Lee Brice to kick off Happy Canyon Page 8
Pendleton’s Future Farm Page 15
John Kueber and Jrrny.com Page 16
NORTHEAST OREGON BUSINESS NEWS Business, Ar t, Culture, Outdoors, Travel & Enter tainment
Connecting Communities Throughout NE Oregon & Beyond Volume 3 - Issue 4 free
Serving Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa Counties
Hunt of a Lifetime Auction Brings in $50,000
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t a recent fund-raising auction at Lefty’s Taphouse in Baker City, the Hunt of a Lifetime Eastern Oregon organization and the people that support them, raised more than $50,000. Hunt Of A Lifetime is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grant hunting & fishing dreams for children age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. Be sure to follow Hunt of a Lifetime Eastern Oregon on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/huntofalifetimeeasternoregon
Free July/August 2016
Love’s Opens In Boardman
rivers in northeast Oregon have a new option to purchase fuel, snacks and more, as Love’s Travel Stops opened its doors for business today in Boardman, Oregon, along Interstate 84, Exit 159. Boardman marks Love’s third location to open in Oregon. “We are excited to bring new restaurant offerings, services and a safe place for drivers to rest to a new area of the state,” said Greg Love, co-CEO of Love’s. “Boardman allows us to serve new Customers and shows our continuous efforts to strengthen our network of stores in the northwest.” The 11,000 square-foot facility is open 24/7. The new Love’s features 95 truck-parking spaces, seven showers, a Love’s Truck Tire Care facility, RFID cardless fueling, CAT scales and other driver services. Customers can also enjoy gourmet coffee, fresh fruit, gift items, a Carl’s Jr. with a Green Burrito restaurant and more.
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Eastern Oregon Business Innovation Network and Accelerated Learning Channel Closer to Launch
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he Eastern Oregon Business Innovation Network (EOBIN) and it’s Accelerated Learning Channel (ALC) moved closer to launch with two key benchmarks recently cleared by its start-up team. The first was delivery of architectural renderings of the EOBIN facility planned for Milton-Freewater to Mike Watkins, Economic Development Director for the City of Milton-Freewater. Designed as a business incubation center for the wine, beverage and food products industry, the facility will serve as home to both start-up and mature companies entering or expanding in the industry. “This project couldn’t be better timed to serve the growing number of entrepreneurs and business owners in our region, especially aspiring winemakers focused on the new “Rocks” AVA” said Watkins as he reviewed the plans. “We simply have not had anything like this where companies at different stages of growth can come, share resources, and have access to the support they need.”
Next steps include introducing the facility plan to winemakers and other industry leaders to be sure it offers the right combination of space, equipment and support. So far, feedback has been positive. One experienced winemaker with multiple labels in her portfolio commented “If you had this available now, I’d be producing my two new labels right there.” “Not bad for our first test of market need” commented Watkins with a smile. “We wouldn’t mind at all if Milton-Freewater opened the first EOBIN facility to help our businesses be successful. Bottom line, that’s what this is all about.” The second benchmark toward EOBIN launch was the return of two signed Letters of Intent by company owners who want to be among the first members of the Eastern Oregon Business Innovation Network. EOBIN start-up team member Art Hill celebrated the milestone explaining that not all companies who become members will need physical space for their operations. “Actually, many companies will benefit from the training and networking available through EOBIN
even though they plan to locate in some other facility. The first two Letters of Intent are good examples” explained Hill. “They’re not winemakers but they want access to training, networking with investors, market research and even some EOBIN resources like web conferencing and shared meeting rooms. As Virtual Members, they’ll have all of that and more, but they’ll have their own production facilities.” Asked about next steps toward launching EOBIN, Hill paused and smiled. “Facilities take a long time to acquire and equip, but we’re working to have our Accelerated Learning Channel programs up on the Web by September. And honestly, we’re already working with our member companies to introduce them to capital and markets. So if you’re tracking dates, you could say we’ve already launched.” Information on membership, facilities and programming of the Eastern Oregon Business Innovation Network is available from Hill at ahill@finance4mybusiness.com at 541-3790279.
