Oregon Maverick Rick Steber - Page 2
Eagle Cap Excursion Train in Elgin-Page 11
The Gilbert House In Seaside - Page 12
THE GORGE BUSINESS NEWS Business, Ar t, Culture, Outdoors, Travel & Enter tainment
Volume 1 - Issue 1 free
free
MAY/JUNE 2015
An Icon of The Dalles - The Sunshine Mill By Lori Kimbel The stunning paint job that now adorns the walls of the Sunshine Mill Winery will be sure to entice locals and travelers alike to see just what is going inside the old building that was once home to the wheat that created the Cheez-It! James and Molli Martin both grew up in The Dalles and when people started talking about demolishing the old mill they just knew there was something they could do about it, so they went to work to find funding and ultimately saved the iconic building. For more than 130 years the Sunshine Mill milled wheat. It was the first building to have electricity in The Dalles and was powered by a Thomas Edison motor, which is still inside the mill. The Sunshine Mill has the distinction of being the only designated sky scraper in The Columbia River Gorge. Of course James and Molli were not saving the mill just so people could look at the amazing mural on the outside. Quenett and Copa Di Vino
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The fabulous paint job at the Sunshine Mill Winery in The Dalles
Photo by Lori Kimbel
Friends of the Columbia Gorge Launches the 35 & Gorgeous Hike outdoor enthusiasts and day-hikers to families and community groups! The challenge invites participants to hike 15 trails and complete 20 other activities (from visiting waterfalls to identifying wildflowers) as a way of commemorating the 35 years that Friends of Columbia River Gorge looking east the Columbia Gorge has spent working to protect this unique American natu his year’s challenge commemorates ral treasure. Challenge your friends and family Friends’ 35 years of work protecting a unique to join you or compete American natural treasure Friends of the to see who can be the first to finish all 35 items Columbia Gorge is launching the 35 & Goron the list! geous hike challenge this month. This year’s Long before Nancy Russell founded challenge offers something for everyone, from Friends in 1980, before the 1986 Columbia
T
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River Gorge National Scenic Area Act established federal protection for the region, Gorge lovers have strived to protect its natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources for future generations. “This year’s challenge is especially exciting because we hope that folks of all ages and abilities will join us to celebrate both the Columbia River Gorge and Friends’ 35th anniversary,” said Friends Executive Director Kevin Gorman. “Whether you already love the Gorge or are just finding out about it, 35 & Gorgeous not only gets you out onto trails and into Gorge communities; we’ll also share the inspiring stories behind the places you’ll visit.” In addition to the 15 hikes with conservation stories, which you can read at gorgefriends.org/35andgorgeous before hitting the trails, the challenge provides 20 additional ways to have a complete and enjoyable Gorge experience. You’ll foray into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness; participate in a land stewardship work party; visit Gorge communities and waterfalls; and perform simple but meaningful (and fun) acts like identifying five Gorge
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The Gorge Business News
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Volume 1 - Issue 1 - May-June 2015 Publisher Lori Kimbel lorikimbel@neobn.com PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-910-1096 5,000 copies distributed every other month. Serving Hood River and The Dalles www.facebook.com/neorbn www.linkedin.com/in/lorikimbel Twitter - neobnlori www.justanotherhatpublishingcompany.com www.thegorgebusinessnews.com www.lorikimbelphotography.com The Gorge Business News is owned and published by Just Another Hat Publishing Company, LLC POSTMASTER: send address changes to Just Another Hat Publishing Company, LLC, PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827 Subscription Rates: To subscribe to Northeast Oregon Business News Mail $18 to PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827
Oregon Maverick - Rick Steber
The dictionary defines maverick as
someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action, qualities that describe Oregon Maverick, Rick Steber, to a T. Lori Kimbel
A
s a young man, Steber knew he wanted to become a writer; he also had the foresight to realize
it was not going to be easy. “You can’t do what everybody else is doing. You have to do something that stands out,” said Steber about marketing, and stand out is exactly what he did. He began his career by writing short vignettes of Oregon history, called Oregon Country. Knowing he could not make a living unless he was able to sell each story more than once, he decided to head out on horseback and visit every newspaper in the Willamette Valley; Hoping they would agree to publish his column. Rick started in Eugene, and made his way to Brownsville. He tied his horse to a parking meter, dropped in some change, and walked inside the Brownsville Times office where he was met by a less than friendly newspaper employee. She promptly told him she was not interested in whatever it was he was selling. Rick, being the persistent marketer he is, said, “Lady, I just got done riding my horse 40 miles to get here. It rained on me and then the sun came out and it got hot, you really need to listen to what I have to say.” She listened, and Rick was able to convince her to publish his column. His first pay-
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check was $50, and his first purchase was a Stetson cowboy hat. Rick rode his horse to Canby and set up a tent outside the Canby paper until the publisher invited him inside, where he too agreed to publish Rick’s column. As he rode his horse toward Silverton, a carload of rambunctious teenage boys spooked his horse. Rick dove off, and for the most part was unscathed, but the horse, who had reared up, and fell over backwards, was hurt enough that Rick hung his cowboy boots from the saddle horn, put on his tennis shoes, and walked the horse the rest of the way. A reporter from the Statesman’s newspaper, out of Salem, took a picture, and dubbed him the ‘Tennis Shoe Cowboy’. Rick stood out then, and continues to be a self-made marketer. “If you’ve got a band, you have to play the county fairs,” he said. “But, now it is a totally different game. Now it is social media, it is radio, it’s TV.” Rick continues to market his books in his own unique way. He is often asked to speak at banquets and other gatherings. He also spends time going to local schools, educating kids and letting them know that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible. Rick sees between 5,000 and 10,000 grade school kids each year, and he tries to make sure that every kid gets an autographed book. His passion for writing, and Oregon history have taken him around the state, into libraries and courthouses, across the Oregon
Rick Steber
Trail and on a hiking trip from Fort Boise to The Dalles. He has interviewed old-timers, outlaws and lawmen and at times pushes the boundaries of their comfort zones. The most recently published book, Red, White and Black, has won the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in the category of Multicultural, and was a finalist for the Indie Book Award in the category of Regional Non-fiction. Steber has also won the Western Writers of American Spur Award. His latest book, All-Around & the 13th Juror can is now available at www.ricksteber. com
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BUSINESS
The Gorge Business News
Governor Brown Announces Investment in Pendleton Unmanned Aerial Systems Testing Site
G
overnor Kate Brown, Business Oregon, and the City of Pendleton today announced a $545,000 state investment to help make Eastern Oregon a premiere test range for commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS). “This new funding represents more than an investment in a few concrete pads and buildings,” said Governor Brown. “It demonstrates that when presented with a unique chance to seize an innovative market, State government is
poised to step forward to support the community leaders who are working hard to develop a new industry.” Congress requires that research and development for commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) happen on test ranges approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Oregon is one of just 13 states to receive that FAA approval and the only one on the West Coast. Pendleton is one of three Oregon test ranges. Oregon is investing in these test ranges
to attract entrepreneurs and companies that will develop UAVs and the software and parts that power them. Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency will provide $1.6 million in loans and grants to support the City of Pendleton’s ongoing work to build out its test range. “Unmanned aerial systems are the future of the aviation industry,” said Sean Robbins, Business Oregon’s director. “The City of Pendleton and Blue Mountain Community College stepped up to invest in the UAS industry and it’s the state’s turn to help accelerate that growth. Business Oregon has supported the industry since 2009 and is proud to be a part of this project.” The Phase II work includes four to six hangars, storage, and communications equipment. The total project cost will be $1.8 million. The City of Pendleton funded Phase I and will contribute another $146,000 to Phase II. “We’ve made a significant investment as a community in unmanned aerial systems, and we believe this industry is about to take off,” said Pendleton Mayor Phillip Houk. “We think there are going to be some real opportunities for Pendleton and Eastern Oregon that will pay dividends for the state.”
Welcome to the First Issue of The Gorge Business News
He raised Angora rabbits, split shakes, Hello. Wel- rasied canaries, owned a sheet metal and heating business, and even raised come to the first issue of The Gorge Business worms. Yes, I come by my leaping into the unknown honestly and I hope you News. will enjoy tagging along on my journey. I am excited to Like I said, I love writing, I love bring you this publication and I hope you will grow to love reading it as much travel, I love business and I have enjoyed getting to know so many people as I love bringing it to you. I began publishing Northeast Or- because of my publications. I know they have all made a huge difference in egon Business News almost a year ago and I am so excited to be expanding into my life and I hope I am able to make a the beautiful region known as the gorge. difference in theirs by telling the stories that sometimes whisper and sometimes With so many exciting things scream to be told. happening in the gorge area, I know Thanks again for picking up this there will never be a shortage of stories to cover. I hope you are patient with me first issue. I will be printing every othas this paper and my company continue er month and I am always welcome to suggestions and kind words. to grow. Enjoy The Gorge Business News I have always been fascinated by and visit www.thegorgebusinessnews. business, I am sure it comes from the many entrepreneurial adventures I watch com Sincerely, my dad go on while I was growing up. Lori Kimbel
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The Gorge Business News
New Life is Given to the Sunshine Mill:
continued from page 1
Blue Mountain Community College Small Business Development Centers
BMCC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Rendering of the Sunshine Mill Boutique Hotel wineries are now housed inside. Quenett came from the Lewis and Clark journals and means Steelhead in the local Native American language and Copa Di Vino is ‘Wine by the Glass’, a product the Martins brought back to the states and developed after a trip to France. A wine tasting inside the old mill is a unique experience. Old leather belts still drape the metal pulley wheels, a man lift sits silently in the corner and the concrete bases of the silos stand stately and unwavering as the Martins think about their next project, a boutique hotel inside the concrete silos. “Our future plans include a 49 room boutique hotel,” said Molli. “It will be very organic with the concrete walls that we will add warmth to with color.” The old mill is alive with activity once again, thanks to James and Molli and their plans for continued growth within the wine industry as well as becoming hoteliers. Who would have ever thought 135 years ago that a silo that would hold grain for years to come would one day become a boutique hotel. It just goes to show that with great dreams come great things.
