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THE GORGE BUSINESS NEWS Business, Ar t, Culture, Outdoors, Travel & Enter tainment
Published by Studio 6 Designworks
Volume 2 - Issue 1 free
Serving Oregon and Washington
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JAN/FEB 2016
Pendleton Round-Up Backwoods Brewing Company Moving Earns Large Outdoor its Brewing Facility to Port of Skamania Rodeo of the Year Award
Photo by Lori Kimbel
2015 Pendleton Round-Up Action! By Lori Kimbel
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n a snowy winter night in December a large group of people braved the blustery weather to gather at the Roy Raley Room at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds to celebrate the amazing year the Pendleton Round-Up experienced. The culmination of the year came at this year’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, where the Round-Up received the PRCA Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year Award. “The Large Outdoor Rodeo of Year is a testament to the hard work of our hundreds of volunteers as well as the hospitality of our great City!” said Tiah DeGrofft, Sponsors Director of the Pendleton Round-Up. “Each and every job played a role in the Round-Up receiving such a great honor! I hope that the entire community can share in the excitement, it truly is an award for everyone and a great statement of city’s efforts.” In addition to the Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year Award, in October the Round-Up also received the Remuda Award, which is given to the rodeo with the best and most consistent rough stock. Pendleton Round-Up favorites also had a great showing at the NFR. Bullfighter, Dusty Tuckness, won the Bullfighter of the Year Award. While rodeo clown, Justin Rumford, won the Coors Man in the Can Award, as well as the Clown of the Year. Bryson Bronson and the paint horse, Chinook displayed the American Flag during the national anthem before the NFR’s Saturday night competition. The popular duo represented the Happy Canyon, which will be celebrating its 100th year in 2016, as well as the Pendleton Roundup.
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ackwoods Brewing Company will be moving its brewing facility to the port of Skamania, on the Stevenson, WA waterfront. The move, which will take place in January, 2016 is exclusively for the production side of the company, as the Backwoods Brew Pub will remain at its current location, in Carson, WA. The principal reason for the move is the need for more space. Their current facility in Carson is approximately 2000 sq ft., whereas the new space they’ll be moving into is 8000 sq ft. In addition, the new building will offer higher ceilings (approximately 24 ft), a custom drainage system, and custom electrical. Some of the immediate benefits are the ability to house their own canning line, add taller fermentors, store product more easily and have dedicated offices. The original brewery has been growing beyond the means of the building it currently occupies, and this added space will allow for increased efficiency and higher volume of output. “We’ve experienced steady growth, especially in the last year, and we need a space that will accommodate that growth, with room for more expansion in the future,” said Kevin Waters, Brewmaster at
Backwoods. “Having our own canning line in house, as well as bigger (80 bbl) fermentors, will help us with our turn-around time on beer and give us more freedom to work with the market’s growing demand.” Tom Waters, brother of Kevin, and Head Brewer at Backwoods, added “This new facility is going to be prepped for a commercial brewery before we actually move in it, which is awesome. Our current building used to be a grocery store, so every time we added equipment, we had to knock out walls, dig out the floor, re-wire and re-pipe everything. It gets real old real quick! We won’t have that issue with the new space in Stevenson.” Just an hour east of the Portland/ Vancouver area, Backwoods was established in 2012 by the Waters family as a single barrel brewpub. It has grown since, moving to a 7-barrel, and now a 20 barrel system that it currently brews on. Their distribution serves all of Washington, NW Oregon and Boise, ID, including grocery stores such as Zupans, Whole Foods, New Seasons, Total Wine and most recently Fred Meyer. The brewery put out approximately 2200 barrels in 2014, and is projected to put out 5000-6000 barrels in 2015. It employs approximately 30 people.
The Gorge Business News
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Bring on 2016!!
The beginning of a
new year is always so exciting to me. I’m never sorry to see an old year go, sometimes I am sentimental about it, other times I’ve been ready to put the year behind me without so much as a small glance back, but I have never felt the need to hold onto a year so much that I don’t look forward to the promise of what the bright shine new one holds. I always enter the New Year with all of the excitement of a 6-year-old on Christmas morning. 2016 holds much promise. In spite of what many would like us all to believe, violent crime is down 16.2% since the 2005 level, according to the FBI’s Crime in the United
States data. It is easy, in an election year especially, to start feeling as if our world is falling apart. Yes, bad things are going to happen, but I plan to keep marching on, without listening to much of the rhetoric, as I try to make a difference in our business community. I live in a small town, so the police, the firemen and the emergency medical personnel are more than the heroes that keep us safe, they are my friends and I would like to express my most sincere appreciation for the work they volunteer to do. For more than 60 years the Elgin Fire Department has given Santa a ride through the streets of Elgin, so he can stop in at each house and pay a quick visit to all the little people in town. It is a very special tradition and I appreciate those that still make this happen year after year. In this issue you will find several stories about the Pendleton Round-Up. This amazing organization was awarded the Large
Outdoor Rodeo of the Year by the PRCA. As a native Oregonian, I could not be more proud of all the dedicated people who make this event a reality every year in September. Once again, thank you to all my advertisers. Without you this paper would not be possible. I sincerely appreciate you spending your marketing dollars with me and I will continue to help you market your place of business throughout NE Oregon and beyond. I hope that 2016 finds each and every one of you with a new sense of excitement on what the New Year holds for you. May your friends be many and your troubles be few. May your business prosper and your life be full of all the things you love, whether that be travel, fishing, camping, socializing, or just relaxing. I hope our paths cross along the way and until then Happy New Year. Sincerely, Lori
Oregon Ranks As One Of The Most Burdensome Regulatory States For Small Business
Volume 2 - Issue 1 January/February 2016 Publisher Lori Kimbel lorikimbel@neobn.com PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-910-1096 Serving Arlington, Biggs Junction Bingen, Cascade Locks Dallesport, Hood River Lyle, Maryhill Mosier, North Bonneville Rowena,Rufus Skamani, Stevenson The Dalles, Underwood White Salmon, Wishram www.facebook.com/thegorgebusinessnews www.linkedin.com/in/lorikimbel Twitter - neobnlori www.studio6designworks.com www.thegorgebusinessnews.com www.lorikimbelphotography.com The Gorge Business News is owned and published by Studio 6 Designworks A Creative Publishing and Marketing Company POSTMASTER: send address changes to Studio 6 Designworks PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827 Subscription Rates: To subscribe to The Gorge Business News Mail $18 to PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827
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Entrepreneurs who plan to settle in Oregon: beware the state’s regulatory challenges. Oregon is the sixth most onerous state in the country for small businesses when it comes to regulatory concerns, according to an exhaustive survey released by the Pacific Research Institute, a San Francisco-based free-market policy advocate. On a scale from 1 through 50 (1 being the least burdensome and 50 being the most burdensome), Oregon ranked at an overall score of 44. In the 50-State Small Business Regulation Index, states were ranked based on 14 regulatory components, ranging from workers’ compensation to occupational licensing rules. States scoring as more burdensome than Oregon are Maine (45), Vermont (46), Connecticut (47), Rhode Island (48), New Jersey (49) and California (50). The top five states ranked as the least burdensome are Indiana (1), North Dakota (2), Texas (3), Kansas (4) and Georgia (5). “The Index creates a common platform to compare each state’s regulatory burdens on small businesses in order to highlight which regulatory environments are associated with slower small business growth, and which regulatory environments are associated with more robust small business activity,” the report states. Oregon is not a right-to-work state and has no telecommunications deregulation. It is also an alcohol control state, meaning private wholesalers and retailers are prohibited from selling spirits. These circumstances put Oregon small businesses at a disadvantage, according to the report. In addition, the state has one of the
highest minimum hourly wages in the country at $9.25, or $2 more than the federal standard. Unemployment insurance was another negative contributor. The index used the estimated employer contribution rate as a percent of total wages calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor as a “proxy for the burdens imposed by each state’s unemployment insurance program on small businesses.” And Oregon ranked the second worst, or 49th most burdensome, for unemployment insurance, with employers paying 1.85 percent of total wages. Another significant factor—ranked 47th—is Oregon’s Family Leave regulatory structure which is broader than the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The institute’s critical assessment of Oregon’s regulatory structure and how it affects small businesses doesn’t come as a surprise for business owners and entrepreneurs. After all, lawmakers approved paid sick leave and ban-the-box measures during this year’s legislative session. What’s more, the Office of Economic Analysis earlier this year released a report with data indicating that startups in Oregon dropped to a 40-year low, undoubtedly due to financial and regulatory barriers. NFIB/Oregon has been fighting a statewide push to raise the minimum wage, which is already the second highest in the nation. Just for the 2015 year alone, small businesses in Oregon fought off nearly a dozen attempts to increase the hourly wage. NFIB/ Oregon anticipates another round of renewed efforts to raise the minimum wage to shape the upcoming legislative session.
