| Business News in Central Oregon |
Reconsidered: Business Oregon adds back BDO position to the Central Oregon region
In the wake of the 2009 Oregon legislative session and resulting budget cuts, Business Oregon (formerly OECDD - Oregon Economic & Community Development Department) made the difficult decision in mid-June to eliminate its longstanding Business Development Officer (BDO) position in the tri-county region. For the past two decades, the region’s BDO has played an important role in business development projects, helping existing traded-sector employers grow and assisting in attracting new, high-paying jobs. Through its Board of Directors, EDCO voiced its concern about the decision. Many other organizations, cities and counties, state legislators, businesses and individuals called and wrote letters asking Business Oregon to reconsider.
On July 23, top representatives from Business Oregon visited Bend to outline its direction at two public meetings held at COCC. Director Tim McCabe shared a new plan, which came together in the hours leading up to the meeting. The plan would again provide Central Oregon with a dedicated BDO, with an expanded territory that included Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties. Clark Jackson, who has served as the tri-county area’s BDO for the past two and half years, was offered back his old position and new region to which he returned July 30, exactly one month after the position had been eliminated. EDCO applauds the leadership of Business Oregon for listening to the concerns of Central Oregon leaders and for their creative and timely solution. Community response to the temporary loss of this important position also revealed the vital role that Business Oregon and its field representatives play on the team that is working to diversify and strengthen the local economy. EDCO also thanks the many local leaders that contacted Business Oregon; we believe it contributed, in no small measure, to this outcome.
BendBroadband saturates Central Oregon with wireless technology
Building on an $8 million strategic acquisition of licensed wireless spectrum from the FCC in 2008, BendBroadband announced last week that it will soon offer one of the fastest wireless data networks in the country. Dramatically expanding the company’s service footprint, the new broadband coverage encompasses nearly all of Central Oregon from Madras to La Pine, from Sisters to Prineville. It reaches rural areas that traditionally were not economically viable to serve with cable and gives home and business consumers “access to a robust high-speed Internet services.”
BendBroadband has spent the last fifteen months preparing for the network expansion by acquiring space on existing wireless sites, building new wireless towers, and expanding the company’s operations center to support the latest in wireless technology. Amy Tykeson, President and CEO of BendBroadband, remarked that the investment “will help close the digital divide in rural areas of Central Oregon.” Tykeson remarked that superior telecommunications capabilities give the region a competitive edge in attracting new business and helping existing businesses expand. “We are proud to serve as a key partner in the economic recovery of our region,” she added.
PV Powered receives federal funds to tie solar energy to the electrical grid
Bend-based PV Powered, the largest manufacturer of grid-tied solar power inverter technology in the U.S., got a big boost July 29 with an announcement by Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden of a $3 million U.S. Department of Energy partnership. It will draw on PV Powered’s technology to integrate various solar energy systems into the electrical grid. PV Powered will partner with Portland General Electric; South Dakota State University; Northern Plains Power Technologies of Brookings, SD; Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories of Pullman, WA; and SENSUS of Raleigh, NC on the project. The project is partly funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Read The Bulletin's Aug 2 article regarding PV's plans and the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
David Brandt accepts offer to become Redmond’s City Manager
Formerly the Deputy City Attorney, Mr. Brandt has been the Assistant City Manager in Alameda, CA since 2006. Noting his successful work experience in downtown revitalization, in economic development, and his position on regional cooperation and coordination, Interim City Manager Sharon Harris stated that Brandt will begin his work in Redmond on September 14. Brandt has a bachelor’s degree in economics for UCLA, a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin. REDI Vice President Scott Carlson participated in the community leaders' portion of the interview process and other board members attended the public forum style meet and greet. REDI Manager, Jon Stark, who was involved in the community forum, commented Brandt has the right personality fit for Redmond and looks forward to working closely with him to build Redmond’s economic future.
Bend Airport gains ground on growth
At a July 15 work session, the Bend City Council followed through on their goal to make the airport a top priority. The first step to the successful future of the Bend Airport was given – move forward with a master plan. Brian Rankin, long range planner, provided a thorough update on City staff research and input from the Bend Airport Council regarding annexation, UGB expansion, and a master plan, laying out several sequencing options that will best serve the airport’s growing needs. In the end, the master plan took top priority. The master plan will help pinpoint the airport’s current situation and future requirements to set the stage for future improvements, UGB expansion or annexation, if needed.
