September eCon Update

Business News in Central Oregon

Bend Venture Conference calls for early stage companies to present – submit by Sept 14
Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is now accepting applications for seed and early stage companies to present at the event October 16, 2009. Companies seeking investment between $100,000 and $1 million in four categories (Clean Tech, Bio Tech, High Tech, and Other) are invited to apply. Four companies will be selected to present their business plan to a panel of investors from across the Northwest, competing for a minimum $100,000 investment award. Look into the specifics of submitting to Bend Venture Conference here, and encourage other qualifying local companies to apply. Not ready to pitch at BVC?  See our Event section below about attending the conference. 

Two recent airline schedule changes bode well for Central Oregon
In November 2009, Horizon Air will reinstate the Eugene departure to LAX, which had been departing from Redmond. This brings back the opportunity for direct Eugene-Bend travel - which is estimated to be a small number - but will still add capacity and passenger traffic in Redmond. The second piece of news is that United has extended daily flights to Denver through December. In the past, the flight was only offered on the weekend, and then discontinued in September, so this will contribute significant capacity and passenger traffic to Redmond's numbers. The end result is that Redmond may be able to again beat regional and national trends by actually holding steady with passenger volume in 2009 compared to 2008. The new "up" is flat!

"Bank On" Central Oregon
The Partnership to End Poverty (PEP) announced its newest initiative to fight poverty in Central Oregon. Bank on Central Oregon launched September 1 in Bend with Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley. Designed to remove barriers Central Oregonians face in accessing traditional financial services, the program is based on a model developed by the City of San Francisco and emulated across the country. Participating banks and credit unions have all pledged to address these issues by offering products that will eliminate the barriers to the nearly 30,000 people in the region who do not have bank accounts.

The goal of the program is to raise awareness among unbanked consumers about the benefits of account ownership and spur activity to open 3,200 accounts in the next two years. It will also strongly encourage new account holders to find a financial education class in their area to help take control of debt and to create a family budget that will allow to them to continually save for the future. The initiative represents a number of firsts for the “bank on” movement:

• the first of its kind in the state of Oregon
• the first developed by a community organization at the grassroots level
• the first developed for a rural environment.

At the time of launch, over 50 percent of the region’s financial institutions, representing 62 percent of the area’s branches from Gilchrist to Maupin, are involved. Participating financial institutions include Bank of America, Bank of the Cascades, Chase, Columbia River Bank, Liberty Bank, Northwest Community Credit Union, Oregonian Federal Credit Union, Rivermark Community Credit Union, South Valley Bank and Trust, US Bank, Wells Fargo and West Coast Bank. Other institutions will join the program at a later time.

PEP is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to reducing poverty in Central Oregon, long term. The Partnership collaborates with Central Oregon’s wide range of socially conscious organizations (non-profit, for-profit and government), with the goal of achieving more poverty reduction together than it could working alone. Visit www.partnershiptoendpoverty.org.

Bend-based G5 Search Marketing named one of nation’s fastest growing private companies
In August, Inc. Magazine released its 28^th annual Inc. 500, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies – those that are frequently regarded as harbingers of change. Bend-based G5 Search Marketing, provider of local search analytics and services, was ranked No. 146 overall and placed No. 17 in the Advertising and Marketing category. The company was co-founded by CEO Dan Hobin, also co-founder of Bend Venture Conference, and COO Greg Meier. G5 has grown in the last five years from two employees to more than 50 employees and is expected to continue expanding through 2009. Read more about Inc. Magazine’s list of entrepreneurial companies.

CHC places alongside the Mayo Clinic as one of nation’s top hospital systems
In August, Thomson Reuters, an international technology and news company, released the findings of their comprehensive research project to identify quality healthcare - 100 Top Hospitals: Health System Quality/Efficiency Benchmarks Study. The company evaluated over 250 U.S. health systems that have two or more short-term, general, non-federal hospitals. Researchers looked at five metrics that gauge clinical quality and efficiency: mortality, medical complications, patient safety, average length of stay and adherence to clinical standards of care and then risk-adjusted each measure to reflect the severity of patients treated at each hospital. Local hospital officials are proud of being recognized with illustrious groups such as the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. CHC’s risk-adjusted mortality rate (which runs about half of the national average) fared better than some of the top 10 health systems named in the study. To learn more about the study, visit www.thomsonreuters.com and select Healthcare.

