary on how to replace this major customer when it announced that the Culver plant would be closing and moving production to the Midwest. Marketing efforts by this supplier have paid off, and as a result, the company expects to expand their current facilities and add up to 10 new employees.
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