The community of Sisters is deservedly prized as a picturesque Old West-style haven framed by the spectacular backdrop of the Cascade Mountain Range, but business activists are also continuing a drive to add increasing economic diversity to the small town charm.
Nestled below the Three Sisters’ rugged volcanic peaks, which sometimes seem within ethereal touching distance, the scenic spot featuring turn-of-the century Western-themed storefronts is a major tourist draw at the gateway between Central Oregon and the mountain passes linking the region to the Willamette Valley.
In fact, with its many unique shops, famous resident artisans, galleries and eating establishments, the town on the main Highway 20 route boasts amongst the highest per capita spending of any population center in Oregon.
Its reputation as a festival focal point is well merited, with events like the authentic “biggest little show in the world,” Sisters Rodeo and the country’s largest outdoor Quilt Show receiving national and international acclaim.
Other annual fixtures showcasing a vibrant arts and cultural community include the Harvest Faire and draws such as the renowned Sisters Folk Festival, have proved consistently popular.
The geographic location on the edge of the expansive Deschutes National Forest is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts looking to sample the delights of hiking, fishing, camping, golfing, rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling or just plain relaxation. With convenient access to trail heads on all fronts, it is the launching point for many adventurers beginning their backpacking and camping trips.
The pristine 1.6 million-acre ponderosa pine playground on Sisters’ doorstep is intertwined with many miles of trails, rivers, lakes, wilderness areas, scenic drives and vistas, offering clean air and “big sky” starry nights, while numerous lodging options, including rustic cabins, campgrounds, or world class resorts, all lie within minutes of downtown.
PIONEER ARCHITECTURAL THEME
Longer-term residents will recall that the pioneer architectural theme, evocative of late 19th century Western frontier origins, that is such a hallmark today was promoted in the early ‘70s in an effort to save commerce following the closure of the former logging town’s last lumber mill and fears (which obviously never materialized) of a highway bypass.
But the business district’s faux 1880s-style Western clapboard façades and wooden sidewalks are more than just a gimmick. Sisters has strong historic ranching roots and while the nostalgia for a less-complicated life, lived closer to the land, is an effective image, real working ranches still encircle the town with elk, llamas, cattle and horses.
Ostensibly wistful for a bygone era, Sisters is increasingly comfortably New West- as exemplified by an upscale spa in Five Pines development and a raft of very talented artists at several local galleries. It has even been nominated and selected by Budget Travel as one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns” in the category of under 10,000 residents.
Selection criteria targets communities with an edge that “stand out from the crowd” as drawing attention “because of the quality of life, arts, and restaurant scene, or proximity to nature.”
The final list of winners will be featured in the company magazine’s September 2010 issue.
TOURISM DRIVING ECONOMY
Tourism and retail-related sectors have been prime drivers of the economy in the last few decades — with the Three Winds Shopping Center on the west side of town being one of the first developments of its type, and the $11 million Outlaw Station to the north — including the 43,500 square foot Ray’s Food Place grocery store — one of the latest.
By the mid-80s retail sales were a major source of employment, and the recent arrival of member-based, general merchandise specialist Bi-Mart has served to round out the retail scene.
A broader range of self-sufficient options has also been provided by, for example, the livery stable-style Three Creeks Brewing company and Sisters Movie House within the green-built Five Pines campus, which also houses a tranquilly-set lodge retreat —
acclaimed as a favorite Oregon romantic getaway — Shibui Spa, athletic club, conference center and new bistro style Thyme restaurant.
DIVERSIFYING ECONOMY
Caprielle Foote-Lewis who serves as the Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO) Sisters area manager offers an update for the Sisters economy:
Downtown Commercial: Tourism (Hospitality/Retail)
Owner’s feedback: The 2016 busy season is not yet over. Some business owners will say that last year was the best (in many) for them while others will say this year is shaping up to beat last year’s numbers. Suffice it to say these past two years have been quite good for Sisters businesses. Revenue and profits are up, as are owner’s investments in their businesses. Still some owners who have experience with the areas seasonality and economic downturns are being more cautious and already preparing for the next economic correction. Some lodging owners comment that more visitors are stopping to enjoy the town and desire to stay longer than in past years.
New Business Highlight
Sisters Meat and Smokehouse
Owners Jeff and Kay Johnson say that everything you buy from its meat and compliments case is prepared in their shop…kielbasa, brats, summer sausage, Cotto salami, bacon, pepperoni sticks, wild game.
Expansion
Five Pine Lodge and Conference Center
Expanding with the construction of additional cottages. The expansion is an extension of a passion project started by owners, Bill and Zoe (O’Rourke) Willits, in 2005. (see story page 19)
Traded Sector — Some of Several Expansion Projects
Laird Superfood
A start-up food production company will announce their official opening at the Natural Products Expo East 2016 in Baltimore, MD next week. (see story page 20-21)
Cascade Street Distillery
Opening this Fall! New production facility across from Sisters Eagle Airport is complete. Cascade Street Distillery has created a unique gin drinking experience with the use of pine pods indigenous to Central Oregon. The American West style gin features Ponderosa Pine pods, juniper berries and sage. The craft distilling space will double as a venue for creative groups, memory seekers and those who want to tie the knot.
Preston Thompson Guitars
Hired additional labor and made new capital investments in equipment to meet increasing demand for these very special custom designed and hand crafted acoustic guitars.
Z-Glass Act
Under construction in Sun Ranch Business Park is Susie Zeitner’s new custom glass fixtures production facility and showroom.
Three Creeks Brewing
Increased production this past year in their new facility and are adding jobs. The increased facility is expected to increase capacity to 16,000 barrels annually. Three Creeks Brewing also hopes to triple the jobs at the facility.
Metabolic Maintenance
Completed expansion and moved into their new building at 601 N Larch.
Relocation Projects
Working on four HOT recruitment projects for Sisters.
“Sisters continues to attract business opportunities that would continue to help diversify and strengthen our heavily tourism-dependent local economy,” explains Foote-Lewis. “Even companies within our tri-counties region are considering relocating to Sisters due to the village-like community and exceptional schools. We need additional “move in ready” industrial buildings and a supply of housing that meets all income levels (particularly middle incomes) to capitalize on these opportunities.”
EDCO Website Provides a List of Sisters Attributes
• Access to Regional Workforce — Commuting distance from Bend/Redmond under 20 miles.
• Highway Gateway — Located on Highway 20 (a major Oregon transportation resource) which connects Sisters (and Central Oregon) to Interstate 5 and Interstate 97 as well as direct connections to border states (WA, CA, ID)
• ODOT estimates approx. 5 Million cars pass through Sisters, Oregon annually
• Near to Redmond Regional Commercial Airport — Direct connections to six U.S. destinations
• Incentive Programs for Growing and Relocating Businesses — Forgivable loans, tax abatements, fast track permitting and fee reductions, workforce training
• Favorable Business Costs — Competitive power, lease, wage and tax rates
Livability — Clean air, clean water, mountain scapes, creeks/lakes, trails, camping, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback, hunting, skiing, snowshoe, swim, tennis, sailing and rafting…outstanding schools and proud community!!!
Recent Investments in Education –Recipient of S.T.E.A.M. and Career and Technical Education Grant; New Future Business Leaders of America Charter-local high school students earned berth at National Leadership Conference
caprielle@edcoinfo.com, 541- 977-5683
(Photo | by Rick Schafer)
