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October 2007 eCon Update
EDCO’S ANNUAL AWARDS - WHO STANDS OUT IN CENTRAL OREGON?
 EDCO is currently seeking nominations for the 2007 Annual Awards to be held October 24, 2007. In an attempt to recognize true leaders in the region, we’re asking your help to identify those who deserve to be commended. Please email us your nomination by Monday, October 8th. We're looking for a short (half page to full page description) of a person and/or company which meets the criteria for the following categories. Self-nominations are welcome.
| Public Sector Person of 2007 |
Recognizes outstanding leadership and/or initiatives in the public sector. |
| Private Sector Person of 2007 |
Recognizes outstanding leadership, initiatives and other contributions to the economy from the private sector. |
| Entrepreneur of 2007 |
Recognizes outstanding succes of an early stage company, highlighting the region's entrepreneurial spirit. |
| Central Oregon Product of 2007 |
Recognizes the most innovative, successful, or pioneering product or service made in the tri-county region. |
| Manufacturing Excellence in 2007 |
Regcognizes the most dramatic innovation and/or progress in Central Oregon manufacturing. |
| Outstanding Partnership in Economic Development in 2007 |
Great economic development always involves great teamwork. This award recognizes the past year's most outstanding collaboration and celebrates the individuals or teams involved in the effort. |
CHECK OUT THE FINAL OCTOBER INDUSTRY MONTH LINEUP
 EDCO’s month long Industry Month forum recognizes and celebrates contributions of the tri-county area’s business community. Look for your copy of the Industry Month Guide in the October 4th issue of Cascade Business News for events, profiles of business leaders and other resource articles. We’ve had a few timing changes and exciting additions since the Guide went to print which you’ll find highlighted below. You may also revisit our website for the latest information as the month progresses by clicking here.
| Thurs 10/4 9:00-12:00 |
The Art of Negotiation (CCIM, CID) |
| Fri 10/5 8:00-4:30 |
Export Strategies 101 (US Department of Commerce)
|
| Fri 10/5 4:30-6:30 |
International Business Networking Reception (Ater Wynne) NEW EVENT |
| Tues 10/9 5:30-7:30 |
Clean Technology Forum: Energy Efficiency with Data Management (SAO) |
| Wed 10/10 11:00-1:00 |
Madras Business Roundtable |
| Thurs 10/11 10:45-12:30 |
Prineville Business Roundtable |
| Wed 10/10 8:00-10:00 am |
Nuts & Bolts of Real Estate Investing (Opportunity Knocks) NEW DATE |
| Tues 10/16 4:00-7:00 |
Applying Lean to Your Business (HiDEC) NEW |
| Wed 10/17 evening |
Redmond Business Roundtable |
| Thurs 10/18 2:00-4:00 |
Business Owners' Guide to Designing Your Building (PInnacle Architecture) |
| Thurs 10/18 12:00-1:00 |
How to Avoid the Top Ten Business Plan Mistakes (BVC) NEW EVENT |
| Fri 10/19 8:30-4:30 |
Bend Venture Conference |
| Tues 10/23 11:00-1:30 |
Bend Business Roundtable |
| Wed 10/24 6:30-9:00 |
EDCO Annual Awards |
| Thurs 10/25 7:30-4:30 |
Disney Keys to Excellence Seminar (COCC) |
| Thurs 10/25 8:30-10:30 |
Sisters Business Roundtable NEW DATE |
Tues 10/30 12:00-2:00
|
La Pine Business Roundtable |
MILKEN INSTITUTE RANKS BEND AS NATION’S BEST PERFORMING SMALL METRO
 In yet more positive national press for the region’s business climate, Bend was ranked as the nation’s top performing small city by the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank. The study is outcomes-based, and focuses on the ability of large and small metros to create and sustain jobs. Measures include both short and long term (year-over-year and five-year) job growth, wages & salaries growth, and high tech GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth. The measurements for technology output growth are included because of “technology’s crucial role in regional economic growth.” The 2007 study reflects data through 2006.
