APRIL 2007 ECON UPDATE
INTRODUCING EDCO'S NEWEST STAFF MEMBER, LAUREN CHAIET
 Proud (and totally prepared) parents Erin and Keith Chaiet welcomed their first born! Baby Lauren made an early appearance on Wednesday, April 18th, weighing in at 5 pounds, 10 ounces, 18¾ inches. Lauren is a total cutie and EDCO staffers comment she has her mom's features. During Erin's maternity leave, her duties as Office Manager will be shared by other team members, with many of the primarily responsibilities being done by Membership Development & Events Manager Dayna Dudkowski.
EDCO SEEKS BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS
During May, EDCO will be accepting nominations for our Board of Directors election to be held in June. Every two years, two members each from both Bronze and Silver levels and one member from the Gold level of membership are elected to the EDCO Board of Directors. Board Members are to serve a two-year term of EDCO's fiscal year, July through June. Commitment includes monthly attendance of Board meetings, held the second Thursday of each month at locations through out the tri-county area. Directors also oversee the Executive Director, set and shape policy of the organization and provide strategic direction for the region's economic and business development efforts. Other responsibilities may include serving on one of five EDCO committees or working on periodic strategic projects. For most EDCO Board Members, the average monthly time commitment is two to three hours.
Official call for nominations will be sent via email in mid May. Ballot elections to the entire EDCO Membership will be sent in June and results will be posted. If you or your company are EDCO members and you have an interest in serving on the EDCO Board, contact Dayna Dudkowski at 541-388-3236 or email her at dayna@edcoinfo.com.
2006 BENCHMARK PAY AND BENEFITS SURVEY SPECIFIC TO CENTRAL OREGON NOW AVAILABLE
If you've ever wondered what the going pay rates are for specific positions in your organization, or what other area employers offer in terms of benefits, the 2006 COBS Survey is one way to find out. This second annual pay and benefits survey is customized exclusively for Central Oregon employers. This year, 50 Central Oregon employers participated, providing valuable information in the areas of pay, benefits and recruiting strategies. COBS includes pay data on 158 positions and 37 recruiting strategies and benefit practice topics. COBS was developed by a cross-section of Central Oregon employers, the Human Resource Association of Central Oregon (HRACO), the Bend Chamber of Commerce, and administered by the MBL Group. COBS is available in 2 versions: a Summary report and a full Comprehensive report. For more information, please visit HRACO's website at http://www.hrcentraloregon.org/ or the COBS website directly at http://www.mblgroup.com/cobs/.
BEND #6 IN INC. MAGAZINE'S BOOMTOWN 2007 LIST OF HOT CITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS
 Bend is in the top 10 of Inc. magazine's Boomtown 2007 list of the nation's hottest cities for entrepreneurs. In 2006, Bend ranked 17th in the overall best places list, but moved up to No. 10 for 2007. In the list of small best places, Bend placed No. 6, moving up from No. 14 last year. Out of 393 cities, the Portland-Beaverton-Vancouver area ranks No. 140 overall and No. 20 for large best places in 2007, moving up from No. 169 overall and No. 24 large in 2006. Rankings for other Oregon cities in 2007: Eugene-Springfield, 135 overall (166 in 2006) and 33 medium best city (106 small in 2006); Salem, 140 overall (191 in 2006) and 35 medium (116 small in 2006); Corvallis, 347 overall (195 in 2006) and 200 small (118 last year); and Medford, 78 overall (62 last year) and 50 small (41 last year). The No. 1 boomtowns in 2007 are St. George, Utah, small (150,000 or less); overall; Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev., large (450,000 or more population); and Cape Coral-Fort Meyers, Fla., medium (150,000 to 449,000). For more information, CLICK HERE.
