| Update on strategic efforts |
EDCO partners on competitiveness study 
EDCO is partnering with Headwaters Economics, an independent, nonprofit research group based in Bozeman, Montana, on a study titled “Improving Deschutes County’s Competitiveness: Business Location and Retention Factors.” Headwaters selected EDCO as its key partner and Deschutes County as the study area based on their foundational work in the economics of micropolitan areas and an interest in our region's distinct dynamics. Funded by a grant, the study represents a unique opportunity for area leaders to understand our asset base and challenges.
The study aims to learn more about why companies decide to locate in Deschutes County, what the pros and cons are of doing business here, and what factors keep a business in place. Additionally, Headwaters will compare Deschutes County’s business profile to other similar regions in the West and interview companies in those areas. EDCO is inviting Headwaters back to Central Oregon in July to present the findings of the study at EDCO’s annual meeting. The study will be made available for area organizations for their use. Contact Eric Strobel with any questions; stay tuned for information about additional community presentations.
Industry working groups serve as a force multiplier for EDCO's targeted recruitment efforts 
Working behind the scenes over the past year, several strategic volunteer groups have been formed to help evaluate, direct and provide expert advice on EDCO’s efforts in recruitment and industry targeting. Oversight is provided by the EDCO Recruitment Committee, which is comprised of the chairs of the industry working groups and other top leaders in economic development, site selection, commercial construction, business costs and education. Industry working groups include Renewable/Alternative Energy, Biosciences (Medical Devices, Pharma), Software/IT, Aviation/Aerospace, and Higher Education. To learn more about who is involved, the structure and efforts of these focus groups, view this PDF document.
The Renewable/Alternative Energy Industry Focus Group has an outstanding cast of leaders and is picking up momentum on developing an outreach strategy for further development of this sector in Central Oregon. Industries include solar, wind, geothermal, biodiesel, biomass, fuel cell, energy storage, waste energy conversion and electric automotive. Over 20 patent pending technologies are represented by member companies, with products and technologies ranging from information technology/software to manufacturing, fabrication, and intellectual property research & development.
The Biosciences Industry Focus Group is has met several times to look for opportunities in sub-sectors and with higher education to foster a better environment for growing and recruiting small firms in this industry. The group is coordinating with the Oregon Biosciences Association (OBA) and the recently created Central Oregon Bioscience Consortium (COBiC).
The Software Industry Focus Group is in the formative stages this summer, under the leadership of several key technology experts in the area and in coordination with the Central Oregon Tech Alliance and Software Association of Oregon.
The Higher Education Focus Group, which will be working to better define the demand-side of the education need equation, is also in the formation stages. All of the industry focus groups have identified expanded higher education coursework and degrees as an important need to help attract and grow firms, so this team will be coordinating closely with the Recruitment Committee and other groups.
The Aviation/Aerospace Industry Focus Group has done an extensive inventory of the local strengths the region offers in terms of aircraft design and prototyping, airframe structures, aeronautical engineering, and composites material science and manufacturing. The group is honed in on two sub-sectors that seem to have market growth promise and match well with the region’s assets: Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). To support future research, development and manufacturing of UAVs, the group is embarking on an effort to create a new testing area for UAVs within easy striking distance of the Central Oregon area.
Since formation of the Recruitment Committee and Industry Focus Groups, many leads for EDCO’s follow up have been generated, new initiatives launched, and several trade shows attended on the region’s behalf by members of these groups. In essence, they have multiplied EDCO’s outreach and marketing team fivefold with few additional membership dollars. Look for more updates in the future about the efforts, activities and successes of these expert, volunteer-led teams. Look at the groups' composition and progress here.
Investors invited to participate in Bend Venture Conference (BVC) fund 
In 2006, Ed Boyle Jr., a Bend thoracic surgeon, wowed the crowd with his invention - a micro-sized chest drain that solves one of surgery's most basic complications. The next year, Portland-based Elemental Technologies demonstrated that sophisticated video production could be done affordably. And in 2008, Jama Software, presented a webservice which makes software product development an easier, improved process.
Each of these three startups were awarded BVC's pooled prize money, $100,000 or more, as the most promising early stage company of that year's fierce competition. (Prize money from 2009 was carried over to 2010 because due diligence later determined that the selected company did not clearly address key components of their intellectual property, business strategy and valuation.)
The last week of May, fund investors gathered to be updated by the winning CEOs on their current activities, revenues, and expansion plans. A recurring theme was how BVC prize money, at the time awarded, made all the difference in the future of their company. For 2010, private investors are still able to participate in the investment fund. A minimum investment is $5,000 - an affordable level for these types of investments and a great opportunity for Central Oregonians to support development and exposure of regional entrepreneurial talent. For additional information about the investment, contact Bruce Juhola or Scott Larson.