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The Gorge Business News
BUSINESS
Small-Cap Equity Investments By Marc Robbins
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y the grace of the Gorge Business News’ publisher, I am privileged to write an occasional article about investments, equity investing, the stock market, and essentially what I’ve done for an occupation for 40 years. This column is not an advertisement for my services or a venue for investment ideas. The names of companies that I include are for educational purposes only and any topic mentioned within this column will need considerably more research by the reader and a discussion of risk with their investment broker. As the publisher knows, I’m in the midst of writing a book about some of my most successful investment ideas. I tell you this not because I’m trying to pre-sell volumes once published or even advertise the fact that my book would make a great “stocking stuffer” for (next) Christmas. No, I’m excited about my book because I think the topic is spot on! For too long, I’ve heard many hard working adults say “the stock market is worse than gambling in Los Vegas!” Au Contraire! I know about the “in’s and out’s about the odds regarding gambling (I consulted with one of the largest providers of games to the casinos for six years and have been schooled about the “math behind wining”) and at least with the market the proverbial odds are gamed in your favor. Enough of that. What I want to share with you in this column is the variety of businesses that one can be exposed to by exploring small-cap stocks (Companies that have a market capitalization [number of shares outstanding times the market share price] that is less than $1 billion. I mention this group of companies and their shares for one reason, I think
that by investing in a select few of small-caps equities smart and fortunately investors can find names that will appreciate 10-fold. These are known as 10-baggers. Ah, back to the book. I mention ten-baggers, small-cap stocks and the book for this reason; my first chapter begins with the story of my first official analyst recommendation in 1980…Portland-based, Precision Castparts, Inc. This firm was just bought out by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway for $37 billion. I know a gentleman on the East Coast that bought for his daughters shares of Precision at about the same time as my report. The point of this example is that over the course of 35 years, every dollar that was invested in PCP (the trading symbol) turned into $18,500. That is nearly a 20% compounded return for the duration of the holding. In other words, PCP as a portfolio holding actually exceeded the performance of Berkshire during that same period. OK, back to the point of this column. I was at an investor fair just this last week and one of the most fascinating aspects of the small-cap equity arena is not just the potential for above average returns but the variety of operating companies that investors have to learn about. Here is a selection of a few ideas I learned about: • Akers Biosciences, Inc. This is a Company based in Pennsylvania that creates, development and sells disposable, quick-acting, diagnostic testing devices to help doctors evaluate and diagnose diseases and to help facilitate time sensitive therapeutic decisions. These products are sold now in the USA as well as Europe and are expect soon to be available in China. I was fascinated by the company because its simple technology was able to reduce critical and vital analytics into basic yes/no diagnostic results quickly and accu-
rately. AKER has tests for alcohol detection, a ketone device for weight loss, one test for chlamydia, another for Tri-cholesterol check, etc. • Viridis Energy, Inc. is a Canadian operations that specializes in producing and marketing wood pellets for home heating fuel as well as overseas power plant operation. Based in Kelowna BC, Viridis produces about 60,000 tons of premium softwood pellets annually from pine, spruce and fir. They pride themselves on the quality of their product and that no additives, bark or other contaminants are encapsulated in their pellets. What I found very interesting is that by mixing a certain percentage of their Okanagan pellets with pulverized coal as fuel, many coal burning plants that produce electricity can be rendered less harmful to the environment and reduce their carbon emission rates to extend their operating lives. • Where Food Comes From, Inc.. Although we don’t have any Chipotle Mexican Grills in the Gorge area, most all of us are aware of the unfortunate E. coli “poisonings” that have occurred across many western states. WFCF is exactly the business that should benefit from this mishap. What the company does is provide “birth to slaughter” process auditing of beef, pork, chicken and lamb supplies. Although quite small, they are the number one provider of certification and verification services to the food industry. Their verification “certificiates” include food that is market “organic”, “grass fed”, antibiotic free, NonGMO, hormone and antibiotic free and other verification certifications. Given that we as a society care more and more about where our food originates and what kind of conditions are the animals exposed and treated with, this is an interesting operation that should have a long and fortunate future.
Up Up! Farm Film Festival: Stewardship of Land G
orge Grown Food Network & the Rockford Grange present Up Up! Farm Film Festival January 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockrod Grange, 4250 Barrett Drive. A series of independent films & shorts that explore the questions of farmland, access, rural livelihoods and sustainability of people and place. A local, farmer made soup is served up at 5:30pm followed by an independent farmer made film shown at 6:30pm. Childcare Available! Suggested Donation $10. Film: Hanna Ranch Hanna Ranch is a feature documentary about visionary cattleman Kirk Hanna and his personal struggle to protect a once prominent way of life in Colorado. Born into a life on the family ranch, Hanna became a leader in the environmental ranching movement that set out to protect the West
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from the relentless encroachment of development and misuse. Featured in the book Fast Food Nation and dubbed the “eco-cowboy,” he was an early adopter of Holistic Resource Management practices, sat on numerous environmental boards and was president of the Colorado Cattleman’s Association. Hanna’s opinion was so widely sought and respected, many even saw him as a future governor of Colorado. But when his dream of harmony and sustainability ran up against the reality of family conflict and mounting threats to the land, Hanna lost hope. Kirk’s legacy and fight live on as his family and friends continue to protect the West by saving Hanna Ranch.
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The Gorge Business News
AGRICULTURE
Protecting Ag Land Important as Oregon Hits 4 Million Mark O
regon’s population now tops 4 million people. Whether the continued population increase negatively impacts agriculture remains to be seen, but the state’s land use protections are more important than ever, according to officials with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “Two must-haves for Oregon agriculture are land and water,” says ODA Director Katy Coba. “As more people come to live in Oregon, there is likely to be more competition for those natural resources. We simply need to continue protecting our agricultural production base to keep farming viable.” Portland State University’s Population Research Center estimates Oregon’s population at 4,013,846 people with about 80 percent of the growth coming from net migration. Of the top six fastest growing counties, five are in the Willamette Valley, which is where up to 80 percent of the state’s value of agriculture is generated. The greater Bend area of Central Oregon is another hot spot of population growth in which agricultural production is vulnerable. “The first thing that comes to mind is that Oregonians are going to have to start making some hard decisions about where growth is going to occur and whether they want to maintain the state’s agricultural base to support our economy,” says Jim Johnson, ODA land use specialist. “Growth, especially in the Willamette Valley, is going to have to be very well thought out and planned with farming in mind, especially high-value agriculture.” More people living in Oregon is not all potentially negative. It can also mean more local consumers interested in purchasing Oregon food and agricultural products. But Johnson cites several specific impacts on agriculture whenever population increases. “The urban growth boundaries in Oregon are filling up. So we are going to see more proposals to expand urban growth boundaries. There is also growth occurring in areas planned for rural development. Agriculture is dealing not only with the edges of urban areas, but rural development that occurs in and among thriving farm operations.” That can lead to co-existence issues and problems with neighboring properties being compatible. “It’s not just the conversion of farm land that’s a challenge, it is the ability for a farmer to operate,” says Johnson. “It’s that shadow cast by development– complaints from neighbors about normal and acceptable farm practices, the ability to farm with more vehicle traffic in the area, and many other conflicts that have to be taken into account as we look at future land use policy in Oregon.” Long time farm operators can document how encroaching population has affected their property. Whereas development may have threatened only one side of a farm 10 years ago, that same farm today may face homes or ranchettes on three sides of the property. Loss of infrastructure, not just farm land, is another major concern for the present and future. “With fewer farmers and ranchers, you may have fewer implement dealers and other farm-related businesses that serve the agriculture community,” says Johnson. “Instead of driving 20 miles to your local implement dealer, you might have to drive 50 miles.” There is also the impact on food process-
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ing, which relies on a critical mass of growers to support an operation. A lack of farmers to produce the food that is processed could force the business to close or relocate. Land is not the only natural resource affected by a growing population of Oregonians. “Seventy to eighty percent of the value of Oregon agriculture comes from farms that do at least some irrigation,” says Johnson. “There will be more competition for that limited resource of water as well as land. I’m routinely hearing anecdotal stories of landowners selling to an individual or corporation that don’t necessarily want to develop the land for agriculture, but to acquire the water right for some other land use. It is imperative for Oregon to consider protecting not only land for agricultural use, but water for agricultural use as well.” Oregon law establishes the following statewide policy for use of agricultural land (ORS 215.243): Open land used for agriculture is a vital natural and economic asset for all the people of the state. Preservation of a maximum amount of agricultural land, in large blocks, is necessary to maintain the agricultural economy of the state and for the assurance of adequate, healthful, and nutritious food. Expansion of urban development in rural areas is a public concern because of the conflicts between farm and urban activities.
Incentives and privileges are justified to owners of land in exclusive farm use zones because such zoning substantially limits alternatives to the use of rural lands. Even though the latest Census of Agriculture shows the amount of land in farms in Oregon fell slightly to 16.3 million acres in 2012 compared to the previous census in 2007, Johnson credits Oregon’s 40-year old land use planning program for markedly slowing the rate of decline. “While we are doing a great job of protecting farmland, we can do better,” he says. “The take home message for Oregonians and policy makers is this– we need to support the land use planning program in place because it really has slowed the loss of ag lands. But we still should be concerned about losing our best farmland and need to look at some of our policies as they relate directly to protection of that land base.” Oregonians can take a lesson from other states that don’t have the same strong land use protections but have experienced a high percentage of population growth. Since 1982, about 700,000 acres of agricultural land has been converted to other uses at a rate of 4.4 percent, according to a US Department of Agriculture inventory. California has lost 2.6 million acres of agricultural land in that time period at a rate of nearly 8.5 percent. In the future, using the existing land use tools and adding to the toolbox as needed can help Oregon agriculture co-exist with a growing state population.
