NEW EDCO MARKETING MANAGER BRINGS WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE FROM PRIVATE INDUSTRY

EDCO is pleased to welcome Ruth Lindley this month as its new Marketing Manger.  She takes the helm of this crucial function of the organization from Meg Thompson who has started a new consulting firm and who continues to perform contract work on the EDCO website.  Ruth has a broad spectrum of professional marketing and advertising expertise that includes a 17-year career with Target Corporation (headquarters), a joint venture firm with Sunset Magazine, two high-tech start up companies (PublishOne and InterTrust Technologies) and most recently marketing and sales management positions for Unicel.  Ruth will oversee writing and production of EDCO’s publications, public relations, advertising, and other marketing activities.  If you have ideas about how EDCO can improve its marketing efforts or would like to welcome Ruth to the EDCO team, contact her at ruth@edcoinfo.com.

---

CENTRAL OREGON MAKES HISTORY WITH #1, #2, #3 SHOWING FOR FASTEST GROWING COUNTIES, NEARS 200,000 MARK

In mid-November, Portland State University’s Population Research Center released 2006 population estimates for Oregon and its counties.  For the first time since population figures have been recorded, the tri-county area took all three top spots for fastest growing counties.  Crook County topped the list at a +7.7 % annual growth (which was also first last year), followed closely by Deschutes County (+6.4%) and Jefferson County (+2.3%) in the third spot – up three places from last year.  These rates compare with the +1.6% state average.   Six Oregon counties were estimated to have net population losses over the past year and 11 had gains of less than 1.0%. 

On average, 31 net new residents called the Central Oregon region home every day in 2006.  Bend added the largest number of people, gaining just shy of 5,000 (7.1%) to become the state’s seventh largest city – passing the other metros of Corvallis, Springfield and Medford over the past five years.  Projecting forward, Bend’s population will likely exceed that of Hillsboro and Beaverton within the next five years.  Redmond grew to 23,500 (+11.3%), passing Woodburn and Ashland this year to become one of Oregon’s top 20 largest cities.  It was estimated that Prineville added 908 residents for a 9.9% increase.   The City of Culver had the highest year-over-year percentage gain of 13.8%.  All told, the tri-county area added 11,340 people, accounting for nearly 20% of the state’s net growth, yet the region comprises less than 5.4% of Oregon’s total population.  The bulk of the continued population boom was due to in-migration, however the region is averaging more than 2,000 new births annually.  For all the numbers, visit http://www.pdx.edu/prc/.   

---

ERNST & YOUNG STUDY RANKS OREGON BUSINESS TAX CLIMATE 4th BEST IN THE NATION

An Ernst & Young study published earlier this year measures effective Business State and Local Tax Rate (ETR), examining the “tax burden” specific to businesses. Simply put, ETR is the ratio of business taxes to private-sector economic activity.  Across all states, Oregon ranks 4th.  While the ETR averages 4.9% across all states, the range is considerable, from a low of 3.6% to a high of 9.7%.  At 3.8%, Oregon’s Effective Tax Rate is among the lowest -- only Delaware, North Carolina and Virginia are lower.  Regionally, Oregon also fares very favorably when compared with other key western states vying for the same economic development proposals.

Key Western States Effective Tax Rates (ETR) Rank State ETR 4 Oregon 3.80% 12 Idaho 4.30% 22 Nevada 4.60% 25 California 4.80% 43 Washington 5.80%   5 States with LOWEST Effective Tax Rates (ETR) Rank State ETR 1 Delaware 3.70% 1 North Carolina 3.70% 1 Virginia 3.70% 4 Oregon 3.80% 5 Connecticut 3.90% 5 Utah 3.90%   5 States with HIGHEST Effective Tax Rates (ETR) Rank State ETR 50 Wyoming 9.60% 49 Alaska 9.30% 47 West Virginia 6.60% 47 North Dakota 6.60% 46 New Mexico 6.30%

For the full study, click here.

