Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announces the re-engagement of Central Oregon Business Response Network (COBRN). This strategic initiative of EDCO, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) and East Cascades Works aims to enhance collaboration among workforce development entities, economic development organizations and the business community to address evolving labor market needs in Central Oregon.
The network is being revitalized to meet the region’s current and future workforce demands. This strategic initiative reinforces Central Oregon’s economic and workforce ecosystem by addressing immediate and long-term labor market challenges. By bringing together education, training and employment access, COBRN aligns outreach efforts to better serve industries by identifying and addressing common business needs.
The re-engaged COBRN will serve as a tactical team dedicated to:
- Employer Support: Providing businesses with essential labor-related resources, workforce strategies and talent solutions.
- Addressing Workforce Needs: Responding directly to industry-specific challenges through customized programs and partnerships.
- Labor Market Enhancement: Strengthening education, training and career development to create clear pathways to employment.
Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO, highlighted the significance of this collaboration:
“Re-engaging the Central Oregon Business Response Network aligns with our strategic vision to create a strong, sustainable workforce pipeline in Central Oregon. By integrating workforce development, economic development and business needs, we’re taking a proactive approach to ensure businesses and workers have the resources to succeed.”
Heather Ficht from East Cascades Works added:
“Central Oregon’s labor market is evolving, and businesses need real-time solutions. COBRN will be instrumental in connecting employers with the right talent and providing individuals with the training and education needed to secure meaningful careers.”
COBRN will actively engage with local industries to identify pressing workforce challenges and develop responsive strategies. Through this collaborative approach, the network aims to coalesce education, training and employment, ensuring businesses can access a skilled and adaptable workforce.
The coalition of resource partners includes directors and managers from the following organizations:
- Bend Chamber
- Business Oregon
- Center for Business, Industry and Professional Development
- Central Oregon Community College
- Central Oregon Innovation Hub (OSU-Cascades)
- Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
- City of Bend
- East Cascades Works
- Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)
- Latino Community Association
- Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership
- Small Business Development Center
- South Deschutes County
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- WorkSource Oregon
Additional information is available online in the COBRN resource guide.
About Economic Development for Central Oregon:
EDCO is a nonprofit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations.
About Central Oregon Business Response Network (COBRN):
The purpose of the Central Oregon Business Response Network (COBRN) is to align outreach efforts to better serve industries by identifying and addressing common business needs. COBRN is a coalition of partners who support businesses in talent recruitment, employee retention, business operations, and market analysis.