FORBES' RANKS BEND #38 OF 179 ON BEST SMALL MARKETS FOR BUSINESS LIST; #4 FOR JOB GROWTH
In this year's April ranking of Forbes' Best Places for Business and Careers, overall Bend (Deschutes County) ranks #38 out of 179 areas in the smaller metro market category. The special report looks at nine factors: colleges, cost of doing business, cost of living, crime rate, culture and leisure, educational attainment, income growth, job growth, and net migration. Deschutes County ranks unfavorably on cost of living (#161), income growth (#159), and crime rate ((#121); right in the middle (#80) for cost of doing business, favorably on the dimension of educational attainment (#35) and culture and leisure (#39), and extremely well on job growth (#4) and net migration (#2). At a summary level, below is a sample of smaller markets Deschutes competes with for economic opportunities. CLICK HERE for Forbes' full report.
|
Rank
|
Metro Area
|
Cost of Doing Business
|
Job Growth
|
Educational Attainment
|
Population
|
|
8
|
St. George UT
|
59
|
1
|
70
|
114,600
|
|
11
|
Billings MT
|
39
|
20
|
30
|
145,100
|
|
18
|
Missoula MT
|
43
|
35
|
15
|
100,000
|
|
23
|
Pocatello ID
|
68
|
71
|
42
|
83,100
|
|
24
|
Grand Junction CO
|
61
|
24
|
63
|
127,900
|
|
25
|
Flagstaff AZ
|
62
|
65
|
20
|
125,400
|
|
26
|
Santa Fe NM
|
164
|
51
|
10
|
140,600
|
|
29
|
Olympia WA
|
156
|
26
|
23
|
227,800
|
|
38
|
Bend OR
|
80
|
4
|
35
|
138,800
|
STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING SLATED FOR CUTS IN LEGISLATURE'S BUDGET
For most business recruitment projects and expansion of local traded-sector businesses, many of the tools used by economic development professionals across Oregon are funded in part or entirely by Oregon's lottery program. Oregon established its lottery in 1985, and dedicated 90% of it first year's net income to economic development and job creation across the state, which was still reeling from its last recession. Today, less than 8% of these proceeds find their way to these efforts - most goes to funding education. This session, K-12 education appears to be the darling of legislators, and increases proposed for schools are being pulled from a number of sources including higher ED, mental health, and economic development. Specifically, the Rural/Regional Fund, which was established during Goldschmidt's governorship, has been the funding source for the Opportunity Fund that has been used here in the Central Oregon region to attract and encourage creation of new, high-paying jobs. Under the current Joint Ways & Means Committee budget, this tool would entirely disappear.
Also slated for cuts from the Governor's proposed budget is $102 million in lottery-backed bonds used for public infrastructure projects like new, improved or expanded municipal wastewater treatment plants, water systems, roads. Funding for industry outreach efforts through the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department that include the excellent production efficiency work of the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) are also on the chopping block.
388-3236 to learn more
Clearly, our leaders in Salem have many competing agencies and interests for their attention and state resources - this is nothing new. What concerns EDCO is that there appears to be a sort of schizophrenia among our top elected officials when it comes to a sustained commitment to grow and improve the state's economy. Oregon, more than most states, relies heavily upon income taxes for most of its general fund. When economic times are bad, with high unemployment and falling income tax revenue, everyone wants the benefits of economic development, new business startups, and growing employment that private sector employers provide. Yet, when investments (which are a very small part of the total state budget) to improve the state economy through economic development efforts actually work, and things improve, it becomes popular in Salem to cut the very thing that has brought about greater prosperity. Certainly it is private businesses, small and large, that actually create jobs, but economic development efforts across the U.S. have a proven track record in being a catalyst for business and economic activity. In many ways, economic development is to states and communities what research & development centers are to technology-based companies. They are the catalyst for future products, profits and competitiveness in the marketplace. Intel would never think of cutting its R & D expenditures to save a few dollars today in exchange for most of its future revenues. Oregon shouldn't either.