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The Gorge Business News
AGRICULTURE
Ardent Mills to Help Farmers Double U.S. Organic Wheat Acres by 2019 Anticipating ongoing strong Demand for Organic Grain-based Products, Ardent Mills Takes Bold Action
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eading the way to meet growing customer and consumer demand, Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, is announcing a new organic initiative committed to helping U.S. wheat growers double organic wheat acres by 2019. “Ardent Mills’ vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing our customers, consumers and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions, and our new organic initiative demonstrates one of the many ways we’re bringing that vision to life,” says Ardent Mills Chief Executive Officer Dan Dye. “Today, there is growing demand from restaurants and food companies for organic wheat flour for use in fresh, packaged and menu recipes. This is a significant opportunity for growers to become a part of an emerging market and to create additional value for their crops on the path to organic certification. We have been providing organic flour since 1996 and feel we are well positioned to meet this bold challenge.” Ardent Mills VP of Risk Management Mike Miller says, “We’re very excited to work with farmers as they transition to this growing market and to provide our customers with an assured supply in support of their new product and menu introductions. We know there is demand that will continue to increase well into the future. We’ve heard from farmers we work with, and we understand the barriers that they face when transitioning to organic. Ardent Mills is addressing these challenges with our Organic Initiative 2019.” “Based on our customer and consumer research, we see considerable demand for products produced with wheat from our program. We will provide a robust supply chain to meet the growing consumer demand for a variety of organic grain-based products,” notes Ardent Mills VP of Sales Dean Grossmann. As farmers join the Ardent Mills’ organic initiative, they will have access to direct support services, workshops and long-term contracts for transitional and organic wheat bushels. “Oregon Tilth is eager to share best practices and share knowledge among farmers working through the challenges of transition to organic agriculture. We believe that collaborative education – peer-to-peer learning, model sharing and capacity building – serves to support successful entry into organic farming, offering buyers and farmers a solid path to connect market opportunities with on-the-ground efforts to implement sustainable conservation practices on the farm,” explains Sarah Brown, Oregon Tilth Education Director.
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“Ardent Mills has been a great industry partner and we commend the company for reaching out to our growers to offer new incentives to meet a growing market segment,” states Brett Blankenship, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers. “There is an opportunity for a premium, and the incentive gives farmers access to an additional market and a new income stream while meeting growing consumer demand for organic wheat flour and organic foods,” he notes. “Ardent Mills is to be commended for developing an incentive-based approach that may be attractive to our growers.” Farmers interested in working with Ardent Mills on its Organic Initiative 2019 should contact Shrene White by email at Organic.Initiative2019@ardentmills.com, or phone toll free 844-421-2068 or visit ardentmills.com/tcap. About Ardent Mills Ardent Mills is a leading supplier of organic flour, certified since 1996. The premier flour-milling and ingredient company whose vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing its customers, consumers and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions. Ardent Mills’ operations and services are supported by more than 40 flour mills and bakery-mix facilities along with a specialty bakery and Mobile Innovation Center, all located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto
Rico. Deeply rooted in communities throughout North America, Ardent Mills is headquartered in Denver, CO and employs more than 100 certified millers, supporting thousands of local jobs and contributing billions of dollars to local economies. To learn more about Ardent Mills, visit ardentmills.com. About Oregon Tilth A leading nonprofit certifier, educator and advocate for organic agriculture and products since 1974. Our mission to make the food system and agriculture biologically sound and socially equitable requires us to find practical ways to tackle big challenges. We advance this mission to balance the needs of people and planet through focus on core areas of certification, conservation, public health, policy and the marketplace. Visit http://tilth.org/. About National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) Founded more than 60 years ago by producers who wanted to work together for the common good of the industry. Today, NAWG works with it 22 affiliated state associations and many coalition partners on diverse issues as federal farm policy, environmental regulation, the future of commercialization and uniting the wheat industry around common goals. More at wheatworld.org.
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The Gorge Business News
HEALTH
Mother and Her Daughters Work with Commitment & Compassion A
nursing home seems an unlikely place for millennials to call home, but for Heather and Sara Sullivan, Columbia Basin Care has long been at the center of their lives. “This is like our home,” says Heather Sullivan, a bubbly blonde, who grew up coming to work with her mother and growing close to residents and staff. “It’s family.” “We’ve been involved our whole lives,” says Sara, a quiet woman with a calming smile. Now in their 20s, the sisters grew up at Columbia Basin Care. First, as youngsters accompanying their mother, Janet Sullivan, to work. Then as teens, serving as volunteers. And later, as adults, they joined the staff. Heather works as an assistant in the business office and is a certified nursing assistant and medication aide; Sara is a certified nursing assistant, and attends community college. “We joke that they are Basin babies,” says their mother. But let’s back up. This story starts with Janet, who has worked at Columbia Basin Care for 26 years. Dedicated, and with a quiet determination, she’s worked at the facility for more than half the company’s life. Founded in 1964, Columbia Basin
Care is a nonprofit long-term care facility located in The Dalles. Janet joined the team in 1989, and she has practical, hands-on knowledge of nearly every department. She’s filled many roles: certified nursing assistant, human resources director, activities director, and accounts payable. She is now the director of medical records. Organized and tidy, record management seems a perfect fit. “I like order,” says Janet. “I love to purge charts. It’s like cleaning a dirty floor and you see how nice and clean everything is when you’re done. “ But her work is more than just data. Her fondness for the residents of Columbia Basin Care is the driving force of her dedication. “I go home and I worry about them because I care about them,” she says. “You’re not just taking care of them. You’re taking care of them, their family, their emotions . . .” It’s that blend of commitment and compassion that Janet has modeled for her children. “She taught us a work ethic and loyalty,” says Heather, who joined Columbia Basin in 2007. “And she showed us how to have a positive attitude.” While the health care industry offers many career oppor-
Janet Sullivan, center, has worked at Columbia Basin Care for 26 years. Following her example of commitment and compassion, her daughters, Heather, left, and Sara, work at the long-term care facility, too.
tunities — particularly with the swelling population of senior citizens — the Sullivans note that working in long-term care is not for everyone. “You must be a team player, have a heart, and be a hard worker,” says Janet. “You must be completely willing to get your hands dirty.” The work can be stressful and emotionally draining, admits Sara, who has worked at Columbia Basin for three years. “You have to focus on the good parts of the job.” The small moments matter, she says. A smile from a resident. A hand that holds yours in appreciation. Easing a pain.
Laughing with co-workers. “I like helping others. It’s rewarding,” says Sara, “and I think I make an impact. The residents are family. We’ve become very close.” And the family legacy may continue. Sara’s two-yearold daughter, Lily, is too young to know her future, but she’s already making appearances at Columbia Basin Care, where residents dote over the cheerful toddler. Like mother, like daughter. Columbia Basin Care is a not-for-profit nursing home offering long-term and rehabilitation care, located at 1015 Webber St., The Dalles, Oregon. 541-2962156, www.colbasin.com
Gorge Residents Among Nurse of the Year Award Winners G
orge residents Anna Dillon, Jayme Alsup, Lisa Erickson Sosa, and Rachel Crowder, were among 17 exceptional nurses from across Oregon and SW Washington recognized Friday, November 13th, at the fifth annual March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards. With 222 finalists, the state-wide committee selected the 17 winners in a blinded process. While celebrating the immense value of all nurses in our communities, these 17 nurses were acknowledged for their constant care, compassion and dedication to improve the quality of others’ lives through service. Nurse of the Year 2015 Winners * Critical Care (Adult/Pediatric/Neonatal): Anna Dillon of Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Hood River * Emergency: Jayme Alsup of Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Moro * Nurse Specialty: Lisa Erickson Sosa of Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Hood River * Small Hospital: Rachel Crowder of
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Anna Dillon
Jayme Alsup
Mid-Columbia Medical Center from Hood River This annual honorary event also serves as a benefit for March of Dimes. With the support and involvement of 20 health organizations and medical centers, the Nurse of the Year Awards raised over $71,000 to help fund the mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Oregon Health & Science University served as this year’s Gold Sponsor. Silver sponsors include Adventist Medical Center,
Lisa Erickson Sosa
Rachel Crowder
Cambia Health Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Moda Health and PeaceHealth. Bronze sponsors include Columbia Memorial Hospital and Life Flight Network. March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.
