Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race Page 7
Mountain West Moving & Storage Page 10
Oregon Outfitters Now Open Page 16
NORTHEAST OREGON BUSINESS NEWS Volume 2 - Issue 1 free
Serving Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa Counties
free
JAN/FEB 2015
Morrow County Maridell and Hot Lakes Springs Property Swap Administration Building to be Completed in 2015 The new administration building,
adjacent to the 113-year-old Morrow County Courthouse in Heppner, is scheduled for completion in late summer of 2015. Wind energy income has provided the funding for the project. Wenaha Group of Pendleton provides the project management and W.C. Construction of Elgin are the general contractors. Once complete the new administration building will house a variety of county departments and administrative programs.
Morrow County admin building in Heppner
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n a unique agreement, the owners of the Maridell Center in La Grande, and the owners of the Hot Lakes Springs Resort in Union, have decided to trade properties. David Manuel and his wife Lee have owned the Hot Lakes Springs Resort for 12 years and are excited about their new adventure. Jay and Jeri Mackley of La Grande own and operate the Maridell Center, which will become The Heritage when the Manuel’s take over. Both couples are excited about what the coming year has in store at their new properties.
Read more about this unique business venture on Page 13
Northeast Oregon Economic Vitality Summit Brings Together Leaders from All Corners of NE Oregon he turnout for the Northeast Ore gon Economic Summit, held in La Grande, was impressive to say the least. A quick scan around the room at the Blue Mountain Conference Center one could see community leaders from all corners of NE Oregon. Presented by Ford Institute for Community Building, and Rural Development Initiatives (RDI), the economic summit brought a diverse group of speakers, all passionate about the same thing, rural success. Northeast Oregon Community Capital Collaborate, La Grande Urban Renewal Agency, Baker Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Oregon Economic Development District and the North Fork John Day Watershed Council, were all partners in the summit that generated many ideas, some solutions and new found momentum in how we can all work together to make NE Oregon an economically sound place to live.
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in the community finance movement. Katrina Scotto di Carlo informed the group how NE Oregon could start their own buy local program, as an off-shoot of Supportland, a successful Portland based rewards program for buying local. Maurizio Valerio, Lisa Dawson, Carol Peppe A panel of local experts also had ideas Hewitt and Katirna Scotto di Carlo on how to make NE Oregon more economical“The NE Oregon Summit seemed to really ly stable. Tom Hutchison spoke about seeing our food go from field to market locally, invigorate local communities to start Supportland’s shop local campaign and in general instead of traveling hundreds of miles to be connected passionate people with similar ideas processed into an end product. who will continue to work together,” said Lisa Dawson gave information about Chris Lyman, program support specialist with the NE Oregon Community Capital Collaborative which will help business owners weave RDI. their way through the process of finding local Similar summits are planned for 2015 people that are wanting to invest in local busiin McKenzie/Sisters, Santiam Canyon, and nesses. The collaborative also has educational Reedsport. Carol Peppe Hewitt, author of Financ- workshops. ing Our Foodshed: Growing Local Food with Economic Summit Slow Money spoke about her role as a pioneer continued on Page 4
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and her article about the Regional Medical Plaza expansion on page 12. Here we are the end of the year already! There are some great press release articles about agriculture and It really is amazing how fast the time goes by. some exciting things happening all around Oregon. Including the SS This year we welcomed our seventh grandbaby Algol Drydocking and Outfitting the Outdoors company. Both can be found on page 16. into the world and she is sure to delight us just as The movie Wild has been playing throughout the US, showmuch as the other six have. Once again we have had a great time casing so much of Oregon. Read more about the movie and other films exploring northeast Oregon, getting to know new freinds and learning that have been or are currently in production in Oregon on page 18. all about the great businesses that call this area home. So with 2015 just around the corner I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. I hope this year is I had such a great visit with one of your best ones yet. Craig and Kaiger Braseth and learned all about the generational entrepre For those I have yet to meet, I look forward to meeting you, and to all neurial spirit inside of them. As sponsors to the Columbia those friends of mine out there, my life River Circuit Finals Rodeo, we made just wouldn’t be the same without you. a trip to Yakima, Washington where I hope you enjoy this issue of Northeast Oregon Business News and we enjoyed a night of rodeo watching. as always feel free to contact me with While there we stayed at a fabulous bed and breakfast, the Rosedell. I any question, suggestions or comments. I read every single one and have endidn’t get a chance to write about it in this issue, but will be telling you all joyed reading what a positive impact about our stay in the Mar/Apr issue. this paper is having on you and your Along the way we also have business. gotten to eat some really great food. The Corner Brick Bar & Grill in Baker Let’s Make 2015 a Great Year! City is one not to miss if you want Sincerely, The Rosedell Bed & Breakfast in Yakima (509) 961-2964 something great for lunch or dinner. Read more about this great place on page 9. Also in this issue you will, once again, find great articles from Trish Yerges. Find her article about Blue Springs Crossing on page 5
Lori
Volume 2 - Issue 1 - January - February 2015 Publisher Lori Kimbel lorikimbel@neobn.com PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-910-1096 Circulation 10,000 distributed every other month. Serving Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa Counties www.facebook.com/neorbn www.linkedin.com/in/lorikimbel Twitter - neobnlori www.justanotherhatpublishingcompany.com www.neobn.com www.lorikimbelphotography.com Northeast Oregon Business News is owned and published by Just Another Hat Publishing Company, LLC
Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better. —Bill Bradley
POSTMASTER: send address changes to Just Another Hat Publishing Company, LLC, PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827 Subscription Rates: To subscribe to Northeast Oregon Business News Mail $24 to PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827
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Northeast Oregon Business News
BUSINESS
Legacy Auto Group - Making a Difference in the Community W
hen it comes to stepping up to the plate and hitting it out of the park, Legacy Auto Group is an absolute professional. There is no doubt that car lots in rural communities are an integral part of the economy, and Legacy Ford is all of that and more. Legacy Ford continues to not only see to it that their customers are pleased with their purchase, but that the community is taken care of, time and time again. Their latest community contribution is two, 2013 passenger vans with room for 12. “We saw a need,” said Chris Huxoll, of Legacy Ford. “We loan them out to community organizations to help transport people where they need to go.” The vans are usually spoken for every weekend by a school group, sports team, or community organization. “The EOU sports teams have used them, the La Grande High School, and last year’s Union High School graduating class used them for their senior trip to the coast,” said Huxoll.
Most recently the Elgin FBLA borrowed one of the vans, which made it possible for the group to attend the Oregon Leadership Institute in Bend. “Legacy has always shown support to our chapter through this donated van and Drive4UR School Program,” said Elgin FBLA Advisor Peggy Anthony. Legacy Auto Group has long been known for their community involvement. “We like to focus on the kids,” said Huxoll. With events such as Drive4UR school, Little League, and Drive to Give, Legacy Auto Group continues to be a valuable community partner. The list of community dedication continues once the snow hits the mountains. “Legacy does a great job providing transportation for skiers/riders to Anthony Lakes,” said Chelsea McLagan, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort marketing director. “The transportation piece is difficult for many, especially for kids not yet of driving age. Providing transportation in shiny new vehi-
Soar Oregon is Online T
he website for Oregon’s test-flight ranges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, also called commercial drones) is up and running. The site – at http://uastestranges.soaroregon.com – provides comprehensive information on the state’s three test ranges at Pendleton, Tillamook, and Warm Springs, where UAS can be flown in a safe, well-supported test environment. The website provides a high-level overview of the three test ranges, their locations and capabilities, and a drill-down on the technical capabilities of each, including relevant factors such as airport details, infrastructure, visuals of the surrounding airspace (e.g., airways and jetways), other operational-related information, and local amenities. The site includes contact information for each range manager. A key partner with Alaska and Hawaii in the greater Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex, Oregon offers developers of UAS systems and applications an unmatched opportunity to fly the most diverse geography in the U.S. Spanning the high seas to the high desert, Oregon’s test sites cover forested valleys, rich farmland, large dryland agricultural sites, rivers, lakes, ocean beaches, bays and fishing grounds, and a 10,000-foot mountain peak. Each test range has unique geographic and program support features, and projects across the three sites can be integrated. Oregon ranges, which have carried out UAS flights under earlier FAA rules as well as flights under the procedures of the new Pan-Pacific test site, offer both highand low-altitude testing. The website, which will be steadily improved over time, is operated by SoarOregon, a state-funded initiative through theOregon Business Development Dept. and the Oregon Innovation Council to grow the state’s unmanned aerial industry and make Oregon a national leader in this new technology area.
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Elgin FBLA on their way to OLI
cles is a win for both parties! We love getting more skiers/riders to Anthony Lakes! Legacy’s dedication to providing transportation is a great way to support the La Grande community snowriders. Anthony Lakes works to build and maintain community partners, to connect more people to the lifelong sport of skiing/ snowboarding.” Legacy Auto Group is one of those businesses that continue to make a difference in the community in so many ways.