WorkSource Redmond tests 10 month “Career Readiness Certificate” (CRC) pilot program
In July the WorkSource Oregon office in Redmond began testing a nationally recognized basic skill evaluation program offered by WorkKeys. CRC evaluates the foundational skills of Oregon’s workforce and aids Oregon businesses in hiring, training and promoting the best qualified workers. Currently, WorkSource is testing their existing job seeker database and plans on expanding outreach to students at Redmond High School and COCC. Each program participant will receive a signed certificate noting bronze, silver or gold achievement. This tool will also allow economic development professionals to showcase the quality of Central Oregon's workforce to prospective recruitment projects. Program facilitator Stephen Clark of WorkSource shares that plans include further marketing the program to local Redmond employers and helping them develop individual company profiles to establish baseline hiring requirements for their applicants. For more information contact Stephen Clark.
EDCO's Recruitment Committee draws on local C-level talent
A year ago, EDCO launched a new effort to better tap into industry experts and leaders who live right here in Central Oregon to improve business recruitment efforts. In September 2008, a small group was assembled with experience in the regional sectors EDCO is targeting, along with some other key facets of the recruitment process, to form EDCO’s Recruitment Committee. Since that time, the committee has expanded and partnered with several statewide industry associations, including the Software Association of Oregon and the Oregon Bioscience Association. The current Recruitment Committee now includes:
| Individual |
Expertise |
Position |
| Les Mace, Chair |
Medical Device |
former VP, Novametrix Medical Systems |
| Glen Miller |
Commercial construction |
Operations Manager, HSW Builders |
| Bill Montgomery |
Software |
Sr. VP, Corum Group |
| Philip Ness |
Bioscience |
Owner, Info. Resources, Inc. |
| Peter Ozolin |
Aviation/Aerospace & Software |
President, Leading Edge Aviation |
| Steve Petersen |
Renewable Energy, Site Selection, Econ. Dev. |
CH2MHill |
| Scott Philiben |
Aviation/Aerospace |
VP, Precise Flight |
| Forrest Rodgers |
Econ. Development, Higher Education |
former CEO, High Desert Museum |
EDCO expects to bring on two or three additional members with expertise in renewable energy and electronics/high technology. The group is working at both tactical and strategic levels to help EDCO pursue the most promising sub-sectors of each target industry, identify needed elements for success (ready sites, needed infrastructure, incentives, etc.), identify top recruitment efforts for each sector and generate new leads from committee member contacts. Between September 2008 and February 2009 the committee spent time researching opportunities, challenges and trends for four targeted industries – biosciences and medical device, aviation/aerospace, software, alternative/renewable energy. From these overviews facilitated by committee experts, a 26-page summary was produced of industry intelligence that will be used in further refinement of EDCO’s marketing and recruitment efforts over the next 12-18 months. Ultimately, the Recruitment Committee is helping EDCO spend its limited resources as wisely as possible and for the largest return on investment, namely, high quality leads for new companies that may have an interest in the Central Oregon region.
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Targeted Industries for Central Oregon |
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Aviation / Aerospace
Recreational Equipment
High Technology / IT
Software
Renewables / Alternative Energy
Medical Devices / Biomedical
Secondary Wood Products |
Central Oregon Bioscience Association moves forward
The Central Oregon Bioscience Industry Consortium (COBIC) has applied for a workforce training grant which would provide high-value bioscience specific training in Central Oregon. COBIC is composed of ten local companies, guided by senior level representatives from Bend Research, Suterra, Medisiss, Metabolic Maintenance Products, and Agere Pharmaceuticals. After two earlier attempts to form a local bioscience group, COBA is led by Tony Hnyp, a specialist in procuring state and federal credits and incentives for manufacturing, engineering, design, software, and exporting companies. Eric Strobel from EDCO has assisted the group in its formation. For information on attending COBIC meetings, contact Tony Hnyp at 541-350-0202.