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LEADERSHIP
The Gorge Business News
Greenwood Resources Earns Forest Stewardship Award G
reenWood Resources, Inc., a Portland-based global investment and timber management company, has received a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Leadership Award, which recognizes excellence in the use of FSC-certified products and a commitment to responsible forest management. Thirteen companies from across the country earned awards from FSC, an independent nonprofit organization that promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. GreenWood’s award in the Design & Build category honors a commercial, institutional, residential, or mixed-use project that utilizes at least 50 percent FSC-certified materials. The company was recognized for its 8,507 square foot headquarters remodel and expansion, which used local FSC-certified wood and earned FSC Project Certification in the course of the renovation. GreenWood’s headquarters is located in Portland’s Crown Plaza building at 1500 SW First Avenue. “We’re privileged to receive this award and to be recognized for following our mission,” said Jeff Nuss, president and CEO, GreenWood
Resources. “We’re committed to maintaining rigorous standards for management of our tree farms both here in the Northwest and across the world, and are eager to showcase the beautiful products that come from this responsibly managed resource. None of this could be accomplished without the great work of our plantation teams and our manufacturing partners.” The office expansion included the construction of 34 new workspaces, conference room and reception facilities, which incorporated Pacific Albus© lumber and veneer products from Collins Companies, and PureBond© MPX© decorative plywood panels from Columbia Forest Products. The MPX panels featured hybrid poplar cross bands and veneer, cut from Pacific Albus lumber. All hybrid poplar products used in the office expansion were processed from GreenWood plantation trees, and all of the timber and wood products used have earned FSC certification. At least 50 percent of the wood has been certified to the elevated FSC standards, FSC100 percent, FSC-Mix, or FSC Post-Consumer Reclaimed, a threshold rarely achieved in green
building construction projects. Throughout the renovation, Greenwood was committed to working with vendors and suppliers that share its sustainable mission. About GreenWood Resources, Inc. Founded in 1998, GreenWood Resources, Inc., is an integrated global investment company focused on the development and operations of forestry assets with operations in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. GreenWood’s core competencies —capital investment management, superior plant material, tree improvement methodologies, forest operations and sales and marketing— address the broad skills required to produce superior, risk-adjusted return for investments into intensively-managed forestry assets. Learn more about GreenWood at www.greenwoodresources.com.
Join Us At The Annual
800
Family-Style Meals Served Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Elgin Stampede All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed Fresh, Shelled Crab Served Family-Style at Your Table
February 6, 2016 at 4 p.m. at the Elgin Stampede Hall www.thegorgebusinessnews.com
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The Gorge Business News
BANKING Community Bank Receives “Outstanding” CRA Performance Rating From FDIC chartered bank to receive an Outstanding in both areas. On a national level, just 347 of ommunity Bank, headquartered in 6,247 (5.5%) of federally insured financial Joseph, Oregon, recently received the highest institutions have an active overall CRA rating possible rating from the FDIC for its most reof Outstanding*. cent performance under the Community Rein “We are honored to receive this rating, vestment Act (CRA). The Community Reinwhich demonstrates our commitment to the vestment Act of 1977 requires federally insured communities of Eastern Oregon and Southeast depository institutions to support the borrowing Washington where our bankers live, work and needs of all the communities where they do operate your Community Bank.” said Tom Mobusiness, including low- and moderate-income ran, President and CEO of Community Bank. areas. The CRA performance evaluation The “Outstanding” rating is based on made specific references to Community Bank’s Community Bank’s performance under lendstrengths, including its lending efforts to small ing, investment and community development businesses, farming operations and participatests. These tests measure residential, small business and community development lending, tion in community development. Since the last community development investments and com- CRA rating, Community Bank originated 14 munity development services in the communi- community development loans totaling approximately $24.7 million that directly benefited the ties the bank serves. bank’s rural communities - including municipal In Oregon specifically, the bank improvement projects, economic development achieved an Outstanding rating for both lendloans and the construction of medical facilities. ing and community development. Communi Additionally Community Bank team ty Bank is currently the only active Oregon
C
members and directors provided 4,227 service hours directly relating to community development and economic development. About Community Bank Headquartered in Joseph Oregon, Community Bank has $373 million in assets as of 11/30/2015. The Bank has 14 full-service branches throughout Eastern Oregon (11) and Southeastern Washington (3), and a Loan Production Office in The Dalles, Oregon. For more information about Community Bank visit www.communitybanknet.com. Community Bank. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC * Statistics based on FDIC CRA Performance Evaluation database available at www. fdic.gov as of December 1, 2015.
At Community Bank, You Can Count On Us To Be:
Transparent Reasonable Understanding Straightforward Truthful
• • •
Real Estate Financing Equipment Purchases Operating Lines of Credit
At Community Bank we have sown the seeds to support the growth and sustainability of farms and businesses in our rural economies for over 60 years. By helping you to thrive and prosper, our communities continue to thrive and prosper as well. We’d love to hear from you - the coffee is on us.
Gorge Regional Loan Center 320 E 4th St - The Dalles 541-296-0779
John Gass Commercial Loan Officer
Local Money Working For Local People
www.communitybanknet.com Member FDIC
Britt Thomas SVP/Regional Credit Administrator
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Page 8
FOOD
The Gorge Business News
Wholly Guacamole That Was Good - El Rio Burrito Bar I
love staying in Hood River while I travel about. I usually stay at the Hood River Hotel, which I highly recommend, and grab a bite to eat somewhere within walking distance. On my last visit I decided to try El Rio Burrito Bar, which is just a couple of doors down from the Hood River Hotel. What a great experience. After ordering my food at the counter I found a seat by the ‘open wall’ where I could almost reach out and touch the people walking by on the sidewalk. If my older sister would have been with me I am sure she would have tried to convince me to grab someone and spook them as they walked by, but I was by myself so I kept my hands to myself and watched a small bird as he flitted about. El Rio uses locally sourced ingredients and has a wide selection of Mexican food,
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including fish tacos, Greek gyro tacos, spicy chicken tacos, Korean fusion tacos; fire roasted chicken burritos, and Korean beef burritos. They also carry wraps, enchiladas, and salads. I had the chicken tacos and they were delicious. On my next visit I will try to orders something different, but I would bet I will go for the chicken tacos again. I wish I lived closer so I could go to El Rio more often. Someday!! El Rio can be found in the center of Hood River at 112 Oak Street, and can be reached at 541-436-0099.
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The Gorge Business News
FORESTS
Pacific Northwest Region Wins National “Engaging Urban America” Award Through five year of strategic Regional “It’s all about the kids,” emphasized investment and nine national forests, YES! has Team Lead Shandra Terry upon accepting the engaged 150,000 youth and families, 65% of Forest Service Chief ’s Honor Award for “Enthem from minority populations. These forgaging Urban America.” The Region 6 Youth est-level programs are designed to provide a Engagement Strategy (YES!) was recognized spectrum of engagement and to ensure intenon December 3, 2015 for winning the National sive, immersive, and cumulative experiences Award, the agency’s highest level of recognifor participating youth. tion. The YES! program relies on local “It is my privilege to congratulate Shan- partners to help accomplish program objecdra Terry, Shoni Pilip-Florea and other Forest tives. Region 6 implements YES! on national staff members for being selected as awardees forests that are primed to explore new ways of under the “Engaging Urban America” cateworking with partners, and are committed to gory for their efforts with the Region 6 Youth providing a continuum of learning experiences Engagement Strategy (YES!),” said Regional to youth. These forests reach non-traditional Forester Jim Peña. “By working with partners, and underrepresented audiences in a new way, the Region is better able to reach non-tradibeyond the traditional county fair or the onetional and underrepresented audiences. I thank time bus ride to a national forest campground. all of you, and your employees for contributing The nine YES! National forests to date are to the success of this regional program.” the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Umatilla, FreForest leadership accepts Chief ’s Honor mont-Winema, Gifford Pinchot, Columbia Award.
To read the extended digital version of The Gorge Business News scan the QR Code to the right with a QR Code reader on your smart phone.
River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mt. Hood, Willamette, Deschutes and Olympic. They apply these funds toward high-leverage partnerships with businesses, schools, Tribes, state and local governments, non-profits, and community organizations. The many partnerships deliver a wide array of programs that connect youth to national forests – near and far – and to natural spaces in their own neighborhoods. The USDA Forest Service Chief ’s Honor Awards recognize exemplary achievements in meeting specific long-term outcomes, concrete objectives, and performance measures associated with strategic goals and the Agency’s mission. The Pacific Northwest Region consists of 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland. These management units comprise 24.7 million acres in Oregon and Washington and employ approximately 3,550 employees.
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Hawk M2M www.hawkm2m.com
Basche-Sage Place 2101 Main Street Suite 222 Baker City, OR 97814 Orrin Bigelow
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Connect your most valuable assets to the Internet of Things www.thegorgebusinessnews.com
he U.S. Forest Service is gearing up for another round of temporary hiring. From November 30 – December 7, 2015, the agency will be accepting applications for over 1,000 temporary spring and summer jobs in Oregon and Washington. Positions are available in multiple fields, including fire, recreation, natural resources, timber, engineering, visitor services, and archaeology. “Seasonal employment with the Forest Service is a great way to give back to communities, learn new skills, and perform meaningful work,” said Regional Forester Jim Peña. “If you are interested in working with a dedicated team of people who take pride in managing our national forests, we encourage you to consider joining the Forest Service.” Applications must be submitted on www.USAJOBS.gov between November 30 – December 7, 2015. Interested applicants are encouraged to create a profile on USAJOBS in advance to save time once the hiring process begins. The Forest Service will be contacting potential candidates about jobs between February 15 - March 4, 2016. More information about temporary employment in the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region can be found at www. fs.usda.gov/main/r6/jobs. The Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. The Pacific Northwest Region consists of 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland comprising 24.7 million acres in Oregon and Washington and employing approximately 3,550 people. To learn more about the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, please visitwww.fs.usda.gov/r6.