Venture capital money rebounds, flows to clean-tech sector
While the rest of the venture capital market is licking its wounds, clean-tech investment in the US rebounded. The Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal reported in early May that venture capital investment in U.S. clean-tech companies during the first quarter hit $733.3 million in 72 financing rounds, a 68 percent increase in capital and a 118 percent increase in deals compared to the same period last year. Read more in the Ernst & Young LLP analysis based on data from Dow Jones VentureSource. Compared to the preceding quarter, however, the figures represent a 6 percent decline in funding and 1 percent decline in financing activity.
Redmond airport displays to come online with terminal completion
First in the baggage area and later in the departure area, RDM is in the process of bringing back its full tri-panel visual displays for advertisers. Costs are just a fraction of what they once were: based on an annual contract, local advertisers can spend $300/month for a display in one area or $600/month for displays in two areas. For additional details, go to www.captivemediasolutions.com or contact Bob Johnson by email or phone 541-815-0818.
REDI develops transportation focus group
In an effort to assist local companies with ongoing transportation and logistic solutions, Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) has organized a group of local traded sector businesses to foster local collaboration, further understanding of the transportation industry and develop a common voice for the freight needs in Redmond and, by extension, the region. Recently, several issues with LTL (less than truck load) capacity and backhaul needs were shared by local businesses. While helping to provide solutions to these companies, REDI identified a greater opportunity to establish a working group to look at additional issues surrounding freight in and out of Central Oregon. At the first meeting on May 26, the group of eight Redmond companies, chaired by Jim Wilson of JTS Animal Bedding, began developing a list of priorities and identifying additional partners to be included in future meetings. Contact Jon Stark for additional information.
Metabolic Maintenance expanding in Sisters, first company approved for e-zone
Back in 1994, EDCO worked to successfully recruit Ed Fitzjarrell and his vitamin supplement company to Sisters. Sixteen years later, the company is still pioneering new nutritional formulas through medical research and modern manufacturing. In 2002, the company became the first physician exclusive manufacturer to receive GMP certification (Good Manufacturing Practices) for their custom formulated minerals, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and botanicals.
As part of the FDA’s (Food & Drug Administration) GMP regulation, Metabolic Maintenance is developing an in-house analytical lab that will require some minor remodeling, purchase of equipment and hiring of new employees with specialized skills to operate the lab. With the enterprise zone incentive approval, the company will receive 100% property tax exemption for three years on qualifying investments and building modifications that create new jobs. Additionally, the City of Sisters offers several local incentives, including rebates on sewer and water usage, permit and planning fee reductions. The company expects to hire an additional seven people over the next year to accommodate the new lab. It is the first company to be approved for e-zone benefits in Sisters, which is part of the Greater Redmond Enterprise Zone.
EDCO’s Jefferson County office seeks change in statewide land use regulations for solar energy
In April, the Jefferson County Planning Department and EDCO in Jefferson County formed a technical advisory committee, SoFTAC, and have scheduled two additional events in June. Jefferson County’s large land owners who have non-irrigated agricultural land in close proximity to transmission lines have been invited to a presentation and discussion on June 15 regarding the efforts by SoFTAC to have the state consider modifying land use goals for renewable energy generation and potential utility-grade solar farms. Then, on June 30, the ad hoc task force will hear from developers about the challenges related to permitting and construction of solar farms in Oregon. The task force’s goal is to have the state modify its land use statute for energy generation on non-irrigated agriculture land, thus allowing an expedited permitting process for solar farms, bio-mass facilities and other related businesses.
HiDEC Update
- Tues June 15 - Visual controls class
Learn to replace textual and numeric data with carefully designed graphical displays whose meaning can be understood at a glance. Visual controls are vital to any lean implementation and create a much better environment for effective communication. Whether working on the production floor or in the office, visual controls aid the lean process by communicating in a simple, straightforward manner. The class is 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at COCC’s Redmond Campus in Building #3.
- New HiDEC member – St. Charles Health Center
HiDEC is pleased to welcome St. Charles Health Center to the HiDEC membership. St. Charles has been on a lean implementation push for more than a year, assembling an internal lean team and hiring a lean leader. St. Charles has attended several HiDEC events and shared several visual controls projects with the HiDEC membership at the last executive forum on May 11. “HiDEC is excited to provide the region's largest employer with training and networking with other lean organizations. In addition, our member companies will benefit from St. Charles’ membership.” said Steve Bettis, chair of the HiDEC steering committee.
Oregon slips in national ratings of attractiveness
The Oregonian reported on May 20th that Oregon fell the furthest in the Chief Executive magazine's annual survey of Best and Worst States for Business, now ranking No. 38. The magazine asked 650 CEOs nationwide to grade their states on their tax and regulatory environment, workforce quality and environment. Texas and North Carolina ranked first and second, respectively; Washington posted the biggest gain, jumping 10 spots to No. 30. California and New York finished at the bottom.