High Desert Organix gets OK to start operations
High Desert Organix, a fledgling compost company in Madras, turns organic waste from processing and harvest of various seed crops into productive fertilizer. On July 22, the company received a conditional use permit from Jefferson County following a lengthy approval process. While there is a slight chance the decision may be appealed, the County recognized the process as an essential component in Jefferson County’s thriving agriculture business and its benefit in reducing field burning, which is through state legislation being phased out as an option for farmers. Using an organic waste blend that recycles field waste, High Desert Organix will produce fertilizer with potentially higher yields. The end product can be returned to the soil between crop rotations and will also be available for gardens and landscaping.
Mark your calendar now so these events don't get away from you! The High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HiDEC) will host key events for local companies in the next few months. All events are free for HiDEC members and a minimal cost for non-members. Contact Eric Strobel @ 388-3236 for more information or check the HiDEC website for events and news.
Aug 18 - How to Run a Kaizen Event
Understand the role of kaizen events within lean enterprise implementation. Participants will learn how to organize and run kaizen events within their organization. Understand roles of Facilitator, Event Team Leader, and Team Members. Understand principles of selecting correct area and focus for an event. Develop understanding of using Plan Do Check Act in the context of kaizen events. Discuss previous events and lessons learned with HIDEC members who have run and participated in kaizen events in the past. Led by Kleve Kee from OMEP. 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, location TBD.
Sept 22 – Executive dinner re: continuous improvement implementation
Executive dinner at the Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room to discuss effective continuous improvement. Bill Scannell, President of Structus Building Technologies, will speak to his experience leading a lean organization. Local companies will have a chance to provide input for the future direction of HIDEC. 5:00 – 8:00 pm; Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room.
Oct 7 – Toyota’s Workforce Management & Selection Process and HR’s Role in Lean
Mike Hoseus, former executive with Toyota, returns to Central Oregon for the third in his four part series - a full day workshop on Human Resources, the Toyota Way. This workshop was preceded by two in prior years. For those who have not attended his past events, Hoseus is a world-class presenter who packs volumes of valuable information into each event. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; COCC Student Center.
Nov 10 – Kaizen Event Study Results
Another highly regarded presenter, Toni Doolen, manufacturing professor at Oregon State University, reveals the results of her study on the effectiveness of kaizen events. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm; location TBD.
Last month we recapped bills from 2009 Legislative Session which impact economic development. This Update, we're looking at transportation-related outcomes of the session. In September, we'll turn our attention to summarizing employment-related legislation.
House Bill 2001, a $300 million package to upgrade Oregon’s transportation system, was signed into effect at the end of July by Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The major transportation bill represents a 3 year effort by diverse stakeholders (legislators from both parties, ODOT, business allies, and environmental groups) to address Oregon’s long-standing transportation deficits. Although many compromises were incorporated, the effort resulted in one of Oregon’s largest public works projects and is expected to create thousands of jobs (officials estimate 4,000 construction-related jobs a year over the next decade), reduce bottlenecks for commuters, improve safety, build new multi-modal connections, and improve freight mobility.
Funding for the bill will be fully implemented in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 and applies a 50-30-20 (state, county, city) revenue split of all new State Highway Funds. Cities and counties will split approximately $140 M annually to maintain roads and fund additional multi-modal projects in local communities. An additional $100 M will be set aside for rail, marine, air, transit and train projects under the Connect Oregon III Program and $70 M annually to bond $1 billion worth of road projects to reduce congestion and improve freight mobility.
For consumers and businesses, the bill translates to higher costs for car registration ($16 fee increase per year) and title fees ($22 increase), license plates and identity cards, and fuel costs (6 cent increase in gas taxes after two straight quarters of economic growth or by January 2011).
So why the current flurry of local gas taxes in Central Oregon? HB 2001 contains a provision allowing cities to initiate a locally-levied gasoline tax. Cities have 90 days to do so and their next window of opportunity would not be for another four years. The City of Madras is considering a gas tax that would be imposed on motor vehicle fuel dealers that would partially offset transportation system development charges (SDCs). Sisters is considering a gas tax to establish a road maintenance fund, as are Redmond and Prineville. The City of Bend, by charter amendment, cannot impose a gas tax and its City Council recently rejected a new transportation fee to fund street work. At best, city-initiated gas taxes will help fill maintenance budget holes but do not represent a comprehensive regional transportation effort.
| Upcoming Events in Central Oregon |
Aug 21 – Central Oregon's Tech Alliance kicks off with Roger McNamee of Elevation Partners
Roger McNamee is a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist and investor, having managed top-performing funds at T. Rowe Price, Integral Capital Partners, and Silver Lake Partners. He’s now the Managing Director of investment firm Elevation Partners, focusing on business opportunities in the media and entertainment industries. You might also know McNamee from The New Normal, his book that examines the personal upside of emerging technology as well as the great uncertainties of our age. He's also a regular contributor on CNBC and guitar-strumming vocalist of the band Moonalice that tours nationally.
