Northeast Oregon Business News March/April 2016

James Johnson of Joseph Hardware Page 13

Gubernatorial Candidate - Bud Pierce Page 20

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Tim Sieber Named President of SeaPort Airlines

By Lori Kimbel

A

t 14-years-old Tim Sieber grabbed a wet towel from a bucket of water and swiped it across the metal exterior of an airplane. From that moment on he was hooked. Little did he know then that airplanes, airlines and airports would be almost as important to him as breathing.

For almost his entire adult life Sieber has been involved with airlines in one way or another. At the age of 22 he was the director of sales and services at Mall Airways in Albany, New York.

He went on to Mohawk Airlines Photo of SeaPort Airlines Airplane by Aurelien John Carrigan™ - www.facebook.com/AurelienCarriganPhotographer. and was the Director of stations; determined that reorganization is ny navigates its way through the International in Colorado. he was a customer service agent the best path forward for SeaPort

He joined SeaPort Airlines reorganizing process of a Chapter at Delta Airlines and was the vice Airlines, allowing the company to 11 bankruptcy. in 2011 and has worked himself up president of research and analyachieve long-term viability while The company announced from the vice president of strategy sis at Aviation Systems Research maintaining its ability to proCorporation in Colorado. He went and corporate development, to vice on February 5, 2016 that it has vide air service to customers and filed a voluntary petition for Chappresident of commercial, to execuback to New York where he was communities. The announcement ter 11 reorganization in the U.S. the vice president of marketing and tive vice president. comes after the airline took a numBankruptcy Court for the District

His current role, as presiplanning for Northern Airlines and of Oregon. After much considSieber then became the vice president and dent of SeaPort Airlines, Inc., just eration, the Board of Directors might prove to be his most chalgeneral manager of Boyd Group Continued on Page 8 of the Oregon-based airline has lenging role to date as the compa-

Chris Harder Named as Business Oregon Director G

overnor Kate Brown today announced Chris Harder as Director of Business Oregon. Harder will begin on March 22 and will serve as acting director until confirmed by the Oregon State Senate.

“I’m excited to bring Chris on board to help continue Oregon’s economic momentum,” said Governor Brown. “Chris’ leadership experience will ensure the state’s economic development strategy represents and serves a diverse array of business interests, urban and rural.”

Harder works for the Portland Development Commission (PDC), the City of Portland’s economic develop-

ment agency. In this role he managed the Business & Industry Division and led Portland’s efforts to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and trade. Prior to the PDC, Harder was the Director of Economic Analysis for the North Carolina Department of Commerce and a Senior Budget Analyst in the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. He has Master’s degrees in City and Regional Planning and Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Harder earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound, and was born and raised in Portland.

State Representative Greg Smith Appointed to Governor’s Small Business Advisory Cabinet

Governor Kate Brown has announced the appointment of State Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) to the Small Business Advisory Cabinet. The Cabinet is charged with developing recommendations on how state government can support small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs and advance statewide economic growth. Representative Greg Smith is one of nine individuals appointed to the Cabinet and the only member from Eastern Oregon.

“Over the last two decades I have witnessed firsthand Governor Brown’s commitment to small business, in both word and deed,” said Smith. “I am honored to be a voice for Eastern Oregon small business owners and I

Smith Continued on Page 3

Northeast Oregon Business News

My View

2016 is in Full Swing.

hese first couple months of 2016 have proven to be quite eventful to say the least, and we are covering some of those events on the following pages.

I hope you enjoy the article on the situation in Harney County, written by University of Oregon professor, Peter Walker, for Northeast Oregon Business News and The Gorge Business News. I think his article covers it well. I know the issue of ownership of public lands runs deep and wide and has many facets along the way, I hope those on both sides can find common ground someday. As for Harney County, which is known as a model for the public and private entities working well together, my hope is that they can put the pieces back together, mend friendships, and relationships, and continue working together for the greater good like they have in the past. As for the occupiers, it is my view they went so far over the line they lost all credibility.

Other items in the news lately include the minimum wage increase in Oregon. This is one of those issues that everyone also has very strong opinions about. Many businesses believe it will ruin them, while others see it as a challenge to make their company that much stronger. I hope it bolsters an economic revival in Oregon, but it seems like that might be a long shot. Only time will tell.

While attending the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce Economic Luncheon I was able to visit with one of the gubernatorial candidates for Oregon, Bud Pierce, M.D., Ph.D. He was raised in a close-knit family in a farming community and now resides in Salem. When he was just 14-years-old his father passed away from a heart attack, an event that would indeed change his life. As a teenager Pierce got a job at the Air Force Base Market working as a bagboy only for tips. For Pierce this solidified how important work is, and he realized how much bagging groceries and being a doctor has in common. “You need to know your craft, the more you work the more you get paid, and you need to be nice to people,” he said. Pierce feels as the time he spent working as a teenager was invaluable and believes teenagers today need those same opportunities. Our visit was relaxed, yet packed with vision, and insightfulness. Pierce has four key motivations in his life, building his business, serving his community, his children and philanthropy. If Pierce becomes the Governor of Oregon I do believe he will accomplish a lot for the good of our State. “I’m not running to be governor, I’m running to govern,” he told me.

T

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I

A portion of the cast of My Fair Lady at the Historic Elgin Opera House. in La Grande, who played Professor Higgins. would like to invite any political candidate What a fabulous actor from start to finish. I am who would like to share their vision with me looking forward to him playing a part in many to please contact me at lorikimbel@neobn. plays to come. Kenn Wheeler played Alfie com Doolittle, and there has never been a more

Another interesting life story is that charming intoxicated gentleman. Colonel of Tim Sieber, the new president of SeaPort Pickering, played by Terry Hale, was comical Airlines. Like Pierce, Sieber also began work- and delightful. This list of great acting does go ing at the age of 14. He went from scrubbing on and on. In addition to the acting I must give airplanes to becoming the president of an a ‘shout out’ to the costume designer of this airline. Amazing situations can happen when a production, Denise Wheeler. The outfits were person has a strong work ethic. Be sure to read beautiful and the ladies hats were amazing. all about Joseph Hardware and Kruse FamOf course I cannot leave out the sets. They ily Dentistry as well, more fine examples of seemed to be straight out of Broadway. To the strong work ethics. cast and crew of My Fair Lady, great job all

On pages 14 and 15 you can read about the way around. Oh, I guess I better not leave some great things happening in the art comout the director, Michael Frasier, for withmunity here in NE Oregon. Kelly Ducote has out him there would just be a lot of people, just become the new executive director for dressed up wonderfully, wandering aimlessly the Liberty Theater Foundation in La Grande on stage. and the NE Oregon region joins Americans

As for myself, I am finally drawing for Art’s National Study of Economic Impact. close to the end of my educational journey at Arts are so vital to the health and well-being Eastern Oregon University. Just three weeks of an area and I am so glad that so many Oreto go and I will have earned my Bachelors in gon Historical Theaters are being pulled back Business in Leadership, Organization, Manfrom the brink of destruction. Thank you to agement and Marketing. It has been an amazthe Liberty Theater Foundation for all the hard ing process and I am ready to put all I have work that has gone into saving and restoring learned into making Studio 6 Designworks the this gem. best publishing and marketing business it can

Speaking of theater, my husband, be. I am looking forward to not having homeMark, and I attended the live production of work, which competes with what I am trying My Fair Lady at the Historic Elgin Opera to accomplish with Northeast Oregon Business House last night and I was completely blown News and The Gorge Business News. I want away, once again, by the talent that graces to spend more time updating my blog as well. this stage play after play. Rene Wells played With the time I spend traveling and attending Eliza Doolittle and did an amazing job. Let great events I would like to share some of my me tell you, this lady can sing! And dance, experiences with those that follow along at and perform. Great job Rene Wells. Then www.ramblingwanderer.com . there was Brent Clapp of Brent Clapp Media

Until next time, Carpe Diem.......Lori

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Northeast Oregon Business News

Business Advisory Cabinet Continued from Page 1

Representative Greg Smith

look forward to working with cabinet members and the Governor.”

Professionally, Smith has over 20 years of small business development experience,

serving hundreds of business owners each year. Smith also has an extensive background in both commercial and industrial business financing.

The Small Business Advisory Cabinet will deliver recommendations on three priorities by October 1, 2016: (1) How state government can further the support and promotion of small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs. (2) How state government can increase access to capital. (3) How state government can streamline regulations to help small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs navigate the myriad of laws and policies of state government.

Representative Greg Smith currently serves as: ▪ Joint Ways and Means Committee, Co ViceChair ▪ Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government, Co-Chair ▪ Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction ▪ Legislative Administration Committee ▪ House Republican Caucus Budget Chair

“I look forward to learning more from business owners about how state government can support small businesses and entrepre-

neurs,” said Governor Brown. “The diversity of perspectives represented on the cabinet will assist and inform my efforts to make sure government adds value to Oregon’s economic enterprise.”