The Sunshine Mill Winery 901 East Second Street The Dalles, Or, 97058 Tel: 541.298.8900 ext. 2 Fax: 541.769.0770 info@sunshinemill.com www.sunshinemill.com
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The Gorge Business News
ENVIRONMENT
Wildhorse Golf Superintendent named to 2015 Plant Pendleton, OR – Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience LP, announced the 2015 Plant Heath Academy class at the 2015 Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, TX last month. Among the new class is Sean Hoolehan, Golf Superintendent at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino Golf Course. Hoolehan has been the Superintendent at Wildhorse Resort & Casino for the past 18 years. He has severed on a number of golf industry boards, including being the President of the GCSAA in 2006. Hoolehan is grateful to add this to his long list of accomplishments. “I am excited about being part of the Bayer Plant Health Academy. I look forward to sharing this knowledge and putting it to practice at Wildhorse Resort and Casino.” The third annual academy is part of the Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow program, an initiative Bayer developed in collaboration with Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GCSAA) Environmental Institute for Golf to advance plant health research and education for superintendents. “We are blown away by the high caliber of candidates we received this year,” said David Wells, golf business manager for the turf and ornamentals business at Bayer. “It says a lot about our industry that we have so many bright, ambitious, leaders, and we are proud of their commitment to continuing education and their passion to advance their knowledge of plant health and turf management.” “This is a “Top Shelf” training, where I will get a chance to learn some of the latest methods in Turfgrass /Golf Course management,” said Hoolehan. “Learning is a life time proposition with the rapidly changing technology, regulation, and growing environment I work with on the golf course. It’s a real honor to be selected to participate with a very distinguished group of Golf Course Superintendents from across the country.” While Hoolehan, the only member of the 2015 class selected from the Pacific Northwest, the talent runs deep throughout the Country. Other classmates include: Ryan Bourne of Andover, KS, Rodney Crow of Deer Park, TX, Jamey Davis of Birmingham, AL, Anthony Gustaitis, of Lafayette Hill, PA, Brian Haines of Boynton, FL, Nicholas Janovich of Wheeling, W. VA, Tray Maltby of Davenport, FL, Jay Neunsinger of Berkeley, CA, Brent Racer of Axtell NE, Alex Stuedemann of East Moline, IL and Jeff White of Mission Hills, KS.
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Hoolehan isn’t the only member of the Wildhorse Golf Staff that was honored last month. The GCSAA and Lebanon Turf, named Rory, Hoolehan’s 6 year old Yellow Lab with Eastern Oregon bird dog breeding, Dog of the Year. Rory spends his days at Wildhorse Resort & Casino Golf Course chasing geese and hanging with his buddy Chip a 9 year old Golden Lab. Both dogs get special attention from Roger Hickman, Wildhorse Irrigation Tech. Roger (an Army Veteran) took care of Army Dogs in Vietnam as a Vet Tech. Rory and Chip team up to keep the geese on the move and the crew in good spirits. Rory and Hoolehan donated the $500 prize to “Train a Dog, Save a Warrior” TADSAW (http://www.tadsaw.org/) which was the beneficiary of the contest. TADSAW trains service dogs for veterans. Rory’s donation will be used to train a dog for a Veteran in Oregon. About Wildhorse Resort and Casino: Centrally situated between Boise, Spokane and Portland, Wildhorse Resort & Casino is a premier destination for family getaways, business meetings and large conventions. The Resort features a 24hour casino, hotel, RV Park, 7 restaurants, 5-screen Cineplex, 18-hole championship golf course, travel plaza and tribal museum. Expanded in 2011, there is no destination experience like it in the Pacific Northwest. Wildhorse boosts over 1200 slots, all your favorite table games, keno, bingo and live entertainment Wednesday-Friday in our sports bar. Wildhorse is located just off I-84 at exit 216, four miles east of Pendleton, OR. Wildhorse is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. About Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow To fund Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow, Bayer invests a percentage of StressGard™ Formulation Technology (FT) product sales each year for three years – a minimum commitment of $300,000. Funds generated through the program will also be dedicated to the EIFG to support research, education, advocacy and scholarship initiatives executed by GCSAA. About Bayer CropScience Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience, the subgroup of Bayer AG responsible for the agricultural business, has annual sales of EUR 8,819 million (2013) and is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of seeds, crop protection and non-ag-
Sean Hoolehan with his dog Rory
ricultural pest control. The company offers an outstanding range of products including high value seeds, innovative crop protection solutions based on chemical and biological modes of action as well as an extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture. In the area of non-agricultural applications, Bayer CropScience has a broad portfolio of products and services to control pests from home and garden to forestry applications. The company has a global workforce of 22,400 and is represented in more than 120 countries. About GCSAA and the EIFG The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game.
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OUTDOORS
The Gorge Business News
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Partners with Love’s Mt. Adams Institute to Provide Jobs for Veterans Tr uck Stop
BAKER CITY, OREGON - The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is proud to be partnering with the Mt. Adams Institute to provide jobs for Veterans around the Forest. The VetsWork program is an eleven month career development internship program for Veterans who have an interest in natural resource management. The program offers more than a job; the program offers physical, mental, and spiritual renewal for participants, while learning about natural resource management. VetsWork participants are placed at local, state, or federal land management agencies, such as the Forest Service where they provide project support, while learning about various career paths. “This opportunity has been life changing for me and provided me with a better outlook on my career goals. Traveling across the country from Alabama to Oregon this summer was fun and refreshing for me! The valuable work experience I am getting here with the Forest Service will definitely help me in the future with my career,” shares Kimberly Morris. Kimberly is an Army Veteran from Montgomery, Alabama, and is
working as a writer/editor learning about the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on the Whitman Ranger District in Baker City, Oregon. VetsWork interns have the opportunity to learn from both Forest Service employees and members of the public. “With this position, I have had the privilege to meet and hear the stories of people from all over the world. It has given me the chance to visit great places in some beautiful settings. It has also given me insight into what goes on behind the scenes, in order to maintain such a vast and beautiful landscape. Everything from logistics, permit compliance, developed and dispersed site maintenance, to the Valuing People and Places program,” shares Benjamin Morrison. Benjamin is an Army Veteran from Valdosta, Georgia who is working as a Recreation Technician for the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The new VetsWork program is seeing success and opportunities for growth. “The success of VetsWork in this first full year of operation has surpassed all of our expectations. We have some incredible Veterans who are providing our sponsors with critically needed services, while accessing the many
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benefits of the program and building their own career paths,” shares Aaron Stanton, VetsWork Program Director. “Through our partnership with the US Forest Service, the success of VetsWork has gained national attention resulting in expansion from the Northwest to the Northeast and Southeastern United States,” added Stanton. “I would like to thank Kimberly Morris for her writer/ editing work, Benjamin Morrison for his river ranger work, Spencer Sorensen for his archaeological work, and Mario Licata for his wilderness work on the Forest. We have been very fortunate to have such excellent interns to help us on the Wallowa-Whitman, and have also learned life-lessons from them as well,” shares Tom Montoya, Wallowa-Whitman Forest Supervisor. “This will definitely help me in the future when choosing a specific career. I came into this not knowing a thing about the Forest Service and it is all very exciting to know the amount of options you have when pursuing a career,” shares Mario Licatta. Mario is a Marine Veteran from Bothell, Washington who is working as a Wilderness Assistant for the Wallowa Mountains Office in Joseph, Oregon. For more information about the program and to view current VetsWork internships available on the Wallowa-Whitman and other Forests, please visitwww. mtadamsinstitute.comand to view a video about the program please visit:http://www.mtadamsinstitute.com/programs/. Interns: • Kimberly Morris, Writer/Editor Assistant for Whitman Ranger District • Benjamin Morrison, River Ranger Assistant for Hells Canyon National Recreation Area • Spencer Sorensen, Archeological Assistant for Wallowa Mountains Office (WMO) • Mario Licata, Wilderness Assistant for WMO -USFS-
One Step Closer to Reality
Love’s in Choctaw, Oklahoma If all goes according to plan construction on the roughly 10,000 square foot Love’s Travel Stop could begin in June at the Tower Road Exit off of I-84 near Boardman, and is expected to be opened for business by Spring 2016. “All of our conditional use permits are complete,” said Kealey Dorian, communication specialist for Love’s Travel Stops. “Where a location fits in with our existing stores is one of the things we look at,” said Dorian. “We have teams of people that look for where there is a need, what type of freight traffic there is, as well as tourism.” Once complete, the Tower Road Love’s would add at least 50 jobs and as many as 75 to Morrow County. The project has not been without opposition and has faced zoning challenges as well as legal appeals from another firm worried about the ramifications of having a national chain to compete with. “This has been in the process for a very long time; 7 years,” said Morrow County Commissioner Leann Rea. “Our suspicion is that it will be appealed again. This is a very large project to go on the tax rolls. I think competition is a good thing, it is what made this country great.” Love’s was founded in 1964 when Tom Love opened his first store in Watonga, Oklahoma. They now have 340 locations in 40 states, with three in Oregon including Roseburg, Troutdale and Ontario. Tom is still active in the business. Love’s Travel Stops have snacks, gifts and electronics. The Tower Road Love’s will include a Carl’s Jr. restaurant and a tire shop for commercial trucks.
