Unity brings strength to a community, according to Prineville Mayor Betty Roppe. “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. Facebook is providing at least 100 permanent jobs, after the initial building projects that have provided over 1,300 jobs. Apple, still in the building and planning stages, reports they are really looking forward to being a part of the community.
City Manager Steve Forester says 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.”
To live and work in Prineville will soon become easier for those in the healthcare industry and needing medical services. 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.
While the unemployment rate was 14.5 percent in 2012 it has been reduced to 12.8 percent. Businesses are moving into and expanding in Prineville The general consensus is companies actually enjoy working with local government.
Profiles on several key companies helping to ease the unemployment burden in Prineville including Robberson Ford, BTL Liners, Contact Industries, Envirotech, Northwest Sign Recycling and ICP Northwest can be found in the June 19 issue of Cascade Business News.