My View Here we go, summer is in full swing. It’s time for camping, fishing, bike riding, kayaking, hiking and all other types of outdoor activities. I was lucky enough to start my summer off at Barton Park in Boring, Oregon where a portion of my family got together to camp, tell tall tales around the campfire and reconnect. As if that wasn’t fun enough I recently welcomed a new grandbaby into the family. Summer is definitely off to a great start in my world. There are some great businesses and happenings to read about in this issue of Northeast Oregon Business News. This issue kicks off the beginning of our third year and I cannot tell you how happy I am that I decided to start this venture. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many great people from around Northeast Oregon as well as throughout the Pacific Northwest. I think I am ready to tackle the next three years. Be sure to read all about Cinnamon Cottage which is located in La Grande. One of the owners has been a friend for years and she and her business partner have created a wonderful gift shop. My hometown of Elgin has just had a groundbreaking ceremony for the Elgin Health District Rural Health Clinic. You can read more about it on page 5. Below this letter is a couple photos and and ad for the WAAAM Air and Auto Museum in Hood River. If you are traveling through on I-84 in the future, be sure to stop
Northeast Oregon Business News
in and see all they have. It is absolutely one of the greatest museums I have had the pleasure of visiting. Just yesterday I went to the 22nd annual Wildhorse Resort & Casino Pow Wow. It is one of my favorite events to go and take pictures at. It is such a colorful and fun event. Be sure to mark it on your calendar for next year. During my travels this month I also stopped in at Timberlake Campground, which is just a short distance from Hood River on the Washington side of the Columbia River. This is a fabulous campground. If you like lush green brush, walking trails and the sounds of nature, this is the campground for you. Learn more about it on page 12. If you’d rather spend the night with a few more amenities be sure to stop in at the brand new Hampton Inn in Hood River. With views of the Columbia River this will be a great stop along the way when you need a place to stay. Information can be found on page 13. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up on all my latest travel photos. A few from the past few weeks are to the right. Thank you so much for taking the time to pick up Northeast Oregon Business News. Your readership is appreciated, and as always I welcome comments and suggestions. Have a wonderful summer and until next time.....Carpe diem (Seize the Day) Lori
A few of the many antique airplanes, automobiles and motorcycles that are on display at the Air & Auto Museum in Hood River.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
Shop Local
Cinnamon Cottage Expands to La Grande Main Street by Trish Yerges
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innamon Cottage gift and accesso ries shop has made its debut to the La Grande downtown district at 1112 Adams Avenue. It is co-owned by long-time friends and business collaborators Sandy Rysdam and Myra Britschgi. Their business was founded in 1993, and for 22 years the two women worked out of their respective homes, collaborating together on ideas and coming together to sell their products at temporary shows in La Grande. But after each of them retired from the public school system, they revisited the idea of establishing a more public presence for their business. “The juices started to flow because people have told us for years that we should have a shop,” said Rysdam. “Once we were somewhat relieved of part of our day jobs, then we went ahead and looked into opening a business. We are using Greg Smith as a consultant from EOU Small Business Development Center, and they helped us put a business plan together and talked about how to set up a business—the ground work that neither of us had any background in whatsoever.” Their inventory includes treasures they have collected for many years from estate sales inside and outside of Union county and from thrift sales, garage sales—the whole gamut of resale markets. “We look for items that are as good as new and resell them,” said Rysdam. “So our slogan “recycle, repurpose, restore and more” kind
of fits that.” “I like to repurpose things and make them to be useable for something a little different but still keep their name item intact,” said Britschgi. “I like to do a lot of decoupaging and give a fresh look to some pieces. I do a little bit of crafting also to incorporate into this. We’re both getting into a little furniture—a little shabby, a little sheik—things like that.” At its new loca Myra Britschgi and Sandy Rysdam are co-owners of La tion Cinnamon Cottage occupies 1,500 square feet Grande Cinnamon Cottage, 1112 Adams Avenue, which offers of store space, and it has household and personal accessories, gifts, art and much more. four interior rooms, each with its own unique theme and items to match. the way it was set up, and they liked the way our rooms settings looked. Some have said we look The front room is constantly being redressed like a Portland store, the way we are set up, and to feature one holiday theme to the next, said there’s nothing like it in La Grande.” Britschgi. There’s a gift there for nearly every With quality products, good prices, creoccasion, including weddings, anniversaries, ative presentation and friendly customer service, holidays and house warmings, to name a few. Rysdam and Britschgi are garnering compli The co-owners noted that they are receiving their best advertising by word of mouth, ments and dollars from their customers. Cinnamon Cottage is equipped to accept payments by but they are also capturing some tourism traffic cash, checks, debit and credit transactions. since they opened in mid-March. Store hours fluctuate and are posted on “We’ve seen visitors from South Dakota, their front door and on Facebook. To reach other places in Oregon, Idaho, and California,” Rysdam call 541-975-3076 and Britschgi at 541said Rysdam, “and they all gave us very enthu786-4676. siastic comments about our shop. They liked
Merkley Announces $52 Million in Energy Loans for Rural Communities O
regon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make $52 million in loans available to rural electric co-ops through the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP). RESP is a program designed by Senator Merkley to allow rural electric co-ops to offer their customers low-interest loans from USDA to provide affordable financing for energy efficiency improvements. The customers then pay back the loans through the savings on their electric bills. “Energy efficiency renovations create good jobs in construction and American
manufacturing and simultaneously cut down on wasted energy and save money for consumers,” said Merkley. “This is exactly the type of investment we should be making in rural communities. A true triple win.” RESP will provide loans to rural energy providers who in turn fund projects for consumers to make energy efficiency improvements in their homes or businesses that will lower their energy use. Eligible applicants include current and former Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers, subsidiaries of current or former RUS borrowers, and entities that provide retail electric service in rural areas. RESP borrowers finance loans at zero per-
cent interest for up to 20 years, making the program an attractive and affordable option to finance energy-saving measures. Energy customers participating in programs financed through RESP then repay the loans at an interest rate of up to 3 percent for up to 10 years through their electric bills. Senator Merkley first introduced legislation to create the RESP in 2010 in a bipartisan partnership with Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN). Congress authorized the program in the 2014 Farm Bill and Senator Merkley has been able to get funding for the program through the Agriculture Appropriations bill in 2015 and 2016.