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OUTDOORS
Friends of the Columbia Gorge Launches the 35 & Gorgeous Hike Challenge
Tom McCall Preserve wildflowers, enjoying a picnic at an established picnic area, and using a boot brush at a trailhead to prevent the proliferation of non-native plant species. Those who complete all 35 items before Oct. 31 and are also Friends of the Columbia Gorge members will receive a prize courtesy of the Lyle Hotel, located in the eastern Gorge community of Lyle, WA, and be entered into a grand prize drawing of a white water raft trip for six on the Wild & Scenic White Salmon River, courtesy of Wet Planet. Participants must register through Friends’ website and be Friends’ members to be eligible for prizes. Don’t miss out on this fun, rewarding Gorge experience! Friends of the Columbia Gorge works to ensure the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge remains a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for coming generations. We’re the only conservation advocacy organization dedicated solely to protecting the Gorge. Secondly, we’re landowners. Our land trust owns over 1,000 acres, providing hiking and recreation opportunities, while managing our land for long-term protection. Thirdly, we’re educators. We lead more than 100 hikes a year, taking people to places they have never seen and learning things they never knew. Lastly, we’re connectors. We connect the landscapes to the communities of the Gorge through projects such as Gorge Towns to Trails.
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The Gorge Business News
Wilbur-Ellis to Improve Satellite Imagery of Data tool W
ilbur-Ellis Company has reached an agreement with Planet Labs to bring satellite imagery to the AgVerdict® software platform, Wilbur-Ellis’ industry leading technology in agricultural data usage. This enhancement will significantly improve the delivery of satellite imagery to a grower, making the data available in a matter of minutes rather than days. “We’re excited to work with Planet Labs on this endeavor as the company changes the speed in which agriculture utilizes imagery,” said Michael Wilbur, vice president of Data Services and Field Technology, Wilbur-Ellis. “Timely and frequent imagery will give our growers the advantage to act immediately in order to prevent problems and will help them make more efficient decisions to their crop production.” This new feature will benefit Wilbur-Ellis customers by providing imagery using “ultra-compact” satellites that will soon scan the planet every twenty-four hours. From their headquarters in San Francisco, Planet Labs designs, builds and operates a network of satellites they call “Doves.” In January 2014, Planet Labs delivered Flock 1, the world’s largest constellation of Earth-imaging satellites, made up of 28 Doves. To date, Planet Labs has launched 71 Doves. Josh Alban, vice president of Sales, Planet Labs comments, “Planet Labs brings a unique capability to agricultural markets around the world: high frequency, good resolution and the ability to serve data at micro and macro levels. We are thrilled to work with AgVerdict, a best-in-class platform that makes a strong offering to the Ag retail community.” More on AgVerdict As a leading technology in agricultural data usage, AgVerdict combines field-specific data with agronomists’ knowledge for a strategic decision-making toolkit to maximize the customer’s return on investment. AgVerdict enables users to securely store data on a cloud-based system for easy access from any field location, and is available for iOS mobile devices. Working together with a Wilbur-Ellis agronomist, growers will find that the user-friendly software is customizable based on the operation, with GPS tracking that includes mapping, input usage on a per field basis, performance monitoring, record keeping, and the convenience to securely store years of data in one place.
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The Gorge Business News
HEALTH
Stem Cell Therapy For Pain Is Now Av a i l a b l e A t C o l u m b i a P a i n M a n a g e m e n t C
olumbia Pain Management, PC teamed up with Regenexx to offer Stem Cell Therapy and other regenerative medicine treatments as an alternative to surgery for pain relief, orthopedic injuriesand arthritis. As part of Regenexx’s physician provider network, residents of Oregon and Washington now have access to procedures that were only available at major university hospitals. “Regenexx is one of the country’s leading medical service vendors for stem cell therapy for pain,” stated Dr. David Russo, physiatrist and lead physician on Columbia Pain Management’s stem cell program. “We’re bringing in a whole suite of regenerative medicine procedures to our patients who are interested in options other than surgery for the management of chronic pain conditions. “I see a lot of patients in my practice who, I believe, have been offered false choices,” Dr. Russo explained.“They’ve been told things like; there’s nothing left to do except try surgery, or this is just a degenerative condition that is never going get better, and you’re going to just have to learn to deal with it. Oftentimes I think patients get very discouraged, demoralized and internalize that message. “Sometimes it’s helpful to come in and get a fresh set of eyes, get a new evaluation and perspective from a group of health care providers that are not anti-surgery, but are committed to trying many different possible solutions inlieu of surgery,” suggested Dr. Russo. “Really hear what your options are from a health care perspective, a health care provider and doctor who’s coming at the problem from that non-surgical orientation.” Columbia Pain Management has served thousands of patients burdened with acute or chronic pain in Oregon and Washington since it was founded in 2005.Columbia Pain Managementis a comprehensive, interventional pain management clinic in the Columbia River Gorge.They look at the whole patient when it comes to treating pain, including diet, lifestyle and exercise.
“We are committed to science, committed to evidence-based practices and so is Regenexx,” Dr. Russo replied when asked about the new partnership.“Regenexx has been at the forefront of developingclinical outcome registries. Tracking how patients do with this sort of treatment over time. We want to know what’s working andfurthering our medical knowledge. Regenexx has built a robust algorithm fortracking success and developing protocol for future applications. We wanted to partner with someone who takes the science seriously, who takes patient care seriously and is interested in optimizing alternatives, because that is what our philosophy is.” Stem cell therapy is a one-day procedure. The patient has bone marrow drawn in the morning, usually a mini-biopsy from the back of the hip bone. The marrow in then processed, creating a concentrated solution of stem cells. In the afternoon the stem cells are injected into the damaged joint or tissues using fluoroscopy ormusculoskeletal ultrasound. “What’s new and novel about the way we’re using stem cells to treat acute and chronic pain is that we’re able to be very targeted with the therapy. ,” expounded Dr. Russo,“and localize specifically, very specifically, the damaged and injured tissues,and sort of stimulate the body’s
own natural healing cycle.” Who is a good candidate for this procedure? Anyone who suffers with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder or hands. Patients with non-healing bone fractures. Tendon injuries such as partial rotator cuff or other partial muscle-tendon tears. Avascular necrosis of the hip, shoulder, knee, ankle. Certain types of injuries to the meniscus, hip labrum, shoulder labrum, shoulder SLAP lesions. Stem cell therapy for pain is such a new and innovative treatment that it is not yet covered by health insurance. However, most insurance covers an initial evaluation and second opinions from a specialist, making it possible for you to investigate all of your options before choosing surgery or just living with the pain. If you’d like to learn more about Columbia Pain Management or Stem Cell Therapy you can visit their website at www.ColumbiaPain.org. Columbia Pain Management P.C. Hood River , Oregon United States 97031 541-716-6469 http://columbiapain.org/
Oregon Medical Association Supports Free Drug Card Program T
he Oregon Medical Association (OMA) has officially partnered with the Oregon Rx Card to provide a FREE prescription assistance program for members, their patients, employees and others. The Oregon Rx Card was launched in 2009 to make prescription medications more affordable for the uninsured and underinsured. The card may be used for savings of up to 75% on
prescription medications at more than 56,000 pharmacies nationwide. “This is an easy way for Oregonians to get the prescription drugs they need at a cost they can afford,” said Joanne K. Bryson, CAE, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Oregon Medical Association. “We encourage our members to make these cards accessible to their patients.” The card offers discounts
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on both brand name and generic prescription medications for individuals without prescription coverage. Additionally, those who have prescription drug coverage may still qualify and receive discounts on medications not covered by their insurance plan. Oregon residents can create a free card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies simply visit www.theOMA.org or www. oregonrxcard.com.
About the Oregon Medical Association The Oregon Medical Association provides legislative and practice advocacy, regulatory review and educational opportunities to aid over 8,200 physicians, physicians assistants and student members in their efforts to improve the health of Oregonians. Additional information can be found at www.theOMA.org. SOURCE Oregon Medical Association
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The Gorge Business News
OUT AND ABOUT
EOU wins Cycle Oregon grant in support of Rail-with-Trail Study E
astern Oregon University has been awarded a $10,456 grant from the Cycle Oregon Fund at the Oregon Community Foundation. The grant will support involvement from EOU students and the public in preparation of a Joseph Branch Rail-with-Trail Feasibility Study for the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority (WURA). The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Northeast Oregon Economic Development District and Joseph Branch Trail Consortium are partnering with the university on the study. The Wallowa Union Railroad Authority has agreed to consider building a rail-withtrail project between Elgin and Joseph alongside the Joseph Branch rail line. The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed in December 2015 and the WURA board of directors will make a decision at that time about proceeding with master planning and trail construction. “The Joseph Branch Trail has the potential to create unique benefits for northeastern Oregon,” said Terry Edvalson, who
provides project management support and is an adjunct faculty member at EOU. “The development of the rail-with-trail could encourage additional interest in visiting the region, create new opportunities for the local economy, and enhance recreational and quality of life opportunities for local residents,” Edvalson added. The 163 participants in public workshops held in Elgin, Wallowa and Enterprise in December 2014 provided information about concerns, constraints and opportunities along each mile of the proposed trail. This information is being used to develop a draft trail development design alternatives report. The draft alternatives design report will be presented for review and comment in upcoming public workshops. A survey to evaluate public support for various design alternatives and gather opinions about other issues related to the trail will be conducted this spring. Reports and other Information about the study are available at www.eou.edu/railswith-trails and the Joseph Branch Trail Consortium website atwww.josephbranchtrail.org.