Members of the Advisory Cabinet • Jamie Danek - Humm Kombucha (Bend) • Mitch Daughtery - Built Oregon (Portland) • Celeste Edman - CEO Lunar Logic (Eugene) • Representative David Gomberg (Otis) • Kanth Gopalpur - Business Oregon incoming Commission Chair (Portland) • Stephen Green - Elevate Capital and Albina Community Bank (Portland) • Rosa Martinez - Owner, PMG Abatement and Demolition (Portland) • Stuart Phillips - Red Wagon Creamery (Eugene) • Representative Greg Smith - (Heppner)

Smith Honored by Oregon Fairs Association and Oregon Concrete & Aggregate Producers Associations ment to the people of Eastern OreRepresentative Greg Smith gon, especially the men and wom(R-Heppner) was honored this en working in the construction, week with two prestigious recconstruction materials, and mining ognitions. The first is from the industries. The industry continues Oregon Fairs Association (OFA), to rely on Representative Smith which supports Oregon’s 36 coun- to protect those interests in Eastty fairs. ​Also honoring Rep. Smith ern Oregon. His commitment to was the Oregon Concrete and economic prosperity to the region Aggregate Producers Association is without parallel. On behalf of (OCAPA), an organization that is the members of the OCAPA, we working to build Oregon’s economy and would like to thank Representative Smith by supports economic development.

“It is an honor to be recognized presenting him with a small plaque acknowl “It is an honor to be recognized edging him as our Legislative Champion.” – by both of these associations for what we by both of these associations for Rich Angstrom, OCAPA President were able to accomplish during the 2015

Rep. Smith was honored by the Orewhat we were able to accomplish Legislative Session,” said Rep. Smith. “I gon Fairs Association as their “Legislator of am grateful to both​groups and their mem- during the 2015 Legislative Sesthe Year” for his commitment to providing bers for their recognition and support.” stable funding for OFA operations, including sion.”

Rep. Smith was recognized by his efforts to secure an increase in funds for OCAPA for his critical work on severcounty fairs around the state.

Rep. Greg Smith al policies during the 2015 Legislative

“In Oregon we are blessed with strong Session, including the key role he played support for county fairs,” said Dan Dorran, in passing HB 3089. HB 3089 directs the Oregon Department of 18-year Umatilla County Fair Board Member. “However, what Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) to conduct a study we are really proud of are the few that not only support us but of the mineral resource potential of Eastern Oregon Counties, takes action to help. Rep. Smith personifies this and more. He is a and report their findings to the Legislative Assembly. The bill is friend to county fairs in his district and throughout the state.” a positive step toward building a more robust mining industry in

“I want to thank the OFA and OCAPA for this honor.

Oregon.

While recognition is appreciated, I do this because it is the right

“Representative Smith has demonstrated a strong commit- thing to do for our communities and Eastern Oregon.”

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Northeast Oregon Business News

Current Issues

The War for America’s Public Lands is Still On

source of tourist revenue for the local economy. It is also a critically important place for

By Peter Walker rest and feeding of millions of migratory birds Professor, University of along the Pacific Flyway.

Oregon

With the arrival of armed men from Nevada, Arizona, Montana and Idaho (none

n January 2, 2016, some 300 loof the core leaders were local, or even from cal citizens and outside militia members Oregon), the Malheur refuge was given a promarched in Harney County, Oregon, to protest foundly different role. It became center stage the re-sentencing for arson of local ranchers for the latest act in the long-running SageDwight and Steven Hammond. At stake was brush Rebellion--a sometimes-violent political much more than the fate of the Hammonds. movement with roots in the 1970s and 1980s In the works was nothing less than an armed that aims to transfer federal land to private insurrection against virtually all federal ownownership. The main leaders of the group were

ership of land in the United veterans of the 2014 armed States. Had the audacious

Those who value public standoff in Nevada led by plan succeeded, communities lands--for economic, environ- Cliven Bundy, including and economies across the his sons Ammon and Ryan mental, recreational and aesAmerican West would have Bundy; Arizona rancher thetic values--owe a debt of been changed profoundly.

Robert “LaVoy” Finicum;

Among the protesters gratitude to Harney County. A and Montana militant Ryan in Harney County that day Payne. While the occupiers violent branch of the Sagebrush were a small number anti-fedat first spoke of a desire to Rebellion came to town in Har- see the sentences of Dwight eral government activists who had been involved in ney County, and the community and Steven Hammond overthe April 2014 armed stand- told it to go away. turned, in time their stated off between Nevada rancher goals shifted toward a Cliven Bundy and the federal much broader agenda--one government over Bundy’s non-payment of consistent with the goals of national right-wing fees for grazing on federal land. Bundy and his groups seeking the handover of federal land to supporters had in effect declared war on the private ownership. These groups also seek the federal government by pointing guns at Bunullification of federal authority broadly, and reau of Land Management employees to resist the establishment of “constitutional” county the removal of his cattle from federal land. For sheriffs as the foundation of governance. a time it appeared Bundy had won. Taking in While media reports often focused on spiration from that perceived success, a small the issue of the Hammonds and the goal of splinter group among the protesters hoped to transferring ownership of the Malheur refuge launch a larger-scale revolution. The group to ranchers, the occupiers’ goals were in fact would later state openly that they intended to much more ambitious. At a community meetmake Harney County the first “constitutioning near the town of Crane on January 18, al” county in America--code language for, in Ammon and Ryan Bundy, LaVoy Finicum, and effect, removing all federal land ownership Ryan Payne presented their grand vision very and political control from the county. Simply clearly. In the audience were roughly 30 local put, the goal was to overthrow the federal ranchers. The Bundy group gave a lengthy government of the United States as we know it presentation of their interpretation of the U.S. through force of arms.

Constitution in which they claimed the fed What happened next was reported eral government has essentially no authority extensively by journalists and social media to outside powers specifically enumerated in the a national and international audience riveted Constitution, and the federal government canby what at times seemed a bizarre spectacle. not own land outside Washington DC except Roughly a dozen heavily armed men left the with the consent of the states. Based on this inprotest in the city of Burns (the seat of Harney terpretation, the Bundys, Finicum, and Payne County) and seized the headquarters of the stated that the local ranchers had no obligation Malheur National Wildlife Refuge--an expanto pay fees for grazing on federal land--besive of 187,757 acres designated in 1908 by cause, in their view, federal ownership of land President Theodore Roosevelt as a protectis unconstitutional. The group implored the ed home for an astonishing variety of birds, ranchers in the audience to tear up their grazincluding sandhill cranes, sage grouse, snow ing leases. geese, tundra swans, ducks, grebes, ibises,

Their political goal was far bigger egrets, and pelicans--to name a few. The than just grazing fees. Their goal was to wrest refuge provides opportunities for bird-watchpower from the federal government through ing, hunting, and grazing for local ranchers’ armed action by “We The People.” Arizona cattle under careful management--and is a key rancher LaVoy Finicum stated that he and

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Cliven Bundy were the only ranchers to have faced off against the federal government by refusing to pay grazing fees and that they had succeeded by using their Second Amendment right to bear arms--arms that they had literally pointed directly at federal employees. Harney County ranchers in the audience complained that they were being asked for too much--without valid leases, ranchers could not qualify for credit, and none welcomed an armed standoff with federal authorities. Finicum responded that his group was there to defend the ranchers from federal authorities by force of arms.

Finicum insisted that if only half a dozen ranchers in the room stood together with the armed assistance of the Bundy militants, they could defeat the United States government and start a national movement that would spread like wildfire. Finicum practically begged the skeptical ranchers, saying, “If not now, when?

If not here, where? If not us, who?”

Not a single rancher from Harney County or the state of Oregon was persuaded.

On Saturday, January 23, the occupiers held a ceremony at the Malheur refuge that symbolically represented the fruits of their revolutionary labors: in front of TV cameras and newspaper and radio reporters, a single rancher, from 1,300 miles away in New Mexico, stood beside Ryan Bundy and pledged to break his BLM lease. The New Mexico rancher, Adrian Sewell, had a violent criminal past that included assault with an ax. Another eight ranchers made similar commitments--all in Utah. The Bundy group claimed, without presenting any evidence, that other ranchers would soon sign the agreement and start a national movement.

Three days later the Bundys and Payne were arrested and Finicum was killed after resisting arrest by state police.

Harney County’s ranchers were far from alone in rejecting the Bundy group’s radical anti-federal agenda. From the start, even militia leaders who had protested against the re-sentencing of the Hammonds specifically advised Ammon Bundy against an armed occupation. More importantly, the overwhelming majority of Harney County citizens--some estimated at 97%--rejected the Bundys methods. A small number stated that they sympathized with the Bundys’ ideas, but still rejected the armed occupation as a means to an end. At community meetings, Harney County residents almost unanimously voted to request that the occupiers leave. At one community meeting, when almost the entire leadership of the Bundy group arrived unexpectedly, citizens of Harney County stood on their feet and chanted “Go home! Go home! Go home!” When asked about these events the occupiers claimed that they had “many” local supporters but never

Public Lands Continued on Page 5 Page 4

Northeast Oregon Business News

Current Issues Public Lands Continued from Page 4

provided any evidence to support their claim. All observers agreed: from the beginning the community rejected the occupation. Over time the mood escalated to intense frustration and anger that an outside group came saying they were there to speak for the county, but ignored every request to leave. The community posted a large billboard on the main highway that read, “We are Harney County. We have our own voice.”

In the end, after 41 days of armed occupation, all the occupiers fled or were arrested and one was killed in a confrontation with police.

