A monthly online digital publication, The Business Review targets business leaders from the Rogue Valley and beyond. This means that your published articles and advertising message are being seen, read and remembered by those who are seeking your products or services in and around Jackson County and within more than 55 Oregon communities.
THE BUSINESS REVIEW THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY
AUGUST 2022
Inaugural Celebration of the Rogue Valley
CONTENTS
LEADERSHIP MATTERS 4 A LetterfromtheEditor
AUGUST 2022 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 7
OREGON UPDATES 6 H eartoftheRogueFestival
CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY 8 R uralOregonCitiesReceiveBusiness OregonCommunityDevelopment BlockGrantAwardstoSupport HealthyandThrivingCommunities 10 B usinessOregonLaunches COVID-19RecoveryGrant ProgramforLiveEvent SupportIndustries REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES 14 C riticalProjectsforOregon CommunitiesApprovedin FederalFundingBills 20 O veraMillionDollarsHeaded toOregonforFireǝghtingPre- PlanningandResponse 22 M oreThan$1.5Millionfrom theFAAtoMedfordAirport forCrucialUpdates PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY 24 B usinessOregonAnnounces RecipientsofRegionalInnovation HubPlanningGrantAwards 26 U ScellularDonates$30,000to Boys&GirlsClubofRogueValley 29 June2022Employment andUnemploymentin Oregon’sCounties LOCAL SPOTLIGHT 30 T CChevyDealershipGoesSolar 33 R idetheRogue2022 isAlmostHere! 34 JointheAshlandGallery AssociationforAshland OpenStudioTour 37 C hamberStaffHighlight: KiraZavala 38 N ewStormWaterFacility
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A monthly online digital publication, The Business Review targets business leaders from the Rogue Valley and beyond. This means that your published articles and advertising message are being seen, read and remembered by those who are seeking your products or services in and around Jackson County and within more than 55 Oregon communities.
WillHelpPreventMajor FloodEventsatAirport
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
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The Business Review | August 2022
Our Strategic Objectives
Promote. Promoting the community.
Meet the Editorial Staff
Create. Creating a strong local economy.
Eli Matthews President & CEO eli@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8526
Connect. Providing networking opportunities.
Represent. Representing business issues.
Irmes Dagba-Craven Vice President, Communications & Programs irmes@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8534
Kira Zavala Director of Business
Development & Partnerships kira@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8522
Cathy Watt Ofʼnce Administrator cathy@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8515
The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County 101 E 8th St, Medford, OR 97501 (541) 779-4847 • medfordchamber.com
medfordchamber.com
August 2022 | The Business Review
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LEADERSHIP MATTERS A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
T hroughout the summer, locals and visitors have been enjoying the Rogue Valley’s amazing assets — from our outdoor adventures, to wineries, breweries and shops. As the season continues, we are glad to see people partaking in everything our region offers. That is why we are excited to announce the Heart of the Rogue Festival, where guests will have the opportunity to experience the best of the Rogue Valley. This two-day celebration will take place in downtown Medford on October 14-15. The festival is free and will be a gathering of local artists, musicians, makers, growers and much more. Additionally, the Chamber Leadership program has ofǞcially begun! The Ǟrst stop for program participants was here at The Chamber. It is just the beginning of a journey which will include tours, demonstrations, lectures, brieǞngs, and personal development training. Participants will take these important lessons back into their companies and out into the community. The 2022 Excellence in Business Awards will be held on October 13th at the Rogue Valley Country Club. Nominations are open through August 31st, and we hope you will support the people and businesses in our community which have had a profound impact. You may nominate businesses for each category and purchase your event tickets on our website. The Young Professionals Network held an exciting event in August at Lithia in downtown Medford with over 100 YPs attending it. The next event will be September 8th at HRL Brewery & Pubbery. Tickets are $10 and include a drink and light food. You may register online. The Chamber’s 2022-2023 Forum season will begin in October, with Rogue Credit Union as the monthly sponsor, and Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians as the Season Sponsor. Tickets will be available soon. There is a lot to explore in the Rogue Valley. So much, in fact, we have an entire festival dedicated to it! But whether you attend our new Heart of the Rogue Festival, or come for a quick day trip, our local business community is happy to welcome you and show you what makes our area an unforgettable place to live, work and play.