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ROADS
The Gorge Business News
U.S. Forest Service Release Road System Analysis Reports T
he U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region released 17 travel analysis reports this week that outline existing road systems and identify opportunities to achieve a more sustainable system of roads for each national forest in the Pacific Northwest. These travel analysis reports are part of nationwide requirement involving national forests across the country. These reports are not decision documents—instead, they provide an analysis of where the existing road system is today. All future proposed actions and decisions will involve further opportunities for public input and engagement at the project level under national environmental policy act processes, according to guidance issued by Regional Forester Jim Peña to all national forests. “The release of these travel analysis reports is a critical step to ensure our future road system investments promote the greatest good for the great number in the long run,” said Peña. “Given the long-term funding expectations, these reports will help the Forest Service strike the right balance between meeting a diversity of access needs while ensuring the health of your forests and streams.” The reports will inform future decisions on where and how to invest limited resources on building new roads, managing current roads, or decommissioning old roads. Travel analysis reports identify roads “likely needed” and “likely not needed” in the future,
as well as opportunities to change road operation and maintenance strategies, decommission, convert to other use, or add to the system. As part of a national travel management process, the Forest Service is working to achieve a financially and ecologically sustainable road system that meets access needs, minimizes adverse environmental impacts, and reflects long-term funding expectations. Through a variety of processes, national forests have worked closely with the public and stakeholder groups to collect information and feedback about social, economic, and ecological concerns and impacts around forest road systems. For many national forests, this is the first time they have looked at their entire road system in a comprehensive way. The Forest Service manages approximately 90,000 miles of roads in Oregon and Washington that must be maintained to provide safe public and administrative access for a variety of uses, including recreation, fire suppression, commercial activities, forest restoration, and other management purposes. It is a challenge to maintain all roads to proper safety and environmental standards due to increased use, aging infrastructure, and decreasing budgets. Many roads, built between 1950 and 1990, have exceeded their designed lifespan and require costly repairs. Unmaintained roads and infrastructure can impact water quality and wildlife habitat, especially fish-bearing streams. Backlog maintenance
projects top $1.2 billion, and funds available for road maintenance each year are only about 15% of what is needed to fully maintain the current road system. Of the 90,000 miles of Forest Service roads in Oregon and Washington, about 2/3 of those are currently open and maintained for both public and administrative purposes. The other 1/3 of the current road system is managed for specific project uses. These roads are opened during project activities, and closed and put in storage between uses. The travel analysis reports indicate that about 12% of the overall road system is “likely not needed” for resource management purposes in the future. However, the majority of roads in this category are part of the closed and stored road system. Only about 20% (approximately 2,000 miles) of the roads shown as “likely not needed” in the travel analysis reports come from the group of roads that are currently open to the public. Travel analysis reports for individual national forests in Oregon and Washington can be found here. The Pacific Northwest Region consists of 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland comprising 24.7 million acres in Oregon and Washington and employing approximately 3,550 people. To learn more about the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/r6
Columbia Gorge Roads and Bridges in Final Transportation Agreement U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced that he has secured language in the final congressional transportation agreement to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA). The long-term, bipartisan transportation agreement between the Senate and the House reauthorizes and reforms federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs. It is expected to be passed by both chambers in the coming days. “Residents and visitors alike depend on efficient and safe transportation in the Columbia Gorge. The federal government must recognize that unique areas like the Gorge should be eligible for transportation projects to replace crumbling roads and bridges. Last month, the House unanimously passed our bipartisan proposal to do just that, and I worked hard to include it in the final House and Senate transportation agreement. When this proposal becomes law soon, it will be a win for Gorge residents, visitors, and our local economy,” Walden said. Last month, Walden worked closely with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) and
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Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Camas) to include language in the House transportation bill that ensures that projects within NSA’s, including the Columbia River Gorge NSA, are eligible for federal transportation grants to help them serve the needs of their local economies, residents, and visitors. Walden then led a letter, signed by seven other Northwest Senators and Representatives, urging negotiators in the House and the Senate to include the language in the final agreement. For a copy of that letter, please click here. During debate on the House floor last month, Walden urged his colleagues to recognize the importance of transportation projects in federal scenic areas. “While scenic areas like the Columbia Gorge provide tourist opportunities to thousands of visiting Americans from all across the country, this unique federal involvement provides distinct challenges in promoting growth of the local economy while conserving the natural beauty of the lands within the Gorge. Transportation infrastructure is an essential component to efficiently serve the interests of both local residents and visitors to the Scenic Area, and there is a strong
need for regional transportation planning and improvement to major transportation elements,” Walden said. “Clarifying the eligibility of Scenic Areas throughout the nation for transportation grant funding would help ensure these areas are eligible for meaningful funding opportunities to enhance infrastructure within these unique federally managed areas.” There are currently 12 NSA’s in eight states across the nation, including the Columbia Gorge NSA—the largest in the country. The Columbia River Gorge NSA consists of 292,500 acres along 85 miles of the Columbia River. Ninety percent of the total NSA is subject to strict land use and development restrictions, which has posed a distinct challenge to promoting the local economy, while providing opportunities for tourists to visit from around the country, and conserving the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge. The Gorge has major transportation elements like the Hood River Bridge and the Bridge of the Gods. While approximately 5.2 million vehicles and $110 million in goods travel across these bridges each year, they are in need of major improvements.
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The Gorge Business News
WINE
Oregon Wine Symposium to Feature Session on Wine Business The Oregon Wine Board will host the 2016 Oregon Wine Symposium on Feb. 23-24 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The Symposium is expected to gather 1,400 attendees from across the Northwest wine community. Attendees will have an expansive educational opportunity to learn from world renowned wine industry experts covering topics from business and marketing to viticulture and enology. Doug Frost, one of only four people in the world to hold the titles Master Sommelier (MS) and Master of Wine (MW), will share insights on the importance of context-setting in storytelling and why wineries should draw on the power of Oregon’s reputation for exceptional quality wines and sustainable practices when presenting to buyers during the session Context is King: Using the Oregon Story to Build Your Brand. “The Oregon wine industry’s greatest strength has been its ability to work together to better all Oregon wines; its quality growth is unprecedented in American wine history,” said Doug Frost, MS, MW. “The Oregon Wine Symposium builds upon that legacy, gathering professionals both local and international to discover how Oregon wine can be better grown, made, packaged,marketed and sold. It is always a delight to be a part of this event.” The wine business sessions are comprised of topics relevant to managers and staff across all levels of business. Other wine business sessions will give attendees expert advice on how to manage sales efforts across channels and best practices in direct-to-consumer strategies. Lesley Berglund, founder of WISE
Academy, will lead the session Strategies for Building Your Direct Business. A highly rated Symposium speaker veteran, Lesley has 24 years of experience in the wine industry with extensive knowledge of direct to consumer marketing of fine wines. She will present on the top 10 tasting room practices to help wineries drive more sales while also raising the bar for guest satisfaction. The panelists in Striking a Balance with Multichannel Engagement will look at diversifying and balancing sales efforts across channels. David Millman of Domaine Drouhin Oregon and Lindsay Woodard of Retour Winery will provide strategies for evaluating a brand’s point in its lifecycle, insights on the competitive environment and ways to leverage unique assets to develop a profitable growth plan. The session will be moderated by Allan Carter of Southern Wine & Spirits. Additional Symposium content sessions include viticulture and enology. The Symposium also features the Northwest’s biggest wine industry trade show, featuring more than 200 exhibitors. New to the Symposium in 2016 is the Oregon Wine Soirée, held at the Leftbank Annex on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Soirée will feature wines from across Oregon, hors d’oeuvres and live music, giving attendees, presenters and exhibitors the opportunity to network in a fun, relaxed envi-
Photo By Lori Kimbel ronment. A separate ticket is required to attend the Soirée. For a complete schedule of the program, speakers, events and to register, visit symposium.oregonwine.org.
Taste Washington Announces 2016 Dates -- March 31 - April 3 Taste Washington Announces 2016 Dates Tickets to the nation’s largest single region wine and food event go on sale December 8
elegant Red & White Party featuring distinctive wine pours to the signature Grand Tasting, which features hundreds of Washington State wineries, food from top Pacific Northwest restaurants, chef demonstrations and more.