FAA Aproves VDOS for Inspection Services VDOS Global LLC, a provider of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection services and data collection, is the first company to receive approval by the FAA to perform commercial inspection services using UAVs. The waiver issued by the FAA allows VDOS Global to pioneer the practice of using UAV technology to perform off-shore inspections for structures owned and operated by Shell throughout the Gulf of Mexico. VDOS founder and CEO Brian Whiteside said, “We are proud to be the first company approved by the FAA to help the Oil and Gas industry improve safety and protect the environment through the use of UAV technology. Our experience as military and commercial pilots combined with our commitment to safety make us the right team to take this important first step for the industry. We are also proud of our relationship with Shell and of our shared commitment to maintain the highest standards of safety in executing UAV inspections on their installations.” Collaborative efforts between VDOS and Shell will advance the use of robotics for safety furthering the goal of reducing potential hazards to personnel. The collaboration will allow the companies to continue to push the limits of technology while forging a path that will support the proper and safe use of UAV in the oil and gas industry, thus enabling the industry to operate with improved techniques and practices. With more than 3,500 potential inspection sites in the Gulf of Mexico alone, VDOS anticipates significant demand to perform inspections that are time and cost intensive for oil and gas producers. UAV technology utilizes high definition and thermal imaging to detect faults, corrosion and other signs of deterioration, while posing no additional risk to humans and
without interrupting operations. Results can be interpreted immediately, allowing for the prompt reporting and handling of matters pursuant to an operator’s safety management systems. VDOS Global has strategic relationships with top manufacturers of UAV technology, allowing them to create and operate customized packages of software and equipment, based on the unique data needs and environment of each client. VDOS Global’s unparalleled experience operating UAVs allows them to perform inspections for major worldwide energy producers. VDOS Global is expanding their operations and currently is planning operations in Canada and Alaska. VDOS is also committed to lending their expertise to humanitarian causes and supports the Multination Communications Interoperability Program by assisting in the development of emergency response plans for the Pacific Rim Nations. The company is a member of the Pan Pacific UAS Test Range, and manages the Warm Springs UAS Test Site. To learn more about VDOS, visit www.vdosglobal.us About VDOS Global LLC VDOS Global LLC was founded in 2011 by CEO Brian Whiteside after a distinguished career in both the military and private aviation industry. Mr. Whiteside is a Navy veteran and former FA-18 pilot who has become a leader in the commercial application of unmanned technology through years of worldwide operations and deployments. Brian also serves as the Cascade Chapter President of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). Based in Corvallis Oregon, VDOS pilots travel to locations in the US and abroad to provide strategic UAV support, through operations, data collection and consultation. For more information, visit www. vdosglobal.us.
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Northeast Oregon Business News Business Directory
AUTO DEALER
AUTO DEALER et
AUTO REPAIR
Legacy Ford La Grande, Oregon 541-963-2161 www.legacyfordlagrande.com
Legacy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Island City, Oregon 541-962-7099 www.legacychryslerjeepdodgeram.net
Legacy Ford La Grande, Oregon 541-963-2161 www.legacyfordlagrande.com
AUTO PARTS
AUTO PARTS
BANKING
BUSINESS ADVICE
Legacy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Island City, Oregon 541-962-7099 www.legacychryslerjeepdodgeram.net
Legacy Ford La Grande, Oregon 541-963-2161 www.legacyfordlagrande.com
Community Bank Joseph, Oregon 97846 541-432-9050 www.communitybanknet.com
Small Business Development Center 1607 Gekeler Lane La Grande, Oregon 97850 541-962-1532 www.eousbdc.com
BUSINESS ADVICE
CONSTRUCTION
COMMUNITY
FARM EQUIPMENT
Small Business Development www.bluecc.edu/busind_sbdc 2411 NW Carden Pendleton, OR 97801 541-278-5833
Wenaha Group Pendleton, Oregon 97801 541-969-1328 www.wenahagroup.com
Elgin Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1001 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-786-1770 www.visitelginoregon.com
RDO FARM EQUIPMENT Hermiston: 1-800-357-7925 Pendleton: 1-800-422-5598 Wasco: 1-800-989-7351
HOME LOANS
INSURANCE
MOVING & STORAGE
SPORTS APPAREL
Community Bank 609 N. Main Street Joseph, Oregon 97846 541-432-9050 www.communitybanknet.com
Wheatland
229 SW First Pendleton, Oregon 97801
541-293-2124
Mountain West Moving & Storage 1315 Jefferson Ave. La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: 541-963-2331
Representative Greg Smith Appointed to Key Committees for 2015 Legislative Session Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) has been appointed by House Speaker Tina Kotek to the following committee assignments for the 78th Assembly of the Oregon Legislature: • Joint Committee on Ways and Means, Vice Co-Chair • General Government Subcommittee on Ways and Means, Co-Chair • Capitol Construction Subcommittee on Ways and Means • Joint Committee on Legislative Administration Representative Smith was also appointed by House Republican Leader Mike McLane to serve as the House Republican Caucus Budget Chair. This position was vacated by Representative Dennis Richardson, who did not seek re-election in order to run for governor. “I am honored that Speaker Kotek and Leader McLane would entrust me with these positions,” said Rep. Greg Smith. “I look forward to continuing serving District
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AUTO REPAIR
57, our state, and House Republicans in 2015.” “Rep. Smith and I will be working closely together to craft a republican response to the Governor’s proposed budget,” said Leader McLane. “I appreciate his willingness to serve in this leadership capacity.” Hermiston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Oregon State Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Debbie Pedro stated, “Once again, Rep. Smith shows his ability to be a leader for Eastern Oregon. We will continue to be well represented in Salem.” “We are pleased to see Representative Smith appointed to these leadership roles. His budget expertise will be beneficial to his colleagues, and will serve our growing communities well,” said Milton-Freewater Mayor Lewis Key. Representative Smith is joined by two other legislators serving as the most senior member of the 60-member Oregon House. Smith has served in the Oregon House since 2001.
Legacy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Island City, Oregon 541-962-7099 www.legacychryslerjeepdodgeram.net
Blue Mt. Outfitters 1124 Adams Avenue La Grande, Oregon 97850 541-612-0148
Economic Summit Continued
Ginger Savage, Executive Director of the Crossroads Art Center, Annie Eskelin, Executive Director of the Art Center at the Old Library, and Mika Morton, Executive Director of Arts East rounded out the panel and talked about the economic importance of having an art culture in NE Oregon. Noelle Colby-Rotell of RDI, Joyce Akse, with the Ford Institute and Maurizio Valerio of RDI also added to the day with their insight an expertise.
