Issue 10, Volume IV

SUCCESSFUL 2005 INDUSTRY WEEK RECEIVES STATEWIDE AWARD
With outstanding help from many organizations including and dozens of volunteers, this year’s Industry Week was bigger and better than ever.  This year, 860 total participants and 75 companies participated (over 250 representatives from these companies) in Industry Week – a 56% increase from last year. Designed to both recognize and celebrate primary employers (manufacturing, technology based companies and any other businesses with a majority of their goods or services exported out of the region) Industry Week also provided best practices seminars, workshops and roundtables throughout the week.  The week (Oct. 10-14) consisted of eight coordinated events which included three Business Roundtables with public leaders and primary employers, a LEAN manufacturing workshop, LaunchPad Technology & Innovation Showcase, Baldrige Excellence Symposium, the 2005 EDCO Annual Awards, and the Bend Venture Conference.  Partners in producing these events included Opportunity Knocks, Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, TEC, City of Prineville, City of Bend, City of Redmond, Redmond Economic Development, UNICOM, and Cascade Business News.    

For the complete press release, click here.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY AT EDCO
Four years ago EDCO launched a new program that would work with other private and public business development organizations in the area to provide substantive assistance to local manufacturing, high tech and other primary employers in the tri-county area.  As Business Development Manager, Jennifer Houston has headed this effort for the past two and half years and brought considerable success to the program, position and many employers in the region.  Jennifer is transitioning to a new half-time position at EDCO that will oversee membership development and event planning. 

We have opened the Business Development Manager position for interested applicants through November 4th.  For more information about the position, responsibilities, compensation, and how to apply, click here.

NOVEMBER 17th PUB TALK FEATURES FORMER CEO OF MINI MITTER
David Ebner, former CEO, Mini Mitter
 “Lessons Learned Along the Road to Business Success”

Denny Ebner spent 13 years as CEO of the Mini Mitter Company. Located in Bend, Mini Mitter was founded in Central Oregon over three decades ago. The company designs, develops, and manufactures scientific equipment and medical devices for ambulatory monitoring of physiological and behavioral parameters in humans and animals. During his tenure as CEO, Denny developed a strong team that grew the company from a small family-owned research distribution business into a bonafide, fully functional, research equipment and medical device company. In April 2005, Mini Mitter was sold to Respironics, Inc. (Pittsburg, PA).

Currently, Denny consults with Respironics on further development of the Mini Mitter Company, with a particular focus on European markets. His past experience includes 17 years with Tektronix as GM of two operating divisions, one located in Northern California and the other in Redmond, Oregon. Ebner holds an MBA in General Management from the University of Portland and a BS in Economics from Portland State University.

Early Stage Company: Second Trunk Trailers (www.SecondTrunks.com)
Legal Mini Camp: Rob Stout of Ball Janik

Where:   McMenamin's Old St. Francis School - Downtown Bend
When:    Thursday, November 17th  5:30 – 7:30 pm
Cost:       $15 for EDCO and OEF members; $25 for non-members

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

EDCO REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND SEMA TRADE SHOW NEXT WEEK
In an effort to generate new leads for companies in targeted industry sectors and to gain valuable business intelligence about trends in these sectors, EDCO has actively pursued attending trade shows this year.  Next week Bud Prince and Roger Lee will be at the behemoth SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) which is the ultimate gathering spot for motorheads and other companies associated with the automotive industry such as Les Schwab, BMC Choppers, Fuel Safe, Smith Brothers Manufacturing, Powroll, Lynch Performance Products and Muzzy’s.  We have several companies that EDCO has been working with over the years either for expansion or relocation that will be at the show.  Oregon will have its own booth, staffed by economic development professionals across the state.  For more information about SEMA, visit www.semashow.com.

CENTRAL OREGON DELTA AIRLINE TRAVEL BANK (ATB) UPDATE
Eight months have passed since Delta’s first flights started from Redmond to Salt Lake City, and the Travel Bank that was assembled to attract the service is nearly two-thirds expended by participating companies and public entities.  Of the original $626,000 travel bank contributed by 120 companies, less than $250,000 remains with approximately four months left.  If you or your employer participated in the travel bank and have not yet used your deposit, time is short.  Travel need not be completed by February 28th, 2006 however flights must be booked.  For questions or more information, call the EDCO office at 388-3236.  

BEND/DESCHUTES COUNTY MSA AMONG FASTEST GROWING IN THE NATION
This probably comes as old news to most readers, but it is such a big deal, it can’t be mentioned too many times.  It was announced in late September that the Bend/Deschutes County MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) was the 6th fastest growing in MSA in the country.  Back in May, eCon Update readers may recall an article that appeared the newsletter that the area was Oregon’s newest designated MSA, and would quickly rise to surface as one of the fastest growing in the U.S.  Activity breeds activity, and EDCO along with other business development organizations in the region have been fielding a growing number of inquiries about development here from retail to professional services, manufacturing to warehousing.  What this all translates to is that don’t expect our current boom to end any time soon!