Not a day was shaved off the Hammonds’ sentences, and not an acre of federal land was privatized. The sheriff of Harney County is still the kind recognized by established law, not a socalled “constitutional” sheriff. And the Harney County Commisioners--which the occupiers had ferocious condemned--are still in charge. By almost any measure the Bundy occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge was a dismal failure.

There are no guarantees, however, that similar attacks on the federal government will not happen in the future. In fact there is every reason to believe they will. The national movement to transfer federal land to private ownership (including groups with direct ties to the Bundy family) are as active as ever and have access to enormous resources from wealthy conservative supporters with interests in oil, gas, and coal development. Militia groups groups remain active, angry, and eager for a win.

Those who value public lands-for economic, environmental, recreational and aesthetic values--owe a debt of gratitude to Harney County. A violent branch of the Sagebrush Rebellion came to town in Harney County, and the community told it to go away.

Had the community come to the aid of the occupiers at the Malheur refuge, as the Bundys seems to have been counting on, it would have been far more difficult for law enforcement to bring about a mostly-peaceful conclusion.

But other communities in the American West may be more welcoming, and those who want to see public land handed over to private owners are certain to seek them out. The war for western lands goes on.

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A Mu ch N eed ed C o n v e r s a t io n

By Kayli Hanley Oregon Cattlemen’s Associaion

A

fter months of stress, confusion and heartache, the refuge takeover appears to have ended. The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association has repeatedly made clear that it does not endorse illegal activity against the government. That being said, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association does believe it is important that a proper conversation is started between ranchers and government stakeholders to address some of the problems that have been brought to light.

The association is thankful that the occupation has ended without further

O’Keeffe emphasized the association loss of life. “We are glad that the standoff was concluded without further bloodshed,” John wants issues to be approached in “a productive O’Keeffe, president of the association, said. “We and peaceful way.” He believes that is the best are hopeful the community of Burns will be able way to help mend the urban-rural divide.

The association is confident that posito start to heal.” tive change can occur.

Jerome Rosa, executive

Rosa pointed out that director of the associthe Oregon Cattlemen’s “Sincere and constructive ation, said he feels the has “a posisituation in Burns has conversations between government Association tive history working with brought exposure to the agencies and Oregon Cattlemen’s government agencies on issue of government both a state and federAssociation will continue.” overreach. “OCA has continued discussions Jerome Rosa al level. These trusted relationships are what on a legislative level and will allow positive and is working with legal productive change to occur.” counsel regarding the unjust sentencing recently

The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association was handed out to Dwight and Steven Hammond.” founded in 1913 and works to promote environ He believes that now is the time for a mentally and socially sound industry practices, discussion to take place between all involved improve and strengthen the economics of the stakeholders. “Sincere and constructive conindustry, and protect its industry communities versations between government agencies and and private property rights.

Oregon Cattlemen’s Association will continue.”

Statement from Representative Greg Walden on the End of the Situation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) today issued the following statement on the conclusion of the situation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County, Ore.:

“We can all be grateful that today has ended peacefully, and that this situation is finally over. Now, life in Harney County can begin to return to normal and the community can begin the long process of healing. I will continue working to solve the underlying issues that have

caused so much frustration in rural communities.

We need meaningful changes to federal forest and land management policies, and we need to foster a more cooperative spirit between the federal agencies and the people who call areas like Harney County home.”

Walden represents the people of Oregon’s Second Congressional District, which includes 20 counties in central, southern, and eastern Oregon (including Harney County).

Statement from Senator Wyden on the End of the Harney County Standoff

“Oregonians across our state are grateful to the Harney County Sheriff’s Department, federal law enforcement, and local and state officials for ending this standoff without additional loss of life. The steady resolve of the Burns community and Harney County leaders like County Judge Steve Grasty and Sheriff Dave Ward has

kept this sad episode from sparking something much worse.

Now that the shadow of violence is lifting from Harney County, Oregonians can return to what we do best -- building common ground for real success on the challenges facing our state.”

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Health

Northeast Oregon Business News

Good Shepherd Receives Award for Recognition and Innovation The National Rural Health Resource Center bestowed national recognition on Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) for demonstrating innovation in care coordination and outcomes.

According to The Center, GSHCS has been progressive in keeping pace with health care transformation, which is crucial in providing access to health services for the community.

The National Rural Resource Center recognized GSHCS for their outstanding innovation in care coordination through the ConneXions Program.

ConneXions is a program that was developed by the education department at GSHCS. According to Juli Gregory, Director of Education at GSHCS, “ConneXions was developed with the simple idea, wouldn’t it be great if we could coordinate the accessibility and delivery of our regions health care services by essentially connecting community members with vital resources that they might not have otherwise knew existed.

The idea was sound, and in addition to a community-wide outreach effort to help us launch this idea, we decided to work internally, starting with individuals that came through our Emergency Department. We began to utilize Community Health Workers (CHW) to work with patients and help them with some basic needs, e.g., financial concerns, disease and education training, medication management, healthcare coverage, housing, food, shelter, transportation, psychological issues, addictions, health and wellness screenings and classes, and connecting them with support services. As the program continues to develop we are being more proactive and trying to connect with our community members before they come into the emergency department.”

The Critical Access Hospital Recognition certificate was established by The National Rural Health Resource Center and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) to recognize excellent work in critical access hospitals (CAHs)

The Education Department at Good Shepherd Health Care System is honored to receive the award for Recognition for Innovation and Outcomes for the ConneXions Program from the National Rural Health Resource Center. Pictured front center is Juli Gregory, director of education, moving clockwise – along with Cyndelle Deleon Wood, A. Summer Crane, Ina Abercrombie, Jessica McKay, Whitney Craig, Corrina Herrera, Nichole Cribbs, Kathy Thomas, Vanessa Licea, Tricia Wattenburger, Maritza Madrigal-Guzman, Elizabeth Sperr, Beth Thomas, and Alyssa Torres.

throughout the country. The recognition promotes excellence and innovation and honors the achievements and results of CAHs while publicizing successful strategies.

During this round of nominations, five Critical Access Hospitals were chosen nationally for recognition, GSHCS being the only hospital from Oregon. “The number of CAHs nominated by their state Flex Programs is impressive,” stated Sally Buck, Chief Executive Officer at The Center. “It is wonderful to hear of successful CAH models that embrace care coordination in their rural communities with providers beyond the hospital, clinic or health center. Care coordination processes benefit the patient and the overall community and will reduce the cost of health care.”

Health care delivered in rural communities is affordable, high quality and necessary to the good health of the entire community. Dennis Burke, GSHCS President and CEO said, “We are excited by the recognition the ConneXions program has received, but even more so for the many lives our community health workers are helping every single day – it’s a continuity of care these patients had not experienced before; Giving these patients more control, options, and solutions to their basic health care needs has made all the difference!”

ConneXions is a service of the Education Department at Good Shepherd Health Care System. For more information about the ConneXions program, or to find out about vital resources in the community that could help benefit you please call 541.667.3504.

Doernbecher Opens First Pediatric Intraoperative MRI Facilty on West Coast other neurological conditions.

“We are proud to integrate this innovative iMRI technology into OHSU’s existing

3-Tesla iMRI technology allows neurosurgeons to deliver bet- imaging infrastructure, which is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the strongest imaging ter, safer brain surgery results programs in the country,” said Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A., OHSU President. “When cou OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital pled with our expert neurological teams, the today unveiled a 3-Tesla intraoperative mag3-Tesla iMRI will positively impact a range of netic resonance imaging machine that provides neuroscience activity from research to cutting real-time, high-resolution images of the brain edge medical procedures, benefitting both childuring complex surgical procedures. Housed in dren and adults alike.” a new 10,000 square-foot surgical and imaging OHSU Doernbecher’s state-of-the-art suite, the iMRI -- the first within a West Coast iMRI suite combines an operating room envichildren’s hospital -- will allow OHSU Doerronment with a powerful MRI facility. During nbecher neurosurgeons to more precisely and surgery, the 3-Tesla 18,000-pound magnet travsafely remove most tumors in a single operaels into the operating room on overhead rails tion, thus reducing the emotional and physical and then retracts when the scan is complete. toll on families, and advancing the overall care Moving the MRI rather than the patient during of children with brain tumors, epilepsy and surgery enhances safety and reduces exposure

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to infection. With iMRI, the neurosurgical team can detect and treat any unexpected complications before leaving the operating room.

“Brain surgery often succeeds or fails by a millimeter, but during surgery, the brain can shift by 10 times that much,” said Nathan Selden, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., Campagna Professor and Chair, Department of Neurological Surgery, OHSU School of Medicine. “Using this 3-Tesla iMRI, our surgeons will create new and highly precise brain maps during surgery that will give children a better chance for cure. This game-changer reaffirms OHSU Doernbecher’s commitment to provide the best care to children across our region.”

The OHSU Doernbecher iMRI is made possible through a generous gift from the family of Arnold and Leona Poletiek. The first surgical procedure in the new facility will take place in March 2016.

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Northeast Oregon Business News

Health

Grande Ronde Hospital Construction Projects Now Complete

Grande Ronde Hospital, Inc. (GRH) has

announced that two strategic construction projects are now complete: The GRH Elgin Clinic interim facility and the GRH Regional Medical Plaza. This means we have begun relocating some physicians, services and even patient care clinics – all with the goal of improving access and convenience for our patients.

