2007-1500-Minutes for Meeting August 22,2007 Recorded 9/11/2007COUNTY
NANCYUBLANKENSHIP,FCOUNTY CLERKS C 2007'+500
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL
09/11/2007 04:15:58 PM
2007-1500
Do not remove this page from original document.
Deschutes County Clerk
Certificate Page
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statement, in accordance with ORS 205.244:
Re-recorded to correct [give reason]
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w~ A
{ Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.orc
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007
Present were Commissioners Michael M. Daly, Dennis R. Luke and Tammy Baney.
Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; and, for part of the
meeting, Roger Lee, EDCO; Catherine Morrow and Terri Payne, Community
Development Department and member of the EDCO Board; Laurie Craghead,
Legal Counsel; and Scott Johnson, Lori Hill, Kathy Drew and Greg Canfield,
Mental Health Department. Also present were media representatives Keisha
Burns of Fox TV and Yoko Minoura of The Bulletin.
The meeting began at 1: 30 p. m.
1. Quarterly Update - EDCO.
Roger Lee gave an update on the activities of EDCO, and distributed a handout
(copy attached).
The group discussed the possibility of holding a roundtable event involving the
cities and the local counties. Mr. Lee will investigate whether this may be
feasible in the near future. He invited the Commissioners to attend various
EDCO meetings.
Mr. Lee gave an overview of HiDEC (High Desert Enterprise Consortium), a
new organization made up of manufacturing businesses that are committed to
working together and helping each other.
2. Discussion regarding Increased State Funding for Mental Health and A &
D Treatment.
Scott Johnson said that his department had been waiting for the State to decide
funding levels for the new biennium, and those decisions have now been made.
(He provided a handout with a breakdown of the programs and funding
changes, and then explained them.)
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Page 1 of 5 Pages
He noted that some addition money is being provided for developmental
disabled programs, and for respite care. The County will be taking on
additional work, though, for Harney County, who does not have a respite
program in place. He added that they lost funding for one position for the Jail
Bridge reentry program.
He indicated that he feels the information is a good faith representation of what
his Department hopes to have for the next two years.
He wondered if it would make sense to contract with Trillium for children's
outpatient indigent services. Trillium has been using space within the Juvenile
Community Justice building, which has not been ideal; but Mr. Johnson hopes
they can remain in the area. They are looking at other properties now. The
Cascade Child Center in Redmond may be able to provide services in the future
as well.
The acute care services number may not be correct; the State is examining its
figures. St. Charles may want o discuss rates for indigent and Medicare patients
at some point.
Item # 12 in the summary allows the County some flexibility in how the funding
is used. Commission on Children & Families is handling some of this work.
Commissioner Daly said he would like to see alcohol and drug treatment
programs restored in the jail.
Lori Hill spoke about housing projects and the ongoing need for appropriate
housing.
Mr. Johnson asked the Board to sign a letter to Trillium, encouraging them to
remain in the area. Commissioner Luke said they have to be careful about
supporting a specific entity over another. Mr. Johnson will make some
adjustments to the letter and present it again to the Board.
3. Final Work Session - Destination Resort Code Amendment.
Terri Payne indicated that the way the amendment reads now is they can either
phase the overnight lodging or build them all now. If they build them over
time, they have to build fifty units first before any lots can be sold. This is the
decision from LUBA and the County cannot be less restrictive. LUBA found
that bonding was less restrictive. This issue was not addressed at the Court of
Appeals.
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Page 2 of 5 Pages
Therefore, they have to build the first fifty and have them available to rent out,
and they have up to five years to build the next fifty units and another five years
to build the last fifty units. They have to maintain the proper ratio the entire
time. The second fifty units and the third fifty units can be bonded; this process
can take up to nine years. By the seventh year, they have to decide whether to
build or bond, because by then they will be out of compliance regarding the
required ratio. The Commissioners observed that this is a huge up-front
investment for any organization.
After the first fifty units are built, they can then sell up to 100 lots.
The group then discussed how enforcement can be handled, and how CCR's are
addressed and whether they should be enforced by the County. Ms. Craghead
said this would only be the CCR's that relate to the ratio.
4. Other Items.
The Board then discussed the outdoor mass gathering ordinance, which Ms.
