[February 2007 eCon Update] EDCO - Economic Development For Central Oregon

EDCO’S annual lunch featured keynote speaker Jack Kaine who offered negotiating tips to a sellout crowd of 400 at The Riverhouse’s new facility. A sought-after speaker, Kaine was awarded Vistage’s top honor in 2002 as Speaker of the Year. Kaine credits much of his plainspoken, folksy wisdom to his horse trader father who had young Kaine tag along on his business ventures, tutoring him before and after each encounter. Kaine defines negotiation broadly, essentially “anytime two or more people are exchanging information with the intent of changing the relationship”. With that premise, Kaine summed up a lifetime of wisdom with the five key negotiating rules below.

The person who speaks first sets the tone for the negotiation.
The person who asks the most questions determines the content and the direction of the negotiation.
Never argue. No one ever won an argument. Always question for understanding.
People do things for their reasons not yours.
The person who listens the most will have the greatest effect on the outcome of the negotiation.

Thanks to our generous sponsors for making the event possible – keynote sponsor Bend Memorial Clinic and event sponsors Community First Bank; LifeWise; Harrigan Price, Fronk & Co.; and Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt.

HiDEC (HIGH DESERT ENTERPRISE CONSORTIUM) KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR

The High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HiDEC), formed in December 2006, is on its way to success with a 17 member roster made up of regional manufacturing companies. HiDEC’s first events are already underway and in February included a learning tour hosted by Fuqua Homes and the first in a series of training classes held on Lean principles. Portland-based OMEP (Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership) provided training at the first Lean 101 class at COCC’s Manufacturing and Applied Technology Center in Redmond on February 23rd. Companies gathered at the February 13th learning tour at Fuqua Homes to discuss implementation of Lean concepts, learn from Fuqua’s processes, and offer suggestions from their own experiences. “The group attending the learning tour actually found it hard to get out to the factory floor because the discussion beforehand was so interesting and engaging,” said Carl Harbour, general manager at PCC Schlosser. Below are details on the next HiDEC general membership meeting; the open forum discussion will center on change management and its crucial role in the implementation of Lean practices.

When	Tuesday, March 13
Where	Manufacturing & Applied Technology Center, COCC's Redmond Campus
Timing	3:00 - 5:00 pm
Contact	Eric Strobel 388-3236 or eric@edcoinfo.com

HiDEC ATTENDS OREGON MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE STRATEGY KICKOFF

Carl Harbour of PCC Schlosser, Greg Hastings of Keith Manufacturing and Eric Strobel of EDCO attended the kickoff of the Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy on February 15th at ESCO Corporation headquarters in Portland. The agenda included speakers from the Governor’s Office, community colleges, Bureau of Labor and Industry, and company testaments to Lean implementation. The Oregon Manufacturing Workforce strategy is a four-year plan to:

link regionally based “centers” of manufacturing activity across the state to share ideas and best practices
expand the reach of high-performance manufacturing practices and techniques to create more competitive companies
fill the skilled worker shortage by investing in current worker training and attracting new workers to high-demand occupations, and
raise awareness about the value of Oregon’s manufacturing industry and its high-wage career opportunities.

HiDEC members worked with the four other Oregon consortiums that received grant money from the workforce strategy grant -- Mid-Willamette Valley High Performance Consortium, Oregon Biosciences High Performance Consortium (OBHPEC), Southern Oregon High Performance Consortium (SOHPEC), and Southern Willamette Valley High Performance Consortium. After a report on progress in 2007, the groups had an opportunity to lay out plans for a blog/chat page on the new manufacturing strategy website which will be accessible in a few weeks.

“Getting together with local companies to talk about Lean implementation has proven to be invaluable. The opportunity to plug into a state network of companies pursuing world class proficiency is very powerful.”

Greg Hastings, Production Systems Manager,
Keith Manufacturing in Madras

ANNUAL REDMOND LUNCHEON BRINGS NOTED WORKFORCE SPECIALIST MARYANN BILLINGTON

Finding and retaining workers, a challenge for all in business these days, was addressed by internationally known workforce specialist Maryann Billington at Redmond Economic Development’s annual luncheon held at Eagle Crest Resort on February 1st. Nearly 250 attendees heard how the emerging workforce of young, old and those in between, think, react and are motivated in the workplace. Billington’s talk pointed to a need for management to change how they interact with employees. An afternoon implementation workshop followed the keynote speech, with hands-on examples of how to put into practice changes if you are to be successful in attracting new employees and keeping your current staff. Follow up responses to questions asked during the session as well as Billington’s full slide deck will be available within the next few weeks on the RED and EDCO websites.