Cycle Oregon 2015 - Hells Canyon/Wallowas September 12 - 19
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+Get more from your energy. Visit www.energytrust.org/mybusiness or call us at 1.866.368.7878. Serving customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas.
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Page 9
AMERICA
The Gorge Business News
Hood River Distillers, Inc. Salutes United States Armed Forces with a 2015 Limited Edition Bottle A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each 2015 Limited Edition will be donated to the Wrangler® National Patriot™ program.
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ood River Distillers, Inc., the largest and oldest importer, distiller, producer and bottler of distilled spirits in the Northwest, today announces a limited edition bottle for Pendleton® Whisky that honors the integrity and patriotism of those who serve, and have served, our country with pride. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Pendleton Whisky limited edition bottle will be donated to the Wrangler® National Patriot™ program to make a difference in the lives of active military personnel and veterans throughout the country. “It is with this limited edition bottle of Pendleton Whisky that we raise a glass and proudly salute the honorable men and women, and their families, who have dedicated their lives to the American people by serving in the United States military,” said Tia Bledsoe, Senior Brand Manager, Hood River Distillers. “We have a high degree of admiration for our service members – past and present – and look forward to partnering with the Wrangler National Patriot program on this meaningful endeavor.” Founded in 2009, the Wrangler National Patriot program is designed to raise awareness and funds for wounded or fallen American military veterans and their families by uniting the rodeo and western communities in fundraising efforts. The Pendleton Whisky 2015 limited edition bottle will be available at spirits retailers throughout the country beginning May 2015 with a suggested retail price of $26.95 (750 ml). Additionally, the Pendleton Whisky limited edition bottle was designed by Owens-Illinois, Inc. (O-I), the world’s largest glass container manufac-
turer, with bottle art designed by French/ West/Vaughan. “Pendleton Whisky has always been a friend of the Wrangler National Patriot program, and we are excited to now announce this formal partnership,” said Jeff Chadwick, director of special events for Wrangler Western Wear. “The Pendleton Whisky 2015 limited edition bottle further enforces the combined dedication from both organizations to patriotism nationwide.” For more information about how to purchase this limited edition bottle, or Pendleton Whisky’s engagement with the Wrangler National Patriot program, please visit www.pendletonwhisky. com. For more news from Pendleton Whisky, visit the brand on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. About Pendleton Whisky Pendleton® Whisky is imported, bottled and marketed by Hood River Distillers of Hood River, Ore., and is available nationwide. The oak barrel-aged whisky uses glacier-fed spring water from Oregon’s Mt. Hood and is known for its uncommonly smooth taste and rich, complex flavor. Pendleton Whisky is the official spirit of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), and the presenting sponsor of the All American ProRodeo Series, which includes 400plus PRCA rodeos. About Hood River Distillers Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Hood River, Ore.,
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Hood River Distillers is the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, producer, bottler, and marketer of distilled spirits. Pendleton® Whisky, Pendleton®1910 Rye Whisky, Broker’s® London Dry Gin, Sinfire® Cinnamon Whisky, Yazi® Ginger Vodka, ULLR® Nordic Libation, HRD®Vodka, Lucid® Absinthe Supérieure, the complete line of Monarch® distilled spirits and the Clear Creek Distillery portfolio are just a few of the company’s brands distributed across the country. Hood River Distillers is a member of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility and promotes responsible drinking habits. For more information, visit www.hrdspirits. com. About Wrangler® National Patriot™ Founded in 2009, the
Wrangler National Patriot program is a year-round campaign developed to help raise awareness and funds to support American military veterans and their families and to serve as inspiration for all Americans to rally around each other in patriotism. A portion of all Wrangler National Patriot apparel proceeds also benefit this cause. For more information, visit www.wranglernationalpatriot.com. About O-I Owens-Illinois, Inc. (NYSE: OI) is the world’s largest glass container manufacturer and preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. The Company had revenues of $6.8 billion in 2014 and employs approximately 21,100 people at 75 plants in 21 countries. With global headquarters in Perrysburg, Ohio, USA, O-I delivers safe, sustainable, pure, iconic brand-building glass packaging to a growing global marketplace. For more information, visit o-i.com
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TRAVEL
The Gorge Business News
Eagle Cap Excursion Train Announces 2015 Schedule 2014 EAGLE CAP EXCURSION TRAIN SCHEDULE Sunday, May 10 Mother’s Day Brunch Saturday, June 13 Elgin Riverfest Depot Open House & Railroad Movie Night (no train ride) Saturday, June 20 Elgin Stampeders’ Train Robbery Saturday, July 4 I Love America Veteran’s Train (Veterans ride for free and may bring one guest for just $35) Saturday, July 18 Mystery Dinner Train Saturday, August 1 Two Rivers Bonus Saturday, August 15 Two Rivers Bonus Saturday, Aug. 29 Lookingglass Fish Hatchery Tour Saturday, Sept. 12 Wine & Cheese Train Saturday, Sept. 26 Railroad History Train & Depot Open House Saturday, Oct. 3 Gold Rush Bandits Autumn Train Robbery Saturday, Oct. 10 Two Rivers Fall Foliage Photography Train Saturday, Oct. 17 Two Rivers Fall Foliage Saturday, Oct. 24 Two Rivers Fall Foliage Saturday, Oct. 31 Boo Train Full trip descriptions are available at the train website: www.eaglecaptrainrides.com
Photo by Marcia Clausen of Walla Walla.
ELGIN, OREGON__The Friends of the Joseph Branch and Wallowa Union Railroad have announced this year’s schedule for the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. The plan was approved recently by the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority at their January meeting in Wallowa. This is the third year the Friends of the Joseph Branch, a non-profit organization, will operate the train and manage the Elgin Depot. Following a tradition started ten years ago, the Mother’s Day Brunch opens the season, departing from the Elgin Depot at 10 a.m., Sunday, May 10. “This trip gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy the lush spring scenery and enjoy a delicious brunch. It is always popular with people from out of the area and residents alike,” said Ed Spaulding, Friends of the Joseph Branch President. “It’s a great way to kick off the season.”
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Spaulding noted the non-profit organization has started planning equipment maintenance and volunteer activities. The group will be offering first aid training to its volunteers in April. “One of our members, Dick Burch, applied for a grant to upgrade our first aid equipment and train volunteers in the types of medical emergencies that could happen while the train is away from the depot,“ Spaulding said. One of the items included in the grant is a defibrillator. “We are very grateful for the assistance Dick has given us. He rode the train almost every trip last season and will again ensure a trained first aid person is on board each trip in case a passenger or crew member needs medical attention.” This year’s line-up includes a free ride for veterans on July 4th, a dinner mystery train, two train robberies, and a wine and cheese train. Other highlights involve a hatchery tour, a photo workshop, and the Boo
Train on Halloween. Another option in the planning stages for October is offering people the chance to pedal a Joseph Branch Railrider from Elgin to Rondowa, then catch the train for a ride back. All rides include a meal, but the beautiful canyon and river scenery is always the focal point. The train is based in Elgin, operating out of the Elgin Depot, where a gift shop, rest rooms and ample parking are available. Excursions use a section of track along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers between Elgin and Minam. Reservations are recommended. Tickets are purchased through Alegre Travel, train@alegretravel.com or 800.323.7330. Ticket agents are well informed about the trips and can also book motel rooms and offer advice on other activities and attractions in the area. The historic Joseph Branch, now known as the Wallowa Union Railroad, was rescued from salvage in 2003 when the Wallowa and Union County governments formed a partnership and purchased the highly scenic railroad and limited rolling stock. The Friends of the Joseph Branch is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that assists the rail authority by operating the excursion train, hosting passengers, restoring the rail cars and preserving the history of the railroad. See the web site for information about how to join the Friends JB and volunteer to assist with train activities.