Craghead is revising. The Board will review it in the near future to make a
determination on the changes.
Commissioner Baney said Habitat for Humanity has asked for a letter of
support regarding reclaiming more material from the landfill to sell it at the
Restore. Commissioner Luke stated that the Baileys handle the recycling
process at the landfill and Habitat should contact them. When the new building
is in place, Habitat volunteers and other non-employees won't be allowed to
pull items from the pile, as there would be some danger in doing so.
The Board discussed a grant request for Project Wildfire. This is an item that
cannot be purchased with grant funds. Commissioner Luke granted $3,250 and
Commissioner Baney granted $1,000.
Dave Kanner said he needed some kind of response to the Stephanie Hallock
letter regarding DEQ's stand on the South County groundwater issue. He
suggested perhaps a video conference could be arranged. Commissioner Daly
stated he sees no reason why they can't meet in person with her, even if it is in
Salem. Commissioner Baney said it would be best to hold it locally.
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Page 3 of 5 Pages
Commissioner Luke suggested that they agree on a list of the main questions to
get some firm answers. She should have the questions at least a week ahead of
time so she will have time to get the answers together.
Tom Anderson stated that some of them are simply talking points. DLCD
should also be there to provide a perspective on Goal 11 and the idea of
sewering. Answers are also needed in regard to whether they feel there is a
problem and if there is a sense of urgency; also, how they would pursue options
such as sewering. It is not intended to be a deliberation for the Board or to
come to a firm decision. It is simply to get them to commit to something and to
find out what their position actually is. Commissioner Baney said that the
meeting must be as open as possible and the community needs to hear from
DLCD and DEQ. Unlike the last meeting, firm answers from DEQ are needed
so the public will know their opinion.
Ms. Morrow said DEQ only wants to spend an hour, and that is not adequate
time for the three entities to come to some kind of agreement. It will still be
hard to find out what DEQ's objectives are, other than their idea of having the
County start all over. They haven't stepped up to say how they would do this
and what exactly they want from the County.
Commissioner Luke said that DEQ's public involvement with the public is
traditionally very poor, and they are not good about listening to public opinion.
A meeting one on one might be more productive as they will be more
forthcoming. The answers are needed and it will be difficult to get them in a
public meeting. This does not preclude a meeting at a later date to publicly
state how DEQ and the County feel about the problem and solutions.
Ms. Morrow stated that they originally balked about the provisions regarding
the red lots. She is not sure if this is still an issue, but there is a lot more to it
than just the red lots, and answers are needed.
Dave Kanner will contact DEQ to see if a series of meetings with DEQ can be
arranged to get to answers about this issue.
Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p. m.
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Page 4 of 5 Pages
DATED this 22"d Day of August 2007 for the Deschutes County Board
of Commissioners.
Dennis R. Luk-6,- Vice Chair
t
ATTEST: ney, Commi 'over
. / G
Recording Secretary
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Page 5 of 5 Pages
VXI" ' C
gG
101 A& A& Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.or
WORK SESSION AGENDA
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007
1. Quarterly Update - EDCO - Roger Lee
2. Discussion regarding Increased State Funding for Mental Health and A & D
Treatment - Scott Johnson
3. Final Work Session - Destination Resort Code Amendment - Terri Payne
4. Other Items
PLEASE NOTE:
At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to:
ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), pending or threatened litigation; or
ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues
Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board of Commissioners'
meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated.
Ifyou have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.
Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.
Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY.
Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information
08/20/2007 MON 16:48 FAI 541 506 2521 wasco County Court
Dan Eci.cksen, ownry judge
Sherry Holliday, counry Conuniesiaier
William G. Lennox, CauuyGonrmissioner
WAS CO COUP
Wasco County Court ,
511 Washington suta $Ia_ 302
The DaUcs, Oregon 97058-2237
(541) 506.2520
Fax: (541) 506-2521
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS REQUIRED
DATE: August 20, 2007
TO: DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
GILLIAM COUNTY COURT
GRANT COUNTY COURT
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SHERMAN COUNTY COURT
WHEELER COUNTY COURT
WASCO COUNTY COURT
FROM: Kathy McBride, Administrative Assistant 1~lO\
RE: REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 59 VACANCY
As you are aware, a vacancy exists in Representative District 59 due to the
resignation of State Representative John Dallum. As required by law the
governing bodies of the Counties of Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson,
Sherman, Wheeler and Wasco must meet to appoint one person from the list of
nominees submitted by the precinct committee persons. Said appointment must
be made no later than September 1, 2007.