Last year’s Milken study ranked Bend #2 among 179 U.S. small cities, behind Ft. Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin FL, which fell 20 spots in the 2007 report. St. George UT held steady at the #2 position. Other Oregon small metros on the 2007 rankings included Medford at #26 (unchanged from previous study) and Corvallis (#71, up from #117 in 2005). For all the rankings, click here.
OREGON WORKER’S COMP RATES TO DROP AGAIN, SET NATIONAL RECORD
Oregon set a national record in September by announcing a 2.3% decrease in the worker’s compensation “pure” premium rate for 2008, marking the 18th consecutive year that rates have not risen in the state. As a result, the state now has among the lowest worker’s compensation insurance rates in the nation, with a pure premium rate of 1.88. All Oregon’s neighboring states have higher pure premium rates including Washington (2.19), California (2.79), Idaho (2.08), and Nevada (2.43). The pure premium rate is the base rate employers pay their insurance company for worker’s compensation coverage. Premium rate decreases over the past decade and a half represent a huge savings to Oregon employers – if rates had even stayed flat over the period, companies would have paid an additional $14.5 billion in premiums. At the same time, benefits to injured workers have continued to go up and Oregon now has some of the nation’s highest payout rates for time loss.
But what’s behind the steady rate decreases without harming injured workers? Improved safety in the workplace is a major contributor – injury and illness rates are down 50% since 1988. Fewer total claims translate into lower overall rates for all companies. While the importance of safety cannot be underestimated, one of the keys to Oregon’s success was tort reform in the early 1990s that included comprehensive classification of injuries and benefits. Those changes have nearly eliminated costly litigation that still plagues states like California, with some of the highest rates in nation. Rather than having cases settled in court where financial resources are used for legal costs rather benefits to injured workers, both employees and employers benefit by knowing beforehand what the compensation will be paid to workers for specific injuries. For more information on the 2008 data, click here.
FINALISTS FOR BEND VENTURE CONFERENCE 2007 ARE ANNOUNCED
 What do genetic testing, mobile phone advertising, a video-processing software company and packaged organic food company have in common? They’re all early-stage companies preparing to present their business plans to a panel of investors at this year’s Bend Venture Conference. One lucky company stands to win a minimum investment of $100,000!
| Elemental Technologies, Inc. (ETI) |
Portland, OR |
| Floragenex |
Eugene, OR |
| RocketBux |
Bend, OR |
| Zebra Mix |
Seattle, WA |
BVC also selected 10 companies to compete in the Wild Card selection. These 10 companies will present rapid, minute-long pitches to conference attendees who will then vote their favorite into contention. The Wild Card winner will join the four finalists and present to the expert investment panel. The Wild Card candidates are:
| Blue Lake |
Portland, OR |
| Engaging Media, Inc. (EMI) |
Portland, OR |
| Environmental Neutral Design (END) |
West Linn, OR |
| IDP-Solutions, LLC |
Portland, OR |
| Just Cause |
Seattle, WA |
| OsoEco |
Eugene, OR |
| Pacific Medical Technologies |
Hillsboro, OR |
| Prolegic Enterprises |
Portland, OR |
| Sensor Designs |
Bend, OR |
| Stewardsmith |
Portland, OR |
Of the five final presenting companies, one stands to be awarded a minimum investment fund of $100,000! For more details on presenting companies or to register to attend this dynamic conference, click here.
EDCO ATTENDS 2007 SOLAR POWER TRADESHOW
 In an effort to get better acquainted with the entire solar power manufacturing industry and to look for company recruitment leads, EDCO attended for the first time, America’s largest business-to-business solar event in Long Beach, CA last week. Show exhibitors included manufacturers and companies integrating and installing new solar power projects for both residential and commercial applications.