---

UNITED AIRLINES’ SKYWEST MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES CENTRAL OREGON’S LIVABILITY

SkyWest Magazine’s November/December issue spotlights Central Oregon in an article entitled “Living Right in Central Oregon.”  Editor-in-Chief Colleen Birche Maile claims natural attributes, an environmentally sensitive attitude, and locals’ enterprising spirit distinguish Central Oregon, providing the chemistry “to create communities where the good life is meant to last.”  Developer Bill Smith and Metabolic Maintenance founder Ed Fitzjarrell provide the narrative thread for Central Oregon’s dramatic transformation from sleepy lumber town to sought-after destination for visitors and residents alike.  SkyWest’s feature length article reaches 2 million readers who fly United Express flights operated by SkyWest airlines. For the complete article, visit: http://www.skywestmagazine.com/Features/NovDec06/bendOR.htm.

---

2006 WORKER’S COMPENSATION PREMIUM RATE RANKINGS PLACE OREGON 42nd HIGHEST IN THE U.S.

Only nine states in the nation had lower average worker’s compensation rates according to recent information released by the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services.  Oregon was one of only two states in the west in the top 10 lowest cost states for worker’s compensation.  The Beaver state’s premium rate index for 2006 is $1.97 per $100 of payroll or 79% of the national median.  The highest rates were found in Alaska ($5.00 per $100) and lowest in North Dakota ($1.10).  Arizona was 46th, or 6th lowest, otherwise all other low cost states were in the Midwest or eastern seaboard.  For a summary of the study, visit: http://www.cbs.state.or.us/imd/rasums/2082/06web/06_2082.pdf.

---

REPORT ILLUSTRATES IMPORTANCE OF SMALL BUSINESS TO OREGON’S ECONOMY

Earlier this fall, the SBA released a report that quantified the role small businesses play in the state’s economy.  According to the findings, they comprise 97.7% of all employer businesses in 2005.  Small businesses are defined as having fewer than 500 employees.  Using these criteria, Central Oregon’s share of small businesses is above 99% since only 12 companies currently have employment above 500 employees.  For more information about this report, visit: http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles/06or.pdf.

---

BEND METRO PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

In October, Bend Parks & Rec. was awarded a Gold Medal – the highest honor for excellence by the National Recreation and Park Association.  Judges based the award on financial responsibility, ability to meet community challenges, good stewardship, use of technology, long-term planning and agency effectiveness.  The District was a finalist for the award the past two years.  For more information about the work of the BMPRD, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

In response to a growing number of companies in the tri-county area that are using composites in their products, Central Oregon Community College started a new certificate program.  The program is the only of its kind in Oregon, and one of only three in the Western U.S.  Students can learn how to build aircraft, rock climbing walls, boats, jet skis, paddles and a nearly limitless variety of products – many of which are manufactured here in the region.  Two certificates are available; the One-Term (11 weeks) Certificate prepares students to immediately access entry-level composites jobs.  The One-Year Certificate expands on knowledge and skills of the one-term program with in-depth knowledge of composite materials, fabrication, and blueprint reading.  Composites consist of a combination of polymers, plastics, resins and carbon fibers used to design lightweight, extremely durable products.  Composite technology is used extensively in Central Oregon’s growing aircraft production sector, which includes national leaders Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing, Lancair, Epic Air and Windward Performance.  For more information about this program, call COCC at (541) 383-7755. 

 

Just when you thought unemployment rates could not dip further, both Deschutes and Crook Counties registered record monthly low rates – 3.5% and 4.7% respectively for October.  Jefferson County’s rate also dropped to 4.4%, down four tenths of a point from last month and eight tenths down from October 2005.  The Bend/Deschutes County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) again was the lowest in the state, and nearly a full point below the metros of Portland, Eugene, Salem and Medford.  EDCO has always viewed unemployment rates as a lagging, not leading indicator for the economy.  More importantly, each county has seen a steady rise in employment across all sectors.  In keeping with historical seasonal trends, expect employment numbers to contract in the months ahead and unemployment to rise, but remain below most other areas of the state. 

