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EDCO ANNOUNCES 2009 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
Awards pay tribute to business innovation, growth, and collaboration

Bend, OR – On October 28, 2009, Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) presented their 2009 Awards of Excellence at the Seventh Mountain Resort to a crowd over 200 from the business community. The awards recognize Central Oregon’s traded-sector employers who have created new jobs, investment, and partnership for the betterment of the region. Seven outstanding contributors in the following categories were honored:

Entrepreneur of the Year

• Recognizes outstanding success of an early stage company, highlighting the region's entrepreneurial spirit.
• Awarded to Agere Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focuses on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for cancer, infectious diseases, and immunology. In its short two year existence, Agere has been continuously profitable and increased sales every quarter. Several Top 20 pharmaceutical companies are using Agere’s drug discovery platform to advance their own compound portfolios.
• Accepted by Marshall Crew and Dan Smithey, co-founders of Agere.

Central Oregon Product of the Year

• Recognizes the most innovative, successful, or pioneering product or service made in the tri-county region.
• Awarded to Vocalbooth.com, developer of low-cost, mobile recording booths that eliminate the need artists too book a time a recording studio. Vocalbooth.com customer base is global and encompasses the music, film, and television industries, as well as audiology, education, and government entities.
• The company was chosen recently to provide broadcast booths for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC and counts illustrious artists such as Madonna, Lionel Ritchie, and the Dave Matthews Band among their clients.
• Accepted by Vocalbooth.com Chief Operating Officer Jay Riker.

Economic Development Partnership of the Year

This award originates from the belief that great economic development always involves great teamwork. We look to honor the past year's most outstanding collaboration of organizations and individuals with the greatest impact to our regional economy.

• Awarded to the City of Redmond and the City of Sisters for their collaboration in creating a shared enterprise zone and for pooling government transportation funds.
• The City of Sisters was additionally recognized for the formation of SBART, a local group of individuals dedicated to job and business growth in Sisters.
• Accepted by Redmond Mayor George Endicott and Sisters Mayor Lon Kellstrom.

Excellence in Manufacturing

• Recognizes the most dramatic innovation or progress in Central Oregon manufacturing. A company culture that supports continuous improvement through team empowerment is a critical dimension.
• Awarded to Keith Manufacturing Company for innovative products, dedication to lean manufacturing, and a company culture that fosters employee empowerment and results in continuous improvement.
• Accepted by Mark Foster, CEO of Keith Manufacturing Company.

Private Sector Person(s) of the Year

• Recognizes outstanding leadership, initiative and other contributions to the economy and community from the private sector. (A first, this year EDCO recognized two individuals. Also a first, both co-winners happen to be EDCO Board members.)
• The first winner was Anne McDonald, President of McDonald Placement Group for the growth of her professional search firm during an economic contraction, concentration on niche employment markets, and serving as a Central Oregon ambassador in recruiting. McDonald was also recognized for her community service as a volunteer with Empty Bowls and as a major contributor to Soles-4-Soles, an organization that donates footwear for people in need worldwide.
• The second winner was CPA Steve Caldwell, principal of Prineville-based Caldwell & Caldwell accounting firm. Caldwell was honored for his efforts to further economic development in Crook County, citing his service on the Prineville/Crook County Economic Development Advisory board, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, representation of Prineville on the EDCO Board of Directors, and most recently, fulfilling the Prineville Chamber Director position on an interim basis.

Public Sector Person of the Year

• Recognizes outstanding leadership or initiative in the public sector, frequently demonstrating consensus building capabilities and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Awarded to Andrew Spreadborough, Program Manager of Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), for his behind-the-scenes efforts to improve workforce resources and training, finding creative solutions to match state and federal resources with worthy local projects. Specifically, Spreadborough was recognized for his development and guidance of the following volunteer boards during his 11-year tenure with COIC: Central Oregon Community Investment Board, Central Oregon Workforce Investment Board, Workforce Response Team, Business resource Network, Central Oregon Commission on Transportation, and the Career Readiness Certificate pilot program in Redmond.

Press Contact:

Ruth Lindley, Marketing Manager
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) 
541.388.3236; ruth@edcoinfo.com