By February 15, 2016, the GRH Elgin Clinic will temporarily relocate into the interim modular building at 570 8th Street until the permanent, new clinic at that location is completed. This modular building is serving only as a temporary location for our health care services in Elgin. The Elgin Health District estimates the new, permanent medical building will be completed spring of 2017.

We felt the interim move into a temporary location was the best option to immediately better serve that community. The modular building’s much larger space will allow us to expand staff, hours

and services as they are needed now, rather than having to wait another year or two until the new permanent clinic building is completed.

With the completion of the Regional Medical Plaza (RMP), 710 Sunset Drive, in La Grande, plans to improve access and services for our patients at that location are now moving forward.

As of February 12th, the offices of General Surgeons Dr. Christopher Woodworth and Dr. Andrew Pearson will relocate to their new location on the second floor of the RMP (Suite F) – along with the other specialty services offered through the Ortho and ENT clinics already located there. This more convenient location will give our surgeons better access to their in-hospital patients and to important hospital services.

As of February 22nd, the GRH Women’s Clinic will relocate into the RMP on the first floor (Suite E). This is a major expansion of space for these services which have outgrown the cur-

rent clinic. Providers will no longer share exam rooms, which will improve wait times for getting an appointment, and improve waiting times for a provider while in the clinic.

Approximately March 2016, the current GRH Children’s Clinic will join the women’s clinic services on the first floor of the RMP in a new GRH Women’s & Children’s Clinic. In addition, the GRH Urology Clinic will move to the RMP’s second floor (Suite F), making this space the GRH Specialty Clinic; with General Surgery, Urology, Otolaryngology (ENT) and Orthopedics.

There are other relocation plans for later in the spring or early summer that will possibly impact cardiology, neurology, and oncology services, so stay tuned for those announcements. We are working toward making the most efficient use of the space we have while improving our patients’ experiences while in our care. We are excited to be able to see these long-term plans become a reality.

Couple with Oregon Ties Creates $5 Million Scholars Fund for Cancer Research at OHSU

Pat and Stephanie Kilkenny establish fund within the Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU to honor three distinguished mentors, support graduate student research

A

$5 million gift to the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University will establish a cancer scholars program to support and mentor exceptional OHSU Ph.D. candidates.

Pat and Stephanie Kilkenny of San Diego, Calif., have created the Frohnmayer Hicks Sciarretta Research Scholars Program to honor the memory of three men who were central in their lives: John Hicks, Stephanie Kilkenny’s father; Dave Frohnmayer, former Oregon attorney general and University of Oregon president; and Mark Sciarretta, a friend and former colleague of Pat Kilkenny.

“My father was a successful attorney and businessman, but his true passion was serving his community and his country in a multitude of ways, and cancer took him too early,” said Stephanie Kilkenny.

“I believe he would be honored to know that one of his legacies is to help support bright young researchers who have the potential to help end cancer once and for all.”

“Dave Frohnmayer and Mark Sciarretta were close friends and colleagues of mine who had a deep commitment to improving

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health care and outcomes, and who both died of cancer much too young,” said Pat Kilkenny. “I am very hopeful that the scholars program named in their honor will help foster innovative new approaches to detecting and treating cancer so that future generations will be spared lives cut short by this disease.”

The Frohnmayer Hicks Sciarretta Cancer Research Scholars Program is a permanent endowment within the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute to support top Ph.D., or doctoral, students in key cancer-related fields such as biol-

ogy, informatics and imaging. As part of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s focus on improving the precision early detection of lethal cancers, it is expanding its capability to identify the biological drivers of the disease. Doctoral students accepted into the new scholars program will help expand the institute’s capabilities while learning alongside distinguished scientists.

Pat Kilkenny spent most of his career in the insurance industry, most prominently as the owner of Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, which he sold in 2006. Pat and Stephanie Kilkenny

founded and lead the Lucky Duck Foundation, which is committed to improving communities through the leadership and actions of volunteers.

Students recruited to the Frohnmayer Hicks Sciarretta Research Scholars Program are expected to complement the Knight Cancer Institute’s early cancer detection program. The Kilkennys’ funding pledge was made during the Knight Cancer Challenge, a $1 billion campaign completed in June 2015 to support the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s groundbreaking work in precision cancer medicine.

Page 7

A New Era

Northeast Oregon Business News

Tim Sieber is Ready for the Challenge as President of Seaport Airlines Continued from Page 1

Tim Sieber

ber of necessary steps to reduce its route network as a result of a national pilot shortage.

The company also announced that Rob McKinney has resigned as president and CEO.

“The difficult decision to file for bankruptcy protection was

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necessary to preserve the future of our airline. I am confident we will come out the other side of reorganization with a financially stronger airline in a better position to handle the challenges of the industry and provide the quality service our customers, employees and partners deserve,” said Sieber.

Under court supervision, SeaPort will propose a Plan of Reorganization that will allow the company to emerge a strong and viable airline positioned to meet the challenges not only of the pilot shortage, but of the highly competitive airline industry.

“Our customers are first and foremost our top priority as we work towards our goals of building a better, more sustainable airline.

We’re moving forward, one flight at a time, by focusing on delivering on our core promise to each customer of getting them to their destination safely and on-time.” said Sieber.

“This is something I have

travel benefits without interruption; wanted to do my entire life,” said • Pay vendors for goods and Seiber. “We have this moment services received during the reorto get it right. A small airline can ganization process; serve a small community better • Operate a full schedule of and we provide a great service, flights; although lately we have just been Honor existing tickets and ‘flying’ to communities. We have a • tremendous opportunity “I always want reservations and provide refunds and exchanges to connect with them to be able to say per our contract of caronce again. I would like we ‘serve’ these riage; and to see us get back up to communities.”

• Maintain interline the size we were, but I agreements with Alaska don’t ever want to say we ‘fly’ to these com- Tim Sieber Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. munities, I always want

“We are a smaller compato be able to say we ‘serve’ these ny than we were six months ago. communities.”

The bankruptcy is giving us a

Normal, day-to-day operchance to pause, breath and refocus ations will not be interrupted by ourselves,” he said. “We have a the filing. During the Chapter 11 process, SeaPort Airlines will con- good foundation, a good structure, a good business infrastructure, tinue to provide safe and reliable and we have tremendous spirit. service without interruption to the Our core promise is to deliver you destinations it currently serves.

More specifically, SeaPort Airlines safely and on time to your destination…with your luggage. If we expects to continue to: stay focused on this promise it will • Provide employee wages, ultimately lead to our success.” healthcare coverage, PTO, and

Page 8

Northeast Oregon Business News

Housing

RCDC, City, County, and BMCC Partner on New Housing Study

The lack of affordable

workforce housing is a major obstacle for job creation and economic development in Pendleton.

In 2011, the City of Pendleton commissioned a study of residential housing in Pendleton using the Oregon Solutions process. Representatives from the areas of finance, construction, real estate, and government helped with this effort.

On February 26th, the Round-Up City Development Corporation, the City of Pendleton, Umatilla County and Blue Mountain Community College will partner to update the findings of the 2011 study.

The committee will also include members from the construction, real estate, energy, and business fields. John Turner was the

Chair of the 2011 study and he will again chair the new study.

The first goal of the new study will be to get a current professional analysis of the Pendleton market. The 2011 analysis was conducted by Sabino Community Development Resources of Tucson, AZ. It showed that Pendleton housing was scarce, of lower quality, and aging. It did provide a useful tool for the City to attract prospective builders and developers and to show them there was an opportunity for building profitable houses and apartments in Pendleton.

The information in the 2011 analysis will be updated in the new study.

Since 2011, there have been approximately 156 new houses and apartment units built in Pendleton.

Other conclusions from

the 2011 study showed a need to update the City Comprehensive plan and it made recommendations on how the City might partner with developers to provide more housing. Increasing the inventory of affordable housing has been a City priority for five years.

In addition to updating the housing analysis, the new

study will propose ways to attract developers and make recommendations on how the City might provide infrastructure to new areas with the potential for affordable development.

The new study will take approximately four months to complete and recommendations will be presented to the City Council.

215 Elm Street La Grande, Or 97850

Living Rooms Dining Rooms Bedroooms Home Office Mattresses Home Decor

1-541-963-5440 northwestfurniture01@gmail.com

northwestfurnitureandmattress.com www.neobn.com

Page 9

Northeast Oregon Business News

Growing Community Capital

Hatch Innovation’s COMCAP Conference Returns to Portland

Hatch Innovation’s COMCAP Conference returns to Portland, OR April 26-28, 2016 Expanded conference focus includes “National Conversation” and “Implementation at the State Level”.

H

atch Innovation and its statewide initiative Hatch Oregon announce early bird ticket pricing and early program information for ComCap, an annual gathering designed to help city and state leaders grow community capital by leveraging new intrastate securities crowdfunding laws.

ComCap16 dates: April 2628, 2016 in Portland, OR. Hatch Innovation’s Executive Director, Amy Pearl, invites leaders from across the country to experience this “unique conference that shares knowledge, skills and ideas for implementing the new state-based investing laws, in order to strengthen state economies and local communities.”