 

The U of O Index of Economic Indicators, which is modeled after national independent, not-for-profit research organization, The Conference Board (www.globalindicators.org), was up 0.1% for September (release date:  Nov. 8, 2006) - the first increase since March of this year.  Index components include unemployment claims, residential building permits, Oregonian help-wanted ads, weight-mile tax collections, U.S. consumer confidence, manufacturer’s orders and interest yield curve (the interest rate spread on 10-year treasuries v.s. federal funds rate).  Although housing starts were down sharply statewide, employers added 3,900 workers, help wanted ads were on the increase, and durable goods orders strengthened.  Cautionary signs included a rebound in consumer confidence due largely to lower fuel prices (likely to be short lived with recent increases) and the yield curve inverted further – both leading indicators of slower, but perhaps more sustainable economic growth ahead.  For more information about the index, visit: http://econforum.uoregon.edu/EconIndex.htm. 

 

Housing starts and the issuance of building permits — key indicators of future building activity — were both down in October as builders moved on a backlog of inventory to bring housing demand and supply more in balance, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau Nov. 17. Housing starts were down 14.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.486 million units for the month and the issuance of total building fell 6.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.535 million units. The pace of construction was 27.4% below a year ago.  Regionally, construction of new homes and apartments for the month fell 26.4% in the South, 11.7% in the Midwest and 2.1% in the West. Starts rose 31% in the Northeast, rebounding to a level similar to that reported in August following an unusually low reading in September.

 

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) President David Pressly noted that much of the “soft landing” for the recent booming housing industry will be behind us in six months.  “Today’s report shows that builders have been reacting appropriately to bring supply and demand back into balance following a period where sales were falling, cancellations were rising and inventories were growing.  NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders further predicted that “As builders continue to work off excess inventory, we expect that new housing starts will bottom out by the middle of 2007, with most of the decline occurring this year.”   For more information about forecasts for the housing market, visit: http://www.nahb.org/page.aspx/generic/sectionID=150.

 

Expansion has been the watchword at BendBroadband for most of 2006. In June, the company nearly doubled facility capacity with the completion of a new 16,000 square foot warehouse/office building.  The expansion brought total square footage to 36,000 and allowed for the addition of 20 new staff members supporting company growth.  In January of this year, the company launched in its Deschutes County service area new residential and business phone service that is both facilities-based and e911-supported.  This new residential telephone service travels over the company's privately-managed broadband network using IP (Internet Protocol) technology -- not the public Internet. In September, BendBroadband upgraded its high speed Internet email complex with full redundancy and reliability enhancements to 99.9999% reliability.

 

A national seminar on power policy and innovation is coming to Portland December 13th.  Keynote for this all-day summit is David Garman, Undersecretary for the United States Department of Energy.  Other speakers include Phil Moeller with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Ray Stults, Associate Director with the National Renewable Energy Lab and Mike Grainey, Director of the Oregon Department of Energy.  The seminar, which will be held at the Oregon Convention Center, will cover the latest innovations in fuel cells, bio-fuels, wind power, NextGen nuclear, ocean wave technology and advanced solar.  For more information, contact Patrick at patrick@ngrc.com or 503-956-2976. 

 

Where:   McMenamin's Old St. Francis School – Fr. Luke’s Room - Downtown Bend
When:    Thursday, January 11th, 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Cost:      $15 for EDCO; $25 for non-members

Save the date for the first PubTalk of 2007, which in addition to an outstanding talk by Amy Tykeson will feature early stage company Interlocking Construction Systems (www.interlockingconstructionsystems.com).  This year’s PubTalk series is being underwritten by Ball Janik and Community First Bank and through the sponsorship of Access Knowledge, LLC, Bend Venture Conference and media Sponsor, The Bulletin.  For additional information on this event or to pre-register, CLICK HERE, or call EDCO at 388-3236.

A relatively new section to the eCon Update, we are now recognizing renewing members to EDCO, many of which have been longstanding supporters of the organization. Our success is very much dependent on your ongoing investment in our efforts to build a strong, vibrant and diversified regional economy! 

