EDCO News and Updates

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) today announced that local guitar manufacturer Breedlove Guitars will donate 75 guitars to middle and high schools throughout the Bend-La Pine School District.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce the winners and companies receiving investment at the 2025 Bend Venture Conference (BVC), which took place October 16–17 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce the five Growth Stage finalists who will compete at the 2025 Bend Venture Conference (BVC), taking place October 16–17 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend.

EDCO Announces Five Early Stage Finalists for the 2025 Bend Venture Conference. Toast Wear, Inc. Wins PubTalk Audience Favorite Award, Taking Home $3,000.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) today announced the 10 semifinalist companies selected to advance in the Early Stage competition for the 22nd Annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC), taking place at the Tower Theatre in Bend on Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, 2025.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is excited to announce the eight semifinalist companies advancing in the Growth Stage track for the 22nd annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC), taking place in downtown Bend, Oregon Thursday, October 16 – Friday, October 17, 2025.

Applications are now open for companies looking to compete in the 2025 Bend Venture Conference (BVC). The event will take place on October 16–17, 2025, in downtown Bend, Oregon, bringing together top startups, investors and business leaders for two days of live pitches, networking and learning. Presented by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), BVC is the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running angel investment conference, serving as a powerful platform for Early and Growth Stage companies seeking investment and exposure.

EDCO is excited to announce that the City of Madras has received approval to add a 196-acre site into the Madras Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for future industrial use. The approval, which was granted by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, enhances Madras’ potential for economic growth.

With the record-breaking 2024 wildfire season in Oregon officially ending in late October, it may seem like it’s too soon to talk about wildfires again, but May is National Wildfire Awareness Month – a perfect moment to think about this critical issue. Now is the time to look to the future and talk about the pragmatic policy changes the state needs to adapt to the new reality.

EDCO is pleased to announce that Amazon has selected Redmond as the site of its newest delivery station. The company plans to invest in the region by opening an 83,559-square-foot facility at East Antler Avenue and Northeast Ninth Street, further enhancing its distribution capabilities across Central Oregon.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce the 2025 Central Oregon Largest Employers List, including breakouts of the top employers in each Central Oregon community. This data, collected by EDCO annually for the past 24 years, is the most comprehensive major employer list in Central Oregon.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce the re-engagement of Central Oregon Business Response Network (COBRN). This strategic initiative of EDCO, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) and East Cascades Works aims to enhance collaboration among workforce development entities, economic development organizations and the business community to address evolving labor market needs in Central Oregon.

With the 2025 Oregon legislative session underway, we are monitoring bills that impact, either positively or negatively, economic and business development. Our team has compiled a comprehensive outline that identifies the priorities and initiatives that could impact our ability to achieve our mission.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is excited to announce the hiring of Ellen Wayte as the new Director of Marketing and Communications, effective January 13, 2025.

The Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities report assesses 403 metropolitan areas across key economic indicators, including job growth, wage growth, high-tech GDP growth, and community resilience. The Bend-Redmond MSA continues to stand out in multiple categories, solidifying its status as a top choice for economic growth and innovation.

Economic Development for Central Oregon "EDCO" is soliciting proposals from qualified strategic planning consulting firms to provide project management to prepare a three-year organizational strategic plan that will guide EDCO's work in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties.

EDCO has achieved significant milestones this year, marked by policy advocacy, recognition for the organization’s accomplishments and expanded impact. Reflecting on the past several months, I can’t help but feel a tremendous sense gratitude and appreciation for partners’ and stakeholders’ unwavering support and shared vision.

The Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities report assesses 403 metropolitan areas across key economic indicators, including job growth, wage growth, high-tech GDP growth, and community resilience.

BASX is an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency data center cooling solutions, cleanroom systems, and custom HVAC solutions.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is excited to announce the appointment of Brenna Fulks as the new Jefferson County Director.

In November, Oregon voters have an opportunity to weigh in on Measure 118 (formerly Initiative Petition 17 or “IP-17” aka “The Oregon Rebate”).

The 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly ended on March 8, passing multiple bills on economic development in a brief session.

Central Oregon's outdoor industry accelerator introduces new innovators: Aeronaut Outdoor, Ahoya Life, Rustek Collective, and Ryoken Instinct.

Nechville Musical Productions relocates to Sisters, Oregon, joining the Sisters Folk Festival and Preston Thompson Guitars.