Here’s the perfect opportunity to see all sides of McNamee. COTA, Central Oregon’s Tech Alliance (COTA), is hosting its kick-off event August 21 at Silvermoon Brewing Company. From 5:00 – 7:00 pm under the umbrella of Tech Talk, McNamee will talk about innovation, startups, and how he’s running his band Moonalice as a startup, using social media in new ways to promote. Then stay for the live band performance that follows. For more membership information about COTA, contact Julie Anderson.
Aug 5 - OEN Online Webinar: The Principles of IP Valuation
This presentation will be a collaboration between Lee Foster and Steven Prewitt at Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt. Steven will present on the legal framework of IP that assists in the creation of economic scarcity. That's what makes an intangible asset valuable! Lee will present on the creative science behind the valuation of various types of intangible assets. The event is Wednesday, August 5, 10:00 – 11:00 am; for registration information about the IP Valuation webinar.
Aug 12 - OEN PubTalk™ in Portland - So You Think You Can Pitch?
Come see five companies put it all on the line in a speed pitching competition. In this competition (in Portland) both the judges and the audience will tell the competitors if they’ve got what it takes to be a fundable company. A winner will be selected by the judges who will advance to the first round of OEN’s Seed Oregon. The event is Wednesday, August 12, 5:15 – 7:00 pm. See more event details on Pitching at PubTalk.
Aug 27 – OEN SwapMeet: Meet. Greet. Repeat.
Join OEN's SwapMeet, a networking program specifically for people looking to connect with entrepreneurs, early-stage companies, and the people who can help Oregon businesses grow. There's no entrance fee, and no pressure. Just networking, connecting, and a no-host happy hour! This Portland OEN event is Thursday, August 27, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. See more details about how you can benefit from Swap Meet networking .
Sept 17 – Mark your calendar for fall PubTalk kick-off with Sabrina Parsons, CEO of Palo Alto Software
Get ready to hear lively insights from this Internet veteran and dubbed "Queen of Business Planning Software." Parsons brings considerable Internet expertise to her role as CEO of the number business plan and marketing plan software. She and her husband, Noah, founded a UK software distribution company in 2001 that later was purchased by and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Palo Alto Software. Parsons served as Director of Online Marketing at Commtouch, Senior Producer at Epinions.com, and co-founded her own Web consulting company, Lighting Out. She is a graduate of Princeton University.
Jeld-Wen Traditions PGA Champions Tour preparation heads into the home stretch, needs volunteers, ticket sales
The Jeld-Wen Traditions and some of legends of golf are coming to Central Oregon August 17-23 at Sunriver’s Crosswater course. Whether you are golf fanatic or just casually interested, this tournament is a must-attend 
professional sports event. As noted in recent eCon Updates, the PGA Champions tourney is designed to provide a field for competitive play, and spin off significant economic benefits to the communities where they are held and to local non-profits benefiting youth. In Boise, ID, a similar event provides back more than $1 million annually to local charities.
It takes a great deal of effort to make this national event a success. One immediate need is for volunteers. One of the volunteer opportunities are for Marshals who assist with crowd control and tournament on-course management. Marshalling is one of the best views and providesvolunteers the chance to see world famous players up-close. There is an $80 registration fee (to cover some hard costs), but volunteers receive a package worth more than $600 in the form of apparel, meals, tourney passes and exclusive discounts. For those interested in volunteering at Jeld-Wen Traditions visit here . An orientation for volunteers will be held on August 13 & 14 at Three Rivers Elementary school in Sunriver, so for those who want volunteer, please sign up as soon as possible.
This year the Jeld-Wen Traditions features a unique opportunity for advance ticket purchases to be designated to participating charities. More than 30 local charities have signed up to sell tickets, which can be conveniently purchased online. Last but not least, tourney organizers are raffling off a new 2009 BMW 328xis Alpine . Raffle tickets to the BMW drawing will be limited to 1,000, and cost $100 each. It’s much better odds than any lottery game!