Yours in success,
Irmes Dagba-Craven Editor in Chief/Vice President of Communications & Programs The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County
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The Business Review | August 2022
August 2022 | The Business Review
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OREGON UPDATES
OCTOBER 14 & 15
Heart of the Rogue Festival
WRITTEN BY EMILY HUNTER, Travel Medford
Discover the Rogue Valley artisan offerings in downtown Medford with the Heart of the Rogue Festival this fall! From locally prepared food to award- winning wine, this immersive, multi-day event is full of incredible things to do for all members of the family. Best of all - this festival is free and open to the public for all to enjoy! Nestled into the arms of the Cascade mountain ranges, the beautiful Rogue Valley teems with artists, musicians, makers and growers of all types. This festival is a conŊuence of this community, offering you the very best of the valley in one intimate, special celebration. With many special sections of the event, you are sure to have your heart captured by the rogue.
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The Business Review | August 2022
In partnership with Rogue Valley Vintners and Rogue Valley Wine country, the street parallel to Pear Blossom Park will be lined with local wineries, as well as craft breweries and distilleries. Meander the valley’s craft sips, take in winemakers’ stories, and enjoy live musical performances on the Pear Blossom Stage. Just steps away under the stage is home to a lovely grassy area, which will be known as Blossom Lounge at the festival. This lounge is the perfect area to play lawn games, relax on the seating areas, enjoy your artisan eats and wine, and, of course, the incredible live music playing on stage! At the core, the Heart of the Rogue Festival is all about elevating and showcasing its community of makers throughout the downtown Medford corridor. If you happen to be a downtown brick and mortar who would like to offer festival-goers an incentive to visit your business during the weekend, we would love to support you by offering all festival attendees your offers via signage, QR codes, social media support and more. Simply input your offer on our website and we will promote you! Take advantage of thousands of people in the downtown corridor October 14 - 15, 2022! In addition to promoting the many makers of the rogue, the Heart of the Rogue Festival is proud to partner with the Rogue Marathon and Bikes N Brews, each happening on the second day of the festival, October 15th. See the full schedule of this exciting festival on Travel Medford’s website!
From hand-crafted creations to award-winning wine - experience all the Rogue Valley has to offer you at the Heart of the Rogue Festival!
Discover more about the Heart of the Rogue Festival in Medford! TravelMedford.org
August 2022 | The Business Review
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CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY
Rural Oregon Cities Receive Business Oregon Community Development Block Grant Awards to Support Healthy and Thriving Communities B usiness Oregon is supporting Ǟve rural community projects statewide through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The
failure to the sewer collection system if not rectiǞed. The adjacent six-inch asbestos cement piping force main was installed in 1966 and has surpassed its intended design life. In recent years, failures of the force main have increased and led to sewer leaks. The city is working to improve the fore main and has completed the project design and environmental assessment requirements. The CDBG program funding will assist the city in completing the construction phase of the project. City of Roseburg: The City of Roseburg will serve as the lead applicant for the regional housing rehabilitation program, partnering with Douglas County and the City of Myrtle Creek. The City of Roseburg will contract with NeighborWorks Umpqua to operate the rehabilitation program, using the CDBG funds to rehabilitate homes owned by residents at or below 80% of Area Median Income. These projects will take place within the city limits of Roseburg and Myrtle Creek, or within Douglas County. The City of Roseburg anticipates serving at least 30 households with CDBG housing rehabilitation grants of up to $15,000 each. The program will prioritize households who are unable to access other home repair funding programs or whose homes need critical repairs to leverage additional home repair resources. The CDBG program will fund $100,000 of repairs to manufactured homes in parks. City of Vale: The City of Vale’s Residential Housing Rehabilitation Type II grant will provide needed funding (not otherwise available) for up to 25 low to moderate income families. The funding will be used to alleviate sub-standard conditions and provide affordable, safe, and sanitary housing for homeowners in the cities of Vale, Ontario, and Nyssa. The grant supports home improvements that increase energy efǞciency, rectify health and safety issues, and support other critical needs. More information on each of these projects, as well as full program information, is available at Oregon.gov/biz/ programs/CDBG. n