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BUSINESS
Northeast Oregon Business News
38-Unit Apartment Complex to Open in Island City
Construction is underway on Walton Road in Island City
by Trish Yerges
C
onstruction on Blue Springs Crossing Apartments at 10801 Walton Road in Island City is well underway as contractor LMC Construction of Beaverton along with Northeast Photo/Trish Yerges Oregon Housing Authority and Construction on the Blue Springs Crossing Apartments in Island City began on Sept. 5 and will be completed developer Guardian Managethis summer, providing 38 low-income, subsidized apartments to families and individuals. ment, LLC of Portland strive for are still many openings for the 2608 May Lane at 541-963-5360 crews. Some are staying in a June open house date. motels; some are renting houses two and three-bedroom units. Ext 26. When completed, the The Blue Springs Crossfor the duration of the building. Northeast Oregon Hous$7.6 million housing project ing Apartments are within an Banner Bank is an important ing Authority currently owns will offer 16 one-bedroom units, easy walking distance to and participant in the project, and the 12 two-bedroom units and 10 and/or manages 314 properties from retail businesses as well as City of La Grande has issued all three-bedroom units designed for in Union, Baker, Grant and Walthe Community Connections city the building permits.” low-income families, individulowa counties, and they are curbus stop. Most importantly, the als, elderly and disabled. rently looking for a maintenance To get an application, “We broke ground on the complex will provide subsidized housing for a growing number of visit online at www.neoha.org or worker for the Wallowa Alpine building site on September 5,” call Sharon Haefer of NEOHA, Village complex in Enterprise. homeless families and individsaid Sharon Haefer, NEOHA Manager. “The last time we built uals in Union County. Haefer said these families may a low-income housing complex currently be sharing a houselike this was in 1980 when the hold with relatives or friends, May Lane apartment complex but as they find employment, was built.” they may also become eligible The Blue Springs Crossfor housing at Blue Springs ing campus will include five, Crossing Apartments. Mili2-story residential buildings tary veterans with a 60-vehi“The last time we built a are given specle parking lot. low-income housing com- cial considerIt also includes ation for these a 1,864 square plex like this was in 1980 foot community when the May Lane apart- rentals. “We center complete ment complex was built.” were just with a kitchen. Sharon Haefer awarded 25 The latter will vouchers for be something that the public can rent subsidy designated for rent for social gatherings. homeless veterans,” said Hae “Each building has 8 fer. “Interested persons should family units,” said Haefer. “The contact me directly. We’ll do one-bedroom units are 666 square feet (ADA 689 sq. ft), the a pre-screening, ask for citizenship papers, birth records, 2-bedroom units are 951 square social security information feet in size; and the 3-bedroom units are 1,197 square feet (ADA and 2 references. We also do a background check on each 1,203 sq. ft) in size.” With all this construction, applicant.” At present, Haefer said the local economy is benefitting she has 31 applicants on the in several ways. waiting list, some of which “Local subcontractors are May Lane complex tenwill be employed to perform ants who want to transfer to the concrete, asphalt and roofthe new Blue Springs Crossing work on this complex,” ing complex. However, most said Haefer. “The majority of of these applicants are waiting local impact is seen among the for a one-bedroom unit. There lodging businesses for the work
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OUTDOORS
Northeast Oregon Business News
Aerial Technology Takes Drones to New Hunt and Heights While Filming ‘Requiem of Ice’ Shooting Maps
Waller and Ben Canales of Uncage the Soul Productions made multiple trips to the cave to observe and film changes that occurred over the past year. These cave systems have been mapped and surveyed since 2011, and footage was featured in a 2013 multimedia presentation produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting. This short film produced by Waller and Aerial Technology Partners with Film Company to the Sandy Glacier Ice Caves on Canales takes viewers on a visual odyssey of the Mt Hood, Oregon to Create Stunning New Viral Video cave system before it dis erial Technology Inter- dramatic melting and collapsing appears. Their narrative inof the cave system that has been national has teamed up with the terpretation of the final thoughts Portland, Oregon film Production occurring since its discovery of the glacier cave is accompaaround a decade ago. Company Uncage the Soul for nied with the time-lapse, high ATI took on a completethe new video ‘Requiem of Ice’, speed, and ATI’s aerial footage featuring the largest glacier cave ly new set of challenges in this shot since October, 2013. most recent project. Having system in the lower 48 states. About Aerial Technology scaled waterfalls, rafted great The Sandy Glacier Ice rivers, and generated breath tak- International Stephen Burtt and Caves are a treasure that will Lawrence Dennis formed ATI in ing aerial imagery from remote soon be gone and we were 2011 to provide UAS operators thrilled to immortalize the caves. locations, ATI has now taken with a one stop shop, offering their drones to new heights. Aerial Technology Inongoing support, education, and By joining Uncage the ternational teamed up with the resources for UAS needs. After Portland, Oregon film production Soul on their endeavor to create spending many years operating a world class, visually stunning, company Uncage the Soul for within the UAS industry, the the new video ‘Requiem of Ice’, piece on the Mt Hood Sandy Glacier Ice Caves, ATI took on ATI founders noticed a lack of featuring the largest glacier cave the challenge of carrying a heavy reliable equipment and technical system in the lower 48 states. lift Octocopter up to the Sandy support for end users. The result is a stunning video Glacier and deploying it in one The technical complexishot over the past year and reof the most difficult environties and logistics of safely operveals the remarkable and changments ever attempted. ating UAS demands a high level ing landscape in the Sandy Gla To accomplish this, ATI of support and reliability from cier Cave system on Mt Hood. co-founders Stephen Burtt and manufacturers, as well as highly ATI has always thrived on filmLawrence Dennis disassembled ing in remote locations and there skilled operators. ATI provides was never a question of whether their Octocopter, camera gear, customers with the resources and charging stations, and accessoor not to join Uncage the Soul expertise needed to succeed in ries in order to fit the gear into on this journey. “The Sandy their industry. their hiking packs. Upon arriving Glacier Ice Caves are a treasure The ATI staff shares a at base camp, after an 8 hour that will soon be gone and ATI love for aerospace, photography, hike, the team re-assembled the was thrilled to be involved in a film making, Precision AgriOctocopter and accessories, and project that would immortalize culture and clean technology, the caves and bring them world- were ready to face the next set fueling the company to constantof hurdles. Late summer heat wide exposure,” ATI co-founder ly improve the UAS industry created a very wet and unstable Stephen Burtt said. by providing and supporting the environment in and around the The Sandy Glacier Cave caves. Falling rocks, melting Ice, latest technology in the fields of system is made up of two large unstable footing, high winds, and aerial video, photography, incaves, Snow Dragon and Pure spections, research and mapping. flowing rivers all added to the Imagination; both extending Contact Diane at info@inspiredcomplexities of creating cinedeep into the glacier. This ‘Remc.com for interview. matic aerial video. quiem of Ice’ video project, a To create the video, John year in the making, reveals the
A
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Goes Mobile December 2, 2014
SALEM, Ore.—A mobile version of ODFW’s popular hunting and shooting map is now available. Just click on www.oregonhuntingmap.com from your mobile device to try it. The new responsive design delivers content optimized for your phone or tablet. With the mobile version of the map, users with a network connection will be able to see their location and know if they are hunting within boundaries. The Google map allows users to scout on the go for habitat and terrain. Other features include: Search by species Search by location Show landownership Show property boundaries Find Lat/Long coordinates The map also shows locations to shoot firearms and archery equipment in Oregon. Since it launched in 2010, oregonhuntingmap.com has been accessed nearly half a million times and had 272,000 unique users. ODFW also recently launched GeoPDF maps of its Access and Habitat areas and Travel Management Areas. After downloading a GeoPDF application to their mobile device, users can follow their location in the field, mark way points, check boundaries and more while offline.
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OUTDOORS
Northeast Oregon Business News
Eagle Cap Extreme Invites Juniors to Compete in 2015 Annual Sled Dog Race to Feature First Ever Juniors Event News Release: For the first time in the eleven-year history of the Eagle Cap Extreme,
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young mushers will have a race of their own. The ECX has long been known for its challenging course that serves as a qualifying race for the two most prestigious events in the sport of mushing, Alaska’s Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. This January experienced mush-
ers, including some Iditarod veterans, will share the spotlight with the next generation of sled dog runners. The race features novice mushers between 14 and 17 years old, racing four to six-dog teams. Like the other three ECX races, the Juniors race begins at Ferguson Ridge ski hill on Thursday, January 22nd. From there, young mushers travel along the Canal Road to Salt Creek Summit, then return to Fergi to complete the 22-mile course. The addition of a Juniors race adds to the event’s tradition of engaging youth and teaching them about sled dogs and the sport of mushing. School children from around the region regularly visit with mushers and meet the dogs during the pre-race veterinary check ups in Joseph and Enterprise. And Wallowa will get a visit from one of the mushers and their dogs again this year. On top of that, ECX Education Coordinator Kris Fraser will have a full schedule of activities for youngsters during race week at Race Central, located in the Joseph Community Center. And busloads of school children from around the region will adorn the ski slopes at Ferguson ridge for the race start again this year, waving homemade signs for their favorite mushers. “Every year we see how excited kids are about the dogs and our race,” says Eagle Cap Extreme president Randy Greenshields. “It’s a natural fit to include a Juniors race as part of the ECX. By featuring a race for young mushers, we hope to build on the race’s reputation for getting kids excited about this amazing sport.” The eleventh running of the Eagle Cap Extreme takes place this January 21st through the 24th. In addition to the Juniors Race, the ECX features a 200-mile, 12-dog race (the Iditarod and Yukon Quest qualifier), a 100-mile 8-dog race, and a two-stage 62-mile “pot” race. The race is free to spectators, a perfect winter event for families. For more information, including the full schedule of race week events, visit the ECX website www.eaglecapextreme.com, and follow the event on Facebook. The ECX operates as a 501(c) (3) organization. It is put on with the help of more than 150 volunteers, and is supported by over 100 local businesses and individuals. It runs under special permit on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
OUT AND ABOUT
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum Announces New Branding Along with a New Website
The beautiful Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum invites you to visit their new website built by WebRock Design, a leading Hood River web firm. oday the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum announced the official launch of its new website. Members of the Center or new visitors may have recently noticed a “countdown” ticker on the organization’s website – one that heralds a refreshed presence and enhanced brand in keeping with the interpretive center’s mission. “Over the years, we’ve had many discussions about the ‘face’ of the Columbia Gorge
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Discovery Center & Museum,” says Kristen May, Visitor Services Manager. “This rebranding effort will equip us to deliver a message that truly reflects our mission using one unified brand.” Visitors will note a refreshed logo and an earth-toned palette that reflects Oregon’s various climates, from high desert to verdant forest. The new logo, a hand-drawn spiral with compass points, represents the journey of discovery historically associated with Lewis and Clark and expressed through the Center’s programs and exhibits. The rebranding was undertaken by WebRock Design, a Pacific Northwest-oriented branding and website design company. “We were particularly excited to
give the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum a profile boost because it’s part of our own community,” says founder Alexa Shuman. “We’re proud to encourage more ‘PNW natives’ and visitors learn about this amazing region’s history and ecology.” The organization’s offerings remain the same, with interactive multimedia exhibits, outdoor activities, and daily live Birds of Prey shows. “Over the coming months, all of our marketing collateral will be updated, starting with our website,” says May. Members’ cards will similarly be updated to reflect the new brand. “We owe thanks to the Paul Allen Family Foundation for the generous grant that funded this project,” notes Carolyn Purcell, Executive Director. “It’s really about continuing to offer the most memorable interpretive experience possible.” Visit http://webrockdesign. com for more information.
