There is a saying in rural America: “You’ve got to make hay when the sun shines.” It may seem like the cloud of a nearly 13 percent Crook County unemployment rate is blocking the sun, but the Prineville Business Community is adapting, and the sun is starting to burn through the cover.
Situated in the Crooked River Valley near the heart of Oregon, the picturesque town of Prineville could easily grace the pages of a Norman Rockwell Calendar, with its massive natural stone courthouse built in 1909, and still in use today, to the American flags that line Third Street each Memorial and Veterans Days and Fourth of July. On any summertime evening, the smell of BBQ grills hangs in the air, and the sound of children’s laughter is carried on the warm evening breeze.
Established in 1871, Prineville was named after the first businessman to settle the Crooked River Valley, Barney Prine. From its humble beginnings, Prineville’s economy was almost exclusively timber and agriculture based. In 1917, the large railroad companies were expanding trade in the west by lengthening rail lines. The residents of Prineville saw this as a great opportunity to expand into other markets and ship their rich timber resources, wheat and livestock to a growing nation.
The local business community lobbied hard to get the main line through the town, but the railroad companies had other plans. So by a vote of the people, and spurred on by the pioneering spirit, the residents voted to establish and pay for their own city railroad that would connect with the main line 19 miles away.
That railroad is still in operation today, and continues to have shipping agreements with BNSF and Union Pacific. This could entice new manufacturing to set up shop in Prineville. The pioneering spirit that established the railway still lives on in today’s business community. With the shrinking timber industry, and traditional agriculture production giving way to expanding foreign operations, Prineville finds itself needing to adapt again, and come up with new innovative ways to keep the economy vibrant.
“Unity brings strength to a community,” said Mayor Betty Roppe, who is in the middle of her second term as Prineville’s mayor. “The entire community works together to face issues. Our businesses work closely with the city and county governments, we strive to be proactive, rather than reactive.”
A prime example of pro-activity is the courting of Facebook and Apple into their community. The deal local government made with Facebook was to waive taxes on improvements for 15 years, and tax the property at the current rate. After 15 years, all taxes will need to be paid. In return, Facebook will provide at least 30 permanent jobs, after the initial building projects that have provided over 1,300 jobs. It looks as though that original figure will be three times that amount, providing close to 100 permanent living wage jobs. As far as Apple, that figure has yet to be seen, as they are still in the building and planning stages, but they are really looking forward to being a part of the community.
How does this new hi-tech data center business mix with traditional business? “It mixes quite well,” said City Manager Steve Forester. “The Ag and timber industry leaders have welcomed Facebook and Apple with open arms, and Facebook has really strived to be a part of the community from day one. They are strong in community donations and volunteer during community events. We’ve even spotted Ken Patchett (top local executive of Facebook) selling refreshments in the stands at the Crooked River Roundup.”
There are always challenges that arise when a community’s business climate changes, but Prineville is ready to meet those challenges head on. “Prineville is resilient,” said Forester. “There is a cultural shift taking place. The traditional pillars of the community are handing the reins to the next generation.”
Prineville was once known as a bedroom community for Bend and Redmond, but that is also changing. People are working towards business income within their own community and are looking to put local residents to work to support those businesses. “It’s a quality of life issue that drives people to not only live in Prineville, but to have their incomes based here as well,” said Forester.
To live and work in Prineville could soon become easier for those in the healthcare industry. St. Charles is planning on breaking ground on a new nearly 60,000-square-foot hospital and clinic at the former site of Ochoco Lumber sawmill in September.
When asked “why Prineville” Kirk Schueler of St. Charles said, “The driving issues were the age of Pioneer Memoria, and the fact that healthcare reform is coming. Prineville needs a new facility that will be more cost effective and efficient for the future.” St. Charles was looking at two possible sites for the new facility, but ultimately settled on the Ochoco Lumber site, due to its connection to the community, and the ease of access to the site.
“It just feels like it’s part of the community, and there is plenty of room for future growth,” Schueler added. St. Charles purchased the land from Ochoco Lumber, owned by local business leader John Shelk, at a rate under market value. In exchange for the reduced land cost, St. Charles has offered to make improvements to the infrastructure on the east end of Prineville, in the form of sewer and water lines, among other things. This will assure that Prineville is ready to handle the growth in that area, as future projects are completed.
“Everyone on the Ochoco team was wonderful. They were very helpful in selecting the best part of the site for the project, as well as taking on the responsibility of preparing the ground for excavation. They will haul off old foundations, concrete and any other debris left over from the mill, before we begin breaking ground,” Schueler explained.
One thing that Prineville is known for is community, and for people coming together in unity to help their neighbors in times of need. Business is still done the old fashioned way, with a firm handshake and a person’s good word. The city and county governments operate the same way. They make the process of opening new business flexible and user friendly. They also try and utilize the private sector when appropriate, to handle projects that arise.
“Crook County is a user friendly county in regards to business. We try to be as flexible as possible. We have the best working relationship with business leaders that we’ve ever had,” offered County Judge Mike McCabe. “These people are not just business people to us, or just a source of tax revenue, they are our neighbors and friends. If a project for the county comes up that a local business can handle, we will utilize them.”
With all the issues facing the overall economy, what does the future hold for business in Prineville?
“The Prineville economy has grown, and is getting better,” said Prineville Economic Development Chair Russ Deboodt. “All of the top employers have added workers in 2013. The unemployment rate moved down from 14.5 percent in 2012 to the current rate of 12.8 percent. Businesses are moving into Prineville. The general consensus is companies actually enjoy working with local government. Prineville is warmer and more personal than larger cities.”
Whether it’s the old fashioned picnics in the park, the warm friendly smile that greets you in any local establishment or the scenic natural beauty of the town, business is moving to Prineville. There is no doubt the economy will continue to grow and move into the future.
“Attitudes are everything and Prineville is proving that government and business can work together towards a common goal and succeed,” says Holli Van Wert, executive director of Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce. “Prineville Reservoir, the Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River, amazing weather and some pretty incredible people, events that are nearly 70 years old and proactive city and county governments make Prineville extraordinary in attracting tourists as well as new business.”