PCC SCHLOSSER OPENS PLANT FOR HIDEC ON-THE-FLOOR LEARNING TOUR, VALUE STREAM MAPPING EXERCISE
 Learning tours have been the foundation of the four year old, 80+ member Portland-based Northwest High Proficiency Enterprise Consortium (NWHPEC); members consider the experiential approach invaluable in solving problems and fostering change. Following NWHPEC's lead, HiDEC is also initiating learning tours and recently hosted its second tour at Redmond's PCC Schlosser. Twenty-three people participated in the event consisting of an overview of PCC's business, a plant tour and most importantly, group assignments. Assignments took small groups to several PCC departments to develop standard work practices for efficiency and clean-up. Groups examined work areas with floor supervisors, documented ideas for improvement, and wrapped up by reporting their findings to the entire group.
"We got some excellent feedback that we will start working on right away," said Carl Harbour, General Manager. Dave Slavensky, COO at Structus Building Technologies, applauded PCC Schlosser's willingness to have others examine their practices. "It was impressive how PCC Schlosser was ready to open up their process to scrutiny from other companies." Slavensky went on to say that over time the he expects HiDEC's (High Desert Enterprise Consortium) learning tours will become the full-blown equivalent of those offered by NWHPEC. "The learning tour will eventually be an all day event where we will laser-focus on a problem the company is trying to resolve. As we develop group rapport and get clearer on how to implement Lean training, we'll adjust our tours."
If the learning tour was not enough activity, PCC Schlosser also hosted a three day Value Stream Mapping event that included other HiDEC member companies and was taught by consultants from Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP). Value Stream Mapping is a method of visually mapping a product's production path to help understand which part of business processes add "value" to the end product or service being produced, and which parts add waste (or non-value add) and can be removed. They then complete a "future state" value stream map which is used to focus the company's improvement efforts on areas that will directly improve the flow of products through their facility. For more information about HiDEC or OMEP, contact Eric Strobel at 388-3236 or eric@edcoinfo.com.
CITY CLUB ADDRESSES LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN CENTRAL OREGON
 Experts at City's Club April forum confronted the controversial topic of affordable housing, offering perspectives that ranged from laissez faire to incentive-based solutions to more government involvement. Panelists did agree on two points: lack of affordable housing in Central Oregon is creating challenges not only for low income residents but also for the entire community, and the scope of the problem demands multiple, simultaneous solutions. Panelists included Sharon Miller, executive director of NeighborImpact, a Redmond-based anti-poverty agency; Andy High with the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA); Connie Druliner, owner, Express Personnel; Eric Dolson, publisher of The Nugget Newspaper in Sisters; and Roger Lee, executive director of Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO).
High advocated for increasing urban growth boundaries to better meet market demand and flatten out increases in land costs, more streamlining at the permit offices, and more incentives for development of low cost homes. Dolson favored a quasi free-market approach, stating that demand in a desirable area would always outstrip supply, so we should expect higher prices now and in the future. Citing increased recruiting and retention obstacles, Lee advocated for a comprehensive set of incentives for builders and developers, urged expansion of the urban growth boundary (UGB), and recruitment of companies that pay above median wages. Click here for a copy of Lee's full presentation and excerpt, Ten Steps Leading to Affordable Housing.
REDMOND TACKLES AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND CHILD CARE
The City of Redmond has begun efforts to reduce the pressure in finding affordable housing in Redmond and child care for working parents. A selection of interested citizens have been meeting to explore options within the City government's purview to cause the development of additional housing that low and median income families can afford to own or rent in Redmond. The City of Redmond has funded an affordable housing specialist to provide information, resources and help coordinate the process within the group. Their charge is to provide within six months recommended steps the City can take to make this happen.
A serious need has been expressed by several businesses in Redmond to greatly expand the local capacity of providing child care for parents wishing to work. With the unemployment rate at historic lows, numerous jobs are available but many interested and qualified local parents cannot work without care for their children during their working hours. Local businesses and the City are exploring possibilities that might help alleviate the shortage problem. One scenario being discussed is a public/private partnership that would include local businesses, the City, OSU Cascades, and a private contractor to operate the child care center with the added bonus of training students to work in the industry and open more child care facilities.
