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Bend Chamber Weekly
July 10, 2009
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator
This Week's Highlights
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EDCO, businesses look at current economy and the future
Central Oregon has always been a place that bucks the national and state trends. Many local businesses and residents are hoping that will hold true coming out of the current economic recession.
During an EDCO presentation on Thursday, Timothy Duy, Economist and Director of the Oregon Economic Forum, highlighted the different indicators that pointed towards signs of recession in the state of Oregon as well as the local area.
One of the biggest indicators was the growth of unemployment claims in 2007 and the decline of building permits. Duy stated building permits in the area were right on track until 2002, then building permits practically doubled and the area hit its housing boom that lasted until roughly 2006. Because of this dramatic increase, the market has become saturated.
"Everywhere has been hit by the decline in the housing market, just not to the extent of Central Oregon," remarked Duy.
As far as employment is concerned, Oregon will probably continue to lag behind and will have fewer jobs than it did going into the 2001 recession. Duy points out the next biennium for state budgeting could get even worse unless the state sees some rapid growth.
While the news currently seems bleak with all time highs in unemployment and virtually no building permits being pulled, Duy says this recession doesn't have to be the end of the world. He says now is a great time to take stock of the assets the area has and also to fix any problem areas.
So what promotes rapid growth? Like the technology boom in the 90s and the recent housing boom, the focus will now turn to what's the next big thing to bring back the economy. Could it be green energy? Duy said many investors will now look towards the next trend that will facilitate growth.
Central Oregon will always have an attractive lifestyle, but the message was overplayed and lost in recent years. Duy says over time the message can be rebuilt and Central Oregon could possibly continue its trend of steady growth.
There are several things Central Oregon needs to work on including providing lower housing, creating access for a research university, and working on infrastructure. Duy says Central Oregon should start working with local legislators to develop an interstate through Central Oregon. He was surprised by the region's growth with the minimal amount of access the area has. Duy also stressed the sooner conversations start, the better off the region will be.
Above all, Central Oregon needs to plan to sustain growth and quality of life. And hopefully, once again, the area will maintain a steady rate of growth.
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Town Hall, Get your questions answered
Get your questions answered at the next Bend Chamber Town Hall Forum. The Chamber would like to give members the opportunity to have their questions answered by sending in questions about the upcoming Town Hall. This allows members who can't attend the breakfast an opportunity to have their questions answered.
This month, the Town Hall topic is "Road to Recovery: Lessons from the past, and where are we now?" A panel of local business leaders will discuss what they did to survive the tough economy in the 1980s and what they are doing now. The panel will talk of the lessons they learned and give some insight on what the future might hold for Bend.
If you have a question surrounding this topic, please send them to courtney@bendchamber.org by Thursday, July 16. The answers to questions we receive will be published in the Chamber Weekly on July 24.
For those who would like to attend the event, Town Hall will take place at the Bend Golf & Country Club on July 17 at 7:30 a.m. More information about the event can be found in the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter. |
Voters to see COCC Bond this November
Voters will see a COCC Bond measure on the November ballot after a vote of the Central Oregon Community College Board of Directors Wednesday evening.
The bond would provide funds for capital construction and improvements. Some of the construction projects include the construction of a new health careers and science buildings in Bend, educational campus facilities in Madras and Prineville, new technology education center in Redmond, and additional lab, student learning space, and clinics for the health career programs.
The funds from the bond measure would also be used towards the renovation of other buildings that would not only modernize the buildings, but also address the increase number of students.
The bond measure is $41.58 million. COCC expects to receive $11.47 million in committed funds from the state of Oregon towards the various projects. The only way the college could receive the funds is with a local match.
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Business Journal Correction
In the July edition of the Business Journal, the 1st Place CO-ED Low Gross winner was listed as State Farm. This should say State Farm Insurance - Fred Hornback. The members of this team included Randy Schoning, Tiffany Schoning, Kerry Schoning, and Bob Nelson.
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19th Annual Commuter Challenge Winners Announced
Several Chamber members took home high honors last week as the 19th Annual Commute Options Commuter Challenge Winners were announced. Every year, during Commute Options Week employers and employees challenge other businesses to save on gas, improve air quality, and get some exercise by reducing miles traveled.
According to Commute Options, this year a record 108 local businesses registered for the challenge. The challenge helped to eliminate 34,670 motor vehicle miles from our roads, conserve 1,734 gallons of gas and save 33,630 pounds of carbon dioxide, as well as stop 1,387 pounds of carbon monoxide from going into our atmosphere!
In the Large Business Category, Deschutes Brewery took home first place with a 36 percent participation rate among employees. Bend Metro Parks and Recreation came in third place with 12 percent participation.
In the Medium Business Category, Pine Tavern took home first place honors with 65 percent participation. Bend Brewing Company took home third place honors with a 56 percent participation rate.
For Small Businesses, the competition was fierce and lead to a five-way tie for first place with 100 percent participation. Among the first place winners are The Environmental Center, ONDA, Footzone, and Steele Associates Architects. Bank of the Cascades South Branch was part of a tie for second place with a 98 percent participation rate. Pine Mountain Sports also received honors with a third place finish with 95 percent participation.
