Bend, Ore. - Today Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announced the selection of Wayne Pearson, effective November 10, to manage a new economic development program focusing solely on Jefferson County, its municipalities, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Pearson brings over 30 years experience in the publishing and commercial printing business, working with corporate clients and advertising agencies on the West Coast. Most recently, he represented Central Oregon accounts for Consolidated Graphics (CGX), a large printing company with 70 plants nationwide. Pearson holds a BS in Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He has been active in the Oregon Chapter of the American marketing Association, served as the President of Portland’s Telemarketing Business Association, and relocated to Madras two years ago.
“Jefferson County has enormous potential with abundant land, natural resources, transportation infrastructure and great people,” Pearson said. “I’m looking forward to assist in attracting new and diversified businesses to the area, working with local business and community leaders.”
The Jefferson County Economic Development program is a partnership between EDCO; Jefferson County; the cities of Madras and Metolius; Crooked River Ranch; Madras Chamber of Commerce; and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; as well as local businesses. It is the culmination of more than a year of community collaboration and private fundraising efforts.
The new Jefferson County program extends the EDCO Board of Directors’ vision to deliver optimal economic development with a two-pronged approach: a strong regional umbrella organization (EDCO) combined with satellite offices closely tied to their communities and businesses. The approach is modeled after a highly successful partnership forged over five years ago between EDCO and Redmond Economic Development, Inc. to serve the Redmond community. A similarly structured program has been in place in Prineville for Crook County for a year and a half.
“We’re delighted to find an individual manager of Wayne’s caliber and character,” commented Roger Lee, EDCO executive director. “We know that the long-term health and vibrancy of a community depends on growing a diverse base of business and industry and are confident Wayne will be able to jumpstart activity in Jefferson County.”
Pearson’s office will be located at the newly constructed flight services building at the Madras Airport. A 10-member Advisory Board, representing the geographic areas of Jefferson County and the public and private investors of the program, has been formed to guide economic development efforts specific to Jefferson County. The Advisory Board meets monthly.
The Jefferson County effort is focused on producing tangible results for the community and local economy, as measured in terms of new jobs, wages of those jobs, and new capital investment.
About EDCO
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a private non-profit corporation founded 28 years ago and dedicated to building a vibrant and thriving regional economy by attracting new investment and traded-sector jobs (manufacturing, professional, headquarters and high technology businesses) through marketing, recruitment and substantive assistance to existing companies. Learn more about EDCO at www.edcoinfo.com.
Media Contact
Ruth Lindley, Marketing Manager
541-388-3236
ruth@edcoinfo.com