www.ramblingwanderer.com
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Energy
Northeast Oregon Business News
New report shows Oregonians saved $362 million on energy bills in 2015
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nergy Trust of Oregon helped 1,080 Eastern Oregon homeowners and businesses benefit from clean energy innovations Energy Trust of Oregon announced today its 2015 annual results, including utility bill savings of $362 million for participating customers. Energy Trust is a nonprofit helping utility customers save energy in their homes and businesses, and invest in renewable energy systems that power Oregon with clean energy. Energy Trust exceeded its 2015 goals for electric savings, natural gas savings and renewable generation, and achieved all Oregon Public Utility Commission annual minimum performance measures, including keeping program and administrative costs low at 5.5 percent of annual revenues. “I am proud to see us performing at our best, and delivering the cleanest, lowest-cost energy
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we can buy for 1.5 million utility customers,” said Margie Harris, executive director, Energy Trust. “In 2015, Energy Trust continued its legacy of innovation, adapting to a dynamic market and creating new opportunities for customers to participate and reap lasting clean energy benefits,” said Harris. “Not only did we exceed 2015 goals, we are well on our way to meeting our aggressive 2015-2019 Strategic Plan goals.” Working with utilities, trade ally contractors, green energy professionals and customers in 2015, Energy Trust drove adoption of advancing clean energy technologies like LEDs, engaged designers and builders in adding more efficiency and solar features to residential and commercial construction, and delivered benefits in addition to energy savings and generation — from water savings to rural economic development to environmental health. “When customers have lower energy bills, it frees up resources that flow into the economy, expand-
ing purchasing power and creating jobs, higher wages and new business income,” said Debbie Kitchin, president of the board of directors, Energy Trust. “Since 2002, Energy Trust has added $4.8 billion to Oregon’s economy, including $1.5 billion in wages and $266 million in small business income. Energy Trust’s investments led to employment equivalent to 3,900 jobs lasting a decade.” Eastern Oregon residents, businesses benefited from clean energy at 1,080 locations. In 2015, Eastern Oregon customers of Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas invested in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 1,080 homes, businesses, manufacturers, farms and ranches: With Energy Trust support and incentives, Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario slashed maintenance costs and began saving $2,800 in annual energy use when it installed programmable thermostats in its facility that includes a museum, conference center
and classrooms for Treasure Valley Community College and Eastern Oregon University. “Adjusting thermostats now takes 20 minutes per week, freeing employees to focus on other areas of customer service,” said Lela Rogers, finance director, Four Rivers. Smith Frozen Foods in Weston cut annual energy costs by an estimated $59,000 with behavioral changes and no- and low-cost operations and maintenance improvements made through Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management initiative. “Strategic Energy Management gave us broader awareness on how we use energy,” said Vernon Hawks, plant manager, Smith Frozen Foods. “It’s amazing how much you save when you get all employees involved in questioning how you operate equipment or whether it needs to be on at a particular time.” See detailed 2015 results and more customer stories at www. energytrust.org/annualreport
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Health
Northeast Oregon Business News
Groundbreaking at Elgin Health District Rural Health Clinic What started out as just a ‘shot in the dark’ dream, is one step closer to reality as the Elgin Health District Rural Health Clinic holds a ground breaking ceremony before the actual construction begins on the $2.25 million building. With $257,120 already in the bank the Elgin Health District capital campaign committee is expecting another $600,000 from other grants, fund-raisers, and foundations in the near future. Construction is set to begin immediately. The clinic will be located across from the Elgin Stampede Grounds between WC Construction and the temporary Elgin Health District Rural Health Clinic. At left, members of the Elgin Health District Capital Campaign Committee, shovels in hand, break ground to signal the start of the construction phase of the project.
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Business Advice
Northeast Oregon Business News
A u t h o r P u b l i s h e s “ Ve n t u r e F i n a n c e ” for Business Owners, Funders, Advisors A
uthor, Art Hill has published the 2016 Edition of Venture Finance and it is now available at bookstores, and Amazon. Venture Finance is a book designed for entrepreneurs and business owners to guide them as they manage their business finances regardless of business type, size, or stage of growth, “Venture Finance covers all the essentials of finance for small and medium size businesses from prestart to growth and maturity. It draws on the author’s experience with his own companies and hundreds like them in a wide variety of industries and an even wider variety of funding and business objectives. Contributors include company owners, bankers, financial managers, angel investors, venture capital fund managers and global experts in company funding and management systems.” With over 30 years in finance, marketing and product development for his own companies and others in America, Australia and Europe, Art Hill’s experience ranges
from heavy equipment maintenance systems to commercial banking, and from industrial automation to electronic publishing for the semiconductor industry. “What I enjoyed most about writing the book was the excuse it gave me to reconnect with the very smart and committed people in the entrepreneurial community I’ve had the privilege to know over the years. They include business owners, investors and a variety of finance professionals. Not one refused to share their experience and insights.” For the past 14 years, Art served as Vice President for Economic Development and Director of Small Business Development Centers at Blue Mountain Community College™ in Pendleton Oregon. He has presented numerous workshops and webinars on finance and marketing, and advised clients from one-person startups to large manufacturers. He shared responsibility for FAA approval of the Pendleton Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Range and currently leads the project team for the
Eastern Oregon Business Innovation Network. “The most valuable lesson I learned was never to undertake a writing project unless you know and love the subject matter. The book is based on 15 years advising entrepreneurs, over 20 years as a business owner, and literally thousands of hours spent with fellow business owners, investors and finance professionals. If I did’t have that to draw on, I would have thrown in the towel before the first draft was finished. One other lesson - start in the middle with the toughest topics and work your way out to the introductory and final chapters. Might not work for everybody, but sure worked for me!” Art’s company, Argo Resources represents an E.U. manufacturer of high tech industrial electric motors and he is a lecturer in finance and marketing at the Polytechnic University of Pula, Croatia. In addition to being the author of this book with another in the works, Art