COMCAP 16 Speakers include local, state, and national experts:

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● Michael Shuman, Author, 4 books on local economies; recent: The Local Economy Solution

● Amy Cortese, author of Locavesting, New York Times journalist

● Ruth Miles, Small Business Advocate, Oregon’s Secretary of State Office,

● Jefferson Smith, founder of XRAY.fm and The Bus Project, host of Thank You Democracy

● Marco Vangelisti, Economist, local investor, Slow Money

● Michael Pieciak, Deputy Commissioner of the Vermont Securities Division

● Chris Miller, Econ. Development for City of Adrian & founder of Michigan crowdfunding law

● John Katovich, Attorney, Cutting Edge Counsel

● Noah Brockman,Capital Access Team Lead, Oregon SBDC Network

● Charles “Chip” Massie, Klamath Falls Chamber of Commerce

● Amy Pearl, Executive Director, Hatch Innovation

● Heather Stafford, Asst Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Business Oregon

● Stephen Michael, State Director, Main Street Alliance of Oregon

● Katrina Scotto-di-Carlo, Founder, Supportland & Portland Made

● Representative Tobias Read, Oregon House of Representatives, District 27

● Se-ah-dom Edmo, Coordinator, ‘Indigenous Ways of Knowing’, Lewis & Clark ComCapConference.com

For more information or to arrange a media pass, contact Hatch’s Director of Events, Jess DeNoto, jess@hatchthefuture.org, 503-4526898

This two-and-a-half day conference includes a Tuesday evening kick-off reception with special guests at Hatch Lab, and two full days of sessions at Ambridge Event Center, located in Portland’s Central Eastside.

Wednesday brings “The National Conversation” to Portland when attendees can learn about trends and get updates from national experts, helping create a shared vision for local investing across the country.

Thursday continues with

“Implementation at the State Level,” a focused look at how to improve state-based efforts, from economic and community development to local investor education. Oregon’s 2015 initiative will serve as a case study alongside other states’ efforts.

Topics and discussions in store:

● Changes in law from the SEC

● State-by-state reports: what’s working and what isn’t

● Local stockmarkets: What’s old is new

● Creative ideas for local government and city leader involvement

● Saving social enterprise – the future of change agencies

● Building an equitable pipeline for all entrepreneurs, from inner cities to main streets

● Powering early innovation.

Launching the manufacturing and tech entrepreneur

● What makes rural regions unique? Strategies for strengthening where “the other half” live.

For potential sponsorship

and partnership visit comcapconference.com

Page 10

Northeast Oregon Business News

Community Focus: Baker City

Wholly Guacamole That Was Good - D&J Taco Shop

By Lori Kimbel

O

n the corner of Auburn and Main in downtown Baker City a new little taco shop has popped up, D & J Taco Shop to be exact, and the clientele is thrilled with the new addition to Baker City’s downtown.

The owners have jammed a whole lot of deliciousness into a small space and the word is getting around about just how good the food at D & J Taco Shop really is.

Tacos, burritos, salads, tostadas, nachos and quesadillas are all a part of the menu and come with a variety of meats that include ground beef, shredded beef , chicken, pork and steak. To top it off each item comes with your choice of fillings and salsas. The fillings

include rice, black beans, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cheese, jalapeno, sour cream and cilantro.

While I was there I had a steak taco with chips and medium salsa. The flavor of the steak was seriously some of the best I’ve tasted and the salsa had just the right amount of spice.

D&J Taco Shop is open on Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to “Like” them on Facebook.

For more information call 541-5239405 or visit their website at www.djtacoshop. com.

No. 1911 in Baker City - A Shoppers Dream

Community Focus for 2016 May/June 2016 Milton-Freewater July/August 2016 Boardman Sept/Oct 2016 Echo Nov/Dec 2016 Joseph

The dressing room at No. 1911 is just as charming as the rest of the store.

By Lori Kimbel

No. 1911 has been part

of the fabric of Baker City for close to three years. This unique, eclectic and charming gift shop fits perfectly in downtown.

Walking into No. 1911 is like taking a step back in time. It has a warm atmosphere and will transform you to a simpler time, tempting you to purchase an item or two in the hopes you will be able to bring the feeling of No. 1911 home with you.

Owner, Cheryl Herman and her daughter Toni Joseph, who is the manager of No. 1911, have gather their talents together

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to bring a wonderful variety of items to their customers.

“We put our creative energies together,” said Toni.

Items placed strategically throughout the shop include handmade tumbled marble coasters, handmade ceramic stone jewelry, rugs, vintage art, French soaps, handmade lamps, clothing, as well as Minnetonka moccasins and handbags.

No. 1911 is located at 1911 Main Street in downtown Baker City. They can be reached at 541-523-4321.

Be sure to ‘like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ no.1911bakercity

Jan/Feb 2017 Hermiston

Page 11

Northeast Oregon Business News

This is Harney County The 7 Wonders of Harney County-Oregon’s Big Country Playground

M

alheur Wildlife Refuge is famous for deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, and over 300 species of birds over 187,000 acres.

The Refuge is home of the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival that welcomes the spring migration in April. Diamond Craters provides unique exploring of cinder cones and maars labeled by a scientist as “a museum of basaltic volcanism.” Discover picturesque scenes on the Steens Mountain Wilderness, a masterpiece of deep aspen groves, flowing meadows, glacier cut valleys, sheer cliffs, lakes and mountain streams. Relax at the numerous mineral Hot Springs throughout the county’s 10,000 square miles of land. Alvord Desert, at the base of Steens Mtn, is a playground for wind sails, hot air balloons and off road enthusiasts.

Malheur National Forest provides a wide variety of camping and roads perfect for bicycling and off road cruising.

Take an evening to Star Gaze at the millions of stars and celestial views that Harney County is nationally known for. Visit harneycounty.com or call the Harney County Chamber at 541.573.2636 for additional info.

Photos courtesy of Harney County Chamber of Commerce Harney County Chamber of Commerce 484 North Broadway Burns, Oregon 97720 541-573-2636 info@harneycounty.com

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Page 12

Northeast Oregon Business News

Small Business

Joseph Hardware, More Than Just a Handyman’s Store

Joseph Hardware in Joseph, Oregon

J

By Lori Kimbel

oseph Hardware is a successful business in northeast Oregon, but it’s not really about the business, or the building that houses it, rather it is all about the culture James Johnson has set out to create within the structure and the business itself that defines his idea of success. A culture of loyalty, trust, helpfulness and friendship is the foundation on which James and his wife Leah have built upon since taking on full ownership of Joseph Hardware six years ago.

With the rugged and magnificent Wallowa Mountains serving as a backdrop it is a reminder that creating a successful business is much like hiking in the mountains, there are times of great struggle as the trail turns from rugged to treacherous, but then there are those times when all you see is the peace and beauty that you are surrounded by. Owning a business in northeast Oregon is rarely a picnic, but with good neighbors and great clients the storms that come with it seem to be of manageable size.

“What helps carry us are the people of Wallowa County, but we also rely heavily on the tourist market, we’d all be in trouble here without tourism.”

In 1993 Joseph Hardware was owned

by Joel and Marsha Svendsen, Leah’s parents, and was a block down the street from where

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Photo above by Lori Kimbel

it sits today. In 2002 James and Leah moved to Joseph. For Leah it was coming home since she grew up here. For James it was all about learning a new trade when he went to work with his father-in-law. In 2007 Joel and James became partners. By 2010 James and Leah became the sole owners of the business and in 2013, after extensive remodeling to the building that was once the local bowling alley, they opened their doors in their new location.

With more than 60,000 items in stock customers can usually find exactly what they are looking for, whether it has to do with electrical, plumbing, paint, sporting goods, or a major appliance. Of course if it is not in stock, chances are they can get it ordered and on its way before the customer leaves the store.

“We belong to a hardware co-op, the Do it Best co-op. They are the largest member-owned hardware store in the nation,” said Johnson. “They provide and facilitate training in the industry.”

“I think we will always continue to innovate and expand. There are always opportunities to push forward and to improve. We are expanding our rental category to include excavators, skidsters, and tractors,” said Johnson. “Of course helping people is what we do best, it is what drives us. We consider ourselves professional problem solvers.”

Employees play a huge part in the

James Johnson, owner of Joseph Hardware operation of a business and with ten employees Johnson realizes just how important they are to the health of his business. “We have a really low turnover rate, which is great,” he said. “I see myself as more of an architect than a builder. You do what you can to provide a foundation and then build on it with the people you put in different positions.”

Having a strong leader in business is important. When asked what makes him a great leader Johnson’s response was, “I am very approachable and there is no grey area with me.”

Joseph Hardware is one of those places that takes you back to your youth, when you would go with your dad or grandpa to pick up a sack full of nails. The employees are friendly and helpful and the culture James has created in his corner of the world is one you can experience for yourself at Joseph Hardware.