Billington’s presentation followed the annual Redmond industrial update reporting record-setting new construction and industrial growth in Redmond that grew 11.2% in population last year. Over 500,000 square feet of new Redmond industrial building space was finished or started in 2006 and six new industrial developments moved into the marketplace, resulting in over 300 acres of industrial land now for sale in Redmond.

OREGON COMPANIES HAVE PRESENCE AT RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT TRADESHOW

EDCO representatives recently attended the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City January 27-29 in an ongoing effort to generate interest and company leads in this targeted industry which is primarily concentrated in “lifestyle” locations. EDCO garnered some good leads from the show and invaluable business intelligence about the outdoor recreational equipment industry. The show, which attracts more than 850 exhibitors and had a record of nearly 18,000 attendees, is the largest gathering in the western U.S. of outdoor adventure manufacturers. It includes companies producing apparel, mountaineering and rock climbing gear, backpacks, snow sport equipment (ski, snowboard and snowshoe) and other related goods. Twenty seven Oregon-based companies exhibited, including Keen Footwear, Leatherman, Sorel, Columbia Sportswear, Dakine, and Bogs Footwear. Central Oregon exhibitor companies included Ruff Wear, Metolius Mountain Products, Of The Earth, Zing and Quick Feat.

The industry went global years ago, and nearly 90% of U.S. based companies’ products are manufactured overseas – yet headquarter functions of design, marketing, advertising, research & development, and management remain and are growing domestically. The big relocation news on the floor was that another company in the industry was relocating its U.S. headquarters/admin offices to the Salt Lake City area. Portland lost a bid to keep its Salomon North America office and 75 well-paying jobs to Ogden UT despite a $3.3 million package of grants, loans, and tax credits offered by the Rose City. Definite industry clusters exist at lifestyle locations including Boulder, CO; Jackson Hole, WY; the southern California region, and Seattle/Bellevue, WA. For more information about this show, visit www.outdoorretailer.com.

EDCO ATTENDS MEDICAL DEVICE & MANUFACTURING TRADESHOW

Fast on the heels of Outdoor Retailer show, EDCO representatives joined an Oregon team of economic development professionals at the Medical Device & Manufacturing (MD&M West) show in Anaheim, CA the second week of February. MD&M attracts nearly 2,300 exhibitor companies involved in medical device design, fabrication, testing, certification, and packaging. This the eighth consecutive year Oregon and EDCO have attended, and the show has been a consistent source of leads in this growing, diversified and stable industry. EDCO has targeted this traded-sector industry for Central Oregon because of its high wages, relatively low dependence on locating in large metro areas, resilience in economic recessionary periods, and record as a clean industry. Additionally, while many states and metros have been chasing after nanotechnology and biotech, where commercial products and profits have been illusive, the medical device industry has quietly been growing and providing some of the best paying jobs of any manufacturing sector.

In terms of concentration of companies, the show is dominated by groups of firms in California, the upper Midwest states of Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota and northeastern seaboard states. Oregon was represented at the show by only 27 firms, and none from the Central Oregon area. Interestingly, 27 economic development organizations from across the U.S. and internationally were also exhibiting. At the show, EDCO met with some Central Oregon companies in the sector (MediSISS and Alt Source Mfg) and found some leads for follow up, and the Oregon booth received approximately two dozen qualified leads over the three-day show. For more info on this show, visit www.mdmwest.com.

WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANT DOLLARS AVAILABLE THROUGH END OF MARCH

The Workforce Response Team (WRT) of Central Oregon has grant funds available for workforce training projects. WRT needs to allocate remaining grant dollars of approximately $75,000 by March 31, 2007 - so now is the time for businesses to submit applications. WRT grant dollars are targeted toward traded sector businesses (those with 75% or more of their goods sold outside of the tri-county region). Grant dollars cannot be allocated to retail businesses, government, or non-employee businesses. Priority is given to projects that lead to family wage job creation. Contact Eric Strobel for an application at 541-388-3236 or eric@edcoinfo.com.

