(Photo above: (L-R) Neil Bryant, Erik King, Roger Lee and Dino Vendetti | photo by David Clewett)
On September 17 the Looking Forward Team hosted a special event hosted by Tim McGinnis’ Ranch to discuss how Bend will change over the next five years. The evening was devoted to lively discussion on how Central Oregon will be different in five years. Local community leaders and business owners shared thoughts on how future changes might impact the region and businesses in the upcoming years.
“Looking Forward is a team of altruistic, experienced, high-achieving men and women who work together to make Central Oregon and its communities a better place to live, work and play,” explains founder of the organization, Jim Schell, a local entrepreneur with long credentials of innovation. “It’s goal is to leverage the experience and wisdom of our members as a force for positive change, in the process addressing some of our region’s most pressing and urgent issues.”
Although everyone at the event works in the same community it is rare that those in the tech industry, start-up company CEOs and traditional business owners can gather to discuss a common subject that is relevant to all in unique and different ways.
Local business leaders served on a panel to share insight on several changes to consider in Central Oregon in the future. Roger Lee of Economic Development for Central Oregon discussed the economy, Bend City Manager Eric King talked about city planning and governance, attorney and former state senator Neil Bryant opined on local and state politics and Dino Vendetti of Seven Peaks Ventures covered technology and investments.
Lee talked about the growing number of startups in Bend and is optimistic that current businesses will continue to grow. He mentioned the need to continue producing and maintaining talented young entrepreneurs. COCC’s growth and development will pay dividends in that regard. Lee forecasts a recession in 2018 and expects that by 2020 we will just be coming out of that recession.
King discussed the fact that Bend will continue to grow in population and will have approximately 116,000 people by 2028. That growth will mean more amenities but will result in slower moving traffic and road congestion. The goal for Central Oregon communities will be to grow in a way that suits their city. For example, Bend will be growing in an urban way but will need to ensure that growth occurs “the Bend way.” King believes the trend of urban refugees moving to Bend will continue over the next five years, stating the question will be “how do you pay for this quality of life and how do you afford to maintain it?”
Bryant’s law firm Bryant, Lovlien and Jarvis Attorneys at Law were sponsors of the event. He covered the Oregon and Central Oregon political landscape and how the state and national political future over the next five years will impact Central Oregon. He is excited about the possibility for Bend’s Dr. Knute Buehler to run for state governor in 2018 and optimistic for the impact of COCC’s growth in the future. One of his largest concerns is water in the region and the impact that the endangered Oregon spotted frog will have on restricting water use.
Vendetti was the panelist expert on the technology industry in Bend and said that Oregon ranked 33rd in America for venture capitalists as of 2014 which has been on the decline. Despite that, startups are on the rise and growing throughout the state and in Central Oregon. He said the key in the next five years will be to put in a structure to weather the upcoming recessions.
After the local leaders made opening statements on their specific field attendees were encouraged to discuss their biggest concerns for Central Oregon in the next five years and any ways to address those issues. They were asked to share their thoughts on how these changes will impact their businesses over the next five years.
After the short discussion to raise topics of conversation attendees mingled and continued the debate by sharing insight on Central Oregon’s future economy, city planning, politics, technology and business. With an eclectic group of passionate Bendites that are all local leaders and business owners the evening consisted of lively conversation with ideas and opinions for the best way to address future issues and ensure quality of life in Bend’s future.
Information:
Jim Schell
Working on cool stuff
Jim.Schell5@gmail.com
541-788-7137