It is anticipated that on Wednesday, August 22nd the Office of the Secretary of
State, after receiving the nominations from the Republican Central Committees,
will forward to each of the participating Counties a letter listing the names of the
nominees and the number of votes apportioned to each member of the County
governing bodies.
Wasco County has been designated by the Secretary of State to convene a
meeting of the seven governing bodies. The meeting has been scheduled for
9 a.m. on Monday, August 27~h In Wasco County at Cousins' Restaurant
Saloon located at 2114 W. Sixth Street, The Dalles, Oregon.
9001/003
08/20/2007 ION 16;49 FAX 541 506 2521 Wasco County Court
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you may call in to participate
by conference call. The toll-free telephone number is 1-888-325-3989 and the
Participant Passcode is 423282. We are asking that each County contact our
office to let us know whether your County will be participating in person, by
conference call, or both.
County Judge Dan Ericksen will serve as temporary chairperson for said
meeting. For your information, I am including a copy of OAR 165-010-0060,
which states the procedure for conducting the meeting to fill a vacancy in the
Legislative Assembly.
As a reminder, each County is required to comply with the meeting laws of the
State of Oregon. Notice of said meeting must be provided as required in
each of the Counties involved, thus, this issue will need immediate
attention.
2002/003
If you have any questions or concems regarding this matter, please do not
hesitate to contact my office at (541) 506-2520.
08/20/2007 MON 16:49 FAX 541 506 2521 Wasco County Court
165-010-0060
Procedure for Conduct of Meeting to Fill Vacancy in Legislative Assembly
The following procedures govern the conduct of a meeting of a county court or board of
commissioners (hereafter, county governing body(ies)) to fill a vacancy in the Legislative
Assembly These meeting procedures apply to appointments made under either ORS
171.060(l) (vacancy to be filled by nominee affiliated with a major political party) or
ORS 171.060(2) (vacancy need not be filled by member of a particular major political
party),
(1) A meeting of the members of the county governing body(ics) shall convene at the
time designated by the Secretary of State. If the legislative district includes more than one
county, the Secretary of State shall also name the temporary chairperson for the meeting
and designate its location, which shall be within the legislative district. The Secretary of
State shall also notify the county governing body(ies) of the nominees and of the number
of votes apportioned to each member of the county governing body(ies) under ORS
171.062 and 171.064.
(2) The chairperson conducting the meeting shall open the meeting at the time designated
by the Secretary of State. The chairperson shall announce that the purpose of the meeting
is to appoint a person to fill the vacancy in the Legislative Assembly. If applicable, the
appointment will be made from the list of nominees from the major political party as
furnished by the Secretary of State.
(3) Members of the county governing body eligible to vote on the selection are those
physically or electronically present at the meeting, who are currently holding office by
election or appointment.
(4) The county governing body(ies), in making its determination, may allot time for
interviewing nominees or applicants and for other pertinent deliberations prior to voting.
(5) The vote shall be taken in a manner specified by a majority of those present and
eligible to vote on the selection. The person receiving the highest number of votes shall
be the appointee. However, in any case, the vote of each member of the governing
body(ies) shall be recorded and included in the written statement required by ORS
171.060(3).
(6) The Secretary of State hereby adopts forms SEL 145a, Statement of Democratic
Nominee's Willingness to Serve, and SEL 145b, Statement of Republican Nominee's
Willingness to Serve, as the forms to be used to accept a nomination to fill a legislative
vacancy.
2003/003
State of Oregon Behavioral Health Funding
to Deschutes County 2007-2009
A B C D E F G H
. Annual Total
Biennial Total
Grant
2007-08 2007-08 2007-2008
2007-09 2007-09 2007-2009
Category
#
base new $ Total
:base new $ Total
ALCOHOL, DRUG TREATMENT
r
Indigent treatment (equity)
66
249,491
261,970
511,461
545,278 523,941 1,069,219
Children's Safety Initiative
66
n/a.