Page 13

The Arts

Northeast Oregon Business News

NE Oregon Region Joins Americans For A r t ’s N a t i o n a l S t u d y o f E c o n o m i c I m p a c t

Northeast Oregon Region (Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties) Joins Americans for the Arts’ National Study of the Economic Impact of Spending by Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences

T

he Arts Mean Business. That is the message being delivered today by three regional arts organizations in Northeast Oregon – Art Center East, Crossroads Carnegie Center for the Arts, and Josephy Center for Arts & Culture – who announced they have joined the Arts & Economic Prosperity® 5, a national study measuring the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences. The research study is being conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s nonprofit organization advancing the arts and arts education. It is the fifth study over the past 20 years to measure the impact of arts spending on local jobs, income paid to local residents, and revenue generated to local and state governments. While part of a national study, it will provide very specific data for the Northwest Corner, included spending and employment numbers for cultural businesses and nonprofits and well as spending information from audiences. Wage, labor and commerce data will also be incorporated.

As one of nearly 300 study partners across all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Art Center East, Crossroads Carnegie Center for the Arts, and Josephy Center for Arts & Culture will collect detailed financial data about our local nonprofit arts and culture organizations such as our theater and dance companies, museums, festivals, and arts education organizations. “Many people don’t think of nonprofit arts organizations as businesses,” said Mika Morton, Executive Director for Art Center East in La Grande, “but this study will make clear that the arts are a formidable industry in our community—employing people locally, purchasing goods and services from local merchants, and helping to drive tourism and economic development.”

Art Center East, Crossroads Carnegie Center for the Arts, and Josephy Center

for Arts & Culture will also collect surveys from attendees at arts events using a short, anonymous questionnaire that asks how much money they spent on items such as meals, parking and transportation, and retail shopping specifically as a result of attending the event.

Previous studies have shown that the average attendee spends $24.60 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission. Those studies have also shown that, on average, 32 percent of arts attendees travel from outside the county in which the arts event took place, and that those cultural tourists typically spend nearly $40 per person—generating important revenue for local businesses and demonstrating how the arts drive revenue for other businesses in the community.

Surveys will be collected throughout calendar year 2016. The results of the study will be released in June of 2017.

“Northeast Oregon is unique in many ways from the rest of the state. This study will allow us to gain a better understanding of the current and potential economic impact the arts as a whole – culture, heritage, and humanities – has on our region,” says Mika Morton, executive director of Art Center East in Union County. “As a nonprofit arts organization, it is our mission to continue investing our resources in an industry, one that supports jobs in our own communities and generates government revenue.”

According to Americans for the Arts’ most recent national study, the nonprofit arts industry generated $135.2 billion in total economic activity and supported 4.1 million full-time equivalent jobs during 2010, resulting in $22.3 billion in federal, state and local government revenues. The $135.2 billion total included $61.1 billion in spending by arts organizations and $74.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences on items such as meals, local transportation and overnight lodging. Complete details about the fiscal year 2010 study are available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact.

“Our Arts & Economic Prosperity series demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.

Photo by Lori Kimbel

The cast of “13” at the Elgin Opera House.

“Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business.”

Locally, study efforts are supported by the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District based in Wallowa County. Additional support is provided by the Oregon Arts Commission. For more information about the study and how you can help, please contact Art Center East in La Grande at 541-962-3629 or mika@artseast.org.

Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study is supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts.

In addition, Americans for the Arts’ local and statewide study partners are contributing both time and a cost-sharing fee support to the study. For a full list of the nearly 300 Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study partners, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners.

“Crossroads is excited to participate in this critical data gathering process throughout all arts, culture, heritage and humanities programs in Baker County. This type of data is critical for all arts and culture organization in getting grants from foundations, state and national government agencies. It is also critical for our city and county governments to have this type of detailed data on how the arts impact a community or region’s economy.” State Ginger Savage, Executive Director Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. “We are actively looking for volunteers to help with the survey process so contact Crossroads at 541-523-5369.”

“An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.”

- James Whistler www.neobn.com

Page 14

Northeast Oregon Business News

Historic Theaters of Oregon

Kelly Ducote Named Executive Director of Liberty Theatre Foundation in La Grande K

for several months.

elly Ducote has been named

“In two to five years, the Liberty Executive Director of the Liberty Theatre Theatre will be operating as a regional Foundation, the nonprofit working to restore performing arts center for Northeast Orethe historic downtown La Grande theater. gon,” said Ducote. “This means it is host to

Ducote began work in her position the tremendous local talent we have in the Jan. 25. She holds a degree in journalism Grande Ronde Valley, as well as traveling and political science from Louisiana Tech University and previously was the assistant musicians, actors, and other performers. The Liberty will also show classic and indepeneditor at The Observer newspaper in La dent films, serving as a main venue for the Grande.

Eastern Oregon Film Festival.

“We are delighted to “I look forward to I envision strong partnerships have Kelly as our Executive with other local arts and perDirector,” said Liberty Theatre the callenge ahead forming arts organizations. I Foundation Board Co-chair and to the day we also hope to work with our local Michael Jaeger. “She brings can open the schools to see what kinds of a sophisticated skill set and Liberty back up for educational opportunities rooted excellent experience that will in the arts that we can offer to serve the Liberty Foundation our community.” students.” well.”

Ducote’s focus will be

Kelly Ducote With strong writing and communications as well orgaon grants, gifts, and contracts nizational and leadership skills as well as public relations.

Ducote will bring the moving parts together

“She will keep the board and volunto make this project work. teers on task so that we can meet our goals

“Collaboration is key in bringing a to open the theater,” Jaeger said. project like this to fruition.”

Board member Brent Smith said

“I look forward to the challenge Ducote is an intelligent and capable writer ahead and to the day we can open the Libwho understands the vision for the theater as “La Grande’s living room and the hub for erty back up for our community,” Ducote said. “There is much work to be done, but arts performance in Eastern Oregon.”

Ducote said her first priority is to get I am confident that with the help of our the organization back up to speed as the community partners and generous grantors nonprofit was without an executive director and donors this is a dream that will soon become reality.”

Photo by Lori Kimbel

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative Delivers $8,400.00 Rebate Check to the Liberty Theatre Foundation

arlier this week, Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative visited La Grande’s historic Liberty Theatre and presented an $8,400.00 lighting rebate check to the Liberty Theatre Foundation.

“Approximately, three years ago, in on-going support of the Liberty Theatre Foundation’s efforts to restore our iconic Liberty sign, OTEC and the Foundation began working together to determine the scale of the project,” said Dale Mammen, president of the Liberty Theatre Foundation Board of Directors. “We worked closely with OTEC Energy Program Representative, Nancy Van Sickle, and we were hopeful the newly constructed sign would qualify under the energy efficiency program.”

E

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“There are a few different categories that lighting projects can fall into under OTEC’s energy efficiency rebate program,” said Van Sickle. “Once we had dePhoto by Lori Kimbel termined the sign was going to be an exterior new construction, it was one of the simplest rebate calculations I’ve ever done. Now the sign is up, the lighting rebate check is delivered and it is just amazing!”

Carlson Sign of Bend was contracted to reconstruct the Liberty sign which had originally been affixed to the building in October 1930. Three days before Thanksgiving, the 20foot sign was trucked from Bend to La Grande and installed into its historic location.

The sign boasts an American bald eagle at the top with a wing span of nine feet, as well as, 414 1.4 watt LED bulbs estimated to save the theatre approximately $2,871.00 annually when compared with a 25 watt incandescent bulb. The theatre will instantly have

a 10 kilowatt (kW) demand reduction with an initial rate of return of 68.7%. Additionally, since LED bulbs are more efficient and will not need to be changed out as often as a traditional incandescent bulb, operations and maintenance savings are expected to be $395 annually.

“It is always a great thing when OTEC has the occasion to partner with our community and community members to work on lighting efficiency projects in our service territory,” said Lara Petitclerc-Stokes, OTEC’s Manager of Communications and Government Affairs.

“Our rebate incentive program has allowed OTEC several opportunities, most notably within Union County, to provide rebates and simultaneously reduce electrical demand for capacity with partners like Boise Cascade, Grande Ronde Hospital and the Elgin Opera House. It is wonderful that through the work of OTEC’s energy efficiency team we are now able to include the Liberty Theatre into this program.”

Page 15

Northeast Oregon Business News

Solar Energy

Gaining an Edge in the Increasingly Competitive Solar Marketplace E

nergy Trust of Oregon is launching this month a solar marketing training series for installers as part of the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to reducesolar costs and increase solar installations in Oregon.

“Build it Bright! Crafting Your Solar Marketing Program” will deliver content through live webinars, podcasts and blog posts over a six-month period. The series launches on Thursday, January 28 with the webinar, “Taking Stock: Assessing the Condition of Your Marketing Foundation.”

The training series will be facilitated

by Glenna Wiseman, of Identity3, a nationally recognized solar marketing expert. Trainings are available to solar contractors at no cost.

“This series is not about one-size-fitsall marketing solar solutions,” said Glenna Wiseman, Principal of Identity3. “Every solar contractor has unique brand identity and marketplace strengths. We are creating a vibrant marketing solar forum. Together we will explore best practices, hear from marketing ex-

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perts and follow a disciplined path to save time and money to craft a foundation for efficient, impactful marketing.”

Solar cost reduction initiative could spur more solar installations Energy Trust is providing the training series as part of it solar cost reduction initiative. The goal of the initiative is to identify and reduce the non-hardware, or “soft” costs, of a solar installation, and make solar systems simpler and more affordable to install. Soft costs, which account for more than 50 percent of the total cost of an average Oregon system according to Energy Trust’s recent survey of installers, include costs related to permitting, inspection and interconnection, installation labor hours, customer marketing and outreach, and financing.