LOCATION Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum 5000 Discovery Drive The Dalles, Oregon 97058 541.296.8600 HOURS Open Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CLOSED Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day New Year’s Day ADMISSION $9.00 General $7.00 Seniors $6.50 Scheduled Groups of 10+ $5.00 Ages 6-16 FREE Ages 5 and under $3.00 Teachers FREE CGDC members
State park camping discounts to change in 2015 O
regon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) today announced that it will replace its across-the-board “discovery season” discount program with targeted deals starting in 2015. The discounts are still in effect now through April 30, 2015, and reduce tent and RV campsite costs by $4 per night. The annual discount was created nearly 20 years ago, and is offered at all state park campgrounds in Oregon. “Discovery Season has done its job,” said Chris Havel, OPRD Associate Director. “It was great way to introduce yurts to Oregonians and to encourage fall and winter camping, but we now need to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ discount.” He cited a continuing decline in Lottery revenue as part of the reason for the move. Nearly all of OPRD’s funding comes from user fees, a portion of RV licensing revenue, and 7.5 percent of net Lottery proceeds. Before discounts, Oregon state park campsites cost $17-19 a night for tents, and $22-26 for RVs. Together with parking revenue, visitors contribute $21 million of the $48 million a year it takes to operate state parks. OPRD estimates that returning to a year round rate structure with targeted discounts could
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translate into an additional $400,000-500,000 a year. Havel said that campers will begin to see a new type of discount in 2015 and beyond. “We love the idea of discounts and rewards for our customers. But we have to be much more targeted,” he said. “It makes better business sense to offer incentives that attract campers to sites that would normally sit Wallowa Lake Lori Kimbel Photograpy.com empty, instead of discounting sites that would reservation “window” is two days, not one. fill anyway.” “It’s a small change, but it means you can call Havel said that customers have long on a Thursday and book your entire weekend asked for ways to make last minute decisions stay.” about camping. “With service improvements OPRD contracts with Reserve Ameriin our reservation system, for example, we can ca, a centralized online reservation service that better anticipate where last-minute vacancies handles 49 public and private park systems will be, and we can then make those spots across the U.S. Customers can also reserve available at a special rate.” He also noted that campsites by calling OPRD’s call center in effective January 1, 2015, customers will be able to reserve campsites from nine months to Portland at 1-800-452-5687 during regular business hours. just one day before their trip. Currently, that
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Northeast Oregon Business News
DINING OUT - IN NE OREGON Wholly GuacamoleThat Was Good!
- Corner Brick Bar & Grill in Baker City by Lori Kimbel ed to pass on the Brick ‘Shroom & Brie Burger and even decided against the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. The Black and Bleu Burger, as well as the Mango Salmon BLT were all tempting, but I just couldn’t stop thinking that good ol’ fashioned Mac N Cheese was exactly what I was craving. Wow! I was not disappointed. This was, without a doubt, the very best Mac N Cheese I have ever had… and I’ve eaten macaroni and cheese a time or two in my life. Nothing, not even my mom’s, (which ranks second of course), compares to
hile out and about last month my husband and I stopped in at the Corner Brick Bar & Grill in Baker City. It was cozy. We took a seat by the window and watched as traffic and pedestrians went by. After looking over the menu I decid-
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the creamy deliciousness of Corner Brick Bar & Grill’s Mac N Cheese. I will go back! Soon! In addition to their fabulous Mac N Cheese, Corner Brick Bar & Grill also has Pizza and other pastas. They have a variety of burgers on their menu, including a Spicy Buffalo Burger. Sandwiches, wraps, salads and beverages of all kinds for all ages round out the rest of the menu. Of course you can’t forget the house made desserts, which include cakes, pies, cupcakes, crisps, cobblers, cookies, trifles and cannoli. So the next time you are deciding where to go to get something to eat, do yourself a favor and head on in to the Corner Brick Bar & Grill for some good food, good drinks, and good times. Order the Mac N Cheese and tell them Lori sent you. Corner Brick Bar & Grill 1840 Main Street Baker City, Oregon 97824 541-523-6099
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• Competitive Rates • Local Credit Decisions • Friendly Service Since we were founded in Joseph, Oregon in 1955, Community Bank has been committed to helping farmers and ranchers build successful businesses. Whether you are looking to upgrade equipment, purchase livestock, or inject working capital into your operation, Community Bank has the competitive rates and superior service you deserve. We also offer flexible terms including annual payments for customers with seasonal revenues.
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Ag Real Estate Financing Equipment Purchases Operating Lines of Credit Hanley Kennedy Cory Deter Wallowa/Union Co. Umatilla 541-432-9050 & Morrow Co. 541-963-3434 541-278-9000 Adrian Harguess Wallowa County 541-432-9050 541-426-4511 Cliff Schoeningh Baker County 541-524-7667
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Local Money Working For Local People
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BUSINESS
Northeast Oregon Business News
Mountain West Moving and Storage Keeps Rollin’ Along ting business, they have sold coal, “I can remember, when I they have manufactured and sold was little, going on ice, they have rented out frozen the beer truck evfood lockers, and have owned ery Tuesday,” said storage units, business complexes Craig. “Dorothy at and commercial property. the Brunswick in In 1985 the Braseth Elgin would feed family purchased Smith Brothers me breakfast and Moving Services, Inc. in Baker, Bessy at the Miwhich had been in business since nam Store would 1945. fix me dinner.” Craig and his brother Kaiger Braseth and his dad Craig Braseth Craig was Cory worked side by side for just a young boy many years. Cory managed the wning a successful when he rode along with his Jefferson Avenue Rentals while family business for close to six dad all over Union and Wallowa Craig managed the moving and decades in northeast Oregon takes counties while his dad delivered storage portion of the business. more than determination; it takes beer, wine and soda. Craig probBob Parker operated the distributdedication, tenacity, loyalty and a ably didn’t even realizing how ing. willingness to diversify when the much he was learning about the In the ‘do whatever it time is right. These are all traits distribution business until one takes’ to make a living categothe Braseth family brought with day when he was a young teenag- ry, Cory and Craig also worked them to the Grande Ronde Valley er and his dad had an appendicitis alongside the railroad whenever in May of 1956. attack. Craig had there was a derail Craig Braseth was to ride along with ment. They would 4-years-old when his dad, “Cona hired driver and go in and salvage nie” and his mom, Gerry, along tell him which whatever might have with his brother Cory, and his stores and taverns gotten spilled, such two sisters Cindy and Claudia were on the route. as coal, grain or moved to La Grande. His uncle, The driver unlumber. Carl Kellenburger, and his family loaded the bever(Left) Carl Kellenburger, (Cen They are also a also moved from Portland to La ages, while Craig, ter) Fred Wessinger, president warehousing facilty Grande. just 14 years-old of Blitz Weinhard Brewery and for RV manufac What prompted such a headed into each (Right)Connie Braseth turers in both La move?….a chance meeting in tavern to take the Grande and PendDeath Valley, California with order for the weeks deliveries. leton, and store lumber until the some La Grandites that were also The warehouse, located in manufacturers are ready for it. vacationing there. Carl Helm was downtown La Grande, has been In 1999 the two brothers one of those La Grandites and he an incubator to many ideas, indecided to concentrate on the told the Braseths of a business cluding a bottling facility. Along opportunity in the Grande Ronde a back wall of the warehouse was portions of the company they were already managing and split Valley. Epling Distributing & where the soft drink machine the business. Cory took full ownLa Grande Transfer and Storage used to be located. Yes, it was ership of Connie’s Distributing were planning to sell their busione of those ‘let’s see how this and Eastern Oregon Rental. He ness. As luck would have it, it business will do’ ideas. Well, it sold Connie’s Distributing to P was a perfect fit for the Braseth worked. They bottled 7-Up, Nes& E in Baker, and still owns and family. They made the purchase bitt, Dad’s Root Beer, and Crush. operates Eastern Oregon Rental and moved to town. Of course during some of the cold which has a store in La Grande as “We made trips back and winters in northeast Oregon the well as Baker City. Criag and his forth to Portland, so we watched bottles would freeze in the warewife Kay kept the Smith Brothers the freeway and the John Day house, or in the trucks and evenMoving Services and changed the Dam being built,” said Craig tually would blow their tops. Braseth. What a fascinating conname to Mountain West Moving “We had to put coal in struction project to witness as a coffee cans and light it with light- and Storage/A-Secured Propersmall boy. ties. er fluid and keep it in the trucks In 1961, the company Just like his dad, Conto keep the bottles from freezdiversified and changed the name ing,” said Craig. nie, Craig has instilled a strong to Connie’s Moving, Distributing work ethic in his boys, Kyler and Eventually B & K was and Storage. Kaiger. They both became part sold to George Bruce of East Moving and storage have of the business at a young age. ern Oregon Bottling Company, been a constant part of the busiKyler, a well-known bull rider another family owned northeast ness for the last 58 years, but with Oregon business. in NE Oregon is now a facilities the name change in ’61 came manager at Acute Care Center in The word entrepreneur the distributing portion of the just might have been created with La Grande and Kaiger is the operbusiness. B & K, which stood for ations manager at Mountain West the Braseths in mind. Over the Kellenburger and Braseth. Moving and Storage. years they have had a meat cut-