Art Hill
broadcasts an award-winning monthly update on the global economy for CBS affiliate KUMA Radio. Courses, workshops, webinars and mentoring available through http://www.finance4mybusiness.com. For more information contact Art Hill, ahill@finance4mybusiness. com, 541-379-0279
PENDLETON BIKE WEEK PRESENTS
IN CONCERT
SATURDAY JULY 23RD Happy Canyon Stadium, Pendleton Oregon
Tickets Online at:
www.pendletonbikeweek.com .45 Caliber Poker Run - Wounded Warrior Bike Show & More
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Northeast Oregon Business News
Financial Advice
‘Cause That’s Where the Money Is by Marc Robins CFA
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’ve been to LasVegas, Reno and Tahoe countless times, and I hold the distinction of losing just 75¢. How did this miserly figure come about? I was sent to interview management way back in the late 1970s and as I was leaving Las Vegas to fly home, I plugged a slot machine and thought, “That’s about as pleasurable as plugging a parking meter and not as rewarding.” That ended any involvement whatsoever deriving fun, excitement and pleasure from playing casino games. To this day, I don’t play game of chance. I only step inside casinos when calling on management, attending conferences or wandering the G2E (Global Gaming Expo) in Las Vegas. I do invest in gaming operations. Why? Cause that’s where the money is! Just look around the next time you visit a card room, slot parlor, video poker room or casino. Why do the
owner/operators provide these entertainment halls and palaces? Cause there is money in it. As I said, I don’t play games but do play casino operators. My favorite is Galaxy Gaming, Inc. (OTCBB: GLXZ--$0.30). This operation is a creator, designer and purveyor of casino table game “software.” To best explain what is going on here, understand that most casino table games (not slot machine games) are represented by poker, pai gow poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette. They are public domain games that can be played by anyone and practically anywhere and no one owns, and therefore licenses, the ‘technology’ or name, or rules to players, card rooms or casinos. “Caribbean Stud Poker,” a fairly well-known table game name, is by contrast a proprietary game. This is a premium game. This class of games are also stand-alone games with their own unique set of rules and strategies but the name, rules, approach, mathematics that
empower the “play”, etc. is owned by a creator or author. To play these premium games, someone—in most cases the casino—has to pay a royalty per hand, per game or per month to its owner(s), thereby licensing the right to make the game available to the casino’s clientele. Galaxy does not own Caribbean Stud Poker, but it does own and license a hand-full of premium “side-bets” to public domain and premium-owned games as well as over a dozen of their own premium titles. A short list of owned games include 21+2, Top 3, High Card Flush, Lucky Ladies, Headsup Hold’em, One Hand-50 Grand, Bonus Craps and many others. Combined, the royalties generated from their stable of games produced $11 million in (2015) revenues and should crest $13 million this year. Because of the premium game benefits—enhanced fun or challenge, better pay-outs, more ways to play to score, a better chance to win a life-altering jackpot, etc., Galaxy
enjoys nearly a 98% gross margin as well as a better than 95% placement retention of their games in casinos. (What one Wall Street Wag in a public presentation claimed is “that Galaxy has better returns that a drug dealer!) What this means is GLXZ enjoys strong recurring revenues and cash flow. My thoughts about the stock: Galaxy has suffered a series of legal set-backs, roadblocks and operating interruptions. Probably the worse “problem” is that 5 years ago, when it was generating only $3 million in revenues, it bought Prime Table Games for $23 million. The road ahead is now clear, dry and straight, they’ve paid down all but $9 million of the PTG debt, they have the hottest game found in casinos….I think prospects have definitely improved and believe the shares will see $0.50 this year and $1.00 next. Robins and all members of his family own shares and may buy or sell shares at any time in the market for portfolio management purposes.
215 Elm Street La Grande, Or 97850
Living Rooms Dining Rooms Bedroooms Home Office Mattresses Home Decor
1-541-963-5440 northwestfurniture01@gmail.com
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Northeast Oregon Business News
Chart-Topping Country Star Lee Brice to Kickoff Happy Canyon’s Centennial C
ountry music sensation and winner of the 2015 Academy of Country Music Awards’ Single Record of the Year, Lee Brice will headline the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon kick-off concert on Saturday, Sept. 10. Singer, songwriter, and producer, Brice is known for his award-winning hits “I Don’t Dance” and “I Drive Your Truck,” which won Song of the Year in 2014 and 2015, respectively, at both the ACM and Country Music Association Awards. The song “Love Like Crazy” -- the title track to his 2009 debut album -- not only reached number three on the Billboard Country Music Chart, but also set the record for the longest run in history for Hot Country Songs, charting for an outstanding 55 weeks. “I had success as a writer before I had success as an artist,” says Brice, “so there’s a misconception that I was a songwriter first and then started to sing my own songs later. But all along, I’ve really always been writing for myself. When I started writing songs at 10 years old, it was because I wanted to sing them, and when I came to Nashville, I came to be a songwriter and a singer. It’s all one thing to me.” Amidst his rise to stardom in the country music world, Brice has gained recognition for writing hit songs for fellow country artists such as Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean and Tim McGraw. Brice most notably composed Brooks’ 2007 smash hit “More Than a Memory,” which became the first single in the history of the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart to debut at number one. Soon after, Brice was signed by Curb Records in Nashville to record his first solo album. Immediately garnering a loyal following, he sold out his first headlining show at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, where he was met with six standing ovations over his 50-minute set. “This year marks the centennial of Happy Canyon and we’re excited to celebrate this momentous occasion by partnering with an inspiring country music icon and host a great concert to enjoy with friends and family,” said Happy Canyon President JJ Spriet. According to Bill Levy, president of the Pendleton Round-Up Association, “The Happy Canyon concert is always a memorable event for our fans and this year will not only raise the bar for future events, but also set the stage for an exciting week of festivities.” The Sept. 10 concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Happy Canyon Arena. Tickets are on sale now. Find tickets at www.pendletonroundup.com or by calling 1-800-45-RODEO.
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The Happy Canyon Pageant is a show depicting the settling of the American West, beginning with a portrayal of the Native American way of life prior to the arrival of the white man, continuing with the arrival of Lewis and Clark, followed by the prairie schooners of the pioneers of the Oregon Trail and concluding with a reenactment of a frontier town’s rollicking main street mishaps. The actors are members of the community, mostly volunteers, and include many Native Americans from many different tribes, who travel from all parts of the northwest to participate in what for many is a longstanding family tradition.