In addition to EDCO, Oregon was represented at the show by a team of economic development professionals from utilities PGE and Pacificorp, the Oregon Economic & Community Development Dept., Oregon Dept. of Energy, and economic development in Klamath Falls. It was an exciting time to be at the show – Oregon is currently in the limelight for the solar industry with the recent announcement of several large-scale manufacturing plants moving to the state including German-based SolarWorld (1,200 jobs), Silicon-Valley single-crystal wafer start up Solaicx ($52 million investment, 100 jobs), and now XsunX, a start-up advanced thin-film solar device manufacturer. The first day of the show, XsunX announced that it would be establishing its first manufacturing operation in the Portland area later this year, and would employ 400-500 people. These announcements have attracted global attention, evidenced by a recent article in Energybiz and a headliner article in Photon International, which stated that Oregon is emerging as the largest US wafer hub (click here to view the articles). Also noted in the six-page Photon article is Bend-based PV Powered, manufacturer of grid-tied inverters. PV Powered reported to having a great show, and excellent market response to its new line of commercial inverters.
A contributing factor to the renewable/alternative energy interest in Oregon nationally and internationally is the recent changes to the Business & Energy Tax Credit (BETC) that makes 50% of commercial project eligible for tax credits, allows sale of those tax credits, and that bumps the per-project cap from $5 to $10 million. EDCO will continue to monitor developments and possible opportunities for companies in the industry to locate in the Central Oregon region. In the meantime, we will be working actively with PV Powered, to help this exciting local company expand into new facilities.
OREGON BUSINESS MAGAZINE’S ‘BUSINESS IS GOOD TOUR’ STOPS IN CENTRAL OREGON
 Oregon Business Magazine (OBM) and entourage stopped in Prineville on September 18th for hosted tours of OSU’s Agricultural Research Center in Powell Butte, the Les Schwab warehouse, and Contact Industries. The magazine’s delegation consisted of state lawmakers, members of the Oregon Business Council, The Cascade Policy Institute, Governor Kulongoski’s office, and the Department of Agriculture. Prineville/Crook County Chamber of Commerce coordinated the day’s event, which wrapped up at Meadow Lakes Golf Course where a trade-show style event gave tour members a chance to mingle with other local businesses and learn about their innovations. The OBM delegation was astonished to learn that many Prineville companies do business with over a dozen countries throughout the world.
 The next morning, The Tour headed for breakfast in Bend at the Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room, sponsored by Bank of the Cascades. In the photo from left to right are: Patricia Moss, CEO of Bank of the Cascades; Fran Willis, VP of Marketing of Bank of the Cascades; and Bill Moseley, President & CEO of G.L. Suite. Chamber Directors from Bend, Redmond, Madras and Sisters all gave outstanding presentations about their town’s growth and industry headlines. The tour bus packed up and headed for Burns Wednesday morning. OBM intends to return to Prineville later this year to write about the mixed-use development planned by Ochoco Lumber. Look for complete Prineville coverage in the November issue of Oregon Business Magazine.
REGIONAL AIRCRAFT/AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IN THROES OF CHANGE
Dating back to the early 1990s when EDCO worked with Redmond leaders to recruit Lance Neibauer and his company Lancair, the region’s aircraft and aerospace industry cluster has seen steady long-term growth. This trend in this industry has been periodically interrupted in the short term by layoffs, furloughs, regulation issues from FAA, and other uncertainty; however EDCO believes the future of aircraft and related equipment production is bright.
The big news last week was simultaneous filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy by Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing and possible sale to Cessna. Within days of these developments hitting the press, Epic Aircraft made public a new investor relationship that will inject up to $200 million in capital to help Epic better launch the company’s newly unveiled single and twin Very Light Jets (VLJs) as well as its four other high performance composite turbine aircraft; for more information click here. This investment, along with strong orders for products, will result in hundreds of new jobs to be created at Epic.