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oday Mountain West Moving and Storage is still going strong. The wealth of knowledge they have obtained over the years has brought them to where they are today, and as we all know, today’s world is a bit different then it was in 1956 when the Braseths first came to town. In today’s world we all find our way to grandma’s house with the help of our GPS, friends are more likely to visit online than over a cup of coffee, and in 2013 it is estimated that there were 191.1 million US citizens that bought at least one product online. With a knack for seizing opportunity the Braseth’s are once again at the cutting edge of business development. Craig and Kaiger have spent a good portion of the past six years making sure their customers get the products they ordered online delivered safely to their home or place of business. Businesses, such as, Home Depot, JC Pennys, Pier One, Pottery Barn and Temporpedic all rely on Mountain West Moving and Storage once an order has been placed. Once products arrive at the Mountain West Moving and Storage warehouse, they are inspected, rewrapped, delivered to the customer and set up in their home; customer service at its finest. Some of the more unusual items they have handled include bronze statues from world renowned artist David Manuel, as well as a million dollar CAT Scan machine, and General George Custer’s trunk. “Diversity helped us out during the recession,” said Kaiger. “We offer our employees a competitive wage and train them to be true professionals. Three of our employees have been with us for more than ten years.” The future continues to look bright for Mountain West Moving and Storage as they continue to support the community they have called home for 58 years.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
TRAVEL
Foodworx The Future of Food Conference F
oodworx, the Future of Food Conference will be held on February 7th in Portland, at the World Forestry Center at 4033 SW Canyon Road, and is presented by the World Food Travel Association. “Oregon is a leader in the USA’s production of food, and especially of the helathy, natural and organic foods,” said Event Chair Erik Wolf. “We are well poised to lead the nation’s conversation about the future of our food.” The event is held in Portland, but that in no way means it is just for those in and around Portland. “FoodWorx isn’t regarded as a food event, – it’s a conference about food that attracts people from everywhere, and from all walks of life,” said Wolf. “Attendees run the gamut, from students and media relations
people, to food manufacturers and farmers, to authors and healthcare professionals. It’s a great place to network, share your ideas, and ask your questions. We’re all part of our food system. And people in Oregon are perhaps a little more aware than other Americans that our food comes from healthy and sustainable farms. If you care about the contribution your business is making to the food system, FoodWorx is a great forum for inspiration and sharing. And beyond food production and farming, FoodWorx is for everyone who loves good food. February is a great month to travel to the Western part of Oregon, enjoy the great food, meet new people, taste
new products and do some shopping while you’re at it! What’s not to love? The speakers are always great. The food is amazing. And the delegates are fun. It’s an inspiring event with fun people and great food!”
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 World Forestry Center — Portland
If you care about food – its consumption, production and the future of the food industry, then FoodWorx is for you.
WorxConference.co d o o F . w m ww Food • Agriculture • Sustainability
Tourism • Nutrition • Local Sourcing Tickets $89-109
Exhibitor Booths only $299 (includes event ticket) Sponsorships from $500
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Northeast Oregon Business News
BUSINESS
Regional Medical Plaza in La Grande Expanded to Create a One-Stop-Shop for Patients
GRH Image The finished Regional Medical Center will include a 12,000 addition that will create convenience for women’s healthcare and services to children.
by Trish Yerges Construction is underway on a remodeling and expansion project that will put a 12,000 square foot addition onto the existing two-story Regional Medical Plaza at 710 Sunset Drive in La Grande. The expanded plaza will become a one-stop-shop particularly for women and children’s healthcare, consolidating many routine diagnostic services all under one roof to enhance patient care and convenience. “The first floor will be the women and children’s clinic,” said Rondyann Gerst, Director of Clinic Services. “We’ll do women’s pap exams and mammography screenings, and we’ll also have a blood draw station and offer ultrasound services.” The Regional Medical Plaza will also offer healthcare services for children. “The first floor will be the children’s clinic where we’ll offer behavioral health services,” said Gerst. “We’ll have a conference room where group education classes aimed at women and children’s health will be held.” On the second floor of the expanded plaza, Dr. Gerry Funk will see patients in his otolaryngology clinic. Funk performs surgeries on the head and neck. Also, on this floor will be the orthopedic and neurology clinics. “The neurology clinic will be managed by neurologist Dr. Ricky Lim and by Shayne Yocum, N.P.,” said Mardi Ford, GRH
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Community Relations Manager. “As far as Dr. Petrusek’s clinic, he will still be operating from his same location.” When completed, the plaza’s exterior will match that of the Grande Ronde Hospital, said Elaine LaRochelle, facilities director. A new car port entrance will be added to the building to offer patients greater protection from the weather and to direct patient flow through a one centralized registration lobby. The 2-story building will offer elevator transport to both floors. “We are going to upgrade the heating and lighting systems to improve energy conservation,” said LaRochelle, “and we’ll also recycle waste which will decrease the amount of garbage that goes to the land fill. The fire monitoring and suppression system will be upgraded with a new sprinkler system, and outside there will be about 56 parking spaces for patients and 115 in the whole south campus complex.” The Regional Medical Plaza is being constructed with a green approach, utilizing the clean environmental practices of recycling, conservation and efficiency. “We’re able to undertake patient service expansion and improvement projects like this,” said Ford, “because we’ve done years of planning for this one, in particular, and due to decades of sound fiscal practices and wise investing.” The plaza construction project will cost between $6 and $8 million, much of it being poured right back into the local
economy. “Seventy to eighty percent of the construction work is going to local tradesmen,” said LaRochelle. During the winter months, tradesmen will be working on remodeling the interior of the existing building. Later, the addition will be framed and new offices
will be constructed to complete the project. Ford said that some of the construction services that can’t be supplied locally will come from Portland and other areas. An open house will be announced when the building is completed later in 2015.
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BUSINESS
Northeast Oregon Business News
New Owners, New Plans, New Excitement in Store for Hot Lake Springs and Maridell Center Hot Lake Springs Press Release Hot Lake Springs has accepted a purchase offer and is in escrow awaiting closing and transfer of property ownership. The new owners, Jay and Jeri Mackley, were announced on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at the Hot Lake Springs Fall Festival. It is clear these new owner will continue with the current vision and passion that we have felt over the years, and bring Hot Lake Springs to new levels of success. Excitement swells as this highly qualified and talented family prepares for their new adventure and the 2015 season. The Manuel Family’s History Museum, Bronze Foundry and all family business are planning their relocation and opening for spring 2015, in Union County. We are relocating to increase the size and presentation of our historic collections, as well as the bronze casting facility and all facets of our core business. November 1, 2014 marks the beginning of the 12th year we have been at Hot Lake Springs, perhaps to be the longest single land holder in the 200 year history. The Hot Lakes Springs restoration project has progressed with great community support. It is with no regrets, that we, the family, step aside and allow HLS to reach its full potential. The Manuel family is quite excited about the future, David, 75 years, Lee, 60 years. The consensus is that we all have one more, big project in us. The HLS historic restoration project has been amazing for each one of us. It is our desire that the legacy live forever. The fact remains, now that it is preserved and standing strong, that the hotel and Hot Springs deserves to flourish to great levels of service for all to enjoy. We love Hot Springs very much. Having said that, our first love and responsibility is bronze and our family’s historic artifact collection. You are all aware that we have only had the room to display and share only half of the collection due to space. The plans have begun, the drawings are in process. The location of the new beautiful interpretive center and bronze casting facility has been chosen. In the meantime we are controlling our excitement for the future and giving full attention to the immediate matters at hand. The number one thing is concentrating on completing the castings of fine art bronze sculptures. When the time for the move comes, it is certain that this re-location will be much smoother, cleaner and faster than the move to Hot Lake Springs in 2003. Larry Braden Manuel, superintendent, says that he expects no bronze casting interruptions or delays. Larry will be moving and setting up the facility one department at a time to avoid any down time. The Manuel family looks forward to your visit in the spring of 2015 at the new facility, “The Heritage”.