September 14th-17th 2016 Show begins promptly at 7:45 p.m. Price: $10.00-$17.00 Page 8
Culture
Northeast Oregon Business News
22nd Annual Wildhorse Resort & Casino Pow Wow
More than $80,000 in cash and prizes was up for grabs at the 22nd Annual event. Wildhorse expected 25 drum groups to be on hand and more than 300 native dancers in the competition. The colorful dance performances, as well as the Native American food and craft booths were free to the public. The grand entry kicked off each day’s events as participants paraded into the Pow Wow arena in their colorful regalia to start the dancing and singing competition.
Jackson Sundown Centennial Edition 1916 - 2016
Jackson Sundown was an iconic western figure. He was a nephew of the famous, Chief Joseph, and his life spanned from the Indian wars to frontier settlement. Jackson Sundown was a warrior on the Nez Perce retreat and was wounded at the Battle of Bear Paw. Rather than surrender, he escaped into Canada, and for a time lived in Sitting Bull’s camp. He returned to the United States as an exile, began riding horses at rodeos in Montana, Idaho and Oregon. Eventually - at the age of 53 - he beat the cowboy at his own game. He became the first non-Caucasian to win the World Saddlebronc Championship and was crowned the All-Around Cowboy at the Pendleton Round-Up in 1916. Jackson Sundown can be found in Pendleton at Round-Up Hall of Fame, Hamley’s, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Tamastslikt, Underground Tours, Heritage Station, Antiques & Art, Pendleton Book Company, Western Soul, Sundown Grill and ReRide. Volume 3 - Issue 4 July/August 2016 Publisher Lori Kimbel lorikimbel@neobn.com PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-910-1096 10,000 distributed every other month. Serving Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa Counties www.facebook.com/neorbn www.linkedin.com/in/lorikimbel Twitter - neobnlori www.studio6designworks.com www.neobn.com www.lorikimbelphotography.com
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Northeast Oregon Business News is owned and published by Studio 6 Designworks, A Creative Publishing & Marketing Company POSTMASTER: send address changes to Studio 6 Designworks PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827 Subscription Rates: To subscribe to Northeast Oregon Business News c/o Studio 6 Designworks Mail $18 to Studio 6 Designworks PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827
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Northeast Oregon Business News
CTUIR
BMCC, CTUIR renew agreement for Native American Advisory Board Native American A d v i s o r y B o a rd M e m o r a n d u m O f A g re e m e n t Signing – (left-right) B M C C P re s i d e n t C a m P re u s ; B M C C B o a rd C h a i r E d Ta b e r ; C T U I R B o a rd o f Tr u s t e e s C h a i r Gary Burke, CTUIR Edu c a t i o n D i re c t o r M o d e s ta Minthorn; CTUIR E d u c a t i o n & Tr a i n i n g Committee Member Kat B r i g h a m ; B M C C Tr i b a l E d u c a t i o n C o o rd i n a tor Annie Smith; BMCC Student Success Center D i re c t o r Wa d e M u l l e r
O
fficials from Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) recently renewed an agreement to continue the join Native American Advisory Board to enhance the education of Native American students and educate BMCC students about the CTUIR. The Memorandum of Agreement was signed during BMCC’s regular Board of Education meeting on the Pendleton campus by BMCC President Cam Preus and Board Chair Ed Taber, as well as CTUIR Board of Trustees Chair Gary Burke, CTUIR Education and Training Committee member Kat Brigham and CTUIR Director of Education Modesta Minthorn. “BMCC believes it is important that we continue this liaison and cultural connection with the CTUIR,” Preus said. “This MOU signifies the renewal of BMCC’s commitment and energy to recognizing the valuable relationship with the CTUIR and our Native American culture in the region and on campus.” Burke called the document
“very important for the future of our tribe and future of our students, and all students.” The Native American Advisory Board was originally established in 2002. Its representatives include the CTUIR human resources director (currently Kathryn Burke), the CTUIR Education Director (Minthorn), a member of the CTUIR’s Education and Training Committee (Quaempts), BMCC’s Vice President of Instruction (currently Jim Whittaker), BMCC’s Student Services Officer (currently Wade Muller), the BMCC Tribal Coordinator (currently Annie Smith), and the BMCC President (Preus). The Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the CTUIR Education Director and the BMCC President. The group provides a forum for mutual collaboration and communication, work to enhance the education of Native students, educate BMCC students about the CTUIR, and develop a relationship for resources and program development between CTUIR and BMCC. The Board meets at least twice each year.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. John Quincy Adams www.neobn.com
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Northeast Oregon Business News
Small Business
Pacific Ag Acquires Calagri
Acquisition Further Expands Harvest and Supply Footprint, Strengthens Year-Round Availability and Streamlines Delivery of Agricultural Residue and Forage to Customers Throughout the Pacific Northwest
protein markets, including dairies and feedyards, mushroom operations and erosion control industries, as well as biorefineries. With 20 years of experience and operations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Kansas,
Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Iowa and North Carolina, the company has developed trusted relationships with hundreds of growers representing nearly half a billion tons of agricultural residue. Calagri was founded in 1987 and, with the exception of Pacific Ag, is the largest forage and crop residue harvest company in the Pacific Northwest with operations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. In addition to being a harvest and transport service provider, Calagri has a strong history of providing crop management for those customers that prefer one source for crop and harvest management. “It’s an exciting time to join forces with Pacific Ag,” Calaway said. “New markets for forage and crop residue are growing across the region and the country, and farmers are increasingly looking for ways to sustainably generate additional income per acre. Together, we will create more opportunities for farmers while providing better service to our customers.” Growers interested in ways to increase income from sustainable residue harvesting can contact Pacific Ag at 1-844-RESIDUE or visit www.pacificag.com.