While the Columbia announcement puts the region’s largest aerospace employer at a crossroads of either staying in Bend and growing or being relocated elsewhere, EDCO forecasts that long-term, employment in this industry will only continue to grow within the tri-county area. For example, nearly all of the region’s supplier companies and other aircraft/aerospace OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are growing at a brisk pace and have a diverse customer base both nationally and internationally. Examples of these companies include PCC Schlosser, Precise Flight, Mt. High Oxygen Systems, Electronics International and Leading Edge Aviation. Additionally, EDCO is working behind the scenes to recruit new aircraft manufacturing operations here as well as suppliers, which will only add to the vibrancy of the industry cluster. Stay tuned for future eCon Update newsletters to learn more about the companies being recruited.
EDCO WELCOMES SUSAN PALMERI
EDCO welcomes Susan Palmeri, the new City of Bend Airport Manager to the region. Susan comes to Bend from Witham Field Airport located in Stuart, Florida. Previous to that she worked as a Project Manager for Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. Susan received a Master’s Degree in Aviation Management and is a certified member of American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), serves on AAAE’s General Aviation Committee and Operation’s Committees, and is currently serving as a panelist for the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies located in Washington D.C. on a project known as “Marketing Techniques for Small Airports.” Her goals for the Bend Airport are to ensure that the Bend Airport is managed safely and efficiently, remains community friendly, is self-sustaining, and continues to provide a positive economic impact for the City and County. Palmeri shares that she has four children and one beautiful granddaughter and, not surprising, likes to spend her free time with them as well as hiking and taking photographs.
CITY CLUB SPEAKERS LINK LIFESTYLE AMENITIES AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
 Those fortunate enough to attend City Club’s September presentation “Central Oregon's Golden Goose: What is It? How Do We Sustain It?” got a good serving of brain food. Panelists addressed how to balance a booming economy with maintaining the quality of life many of us sought and found in the region. Presenters were Ben Alexander, Associate Director of Headwaters Economics; Kreg Lindberg, Associate Professor and head of the Tourism and Outdoor Leadership program at OSU-Cascades Campus; and Catherine Morrow, Deschutes County Planning Director. Reflecting different but compatible positions, the three speakers emphasized strong links between recreation, lifestyle amenities and attraction of new residents and businesses. “A quality environment, protected from degradation and appreciated for its unique characteristics,” Alexander concluded “is part of what allows Central Oregon to compete successfully for people, jobs and wealth.”
• Lindberg’s report on Boomers and Pre-boomers and the effect of migration on the demand for recreation may be of interest. It’s available here.
• Alexander emphasized the growing economic importance of retirees, demonstrating that a major component of Central Oregon’s income growth comes from “non labor” sources such as retirement and dividends. Alexander also described how the landscape of the tri-county region has changed, documenting the rise of suburban (1 to 10 acre lots) and exurban (10 to 40 acre lots) character which has accelerated in the last decade. His presentation can be found here.
• Extending the Golden Goose analogy, Catherine Morrow posited that if the Goose is our region’s quality of life, then ownership of the Goose is in the hands of the public. Morrow outlined threats to our quality of life and identified a comprehensive toolbox (including visions, comprehensive plans, regulations, incentives, conservation easements, agreement, combined with good old political will and creative thinking) to protect our quality of life.
A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL
  Last week, nearly 200 participants enjoyed beverages, appetizers, and door prizes in a Chambers After Hours Social at EDCO’s new Greenwood and Hill location in Bend’s downtown. We were fortunate weather permitted the party to flow into the breezeway outside to handle the crowd. In the photo on the right, Mike Schmidt, President of the Bend Chamber, and Roger Lee, Executive Director of EDCO, chat during the evening's festivities. Thanks to MidOregon Credit Union and High Desert Beverage Distributors for providing refreshments. Our thanks as well to Mike Schmidt, the entire Chamber staff, and Chamber Ambassadors for a warm reception!