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TRAVEL
The Gorge Business News
Historical Gilbert Inn in Seaside Offers a Peaceful Getaway
which are decorated with a mix of vintage style wallpaper, four-poster beds, walls of old growth fir, decorative tile bath rooms and period style armoires and dressers. By Lori Kimbel In 1990 five new guestrooms were added, After some pre-travel exrooms two and three on ploring online, we stumbled across the main floor, and rooms the Historic Gilbert Inn website four, five, and six on the and knew it was just the kind of second floor in what is place we needed to stay before known as the “Cottage the long cold winter of northeast Wing”. The Gilbert Inn Oregon sets in; we were not disap- has a total of eleven pointed with our choice. rooms for their guests The Queen Ann style today. home, built by Alexandre Gilbert, Alexandre Gilbert sits a short distance from the Seawas born in La Rochelle, side ‘Prom’ and the beach. Gilbert Inn, built in 1892 is now an eleven room couples retreat, just a few steps France, on April 16, 1845. The high rise condos that from the “Prom’ and the beach in Seaside. (Photos courtesy of Haystack Lodgings) He married Emma Loncol tower above her are no match to in 1869. Three years later yard looking up at the beautiful rose from the ashes. her elegant beauty. the two immigrated to San FranVictorian home he had just com Gilbert deeded a one and a The gentle Oregon Coast cisco, where he became a carpenter pleted for his family. The crash of half mile stretch of land, which is mist greeted us as we pulled into and a cabinet maker. the ocean waves a short distance now known as the “Prom” to the the drive and the Gilbert Inn was While in San Francisco, behind him and all the splendor city. He hoped to have a 10 foot all the website said it he be built and estabof his fabulous home before him strip of walkway and a 30 foot would be and more. I relished the Gilbert House, (with not even one condo in sight). strip of grassy lawns for families to alized instantly the sense a hotel and boarding In 1908 the family permapicnic on. of history and grandeur house. nently relocated to the up and com- As one of the founding fais a much better experi In 1881 Alexandre ing resort town of Seaside where thers of Seaside, Alexandre Gilbert enced in person. and Emma moved to both Alexandre and Emma lived had a huge impact on Seaside, from The grand lobby, Astoria after hearing out the rest of their days, Emma the beautiful home he built, the with its large fireplace, that land was ‘cheap’ in passing away in 1917, and Alexanbusiness culture he created, the and sitting areas and front Oregon. He most likely dre passing away 18 years later, in the Prominade he envisioned, he desk were accented by Gilbert and Emma’s Wedding fell in love with the area 1935. left his mark and helped to make the rich wood-covered immediately as this part Little did Mr. Gilbert realSeaside one of the top destinations walls. It was a lot to take in, and of the Oregon coast resembled his ized, that the house he had conon the Oregon Coast today. the explorer in me was loving every native France. structed with his own blood, sweat The home stayed within the minute of it. Mr. Gilbert built several and tears, would still be welcoming family until the 1970’s. Since that A testament to old world homes in Astoria, where he and guests 122 years later. time it has changed ownership sevcraftsmanship, the Gilbert Inn Emma and their three children Although there are rumors eral times; the most recent propriis filled with the regions natural spent their winters. During the of Gilbert being involved in some etors, Antoine and Rocio Simmons, resources. In the basement there summer months they would always of the shanghaiing that took ownership in March 2014. are old growth beams that mearetreat to Seaside where took place in Astoria, sure 2 ft. in diameter, set atop they could enjoy bon For more information Gilbert was a well-relarge, foundation block boulders fires on the beach, on the Gilbert Inn & other spected citizen of taken from the nearby river. In the clam-digging, beach Seaside. He enjoyed Haystack Lodging Properties historical wing you will find tongue combing and the weathdealing in real estate visit and groove fir on the walls and the er. and he became involved www.haystacklodgings.com ceiling. The “1880’s” room They stayed at in both politics and is the oldest part of the house and or call the modest two-room community service. He is what remains of the original (503) 436-2714 cottage on the beach, also gave considerable cottage. which Gilbert built in financial The offices, front desk area, 1885, one that Gilbert support lobby, solarium and other common would continue to build to area schools and areas on the main floor, make up onto until one day, in 1892, it had churches. what were once the parlor, dining become a grand Queen Anne style He was the area, kitchen and wrap around home, known today as Gilbert Inn. mayor of Seaside during porch of the Gilbert’s family home. One can only imagine the the fire of 1912 which Today, in the ‘Historic pride Alexandre Gilbert felt on Wing’, the second floor consists of that day, back in 1892, when he laid destroyed much of downtown. He was also three guest rooms, a housekeeping down his hammer, cleaned off his credited for leading the room and a staircase leading to the paint brush, and stood in his front charge for Seaside as it large attic “Garret” room. All of
The elegance of the Gilbert Inn is a great place for couples to relax
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The Gorge Business News
BUSINESS PROFILE
Wildhorse Resort & Casino Casino. Capital Gaming’s management of Wildhorse, however, was short lived. Within a few months after the opening of the permanent casino in March of 1995, most of the management were being filled and operated by CTUIR members. “It was a sink or swim situation,” said Al Tovey, Construction of the Hotel Tower took general manager of Wildplace in 2011. Photo by Lori horse Resort and Casino. “And fear is a great motivator.” The CTUIR and Nine of the original 78 are Wildhorse leadership had still employed at the casino to this a vision and that vision has day. Tovey, who grew up in steadily become a reality Malad City, Idaho, started his career at Wildhorse as the marketBy Lori Kimbel ing manager. “Marketing is a lot more complicated now. I thought hen Capital Gaming I would work at an ad agency in out of New Jersey first flew over Portland or Seattle, but I absolutely the bare piece of land that would love it here. It has really grown on one day become Wildhorse Resort me. This feels like where I come and Casino, they asked themselves, from, a bunch of small communi“who would ever come here?” ties with their own unique idenHowever, there was a select group tities. People are good here and I of people who had a shared vision have never regretted coming here.” of what this particular piece of land Many of the improvecould look like with a lot of hard ments that have been incorporated work and perseverance. over the years have come about It has been more than 20 because of guests comment card years since that flight took place suggestions. Wildhorse has also and Wildhorse Resort and Casino, implement a program through Infolike a phoenix, has risen from those Search, that allows guest to fill out dusty fields to become the most a survey if they have left an e-mail popular destination in northeast upon check-in at the hotel. WildOregon. horse receives approximately 7,000 Capital Gaming was hired comments through InfoSearch each by the Confederated Tribes of the year. Staff also pays close attention Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUto comments made through Trip IR) to help launch a successful Advisor, as well as Yelp. casino. Four double wide buildings “You always have to were brought in and soon there change and always have to imwere 100 slot machines, a snack prove,” said Tovey, who reads bar, and a money cage. That temevery single comment card they porary casino opened on Novemreceive. ber 5, 1994 and would serve as a Next on the improvement training facility for some hands-on agenda is to create a quiet bar near experience for the very first emthe hotel lobby in the space where ployees of Wildhorse Resort and the coffee shop is now located. The
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About Wildhorse Resort and Casino:
Centrally situated between Boise, Spokane and Portland, Wildhorse Resort & Casino is a premier destination for family getaways, business meetings and large conventions. www.thegorgebusinessnews.com
coffee shop will go into the gift shop, which will move to a larger retail space, also near the hotel lobby. “They have always been very forward thinking,” said Community Relations Manager, Tiah DeGrofft, of the management of Wildhorse. “They have always had a five year and a ten year plan.” Future plans tentatively include another hotel tower and possible a convention center. The management of Wildhorse Resort and Casino have put a lot of effort into making their quest’s experience unique and ever-changing, and they realize that they could not do it without their staff of 800. According to DeGrofft, employees attend customer service training events, and are also welcome to participate in Wildhorse’s Wings of Flight training, a one year program that helps employees understand all of the many departments within the resort. Completion of this program improves their chances for career advancement within the resort. “It gives them a good solid idea of what happens in each department. It is a really good resume builder,” said DeGrofft. “They empower their employees and help them open doors to their own future. It is really top-down leadership,” said DeGrofft, who has been an employee of Wildhorse for 5 years. “I think the good thing about Wildhorse is the small town ideals with a big town feel. Everybody does their part when you live in a small town, and I think the small town hospitality comes across when you visit Wildhorse.” “It is how you treat your employees and your customers,” said Tovey. “It is all about relationships and we are fortunate that we have been able to develop those relationships over the last 20 years.”
The Resort features a 24hour casino, hotel, RV Park, 7 restaurants, 5-screen Cineplex, 18-hole championship golf course, travel plaza and tribal museum. Expanded in 2011, there is no destination experience like it in the Pacific Northwest. Wildhorse boosts over 1200 slots, all your
Wildhorse Timeline
March 9, 1995 the first permanent facility opened. Progress continued on the bare land at the base of the Blue Mountains and in 1996 the first expansion was complete. It included a hotel and indoor swimming pool. Then in 1997 the 100 space RV Park and outdoor pool were added. An 18-hole Championship golf course was created as well. In 2002 another expansion took place by expanding the table games to include roulette and craps, making Wildhorse a full Vegas-style casino. The expansion also added a video game parlor and a child’s entertainment center. Then, by 2005, a conference center was added and included Cayuse Hall, The Walla Walla Room and the Umatilla Boardroom. In 2007 Wildhorse opened Traditions Buffet, Plateau Fine Dining and the Wildhorse Sports Bar, which allowed for live entertainment four nights a week. The $1.5 million expansion also added a second non-smoking slots floor, bringing the total number of slots to just over 800 of which 25% are in non-smoking rooms. The 2011 expansion was the largest expansion to date totaling over $45 million. The expansion added a 10-story Tower Hotel, which includes 202 hotel rooms, three new meeting spaces, a fitness area, retail space, and 3,500 square feet, which allows for up to 1400 slot machines and a five theater Cineplex. Next to the Cineplex a new child entertainment center and expanded arcade were added for the enjoyment of the younger guests.