118,643
118,643
n/a 237,286 237,286
Subtotal Alcohol, Drug
249,491
380,614
630,105
545,278 761,227 1,306,505
MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
Adult case management
20
406,867
39,788
446,655
813,734 79,576 893;310
Jail diversion
20
-
77,587
77,587
- 155,173 155,173
Indigent children's services
22
182,830
60,413
243,243
365,661 120,826 486,487
Acute care services reg'ional*
24
460,496
389,633
850,129
920,992 779,265 1,700;257
possible State error here
Health care crisis services
25
299,451
59,939
359,390
598,903 119,878 718,781
Subtotal Mental Health
11349,644
627,359
1,977,003
2,699,290 1,254, 718 31954,007
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Case management
48
519,197
59,470
578,667
1,038,394 118;940 1,157,334
Respite (4 counties) est'd
22,000
17,000
39,000
44,000 34,000 78;000
Subtotal DD
541,197
76,470
617,667
1,082,394 152,940 1,235,334
ADMINISTRATION
LA01
21,387
88,049
109,436
42,773 176,099 218;872
GRAND TOTAL.
1' 696,991
1,172,492
31334,210'
3,287;341 2,192,044 5,479,384
* Biennial acute care totals per County: Crook: $96,930.07; Deschutes: $601,738.64; Jefferson: $80,596.48
Note: base allocation includes some funds allocated throught Deschutes County and $74,172.48
allocated directly to Crook and Jefferson counties (same funding level for each)
Note: Residential programs - spreadsheet does NOT include planned State Request for Proposals to
develop 2 new programs in Deschutes County to benefit people from our region and other areas of the
state. The projects include: 1) a 10-bed secure residential treatment program and 2) an 8-bed non-
secure program, including 3 respite beds.
Does NOT include other funds that might become available thru an application process:
a. ABED prevention, b. East Program, c. Supported housing, d. Supported employment
finances / 2007-2008 / new funds spreadsheet
Draft 8/22/2007
<Y
T
Deschutes County Mental Health
Summary of Proposed Use of New State Funds - County Commissioners 8/22/7
Adopted budget
1. $12.6 million; includes $976,000 in reserves; $1.4 CGF; no expansion funds
2. Reserves used to expand mental health court and sustain Jail Bridge (reentry)
3. Cooperation with state on 2 new residential projects
4. Drug court continued
5. Strategy needed to sustain alternatives to incarceration in 2008-2009
6. DCMH budget priorities noted in RED; no new funds for seniors with mental health needs
New funds initiatives ($1 million annually with State restrictions)
Highlights: adults mainly benefit; > alcohol & drug treatment; > help for people exiting jail;
stabilizes acute care; Proposal to state: Sept. 27; start up (around) January 2008
1. 2nd Bridge person (A&D, MH): help people leaving jail
2. Part time A&D person, help indigent with co-occurring disorders
3. More A&D treatment slots (priority: referrals upon jail release)
4. More A&D treatment slots for adolescents
5. A&D treatment: child welfare parents, welfare adults
6. Clubhouse more independent; client operated
7. Children's outpatient mh indigent
8. Sustain acute care services thru 08-09 (St. Charles, mobile crisis etc.)
9. Crisis / PSRB I coverage - one add' I staff later (crisis & new residential
10. Developmental disabilities $59,470 (more case management)
11. Admin: use to cover current admin costs OR add contracting help?
12. 4 opportunities to apply and compete this fall
a) A&D prevention project-referred to CCF
b) East program - teens / young adults with mental illness
c) Supported housing
d) Supported employment
13. Reserves: 07-08 draw down lessened by est' d $250,000
County help
1. Help from Judith Ure in grant applications; Request for Proposal(s)
2. Sustaining jail alternatives in 08-09 (1 st Bridge position; mental health court)
3. Adequate space for staff (more needed)
4. Help with new residential program development ("help" tbd)
5. Housing projects ongoing need - e.g. PSRB home closure
County
Contract?
Contract
Rimrock?
RFP, contract
ABHA contract
Trillium contract?