HIDEC TRAINING SWEEP WEEK OF APRIL 30TH - A FEW OPENINGS LEFT
 HiDEC offers a full slate of training clasess the week of April 30th for HiDEC members. Individual classes include Principles of Lean, Developing a Lean Implementation Plan, 5s and Visual Controls. This is a perfect opportunity to enroll individuals in your organization who need pick up specific Lean training as well as to expand understanding and acceptance of Lean Manufacturing as an approach with other critical players in the organization. Contact Eric Strobel for timing and specifics.
| Where |
Manufacturing and Applied Technology Center, COCC Redmond Campus |
| Timing |
8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Questions? |
Eric Strobel 388-3236 eric@edcoinfo.com |
MADRAS IMPRESSES WITH VISION, MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE - "OPPORTUNITY ON STEROIDS"
 EDCO's Board of Directors meeting convened in Madras this month to learn more about the dramatic changes taking place throughout the community, and tour Deer Ridge Correctional Institution before it begins accepting inmates. Mike Morgan, Madras City Administrator, shared some quick facts that impressed the group with the city's forethought in managing the growth curve. In 2006, Madras experienced:
- 8.5% population increase (to 6,070)
- 23% growth in business licenses (total of 489)
- 13% increase in sewer accounts (total of 1,910)
- 16% increase in property tax revenue
With many new subdivisions and major new commercial projects, 2007 and 2008 are shaping up to see similar levels of activity. Morgan outlined some of the groundwork the city has laid for growth and sustainability. Two initiatives supported for several years now deliver some of Central Oregon's best early child care for working parents. Madras has successfully incented developers to address blight in downtown and adjacent areas -- as new homes are built, blighted areas are turned back to the renewal district, in turn generating property for development of a vibrant commercial district, including a town plaza with a police station and city hall. Morgan calls the effort "opportunity on steroids," saying that it "cleans up a mess that affects the entire area and creates new opportunity." Among other projects, Madras plans to expand Sahalle Park to include a pavilion, playground and spray pool; will build an aquatic center; a new home for the Boys & Girls Club; is implementing a system of urban trails; and is building an interconnecting transportation system along J Street and City View. A $10 million investment in sewer and water treatment facility expansion paves the way for future growth as does expansion of the UGB, work Morgan calls "expensive, time consuming but critical."
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK FEATURED AT JUNE 7TH LENDERS' ROUNDTABLE
 Attention bankers, lenders and financial services professionals! EDCO, Opportunity Knocks and the Risk Management Association present the 2007 Lender's Roundtable. Join us for lunch and roundtable discussion on June 7th at the 2007 Lender's Roundtable at the Phoenix Inn. Back by popular demand is keynote speaker Teresa Curran, Group VP & Deputy for Banking Supervision & Regulation, of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Additionally, you will learn from Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) experts regarding the latest technologies in protecting consumers from banking fraud. Cost is $25 per person. E-vites will be sent out shortly, but for more information or to RSVP early, contact Dayna at 388-3236 or email at dayna@edcoinfo.com.
PV POWERED, HIGH DESERT ORGANIX RECEIVE OPPORTUNITY GRANTS TO FUND EXPANSION
 PV Powered, maker of grid-tied solar inverters, has received $24,000 in cash grants from the Central Oregon Business Development Opportunity Fund. The cash grants are made on a case-by-case basis to primary employers that invest in capital improvements (buildings, equipment) and that create full time, permanent jobs. EDCO is designated by the Central Oregon Community Investment Board as the administrator of this fund. PV Powered has seen double digit increases in growth for the last few years and is once again on the cusp of a major hiring, facility expansion, and capital equipment outlay to grow production capabilities and hire talented employees.
High Desert Organix, a new venture based in Jefferson County, also received a $6,000 grant through the program to help with purchase of needed equipment for a new commercial compost production operation. The company will employ the latest in technology to produce high quality composting soil for commercial use (landscape contractors, nurseries, etc.) and may look to the retail market in the future. The company expects to invest more than $300,000 in equipment and hire 3-4 additional employees within the next six months. Owners of the new enterprise are all experienced farmers in the area, which helped them identify a growing need both for compost and a use for the growing stockpiles of agricultural crop wastes (grass stalks from seed production) and animal wastes from the area stockyard, feedlot and private farmers and ranchers.