Oregon got a D in the tax and regulation category, an A- for its living environment and a B- in workforce quality. The magazine's web site allows readers to rank states based on their own criteria. "Oregon is highly rated for its living environment -- higher, in fact, than Texas which is rated number one in the overall rankings this year," said magazine editor-in-chief J.P. Donlon. "But faced with a budget shortfall, Oregon decided to hike taxes, raise fees and basically take the path that New Jersey usually took—before it elected its now current governor—when faced with deficits."
| Upcoming events in Central Oregon |
Thurs June 3 – Gimme a Little Credit: Where is Business Lending Going?
Central Oregon Risk Management Association, EDCO, and Opportunity Knocks are sponsoring a two-hour seminar on the current and future business lending environment. Three credit experts from PremierWest, US Bank, and Liberty Bank will each offer their perspectives on what’s in store. The $25 seminar is at Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor, is 11:15 am – 1:15 pm, and includes lunch. More speaker and program details are available here. Go here to register.
Tues June 15 – The Cheese Stands Alone: The science behind Oregon’s acclaimed artisan cheese
Oregon wine is mighty fine but, increasingly, no one does cheese like the Beaver State. Lisbeth Goddik, with OSU’s Food Science and Technology Dairy Processing Program, has helped grow the reputation of Oregon's cheese industry grow through her research in France with artisan cheese makers. Join this lively presentation, a collaboration between OSU-Cascades and the OSU Alumni Assocation, at McMenamins in downtown Bend on the science behind cheese making. The program starts with networking at 5:30 pm; a full menu and no-host bar is available. An RSVP is requested to www.osualum.com. For more information, call 541-737-2351 or 877-678-2837.
Thurs June 17 – Join us for the last Central Oregon PubTalk of the season
We’ll take a hiatus in July and August, so join us in June for the last of the season’s brainfood and networking. This month, we host a panel discussion about how to build the best executive team around intellectual property. Leading the panel is Brian Wall, Director of OSU's Office of Technology Transfer. Justin Rae, co-owner of PlayOutdoors.com, will make the early stage company pitch for local e-commerce favorite. The event is Thursday evening, 5:00 - 7:30, at McMenamins in downtown Bend. Please RSVP in advance to Dayna so we may plan food and beverage accordingly.
Thurs June 17 – Career & Community Resources Expo hosted by WorkSource Central Oregon
A partnership of workforce agencies have organized the Career & Community Resources Expo to be held at Central Oregon Community College’s Bend campus on June 17. The day-long event is an effort to connect job seekers and employers with prospects of gainful employment, direct access to service providers, and job search tools. The Expo will also feature an opportunity for demobilized Oregon National Guard troops to network with employers who are interested in utilizing their skills, abilities and experience. Free exhibit spaces for employers are available with some restrictions. Contact Laurel Werhane at Worksource Oregon or call 541-548-8196 ext. 328 for information about exhibiting or attending the Expo.
Our thanks to the companies below who fund EDCO’s efforts to recruit new companies to the region and help local companies grow their operations.
Gold:
Strategic Realty LLC
Bronze:
Freund/Spencer Investments, Rebound Physical Therapy, and Classic Coverings and Design
CLS Fabrication (Baldhead Cabinets)
Baldhead Cabinets offers the best in high end custom metal cabinetry solutions. They offer complete service from design to installation. Baldhead cabinets are sold nationwide. Visit their showroom in the fabrication facility off Boyd Acres in northeast Bend at 20522 Builders St, Bend or visit their website at www.baldheadcabinets.com.
CLS Fabrication is a family owned and operated company with 25 years in the sheet metal fabrication industry. Outside of cabinetry offerings, they are a source for precision sheet metal fabrication/general metal fabrication with in house powdercoating. They offer full sheet metal fabrication solutions with a commitment to customer service and attention to detail. They are an end to end fabricator, operating out of a 55K sq foot facility off Boyd Acres Road.
North Coast Electric
North Coast Electric, family owned and operated since 1913, is one of the largest and fastest growing electrical distributors in the nation with 34 locations operating in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Arizona. As a full time electrical distributor, they supply a wide range of electrical equipment to contractors, factory automation, industrial MRO and commercial and institutional markets. For more information, contact Vito DiMaio, local Service Center Manager at 541-480-8050 or visit www.northcoastelectric.com.
Individual:
Virtuosity - Cameron Powell
FedEx
FedEx is excited to support business development in Central Oregon by becoming new EDCO members. Their local sales team in Bend is eager to grown their business in the new downtown location, among several others in the area. FedEx provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. www.fedex.com.
Tamarack Real Estate Services
Owner/Broker Linda Williams of Tamarack Real Estate Services specializes in service exclusively to home buyers in Central Oregon. She is also the co-owner of Tamarack Homes, a residential home construction company, since 2000 and has more than 15 years experience as a real estate broker in Oregon. Call Linda at 541-617-9091 (Office).
Feedback
Let us know what you like or dislike about the eCon Update. Or have a story idea? We love your input. Send an email message to Ruth Lindley.