Pacific Ag, which operates the na-
tion’s largest crop residue supply chain, has acquired Calagri, a leading regional agricultural residue and hay harvesting company. The transaction further solidifies Pacific Ag’s ability to ensure cost-competitive, year-round supply and more streamlined harvesting and delivery of forages and other crop residues to customers across the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada and Asia. Kerry Calaway of Calagri will join Pacific Ag’s executive leadership team, lending decades of experience to Pacific Ag’s expanding national reach. Pacific Ag Founder and CEO Bill Levy believes the company is further strengthened by its retention of the entire Calagri team. “For nearly two decades, we’ve watched and admired what Kerry and his team at Calagri have accomplished in the region,” Levy said. “Combining their grower and customer base in the upper Columbia River Basin with ours in the lower will help us increase efficiencies and provide better service. We are really looking forward to Kerry and his staff joining our team.” As a result of the transaction, Pacific Ag will manage the harvest and logistics of more than 300,000 tons annually of forage and residue in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The nation’s largest builder and operator of supply chains for agricultural residue, Pacific Ag offers a high quality product, delivered via professional logistics at an affordable and predictable price to domestic and export
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Northeast Oregon Business News
Rambling Wanderer in The Gorge
New Owners at Timberlake Campground and RV Park By Lori Kimbel
K
yle and Marissa Vaner Borght knew they wanted something more than the life they were living in Burbank, California. Their day to day lives lead them down the black pavement to work then home again. Their kids played on pavement at the school they attended and played basketball on pavement in front of their house. Pavement, a modern day convenience, seemed to surround them, and at times felt suffocating, so much so that they knew it was time for a change. They began looking for a new place to call home. A new way of life, of living, of breathing; a place without pavement. Both Kyle and Marissa grew up going camping with their families. They wanted to create some of those same memories with their two boys, only they knew they wanted even more. “We knew we wanted something we could do together and be successful at,” said Kyle. For two years they searched for the ideal location and way of life. They looked in Oregon, in Montana, and in Idaho, then, finally found it in Stevenson, Washington at Timberlake Campground, just 10 minutes from the massive Columbia River. “We see so much potential in the Gorge,” said Kyle. “There is something for everyone; windsurfing, brewery hopping, wineries.” Timberlake Campground was created by LeRoy Anderson and opened in 2005. Kyle and Marissa purchased the 22 acre park in February of this year and could not be happier about their unique change in lifestyle. Being an hour away from the nearest Nordstrom doesn’t seem to faze Marissa in the least; she is thriving under the canopy of green leaves. “We wanted something we would want to come to,” said Marissa. “This isn’t a job,” said Kyle. “One day you wake up and realize you are capable of more than you ever thought you were.” There are 43 RV spots, a group RV spot and 22 Tent sites. “You walk in to each tent site and there are cedar shavings to put your tent on,” said Marissa. “You are surrounded by ferns and trees. It is just gorgeous, and at night when all the campfires are going it is just beautiful.” It is quiet, family friendly and smack dab in the middle of the Columbia River Gorge. Close by, visitors will find the mouth of Wind River as well as Dog Mountain, a popular hiking area. With plenty of room to stretch out in your own campsite, or stretch your legs as you stroll around camp, Timberlake Campground offers the kind of vacation camping enthusiasts are looking for. Walking paths tucked neatly beneath the multi shades of greenery bring a real sense of leaving the city behind. Far from the noise of train whistles that can accompany many nights stay in the gorge, Timberlake gives visitors a peaceful nights rest. Of course if it is a meeting place you are looking for, you will find plenty of room at the lodge at Timberlake Campground. With room for 100 and all the chairs and tables you would need the lodge can
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accommodate graduations, reunions, weddings and more. The commercial kitchen is an added bonus, as is the huge rock fireplace inside the lodge. The only thing missing from Timberlake Campground is, well, the lake. Although the campground is host to many fishermen throughout the year, there is not a lake for them to fish in at the campground. Luckily the Columbia River is just a short drive away. Kyle and Marissa are also host to several events throughout the year including their Wine & Cheese Tasting Weekend in May, Brew Fest Weekend in June, and two Customer Appreciation Weekends in October. Of course don’t forget to look for “Timber” the resident camp cat during your stay. Timberlake Campground is open from March 1 – October 31.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
The Art of Writing
First Draft Writers’ Series Brings Authors to Life T
he Pendleton Center for the Arts has a winner on its hands with its First Draft Writers’ Series. Every third Thursday at 7pm, published and aspiring authors and poets from all over the region come together to share their work. Some read from their books, others from printed or handwritten manuscripts, and some from the screens of their smart phones. They share more than just what they’ve written. They share the life stories that caused them to write, the people who inspired them, and their personal experience of writing. Arts Center Director, Roberta Lavadour reflects on the series, now in its fourth year. “We’ve been fortunate to be able to attract some of the best writers in the northwest. Great headliners bring in the crowds, but our local writers have become the heart and soul of the series.” Lavadour cites a top flight local committee as being the secret to the success of First Draft. Steve Chrisman, Bette Husted, and Lynn Robertson are among the original and still active organizers. Chrisman, a native of New Jersey, emcees the meetings and is never at a loss for a wry remark or humorous anecdote. His own publication, The Unnatural Aging of Cheese, is filled with hilarious accounts of his own youth. “’Misspent youth’ would be more like it” says Chrisman.