Central Oregon Tech Alliance holds successful kick-off
On Friday, August 14, the newly created Tech Alliance of Central Oregon held an informational meeting with nearly 75 people at Silver Moon Brewing Company to officially announce formation of the group. The Tech Alliance is a chapter of Software Association of Oregon (SAO) and designed to appeal to anyone in the region involved in technology – from software to hardware to IT networking to web development.

Venture capitalist Roger McNamee talked to a standing-room-only crowd about innovation in mobile applications. Head of Elevation Partners which focuses on media and entertainment investments, McNamee is guiding Palm’s resurgence with its new smart phone, the Pre. He’s also a member of the nationally touring band Moonalice. McNamee talked about how he’s employed an new approach using low cost social media to build future audiences, turning the traditional music model on its head. Any individual or business interested in learning more about the newly formed Tech Alliance, please contact Julie Anderson, Lewis Howell, or Ruth Lindley.

TIGER grants could spur Prineville railroad investments
As part of the economic stimulus package passed by Congress, the Prineville Railroad could see a substantial investment through what’s known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER. The funds would help with the reconstruction of the O’Neil Junction north of Redmond by creating a possible train-switching yard and a loading/unloading facility. These efforts would coincide with the work already underway at the Prineville Freight Depot, which has successfully received state grants to build a muti-modal warehousing and distribution center in Prineville. By increasing rail capacity in Central Oregon, the goal is to offer another way to shift freight movement from trucks, easing congestion on state highways. The Oregon Department of Transportation is highly supportive of the project, and is working with the City of Prineville and other groups to apply for nearly $40-million in TIGER grants.

Oregon exports surge
Oregon outperformed the nation in Q2 with export activity – surging ahead with a 6% increase vs. 2% nationally. Pointing to the bottoming out before the recent upswing, some economists call it a ski-jump chart. Others caution to not read too much into Oregon’s increase, noting that $3.4 billion in exports doesn’t come anywhere close to the $5.2 billion sold abroad in Q3 2008. State economist Tom Potiowsky was positioned more in the glass-half-full camp, noting that he’s seeing indications of a bottoming out as well as signs of China trade picking up. To read the full story by The Oregonian reporter Richard Read, click here for the August 12 article on exports.

Upcoming Events in Central Oregon

October is EDCO's Industry Month

Also in its sixth year, EDCO celebrates Central Oregon's traded-sector (primary) employers and, in a month-long series of events, provides substantial education, resources, and inspiration for the business community. Check out the events below and mark your calendar for those of greatest interest. Please visit our website (www.edcoinfo.com) frequently as additional event details become available.    