For the event, EDCO’s new offices were turned into a gallery showcasing the works of renowned local photographer Bruce Jackson. To view Jackson's photographic portfolio visit www.brucejackson.com.
GIVE YOUR COMPANY THE EXTRA PUSH IT NEEDS TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Are you ready to take your business the next level? Get the help you need to succeed during your first or second year of operation and improve sales and profits. Then “Take Charge of Your Business” with facilitator Robin Mirrasoul is the program for you. Develop the critical entrepreneurial skills that will give your company the extra 'push' it needs to move to the next level. This hands-on facilitated course is designed to help existing businesses grow. A business coach will help you focus on your business operation and vision and goals for the future. Class combines three one-on-one business advising sessions with five workshop presentations, plus peer support and is sponsored by COCC, US Bank, and the SBDC.
| Program |
Take Charge of Your Business |
| What |
Five 3-hour classes: Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 8 & Nov. 29 |
| When |
6:00-9:00 pm |
| Location |
Bend COCC Campus |
| Cost |
$99 includes classes plus three 2-hour advising sessions |
| Contact |
COCC Business Development Center at 541-383-7290 |
PRINEVILLE TO INVEST IN FIBER OPTICS
 Sparked by the Crook County School District’s desire for a unified high speed network between all of its buildings, BendBroadband is working to provide a fiber optic line for data between Prineville and the rest of the region. BendBroadband went before the Prineville City Council in September to explain its desire to bring in the fiber lines at no cost to the School District. Bendbroadband is willing to connect the City of Prineville to the network, at a cost of roughly $105,000. The Council approved the project, and hopes to be connected within the next year or two. The Council also wants to see the fiber lines hooked up to the Crook County Library and Prineville Memorial Hospital. Other Crook County businesses would be able to connect to the fiber lines for a fee. The City Council agreed that having it available in the area is another incentive to help economic development.
BTL RIBBON CUTTING
BTL, formerly Bend Tarp & Liner, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on September 27th. The company moved its operations from Bend to Prineville and now occupies a brand-new 70,000 square foot building in the Tom McCall Industrial Park. The company specializes in manufacturing liners for lakes and ponds. BTL invested over two million dollars in Prineville, and purchased additional land for future growth. BTL has 13 full-time employees and plans to add two more within the next year.
SUNRIVER UPDATE
With competition heating up in the Central Oregon resort market, Sunriver aims to keep its billing as the Northwest’s premiere destination resort. Plans are underway to completely redevelop Sunriver Village into a mix of upscale retail, commercial and residential units. At the same time, Sunriver Resort is looking to upgrade its marina and stables facilities and a vacation rental managers group is already building Central Oregon’s first indoor FlowRider Park. Even the new roundabout entrance projects Sunriver’s facelift, with redesigned signage set in a rockscape complete with water falls. Nearby Caldera Springs, with 320 home sites, its own man-made lakes and a 12-hole executive golf course, has just opened its lodge, fitness center and pool and bistro restaurant. And travel to and from Sunriver will be made easier with the new $9.4 million interchange at Highway 97 and Century Drive and a totally rebuilt Road 45 between Sunriver and Mt. Bachelor.
HIGH DESERT ENTERPRISE CONSORTIUM (HiDEC) UPDATE
 Powerful things can happen when people get together to share ideas and learn from each other. Word is getting around the Central Oregon manufacturing community about HiDEC, with three companies recently joining the group the membership is now at 24 companies:
Aircraft Rubber Manufacturing (Redmond fuel bladder manufacturer; 55 employees)
S&W Engineering (Bend designer and manufacturer of high precision machinery; 6 employees)
Vocalbooth.com (Bend manufacturer of modular acoustic enclosures, sound rooms and isolation booths; 15 employees)
The consortium kept a full schedule in September:
• Lean training was held the week of September 24 as well as a general membership meeting and a roundtable discussion with Senator Rick Metsger on transportation issues in Central Oregon.