V
isit Seattle and Washington State Wine invite wine lovers to mark their calendars; Taste Washington, the nation’s largest single-region wine and food event, will take place March 31- April 3, 2016, at various venues throughout Seattle. Tickets to all four days of events are available at www.tastewashington.org. A special holiday promotion is also being offered for the Grand Tasting, $10 off Sunday only General Admission through December 31. Promo Code: 16TASTE. Now in its 19th year, Taste Washington promises a full weekend of activities, from the
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• Thursday, March 31 Red & White Party, an upscale evening on the Seattle waterfront at the gorgeous AQUA by El Gaucho featuring exclusive pours of vintage library wine, exceptional barrel samples and reserve wines that will only be available at the Red & White Party. • Friday, April 1 Taste Washington on the Farm, three unique daytime excursions led by local chefs and Washington State winemak-
ers. The intimate hands-on lunch experience brings together wine and food lovers and the people who grow and produce artisanal products for that the Pacific Northwest is known. • Friday, April 1 The New Vintage, an upbeat event aimed at the next generation of wine lovers is complete with a backdrop of music, dancing and tasty bites at Motif Seattle. • Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3, the weekend culminates with two days of educational seminars led by top wine writers and sommeliers at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and the Grand Tasting at CenturyLink Field Event Center. Details on winery participation, featured chefs, seminar topics, hotel packages and tickets are now available at www.tastewashington.org. Taste Washington is produced by Visit Seattle in partnership with Washington State Wine.
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The Gorge Business News
PROGRESS
Red Rock Reaches Agreement with FedEx Express to Provide Biofuels for Renewable, Low-Carbon Jet Fuel R
ed Rock Biofuels LLC, a pioneer in renewable biofuels, announced today that it will produce approximately three million gallons of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel per year for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX). The agreement runs through 2024, with first delivery expected in 2017. FedEx joins Southwest Airlines in purchasing Red Rock’s total available volume of jet fuel. “With our total jet fuel capacity now sold to FedEx and Southwest Airlines, we are building a suite of powerful, global customers that continue to commit to the future of alternative fuels in a market where oil prices are low, providing true validation of our business model and mission.” Red Rock’s first refinery, funded in part by a $70 million Title III DPA grant from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy and Navy, is scheduled to break ground this fall in Lakeview, Ore. and will convert approximately 140,000 dry tons of woody biomass into 15 million gallons per year of renewable jet, diesel and naphtha fuels. In addition to reducing lifecycle carbon emissions, Red Rock’s production process will reduce the risk of devastating forest fires in the western United States by decreasing the amount of waste woody biomass in surrounding forests. “As we look to break ground on our refinery in the coming months, we’re thrilled to have signed a contract with FedEx as they look to diversify their fuel supply and reduce emissions throughout their aviation unit,” said Terry Kulesa, co-founder and CEO of Red Rock. “With our total jet fuel capacity now sold to FedEx and Southwest Airlines, we are building a suite of powerful, global customers that continue to commit to the future of alternative fuels in a market where oil prices are low, providing true validation of our business model and mission.” This customer announcement comes on the heels of Red Rock’s strategic partnership with Flagship Ventures, a leading venture
capital and venture creation firm focused on innovations in healthcare and sustainability, for financial and strategic expertise on securing additional partnerships, funding and customers. For more information, please visit www.redrockbio.com. About Red Rock Biofuels Red Rock Biofuels LLC will refine waste biomass residues into high value, lower carbon renewable jet, diesel and naphtha fuels. Utilizing forest residues as a feedstock will help improve ecosystem health and reduce the
risk of destructive wildfires in our forests, and renewable fuels will help our customers address their price volatility, energy security and climate change challenges. Using a well-proven process technology platform, based on gasification, Fischer-Tropsch conversion and product upgrading, Red Rock Biofuels is the only company able to produce renewable, ASTM-specification jet and diesel fuels at cost parity with conventional fuels. For more information, please visit www.redrockbio.com.
Joule and Red Rock Biofuels Announce Intent to Merge J
oule, the pioneer of liquid fuels from recycled CO2, and Red Rock Biofuels, a leading developer of renewable jet and diesel fuel bio-refineries, today announced their intent to merge. Red Rock adds a proven technology pathway to Joule’s own Helioculture technology and strengthens Joule’s platform for global supply of carbon neutral fuels. The transaction is expected to close during the coming 30 days. “I am furthermore very pleased to
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see that Dr. Brian Baynes will take over as President and CEO as I now retire from the position. I look forward to continuing to support the exciting development of the merged company through my active participation on its Board of Directors.” In association with this merger, after a year of important service at a critical transition phase for the company, Joule also announced that President and CEO, industry veteran Mr. Serge Tchuruk, will return to his previous board role. Dr. Brian Baynes, a current board
member of both Joule and Red Rock and partner at Flagship Ventures, will succeed Tchuruk and will lead Joule as it enters a commercial deployment phase. Red Rock Biofuels leverages a commercially proven Fischer-Tropsch technology to convert sustainably harvested biomass residues from forests and sawmills into jet fuel and diesel products. The company is poised
Red Rock Biofuels Continued on Page 17 Page 13
The Gorge Business News
EASTERN OREGON’S SIGNATURE
Pendleton Round-Up Association Installs Four New Directors to the Official Board the 2016 Programs and Ushers The Pendleton Round-Up Director. Burnside is employed Association has installed four new as the Fire Chief for the ConDirectors to the Official Board of this federated Tribes of the Uma105 year old iconic Oregon event. tilla Indian Reservation, where The new directors join a sixteen he previously has served as member board with wide-ranging Vice Chairman of the Tribal separate assignments encompassing Board of Trustees. He has been responsibilities from publicity to hay an active lifetime community and barns. volunteer, currently serving New director Tiah DeGrofft on the boards of the Rollin will be the 2016 Sponsors Director. Schimmel Memorial WresShe has a notable history of organiztling Foundation, the Happy ing and promoting sporting events, Canyon Foundation (Vice including working with Oregon President), and the WashingSports Authority, Peter Jacobsen ton Cutting Horse Association Rob Burnside, Dr. Brad Adams, Tiah DeGrofft, and Tim Bennett (left to right) Productions, as well as former owner, Board. His Round-Up partici2001. He is certified in Advanced fifteen alongside his father. Vice President of Client Relations for pation began at the age of five For the last three years he Eident Sports Marketing in Provimonths old, when he was carried into Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support. He is a memhas volunteered to assist with Rounddence, Rhode Island. She is currently the arena to dance in regalia. Since ber of the American Academy of Up’s Security. He has also covered employed as Community Relations that time he has moved cattle, water Orthopedics, and Orthopedic Trauma night shifts as a Umatilla County Administrator for Wildhorse Founand fed livestock, untied calves and Reserve Deputy for twenty-five dation, Pendleton, Oregon. DeGrofft steers for slack, been a dignitary tour Association. He has worked fifteen years on the Pendleton Round-Up’s years. “It will be an honor to serve has extensive involveguide, installed arena medical team, assisting both competthe Round-Up Board,” said Bennett. ment in the Round-Up, signage, and served “The Round-Up “The tourism dollars brought in to including Grand Entry eight years as a Happy itors and patrons. He looks forward is only possible due to to strengthening the relationship my hometown are vitally importrides in 1999 as RoundCanyon Director. “I the efforts of over 1,000 between the rodeo and communiant to the community that raised Up Princess, and 2001 believe in honoring volunteers. To be a volunme.” as Round-Up Queen. the history and culture ty health care providers. “I think teer for nearly 40 years and Round-Up has evolved Pendleton Round-Up She has painted, cleaned of the old west.” said “I am overbe elected to serve on the Directors may serve stock pens, driven Burnside, “and Round- from a local get-together whelmed in the best board is truly an honor.” in the fall, to a major two four-year terms. shuttles, and saddled-up Up honors both the possible way! It is simply Tim Bennett sporting event that is This year retiring countless horses for their Indian and Cowboy an honor for me! I am critical to many of our Pendleton Round“victory lap” by Roundway of life. It brings humbled that I can follow town’s businesses,” statUp Directors include Up Champions. In 2015 she served as thousands of people to our town and in my dad’s footsteps. I ed Adams. “It provides Troy LeGore (Room President of the Pendleton Round-Up is both a portrayal of our regional think he would be very 17/Medical), Tygh and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame. history and source of revenue for our a sense of identity for proud and that just brings Pendleton.” Campbell (Competitive “Being born and raised in Pendlecommunity.” a smile to my face….and Events), John Trumbo Tim Bennett, of ton, I have a vested interest,” De Dr. Bradley Adams joins the Walla Walla, Washing- a lot of tears to my eyes. (Security), and ten-year Grofft stated. “The betterment of the Round-Up Board as the 2016 Room ton, will take over as the It has been more emoRound-Up Board vetPendleton Round-Up is vital to our 17/Medical Director. Dr. Adams’ tional than I anticipated! 2016 Security Director. eran and 2015 Assocommunity’s success.” joined the Eastern Oregon OrthoRound-Up has been a part ciation President, Bill Bennett is employed Rob Burnside will serve as pedic Surgery & Fracture Clinic in of my life for my entire as the Public CommuQuesenberry. life.” nications Officer for Pendleton Round Tiah DeGrofft the Walla Walla Police Up began in 1910 as Department. His career “an exhibition of fronhas provided many community sertier past-times.” Since that time it vice opportunities, including DARE has continued as America’s classic officer, serving as a board member of presentation of rodeo and authentic the Walla Walla Crime Watch, Wash- western lifestyle. Contestants comington Council of Police and Sheriffs pete on a unique grass infield and (Executive Board), and the local ride from historic colorful wooden SWAT Team’s Crisis Negotiations bucking chutes. Always held during Unit. “I still consider Pendleton my the second full week of September, home,” reflected Bennett, “although I the 106th Pendleton Round-Up will moved away to start my career.” His be held September 14 – 17, 2016, Round-Up connection is a long one, in Pendleton Oregon. More event including working the Arena Fence information is available at pendletonCrew for 35 years, beginning at age roundup.com
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The Gorge Business News
EVENT: THE PENDLETON ROUND-UP
Pendleton Round-Up Announces 2016 Queen & Court QUEEN KYLIE WILLIS Queen Kylie will reign over the 106th Pendleton Round-Up. She is the 20 year old daughter of Craig and Candi Willis of Enterprise, Oregon. A graduate of Enterprise High School, Kylie is now a Dean’s List student at Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho where she studies business management. Queen Kylie represents a long line of family that has been involved in the Pendleton Round-Up since the 1950’s including her great-grandfather Harley Tucker who was a stock contractor, her great grandmother Bonnie Tucker, rodeo secretary for a number of years, her grandmother, two aunts, a cousin and her mother all being past princesses. Kylie has been riding horses for 16 years, was Queen of the 2012 Chief Joseph Days rodeo and a 2014 Pendleton Round-Up Princess. “I love Round-Up and all it stands for.” said Kylie “I am passionate about rodeo and what it represents. It’s the western lifestyle and people that live it motivate me.”