Thurs, Oct 1 | The QRM Detective
When Lean manufacturing or JIT delivery aren’t the answer, think Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM). QRM is a competitive strategy for lower-volume and custom- engineered products. This workshop combines theory with practical implementation using case studies and is presented by the master QRM detective, Rajan Suri. Suri is Emeritus Professor of Industrial Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; he holds a Bachelors degree from Cambridge University and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Harvard University.
Where	Phoenix Inn, Bend
When	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost	$20 for HiDEC Members and $50 for Non-members
RSVP	eric@edcoinfo.com Sponsor: HiDEC
Wed, Oct 7 | Quality People & Organizations – Take a Page from Toyota’s Handbook
A HiDEC favorite, Senior Consultant Mike Hoseus returns for a full day workshop to focus this year on applying Lean principles applied to workforce selection and management. After 13 years with Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Hoseus heads the Center for Quality People and Organizations, a consultancy established in 1999 with Toyota to share the company’s broad-reaching Lean philosophy and practices. Includes lunch.
Where	COCC’s New Student Center
When	8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost	$20 for HiDEC Members and $50 for Non-members (includes lunch)
RSVP	eric@edcoinfo.com Sponsor: HiDEC
Thurs, Oct 15 | Top Ten Business Plan Mistakes
Perhaps you have a great concept but can you get it on paper? And in a format lenders prefer? This informative workshop will guide you through the process of developing a compelling business plan while avoiding classic mistakes such as presenting static financials or overdoing the market analysis. Presented by Tim Berry, founder, and Sabrina Parsons, CEO, of Eugene-based Palo Alto Software, creators of the most widely-used business plan software.
Where	Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor; 19800 SW Touchmark Way, Bend
When	8:30 - 10:00 am
Cost	This event has no cost.
RVSP	Dayna@edcoinfo.com; or to register for BVC, http://bvc2009.eventbrite.com/ Sponsors: Palo Alto Software & BVC & EDCO
Thurs, Oct 15 | Beyond Friends & Family: Prepare Your Company Now for Investor Financing
This 90-minute seminar is designed for emerging growth start-ups looking to raise outside funds. Caroline Cummings will share practical lessons she learned when presenting her start-up company to angel investors and venture capitalists. Lorie will discuss key due diligence issues an investor will consider when making an investment in your company. Being prepared to answer investor questions often means resolving many business and legal issues in advance to help your company pass the "due diligence test." Advance preparation will streamline your financing process and put cash in your company's coffers more quickly. You will leave with practical tips on how to think about your company like an investor and with resources that can help you better "speak the lingo of investors." Presented by Lorie Harris Hancock, attorney, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, PC and Caroline Cummings, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Co-founder/former CEO of OsoEco.com.
Where	Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor; 19800 SW Touchmark Way, Bend
When	10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost	This event has no cost.
RVSP	Dayna@edcoinfo.com; or to register for BVC, http://bvc2009.eventbrite.com/ Sponsors: Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, BVC & EDCO
Thurs, Oct 15 | Bend Venture Conference Reception
Initiated last year, this pre-conference event was a hit and continues this year as an opportunity for local leaders and businesses to network with conference attendees.
Where	Broken Top Club, Bend
When	5:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost	Free with BVC registration; $49 for reception only
RSVP	http://bvc2009.eventbrite.com/
Fri, Oct 16 | The Bend Venture Conference
Now in its sixth year, Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is Central Oregon’s premier event connecting seed and early stage companies with investment opportunities. This respected event attracts top entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers across the Pacific Northwest. Keynote Speaker is Paul Kedrosky, an analyst for CNBC television, a columnist for TheStreet/RealMoney, and the editor of the well-known business blog Infectious Greed. Kedrosky has published more than 300 articles in publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review. See www.bendvc.com for more details.
Where	The Tower Theater, Bend
When	8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost	$149/early bird special or $199 after Sept 14
RSVP	http://bvc2009.eventbrite.com/
Thurs, Oct 22 | Solar Tax Credit Seminar
Offering Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit, this seminar will help CFOs, accountants and tax professionals navigate the complex waters of commercial solar tax environment. Kip Barrett of Sunlight Solar will lead the seminar with ample time for Q&A.
Where	BendBroadband Conference Room; Bend
When	1:30 - 3:00 pm
Cost	$15 for EDCO Members/ $20 for Non-members
RSVP	dayna@edcoinfo.com or call 541-388-3236
Tues, Oct 22 | Enterprise Zone & Tax Incentives Workshop – Jefferson County
Learn about standard enterprise zone exemptions, how to communicate with companies, authorization, employment, compliance and enforcement. This workshop is held in Jefferson County but open to anyone seeking a better understanding of the benefits and qualifications of enterprise zones. Presented by Art Fish, State Employment Economist with Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic & Community Development Dept.).
Where	Jefferson County Annex: 66 D Street, Madras, OR
When	9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost	No cost
RSVP	Contact Donna Jansen at 541-475-2449
Tues, Oct 27 | Export Strategies
Join the US Dept of Commerce for a day-long seminar and instruction on effective exporting. This conference is aimed at those involved with transportation, reference, and government contacts.
Where	Second floor training room, Home Federal Bank, 821 SW 6th St., Redmond Oregon
When	8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost	$60 for EDCO Members/ $75 for Non-Members (includes materials)
RSVP	dayna@edcoinfo.com or 541-388-3236
Wed, Oct 28 | EDCO Annual Awards
A capper to our month of education, EDCO staff and Board of Directors host a light-hearted night of humor, networking, and recognition of excellence in the business community.
Where	Seventh Mountain Resort, Bend
When	5:30 - 8:00 pm
Cost	No charge to all EDCO and HiDEC Members
RSVP	dayna@edcoinfo.com by Friday, Oct 23
Thurs, Oct 29 | Branding Panel – Brand Your Enterprise While Avoiding Trademark Confusion
Join panelist Susan Daly Stearns, copyright attorney, and Bill Chiaravalle, principal and creative director of Brand Navigation, for an informative discussion on branding essentials and creating sustainable differentiation. Using a local case study, the Daly Stearns and Chiaravalle share how you can protect your brand as your company grows. Learn from others’ mistakes that have resulted in costly missteps.
Where	Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room, Bend (production facility, not the brew house)
When	2:00 – 4:00 pm
Cost	$15 for EDCO members/ $25 for non-members
RVSP	dayna@edcoinfo.com