Past recipients of the opportunity fund grant include: Epic Air, IdaTech, Premier Finishes, T-Mobile, Tri-Star Cabinets, CLS Fabrication, Pioneer Cut Stock, Inc, APCO Swiss and Great Outdoors.com. Statewide funding for this program is currently slated to be eliminated in the Ways & Means Co-Chairs budget - an issue which is further illuminated in the next article.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - BEER TAX AND DESTINATION RESORTS HOT TOPICS
Last month, EDCO analyzed key pieces of legislation making their way through the current session, selecting those with the greatest potential impact on Central Oregon business, including rules for overtime calculation, family leave qualifications, and unionization rules. This month, we update you on those pieces of legislation with activity and add two that have garnered considerable discussion - SB 30 (Destination Resorts in Jefferson County) and HB 2535 (Increase of the Beer Tax). Please CLICK HERE to access the Update.
EARTH 20 PRESIDENT STEVE EMERY NAMED TO STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
 Central Oregon continues to be well represented on the Oregon Economic Development Commission (OEDC), a volunteer group of industry leaders established by the 1993 Legislative Assembly to ensure an integrated approach and continuous policy direction which could transcend changes in executive and legislative leadership. Five members serve staggered four-year terms and are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission is assigned by the legislature to develop and maintain an economic development policy for the state that focuses on increasing skill levels and prosperity for Oregon workers, improving competitiveness of key industries, investing to produce the greatest possible return on investment, supporting strategies to maintain and develop infrastructure to strengthen the economy, eliminating barriers that impede business competitiveness and encouraging expansion of existing businesses. Emery joins the group as the youngest member in many years and replaces Pamela Hulse Andrews from Bend, who recently resigned from the OECD to accept another volunteer appointment to the Oregon Arts Commission.
Emery was also featured in this month's issue of Brainstorm NW as one of Oregon's 15 Fascinating People. A former U.S. Olympic bobsledder, the article noted that Emery is "not one for ceremony" - his focus is on getting things done. He's certainly done that with Earth2O, elevating the company to one of the largest independent spring water companies in the Pacific Northwest. Growth of the company has come using a holistic, triple-bottom line approach - profits, community and the environment. This balanced philosophy has positioned his company to lead while larger, more established firms in the industry are following. Regarding the environment, his was the first bottled water company in the U.S. invest considerable capital in machinery to eliminate all cardboard packaging from its products, saving 129 tons of waste material annually. Emery was featured along with Central Oregon endurance runner Kami Semick. To read the full story, CLICK HERE.
MAY PUBTALK FEATURES RENE FRITZ, COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE WINE CLUB
 Dubbed a "serial entrepreneur" by Inc. Magazine, keynote speaker Rene Fritz has managed or co-founded over 23 companies, raised $21 million in angel capital along the way, and was a member of Young Presidents of Oregon. His latest success is Stormwater Management Inc., a 10-year run that sold for $64 million in cash. Co¬-founder of Engaging Media, Inc. and 8minuteCoach.com, Fritz and his partner are raising $1.5 million to fund these latest ventures. Fritz's passion remains running Chief Executive Forum, an organization he founded in 1989, to mentor other business owners. Fritz will share "lessons learned" from his varied business challenges. Bring your questions for a lively Q&A session and tap into Rene's considerable business wisdom!
As a wine retail company, early stage presenter The Columbia Gorge Wine Club sells the best product of 18 artesinal Gorge wineries and ships to 14 states. The company offers regular club shipments, mixed-cases, and unique shipments direct to consumers around the country and will be selling through its ecommerce site, a regional tasting room, and at events. The start up seeks $300k in funding, with a minimum investment starting at $5k.