County, contract
County
County
County
Next steps: discussion with Advisory Board; AOD treatment providers; budget development
Question: Further BOC discussion or review before September 27 submittal?
I Psychiatric Security Review Board
2007.2008 / New funds / More general summary
8/22/2007
14il)EC
High Desert Enterprise Consortium
HiDEC Vision: A community of independent manufacturing businesses committed to helping each other continually
strengthen their competitive position against the world's best, while maintaining a high level of
corporate responsibilityto the communities of Central Oregon.
HiDEC Mission: HiDEC is an organization dedicated to providing access to quality training, continuing education and
a creative forum for sharing ideas to assist Central Oregon enterprises in achieving world-class
performance.
Focus Areas: 1.) Lean Tra,nig 2.) Learning Tours 3.) Roundtables - Open Forums (held at membership meetings)
HiDEC Member Companies (22). Structus International, Bright Wood Corporation, PCC Schlosser, Keith
Manufacturing, EntreP rises, MediSISS, Woodgra.in Millwork, Northland Furniture, RuffWear, Pioneer Cut Stock1Warm
Springs Composite Products, Precise Flight, Contact Industries, BEKO Technologies, Metabolic Maintenance, O'Keeffe's
Company, Dayspring Hardwood and Moulding, S&W Engineering, PV Powered, Northwest Structural Components, Brian's
Cabinets and Fuqua Homes.
HiDEC's Progress
• Inaugural Meeting - Friday, December 12006
- 14 companies attended.
- 11- member Steering Committee and 3 member Executive Committee formed
Economic Development for Central Oregon - Administrative and coordination support for HiDEC.
Grants Received
- $25,000 Manufacturing Strategy Grant - for consortium building
- $59,000 Workforce Training Grant - for training and education
- $ 8,500 Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Training Center Established - Manufacturing and Applied Technology Center (building 3) - Redmond
Redmond Veterans wee
Redmond
~
dmon Qr ~
' Redmond
Airport
to /
Bend
Training classes
- Lean training through Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership and other "HiDEC sanctioned" trainers.
- Leadership and Supervisory training through COCC
- More than 20 training classes-held since January 1, 2007
• Lean 101
Visual Management / 5s
Lean Leadership
• Developing Lean Implementation Plans
• More than 200 member company employees trained in Lean principles
• Learning tours held at Fuqua Homes and PCC Schlosser
• Training simulation model purchased to teach Lean 101 internally
• Lean DVD libraryestablished
Learning tours held at Fuqua Homes, PCC Schlosser, and Woodgrain Millwork Keith Manufacturing is
scheduled for August 28.
Open Forum discussions on change management and employee recruitment/retention
Dues Structure
Company Size
Dues/Year
1-10
$400
10 - 25
$800
26 - 50
$1,000
51 - 100
$1,200
>100
$1,400
1. Get a refund of up to 50% of your dues based on the following calculation:
$250 for providing a facility for training
$250 for providing a trainer for an event
$500 for hosting a learning tour ($400 for a 1-25 size company, $200 for a 1-10 size company)
Contact Information:
Eric Strobel 541-388-3236 eric@edcoinfo.com
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
-0 FOR CENTRAL OREGON
Economic Development for Central Oregon
Quarterly Report to the Deschutes County Commission
August 22, 2007
As the Commission is aware, Deschutes County continues to grow at a rapid pace, despite
some signs of weakness in the national economy and especially in residential housing. Both
population and job growth remain strong in the region and county - and lead all other regions of
the state, including the larger metro areas of Salem, Eugene, and Medford. In terms of
unemployment, the balance of job and population growth seems to be finding an equilibrium at a
much lower rate in Deschutes County than we've had historically, and lower than state averages
- a trend not seen in the past 50 years.
According to the assessor's office, Deschutes County added more than $7.5 billion in real
market value to the tax rolls - a remarkable figure for any size county in Oregon or Washington.
Property tax limitation measures, combined with brisk building activity for industrial and light
industrial in Deschutes County has translated into one of the lowest effective tax rates in the
entire state - currently about 52% for Bend and Redmond. This fact, along with other cost of
doing business advantages such as affordable workers compensation insurance rates, low
utility costs, and relatively low corporate income tax rates, have enabled increasingly costly
areas like Bend, Sisters and to a lesser extent, Redmond, to still compete well for traded-sector
projects. Because of higher land and lease costs in those communities, we are seeing more
interest and activity for La Pine and the other smaller communities in Crook and Jefferson
Counties.