Renewing Members
Businesses and organizations across a wide spectrum show their support for EDCO's work to improve Central Oregon's economic base with their annual membership renewals.
|
Individual
Al Eastwood, Coldwell Banker (2005)
Darrell DeGlow, Cascade Commercial Appraisal (2006)
Roberta Johnson, Sports Vision (2008)
Robin Gould (2006)
Bronze
Eberhard’s Dairy (1987)
Cascade Business News (1994)
Mid Oregon Personnel (2005)
Robberson Ford Sales (1986)
W&H Pacific (2005)
Bob Thomas Chevrolet (1986)
Oliver Commercial Group (1988)
Kirby Nagelhout Construction (1999)
Lumbermens Insurance (1997)
Precise Flight (2005)
Bend / La Pine School District (2005)
Kinetic Branding (2008)
Century Insurance (1997)
Vocalbooth.com (2008)
Miller Lumber (1986)
Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor (2008) |
Financial Institutions
Liberty Bank (1997)
Mid Oregon Federal Credit Union (1986)
South Valley Bank (2006)
Columbia River Bank (2001)
SELCO Community Credit Union (2001)
Silver
American Licorice (2008)
Structus Building Technologies (2005)
Compass Commercial (1996)
Deschutes Brewery (2000)
Hayden Homes (2008)
Contact Industries (2006)
The Garner Group (2007)
Gold
Harrigan Price Fronk & Co (1998)
GL Suite (2004)
Platinum
St. Charles Medical Center (1986)
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New Members
Oregonians Federal Credit Union - Financial Institution
Established in 1936, Oregonians Credit Union provides credit union services to over 3000 employer and association groups throughout the state of Oregon, including one branch in Prineville. While Oregonians Credit Union offers the same sophisticated financial products and services as many large banks, their service and value are rooted in the culture of Oregon. Partnership with their members allows them to offer competitively priced financial services, in an efficient, personal and friendly manner so that each member will consider Oregonians CU as his or her primary financial institution. This partnership includes financial education offerings to help members achieve financial success and to provide a positive alternative to competing institutions. For more information about OFCU, visit www.ofcu.com.
Mt. Bachelor, Inc. - GOLD Level Member
Mt. Bachelor is Oregon’s largest ski area and one of Central Oregon’s premier attractions. Bend’s hometown ski and summer resort sees over half a million visitors each year and is the primary driver of our region’s winter tourism. Personally enjoyed by a significant number of by Central Oregonians, skiers and snowboarders from Seattle to San Francisco also flock to Mt. Bachelor to enjoy the ample snow, authentic vibe and exciting off snow options in Bend and Sunriver. Winter tourism to Mt. Bachelor fills hotels, restaurants, shops and supermarkets and the Resort takes its impact on the local economy seriously. Mt. Bachelor is also a leader in community philanthropy via their annual ski for schools day and charity ski weeks which raise tens of thousands of dollars for local non-profit organizations. More information is available at one of Oregon’s most visited websites: www.mtbachelor.com.
GL Suite – Gold Level Member
New Gold Member GL Suite upped its past Bronze membership to assist EDCO’s efforts, which the company recognizes as significant to the economy and GL Suite’s operations. Bend-based GL Suite is one of the region’s largest employers in the software industry sector, providing licensing solutions to improve the operations of government regulatory agencies nationwide – from case management software to best-practices consulting services, and online renewals. GL recently relocated its offices from the north end of Bend to the Disk Drive in the Shevlin District near the Deschutes River and Old Mill District.
Harrigan Price Fronk, CPAs – Gold Level Member
Longtime Board Member Wes Price has over the years made substantial and lasting impact on EDCO’s operations, serving in numerous leadership positions, including President in the 2007-08 fiscal year. In addition to many in-kind contributions by himself and the HPF team, Price and the other partners at the firm are new Gold Members this year, increasing their membership from the Bronze level. Harrigan, Price Fronk, which is the largest CPA firm based in the region, believes strongly in the work of EDCO and economic development in general to foster a healthy and vibrant local economy. The firm provides traditional accounting, tax, auditing services, management consulting, business valuations, litigation support, assurance services, computer consulting, internal control analysis and employee benefit plan consulting throughout the Central Oregon region.
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