2007's PubTalk series title sponsors Ball Janik and Community First Bank are joined by supporting sponsors Access Knowledge, LLC, Bend Venture Conference, Alpine Internet Solutions, and media sponsor, The Bulletin. For additional information on this event or to pre-register, CLICK HERE, or call EDCO at 388-3236.
| When |
Thursday, May 10th, 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 |
U.S. CENSUS SAYS BEND IS AMONG COUNTRY'S FASTEST-GROWING CITIES
In data released earlier in April, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the Bend Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was the second-fastest growing city by percentage in the nation for 2005-06, second only to St. George, Utah. The Bend MSA is defined as all of Deschutes County, so it also includes the incorporated cities of Redmond, Sisters and La Pine. The Census said the Bend MSA grew by 7,852 people, or 5.6 percent, to 149,140. The fastest growing city by sheer numbers was Atlanta. For more information about this data release, visit http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/009865.html.
RECENT CENTRAL OREGON ECONOMIC TRENDS FROM OREGON EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT
 Steve Williams, Regional Economist for OED, issued this update for the Central Oregon area: As spring pokes its head out in the high desert, the local economy slowly picks up after winter's seasonal layoffs. The region continues to thrive as almost 11,700 new residents arrived in 2006, or 32 new residents a day. This puts the region just shy of 200,000 people. Strong employment gains remained in natural resources, mining and construction, professional and business services, educational and health services and leisure and hospitality. These industries averaged growth of more than 6 percent and combined for more than 3,200 new jobs during the past year. One area to keep an eye on is the national housing sector. Some softening in that market has already resulted in local job losses in wood product manufacturing. The region experiences its highest unemployment rates during late winter and early spring. During the late spring Crook and Jefferson counties rates are likely to be in the 5.0 to 6.0 percent range, while Deschutes County (the Bend Metropolitan Statistical Area) rates may hover around 4.5 percent. All three counties' experienced historically low unemployment rates over the past year. Visit OED's award winning site www.qualityinfo.org and select Region 10 for more information.
STATE HOSTS MAY 16TH SMALL-SCALE HYDROELECTRIC WORKSHOP IN BEND
This all day workshop focuses on development of new small-scale hydroelectric generation to meet the Governor's goal to generate 25 percent of total electricity sales from renewable energy resources by 2025. With a soup-to-nuts approach, the workshop covers site selection, permit basics, insight from existing hydro facility operators, and incentive programs. Organized by the NW Hydroelectric Association, The Energy rust of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Energy, here's an opportunity to learn more and not travel to Salem.
| When |
Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 |
| Where |
Shilo Inn Suites Hotel, 3105 O.B. Riley Road, Bend OR 97701 |
| Timing |
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, with optional 4:00 – 5:30 tour of CO Irrigation District’s run-of-the-river site |
| Questions? |
Jenifer Wetherbee, Oregon Department of Energy, 503-378-5049 or jenifer.wetherbee@state.or.us |
| Registration |
Please register and pay $25 fee no later than Wednesday, May 9th |
| For More Info |
http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/Hydro/docs/OHWG1_May07_Agenda_033007.pdf |
PELTON ROUND BUTTE DAM IS ONE OF 26 U.S. HYDRO PLANTS CERTIFIED AS ‘GREEN'
Speaking of hydroelectric projects, Pelton Round Butte Dam in Jefferson County, owned by Portland General Electric Company and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, is one of just 26 hydro plants in the U.S. to receive a ‘green' designation. The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) in Portland, Maine, certified the Pelton Round Butte project as green, based on planned environmental protection measures, including a new fish passage system that will be under construction this fall. With 465 million watts capacity, Pelton Round Butte is the second largest hydro project in the U.S. to receive the designation. Only one other Oregon facility has LIHI certification: the 4.3-million watt Falls Creek Dam, northeast of Eugene.
GREEN BUILDING TO SKYROCKET BY 2010 TO HALF OF NEW HOMES
 ‘Green' is a designation that many more homeowners will use in the next few years, according to National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In a survey of NAHB home builders conducted last year by McGraw-Hill Construction, between 40% and 50% of the homes built in 2010 are expected to be green, containing at least three of five green building elements. That represents a major upsurge of activity in the green market. Last year, according to McGraw-Hill estimates, an estimated 2% — or $7.4 billion — of the residential construction market was green. Builders and homeowners alike are adopting green technologies, citing reasons from lower operating and maintenance costs to family health to environmental concerns.