• 13 HiDEC members attended the NWHPEC Executive Forum on September 19 at the Nike Campus in Beaverton. Mike Hoseus, a corporate leader for 13 years at Toyota Motor Manufacturing’s Georgetown, Kentucky, plant wowed the crowd with detailed two-way discussions on the Toyota culture, the underlying foundation for the company's phenomenal success. Mike's new book, “Toyota Culture”, co-authored with Jeff Liker, will be out at the end of 2007. It’s a must read for anyone that appreciates good business. HiDEC is working to get Mike in Central Oregon in February 2008, so stay tuned for details.
KAIZEN BLITZ: MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN….NOW!
 HiDEC's schedule is full during the next several months, scheduling five to six Kaizen Blitz events at member companies. A Kaizen Blitz is a short-term, hands-on approach to solving a limited scope problem utilizing the power of the people who perform the work in the area. It differs dramatically from a management or engineering led initiative to improve some process in the distant future. A Kaizen is a way of making something happen now! There are several benefits from an event like this:
• The people doing the work are involved directly in improving the process
• Their ideas and manpower are used to implement the ideas rather than handing them off to another group that does not have the same vested interest in implementing them
• The changes or improvements are adopted immediately as they are the ones who came up with them
• The time taken out of production to hold the event are usually recouped within a few weeks
Keith Manufacturing, Structus Building Technologies, Vocalbooth.com, Woodgrain Millwork, Dayspring Hardwood and Moulding and BEKO Technologies have stepped up to host events. Congratulations to these companies for taking the next step in their Lean journey. A limited number of HiDEC members will be able to attend each Kaizen event to learn more about the process and assist with the problem solving procedure. Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) and Total Excellence in Manufacturing (TEIM) will assist in the events.
HERE’S A LEAN DIET YOU CAN ACTUALLY ENJOY
Please join HiDEC members on Tuesday, October 16 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room for a casual evening of networking, a production-related tour of the brewery plant and an open-forum roundtable discussion on the ins and outs of implementing lean in your company.
| Program |
Applying Lean to Your Business |
| What |
Tuesday, October 16th |
| When |
4:00-7:00 pm |
| Location |
Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room, Bend |
| Cost |
Free to HiDEC members; $15 for non-members |
| Contact |
Call EDCO at 541-388-3236 or email Dayna at Edcoinfo.com |
VOICE OF OREGON WEBSITE PROMOTES MANUFACTURING
Why does EDCO focus on traded-sector manufacturing companies to strengthen the regional economy? The Voice of Oregon Manufacturing website shows just why this sector of the economy is so important to Oregon and the Central Oregon region. Developed as part of the Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy, this new website is a portal for news and information about manufacturing in Oregon. It collects and consolidates news, resources, programs and contacts from companies, consortia, education, training providers and government organizations. It's the place to go to find out what's happening in Oregon's dynamic manufacturing sector and to get connected with resources from partners working together across the state to build this critical sector of the Oregon economy. Click here for the new site.
DO YOU DARE? DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE DO'S AND DON'TS
As one of the most litigated workplace disputes, disciplining and terminating employees can be overwhelming. Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), in conjunction with WorkSource Bend, present an illuminating seminar this month on Tuesday, October 23rd. Find out from expert Joshua Ried how to properly document employee performance, use positive and negative feedback to keep employees on track, deal swiftly and fairly with problem employees and handle a termination. Ried is an attorney, consultant, and BOLI Program Coordinator where he teaches seminars and counsels employers with civil rights, harassment, leave law, wage and hour, and other employment issues.