A DRAMATIC UPDATE POSITIONS PRINEVILLE AIRPORT TO MEET REGIONAL GENERAL AVIATION NEEDS

Leapfrogging from a leaky World War II era building to a new $350,000 terminal, Prineville officials hope to continue to serve and attract the region’s growing general aviation market. Crook County Judge Scott Cooper points to an acute shortage of hangar space for private pilots, a result of Central Oregon’s growth and Redmond Airport’s focus on commercial traffic. The new terminal will house a pilots’ lounge, meeting room, office and waiting area. Plans also call for 40 new hangars at an estimated $1.3 million price tag, along with a 2009 runway expansion. It will be just in time for regional aviation buffs and newcomers from Crook County’s new destination resorts.

NEW $140 MILLION RESORT ANNOUNCED IN PRINEVILLE

Earlier this month, developers of a new upscale resort in the city limits of Prineville announced the RiverGate Resort at Meadow Lakes Golf Course. Situated on 12 acres of Crooked River frontage and across the street from Crook County Fairgrounds, the five-phase project will include eleven four-story buildings for a combined 290 overnight and luxury units. Portland developer Jim Stotler has teamed with Myhre Group Architects on the project, which is located adjacent to Meadow Lakes Golf Course and would look to utilize this visitor amenity in the resort’s plans. Full build-out of the resort is expected to cost nearly $140 million. The project is currently waiting in the queue for land use hearings with the Prineville Planning Commission. Crook County has been a hotbed of new destination resort development with projects underway at Brasada Ranch, Remington Ranch and Pahlisch Homes in the planning process for a Sunriver-sized resort on the southern flanks of Powell Butte. Stay tuned for more details.

BEFORE FIRST FLIGHTS BEGIN, ALLEGIANT AIR ADDS THIRD WEEKLY ROUNDTRIP TO LAS VEGAS

With flights announced earlier this month already booking full, Allegiant Air announced Tuesday that a third weekly flight to Las Vegas is now available, starting May 8, 2007. The Tuesday flight was available on the Allegiant reservation system February 26. “The Redmond/Bend communities’ response to our brand of low-fare, nonstop, all-jet service has exceeded our expectations,” said Allegiant president & CEO, Maurice Gallagher. One-way flight fares on the 150-seat MD80 jet range from $59 to $99, and the new service from Redmond starts in just 30 days (March 29). With the third weekly flight, travelers can choose from departures on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, and all flights depart Redmond at 6:45pm, arriving in Las Vegas at 8:30pm. Return flights leave LAS at 4:20pm and arrive in RMD at 6:05pm. Service for the additional Tuesday flights are initially slated to be seasonal, but with the steady stream of industry tradeshows Las Vegas now hosts year round and the tourist travel between the two areas, EDCO expects the service to be permanent. That the company announced additional flights even before the initial service started is remarkable, and demonstrates the strength of the regional economy and demand for commercial air service. For more information about Allegiant’s new service click here (will go to PDF under press releases) or to book tickets, click here.

CENTRAL OREGON BUSINESS EXPO SLATED FOR APRIL 19th

Back by popular demand, the 9th annual Central Oregon Business Expo is scheduled for Thursday, April 19th for the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. Organized by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce and presented by Community First Bank, the trade show is the region’s premier business to business event to market products and services. The Expo features a keynote luncheon, business booths, excellent networking and free workshops. For more information about reserving space or attending, contact the Redmond Chamber of Commerce at 923-5191 or visit www.visitredmondoregon.com.

When	Thursday, April 19
Where	Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Redmond
Timing	Kick-off Luncheon 11:45 a.m.– 1:00pm; Trade Fair Hours 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Contact	Jamie Christman at events@visitredmondoregon.com or call 923-5191

CENTRAL OREGON IN THE NEWS

So who IS top dog? Australian cattle dog Otis or Patrick Kruse, founder of Ruff Wear? Writer Abraham Hyatt gives them equal billing in this month’s VIP File in Oregon Business Magazine. Certainly Otis was the main impetus for several product innovations Kruse developed in his mission to enjoy the Central Oregon outdoors with his canine pup. Paw booties? Credit Otis, “with his feet beat up after running on rocky river banks.” Canine lifejackets? Credit Otis “who fell out of his lifejacket while being ferried across a rapids-filled river.” Make no mistake, Kruse and his talented team at Ruff Wear have had much to do with building the most recognizable brand in the market niche. For the full story: http://www.oregonbusiness.com/