PRINCESS MARLENE BODMER Princess Marlene is the 19 year old daughter of Berk Davis, Adams, Oregon and Twain Josephson, Meridian, Idaho. A graduate of Pendleton High School Princess Marlene is currently attending Blue Mountain Community College studying agriculture education. Princess Marlene has continued her family’s legacy following in the footsteps of a sister and cousin who served on past courts and has volunteered her time as a pennant bearer and was a grand entry flag bearer in 2015. Marlene has been riding horses all her life and participated in high school rodeo and participates currently in jackpot roping and barrel racing. Describing her upcoming participation on the court Princess Marlene said, “Family, legacy, community spirit, these four attributes are what the Pendleton Round-Up means to me.”
PRINCESS MAKENZI HUGHES Princess Makenzi is the 18 year old daughter of Kevin and Angie Hughes of Heppner, Oregon. A graduate of Heppner High School she now attends Blue Mountain Community College studying agriculture education. Makenzi’s sister Jessica was a Pendleton Round-Up Princess in 2012. Makenzi has been riding horses all her life and this experience is accented by her active involvement in Future Farmers of America serving in leadership positions and 4H winning several awards including many in beef showmanship. “I plan to make the Pendleton Round-Up proud” said Princess Makenzi of her placement on the court, “by representing them as a cowgirl, ambassador for their town, and the community.”
PRINCESS ASHLEY MOORE Princess Ashely, age 20, is the daughter of Brian and Arlene Moore of Hermiston, Oregon. A graduate of Hermiston High School she now attends Oregon State University making the honor roll in 2014 and 2015. Her volunteer experience for Round-Up week includes assisting in the Children’s Rodeo and as a participant in the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant. Concentrating on riding horses over the last 8 years Princess Ashely has successfully participated in a variety of horsemanship show classes and trained a 3 year old gelding into a finished show horse. “It is an honor” said Ashely “to have the opportunity to commit my time, horsemanship, and passion for the community as a 2016 Pendleton Round-Up Court member.”
PRINCESS ELIZA WAGNER Princess Eliza, age 19, is the daughter of Mike and Diane Wagner of the Pendleton, Oregon. She is a graduate of Pendleton High School and is currently studying pre-medicine at Oregon State University. Princess Eliza has been volunteering for the Pendleton Round-Up for more than 10 years helping out as an usher, pennant bearer, and most recently in the gift shop and office. Her riding experience started at an early age showing in several classes of 4H horsemanship and most recently as a member of the Oregon High School Equestrian Team. “I will do my best as a 2016 Court member” Eliza said “to showcase the Pendleton Round-Up and all that it has to give to the community.”
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The Gorge Business News
SAVING MONEY
Energy Trust Helps Oregonians Prepare for Darker Days and Longer Nights New online tool shows how to make the switch to energy-efficient lighting regonians rely more on light bulbs to keep homescozy and bright during the dark days and long nights of winter. Residents can replace their outdated incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting to save energy and money all season long, and Energy Trust of Oregon can help light the way to lower utility bills with a new online lighting tool. In order to help customers navigate the lighting aisle more easily, Energy Trust designed an online tool to help customers buy the right bulbs for their fixtures. Whether at home or in the store, consumers can go to www.energytrust.org/ lightbulb. The interactive tool helps consumers pick
O
the right ENERGY STAR® LED or compact fluorescent light bulb, CFL, for all of the rooms in their home. From pendant lights to bathroom vanities, the tool recommends the right bulb shape and lumens, a measure of brightness, to fit any fixture. “New LEDs can illuminate your home with the same warm light as traditional lighting, while using less than a quarter of the energy,” said Lizzie Rubado, senior project manager, Energy Trust. “Shorter days are right around the corner, and LED lighting is steadily becoming more affordable, so this is a great time to make the switch and start saving money.” Because lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of a home’s electricity use, switching to energy efficient light bulbs can be one of the most effective energy improvements for the home. One LED can use up to 85 percent less energy than a standard bulb and save up to $80 over its lifetime. Energy-efficient LEDs and CFLs are available at discount prices at local retailers.
Discounts are provided by Energy Trust and are automatically included in the shelf price, so shoppers do not need a coupon. Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save $1.9 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust. org or call 1-866-368-7878.
GREETINGS FROM THE STATE OF SELF RELIANCE Installing solar is a great way to turn your rays into watts and your watts into cash. Energy Trust of Oregon can connect you with a solar contractor for an estimate and put you on the path to generating your own power. We’ve helped thousands of businesses and homeowners save money with solar. You’re next.
+Get more from your energy. Visit www.energytrust.org/solar or call us at 1.866.368.7878. Serving customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power.
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PROGRESS
Red Rock Biofuels
Continued from Page 13
to begin construction of its first refinery located in Lakeview, Oregon in early 2016. The project is supported by a $70 million grant from the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Navy and Energy, and the company has entered into substantial offtake agreements with Southwest Airlines and FedEx for the fuel that will be produced. “By merging Red Rock Biofuels with Joule, we intend to accelerate the commercialization of carbon-neutral fuels and continue to build a world leading company,” said Tchuruk, outgoing President and CEO of Joule. He added, “Joule’s proprietary platform provides a path towards carbon-neutral mobility and Red Rock Biofuels will add an immediate commercial capability to produce renewable diesel and jet fuel, complementing our unique direct pathway through direct conversion of CO2 to drop-in fuels. I am very proud to have been part of this important transformation of Joule, which will now significantly speed up our commercialization. Red Rock’s Lakeview project will continue as planned with its current management team, beginning construction in 2016 and producing at a scale of 15 million gallons of renewable diesel and jet fuel when completed.” Tchuruk continued, “I am furthermore very pleased to see that Dr. Brian Baynes will take over as President and CEO as I now retire from the position. I look forward to continuing to support the exciting development of the merged company through my active participation on its Board of Directors.” “The world’s need for low carbon transportation fuels has never been greater. Having worked closely with both Joule and Red Rock, I am very pleased to be able to combine Red Rock’s nearterm, commercial supply of drop-in low carbon fuels, with Joule’s novel and highly scalable low carbon fuel production platform,” said Baynes, incoming President and CEO. ”The Red Rock team also adds significant strength in project development and operations to Joule’s R&D expertise. We are seeing continued acceleration of our direct CO2 to fuel technology development, and the Red Rock platform will increase project opportunities worldwide. I look forward to working with the extended management teams of Joule and Red Rock to implement a new strategy that leverages operational synergies and shifts our focus to near-term commercial production of low carbon, renewable fuels. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the company through this important time as we address one of our planet’s most pressing needs.” “We are excited to merge with Joule and enhance our bio-refinery platform to include Joule’s innovative CO2 conversion technology and further reduce the carbon intensity of our renewable, dropin jet and diesel fuels. Integrating Joule’s transformative technology into our platform positions the combined company for global development of low carbon fuels,” said Mr. Terry Kulesa, Red Rock’s CEO. As part of this merger and expansion of the commercial pathways, Joule has also restructured its business operations to streamline resources and focus on its two commercial pathways.