NAHB has put considerable resources behind the movement with its Research Center and development of the first-ever green building standard, expedited for 2008 publication. Bob Jones, the association's vice president, cautions that while the timing is right for green building standards, they need to be thoughtful, reflecting "the architecture, the geography and the weather and temperature patterns of the place where the home will be built" and "recognize the wide divergence of consumer tastes, preferences and local conditions." Jones states NAHB looks to avoid "costly mandated practices that can cause housing to fly out of the reach of potential home buyers." Visit NAHB's website for Energy & Green Building resources: http://www.nahb.org/page.aspx/category/sectionID=206; contact Calli Schmidt at cschmidt@nahb.com or 800-368-5242 x8252.
CONSIDERING JOINING EDCO? LEARN MORE AT MAY 22ND FREE MEMBERSHIP EVENT
 If you receive the eCon Update and would like to explore the benefits of becoming an EDCO member, please join us Tuesday, May 22nd for this FREE event at McMenamins St. Francis from 4:00-5:30 pm. New Central Oregon and longtime residents alike gain insight about the region's state of the economy and the dynamics driving it. Roger Lee, EDCO Executive Director, will share some behind-the-scenes work the organization is involved in to continually diversify and strengthen the region's prosperity. Guest speakers include Redmond Airport Manager, Carrie Novick, and others. Thanks to our generous sponsor Access Knowledge, LLC. RSVP by May 18th to Dayna Dudkowski at dayna@edcoinfo.com or 541-388-3236.
THANKS TO RENEWING MEMBERS
EDCO would like to thank these renewing members, some going back over twenty five years! Our success very much depends on your ongoing investment in our efforts to build a strong, regional economy.
| Level |
Company |
Member Since
|
| Platinum |
Pacific Power |
1981
|
| Les Schwab |
1986
|
| Silver |
Bend Research |
2001
|
| Bronze |
Quantum Communications |
2001
|
| Greenstone Solutions |
2005
|
| Press Pros |
1988
|
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL MEMBERS
David Rosell - Rosell Financial Group
 As a regular Cascade Business News contributor and Chairman Elect of the Bend Chamber, you may already know David Rosell as a man about town. Like others, Rosell moved to Central Oregon over six years ago because he was drawn to the natural environment and its recreational opportunities. But now, he says, the attraction goes beyond that. "It's about the energy of the people who live here." Representing over 150 different investment companies, Rosell clarifies he's not out to sell anything other than his expertise and advice. As an independent financial advisor, he describes what he does as drawing up financial blueprints for clients to ensure they can live the life that they have always imagined. "What most retirees fail to take into account is the damaging effects of inflation. Unless you plan appropriately, your standard of living will be cut in half every 20 years." Rosell's educational online video presentations can be found at www.RosellFinancialGroup.com or call at 385-8831.
Lynne Connelley - Sunriver Realty
A Sunriver Realty broker since 2003, Lynne has taken advantage of the green building trend in Central Oregon. Being a certified ECO Broker and Earth Advantage realtor has trained Lynne to identify heat and energy losses in a home. "One of the first things I suggest to people is to replace older aluminum windows, as they are responsible for up to 40% of a homes heat loss." Connelley and her husband manage a small farm, are active foster parents for the Humane Society, and care for foster pets including goats, dogs, cats and horses. To contact Lynne, call 322-7000 or email at lconnelley@sunriverrealty.com.
Guy Coleman - TigerFin LLC
 Central Oregon is becoming known for its strong base of marketing talent and Guy Coleman is one of the reasons why. With a degree in synthetic textiles, Coleman's early career focused on merchandising and marketing action sports fashion. After a five-year stint with Multnomah Publishing, Coleman transitioned to assist Bill Chiaravalle launch Brand Navigation in Sisters. From his consulting base, Coleman recently launched his own business, TigerFin LLC. He works primarily with small to medium size businesses, many from outside the region. Coleman points out that most companies skip doing market research because it's time consuming, but notes it's an important component of the marketing strategy he formulates for clients. To learn more about Guy Coleman at TigerFin LLC, email him at guy@tigerfin.com.
BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERS
 Pinnacle Architecture
In the more than 16 years that Pinnacle Architecture has been in business they've always endeavored to preserve and improve the environment and communities. They are LEED certified, members of 3E Strategies, and Cascadia Region Green Building Council. Currently they are in the design stages of Mt. Bachelor Center, a mixed-use project that will include retail, commercial and possibly residential space. These buildings will be located near the Athletic Club of Bend. Marketing Director, Denice Kindig says their mission is simple: "To provide innovative designs that meet and exceed the expectations of our clients and to enhance communities."
To learn more about Pinnacle Architecture, call them at 388-9897 or visit their website at www.pinnaclearchitecture.com.
SH Millwork & Doors
Owner Jason Schrader says new home building has picked up faster in 2007 than expected. SH Millwork and Doors are finish carpenters for a number of homebuilders in Central Oregon. They have been in business since 1993 and currently have 28 employees. To contact SH Millwork & Doors, call 312-8528.
PNW RELO
 A brand new service has arrived to Central Oregon! PNW RELO, a Division of Prudential Northwest Properties, recently opened a new office in Redmond on Airport Way. PNW RELO is a leading provider of employee relocation services. Headquartered in Portland, PNW's services include relocation program management, policy development and cost management. The company provides a full spectrum of mobility services including, home services, destination services, household goods move management, temporary housing, rental assistance and overall program administration. PNW RELO is dedicated to excellence for all corporate relocation needs worldwide and can assist you in relocating that key employee. For more information please visit www.pnwrelo.com, or call 866.429.1057.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON REDMOND'S NEWTON PUMP
It's interesting to shine the light on our smaller company members as they're testament to the benefits of creating a diversified regional economic base. An EDCO member for over 20 years, Newton Pump in Redmond is one of those companies. Started in 1946 by Keith Newton's father (when their North Hwy 97 location was on a two lane road) the family business has been good to both the Newtons and Redmond. Today, Newton Pump is proud of its longstanding roots and first-rate reputation in Central Oregon. While the city has grown up around them, their quality service remains exactly the same. Keith Newton explains that "this business is still done with a handshake."
Keith noticed recently that water levels have been dropping in many Central Oregon wells. While there are dozens of possible reasons for this -- all hotly debated -- Newton says it may be as simple as older wells weren't drilled deep enough coupled with drought. Keith recently partnered with his brother David, of Newton Consulting, whose growing Central Oregon client base prompted him to relocate from Portland back to Redmond. Newton Consulting's expertise is in water policy analysis, water rights, quality and resource management. Together, Keith and David are building a GIS database to analyze various factors and hope to pinpoint exact causes of drops in water levels.
Newton Pump has four full-time employees, including long time office manager, Kristi Grunberg who says, "It's fabulous to work with a small business. My son came to work with me for the first 14 months of his life. I don't know of many other mothers allowed to do that!" Newton Pump is the only service provider of domestic well and irrigation pump systems in Redmond, so if you're in the market, stop by 1921 N. Hwy 97 in Redmond or call 548-3502.
PENDING RECRUITMENT, RENTENTION & EXPANSION PROJECTS
Since the first electronic newsletters published by EDCO back in 2002, pending projects has been a regular and popular column. For those who work in the business development field, and certainly the economic development arena, understand that most projects take many months and more typically years to come together. In and effort report on a timeline more consistent with this decision horizon, we will be including this section bi-monthly, or six times per year. Look for this section again next month and again in July.
FEEDBACK
We would love to hear your thoughts and comments about this electronic newsletter and ways to improve it. Just fire back a response. Once again, thank you for your support and interest - we are working hard to make the most of your contributions to help strengthen and diversify the regional economy!
|