favorite table games, keno, bingo and live entertainment Wednesday-Friday in our sports bar. Wildhorse is located just off I-84 at exit 216, four miles east of Pendleton, OR. Wildhorse is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Page 13
OUTDOORS
The Gorge Business News
Landmark Agreements to Conserve up to 2.3 Million Acres of Sage Grouse Habitat in Oregon Landowners gain greater regulatory certainty under innovative, voluntary program; Nearly all Oregon’s greater sage-grouse habitat on private, state and federal lands now have conservation agreements
DA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI). Under these types of agreements, landowners and permittees voluntarily agree to manage their lands to remove or reduce threats to species. Landowners, in return, receive predictability from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that no additional conservation measures will be ecretary of the Interior Sally Jewell required or new restrictions imposed if the today joined Oregon Governor Kate Brown species becomes listed, so long as the agreeand U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ments are being properly implemented. The Deputy Under Secretary Ann Mills to celegoal of the programs is to encourage immebrate landmark agreements that will allow diate benefits for a species while providing landowners in all eight Eastern and Central the landowner with the ability to plan for the Oregon counties with greater sage-grouse future. habitat to enroll their property in a voluntary The Oregon Multi-County CCAAs conservation program – that could protect cover 2,312,673 acres, and the Department of up to approximately 2.3 million acres. LandState Lands CCAA includes 633,000 acres. In owners who participate receive assurances combination with the Harney County Soil and that they will not face additional regulatory Water Conservation District CCAA finalized requirements if the bird is protected under the in 2014, more than 4 million acres of privately Endangered Species Act. owned lands now qualify for inclusion un “These voluntary agreements estabder these conservation agreements. All BLM lish a collaborative partnership to ensure the rangelands in Oregon are covered in parallel conservation of the greater sage-grouse and conservation agreements such that nearly all sustain working western rangelands,” Jewell greater sage-grouse habitat on private, state, said. “The agreements in Oregon are more evidence that we can work together to provide and federal land in Oregon is eligible to be covered under conservation agreements. regulatory certainty for ranchers and other In Oregon, USDA has invested $18.4 westerners who rely on sagebrush habitat for their livelihoods, and also take important steps million through SGI in on-the-ground restoration since 2010, helping more than 100 to protect the hundreds of species that rely on ranchers remove conifers from 200,000 acres these landscapes.” of key nesting, brood-rearing and wintering “These agreements are essential to the habitats, addressing 68 percent of the conifer continued health of the sagebrush ecosystem threat to Oregon’s sage-grouse population on and the livelihood of ranchers,” Brown said. “By working together, the state, local districts, priority private land. These efforts not only benefit the sage-grouse, but also improve the ranchers and the Fish and Wildlife Service forage available on grazing lands. have devised a plan that advances both the Since the Harney County Soil and principles of conservation and the local econo- Water Conservation District entered into its my.” CCAA with the Service in May 2014, it has “Over the past five years, USDA has enrolled over 53 landowners with more than worked closely with partners and landowners to restore more than 4.4 million acres of sage- 320,000 acres. Numerous ranchers are also ready to enroll under these new CCAAs. grouse habitat across the West, demonstrating Landowners and cattle producers who the real impact that voluntary, collaborative enroll will develop site-specific plans that conservation on private lands can have on a address threats to sage-grouse and maintain or landscape scale,” Mills said. “These volunimprove habitat. The major threats in Oregon tary practices have a proven track record, and are wildfire and a resulting increase of exotic today’s announcement will go a long way tograsses and juniper encroachment. All particiwards advancing our shared vision of healthy pating enrollees will agree to maintain contigranges and a healthy rural economy.” Greater regulatory certainty can be pro- uous habitat and avoid further fragmentation. Other activities that may be included in the vided in at least two ways, through Candidate plans are juniper removal, invasive grass and Conservation Agreements with Assurances weed control, and marking fences known to be (CCAAs) and through agreements with USa collision hazard for sage-grouse.
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Each CCAA was developed through locally driven efforts with a steering committee that included private landowners, livestock associations and stock growers, watershed councils, Soil and Photo by Nick Myatt Water Conservation Districts, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, County Courts, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State University Extension, The Nature Conservancy, Oregon Department of State Lands, and Native American tribes. Today’s announcement builds upon partnerships across the West to conserve sage-grouse habitat. In addition to the more than 1,100 ranchers partnering with USDA to deliver sustainable ranching measures on over 4.4 million acres through SGI, several innovative conservation agreements with landowners are focusing on providing net conservation gain while offset unavoidable impacts. Just yesterday, the Interior Department announced an agreement with Barrick Gold of North America and The Nature Conservancy to provide credit for greater sage-grouse habitat improvements in Nevada while continuing to support gold mining in the state. In Wyoming last week, the Interior Department joined Governor Matt Mead to announce the launch of the nation’s first conservation bank for greater sage-grouse. Greater sage-grouse once occupied more than 290 million acres of sagebrush in the West, but the bird, known for its flamboyant mating ritual at sites called leks, has lost more than half of its habitat due to growing threats from rangeland fire, invasive species and development. The deteriorating health of western sagebrush landscapes has sparked an unprecedented and proactive partnership across eleven states to conserve the uniquely American habitat that supports iconic wildlife, outdoor recreation, ranching and other traditional land uses. More information on the greater sagegrouse and the ongoing, collaborative work to conserve the sagebrush landscape is available at: http://www.fws.gov/greatersagegrouse/.
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The Gorge Business News
THE RANCHING WAY OF LIFE
C attl emen Ca re: A l w a y s H a v e , A lw a y s Will
By Kayli Hanley
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n Tuesday, March 31st, the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Executive Board unanimously voted to amend the National Resource Conservation Fee program. The NRCF will now only be assessed in the five, core sage-grouse counties. These counties are, Baker, Malheur, Harney, Lake and Crook. Aside from the amendment stated here, all other provisions of the bill will remain including the five year sunset. The bill has not yet been released from the legislative counsel as discussions are being held regarding amendments to HB 2401, also known as the Wild Bird Feed Excise Tax. Since Oregon’s start in 1859, its land has needed to be worked and its livestock have needed to be cared for. Ranchers stepped up and took on the task; quiet leaders striving to keep nature thriving. Years later, some Oregonians question rancher’s support for the environment. Ranchers are bringing forward a public declaration of their support for conservation in the form of what the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association is calling a “Natural Resource Conservation Fee.” The fee works by taking $1 per head assessment at the time of an already required brand inspection. It will then be up to local soil and water conservation districts
to award that money to ranchers working on conservation projects to help the environment. The fee is not limited to one species or environmental concern, but goes toward any wildlife or environmental challenge individual counties are facing. Ranchers have to give toward the assessment in order to be eligible to receive money back for their conservation projects. There will be a 5 year sunset on the bill. Ray Sessler, president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, said, “(the fee) is a public declaration of what ranchers have been working hard to accomplish all along. That is, take care of Oregon’s environment.” He said the cattlemen are self-assessing themselves in order to help not only the environment and wildlife, but Oregon’s communities as well. The fee will work to assist ranchers with a variety of conservation projects. John O’Keeffe, president elect of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, said he is optimistic the fee will add additional support to stabilizing ranching communities. He also wants the public to see how hard ranchers work to keep Oregon’s wildlife healthy. “I hope the public will appreciate the livestock industry stepping up to bring forward resources to conserve these species,” O’Keeffe said. Brett Brownscombe, acting deputy director for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, believes the bill has great potential to
help prevent a Sage-Grouse listing. Brownscombe also noted that this is not the first action ranchers have taken to help support conservation. “This fee adds to their efforts. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he said. Support for the fee comes from others as well. Tom Sharp, a Harney County rancher, said, “I believe it is important to support the bill because the fee increases will go back to the conservation projects through SWCD offices.” Sharp appreciates the flexibility the fee provides for supporting different conservation projects according to different county’s needs. The efforts of Oregon ranchers are not going un-noticed. Paul Henson, state supervisor for USFW, said, “In general, I have been very impressed by OCA’s and local ranchers’ honest and constructive participation in these efforts to find collaborative ways
to avoid the need to list the SageGrouse.” Henson added, “They have been making some significant sacrifices of their time and resources.” As a hard-working Oregon rancher, Sharp hopes the public will realize one large concept from this bill; “Ranchers are conservationists too.” While the Cattlemen’s Association prepares to move the bill forward, O’Keeffe notes that this isn’t some last resort effort, but rather an outward declaration of years of behind the scenes work. “Ranchers are in this for the long haul.” The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association was founded in 1913 and works to promote environmentally and socially sound industry practices, improve and strengthen the economics of the industry, and protect its industry communities and private property rights.
Lucas Oil and Protect The Harvest Join Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend as Title Sponsor sponsor of Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend. The Weekend honors Pendleton’s ranching heritage and creates scholarships for area students taking agricultural majors in college or university courses. “Both Lucas Oil and Protect the Harvest fall in line with what Cattle Barons Weekend stands for”, says organizer Marty Campbell. “As an agriculturist, Mr. Lucas understands our mission of High Selling Horse 2014: Fiesta Rascal. Consigned by Diane promoting the future of our Lorenzen, Agent Justin Bailey industry and its heritage. Pro tect the Harvest has grown from his passion to endleton Cattle Barons has joined inform the public about agriculture, protect the forces with two of the agriculture industry’s future of the industry and respond intelligently strongest partners and proponents. Lucas Oil to opponents of agriculture.” and Protect the Harvest have become the title “Protect The Harvest exists to defend
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our way of life, preserve our food freedom, and stand up for America’s farmers, hunters and animal owners.” Forrest Lucas says. Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend is filled with activities that honor and preserve the ranching heritage of Northeast Oregon. Events include the Western Select Gelding Sale, North American Stock Saddle Bronc Championship, Ranch Rodeo, Buckeroo Barbeque Challenge, and a Western Trade Show. All proceeds from the Weekend’s events create scholarships for area students majoring in agriculture.