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ctober 25 was a historic day at Hot Lake Springs. Surrounded by family and friends, Lee Manuel announced they would be selling the Hot Lake properties and moving the bronze casting operation into La Grande. After successfully saving and restoring the property from its formerly derelict condition, David and Lee Manuel decided to relocate to La Grande and sell their Hot Lake properties to Jay and Jeri Mackley of La Grande, Oregon. “The amount of time, life and energy that has gone into this is amazing,” said business owner Greg Barreto. “The hope and the vision keep you going, but this has been more than just vision, it has been tenacity. They have taken this from ruin and built it up to a viable place.” “It has been a very challenging and rewarding endeavor. We couldn’t have done it without the support of the community,” said Lee. In 2004, the Manuel’s relocated their bronze business to Hot Lake from Joseph. In a property swap, the Manuel’s and Mackley’s are now switching locations and the Manuel’s will set up in what is now known as the Maridell Center, located on the corner of Washington and Depot Street. David Manuel, a renowned artist and sculptor will continue his work in the new location. “At this point in life, with our children grown, we want to simplify and focus on our core bronze business and we are very excited to contribute to the vitality of downtown La Grande and hope our presence is welcome,” said Lee. “We think Jay and Jeri are the right buyers for Hot Lake. We wanted someone local who would have the passion to build upon what we started.” After renovation, the former Maridell Center will house the extensive Manuel museum collection as well as the bronze opera-
tions and be called ‘The Heritage’. “We will miss downtown La Grande, but feel this is the right move at this time,” said Jeri Mackley. “It’s a huge positive for the city to have the Manuel museum and bronze business downtown, especially being so close to all the others activities that are revitalizing the west side.” The new official name for the Hot Lake properties is ‘Hot Lake Springs Resort’, a combination of names past. “Our plan for Hot Lake is for it to be a destination resort for out of town guests as well as a fun, day use complex for the local community”, said Jeri Mackley. “Yes, our business plan calls for taking Hot Lake to the next level. We also have two additional partners experienced in historic renovation. I can hardly wait to get started,” said Jay Mackley. Plans call for a full service hotel, with additions and upgrades to room accommodations, landscaping, hot tubs/saunas, parking and an exterior face-lift. Also planned is a full service restaurant, soda fountain, a new swimming pool, zip line, and many other attractions, Including the annual Night Fright haunted event. The unique history of Hot Lake, especially as the ‘Mayo Clinic of the West’ will be emphasized with regular guided history tours and presentations as well as a special haunted tour called ‘Hot Lake at Night’. A salon and spa is to be on-site to provide service for both guests and visitors. “We want Hot Lake Resort to be an inviting place for the whole community to host banquets, proms, dances, weddings, and other special events,” said Jeri. “We stand in awe of what the Manuel’s have accomplished and plan to expand on that legacy in a major way.” “We have a real focus on preserving the history of the hotel,” said Jay.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
AGRICULTURE
Oregon Selected for Pilot Program Helping Schools and Farmers regon has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as one of eight states in a pilot project that will allow them to increase purchases of locally-grown fruits and vegetables for their school meal programs. The Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables, was introduced by Senator Wyden as an amendment to the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill. “Today’s news is a win for communities and school districts across Oregon who can now offer meals made with the locally grown produce we’re famous for, from apples to zucchini, blueberries to tomatoes and everything in between,” Senator Wyden said. “This is a win for the local farmers who will gain new customers to buy their fruits and vegetables. And this is a win for the school children who will grow up knowing what fresh produce really tastes like.” USDA Foods – provided by the USDA to schools – make up about 20 percent of the foods served in schools. States use their USDA Foods allocation to select items from a list of 180 products including fruits, vege-
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tables, lean meats, fish, poultry, rice, low fat cheese, beans, pasta, flour and other whole grain products. This pilot program will allow the selected states to use some of their USDA Foods allocation to buy unprocessed fruits and vegetables directly, instead of going through the USDA Foods program. “These demonstration projects will help schools source healthy, local fruits and vegetables for the breakfasts, lunches, or snacks served to students,” Wyden said. “It is more important today than ever to ensure America’s children have fresh, healthy eating options when they are increasingly exposed to unhealthy, processed foods.” States were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to farm-to-school efforts, including prior efforts to increase and promote farm-to-school programs in the state, the quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables in the state on a per capita basis, and the degree to which the state contains a sufficient quantity of local educational agencies of various population sizes and geographic locations. Oregon farmers and school officials
said the pilot project will grow the existing relationships between farmers and schools, with children being the ultimate beneficiaries. “I’m thrilled Oregon has been chosen because it will help our schools continue to diversify their local foods purchasing portfolio,” said Michelle Ratcliffe, PhD, Director of Market Development for Farm to Table Initiatives at Truitt Family Foods. “The happy result is that the pilot will help Oregon’s students to achieve, farmers to prosper and communities to thrive.” Other states chosen for the pilot besides Oregon are California, Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. For more information about USDA’s efforts, go here.
River Point Farms Breaks Ground On State-Of-The-Art Facility Press Release Hermiston, OR – River Point Farms, America’s largest onion producer, announces the company broke ground on a new 70,000 square foot whole onion packaging facility featuring state-of-the-art equipment on November 3, 2014. When complete, River Point Farms will operate over 95,000 square feet of whole onion packaging and shipping facilities at the company’s headquarters in Hermiston, Oregon. With a capital expansion plan valued at $17.5M for 2014 to 2015, River Point Farms’ new facility underscores the company’s commitment to provide a high quality product with an unparalleled level of service to its contract clients. The new facility will feature best in class equipment that the company has strategically vetted over the last two years in preparation for its doubling of production and shipping capacity in the next twelve months. “As we nurture our current customers and prepare for growth, seamless execution in packaging and shipping facilities is paramount to our success,” said Bob Hale, chief executive officer of River Point Farms. “The new packaging facility provides us with an opportunity to fully automate our whole onion sorting and packaging process with a high level of accu-
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racy and efficiency and also allows us to convert our current packing facility into a state of the art, shipping facility.” River Point Farms’ long history of providing outstanding product quality, service and volume capabilities have strengthened the company and its ability to invest in this project. The new facility allows for amplification of capabilities and improvements in partnerships with customers as a single-source, year-round supplier of farm fresh onions. During construction, River Point Farms will continue to operate out of their current facility until the day of the transition. The company will continue their guarantee to deliver top quality onions at contract price and volume. The project is estimated to be completed by end of July 2015. About River Point Farms: River Point Farms is America’s largest grower, packer, shipper and fresh-cut processor of onions; including yellow, red, white and sweet onions. The company began in 1983, and then was incorporated in April 2007 after merging the long standing companies of American Onion and Rivergate Farms. River Point
Farms is headquartered in Hermiston, Oregon and is controlled by brothers Bob and Rick Hale who also own and operate Hale Farms, 37 year old 20,000 acre diversified vegetable growing operation. River Point Farms is fully integrated, offering a total solution for a diversified customer base. The company’s state-ofthe-art growing and storage techniques ensure a year-round supply of whole, peeled and sliced onions to various foodservice, industrial ingredient, restaurant and retail customers. River Point Farms controls the process from seed to shelf, providing the most consistent, reliable onion supply in the country. The company’s unique approach to crop planning takes into account the needs of the customer when designing production, enabling an unparalleled service offering.
