LOCAL BUSINESSES PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN CENTRAL
OREGON’S INAUGURAL INDUSTRY WEEK
68 local employers and over 550 attendees participated in
Economic Development for Central Oregon’s (EDCO)
Inaugural Industry Week (October 11 – 15). Each of
the nine Industry Week event regional events boasted
healthy attendance and active participation by local
businesses, proving to be a huge success that exceeded even
EDCO’s expectations.
"This is the first year for Industry Week, and based on
the feedback and response we’ve received from businesses
and communities, it’s an annual tradition we intend to
continue," asserted EDCO Executive Director Roger Lee.
Industry Week consisted of events throughout Central
Oregon including business round table sessions in Bend and
Sisters, a workforce best practices seminar in Redmond, an
International Trade Commission round table, the Oregon
Connections Telecommunications Conference, the Bend Venture
Conference and EDCO’s Annual Awards reception. Events
were 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.
As part of Industry Week, EDCO hosted its first Annual
Awards in recognition of Central Oregon’s primary
employers at the AmeriTel in The Old Mill District in Bend on
October 14th. This exclusive event brought together top
employers and business leaders from around the region for an
awards program followed by a lively reception.
During the awards program,
EDCO recognized 35 new and expanding primary employers. In
total, these new businesses and local expansions accounted for
980 new jobs and $55 million in new capital
investment during the past year – an announcement that
was met with rousing applause from the 175 attendees.
"As a local employer, it was exciting to
see a number of businesses I had never even heard of," remarked
Steve Emery, President of EARTH2O. "It shows you that Central
Oregon continues to grow and diversify its economic base."
Five new businesses to the region represented a total economic
impact of 572 new jobs and $19.4 million in
capital investment and 30 local, business expansions
represented 408 new jobs and $36 million in
capital investment.
"We moved our business from Pomona,
California this year, and we notice such a difference in how
the Central Oregon community responds to employers," stated
Gino Affatati, owner of GP Metal Products. "This community has
made us feel so welcome and supported, and tonight is a great
example of how Central Oregon does business."
In addition, EDCO
presented an Individual Person of the Year Award for both the
Private Sector and the Public Sector to Jim Lussier with St.
Charles Medical Center and Jo Anne Sutherland, former Redmond
City Manager, respectively.
The purpose of these awards was to honor two individuals who
played an integral role in supporting local employers and
championing economic development in Central Oregon in the past
year. Candidates were nominated by EDCO’s membership and
supporters and selected by the EDCO Board of Directors.
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a private,
nonprofit membership-based organization dedicated to building a
strong and secure economic future for Central
Oregon.
New Businesses
Epic Aircraft
Epic finished the first prototype of its six seat carbon
fiber turbo prop aircraft this summer. After a successful
test flight, the company flew the plane to the Air Venture
show in Wisconsin – to an overwhelming response from
potential customers. With a backlog of orders and a talented
team, Epic is a welcome addition to Central Oregon’s
growing aerospace industry.
Mission Six
Mission Six relocated to Bend from Mammoth, California last
year. Founded over six years ago, the company’s focus
on snowboarding and an outdoor lifestyle makes it a natural
fit for Central Oregon. Products are manufactured overseas
and distributed across the U.S.
GP Metal Products
GP Metal Products relocated to Redmond from Pomona,
California this summer. The company has already filled
several new positions and plans to double its employment once
it is in full operation.
Millstone Industries
Earlier this year, Millstone Industries purchased certain
assets of Morelock Wood Products. Millstone also retained
more than 50 of Morelock’s key employees –
employees who otherwise would have lost their jobs. This
fall, the company relocated to Redmond and is focused on
streamlining its operations and expanding new markets.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile celebrated the grand opening of its 13th call
center in the Redmond Airport Business Park this spring.
T-Mobile customer service centers have a reputation for high
quality operations and are known for their spirited work
culture and outstanding employee benefits. The company is the
fastest growing wireless provider in the U.S with more than
23,000 employees across the country and 10 million
customers.
Business Expansions
Accent Optical Technologies
This past year, Accent established a new research and
development facility in Bend. The company has hired
high-level engineers, physicists and software developers for
its new operations and continues to expand.
American Licorice Company
With its corporate headquarters located here in Bend,
American Licorice has been steadily adding new jobs over the
past year. The company is also currently planning the
construction of a new 8800 sf building, slated for completion
in 2005.
Beaver Motor Coach/Monaco
Beaver builds over 500 motorcoaches a year at its facility in
Bend. This past year, the company has experienced strong
sales, resulting in a significant increase in both the number
of coaches rolling off its line as well as in its workforce.
Bend Research
Bend Research is at the forefront of membrane science used by
pharmaceutical companies. The company just completed a new
facility here in Bend as well as the addition of several new
positions.
Bend
Tarp & Liner
Bend Tarp & Liner will be moving into its new 30,000 sq.
ft. facility in Basalt Business Park this fall. The expansion
will provide much needed room for growth, including the
future addition of over a dozen employees.
Chase
Doors
Chase has expanded its markets this past year, and is now
selling its products internationally. The company invested in
new equipment and added several new positions.
Clear Pine Mouldings
Clear Pine is one of Prineville’s largest
employers. The company has been experiencing record sales and
continues to diversify its product offerings. As a result,
Clear Pine has steadily expanded its workforce this year and
made substantial capital investments.
Dani
Bath
Danielle Nye’s products are enjoying widespread
distribution in specialty retail shops across the country.
The company has added new positions to support this market
expansion.
Deschutes Brewery
The Brewery’s new 35,000 square foot warehouse and the
12,000 square foot production expansion will increase
production capacity by 70%. Deschutes Brewery is the largest
microbrewery in Oregon and has the #1 specialty beer in
America.