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The Gorge Business News
OUT AND ABOUT IN OREGON
Travel Oregon Brings Back Popular ‘7 Wonders of Oregon’ Campaign
The Oregon Tourism
Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is re-launching the state’s most successful marketing campaign to date: “The 7 Wonders of Oregon.” Introduced last spring, the campaign contributed to nearly 10 percent growth in statewide lodging revenue in 2014 over 2013, according to STR, Inc. What’s more, Travel Oregon’s fan base grew by more than 120,000 and TravelOregon.com experienced a record number of unique visitors during the campaign, giving a new audience a view of all Oregon has to offer in an ongoing and engaging manner. Starting this week, the 7 Wonders campaign will feature seven iconic natural wonders of Oregon as the focus of destination travel: the Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, the Painted Hills, the Wallowas and Smith Rock. The most comprehensive marketing campaign Travel Oregon has ever produced, the 7 Wonders encourages Oregonians and visitors to experience all seven attractions in their lifetimes. “When we launched the 7 Wonders campaign last year, our primary objective was to positively impact the state’s economy and job numbers, something we always strive to do in our work at Travel Oregon,” said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO. “In 2013, the tourism industry generated $9.6 billion for Oregon’s economy and directly supported nearly 94,000 jobs. Due to the resounding success of the campaign, we believe we’ll see even greater economic impact for 2014 and in the coming years.” Following its previous format, the campaign will launch with a 60-second anthem featuring all 7 Wonders of Oregon. The spot will air in cinemas and on television in the key markets of Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Boise, Vancouver B.C. and the United Kingdom – a new market for 2015. Additional 30-second spots will showcase the unique
Mount Hood from Hood River Photo by Lori Kimbel experiences to explore around each individual wonder. The overall objectives of the 7 Wonders campaign are to inspire people to consider Oregon as a prime travel destination and to encourage exploration throughout the entire state. Visitors are invited to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #traveloregon. The best of these images will be showcased on Travel Oregon content channels (TravelOregon.com, Facebook and Instagram) to inspire others long after the paid media portion of the campaign concludes. In 2014, people tagged more than 86,000 photos with the #traveloregon hashtag. Travel Oregon’s success with the 7 Wonders campaign has led to economic impact in communities and regions throughout the state. Consumer requests for Visitor Guides and information for every tourism region of the state was up 28-49 percent over 2013, indicating that more potential travelers are acting on their intentions to choose Oregon as their vacation destination in 2014. According to Shelley Hall, the superintendent of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the monument saw a marked increase in visits. “The numbers for our Painted Hills unit went up 50 percent from 2013 (to
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67,457 visits through November 2014), and that’s even with Highway 26 closed for a week in July because of fires,” she said. At Smith Rock, similar upticks in visitation have been seen. According to the manager of Smith Rock State Park, Scott Brown, the park has averaged a five percent increase in visitation each of the previous five years, but experienced a 14 percent jump in 2014. Likewise, increases were recorded at Crater Lake National Park. According to Crater Lake park superintendent Craig Ackerman, the park had more than 60,000 additional visitors last year with nearly 585,000 people visiting in 2014, up from 523,027 in 2013. “This is some of the strongest work for Travel Oregon in our 25-year history of working together,” said Dan Wieden, chairman of Wieden+Kennedy. “What I really like about the creative, aside from how beautiful Oregon looks, is it gives people a checklist of things to see and do.” Travel Oregon will incorporate new and exciting elements into this year’s 7 Wonders campaign around golf and cycling in April and May, respectively. How effective are Travel Oregon campaigns? In 2013, prior to the 7 Wonders campaign, Trav-
el Oregon commissioned Longwoods International to conduct an Advertising Accountability study. The Longwoods study showed that for every $1 Travel Oregon invested in advertising in the evaluated markets, $237 was generated in visitor spending and $11 in tax revenue to the benefit of Oregon residents. While the results do not include the 7 Wonders campaign, they do show how effective Travel Oregon’s campaigns have become. Travel Oregon is confident that the results from the 7 Wonders campaign will be more impressive, as this campaign has resonated with visitors and Oregonians alike. Along with Wieden+Kennedy, Travel Oregon worked with a team of agencies to bring this campaign to life, including LANE, MEDIAmerica, Sparkloft and Substance. The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission improves Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state’s $9.6 billion tourism industry that employs nearly 94,000 Oregonians. www. TravelOregon.com
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The Gorge Business News
DEVELOPMENT
Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson Appointed as U.S. Travel National Chair
Individual Development Account Program Helps Oregonians Help Themselves By Lisa Dawson
he U.S. Travel Association on Thursday announced the appointment of Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon, as its new national chair. Davidson, who previously served as the association’s first vice chair, succeeds Interstate Hotels & Resorts CEO Jim Abrahamson. “We are thrilled to welcome Todd as our new national chair,” said U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow. “With the travel industry driving U.S. economic growth, jobs and exports, Todd is well-positioned to further expand the reach and influence of America’s travel sector. Todd’s experience and expertise will greatly benefit the travel community.” As national chair of U.S. Travel, Davidson will guide the board and association’s efforts to: Aggressively highlight the role of the U.S. travel industry in driving increased economic growth and opportunity. Firmly establish leisure travel as essential to American life. “Given travel’s outsize contributions to U.S. economic strength and the growing evidence of the benefits of leisure travel, we have more opportunities than ever to tell its powerful story in Washington and beyond,” said Davidson. “My goal is to ensure that the travel sector has a strong voice and a seat at the table when critical decisions are made. I am honored to serve in this leadership capacity during this time of growth and success for the industry.” As CEO of the Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, Davidson has overseen the growth of his state’s $9.6 billion industry that employs more than 94,000 Oregonians. He helped lead the effort to establish dedicated, stable funding for Travel Oregon, which facilitated the growth of Oregon’s travel industry. During his tenure, Travel Oregon has garnered 13 Mercury Awards, including the top award for Best Website and Best Overall State Marketing Program in 2013. Davidson outlines his course of action for his twoyear term in his introduction as chair on U.S. Travel’s Friday Check-In. His appointment will give Oregon exceptional insight into national and international trends in the tourism industry.
T
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Since 2007, the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) has served as the regional administrator for Oregon’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program. This program has been extremely successful for residents in Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties. It’s a renewable program at the state level, and it needs your support to continue. NEOEDD offers IDAs to low- to moderate-income people to save money for a small business or education. NEOEDD staff have helped well over one hundred Northeast Oregonians plan for their future by saving with an IDA. So far NEOEDD has leveraged $540,920 in matched funds—that’s a half-million extra dollars that came into our region to support the educational and business aspirations of our neighbors. Another $144,130 is pledged to NE Oregon savers who are in the middle of the program. The IDA is, essentially, a financial responsibility program. It encourages participants to develop a regular habit of saving money, and requires all savers to take money-management lessons and business savers to learn the basics
of running a business in a free sixweek workshop series. What’s the incentive? A match of 300 percent! IDA savers receive $3 of match for every $1 they save, up to $12,000 total. This can put a good dent into a higher education bill, or pay for the equipment, signage, computer, or other investments in getting a business off the ground. We’ve helped people in agriculture, retail, and business services—maybe even someone you know! I’m proud to offer IDAs to Northeast Oregonians, and I hope you agree that this program can help someone build a better life. But the program needs your support. How can you help? Three ways: Share the program with people who might qualify for a savings-match. Contact your state legislators to support this program, or sign the petition: http:// ow.ly/ITKz1. And, if you really feel like this program is special, contribute to it directly (you’ll receive a tax credit—once the program is renewed!). Right now, the most important thing is to renew the program. So, please sign the petition today! Lisa Dawson is the executive director of Northeast Oregon Economic Development District, which serves Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties.
May 8-9, 2015 • Western Select Invitational HORSE SALE • North American Stock SADDLE BRONC Championship & RANCH RODEO Invitational • Buckaroo BARBEQUE CHALLENGE • Working STOCK DOG SALE • BIT, SPUR & ENGRAVING Show • SADDLEMAKER & TOOLED FENDER Contest • Tradin’ Post TRADE SHOW
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WINE
The Gorge Business News
The Rocks District AVA Gains Approval from the TTB TTB Approves New AVA: The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater located in Northeastern Oregon, within the Walla Walla Valley AVA
WALLA WALLA VALLEY, Wash., Feb. 6. 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) today announced it will establish The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater as the newest American Viticulture Area (AVA) on Monday, Feb. 9. The AVA is situated on an alluvial fan of the Walla Walla River, where the river exits the foothills of the Blue Mountains and enters the Walla Walla Valley. It lies entirely within the state of Oregon and includes part of the town of Milton-Freewater. The area contained within the Rocks District also lies within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, which in turn is entirely within the larger Columbia Valley AVA. The distinguishing feature of The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater is its soil, which consists primarily of dark-colored basalt cobblestones. The cobblestone-rich soil is very well drained, which encourages the vines to root deeply. Due to their coarse texture, the soils are not easily eroded, so cover crops are not required and the cobblestones can be left exposed on the surface where they absorb solar radiation. Heat from the sun-warmed stones promotes growth early in the season and assists ripening during the late summer and early fall. Nineteen wine producers have vineyards within the boundaries of The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA, which contains approximately 3,770 acres and currently has approximately 250 acres of commercially producing vineyards. The AVA application effort was organized and managed by Steve Robertson of Delmas/SJR Vineyard along with seven
other wine growers and producers. Dr. Kevin R. Pogue, a professor of geology at Whitman College in Walla Walla, submitted the petition to the TTB. Dr. Pogue is pleased the growers shared his idea that the AVA be highly uniform with regard to the physical environment within its boundaries. “The concept behind AVAs is to recognize regions that have truly unique growing conditions that are expressed in the wines. I believe we have remained true to that spirit, creating an AVA with the most uniform terroir in the United States,” he said. “The Rocks District lies on one landform, with very uniform topography and climate, and 96-percent of the soils belong to the Freewater soil series.” The Walla Walla Valley AVA as a whole spans northeastern Oregon to southeastern Washington and has a long agricultural history. A wide variety of crops have been cultivated in The Rocks District since the late 1800s, and in addition to wine grapes the area still produces commercially-grown apples, cherries, prunes and plums. Wines produced from vineyards planted in The Rocks District in the mid-1990s were quickly recognized by wine critics as among the finest in the country. “Wines from The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater have been earning accolades for years,” said Duane Wollmuth, Executive Director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. “The Walla Walla Valley has a proud tradition of growing world-class wine grapes, and this designation will help winegrowers better tell the story of the unique terroir on which their grapes are grown.” “The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater marks Oregon’s 18th AVA, another important step in designating the distinctive and high-quality wine growing regions within our state,” said Ellen Brittan, chairwoman of the Oregon Wine Board. “By gaining AVA status,
SJR Vineyard in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater producers who grow or source fruit from these vineyards can better differentiate the unique characteristics of their wines.” “Washington State Wine is excited to collaborate with our partners in the Walla Walla Valley AVA and in Oregon to share the story of The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater,” said Steve Warner, president of Washington State Wine, which promotes awareness of wineries and growers in Washington State and its cross-border AVAs. “This isn’t about state borders. It’s about the Pacific Northwest and our growing reputation as home to world-class wines. We feel this new AVA designation further recognizes the unparalleled terroir of this area.”