Does Redmond really have an identity crisis? It was a provocative title on the front cover of Oregon Business Magazine’s February issue, but the regional profile inside really got to the core of the identity issue: How does the City of Redmond carve out an identity separate from Bend’s, while capitalizing on growth driven by the area’s juggernaut? Writer Abraham Hyatt says “Fast-growing Redmond doesn’t want to become another expensive city that drives out its workforce. At a critical juncture in its history, it searches for the right identity.” Tongue firmly planted in cheek, Hyatt calls the critical juncture “a bend in the road”. The article focuses on Redmond’s efforts with Portland-based Sera Architects and town citizens to create a vibrant downtown. Mayor Alan Unger and City Manager Mike Patterson outline what is termed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as ODOT transfers ownership of several key blocks in late 2008 to the city as a result of the Hwy 97 bypass project. Hyatt captures Redmond’s challenges as well as the town leaders’ energy and resolve to tackle issues. Identity crisis? We bet energy and cooperation trump identity any day. To read the full article (may require registration, but not subscription), visit: http://www.oregonbusiness.com/.

The Tom Fazio Course at Pronghorn merits not only inclusion in Travel + Leisure’s GOLF January/February issue, but also a front cover mention. The article profiles the Top Ten list in global golf where – surprise – most are in the U.S. Check out the cover story, “The Best New Courses of 2006”, where the eighth hole is described as “heart racing. When blasting rock to create a site for the sunken green, Fazio’s crew discovered a pair of ancient lava tubes and used them to help frame the hole.” To read the entire article on best new courses, visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/tlgolf/toc/.

U.S. BANK GOES PLATINUM; MIKE MALMQUIST CONTINUES ON EDCO BOARD

After serving two years as a Financial Institution representative on EDCO’s Board of Directors, Mike Malmquist decided he wanted to stay “in the action,” so to speak. An EDCO member since 1998, U.S. Bank recently upgraded their membership to the Platinum level, designating Malmquist as their representative at the Board of Directors table. Malmquist currently manages U.S. Bank’s commercial banking group in Central and Eastern Oregon, bringing a truly regional perspective to the Board with first-hand experience dealing with the opportunities and challenges of building economic vitality within our diverse region. A 24-year veteran of U.S. Bank, Malmquist has served in corporate finance, commercial banking, investment banking and in the capital markets.

Currently, Malmquist serves as an executive Board member for the U.S. Bank Regional Charitable Grant Committee and has volunteered as a youth sports coach. Lifelong Oregonians, Mike and his wife Vicky have called Central Oregon home for the past five years. They truly appreciate the scenic beauty, wonderful climate and vast recreational opportunities of Central Oregon. When not following daughter Emma and her Bend-based DAFC traveling soccer team around the Northwest, they enjoy alpine and Nordic skiing, golf, family hikes, reading, taking advantage of the great dining options in the region and, as he says wryly, “anything crafted by Jim Bendis and Gary Fish!”

SISTERS BUSINESS SUMMIT

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	Five Pines Conference Center, Sisters
Timing	Noon – 6 pm
Contact	Cheryl Mills at Sisters Chamber of Commerce, 541-549-0251, manager@sisterschamber.com

EDCO SALUTES MEMBERS WITH APPRECIATION PLAQUES

The member appreciation plaques are in! The EDCO team would like to express a sincere “thank-you” to all members by presenting a one-of-a-kind engraved plaque. If you did not pick up your plaque at the Annual Luncheon on February 15th, you will receive it shortly. The Membership Committee will be out in full force delivering these plaques to all primary contacts within the next few weeks. We ask each recipient display the plaque proudly at your place of business. EDCO is a member-based organization and without your contributions, we could not exist. Thank you!