In the Extra Small Business category, Commute Options split a five-way first place tie with 100 percent participation. Second place honors went to the Downtown Bend Association with 92 percent participation. |
R & H Construction Celebrates 10 years in Bend
R & H Construction has been in Bend for 10 years and invites all Chamber members to attend a block party as part of that celebration. Walk through the
R & H offices while gazing at the work of local artists and sampling refreshments. Take a moment to talk with employees about the company. R & H Construction's celebration is held in conjunction with the Mill Quarter Design District Block Party. While you are in the area, take the opportunity to visit other local businesses.
The block party will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 14between Wall & Lava and Colorado and Industrial Way.
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In the News
CDD no longer accepts credit cards, new permit Center opens: Credit Card payments for building, planning, private development engineering, sign permits, and other transactions will no longer be accepted by the City of Bend's Community Development Department. All payments can be made by check, money order or cash at the new Permit Center in City Hall. The city recently consolidated its three permit counters. The one location will allow a better coordination of services and customers can conduct all their business in one location, stated a recent City of Bend press release. The Permit Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 388-5580.
City of Bend seeks committee applicants: The City of Bend is currently searching for applicants for a position on the Public Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) and the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC). Members of the PTAC are elected for two year terms and review, advise and assist the transportation program. The TSAC member is appointed to a three year term and helps to develop and recommend traffic safety improvements and programs, serves as an advisor, and serves as a liaison with other jurisdictions on traffic safety issues. If you are interested in serving on either committee, applications are due by Friday, August 7 at 5 p.m. For more information or an application, contact the City of Bend at 388-5505 or visit the Web site at www.ci.bend.or.us.
Be aware of Mosquitoes: Deschutes County is reminding all residents to be mindful of mosquito hatches this season due to the unusual fluctuation in river levels around Central Oregon. No mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile virus, but officials warn that residents still need to protect themselves from bites this summer. Some precautions to take include: Ridding your home of standing water, staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors, use insect repellents with DEET (according to directions), and inspect all home widow and door screens to make sure they are free of holes. For more information about preventing West Nile virus, please call 322-7418 or visit www.deschutes.org or www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/. |
Upcoming Events
July 14 - Professional Development Series - Outsourcing: Expertise You Can Afford - Can you afford to outsource? Can you afford not to? Most often, outsourcing tends to be related to cost saving. This is one part of the story, but not the single driver. Businesses tend to use outsourcing when it is not possible to accomplish the same task in-house. Reasons for looking to others for tasks include cost, technology, timelines, etc; issues businesses face daily. By outsourcing, you can do the following: Reduce overhead, free up resources; minimize capital expenditures; increase efficiency by consolidating and centralizing functions; increase customer satisfaction; and be reliable and innovative. So, should you do it yourself, or should you pay someone else to do it for you? This is the fundamental question of outsourcing. If you determine you need to outsource a certain task, who is the best to do it?
Join our panel of experts Donna Jacobson, the marketing dept.; Brock McFarlane, Weston Technology Solutions; Stephanie Miller, Express Employment Professionals; and Paul Colburn, PHC Solutions for an interactive discussion on when and why you want to look outside of your organization for help. And, did you know, the PDS-Al presentations are now free! Please RSVP for this event by noon on Monday, July 13 at www.bendchamber.org.
July 15 - Young Professionals Network - The Bend Chamber Young Professional Network is celebrating its Third Annual Birthday Bash hosted by Robberson Ford from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year's event will be the biggest and best yet. Unlike the regular monthly networking events, the YPN birthday party is designed to be a celebration of summer fun. Robberson Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Mazda has been proudly serving Central Oregon customers for over 50 years. They are a full service dealership - which not only includes new and pre-owned sales, but also a complete service and parts department, quick lube, and an environmentally-friendly collision center.
Attendees will be entertained by a bluesy, grassy, indie rock band considered to be one of the region's best. Robberson Ford will host an amazing BBQ, and beverages will be provided by Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Bend, and Sonic. Plus, the Deschutes Brewery will be on-site with its mobile beer barrel serving up fantastic summer brews. To complement the BBQ, Cafe Yumm!, Sonic, Rivals Sports Bar, Grill & Poker, Goody's, and Awbrey Glen Restaurant will also be supplying delectable edibles. As always, there will be games featuring an F150 Robberson Ford truck football toss for great prizes, a hoola-hoop demonstration and more. The YPN B-day bash is one of Bend's best events so sign up now! Please RSVP for this event by July 14 at www.bendchamber.org.
July 17 - Community Affairs Town Hall - Road to Recovery: Lessons from the past, and where are we now? While there are unique aspects to the current economy, Bend is not a stranger to recessions. The community went through a similar situation in the 1980s. In this month's Town Hall, join our panel of local business leaders as they discuss the lessons they learned during that time to help take their businesses through these current rocky times. What did they do back then to survive? What are they doing now? What do they see as the future of the community? If you would like to attend this event please RSVP by noon on Thursday, July 16 at www.bendchamber.org.
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