HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Ltr - Bend Enterprise Zone-SES
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March 3, 2010
Board of County Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St, Suite 200 • Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 • Fax (541) 3853202
www.co.deschutes or.us
board @ co. deschutes . or. us
Tammy Baney
Dennis R Luke
Alan Unger
Mr. Eric Strobel
Bend Manager
Economic Development for Central Oregon
109 NW Greenwood Ave., Suite 102
Bend, OR 97701
Dear Eric:
Deschutes County would like to express its enthusiastic support of the Bend
Enterprise Zone application. While the area of the proposed zone lies outside the
jurisdiction of Deschutes County and is therefore not required to be a sponsor, it is
recognized that the proposed enterprise zone in Bend will have a positive affect on
the entire county.
It is well known that the Bend economy has felt substantial negative impacts of the
economic slowdown and especially the sharp downturn of the national housing
industry, perhaps more profoundly than any area in Oregon. The combined effects
in construction, lending, and area manufacturers serving the building industry has
caused our unemployment rate to jump to more than 14%. Bend and Deschutes
County need to attract traded sector companies that import wealth and economic
activity to our area.
Many states in the U.S. and countries internationally are also serious about
attracting this type of economic activity. Most have developed incentives
customized to benefit companies in the industry including free land, tax abatement,
and cash grants. The proposed enterprise zone will help Bend compete nationally
— to keep, grow and attract new companies in all of its targeted sectors.
Enhancing the Lives of Citizens by Delivering Quality Services in a Cost -Effective Manner
Deschutes County strongly encourages the Oregon Business Development
Department to designate the Bend Enterprise Zone. The timing of the zone
designation this summer could be optimal to attract further investments and well -
paying jobs from current leads developed by Economic Development for Central
Oregon (EDCO).
Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions about our
support.
Sincerely,
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
Dennis R. Luke, Chair
Alan Unger, Vice Chair
Tammy Baney, Commissioner