Since 2002, Energy Trust has supported more than 9,100 solar systems and 34 percent of those have been installed in the last two years. The “Build it Bright! Crafting Your Solar Marketing Program” training series is designed to help contractors understand and

better plan for costs associated with customer marketing and outreach so they are prepared for the increased customer demand.

Energy Trust relies on a strong network of trade ally contractors to reach Oregon’s residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers and assist them in meeting their energy goals.

The Energy Trust Trade Ally Network is overwhelmingly built of small and midsize local businesses. Cultivating this network creates jobs and builds local capability at a community level throughout the state.

“Reducing soft costs including those related to reaching new solar customers ultimately leads tosavings for the customer, thriving solar businesses that contribute directly to our local economy and more renewable power produced in Oregon,” said Jeni Hall, solar project manager, Energy Trust.

Solar Marketplace Continued on Page 19

Page 16

Investing

Northeast Oregon Business News

Know how to make 375 Billion Dollars (Yes Virginia, that “B” as in Billion!) crement for the interest. it can also be paid in a lump sum.

By Marc Robins CFA

Conversely, dividends are cash payments paid back to the investor on investments, Make investments that pay dividends! but it is part of the reward for taking the risk

in making said investment. You may lose the

h, you want more background on this declaration. OK. All you need to know is entire investment.

You might be very fortunate and not the name Andrew Carnegie…like in Carnegie Libraries, Carnegie Hall or US Steel (nee Car- only get periodic dividends but also receive a substantial (reward) return on the investment negie Steel). when it is sold. This is patently different from

Once you set aside all the PC “fog” a debt or loan where the lender is “guaranteed” about man who was and is one of the wealthvia contract the repayiest humans alive and

ment of the principal focus more on the “good” the man did,

Conversely, dividends are amount and interest .

Moving on to equity, his is a story worth cash payments paid back to the or stock investments. at least knowing and understanding some of investor on investments, but it is These are just that…. the aspects that made part of the reward for taking the investments. There are big companies (Apple, this peer among philanrisk in making said investment.

IBM, Exxon, Union Carthropists worthwhile.

You may lose the entire bide, Google…) and the To start, let’s just say likelihood of them going that as a small child he investment. “bust” is low, but not started like as a “bobbin

You might be very fortunate impossible. Some pay boy” in the woolen mills the shareholder a quarof Scotland and as an and not only get periodic terly, cash dividend out immigrant to the USA dividends but also receive a of their earnings. Monused hard work, the tuey that you can spend or, telage of employers and substantial (reward) return on like Carnegie, re-invest. studious availability of the investment when it is sold.

Smaller companies, a “free” library to teach which in has been the himself to read as well focus of my professional as garner substantial life, often don’t pay knowledge.

As he came into his own as a business- dividends. They typically spend all their earnman, he understood that cash flow from his in- ings back into the business to grow their own vestments was paramount not only when calcu- operations more rapidly and take advantage of the markets they address. Some small comlating returns but as a means of supporting his ability to place those dividends back to work in panies have such good returns, face excellent other endeavors or to purchase additional plant futures and can still pay shareholders a quarterly dividend. and equipment. Dividends were key!

That said, here are three companies that

I guess the next question what is a “dividend?” How is it different to interest paid are interesting operations that are distinctly on loans and passbook savings accounts (what- positioned to grow in their respective markets and pay dividends that appear enticing comever those are and how do you define “minpared to passbook savings yields….. iscule” or “infinitesimal”?) If you loan out

Acme United Inc. (NYSE: ACUmoney, you expect to receive that loan back ‘paid in full’ at some certain point in the future. $14.30) produces and sells scissors, sharpeners, rulers, lettering products, garden tools, Along with the borrowing, the lender expects axes and saws as well as safety products and to receive some sort of payment for the use of first aid kits. If there is a that money during the time you have had in cutting, measuring or first aide your procession or used it to buy something product found in the home, or invest in something. The point is a loan is school, office, hardware or made up of a present value (the amount received on day #1), the future value (the amount sporting goods retailer, it was to be paid back at the end of the loan), the time probably manufactured and (T) the loan is outstanding and lastly some sort distributed by Acme. This of interest, or additional amount, (i ),to be paid Company that has been around back. The thing that makes this and dividends since the Civil War pays a $0.40 annual dividend (10¢ per a little confusing is that interest can be paid quarter). The stock has come back over time in increments…Think of your under pressure with the recent market decline car loan or mortgage where and used to sell at $20.00 per share. So, one each payment of principal also includes an in-

O

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might consider that a good portion of the market risk is out of the shares at this time.

Ditto with one of my favorite companies—Psychemedics, Inc. (NASDQ: PMD$11.09) This operation uses body hair for the detection of drugs. By using their patented and FDA-approved hair analysis chemical processes, they can take a few strands of hair (typically 15 to 20, one-and-a half inch hair strands clipped the back of the scalp) and provide a medical history of illicit drug use. This is far more sensitive that urine-analysis: It provides a 90-day record of use and can not be adulterated or masked like any other analysis process.

PMD is called upon to provide their detection services almost entirely when companies are screening new hires, or providing company maintenance screens to keep their operations “drug free.” It is also the premier provider of services to police and government agencies as well as railroads, oil companies, auto manufacturers, banks, etc. The stock is also down from a recent high of $17.66 per share but now provides a $0.60 dividend for a 5.41% yield.

I like these share now because the country of Brazil passed into law requiring a mandatory drug screening test and periodic updates for all truckers in their country. Because PMD is the world leader in hair analysis for the detection of illicit drugs, there is a high likelihood that the company’s business could actually double given this new national law.

Lastly, what makes more sense that computers designing drugs? You’ve probably heard of the term, “designer drugs” when it comes to invention and production of illicit compounds. Well, Simulation Plus, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLP-$9.95) provides computer modeling software for ethical drug discovery and development. Their tools can cut years and billions off the drug development cycle as well as help pharmaceutical companies avoid costly compounds that don’t perform. For instance, it’s software can simulate drug absorption characteristics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics as well as a raft of other characteristics regarding the modeling of dissolution, functionality, and its safety profiles. SLP has an international clientele of pharmaceutical companies as well as an equally impressive list of regulatory agencies that “buy” seats to their platform.

This stock has actually moved from the $6.00 range to as high as $11.00 during the market sell-off. It pays a $0.20 annual dividend yielding 2.00%.

Please be advised that Mr., Robins and/or members of his family own shares, or may be adding to their positions or have intent to purchase the above mentioned securities.

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Northeast Oregon Business News

Health & Wellness

Kruse Family Dentistry Opens in Island City

by Trish Yerges

T

he family dentistry business of Dr. Brian Kruse has relocated to 10100 N. McAlister Road in Island City.

The former Education Service District building was built in 1959 and has been vacant for a number of years prior to its purchase

by In Him LLC of which Kruse is one of the principals. The building is about 12,000 square feet in size, but Kruse’s clinic occupies about 3,000 square feet of that total, and he will lease out the rest to other businesses.

He hired Daniel Davenport Construction of Union to remodel 3,000 square feet for the dental clinic.

“The construction started Feb 2015 and was completed in September 2015,” said Kruse. “We use about 3,000 square feet with six treatment rooms. We added quite a bit of staff and increased our hygienist’s hours by quite a bit.”

He explained that the new building and added staff should significantly shorten patient waiting time and allow the clinic staff to treat patients more efficiently. Three of the six treatment rooms will be utilized by the dental

hygienist.

“We increased our clinic hours now, and we’re open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursdays and Fridays as needed,” said Kruse. “So far we’ve been working every Friday.”

Prior to establishing the Kruse Family Dentistry at the McAlister building, Kruse practiced general dentistry with Dr. Russell Kilpatrick, who retired last December.

The building they shared had limited space, and Kruse wanted to expand his services.

“It was time, and I really wanted to update with new equipment,” said Kruse.

“The (former) space restrictions were a little frustrating, so it was a combination of those things.”

Kruse Family Dentistry offers a full spectrum of general dentistry services, including extractions. He has purchased a new panoramic x-ray machine among other pieces of new dental equipment. He is accepting all patients and recommends that people have at least an annual checkup if not dental cleaning every six months to maintain good oral health.

Looking at the dental field overall for Northeast Oregon, Kruse thinks that there is a

need for more specialists.

“I think it would be nice if we could support some specialists that were more local,” he said. “That’s the most frustrating thing for Northeast Oregon patients. The nearest periodontists are in the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla. The nearest pediatric dentist is in Hermiston. It boils down to economics— can our population base support them? Is there a supply of specialists? I think this area could support some of those specialists.”

Kruse attended Eastern Oregon University for his undergraduate and started dental school in 1996 at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, where he graduated in 2000. He and his wife, three daughters and one son live in La Grande.

To make an appointment at the Kruse Family Dentistry, call 541-963-6445 during business hours.

Ukulele Orchestra in LG

By Warren R. Johnson

M

aybe you have dreamed you would

like to play in a symphony orchestra. There are several orchestras in Eastern Oregon/Eastern Washington. You assume you are just not good enough to be accepted. In fact, you don’t even play an orchestral instrument. How then can you be in an orchestra? There is a way.