NOW MORE THAN EVER, STATE POLICYMAKERS NEED TO BE AWARE HOW DECISIONS IMPACT SMALL BUSINESS

The Office of Advocacy, the national “small business watchdog” of the federal government, released in February a study, Small Business and State Growth: An Econometric Investigation, indicating that creation of small companies is the single most important factor propelling business growth. Using newly available Census data, the study examined a wide variety of factors influencing state economic growth. Its authors conclude that in order to increase gross state product, state personal income, and total state employment, “the most fruitful policy option available to state governments is to establish and maintain a fertile environment for new establishment formations….now more than ever, state policymakers should be aware of how their decisions affect small business.” For a complete copy of the report, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

NATIONAL CORNER TURNED…HOUSING EXPECTED TO IMPROVE AS 2007 PROGRESSES

Three economists who presented at the IBS (International Builders Show) in Orlando Florida believe the corner has been turned. David Seiders, chief economist of NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), predicts housing starts for 2007 will be back to the levels seen early this decade. Seiders cites serious overbuilding during 2004 and 2005 and stimulative financing conditions as the primary reasons for the 12% slowdown in 2006 housing starts. Starting in the second quarter Seiders expects a “gradual recovery” although he cautions that total housing production for 2007 is projected to slip a further 14.7%. Agreeing that the housing market probably has seen the worst of the current slump in starts and sales, David Berson, chief economist of Fannie Mae, and Frank Nothaft, chief economist of Freddie Mac, said that they don’t expect to see the beginning of an upturn materialize until a quarter or two behind Seiders’ forecast, with gradual improvement likely in this year’s second half. Berson predicts we’ll see continued downward pressure on housing prices until the current inventory overhang of unsold homes is assimilated.

Links:

Full article: http://www.nbnnews.com/.

Handouts of each economist’s presentation at IBS: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=734&genericContentID=50940.

To subscribe to NAHB’s free newsletter go to http://www.magnetmail1.net/actions/nahb/nbn_sn.cfm.

STRATEGIC PLAN NOW AVAILABLE

Hot off the press, the 2007-2009 Strategic Plan is the guiding document for EDCO through 2009. For those unfamiliar with the organization, it’s also a great source of information. The Strategic Plan provides the organization’s vision, mission, objectives and action items for the next three years, as well as an overview of EDCO’s services and past successes. The Strategic Plan is available free of charge in a printable PDF format on our website by clicking here or stop by our offices for a copy at 20380 Halfway Rd., Suite #3, in Bend.

CONNECT WITH YOUR NEXT EMPLOYEE -- CENTRAL OREGON JOB EXPO

Looking for serious, skilled and focused job applicants? You may wish to exhibit at Central Oregon’s largest and longest-running recruitment event, Job Expo 07, sponsored by Express Personnel and The Bulletin. The largest, most inclusive recruitment event east of the Cascades, the expo is advertised throughout central and eastern Oregon and attracts candidates statewide. Participating exhibitors will be able to conduct private interviews and may post job listings on WorkSource Oregon’s iMatchSkills, an innovative online matching tool for job seekers and employers. The exhibition fee provides a 10’ x 10’ booth, complimentary copy center, exhibitor lounge, and employer workshops. For more information and booth reservations (early sign-up by March 1st reduces the $300 exhibitor fee to $250), call Stacie Oberson, 383-0389 or email soberson@bendbulletin.com.

When	Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Where	Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Redmond
Timing	Noon to 7 pm

ENERGIZE YOUR BUSINESS WITH STRUCTURED, STRATEGIC PLANNING SERIES

COCC's Business Development Center is offering an interactive workshop series for a select handful of participants with Lisa Nirell, founder of EnergizeGrowth. Designed exclusively for established business owners, Nirell will help participants align their strategy, core strengths and market messages. The program is structured to offer weekly guidance and includes four workshops at COCC, three 90-minute “Hot-Seat” conference calls, and a final presentation with an expert panel. Participants will receive a 41-page Field Guide, 25 page personality survey report and over 10 hours of downloadable audio programs. For more information, visit www.energizegrowth.com or https://web.cocc.edu/commed/EnergizeGrowth.pdf.

When	Workshops are 4/19, 5/3, 5/17, 5/31. Final presentation is 6/21.
Where	COCC, BEC 151
Timing	Workshops are 8:00 am – 10:30 am; final presentation on 6/21 is 8:00 – 1:30pm. Limit 15 participants

THANKS TO RENEWING MEMBERS

Thanks to renewing EDCO members, many of whom have been longstanding supporters of the organization. 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	Qwest	1995
	Summit Real Estate	2006
	U.S. Bank	1998
Gold	Bend Memorial Clinic	1986
Financial	West Coast Bank	2004
Silver	Life Wise Health Plan of Oregon	1999
Bronze	Advanced Surgical Care	1987
	Barber, Barrett, Turner Architects	2000
	Best Western Ramada Inn	2005
	Opportunity Knocks	2006
	RHT Energy Solutions	2004
	The Riverhouse	1986
	UNICOM	1993
Individual	Mortech, LLC	2005
Individual	Windermere Real Estate - Diana Barker	2005