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Northeast Oregon Business News
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture Secretary Announces Funding to Strengthen Rural Businesses, Cooperatives USDA Monday, October 27th, 2014 On Friday Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of 43 organizations in 27 states for grants and loans to help create jobs and boost economic development activity in rural areas. The announcement culminates a week in which the department has been highlighting products that are Made In Rural America. “Many rural businesses and organizations are succeeding but with access to additional resources can create more jobs, promote growth and create an environment where more products can be made in rural America,” Vilsack said. “The awards we are announcing today will not only provide funding, but they also will provide the critical training and technical assistance rural cooperatives and non-profit groups need to enhance the work they are doing to strengthen America’s Main Street businesses.” The funding is being provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program and the Intermediary Relending Program. Vilsack announced $5.8 million in RCDG awards to 32 recipients, and just over $7 million in loans to 11 recipients under USDA’s Intermediary Relending Program. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement. Rural Cooperative Development Grants are being awarded to non-profit groups and higher education institutions. The recipients will use the funds to operate centers to develop or expand rural businesses, especially cooperatives and mutually-owned business-
es. The funding can be used to conduct feasibility studies, create and implement business plans, offer technical assistance, establish low-interest loans, and help rural businesses develop new markets for their products and services. Friday’s announcement of RCDG recipients includes several who are developing new opportunities for rural farmers and ranchers by capitalizing on the fast-growing market for locally produced food. For example, the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Lori Kimbel Photography.com Echo, Oregon Sustainability will receive a $200,000 technical assistance grant to help meat create jobs in rural communities. Loans are processing cooperatives link producers with provided to local organizations that establish local and regional consumers. Funding will revolving loan funds. also be used to provide education and train For example, the Vermont Commuing. The Cooperative Network in Wisconsin nity Loan Fund, in Montpelier, will receive is receiving a $200,000 grant to help establish a $1 million loan to help 90 organizations cooperatives focusing on health care, local and businesses create and retain nearly 900 foods and senior housing. Funds will also be jobs. The Nebraska Enterprise Fund will reused to help Native American tribal members ceive a $175,558 loan to help businesses and form a cooperative. non-profit organizations in Adams, Buffalo, In North Carolina, the Rural Advance- Custer, Dawson, Hall, Hamilton, Kearney, ment Foundation International–USA will Keith, Lincoln, Merrick, Phelps, Sherman, receive a $200,000 grant to launch a program Valley and York counties in the south central on agricultural cooperatives. Funding will be region of the state. In South Dakota, the West used to provide technical assistance to groups River Foundation will use a $750,000 loan to in rural North Carolina, South Carolina, north- provide low-interest financing to public and ern Florida, and eastern Kentucky. Since fiscal non-profit organizations. This is expected to year 2009, USDA has awarded 200 RCDG create or save approximately 100 jobs. grants for approximately $38.4 million that Since fiscal year 2009, USDA has have helped more than 2,500 businesses. awarded 281 IRP loans for approximately USDA’s Intermediary Relending Pro$140 million. These loans have helped more gram helps capitalize loan funds to alleviate than 4,700 businesses. poverty and increase economic activity and
Farmers and Ranchers in Baker, Umatilla, and Union Counties Qualify for Natural Disaster Assistance USDA Designates Wallowa County in Oregon as a Primary Natural Disaster Area With Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Wallowa County in Oregon as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. “Our hearts go out to those Oregon farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom
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Vilsack. “President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy by sustaining the successes of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times. We’re also telling Oregon producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood.” Farmers and ranchers in Baker, Umatilla and Union counties in Oregon also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous.
Wallowa County
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Northeast Oregon Business News
OREGON BUSINESS SS Algol Drydocking Marks a New Chapter in Portland’s Maritime Industry Press Release: November 17, 2014 PORTLAND, Ore.
The drydocking of the SS Algol on Monday marked a new chapter in Portland’s resurging maritime industry.
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his is the first vessel to be loaded onto Vigor’s new 960-foot drydock, the Vigorous – the largest floating drydock in North America. The Algol and her sister ship SS Capella, which is also in Vigor’s Swan Island yard awaiting repairs, will bring significant revenue to Portland and the surrounding areas. The Algol project will result in 150 direct project related jobs for Oregon and southwest Washington. Both vessels are Fast Sealift Ships (FSS) operated by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the Military Sealift Command. They, in addition to post-Panamax vessels – named because their large size prevents them from crossing the Panama Canal – are the types of vessels that Vigor will be able to repair with the arrival of the Vigorous.
“The new drydock is a strategic investment for Vigor and will allow us to meet future demand, grow our business and put more people to work across the Pacific Northwest,” said Vigor CEO Frank Foti of the $50 million dollars of private investment for the Vigorous. “Manufacturing jobs matter because they provide opportunities for people who build things with their hands to earn family wages.” SS Algol at the Vigorous Drydock, the largest Foti pointed to a 2013 floating drydock in North America report by MARAD which estimated that while capacity has tightened up because other shipyard workers contribute $9.8 billion to the drydocks on the west coast have gone out of nation’s GDP and take home $7.9 billion in service,” Foti said. labor income. The Algol and Capella are only two of Government projects, such as the SS what Dave Byers, Vigor vice president of ship Algol and SS Capella, look to be a growing repair, hopes are more MARAD vessels to source of revenue for Vigor. According to the come. “The new dock will give us the opporMARAD report, 60% of shipyard work is gov- tunity to bid several MARAD projects a year,” ernment jobs. “Ships like the Military Sealift Byers said. “Without the Vigorous this work Command’s vessels are getting larger, would have never come to Portland.”
Oregon Outfitters - Revolutionizing the Outdoor Shopping Experience
A revolutionary new outdoor website recently launched! Oregon Outfitters is the first website of its kind. Blending outdoor shopping, social media and research tools together online for an unparalleled consumer experience called “Outfitting the Outdoors”. Tom Johnson, founder of Oregon Outfitters said the reason he created the site was due to frustration of his own outdoor planning. For years, he would research his trips, buy gear and then share it all in separate areas of the internet. “Our site offers it all in one place,” Johnson said, “They can purchase gear, join a community, post and share their videos, get
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tips and tricks and use our premier research tool to plan their trip. We give the shopper a one stop shop!” Best of all, these social areas are free! Oregon Outfitters caters to every area of the outdoors with over 30,000 products geared for hunting, fishing, climbing, kayaking, backpacking, etc. There’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee and if for any reason a shopper is not satisfied, their money will be refunded with no questions asked. We feel it’s exciting for a consumer to be featured in our ads so we encourage our consumers to submit their photos and videos with the items they’ve purchased.
In the future, Oregon Outfitters will also be implementing a kids camp. Johnson formed a foundation called “Outfitting Those in Need” to help disadvantaged kids learn about the outdoors and survival. Oregon Outfitters sets aside a portion of their profits to help kids enjoy the outdoors and learn skills not normally taught in school. Consumers will also have the opportunity to donate a dollar when they check out to fund the camps. Not only can a consumer have an amazing shopping experience, they can help kids in need! For more information visit www.oregon-outfitters.com
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Northeast Oregon Business News
THE ARTS
Pendleton Woolen Mills Engages Artist Curtis Kulig for “Love Me” Blanket P
endleton Woolen Mills, an iconic American lifestyle brand based in Portland, Ore., has partnered with artist Curtis Kulig, to produce an exclusive blanket design featuring his distinctive “Love Me” message. The Hermann Blanket was produced in Pendleton’s original Mill in Pendleton, Oregon where the company began crafting the finest woolen blankets in 1909. This American heritage brand and sixth generation family-owned company is built on time-honored traditions. New York City artist, Curtis Kulig said, “My dear friend Lindsey Thornburg asked me if I’d like to work with Pendleton, and that’s what started the conversation. They are an amazing brand, truly American, and the craftsmanship that goes into every piece is incredible. I’m really honored to design a one-of-a-kind blanket for them.”Kulig brings his two-word manifesto to life with a sweeping script reflection set in black and cream. Affectionately titled ‘Hermann’, the design takes its inspiration from famed psychologist Hermann Rorschach to offer what Kulig calls, “a bit of Love therapy.” The result is a timeless collector’s piece to be shared for generations by one of today’s premiere artists. “Pendleton is pleased to include the exceptional talent of Curtis Kulig in our repertoire of artists,” said Bob Christnacht, Pendleton Director of Worldwide Sales. “His creative and contemporary iterations of “Love Me” inspired our interest for an exclusive blanket designed by Curtis.” The Curtis Kulig “Love Me” Hermann Blanket is available at pendleton-usa.com and Pendleton catalog, 800.649.1512. About Pendleton Setting the standard for classic American style, Pendleton is a lifestyle brand recognized as a symbol of American heritage, authenticity and craftsmanship. With six generations of family ownership since 1863, the company recently celebrated 151 years of weaving fabrics in the Pacific Northwest. Known for fabric innovation, Pendleton owns and operates two of America’s remaining woolen mills, constantly updating them
with state-of-the-art looms and eco-friendly technology. Inspired by its heritage, the company designs and produces apparel for men and women, blankets, home décor, and gifts. Pendleton is available through select retailers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Korea and Australia; Pendleton stores; company catalogs; and direct-to-consumer channels including the Pendleton website, http://www.pendleton-usa. com. About Curtis Kulig Artist, photographer, and illustrator Curtis Kulig lives and works in NYC where his signature “Love Me” message has quickly become an icon. His two-word manifesto “Love Me” has deftly jumped from iconic billboards and street corners to bronze sculpture, scintil-
Eastern Oregon University Small Business Development Center 1607 Gekeler Lane, Rm 148 La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: (541) 962-1532 Email: eousbdc@gmail.com
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lating neons, large-scale canvas and ubiquitous prints; in cities ranging from New York to London, Istanbul to Los Angeles, Tokyo to Berlin. Brands collaborations with Kulig include Colette, DKNY, LeSportsac, Obey and Vans among others, making him internationally distinguished in both the fine art and commercial domain. He has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, and contributes regularly to charities including Free Arts, Art of Elysium and most recently Hilarity for Charity in which he auctioned a painting session with himself and famed comedic actor Seth Rogan. For more on Curtis Kulig, please visit http://www.lovemewashere. com.