| Program |
Discipline and Discharge Do's and Don'ts |
| What |
Tuesday, October 23rd |
| When |
7:30am-12:00pm |
| Location |
The Riverhouse Convention Center, Cascade B, 3075 N Business 97, Bend |
| Cost |
$50 per person |
| Contact |
Teresa Asher, The Riverhouse or 541-617-7179 |
LIVING AND LEAVING AN INSPIRED LEGACY
The St. Charles Foundation, in conjunction with Fincham Financial Group, LibertyBank, Karnopp Petersen LLP, is sponsoring three sessions on Tuesday, October 23rd about planning and leaving a legacy that directly expresses the giver’s values. Tracy Gary, noted philanthropist, lecturer and heir to the Pillsbury fortune, will lead the sessions – one for non-profits, one for professional wealth advisors, and one for community members. Gary herself says “All I do is match the dreamers with the dream-makers.” Click here for more information on the sessions.
| Program |
Living and Leaving an Inspired Legacy |
| What |
Tuesday, October 23rd |
| Session 1 |
7:00-9:00 am What Non-Profits Need to Do to Inspire Legacy Planning |
| Session 2 |
11:30 am–1:30 pm Deepening Client Relationships by Inspiring Legacy Planning |
| Session 3 |
5:30-7:45 pm Creating Your Own Legacy Plan |
| Location |
Center for Health & Learning, St. Charles Medical Center, Bend |
| Cost |
Free
|
| Contact |
Contact Ellyce Whalen or call 541-383-6592 |
NEW MEMBERS
Bronze Level
Ater Wynne LLP
 With headquarters in Portland and offices in Seattle, Menlo Park, and Salt Lake City, this legal firm offers services unique to Central Oregon. “Bend has a lot of excellent law firms who are able to take care of local needs ranging from real estate to business law,” says Business Development Manager Mike Parrott. “What originally brought us to Bend was a perceived service gap for entrepreneurial ventures and technology companies.”
When asked about the future of high tech companies in the area, Parrott replies “Bend has all the amenities to attract companies and employees in the tech sector ready to settle down. It’s common for techies to locate in Silicon Valley, where there’s an abundant opportunity pool, and hop around. But, like fine wine, they eventually mellow! Bend has the potential to draw highly experienced people to enjoy a more permanent lifestyle.”
Among other events, Ater Wynne has supported the Bend Venture Conference since its inception. This October 5th, the firm hosts the International Business Reception immediately following the Export Strategies Workshop. Parrot tells us it’s a chance to rub shoulders with and ask questions of customer brokers and trade attorneys. For more information on global trading or tech ventures, visit Ater Wynne’s website.
Individual Level
Scott Knox, Bend Development Group
Scott Knox of the Bend Development Group, is a residential project manager in Oregon & Washington. His services range from serving as a CFO for high net worth individuals to assisting with major housing projects. When asked about affordable housing and solutions for the Bend area, Knox says, “ Bare land is still not affordable in Bend. It needs to come down to the point where the investor can cover the bank covenance on an affordable housing project. We’re hopeful it will continue to come down, but if it doesn’t, Bend needs to start thinking outside the box.” Knox is also the vice chair of the Big Brothers & Big Sisters and board member of the Hayden Giving Fund. For more information about The Bend Development Group, contact Scott Knox at 541-788-8737.
RENEWING MEMBERS
EDCO would like to thank the following renewing members. We appreciate your investment and our success very much depends on the ongoing investment of our members to build a strong, diversified regional economy.
| Level |
Company |
Member Since |
| Financial |
Sterling Savings Bank |
2004 |
| Silver |
Mill Quarter |
2005 |
| Lowes Commercial Properties |
2004 |
| Palmer Homes |
2004 |
| Bronze |
Horizon Broadcasting Group |
2005 |
| Access Knowledge, LLC |
2006 |
| Individual |
Stevens Archtect, LLC |
2000 |
| Steve Scott & Co., Patrick Kesgard |
2005 |
PENDING PROJECTS
Without breaching obligations of confidentiality, we want to make you aware of a few of our pending projects for the region – a section of the newsletter we update every other month. They include, but are not limited to:
Expansion
Riverman Boatworks, as reported in August, has been formed from the purchase of Fishcraft boats in Sisters by Smith Rock Riverboats in Redmond. Final inspections for occupancy on a new building are underway to enable the combined product production to commence in October. They will be fabricating their quality driftboats, fishing boats, rafts and trailers under one roof in Redmond. EDCO Business Development Managers Eric Strobel and Bud Prince have been working actively to help the company with site location and logistics issues. More info about this company can be found at www.theriverman.com.