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The Gorge Business News
Warren Johnson’s Book Review Building the Columbia River Highway T
he Columbia River, the major waterway in the West, is 1,243 miles long, the repository of waters draining from land area the size of France, consisting of seven states and Canada. The gorge through which it runs was likely created many centuries earlier by a massive flood from a melting glacier originating in Western Montana. This flood occurred many times, digging the gorge deeper each time, creating a path to the Pacific Ocean. The original highway was the river itself. Native Americans traveled up and down the river by canoe, while at the same time producing paths alongside. Early settlers used both these paths and the river to get to the Willamette Valley. Getting a covered wagon down these paths was impossible, so they constructed a “highway” around the south side of Mount Hood. The first road, a portion only, was carved out in the 1870s. A complete highway was thought to be impossible to build. Ten years later, a railroad running from Cascade Locks to Portland was built. The author introduces us to Sam Hill, a Harvard-trained lawyer who worked for a number of companies over his lifetime. His travels to the West got him interested in the Good Roads movement, particularly in Washington State. In 1907, he built a home high above the river and named it Maryhill, and it still sits there proudly today. Another Sam, Samuel Lancaster, had overcome polio to become an outstanding engineer, who was also interested in the Good Roads movement. He gained a national reputation for his work and Sam Hill invited him to Washington to work for him. Ms. Willis introduces us to a host of individuals who had become the movers and shakers of their professions, some names still well known today in Washington and Oregon: Meier, Wemme, Bowlby and Yeon. These men were interested in transportation, logging and building roads. The teen years of the 20th Century saw these men coming together and excavating the land along the river and up the hills, building a highway of short segments at a time. Much of the work was experimental – building machines to construct the roads, creating a dam and construction materials. The road seemed to be built by and for the rich, but as Henry Ford began mass producing his cars and the public began buying them, they wanted roads on which to drive their new tin lizzies. This new highway had to be chiseled out of the rock, bridges had to be built over the ravines, waterfalls had to be skirted, and coping with the weather was necessary – and all of this with the rudimentary machines of the time. Today, racing down the four-lane highway, it is hard to imagine the ingenuity it took to build this highway along the river. Peg Willis has given us a treasure, a book filled with detail and photos, one to be read over and over. She has made history come alive with her excellent writing. Highly recommended. Willis, Peg. Building the Columbia River Highway: They Said it Couldn’t be Done. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2014. 1st edition. 187 pages. ISBN 9781626192713. $19.99. Photo by Lori Kimbel
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The Gorge Business News
FOREST
US Forest Service ODF Committee to Address Oregon’s Increasing Wildfire Activity Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Releases 10-year Action Plan A
federal council today released a plan that identifies specific goals, actions, and recommendations for improving the status of urban and community forestry for the U.S. and its territories. The plan serves as a framework for awarding nearly $1 million in U.S. Forest Service grants to organizations, including grassroots nonprofits, academic researchers, private practitioners and local and state governments. “We appreciate the time, effort, and hard work by the council to develop this new plan,” said James Hubbard, deputy chief for the Forest Service State and Private Forestry. “This plan supports the agency’s strategic plan. Urban forests provide critical social and environmental benefits for 83 percent of the US population living among 136 million acres of urban forest land.” The Federal Advisory Council for the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program developed the plan, which was released during the Arbor Day Foundation’s Partners in Community Forestry Conference in Denver, Colorado. The Council is charged with developing an action plan every 10 years to help guide stakeholders in the management of the nation’s urban forests. The action plan was developed in conjunction with community members who have interests in the forests where they live, work, and play. Through this guiding document, the Council’s mission is to help all communities create urban and community forests that are diverse, healthy and resilient, and accessible for all citizens. The Council’s future competitive grant categories will reflect the goals identified in the Action Plan. For more information about the National Ten Year Urban Forestry Action Plan, please visit www.fs.fed. us/ucf/nucfac.html.
Wallowa Lake shrouded in smoke from the Falls Creek Fire in August. wildland fire protection system” said Kenneth ODF committee begins work Cummings, Vice Chair of the committee. The on finding solutions to address committee will focus its efforts on providing for the 2016 fire season as well Oregon’s increasing wildfire activity recommendations as long-term goals for wildfire management and budget development. Oregon experienced a significant increase The committee began its work Dec. 1 and in wildfires over the past several years. Not only formed three working groups to help support the have these fires increased damages and costs to committee’s efforts. The Fire Program Review Oregon’s forests, landowners, and local communiCommittee is scheduled to meet again on Jan. 21 ties but they have stretched the state’s “complete to discuss the working group’s findings, refine and coordinated fire protection system”. key issues, capture additional ideas and provide Seeking ideas to address these challenges, further guidance. Interested parties are welcome to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) initiatattend. ed a Fire Program Review Committee. This com Additional information about the commitmittee is made up of forest landowners, wildland tee can be found online at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/ fire professionals, elected officials, the Oregon Board/Pages/FireProgramReview.aspx. State Fire Marshal’s office and other stakeholders Doug Grafe, 503-945-7271, doug.grafe@ to advise ODF in its effort to develop and impleoregon.gov ment a more sustainable fire organization, includ Jeff Ennenga, 971-271-9606, jeff.ennening large fire funding solutions. ga@oregon.gov “This review is an effort to inform our Abbey Driscoll, 971-720-0758, ablong-term strategic view and facilitate improvebey.n.driscoll@oregon.gov ment of this highly valued and functioning
Forest Department to Host Public Hearings on State Forest Recreation Topics T
he Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will host three public hearings focused on recreation issues on Oregon state-owned forests. The three hearings – scheduled in Salem, Portland and Astoria – provide a forum for testimony on recreation rule changes aimed to address recent challenges in implementing critical recreation services. Demand for state forest recreation opportunities have outpaced capacity and resources in recent years, often resulting in conflicts between user groups and major issues with sanitation, safety, and vandalism. Proposed rule changes aim to alleviate these challenges and provide the Department with the necessary tools to address long-term solutions. The hearings also provide an opportunity to
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learn and provide comment on new rules for permitting, and health and safety standards for large commercial events, as outlined in House Bill 2453. ODF requests public comment on whether additional options should be considered, and whether these rule changes meet long-term recreation goals while limiting negative economic impact for local and rural businesses. Written and oral testimony may be submitted at each hearing. Written comments may be submitted by February 8, 2016 at 5 p.m., and should be addressed to Justin Butteris, State Forests Policy Analyst, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street Building D, Salem, Oregon 97310 or e-mailed to ODF.SFCOMMENTS@oregon.gov.
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COMMUNITY
The Gorge Business News
Overview from Underwood: Omelet Olympus By Norbert Fensterwald
W
hen the ‘War Department’ and I decided to move-out of the big city and to the Gorge, we knew our period of adjustment to the new environs would take some time and involve an array of activities not previously explored or participated in as “City Mice.” To my surprise, the Mid-Columbia Motoring Lunch-Hounds (the local classic and antique car club) not only introduced us new-comers to previously unknown crowd of like car-enthusiasts but also to a variety of new restaurant opportunities for socially awkward or restaurant eatery challenged. One of the regular events that the club makes a monthly practice of attending is the first Saturday-morning-of-the-month, breakfast outing to Lyle, Washington to satiate their driving and grazing urge at the local Lion’s Club Omelet-Pancake feed. New York or Chicago has its Pizza, Philly its cheesesteaks, Hershey its chocolate, but when it comes to Saturday morning’s three-eggs, diced ham and a handful of veggies, Lyle has to be the omelet capital, or Olympus, of the world….certainly the Gorge. Now this monthly cornucopia of cholesterol didn’t happen by chance. No, the dedicated, dozen-and-a-half members of the Lyle Lions Club have been splurping pancake batter onto a griddle, cracking eggs and pouring coffee for this monthly breakfast fete since 1982. And it goes without saying that the vittles are scrumptious. But, this egg-and-cake ruckus is all in the name of raising money for Club charities as well as local aid efforts. How can a pancake breakfast make any sort of monetary difference in the world, I hear you ask? Well, the Community clubhouse, which was also financed and built on a few donations and, yes, pancake and omelet revenues, seats as many as 200 “patrons” at any one time. Regularly, the Club’s Saturday morning effort is rewarded with 135 Omelet Aficionados paying a “whopping” $7.00 for a meal complete with berry compote, juice and coffee. Best of all, the ravished patrons come from all over the greater Gorge area for the delicious pastime. Certainly, there are those from Lyle, Murdock, The Dalles, Bingen, White
Salmon, Underwood, Hood River and points farther away and more remote. I guess the aspect I like best about the Lyle Lion’s Club community effort (besides the grub) is that every month there are essentially the same, dedicated members working away making patrons “oh-so-happy” about showing up for their meal. Tom’s washing dishes: Rose is tending “to order’ omelets; Joan’s bussing dishes while Sue backing her up and refilling coffee; Dean’s cracking eggs and many others are helping out. Do we ever
wonder about where the money is going. No, along two walls of the 50 by 75 foot dining room are rows of plaques from Lion’s Headquarters representing and thanking the Lyle team for the thousands of dollars they’ve earned and given away. And before I could close my tablet and cap my pen, Joan made sure that I knew that the Lyle Lions were preparing eighty food baskets for needy families this season. Who says Christmas comes but once a year.
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