Elgin Trailer Parts
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THE ARTS
Northeast Oregon Business News
Oregon will be showcased around the US as WILD Premieres in Portland with Star-Studded Screening
Oregon Film and Travel Oregon Partner to Help Showcase Oregon’s Starring Role in Film PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Oregon is ready for its close up. On Dec. 8, the cast and crew of the movie WILD, based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed, was in Portland to showcase the movie, which was filmed almost entirely within Oregon. “Oregon’s stunning and
diverse landscapes played a crucial part in landing this role for Oregon,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “When a destination such as Oregon is featured so prominently in a film, it can bring much-needed economic impact to rural areas through cast and crew expenditures and increased tourism, which can lead to more jobs for Oregonians throughout the state.” The economic impact of WILD commenced last year in Oregon, when more than 200 cast and crew and 600 extras were hired to work on the film and at least 150 local vendors engaged in shoots throughout the state. The positive effect was widespread, with more locations shot throughout Oregon than any other film to date. Fox Searchlight considered California, New Mexico and Washington before selecting Oregon as the backdrop for the film. “The difficulty in deciding where to shoot WILD stemmed from the unique nature of the story: it was a road movie…done entirely on foot,” said Tim Williams, executive Director of Oregon Film. “Along the way, the audience needed to see some of the most dramatic settings in western America - from high desert to deep snow drifts.” Oregon’s widely varying and scenic terrain, along with
the ease of incentives offered by Oregon Film, were two of the reasons Fox Searchlight chose to spend three months shooting almost every scene in WILD within Oregon. “The film is a tribute to the beauty of Oregon and the Pacific Crest Trail,” said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO. “We anticipate an increase in visitation to the iconic spots highlighted in WILD, such as Crater Lake, Ashland, the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks all of the scenic vistas detailed in the book that come across so well in the movie.” The movie regales the tale of Cheryl Strayed’s transformative experience while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking is a much-loved activity in Oregon, with studies suggesting that nearly 35% of visitors participate in this activity while visiting the state. Which is no small number, given that more than 26 million travelers chose Oregon as a vacation destination in 2013, contributing greatly to the $9.6 billion the travel and tourism industry generates for the state’s economy, directly supporting nearly 94,000 jobs. In order to elevate Oregon’s starring role in this much-anticipated film, Oregon Film and Travel Oregon collaborated with industry partners throughout the state to donate
Oregon products for the Pacific Northwest-themed red-carpet premiere in L.A. Moreover, Travel Oregon is working with international media in Japan, Germany, U.K., Scandinavia and Australia to leverage Oregon’s role in the movie with an international audience, further inspiring travel to the state. The Oregon Governor’s Office of Film & Television (The Oregon Film Office) has been helping productions find, secure, and utilize our magnificent locations since 1968. Our mission is to promote the development of the film, video, and multimedia industry in Oregon, and to enhance the industry’s revenues, profile, and reputation within Oregon and among the industry internationally. www.OregonFilm.org The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state’s $9.6 billion tourism industry that employs nearly 94,000 Oregonians. www. TravelOregon.com
Recent and Current Fill Projects Located in Oregon Current Projects
”Grimm” (NBC - Season 4) Director: Marc Buckland Exec. Producers: Sean Hayes; David Greenwalt; Jim Kouf; Todd Milliner; Lori Hitner Producer: Steve Oster Cast: Silas Weir Mitchell; David Guintoli; Russell Hornsby; Bitsie Tulloch Location: Portland Area
”The Boxtrolls” (Stop-motion Animated Feature)
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Director: Anthony Stacchi and Graham Annable Producers: David Ichioka and Travis Knight Cast: Ben Kingsley, Toni Collette, Elle Fanning, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Jared Harris, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade and Tracy Morgan Location: Portland Area
Exec. Producer:
Noah Wyle, Dean Devlin Cast: Noah Wyle; Rebecca Romijn; John Larroquette; Christian Kane; Lindy Booth; John Kim Location: Portland Area
”Grimm” (NBC - Season 3)
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée Exec. Producers: David Greenbaum, Bergen SwanRecent Projects ”The Librarians” (TNT - Sea- son, Nathan Ross Producers: son 1) Reese Witherspoon, Bruna Papandrea Directors: Writers: Dean Devlin; Marc Roskin; John Nick Hornby, Cheryl Strayed Rogers
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Gaby Hoffmann, Charles Baker Location: Ashland, Central Oregon, Crater Lake, Mt. Hood, Bridge of the Gods, Portland
”Portlandia” (IFC - Season 4) Director: Jonathan Krisel Exec. Producer: Lorne Michaels Producer: David Allen Cress Cast: Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Kyle MacLachlan Location: Portland Area
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Northeast Oregon Business News
THE ARTS
Cove, Oregon Artist Wins People’s Choice in Upland Game Bird Stamp Contest
ODFW today announced winners of its 2015 Habitat Conservation, Upland Game Bird, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests. Winners were chosen this past weekend at an event at Duck Pond Cellars in Dundee. • Habitat Conservation Stamp Winner – Don Meinders of North Carolina with his painting of Tufted Puffins. • Upland Game Bird Stamp Winner – Shari Erickson of Beavercreek, Oregon with her painting of Gray Partridge. • Waterfowl Stamp Winner – Timothy Turenne of Minnesota with his painting of Northern Pintail. • People’s Choice Award Winner – Debra Otterstein of Cove, Oregon for her painting of the Northern Goshawk. Turenne and Erickson will each receive a prize award of $3,000. Meinders will receive
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a prize award of $1,000. The paintings will be used to produce 2015 collector stamps and other promotional items to benefit Oregon’s species and habitats. As part of the ODFW Art Show, visitors were encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork out of the 73 entries on display as part of the People’s Choice Award contest. Otterstein’s Northern Goshawk received the highest number of votes, with Rob Stine’s Ringtail and Mickey Schilling’s Coastal Cutthroat Trout coming in second and third place. November 22 marked the second year the art contest was held at Duck Pond Cellars. The winery partners with ODFW’s Conservation Program by crafting unique blends of Pinot Noir that feature winning artwork from the Habitat Conservation Stamp contest and donating $5 from the sale of each bottle to the Conservation Program. “We greatly appreciate the partnership with Duck Pond Cellars and their support of the ODFW Conservation Program,” said Andrea Hanson, Oregon Conservation Strategy Coordinator. “We had a great turn-out at the event this year with many wonderful art entries to enjoy.” Conservation Cuvee – Lot 1, released last year, features the Western Meadowlark artwork of the winning 2012 Habitat Conservation Stamp contest by Sara Stack. This year’s Conservation Cuvee – Lot 2 features the 2014 Habitat Conservation Stamp winning artwork of Western Painted Turtles by Timothy Turenne. The wine can be purchased at Duck Pond Cellars, through its website, and at select restaurants and wine shops. This year’s art contest was judged by Greg Wolley, ODFW Commissioner; Bill Monroe, The Oregonian; Dan Edge, Oregon State
University; Bruce Taylor, Oregon Habitat Joint Venture; and Leslie Bliss-Ketchum, The Wildlife Society. Habitat Conservation Stamp The stamp and art prints feature wildlife identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy as species in need of help, such as Pygmy Rabbits, Northern Red-legged Frog, Gray Whale and many others. Revenue helps restore habitats essential to declining or at-risk species. Collector stamps and art prints are available on the ODFW website. Migratory Waterfowl Stamp The 2015 waterfowl stamp competition is the first open art competition for this stamp since 1994. From 1995-2013, internationally renowned wildlife artist Robert Steiner was contracted to produce artwork for the waterfowl stamp. Artwork featured on previous stamps included geese, ducks and waterfowl hunting dogs. Artists this year were allowed to feature any ducks and/or geese native to Oregon in their natural habitat. Upland Game Bird Stamp Oregon’s upland game bird stamp art contest first began in 1990 and each year features one of 10 upland game bird species found in Oregon. This year, artists were asked to feature Hungarian (gray) partridge. The sale of waterfowl and upland game bird stamps funds game bird research, surveys, hunt programs, habitat improvement and conservation projects. Hunters who have purchased a waterfowl validation can request a complementary stamp using the form found in the Game Bird Hunting Regulations. Stamps may also be purchased by mail order.
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