 

Level Company Member Since Bronze Bend La Pine School District 2005

Pinnacle Event Media Services – Matt Hand
Pinnacle Event owner Matt Hand, knows the ins and outs of video presentation.  Pinnacle is carving a niche in the region by providing video production capabilities at affordable prices.  Pinnacle provides a gamut of services ranging from creating quality video productions to managing on-site audio visual needs for presentations.  “No job is too small,” says Matt, noting that he is intimately involved in all of his client work.  “We’ve handled everything from day-of support AV services to creation of promotional DVDs.”  Pinnacle clients include Red Cross, Sparrow Clubs, Bend Venture Conference, EDCO and BendFilm.  

The company works closely with clients up front to ensure that it understands an organization’s vision and can translate that vision into the presentation. This search for a sharp focus extends to all aspects of a presentation. In putting on an event, Pinnacle’s goal is to ensure that presentation quality equals the production quality of the video itself.  For more information, visit www.pinnacle-events.com.

---

---

Deanne Horner - Crossroads Realty
Originally from Eastern Oregon, Deanne moved to Bend in 1981.  Like most who reside here, she loves the great outdoors.  Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, kayaking and snow shoeing are just a few of the reasons she loves Central Oregon.  Since moving to Bend, Deanne has seen the growth explode from a small lumber town to what’s becoming quite sophisticated.  She says the combination of these two different aspects of Bend have made it even more desirable. 

Deanne began her company “Crossroads Real Estate” with the intent of helping others find their dreams here in Central Oregon.  She believes a large part of the industry is to know well her client’s needs.  It is her vision and intent to not only facilitate transactions but to form relationships that last long after the transaction’s complete.  For more information, contact her at 389-0690 or at deanneh@bendbroadband.com. 

An EDCO member since 1986, Cascade Healthcare Community, based in Bend, is the parent organization for St. Charles Medical Center – Bend, St. Charles Redmond and their affiliated services. These include: St. Charles SurgiCenter (for outpatient surgery); Central Oregon Regional Laboratory; St. Charles Cancer Treatment Center; St. Charles Home Health Services; St. Charles High Desert Sleep Center; and St. Charles Rehabilitation Center. St. Charles is also the home base of Air Life of Oregon, an air ambulance medical ambulance with both helicopter and fixed-wing (airplane) service. In addition to ownership of the hospitals in Bend and Redmond, CHC has management contracts with two smaller community hospitals, Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Prineville and Mountain View Hospital District in Madras. CHC is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation. With approximately 2,500 caregivers in Bend and Redmond, CHC is the largest employer in Central Oregon.

 

St. Charles Medical Center – Bend is the regional referral center for more than 230,000 people in a 32,000-square-mile area of Central and Eastern Oregon. With more than 1,950 caregivers and 240 physicians on its medical staff, representing 40 specialties and subspecialties, SCMC-Bend provides many services usually found only in larger urban areas. These include open heart and neurosurgery, comprehensive cancer care, inpatient rehabilitation for stroke and major injury, sophisticated imaging technologies and more. SCMC-Bend is Oregon’s only Level II Trauma Center East of the Cascade Mountains. The hospital increased its inpatient bed capacity to 216 in late 2004 to keep pace with exploding population growth and is in the midst of expansions in facilities, technology and equipment requiring an investment of more than $128 million.

 

St. Charles - Redmond is a 48-bed community-based hospital. It serves northern Deschutes County and surrounding communities. It has 40 physicians on its local medical staff. Specialties include family practice, urology, obstetrics, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, general surgery and many others. Services include inpatient and outpatient surgery in the new state-of-the-art operating suites, maternity care, critical care, emergency services, radiology, laboratory and more. SCMC-Redmond recently completed its $30 million expansion to create new patient rooms, improve public areas, enhance surgical facilities and provide room for future expansion.  For more information about Cascade Healthcare Community, visit: www.scmc.org. 

 

Without breaching obligations of confidentiality, we want to make you aware of a few of our pending projects for the region.  EDCO’s current portfolio of active projects includes 22 recruitment projects and 30 retention/expansion projects (local traded sector employers).  They include, but are not limited to:

---

---

We would love to hear your thoughts and comments about this electronic newsletter and ways to improve it. Just fire back a response.  Once again, thank you for your support and interest – we are working hard to make the most of your contributions to help strengthen and diversify the regional economy!