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“I’m eternally grateful for my extended family. There are enough whacky stories there for a dozen books.” In addition to featured readings by published authors, one of the most popular segments of a First Draft meeting is “open mic.” Lavadour explains “Anyone can sign in to read, even if they’ve never read or written before. There’s no review, no critique. After the meeting they can get feedback from any-
one they like, but this is a really safe learning experience for writers who aspire to have the world hear their voice.” The First Draft Writers’ Series receives generous support from the Kinsman Foundation, the Oregon Cultural Trust, and local sponsors. The event is always free and open to the general public. For more information visit pendletonarts.org or facebook/firstdraftwritersseries.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
UAS Industry
Oregon’s UAS Test Ranges embrace new Part 107 Rules T
he announcement of the Part 107 rules for UAS (Drones) has been a long time coming. Part 107 will essentially replace the need for the vast majority of Section 333 Exemptions - the way commercial operators were able to legally fly up until now. The 333 exemption was initially (a year ago) viewed as a detriment to the federally authorized test ranges, but experience has shown that was not the case. Very few 333’s are used in support of flight testing. Most all, probably in excess of 98%, are used for photography, inspections and agriculture applications. Replacing most 333’s with the Part 107 rules doesn’t alter this equation as far as business opportunities for Oregon’s three UAS Ranges. What it does for the ranges at Pendleton, Warm Springs and Tillamook is open up the market for new innovation and development. Small UAS operators never really needed a test range - they just needed a less restrictive way to get their business off the ground. In the past 12 months there were about 4,000 exemptions issued under Section 333. In the next 12 months the new Part 107 rules will likely jumpstart over 100,000 commercial operators with legally registered equipment and properly certificated pilots. By removing the regulatory barriers for the commercial use of drones and creating a universal set of rules, the FAA has advanced a legitimate and rapidly growing market for new innovative drones and related equipment. Oregon manufacturers and systems developers will now be willing to invest and expand capacity because they know there are very large numbers of customers ready to buy their products for commercial applications. Many of these more advanced developments and capabilities will fall outside of the new Part 107 guidelines and need to be proved at a test range. As Part 107 only covers aircraft up to 55 pounds, anything over 55 pounds will require a special exemption and other approvals and will almost certainly be tested at one of Oregon’s ranges. Advanced operations such as beyond visual line of sight, night missions, altitudes greater then 400 feet, or speed greater than 100 mph and testing in airport environments will be conducted under the scrutiny of a test range. With a rapidly expanding market, there will be much more development in these mid-size platforms – which will require flight testing and product certification at the Oregon Test Ranges. The three Oregon Ranges are the only UAS proving grounds on the West Coast of the contiguous United States and are part of the Pan Pacific Unmanned Test Range complex. The Oregon Ranges offer standardized, FAA-approved methods to obtain authorization for non-Part 107 flight operations in the National Airspace System. The Oregon Ranges offer ease of access, diverse airspace and terrain for flight testing and market development, and timely, responsive customer service to ensure a successful project.
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Hobby or Recreational Use of UAS on National Forest System Lands T
he Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (link is external) has regulatory authority over all airspace, including recreational use of airspace by model aircraft (See FAA Advisory Circular 91-57) (link is external). The U.S. Forest Service does not have the authority to establish any additional regulations regarding where UAS can or can’t be flown. Individuals and organizations that fly UAS on National Forest System lands must follow FAA guidance (link is external) – FAA guidance stipulates that UAS not interfere with manned aircraft, be flown within sight of the operator and be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes. The FAA also requires model aircraft operators flying UAS within five miles of an airport to notify the airport operator and air traffic control tower. The FAA’s model aircraft provision apply only to hobby or recreation operations and do not authorize the use of model aircraft for commercial operations. For more information, watch the “Know Before You Fly” video https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF5Q9JvBhxM&feature=youtu.be (link is external) and visit the Know Before You Fly Website at http://www.knowbeforeyoufly.org/ (link is external) Individuals and organizations that fly UAS for hobby or recreational purposes may not operate them in areas of National Forest System lands that have Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) (link is external) in place, such as wildfires, without prior approval from the U.S. Forest Service. The FAA provides guidance (link is external) on “Flights Over Charted U.S. Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and Forest Service Areas”. Per this guidance, federal laws prohibit certain types of flight activity and/or provide altitude restrictions over “designated Forest Service Areas.” UAS are considered to be “mechanized” equipment and cannot take off and land in designated Wilderness Areas on National Forest System lands.