Drywall
Systems International
Patented drywall technology and exploding demand have
Drywall Systems poised for exponential market growth. To
accommodate this demand, the company has been adding new
employees over the past year and plans are underway for a new
5 acre campus in Bend.
EARTH2O
EARTH2O invested in a new state-of-the-art bottling line
this year and transitioned to a lighter gram plastic bottle.
The company has progressively increased its workforce over
the last 12 months and is projecting an aggressive 100%
volume growth by Spring 2005.
Fuqua
Homes
Fuqua’s factory built homes continue to win awards
and recognition in their industry, fueling the
company’s growth. The company has consistently added to
its workforce over the past year to keep up with sales
demand.
GL
Suite
GL Suite filled several new positions this past year and
is currently looking to add additional customer service and
account manager positions to support the company’s
growing client base.
IdaTech
With a new 40,000 sf building to lease under
construction, and plans to consolidate its operations,
IdaTech has already begun expanding its workforce. The
company plans to continue increasing its employment numbers
over the next several years.
Intellichem
Intellichem doubled its staff this year, and boasts some
of the most prominent names in the pharmaceutical industry
amongst its customers: Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and
Merck just to name a few.
Jeld-Wen Millworks Manufacturing
A focus on continued process improvement and a steady
demand for Jeld Wen products has kept Millworks Manufacturing
growing year after year as one of Bend’s largest
employers. The company invested in new equipment and added
jobs this past year.
Mid-Columbia Lumber
In order to pursue new markets, Mid-Columbia invested
heavily in equipment upgrades in the last 12 months to
improve manufacturing capabilities and increase its capacity.
The company also increased its employment numbers.
Networth Strategies
Networth launched a new software product in early 2003. The
company also recently added several new positions to support
the expanding market for its software offering.
PCC Schlosser
PCC Schlosser is one of PCC Structural’s six
manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company has expanded
its workforce over the past year to meet growing demand from
the aerospace and medical industries for its titanium
components.
Powers of Automation
Powers of Automation got its start over six years ago. Sales
last year increased 25%, and the company continues to expand
and add new jobs.
Ruff
Wear
Ruff Wear moved into its new, dog-friendly 6500 square foot
building in Bend’s NW Crossing this fall. The company
will need the extra room as sales continue to grow in the
U.S. and abroad. Ruff Wear has experienced 80% growth in net
sales over the past three years.
Seaswirl
Acquired by Genmar Industries in 2002, Seaswirl
boasts 50 years of boat building history. Located in Culver,
the company continues to increase its market share and expand
its workforce.
Shielding
The increased need for airport security after 9/11,
resulted in a dramatic rise in demand for Shielding’s
x-ray protection products. This past year, the company moved
forward with expansion plans for a new facility in the
Jefferson County Industrial Park and created several new
jobs.
Sony
Corporation
With the May 4th release of "Syphon Filter: The Omega
Strain," Sony Bend Studios launched the fourth installment of
a PlayStation game that has sold nearly 4 million copies
worldwide. The company has been hiring artists, designers and
programmers over the last year and plans to continue
increasing its employment numbers.
The
Lancair Company
Lancair’s expansion this past year added 40,000 sq. ft.
to its 140,000 sq. ft. facility. The expansion will increase
the company’s manufacturing efficiency by more than 70%
and has already increased its workforce numbers.
U.S.
Allegiance
U.S. Allegiance supplies over 8,000 post offices with
gift items as well as logo products for all branches of the
U.S. armed services. To service its expanding markets, U.S.
Allegiance has begun moving forward with a new distribution
operation in Bend that has already created jobs and that is
expected to double its current employment.
Unicom
Unicom recently relocated to a new facility in Bend that
will allow for the company’s future growth. The company
has made significant capital investment during the past 12
months as a result of this expansion.
ViewNow
TV
ViewNow has licensing agreements with major motion
picture studios to deliver VOD to local markets. Recently,
the company was acquired by Kasenna, a Mountain View video
software company. In recent months, ViewNow has expanded its
office and plans to create additional positions as sales
increase.
VocalBooth.com
VocalBooth is rapidly expanding into European markets, where
its portable booths are gaining popularity. The company has
also added several new positions to support its growing
operations.
Working Hands Crème –
O’Keeffe’s Company
The company relocated its headquarters and manufacturing
operations to Sisters from Joseph several years ago. Working
Hands recently expanded its facilities and added new
equipment that has tripled the company’s production
capacity.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS
The purpose of these awards was to honor two individuals who
have played an integral role in supporting our employers and
championing economic development in Central Oregon during their
careers.
Individuals were nominated by EDCO members and supporters and
chosen by the EDCO Board of Directors.
Public Sector Nominees:
Scott Cooper, Crook County Commissioner
JoAnne Sutherland, Former City Manager – Redmond
Laurel Werhane, Field Office Manger – Redmond,
Prineville & Madras, Oregon Employment Department
Public Sector Person of the Year: JoAnne Sutherland
Private Sector Nominees:
Matt Day, Hooker Creek Companies
Connie Druliner, Express Personnel and RWJ &
Associates
Steve Emery, Earth2O
Gary Fish, Deschutes Brewery
Bruce Juhola, TEC International (The Executive Committee)
Jim Lussier, St. Charles Medical Center
Patricia Moss, Bank of the Cascades
Kirby Nagelhout, Kirby Nagelhout Construction
Jim Schell, Opportunity Knocks
Dave Slavensky, Drywall Systems
Jean Wood, mHi
Private Sector Person of the Year: Jim Lussier