NEW ONLINE TOOL FOR BUSINESSES WINS STATE & NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department recently released the Business Information Center (BIC), a new online tool designed to provide businesses with labor market information that can be customized for their individual needs. In August, the BIC was honored by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies with the 2005 Labor Market Information Communications Publication Award in the category of internet or electronic product or service providing labor market and workforce information to customers. In October, the BIC was recognized by the Oregon Economic Development Association as the best web site for economic development.

The BIC provides companies with information about their industry, localized economic and population trends, resources for recruiting and training staff, tax credits and business financing. Businesses can also find information about local associations and chambers of commerce at the site.  The site can be accessed at www.Qualityinfo.org/BIC.

WELCOME NEW EDCO MEMBERS!

Bronze Level Members

Barrett Business Services, Inc. – Wendy Werner
Established in 1951 as a temporary staffing service, Barrett has since been at the forefront of the industry by developing and providing innovative staffing services to thousands of companies across the US.  Barrett works diligently to educate their customers on how to use their range of services to their best advantage, including guiding them through issues involving how to staff for variable production cycles.   The efficiencies and economies of “just-in-time” staffing has made this concept a standard practice for many companies. To learn more about their services, call 541-382-6946 or visit their web site: www.barrettbusiness.com. 

Employment Source Inc. – Scott Reynolds
Employment Source Inc., under the direction of Scott Reynolds and Dan Ramming, has provided staffing and payroll support to the Central Oregon region for over six years.  The company provides a variety of staffing from clerical to the construction industry and handles permanent placement, recruiting and temporary employments.  Both Dan and Scott have lived in the area over 25 years each and are very active within the community.  The company is pleased to note they recently added Candi Barnett, formerly of Beaver Motor Coach to their Human Resources team. For more information you may visit www.esinw.com or call 541-389-1718. 

Individual Level Members

John L Scott – Quent Gillard
Quent joined John L. Scott Real Estate in 2004 after working throughout the US as the Principal of his firm, Q Analysis & Research, Inc., a Bend company specializing in location analysis, site-evaluation, site-selection and environmental consulting. He is now providing commercial users, investors, developers and user-investors with updated prospectives regarding property values, income potential and leasing rates.  Quent is a member of the Commercial Association of REALTORS®, Oregon/SW Washington.  To learn more or get in touch with Quent, visit www.johnlscott.com or contact him at 541-317-0123.

Mercer Northwest – Therese Mercer
Therese ("Reese") Mercer, a tenant representation broker, established Mercer Northwest in part because her focus has always been from the real estate occupier's point of view.  Reese’s fifteen plus years of experience providing client services to businesses and occupiers/users of commercial real estate throughout the U.S. plays a vital role in helping keep client’s costs down.  She does this by integrating an approach with her client’s architect, contractor, attorney and furniture professional, which yields the best short and long term results. Reese also has specific expertise in lease restructuring and renegotiations, project management, multi-city project roll-outs, and large build-to-suit transactions. For more information you may visit www.mercernw.com or call 541-389-4491.

SageCoach – Andrea Sigetich
SageCoach provides consulting expertise and experience in leadership, management, team, and individual development. Their philosophy may differ from other consulting firms, as they believe their clients understand best their organization, their teams, and their personal strengths.  SageCoach prides itself on designing and implementing management and leadership development that engages participants and leads to managers who are excited to grow, and organizations that achieve measurable results in leadership. To learn more, contact SageCoach at 541-318-5748 or visit their web site at www.sagecoach.com. 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
An EDCO member since 1993, William Smith Properties, Inc. and has been involved in acquisition, sales, development and management of residential and commercial real estate in the Pacific Northwest since 1983.  The company has been most visible as the Managing Partner in the Old Mill District development since the time of its acquisition in 1993.  The 300 acre former sawmill site has been redeveloped as a mixed use project with commercial offices, some light industrial development, the Les Schwab Amphitheater and a retail lifestyle center – The Shops at the Old Mill District.  Recent additions to the Old Mill have been residential projects including The Bluffs, Deschutes Landing, and others currently under construction including an additional six screens the Regal Cinemas and the renovation of the former powerhouse building for REI, which is scheduled to open November 18th.  A great example of the company’s outstanding recruiting prowess, REI joins numerous other national and regional companies now in Bend due to William Smith Properties’ economic development activities within the Old Mill District.  

The family quietly contributes generously to the community and is actively involved in volunteering and serving on non-profit and other boards.  Employees of the company are encouraged to do the same.  Squeek the cat, a member of the company (family) since 1993, is an active participant in all company meetings and birthday gatherings and is the official “greeter” for visitors.  For more information about the company and its efforts visit www.theoldmill.com.