Oregon’s Wine Industry Contributes $3.35 Billion To Oregon’s Economy T
he Oregon wine industry continues to substantially grow its contribution to the state’s economy according to a study released by the Oregon Wine Board today. In 2013 the sum of all economic activity in the state related to Oregon wine was more than $3.35 billion, a 28% growth in the economic impact of wine in Oregon since the last study, in 2010. In addition, the industry contributed 17,099 wine-related jobs to Oregon, paying $527 million in wages, and brought $207.5 million to the state in wine-related tourism revenues. “Oregon’s wine industry is excited to be such a dynamic economic performer for the state,” said Ellen Brittan, chairwoman of the Oregon Wine Board. “The increasing awareness of Oregon’s wine quality is sparking global demand for Oregon wines, which in turn is fueling the industry’s growth, enabling
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us to add new jobs and bring in new revenue to the state.” The nature of Oregon’s wine industry means that it has far-reaching beneficial economic effects. As the wine industry grows, many associated parts of Oregon’s economy prosper as a result. Wine is a consumer product that requires large amounts of capital investment, wage-paying labor, and ongoing purchases of services, equipment, and supplies. Allied industries, such as tourism, hospitality, packaging, distribution, and retailing benefit from the wine industry’s2 of 3 success. Compared to other agricultural products, wine typically adds more value and keeps more of its revenues and profits inside the state’s economy because almost all of the wine supply and production chain is Oregon-based. The growth of the wine industry is felt throughout the state.
The increase in the number of wineries since 2010 in Southern Oregon, the Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla, and the Willamette Valley has ranged by region from 25% to 90%. Vineyard acres throughout the state have grown significantly since 2010: Southern Oregon grew by 147%, the Columbia Gorge and Oregon portion of the Walla Walla Valley by 26%, and the Willamette Valley by 8%. • Oregon wine grapes are now the state’s most valuable fruit crop, valued at $128 million • The Oregon wine industry directly created 9,837 jobs • 605 Oregon wineries had revenues totaling over $363 million from the sale of wine • $127 million were added to state and local government through taxes and licensing • Since 2011, vineyard acres have grown by 18%, the number of wineries grew by 45% and Oregon wine sales volume has increased by 39% to 2,780,237 cases.
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The Gorge Business News
WINE
Oregon Wines Fly Free Extended through 2017 D
ue to its overwhelming success, the Oregon Wines Fly Free program has been extended through 2017. The program encourages visitors traveling from Oregon on Alaska Airlines to bring a taste of Oregon home by checking a case of Oregon wine for free. Through collaboration between the Oregon Wine Board, Travel Oregon and Alaska Airlines, Oregon was the first state to launch a statewide wines fly free program in September 2013. Today, more than 300 Oregon wineries participate. The Oregon Wines Fly Free program allows Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members to check one case of wine at no cost on their return flight departing from one of four Oregon airports, as well as Walla Walla, Washington. As a bonus, inbound visitors can receive complimentary tastings at any participating winery by showing their Alaska Airlines boarding passes within a week of arrival. Membership in Alaska Airlines’ award-winning Mileage Plan is free and customers can join at www.alaskaair.com. “The Oregon Wines Fly Free program with Alaska Airlines has been a wonderful endeavor that has alleviated some of the challenges consumers face when transporting wine acquired while visiting Oregon,” said Ellen Brittan, chairwoman of the Oregon Wine Board. “Almost 5,000 cases of Oregon wines have been checked for free since the program started and we expect this number to grow tremendously with the program’s extension.” “Oregon’s distinct appellations have earned a place among the country’s premier wine regions, and we are fortunate to work with some fantastic partners in the Oregon Wine Board and Alaska Airlines to make our growers and producers more accessible,” said Todd Davidson, CEO, Travel Oregon. “With the extension of the Oregon Wines Fly Free Program, travelers have the opportunity to build collections of Oregon wines to share and enjoy, reliving their Oregon vacation experience from the comfort of their homes.” “Our customers love to explore new things, from the places we serve to the foods they eat and the wines they sip,” said Sangita Woerner, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of marketing. “There’s something so exciting about the discovery of a great new wine, and we’re thrilled to make those discoveries even easier for our customers.” The promotion applies to departures from four Oregon airports – Medford, Redmond/Bend, Eugene/Springfield and Portland – as well as from Walla Walla, Washington. Alaska Airlines offers nonstop service to Oregon’s most popular wine regions, including the Willamette Valley via Portland and Eugene, Southern Oregon via Medford, Central Oregon wineries via Redmond and Eastern Oregon wineries via Walla Walla. This year, Alaska Airlines is an official partner of Feast Portland, the flagship food and drink festival in the Pacific Northwest, held Sept. 17-20. For more information and a list of participating wineries, visit www.oregonwinesflyfree.org. About the Oregon Wine Board The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. The Oregon wine grape and wine industry contributes more than $3.35 billion in economic activity to the state economy each year, including more than 17,000 wine-related jobs and $527 million in wages. www.oregonwine.org
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About Travel Oregon The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission improves Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state’s $9.6 billion tourism industry that employs nearly 94,000 Oregonians. www.TravelOregon.com About Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, offers more nonstop flights (serving 40 different destinations), more daily flights (123 a day) and more California service (40 flights daily to 13 California destinations) from Portland International Airport than any other carrier. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom. AniChe Cellars 71 Little Buck Creek Rd Underwood, WA
360-624-6531 anichecellars.com
Tasting Room Open Wed-Sun 12:00 - 6:00
Community Bank Gorge Regional Loan Center
At Community Bank we offer our clients the expertise, pricing and product variety of a larger institution, with the flexibility of a smaller bank. Founded in 1955 in Joseph, Oregon, we’re proud to remain independent and locally owned. We don’t just lend…we listen.
When Doug and Christine Ellenberger needed funding to expand Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon they came to John Gass. With over 30 years in commercial banking, John was able to help them navigate the complexities of acquisition, construction and permanent financing for their new brew house. “This was our first experience with a commercial loan. John and the staff at Community Bank were right there with us through it all.” - Doug Ellenberger
(l-r) Britt Thomas, SVP/Regional Credit Administrator; Doug & Christine Ellenberger, Owners of Everybody’s Brewing; John Gass, VP/Commercial Loan Officer; Holly Wells, Loan Assistant.
EVERYBODY’S b r e w i n g
151 E Jewett Blvd White Salmon, WA
We’d love to learn about your business and do what we can to help it thrive and prosper. Contact us to discuss your financing needs today.
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“We got the loan that we needed on the terms that worked for us.” - Christine Ellenberger
Local Money Working For Local People
Gorge Regional Loan Center 320 E 4th Street, The Dalles 541-296-0779 www.communitybanknet.com Member FDIC
John Gass VP/Commercial Loan Officer jgass@communitybanknet.com
Britt Thomas SVP/Regional Credit Administrator bthomas@communitybanknet.com
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The Gorge Business News
ONLY AT THE ELGIN STAMPEDE JULY 8 - 11
Call the Elgin Stampede Royalty for tickets to the 2015 Elgin Stampede
Kayla Johnson 541-805-5909 Rachel Sauer 541-786-2424
Visit
www.elginstampede.com for ticket information
Elgin, Oregon
NEW RODEO SCHEDULE THIS YEAR! BUT STILL THE SAME GREAT WEEKEND
WEDNESDAY NIGHT July 8th at 6 p.m. FAMILY NIGHT
THURSDAY NIGHT July 9th at 7 p.m. MARK NICHOLS MEMORIAL BULL RIDING
FRIDAY NIGHT July 10th & 11th at 7 p.m. PRCA RODEO ACTION TOUGH ENOUGH NIGHT DANCE AFTER RODEO
SATURDAY NIGHT July 11th at 6:45 STAMPEDE CHALLENGE PRCA RODEO ACTION DANCE AFTER RODEO
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