Start playing the ukulele. Yes, there is a ukulele orchestra based in La Grande, the Coalition of Union County Ukuleles. You don’t own a ukulele? You can borrow one from this group and give it a try, or eventually you can buy your own for about $50.00. If you’ve completed the 4th grade (really – motor skills), you are welcome to join the group.

• Every first Thursday there is a beginners’ group at 6:30 pm • The full group meets at 7:00 pm • Every third Monday, a strum circle meets (no note reading required)

The Coalition (known as CUCU) meets at La Fiesta on Adams Avenue in La Grande. This is a very casual group, so don’t be afraid to show up if you’re interested. You can sing along with the playing, as the words and chords show up on a screen. There are also chord charts, books, and a free download site for song sheets available. To learn more, go to their website: www.cucuorchestra.org.

Go strum and thumb your way through the music and the words. You not only will have fun, you will fulfill your dream to play in an orchestra.

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Wallowa Lake

Northeast Oregon Business News

East Moraine Scores Top Ranking in President Obama’s 2017 Budget

Proposed 2017 budget includes full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, including an additional $900,000 for the East Moraine of Wallowa Lake

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orainesThe East Moraine just earned a top spot to receive funding in President Obama’s proposed 2017 budget released to congress yesterday. The budget calls for millions of new dollars in new funding to support more than a dozen conservation projects in Oregon, including a project here in Wallowa County to protect the iconic East Moraine of Wallowa Lake. The Wallowa County project ranked number three nationally in the U.S. Forest Service’s list of priority conservation projects to be funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

This funding would go towards the acquisition of more than half of the 3,000-acre East Moraine of Wallowa Lake. The Wallowa Lake Moraines Partnership has been working since 2011 to secure this geological wonder that flanks Wallowa Lake. The Partnership is made up of Wallowa Land Trust, Wallowa Resources, Wallowa County, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and The Trust for Public Land.

The East Moraine is one of the world’s most perfectly formed, well-preserved glacial

landscapes and arguably the most iconic unprotected area in Eastern Oregon. This ancient yet fragile landform is ecologically, economically, and culturally significant. Traditionally a Nez Perce Tribe encampment, today the privately-owned East Moraine is a sustainable working landscape that provides public access and critical wildlife habitat. It is part of a larger landscape that draws up to a million visitors to Wallowa County annually, sustaining a thriving tourist-based economy.

The Wallowa Lake Moraines Partnership is actively working with the largest private landowner on the East Moraine to acquire their property, which they wish to sell or develop. The project was previously awarded $3 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in 2016.

This additional award brings the total to $3.9 million. The Partnership is seeking to keep the East Moraine an undeveloped working landscape that provides public access and protects important habitat.

According to Kathleen Ackley, executive director of Wallowa Land Trust, “The East Moraine is a geological wonder, whose scenic beauty is enjoyed by thousands of people each year. The President’s commitment to LWCF will help us ensure this icon of Northeast Oregon remains undeveloped and locally owned.”

LWCF invests a portion of royalties

from federal oil and gas leases back into local communities across the nation. Over its 50year life, the program has invested nearly $1 billion in Oregon and Washington, directly funding projects that create outdoor recreation opportunities and support Oregon’s quality of life.

LWCF expired on September 30th of 2015, but was given a three-year extension at the end of 2015. President Obama’s budget proposal is part of the administration’s strategy to secure full and permanent funding for LWCF at $900 million per year.

“President Obama’s budget is a great first step in securing additional funding for the LWCF which is a crucial tool in preserving and protecting Oregon’s treasured spaces,” said Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley. “This vital funding will ensure areas around the entire state, from the Columbia River Gorge to the East Moraine of Wallowa Lake will be available for future generations to explore and enjoy. I am committed to fighting in the Senate to help make the President’s budget a reality for the LWCF.”

Added Oregon’s senior senator Ron Wyden, “I am pleased that the president’s budget includes funding to safeguard such a signature natural treasure as the East Moraine. This crown jewel in Eastern Oregon richly deserves this support so that Oregonians for generations to come can enjoy its beauty and recreational opportunities.”

Cycle Oregon Awards Grant to Fund New Wallowa Lake State Park Hiker-Biker Camp

T

he Cycle Oregon Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation has awarded a $10,000 matching grant to develop a new hiker-biker camp at Wallowa Lake State Park. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will contribute an additional $10,000 to complete the project.

The current camp for people who hike or bicycle into the park is in an open area along

the main camp entrance. Over the next year, park staff will build the new 8-site camping area in a more secluded spot by redesigning the park’s former amphitheater. The new camp will include covered and uncovered sites, lockers, tables, and charging stations. Park staff created a new area for park presentations in a more central location, freeing up the old amphitheater for this project.

From 2009 to 2014, visits

Solar Marketplace Continued from Page 16

Identity3’s collaborative approach to solar training includes the participation of Aimee Tuck of Corbae Creative, a long-time solar industry marketer based in the Northwest and Raina Russo of SolarChat and Women4Solar, whose social media and advocacy work on behalf of the industry has consistently garnered a national spotlight.

Online conversations will be captured under the hashtag #MarketingSolar. The

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to Wallowa Lake State Park have increased 10 percent, from 348,000 to 381,000. As curious travelers from Oregon and around the world discover the Wallowas, the park is interested in encouraging less polluting, less congestion-causing forms of transportation such as hiking and bicycling.

“This is a tremendous gift from Cycle Oregon,” says Park Manager Nancy McLeod (mih-CLOUD). “They’ve always

training series is supported by Energy Trust with the goal of reducing soft costs of system installation in Oregon, and participation by a sizable audience of contractors installing systems in Oregon is anticipated. Contractors installing systems throughout the U.S. are also welcome to participate at no cost.

For more details and to RSVP for future webinars go to www.energytrust.org/BusinessDevelopment.

Resources:

supported the region, but this goes beyond goodwill. They’re investing in the community, and we’re grateful for it.”

The project should start this spring, finish a year later, and be open for its first season in April 2017. The park will work with the Eastern Oregon Visitor Association and the Wallowa Chamber of Commerce to promote the improved service as it opens.

To learn more about the “Build It Bright” solar marketing training series see http:// goo.gl/bafolG. To register for the first marketing solar webinar in the Build it Bright series on January 28 see http://goo.gl/3LIuA5.

To learn more about Energy Trust’s 2014 report “Benchmarking Oregon Solar Soft Costs 2014 Installer Survey Analysis” see http://goo.gl/ qXgiE7.

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Northeast Oregon Business News

My Action Plan for Rural Oregon - Bud Pierce

By Bud Pierce Canditate for Oregon Governor

A

ddressing the crisis in rural Oregon

starts with electing a governor who actually acknowledges rural Oregon is in crisis. This governor should not be part of the one-party rule that has presided over rural Oregon’s demise these last 30 years. The majestic and fruitful lands beyond Oregon’s I-5 corridor can no longer be seen solely as giant vacation lands and parks for recreating urban Oregonians. That’s not good for the proud residents of rural Oregon. That’s not good for our mountains, forests, and high desert lands. And that’s not good for our urban and suburban communities that pay for our “forgotten” rural Oregon in the form of higher social welfare costs and lower tax revenues for schools and state services in these impoverished communities.

Here’s my plan for rural Oregon:

One, acknowledge that rural Oregon is in crisis and act like it.

Two, launch a six-year action plan to revive rural Oregon.

Three, keep this initiative and similar (related) initiatives to reduce class sizes, to put more money into the pockets of working Oregonians, and to end traffic congestion at the center of Oregon’s public policy agenda.

Every day. All year.

OK, what would the specifics look like?

Encourage Portland­-centric businesses,

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such as Intel, to spread out across the state, opening up job opportunities in rural Oregon. The governor must ensure that the state spreads growth by creating more opportunities across Oregon, with the help of state and local incentives and targeted transportation infrastructure projects.

Eliminate state regulations that make it more difficult for Oregon manufacturers to compete in the marketplace. For example, Oregon requires shipping of modular homes in much smaller loads than other states, greatly increasing transportation and ultimately home costs for Oregon manufacturers and buyers.

Our state government needs to stop putting our manufacturers and their workers at a competitive disadvantage.

Make the Port of Coos into a vibrant, deepwater port so our goods can be shipped out from southern Oregon instead of California, Washington, and Canada.

Bring the weight of the governor’s office to bear on fixing the labor problems at the Port of Portland so our farmers and agribusinesses once again have regular shipping schedules.

Increase timber harvest levels on our state lands under Oregon’s Forest Practices Act. Ensure our state forests can meet their legal production goals as set by the Oregon Forestry Board. This would create new jobs and preserve existing ones in our rural communities.

It would also generate millions more in revenue for our counties and the state treasury.

Push through projects that bring jobs to rural communities.

Bud Pierce

Push Washington, D.C. to increase harvest on our federal lands in an environmentally responsible and timely manner.

Establish a system of functioning small rural airports across Oregon.

I’ll be a balanced voice for rural Oregon and bring the citizens together. I’ll do all I can to incentivize the movement of people and resources to citizens who want to live in Oregon’s rural areas. The fact is that if we make rural Oregon successful, we make all of Oregon successful.

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