EDCO's interpretation of these trends is that we can continue to see similar growth in the future
that the region has experienced over the past decade. We expect the next 6-12 months to be
moderate (lull before the storm), and then return to some of the crazy busy activity experienced
in 2004 and 2005. Importantly, statistics illuminate that Deschutes County and Central Oregon
has a more diversified economy today than it did 10 years ago, and certainly more than when
EDCO was founded back in 1981. We think that has not been by accident, and EDCO's efforts
to bring in more than a 60 new employers to the region over the past 26 years that now employ
more than 3,000 people has played a significant role.
RECRUITMENT PROJECTS
Over the years, EDCO has developed its own system for tracking business development
projects that both enables us to keep in regular contact with these firms as well as to accurately
group them by the type of project and stage of progression to completion. Even when
companies have made public announcements about their intentions to move or expand, EDCO
only considers those that have built or occupied facilities in the tri-county region and which have
hired employees to be "done deals". All others are grouped under "pending projects" according
to their timing and propensity to come to fruition. Listed below is a sampling of the projects we
are working on specifically within communities in Deschutes County. Company names for most
pending projects have been omitted due to confidentiality requirements.
Recently Relocated to Deschutes County (Done Deals)
Altrec, Inc. - is a leading online retailer of outdoor gear and apparel with customers
nationwide that now operates from a new 35,000 sf facility in Redmond near the airport.
Following a successful two-year recruitment by EDCO, the company moved most of its
operations, including distribution, management and customer service from Washington's
Puget Sound. Altrec is growing annually in the triple-digits and has already grown its
employment to more than 40 employees. We expect that the company could be a major
employer in the region within the next five years. www.altrec.com
■ Altsource Manufacturing - is a new company providing contract manufacturing
services for medical device, electronics, specialty machining and packaging. The
principals relocated from southern California, and are occupying a new light industrial
building in Bend's East Empire Business Park. www.altsourcemfg.com
■ Mountain EDM recently established operations at the Sisters Airport and specializes in
wire and sinker EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining). The company focuses on
prototype development and successful execution of difficult mechanical set-up, primarily
small medical devices such as thoracic surgery tools and catheter delivery services. The
company currently employs two people.
Pending Recruitment Projects
ODS Companies, a leading health and dental insurer based in Portland, is building a
new $25 million, Class-A office building in Bend's Old Mill District to house a claims
processing center and the region's first dental hygiene school. This is a project, which
EDCO has been working on the past two-plus years, will initially create more than 70,
new, well-paid positions with full benefits and more than 120 total over time. The
building construction is underway and the facility will be operational by January 2009.
www.odscompanies.com
We have been in discussions with iSKY, a customer loyalty management operation
about plans to locate a second call center in the La Pine area. We are currently waiting
on the green light from the company as it is anticipating a new contract that would drive
demand for the new facility. The company would occupy approximately 8,000 - 10,000
sf of open office space and employ from 100 - 200 part and full time employees. We
are competing with the other areas in which the company already has call centers
(Montreal, CN; Laurel, MD, and India). www.isky.com
■ EDCO is very excited about a new alternative energy company that has just recently
made the decision to consolidate and relocate operations outside of Oregon to Bend.
The company, which recently received sizable venture capital financing, operates
profitably and has its proprietary technology in use globally, will employ 32 people within
the first two years at an average wage of more than $70,000.
■ A newly formed food packaging company has selected Redmond as the location for its
new manufacturing operation. The company expects to be up and running before the
end of this year and will initially employ about 15 people.
■ A custom furniture manufacturer from Northern California has purchased a light
industrial lot in Bend to build a new production facility, showroom and headquarters and
is now working through the permitting process with the City of Bend. Expected
employment from this business is five craftsmen at above average wages.
In addition to these projects, we are also following up on several promising leads for medical
device manufacturing (most of which are coming out of California), data centers (which are
not the same as call centers) and several companies in the aerospace/aircraft production
industry.
