EDCO to Host Central Oregon’s first Industry Week
in recognition of the region’s primary employers
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) will host its
inaugural Industry Week October 12-15 in recognition of
Central Oregon’s primary employers. Industry Week
is a series of regional events designed to:
-
address the issues and concerns of Central Oregon’s
primary employers;
-
connect employers with key resources;
-
cultivate a stronger entrepreneurial community;
-
build stronger partnerships and understanding between the
business community and local government; and
-
encourage dialogue and participation regarding the refinement
of regional and local economic development strategies.
For over two decades, EDCO has focused on building a strong and
secure economic future for Central Oregon. As a private
non-profit organization supported through membership from
business, cities and counties, EDCO focuses its efforts on
primary employers in the manufacturing and technology sectors.
The organization leads economic development in the region
through marketing, targeted recruitment, business expansion and
the formation of effective public/private partnerships.
Similar to most economic development organizations across the
country, EDCO seeks to grow primary employment that will, in
turn, support secondary employers and the entire regional
economy. Primary employers, typically in the manufacturing and
technology sectors, are generally defined as companies that
export a majority of their goods or services outside a local or
regional market area. Secondary employers include commercial
and retail trade, housing, professional services and health
care. While secondary employers tend to compete for customers
and market share or a piece of the local or regional "economic
pie," revenues generated by primary employers expand that pie.
A balance of these primary and secondary employers creates a
healthy and diverse economic foundation.
Industry Week will consist of events throughout Crook,
Deschutes and Jefferson Counties including economic development
strategic work sessions, a workforce best practices seminar,
business round tables, an international peer mentoring session,
a venture conference, a telecommunications conference and
EDCO’s annual awards reception.
"Primary employers provide a critical economic foundation for
Central Oregon," explains EDCO President Bill Kopacz of Mid
State Electric Cooperative. "Industry Week is an
opportunity for the region as a whole to turn its attention to
the businesses that create family wage jobs, invest in our
infrastructure and growth, and that continue to diversify and
strengthen of our Central Oregon economy."
Click
here for
more information, times and venues for Industry Week
events.
The following is an overview: (*= Invitation only).
October 13
City of Bend Business Round Table* –
Bend
Primary employers will be invited to join City Council and
City of Bend staff for a discussion of Bend’s economic
development strategy, including topics such as industrial land
availability, permitting, incentives, education, affordable
housing, and workforce development. The session provides a
forum for an open dialogue between the City and the business
community.
Co-sponsored by EDCO and the City of Bend.
Workforce Best Practices Seminar* – Redmond
A panel of top HR and workforce experts in the region will join
employers to discuss "best practices" for recruiting and
retaining employees.
Co-sponsored by COWIB, Redmond Economic Development and
EDCO.
International Peer Mentoring: E-Commerce –
Bend
The Oregon Economic & Community Development Department
(OECDD) hosts international peer mentoring sessions in Central
Oregon on a quarterly basis, bringing experts on diverse topics
related to international trade together with local employers
who are conducting business on a global scale. This session
will focus on a profile and illustration of e-commerce as a key
application for broadband networks.
Sponsored by OECDD.
Sisters Round Table: "Financing the Growth of Your
Business"
Participants will debate the pros and cons of debt and
equity financing, review local resources and share their own
experiences with securing financing and raising capital.
Co-sponsored by EDCO and the Community Action Team of
Sisters.
October 14
EDCO’s Annual Awards Reception* – Bend
In recognition of Central Oregon’s primary employers,
EDCO will recognize new businesses to the region and local
business expansions of the past year. EDCO will also be
presenting an Individual Award for both the Private Sector and
the Public Sector to individuals who have played a significant
role in economic development in the region.
Co-sponsored by EDCO, Mid-Oregon Credit Union, Bend
Memorial Clinic and Pacific Power.
Annual Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference
(www.cotel.org/conf2004.htm)
– Bend
With the theme of "Looking Forward: Telecommunications and the
Future of Oregon’s Communities," the ninth annual Oregon
Connections Telecommunications Conference is scheduled for
Thursday, October 14 and Friday, 15. Keynote speaker and
technology futurist Thomas G. Jones will open the conference.
Dr. Jones will speak about innovations and technology that will
drive business in the next 15 years.
Hosted by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council.
EDCO Board Meeting – Prineville
Monthly meeting of the EDCO Board travels to Prineville for a
high-level discussion on dispelling myths about economic and
business development, ballot measures impacting Oregon’s
business climate and updates on new developments happening in
Crook County.
Hosted by EDCO and the Prineville Chamber of Commerce.
October 15
Bend Venture Conference (www.bendvc.com) –
Bend
The BVC features keynote speakers Bob Wood, President of
Nike Golf and State Treasurer Randall Edwards as well as
presentations by eight early stage companies to an audience of
venture capitalist and angel investors.
Co-hosted by EDCO and the Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum.