PENDING RECRUITMENT PROJECTS
Without breaching constraints of confidentiality, we want to make you aware of a few of our pending projects for the region.  They include but are not limited to:

• ODS Companies, a longtime Oregon-based employer, is seriously considering expanding its operations to Redmond.  The company recently opened a new, class A office building and dental hygiene school in LaGrande, OR, and is looking for its next location for expansion.  Redmond is competing with another Oregon community for the project, which will include a minimum of 20,000 sf of office space for claims processing and would create more than 100 new family-wage jobs.
• XL Management, a headquarters operation with facilities in eleven states and with nearly 500 employees is in the process of relocating to Redmond.  The company is building a new 20,000 sf office building near the airport, and is bringing 19 new jobs to the area.  XL has actually relocated to Sisters on a temporary basis while their permanent building being constructed. 
• A recreational equipment manufacturer and retailer from the Puget Sound area is looking at Redmond for relocation of its headquarters and distribution facilities.  The company could employ up to 40 people and would occupy 30,000 to 40,000 square feet.
• A product design, sales and distribution company for the marine supply business is looking at property in Bend for a phased relocation from Orange County, CA.  The company currently has 19 employees and is growing by 20% annually.  The project entails headquarters, design center, customer service and assembly. 
• 84 Lumber announced plans to occupy the former Ponderosa Pine manufacturing facility in Redmond.  The 92,000 facility was briefly occupied by Millstone Industries, and has been vacant for the past year.  Based in Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber intends to extensively remodel the site, and will eventually have approximate 65,000 sf of warehouse space and offices.  On a national scale, professional contractors comprise ninety-five of the company’s customers.  
• A manufacturer supplying the recreational vehicle industry is looking at possible relocation from Texas to somewhere in the tri-county area.  The owner’s interest in the area was piqued as a result of attending the recent Great North American Rally in Redmond, which was attended by more than 5912 RV’ers and vendors from all over the US and Canada.  We will be visiting this company at the SEMA show next week. 

PENDING RETENTION/EXPANSION PROJECTS

• Bend Tarp & Liner announced during Industry Week that it would be moving from its new facility in Bend to Prineville.  After tripling its plant size last year from 10,000 sf to 30,000 sf, the company is looking to double its current square footage with a new facility. The company cited both cost and land availability in Prineville as the reasons for their move from within the region.
• EDCO is working with a Bend secondary wood products manufacturer regarding workforce recruitment issues.  The company is experiencing significant sales growth (40% this year) and is looking to hire skilled and semi-skilled production workers. 
• A group of local technology companies and IT professionals is working to establish a formal networking and business support group for the high tech industry. EDCO has been at the table with Opportunity Knocks and key tech business leaders to discuss the most effective means of founding such a group. Interested individuals/companies can contact Jennifer Houston of EDCO at Jennifer@edforco.org or 541-388-3236.
• Redmond-based True Line Steel is expanding into a new facility on a lot purchased on E. Hemlock.  The company had formerly occupied space in the former Crown Pacific mill site.
• EDCO is assisting Structus Building Technologies with its City of Bend fast track permitting application.  Desert Sun Developments will be constructing a new 40,000 sf building which the company will lease for its expanding operations. 

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
While EDCO is not a commercial broker or listing service for properties, here are few new local developments in the region: 

Former Monaco Coach Facility
Two commercial brokerages have been selected by Monaco to represent the seven buildings that comprise Beaver Motorcoach’s former manufacturing and assembly plant.  Patrick Kesgard of Steve Scott Realtors has been selected to sub-lease six industrial buildings off Boyd Acres Rd. which combine for more than 107,000 square feet.  Building sizes range from 55,000 sf to 5,120 sf.  For more information and to view the fliers, please click here.

The newest building at the Monaco complex, and one that has never been occupied, is being represented by Garner Williams and Brian Huntamer of Compass Commercial Real Estate.  This 35,000 sf, fully-sprinkled, insulated facility features overhead doors, and 40 parking spaces.  For more information and view the flier click here.

Bend Airport Eastside Development RFP Released
EDCO, airport users and light manufacturing companies in the aircraft manufacturing sector are eagerly awaiting the results of the recently released RFP for development services on the eastern side of the Bend Airport.   The City of Bend announced the RFP earlier this month, which has a November 9th 5:00 pm deadline. 

The Old Cigar Building
Bend Capital Partners recently opened The Old Cigar Building downtown offering part-time workstations and offices for small businesses that need to get out of the house.  Conference rooms, workstations, and private offices can be rented by the day, week, or month.  The building includes T1 Internet service, VOIP phone system,  wireless broadband, whiteboards, incubation services, and a central office manager.   For more information, please see www.oldcigar.com

FEEDBACK
We would love to hear your thoughts and comments about this electronic newsletter and ways to improve it (i.e. is it getting too long?). 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!