G.L. Suite, a Bend-based company that provides software for government licensing, is continuing its progress on purchasing land in Northwest Crossing in west Bend for a new headquarter facility. G.L. Suite currently employees 42 and is rapidly expanding. EDCO is assisting the company with financing options, incentives and fast track permitting. Their website is www.glsuite.com
Ironhorse Parts & Supply is a small Redmond-based company that makes and refurbishes radiators, and other heavy equipment parts for backhoes and tractors. Their business has expanded considerably over the past year and is looking to occupy an existing building in Prineville this winter. Current employment of 5 is expected to grow to 8 within a few months. See www.ironhorseparts.com
Ameritech Machine Mfg is on schedule with land purchase, design work and construction planning underway to occupy a 25,000 SF machine and metal fabrication facility in early 2008. The facility will house 21 employees initially, however plans are to significantly grow employment over the next few years. Relocating from leased property in Bend, the Ameritech will have additional room in their new facility to develop new and expand existing product lines. The company manufactures steel building components and a wide variety of industrial fabrication machinery. See www.ammimfg.com
Ruff Wear, manufacturer of outdoor gear for dogs, recently added 9,000 SF of warehouse space in Bend for product inventory. The added facility will open up valuable office space for more employees at their Northwest Crossing headquarters. See www.ruffwear.com
Fontana Wood Products, a secondary wood products manufacturing and wholesale lumber company is moving forward on relocating from Redmond to a former primary lumber mill site in Prineville near the Prineville Railway Freight Depot. Crews have worked to demolish several old buildings, and prepare the ground for a new building to house production operations. The move will bring approximately 120 new jobs to Crook County. The company plans to tentatively occupy the building by late December. See www.fontanawholesalelumber.com
Pro-line Fabrication, manufacturer of custom flatbeds and bumpers sold throughout the Pacific Northwest, is nearing completion of its new facility on Tom McCall road. The 17,500 SF building will house the headquarters, and fabrication operations. Pro-Line will add three new employees and plans to occupy the building this month. See www.prolinefab.com
A long time Bend specialty products manufacturer has recently purchased a new 15,000 SF facility in NE Bend. The company, desperate for more space, has been leasing for the past year and on the hunt for a new home for several years. The relocation will allow addition of more employees to their current staff of seven and provide added room to expand production of their popular product.
Recruitment
Back in April, EDCO reported on the recruitment of a headquarters and R & D of a high technology/alternative energy company to the Bend area. The company has decided on locating its headquarters to Bend with the R&D to follow. 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 currently in the final stages of securing office space.
A small manufacturing company that specializes in racing safety equipment is seriously looking at a move to from Oakland, CA to Prineville. The company, which will have approximately 10 employees and makes everything from helmets to racing suits, gloves, shoes, and restraint systems. Plans are to double employment within two years.
M Press Packaging is a newly formed company with the principals relocating the business to Redmond from California to manufacture food containers. Pizza trays to frozen foods pans will begin being pressed from sheet paper by the initial four employees in a new building located in the Pasco Industrial Park in Redmond.
A dietary supplement company has completed a site visit and is evaluating relocating their manufacturing operation to Redmond or the Reno, NV area. They would occupy a 25,000 SF or larger building and create 40 - 50 local jobs. Their products are sold and shipped across the U.S.
A small, family-owned aerospace parts manufacturer based in Ontario, CA is considering a move to Prineville. The company employs about 10 people with above average wages and specializes in machining and programming. The company is a Boeing client, and ships product throughout the western U.S.
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