RETENTION EXPANSION
EDCO spends considerable time working with our existing manufacturing and technology-based
companies throughout the tri-county area, and certainly spends most of our time and effort here
in Deschutes County simply because that is where the majority of these employers are located.
Increasingly, these projects have a retention aspect to them as well, given the rising cost of light
industrial and commercial land, tight workforce, and relative cost of housing vis a vis other
comparable metros in the West. Here is a rundown of recent and current projects in Deschutes
County:
Recently Expanded
• PV Powered, a world leader in grid-tied electric inverters for solar power recently
doubled its employment in Bend, thanks in part to a grant from the COCIB Opportunity
Fund. The company now employs 45 people with average wages exceeding $55,000.
www.pvpowered.com
■ Structus, an innovative company in the building supply industry with patented drywall
corner systems, recently expanded into a brand new manufacturing and headquarter
facility in Basalt Business Park in Bend. www.structus.com
Epic Air, designer and manufacturer of high performance turbine and jet aircraft
continues to expand its operations at the Bend Airport, and is now up to 150 employees
after starting operations only four years ago. EDCO provided an economic development
grant for this expansion and is also working with the company on the next phase of
growth that could include doubling its current manufacturing plant size.
www.epicaircraft.com
Pending Expansion Projects
Following a year-and-a-half recruitment and negotiation process, Les Schwab Tire
Centers is bringing its headquarter and administrative operations to Bend. The project
has launched forward the light industrial portion of Juniper Ridge (infrastructure
construction is currently underway), that will accommodate a new, Class-A office
building of 125,000 sf and an estimated $25 million capital investment. The project will
initially result in more than 325 family-wage jobs for Deschutes County and employment
could eventually grow to more than 500. Bend competed for the project with
Sacramento, CA; Reno, NV and Portland-Vancouver.
■ Breedlove Guitars broke ground earlier this month on a new production facility and
headquarters on an industrial lot in Bend's Northwest Crossing development. EDCO
helped find the site for the company, which had searched in vain for nearly two years.
We also connected Breedlove with industrial revenue bond financing through the State
of Oregon for construction of the new plant and offices. www.breedloveguitars.com
■ PV Powered is noted above as a recently expanded, and due to explosive growth in
their industry and launch of a new line of products for the commercial market, the
company will need to move into new facilities. We are competing with metro areas in
northern California and Nevada to retain the company, which expects to double its
employment again within the next two years.
■ Aircraft Rubber is consolidating its Bend and Redmond operations to a new, 100,000 sf
facility in Redmond, on land sold by Deschutes County to the City of Redmond. The
new $4.5 million plant will facilitate growth in employment by at least five people.
www.aircraftrubber.com
■ A local aerospace company is in the process of dramatically growing the size of its
operations as it has been named an exclusive overhauler of helicopter aircraft. The
company could double its current employment of 15 people.
■ Precise Flight, the region's first aerospace/aircraft company, is experiencing rapid
growth as a supplier of a family of products (lights, braking, oxygen systems, etc.) to
other aircraft producers including Cirrus, Cessna and Columbia. EDCO played a role in
a recent workforce training grant to help the company gain preferred status as a certified
Lean supplier. www.preciseflight.com
■ EDCO is working with a local technology company serving the medical device
industry that is looking to expand. The company is European-owned, and is
considering other locations on the East Coast and Canada for a consolidated operation.
The company currently employs 15 people and expects to add an additional 9 if we are
able to successfully accommodate its growth and retain it in the region.
• Rocky Mountain Products, manufacturer of various sauces and rubs sold in stores
nationwide, is in the process of building a new, state-of-the-art 50,000 sf production
facility in Redmond. The project is expected to create 17 new jobs above and beyond
the company's current employment of 20 people. www.rockymountainproduct.com
Combined, EDCO is currently working on 52 pending projects for both recruitment and
retention/expansion throughout the tri-county area, which represent more than $200 million in
new capital investment and more than 1,600 new, family-wage or higher jobs.
High Desert Enterprise Consortium (HIDEC)
For years there has been discussion of forming a regional manufacturing consortium in Central
Oregon. Thanks to two energetic company executives (Phil Steklenski from Bright Wood
Corporation and Dave Slavensky from Structus) and EDCO's coordination and administrative
support, a group of 14 manufacturers met in January to help make HiDEC (High Desert
Enterprise Consortium) a reality. Within ten days of holding its kick-off meeting, a seven-
member executive committee established the structure, financing and sustainability of the new
consortium.