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

BRONZE MEMBERS

Group Mackenzie

Group Mackenzie has had quite an impact on Bend’s landscape since their first project with Les Schwab some years ago. Most notably, the company designed the Shops at the Old Mill in conjunction with developer William Smith Properties. The Portland-based multi-disciplined company describes their strength as the combination of a strong early development strategy along with the ability to apply fine-grain oversight throughout the project. Their capabilities include architecture, engineering, and land use planning. Group Mackenzie has now moved on to Phase II of the Old Mill shopping district, the Shops North. Theresa Paulson, Senior Planner, says, “We’ll be maximizing the value of the mountain views and riverfront at the Shops North. These assets are what set this location apart from other shopping districts.”

As their list of projects grows, Group Mackenzie takes a custom approach in each community where they work. In Prineville, they look forward to the buildout of the 80 acre former Ochoco Lumber mill site. While Paulson does not know exactly what the development will look like yet, she adds, “We’re a firm that builds projects from the ground up. We spend a lot of time initially and make it a point to bring together all partners and jurisdictions for better communication.” For more information about Group Mackenzie, click here.

Oregon Business Development Corporation

The Oregon Business Development Corporation (OBDC) was formed in Redmond, Oregon in 1983 and is now affiliated with COIC (Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council). OBDC is an SBA Certified Development Corporation, which specializes in SBA 504 loans to purchase land or fund construction of new buildings for businesses. This statewide service can finance loans up to $15 million for small businesses. Lender Lisa Kyle, one of OBDC’s four employees, says, “We have excellent working relationships with banks and lenders all over the state. We’re planning workshops in Grants Pass, Albany and other areas this year.” Contact Lisa Kyle at 541-548-9541 or at lkyle@coic.org.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Bruce Lilleston, Century 21 Gold Country Real Estate

Bruce Lilleston delivered beverages for nearly 30 years as a route salesman and delivery truck driver. Little did he know he had a special knack for selling real estate. Since joining Century 21 Gold Country in early 2005, Lilleston has received the Centurian Award for two straight years. He’s also ranked #14 for Individual Achievement of gross commissions this year. That, he says, adds to the overall success of the company, as they were recently identified as one of the nation’s top 50 most successful Century 21 companies. Bruce and wife Kiersten, who recently left a position as a legal assistant to become Bruce’s full time assistant, moved from Sunriver to Redmond less than two years ago. They enjoy the farm life, complete with dogs and Arabians on 7 acres east of town. Contact Bruce if you’re looking for property in the area by calling 815-3842 or email him at bruce.lilleston@century21.com.

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 25 retention/expansion projects (local traded sector employers). They include, but are not limited to:

A newly formed company supplying product to the defense industry is looking to establish an office and assembly facility in Bend. The company is initially seeking a 1,200 - 1,500 SF space to get started with small office, open warehouse with roll-up door. If you know of a light industrial or flex space that would work, please contact Roger at EDCO at 388-3236 or roger@edcoinfo.com.
Central Oregon is a semi-finalist 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).

PENDING RETENTION/EXPANSION PROJECTS

EDCO is assisting Keith Manufacturing in Madras with incentive packages to construct a 15,000 – 20,000 square foot office building adjoining the existing manufacturing facility. Work on the new facility is slated to start in late spring.
Structus Building Technologies is progressing on its new 50,900 square foot building on five acres in the Basalt Business Park. COO Dave Slavensky projects a May 1 move in date.
Aircraft Rubber Manufacturing (formerly Fuel Safe) recently initiated permits for a new 100,000 SF building in the City of Redmond’s Desert Rise industrial development. The project is expected to start construction this spring and should be completed by the end of 2007.
H.D. Fowler, supplier of various pipe and irrigation components, has construction underway for its new 9,000 SF facility, and roughly four-acre storage yard. It is located at the corner of 9th Street and Antler Avenue.
Dana Signs is nearing completion of its new 4,000 SF building in Airport Business Center in Redmond. The company expects to add at least one employee and is already looking toward future expansion.
Redmond Equipment Company, a reseller of heavy construction equipment, has its new 10,000 SF building midway to completion at its location on NE 11th Street in Redmond.