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Future Farm
Northeast Oregon Business News
Pendleton’s Future Farm Project Serves Global Ag Producers tory for advancing technology in ag. That laboratory covers 14,000 arming used to be square miles of FAA Certified among the lowest-tech industries UAS Test Range, high value agrion the planet. Not anymore. cultural zones, new multi-layered Seed and soil, moisture remote sensor tools, and a comand muscle are still important munity of collaborative growers, components. But now there’s a researchers, and digital agriculture new one – technology. Technology is everywhere experts. “We have all the right in agriculture from the largest to stuff,” said Steve Chrisman of the the smallest operation. GPS helps Eastern Oregon Regional Airport position equipment so not a row is wasted. Water and fertilizer are and Pendleton UAS Range Manager. “Smart, experienced people applied only from all over the world, crops when and where needed. Careful ranging from premium vineyards analysis pinpoints healthy and and orchards to hundreds of pivot struggling crops. “Welcome to the future of irrigation plots, and infrastructure that includes everything ag profarming” says Young Kim, CEO ducers and suppliers of Digital Harvest. Kim startneed to prove new ag technoloed Digital Harvest in 2012 after gies.” applying unmanned systems to Chrisman credits area agriculture as early as 2008. farmers and ranchers, companies “Technology in agricullike Digital Harvest, state and ture was limited to a few tools and a few countries” he says “and Federal researchers, and funding from local, state and national fortunately we were in some of sources for making the project those countries with the best of possible. those technology tools.” Mike Short of the Bank of Kim sites examples of remotely piloted Yamaha helicopters Eastern Oregon adds that SOAR Oregon and the City of use to spray crops in Japan and Pendleton played key funding to survey the health of orchards and vineyards in South America. roles as well. “The Future Farm infrastructure, from the “Now we are not only using drones at lower cost to fiber-connected test pads to our relationship with our partners in do what piloted aircraft had been the Pan Pacific UAS doing, but we’re test ranges, required years of inalso very good at integrating drones with arrays of ground sen- vestment. Now we’re seeing just the beginning of the payoff.” sors and with satellite In addition to Daryl imaging to produce a complete Abling, the new Pendleton UAS picture of crop health.” Range Manager, Digital Harvest The Oregon UAS (Untest pilot Stave Lawn has re-locatmanned Aerial System) Future ed from Virginia to Pendleton to Farm project based in Pendleton conduct Future Farm operations. has been established as a labora-
F
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Jeff Lorton, Director of the Duke Joseph Agency he founded in 2010 and his wife Val have also taken up residence in Pendleton to continue his work as Future Farm’s Project Manager. Asked what we can expect to see as a result of the Future Farm project, Young Kim paints a picture that few in the industry would dispute. “You’ll see sensors and vehicles working together to assess crop health. You’ll see farmers able to respond to
crop conditions immediately at the lowest cost. You’ll see new companies grow around vehicle and sensor technology. And you’ll see massive amounts of data presented in ways that ag producers can use to make better decisions with greater certainty than ever before.” For additional information on Future Farm and how you can benefit, email info@futurefarm. tech or call 541-278-7933.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
Surfing the Web
John Kueber Creates Jrrny.com for Travel Blogger Enthusiasts By Lori Kimbel
J
ohn Kueber’s first attempt at public office, a bid for president of the junior high he had just started attending where he was known mostly as ‘the new kid’, taught him a lot about failure. Kueber lost the election by a landslide. “I didn’t really let it bug me,” he said. “It actually energized me.” It was at that moment he realized failure was a part of life. He also realized the thought of failing did not scare him in the least little bit. This notion helped shape him into the successful businessman he has become. Kueber was raised in Alberta, Canada, and then moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where he rowed for the crew team; an endeavor that gave him insight into a world of business he would soon find himself enveloped in once he graduated. Fresh out of college he began selling advertising for digital media. It was the tip of the iceberg in what has become a digitally dominated career. At 27-years-old he raised $400,000 for a business many people were skeptical about, an online hardware store. It worked. Eventually he sold the business for over $3 million to Eagle Hardware Executives. “I was a happy guy, but I wasn’t really living life. I had become owned by my work and wasn’t really having any real life experiences,” said Kueber. After living life like a 28-year-old with a million dollars in his pocket, it was time to get serious again. So he put his entrepreneurial hat back on and created Urban Pages, a Seattle based print publication, and eventually expanding into Portland, Oregon. After five years he sold both publications to Tiger Oak Media, also a Seattle based company in the print publication field. “I finally settled down and started the life I have always wanted,” said Kueber. “I got married and now have twin 8-year-old girls. Raising kids is like the most life-giving thing you could possibly do. I hope they still listen to me when they are 18! If they are, I would tell them to take as many “manageable risks” as they can. By this, I mean if you have an opportunity and the worst thing that can happen is some failure, a hit to your ego, then do it. Between 18 and 25 you have a lot of freedom to make mistakes, and as long as you aren’t breaking the law, they generally pay off in at least experience down the road.” After almost seven years as the chief operating officer at Tiger Oak Publications, a company that creates Seattle Magazine, Seattle Business, Seattle Bride, Oregon Bride, California Wedding Day, Urban Unveiled, Best Companies, and Seattle Health, Kueber knew he was ready for a change. “-A year ago I knew it was time to go back to being an entrepreneur. I took some
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time off and went to Europe.” It was while bicycling in the Pyrenees of France that Kueber realized something was missing in the travel market. The business side of his brain kicked in while he made his way up the winding road he was currently peddling on. What if travelers had a platform where they could tell other travelers what was around the next corner, where the closest beer was, or the nearest place to get a great bite to eat, or the cheapest, or most expensive, place to stay? Jrrny.com was born. Jrrny is a user-generated online travel magazine, created by travelers for travelers. The goal of jrrny.com is to help travelers flesh out their itinerary before leaving home, and it is a great platform for travelers who want to share about their trip and travel adventures as it is happening. Travelers, who like to write, can set up their own profile and have their first journey online within minutes, complete with photos and a jrrny-generated map of their journey location. He came home from his trip to Europe with jrrny.com already created in his
mind, although, according to Kueber, Jrrny is never truly “complete”. “We’ll continue to evolve the site to add video, more destinations, and thousands of more user posts. We’ll be launching an app later this year and many more exciting features planned. But for now, we believe we already have one of the best travel content sites anywhere. The community creates the jrrnys, and the community will always benefit from the shared knowledge. We’re in the advertising game for our revenue model. We currently have customers ranging from boutique hotels all the way to Starwood Hotels. “For an entrepreneur, building a business is always exciting. I actually get chills when I read some of the posts on jrrny.com,” said Kueber. “It’s the idea that we are really bringing the world together with new and inspirational travel ideas. Instead of basing people’s trip decisions around hotels, we’re allowing people to picture the incredible experiences to be had around the world, and giving them the confidence to make that happen using real knowledge from our community. It is actually making the world a better place. It is bringing the world closer, more familiar, and not so intimidating.”
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