HiDEC, eight months later, is a group of 22 manufacturers and tech-based companies from
every corner of the region that represent five industries and nearly 5,000 employees. HiDEC
members are dedicated to the implementation of productivity-enhancing practices, focusing on
lean training, facility learning tours and roundtable discussions of common issues. The
consortium has received a $45,000 state workforce training grant, a $25,000 manufacturing
workforce strategy grant and an $8,500 grant from the Oregon Manufacturing Extension
Partnership.
Industry Month
Attracting traded sector employers from outside the area and helping existing companies
expand is the core purpose of Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). Industry
Month features a series of events throughout Central Oregon to provide useful resources and
information for entrepreneurs and employers alike in the manufacturing and technology sectors.
EDCO and its community partners are expanding this celebration of traded sector companies
and world class information sessions into a month-long series of events, based on feedback that
local business and public leaders. EDCO and Cascade Business News Industry Month publish
the Industry Month Guide insert at the end of September. This year's Guide contains editorial
articles from Guy Kawasaki on the Art of Bootstrapping, the Disney Institute on excellence,
workforce expert Dr. William Hettinger, and regional economist Steve Williams of OED.
The following is a preliminary schedule of events for Industry Month.
Tuesday, October 2
Opportunity Knocks Annual meeting & dinner
Thursday, October 4
Export Strategies - presented by US Dept. of Commerce
Thursday, October 4
ACT Intellectual Property Seminar, 5:00 - 7:30
Tuesday, October 9
Opportunity Knocks Best Practices Workshop, 9am
Wednesday, October 10
Madras Business Roundtable
Thursday, October 11
Prineville Business Roundtable
Bend Film Festival starts
Tuesday, October 16
Sisters Business Roundtable, 8:30
Wednesday, October 17
HiDEC (High Desert Enterprise Consortium) event
Redmond Business Roundtable
Thursday, October 18
Planning Timelines for Best Implementation
Friday, October 19
Bend Venture Conference
Monday, October 22
Meetup of BendTech and SAO (Software Assoc. of Oregon)
Tuesday, October 23
Bend Business Roundtable;
Wednesday, October 24
EDCO Annual Awards
Thursday, October 25
Disney's Keys to Excellence training
Planning Tips for Tenant Improvements
"Monday, October 30
La Pine Business Roundtable
EDCO would very much like to have the Commissioners attend one or more of the Business
Roundtables. in La Pine, Sisters, Redmond or Bend along with local city councilors.
Other EDCO Events
Central Oregon Pubtalks
EDCO continues to produce this popular monthly event in partnership with the Oregon
Entrepreneur's Network (OEN). The event is a connecting point between early stage
companies seeking expertise and financial capital with investors and professionals that can
provide those resources. Attendance consistently runs 75-100 people and features a
successful entrepreneur as keynote speaker and opportunities for early-stage companies to
pitch their business. If any of the commissioners would like to attend, EDCO would be happy to
comp the entry fee. September 13th is the next PubTalk, and will feature the president of
Hayden Homes and his lessons learned in building a successful multi-state business. Early
stage company, EVO, will also be presenting.
Software Association of Oregon (SAO)
EDCO is evaluating the possibility of a new partnership with the SAO as it looks to build an
active chapter here in Central Oregon. Details of this partnership have yet to be worked out, but
we have heard from many of the region's two dozen software companies that they are excited
about the resources SAO could help bring to the region. Look for more on this in the future.
New EDCO Offices
Five years after moving out of the former Welcome Center on the north end of Bend, EDCO is
now again back into the heart of Bend and business activity in the area. Our new location is just
blocks away from the county offices at:
109 NW Greenwood, Suite 102
Bend, OR 97701
All other contact information remains the same. We continue to be co-located with the Oregon
Economic & Community Development Department and are also subleasing space to the City
Club of Central Oregon. The Bend Chamber will be having an after-hours event and open
house at our the new location the evening of September 26. It would be great if you could all
attend.