us on Oregon 2009 Legislation Which Impacts Employers

Oregon Legislative Recap  - Bills Affecting Employers

In a last review of the 2009 Oregon Legislative session, we set out to summarize those bills which have the greatest impact to employers. But Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt beat us to it! Jean Back and Sharon Rye of Schwabe’s employment group offer their expert analysis of what the new legislation means specifically for employers. Be sure to see their three recommended action items at the end.  Below are the new provisions Schwabe believes will have the greatest effect on employers.

• HB 2744: Oregon Spousal Military Family Leave (Effective Upon Enrollment)
• HB 3162: Additional Whistleblower Protection (Effective Upon Enrollment)
• HB 2826: Child Labor (Effective January 1, 2010)
• HB 3256: Discrimination Against Members of the Armed Forces (Effective January 1, 2010)
• SB 928: Discrimination Against Certain Crime Victims (Effective January 1, 2010)
• SB 519: Employer-Sponsored Meetings (Effective January 1, 2010)
• SB 786: Oregon Workplace Religious Freedom Act (Effective January 1, 2010)
• SV 874: Consistency With the ADAAA (Effective January 1, 2010)

Similarly, another resource, the League of Oregon Cities (LOC), has just released their 75^th Legislative Session Summary of Bills. The LOC categorizes bills by topics (community development, energy, finance & taxes, general government, human resources, telecommunication, transportation, and water). Within the HR section, LOC reviews collective bargaining and employee rights, workers’ health insurance issues, tort claims, and compensation.

EDCO News

New Member - Mark Beardsley with Wells Fargo - Joins EDCO Board of Directors
As a Sr. Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo Business Banking Group, Mark will represent the EDCO’s financial institution sector. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, a strong business banking and management background, Beardsley says he understands Central Oregon’s business climate. In the ‘80s he started his own business, Mark’s True Value Hardware, and states he appreciates the challenges new and established businesses face since he’s been on both sides of the desk. “EDCO is vital to Central Oregon’s future business climate and I would like to be involved seeing it happen,” Beardsley said. His community experience includes being a former Bend Chamber of Commerce Board Member, as well as board positions on the Sisters Economic Development Board, Cascade Festival of Music, and the Bend-Mt. Bachelor Rotary.

New Member: Advanced Energy Systems - Bronze
With a new office in Bend, AES Advanced Energy Systems has expanded from the west side of the Cascades. With 25 years of hands-on involvement in the renewable energy industry, Advanced Energy Systems is dedicated to providing the best experience possible for the business owner with the acquisition and operation of a renewable energy system. Advanced Energy Systems specializes in the design of commercial solar electric systems and commercial solar water heating systems. For more information about the company, visit www.aewrenew.com

Renewing Members
We’d like to thank the members - new and renewing alike - who fund EDCO’s efforts to recruit new companies to the region and help local companies grow their operations.

• Silver:  Beecher Carlson Insurance Agency (1987), Eagle Crest Partners (1987), HSW Builders (2008), Karnopp Petersen LLC (1987), Lifewise Health Plan of Oregon (1999), Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt (2003), US Allegiance (2004), and William Smith Properties (1993).
• Bronze: 14 Hands (previously The Shop, 2008), Amerititle (1999), Bend Tarp & Liner (2004), Jones & Roth (1996), Pine Tavern (1986), RND Consulting Inc. (2008), Steele Associates Architects (1999), and Tompkins Consulting Companies (2008).
• Financial Institutions: Umpqua Bank (2004).
• Individual Members: Mary Stratton of John L. Scott Realtors (2004), Patrick Kesgard of Steve Scott Realtors (2005), David Rosell of Rosell Financial Group (2007), and Susan Daly Stearns of Susan Daly Stearns LLC (2008).

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