There wasn’t any question as a couple hundred business people sat at a recent luncheon that the Economic Development of Central Oregon organization was touting its own horn, making a case for its existence and encouraging attendees to support its efforts.
As its executive director, Roger Lee, said, “we’re always told we don’t tout our horn enough.” And he’s correct,
they don’t.
Much of the presentation was on the nuts and bolts of economic development, how they do it, who they do it to and what it takes to get results. A lot of the presentation we’ve heard before, even the measuring of Central Oregon’s traded sector companies especially in the areas of manufacturing, clean technology, forestry/wood products, hi-tech and outdoor gear.
It was worth the wait however, after listening to the credence of EDCO’s efforts when Lee unveiled the accomplishments and the long list of interesting, varied and emerging companies that have come to find Central Oregon home including several that most people in Central Oregon haven’t heard of before: Kawak Aviation, CLS Fabrication, Energyneering, Techsoft 3D, CV International, Whistles for Life, Ocean Equipment, Spadout.com & We Mail Sickers.com, Colfax Tactical, Pneu Logic and Pleura.
And in addition to the newest technies on the block, Lee indicated that EDCO has numerous other companies that are looking to move to Central Oregon. He predicts this will be a great year for economic expansion in Central Oregon.
A panel of local business leaders included Facebook Prineville Data Center Manager Ken Patchett who touched on how EDCO had been instrumental in helping the world-famous company come to Central Oregon (adding a footnote about Apple’s recent purchase of land next door).
Good for EDCO for reinforcing its value to our region and the importance of having an economic development organization diligently work behind the scenes to expand our employment base and help companies navigate a sometimes cumbersome process of relocating and expanding. pha