CDBG program supports the development of livable communities by expanding economic opportunities and providing suitable housing and living environments for persons of low and moderate income. These grants total $6,524,288 and will support Ǟve cities and counties. “We work in partnership with rural Oregon communities to build stable, growing economies,” said Business Oregon Assistant Director Chris Cummings. “The projects these investments will support will do just that—they set the stage for long-term rural community prosperity in Oregon.” Business Oregon administers the state of Oregon’s annual federal allocation of CDBG funds for non-metropolitan cities and counties. Tribes and urban cities and counties are not included in the state’s program as they receive CDBG funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Recipients in this round of funding: City of Burns: The City of Burns owns and operates a public water system. The city has identiǞed deǞciencies in their water distribution and supply systems due to the antiquated undersized distribution lines riddled with cracks and leaks caused by increased pressure from the water tower. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increased dependence on city utilities. Water supply improvements are vital to ensure reliable operations and resilient municipal drinking water systems. City of Chiloquin: The City of Chiloquin will relocate its water supply well from 1,000 feet to 1.2 miles from the Williamson River (tributary to Klamath Lake) to comply with a regulation notice from the Oregon Water Resources Department citing that the city’s only water source would be regulated off to a senior water rights holder. City of Reedsport: The City of Reedsport’s wastewater system, the Forest Hills pump station, is inefǞcient and requires replacement due to issues that will bring to
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The Business Review | August 2022
WORKSHOP SERIES 2022 – 2023
The Emotionally Strong Leader with Carolyn Stern •
October 20, November 3 and 17, December 1 and 15, 2022
Coaching with Emotional Intelligence with Carolyn Stern •
January 11, 18, and 25, 2023
VIRTUAL 3– HOUR WORKSHOPS VIA ZOOM
Strategic Communication for New Managers with Rosemary McCollister •
September 13, 2022
Thriving in Changing Times with Carolyn Stern •
October 11, 2022
Leading Teams with Emotional Intelligence with Carolyn Stern •
March 8, 2023
Creating High Performing Teams with Carolyn Stern •
May 10, 2023
IN PERSON 4-HOUR WORKSHOPS AT THE HEC IN MEDFORD
Dynamic Empowerment: Creating a Winning Environment for High and Low Performers with Christopher Harding November 10, 2022
Nature of Leading TM with Dr. Lucy Houghton •
February 16, 2023
The Power of Mindset: Effectively Resolving Conflicts Through Mindfulness with Christopher Harding •
April 20, 2023
For more information and to register go to: sou.edu/professional
NEXT STOP: OAKLEAF RV STORAGE
There’s nothing like exploring the world
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needs a place to park when you’re back
in the real world. Here in the Rogue Valley,
that place is Oakleaf RV Storage. This
brand-new facility provides 24-hour video
security and password-gated access. Each
spot includes a 30 amp plugin, and there’s an
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water, air, and waste dump. And you can
access your home-away-from-home 24/7.
When the journey is over, we’ll be here.
oakleafrvstorage.com
August 2022 | The Business Review
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CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY
Business Oregon Launches COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program for Live Event
Support Industries MediaContact:AmberNabors,amber.nabors@biz.oregon.gov B usiness Oregon is distributing federal funds to help businesses that support live events and were impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Live Event Support Industries Program will provide up to $10 million in grant assistance to qualifying applicants that have experienced Ǟnancial hardships from the pandemic. This grant program is the third and Ǟnal round of the three grants Business Oregon created with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery funds to help live event venues and live event supporting industries. Program awards will generally range between $10,000 – $100,000 each. Awards will not exceed the applicant’s reported loss in revenue from live event support activities between 2019 and 2020, or $100,000 (whichever is less). This program deǞnes the “live event support industry” as for-proǞt businesses, non-proǞts, sole proprietors, and independent contractors who receive 50% or more of their annual revenues from providing goods (rented or sold) or services for the production of live events. Financial hardships eligible for funding under this program are restricted to loss of earned revenue, of no less than $10,000, from live event contracts, goods, or services in support of live events in Oregon. This shall be calculated as the difference between live event support industry revenue in calendar year 2019 less the service provider’s live event support industry revenue in calendar year 2020. Some examples of the businesses that may be eligible include, but are not limited to: • Event planners, designers, and talent buyers • Event sound, video, lighting, rigging, and staging providers
• Theatrical services and equipment rental providers
• Specialty entertainers such as DJs, MCs, costumed characters, actors, musicians, musical groups, auctioneers, and other special event-speciʼnc talents • Specialized event services and vendors such as event security, VIP toilets, photobooths, portable gaming, amusement providers, event transportation providers, ticket agencies, etc. • Wedding-speciʼnc services and vendors such as stylists and makeup artists, photographers and videographers, planners and coordinators, etc. The application period for this program will open online at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at www.oregon. gov/biz/. All applications must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Applicants should refer to the online Application Checklist for a detailed description of all the elements needed to complete the application. Applications will be selected by a random lottery system from each geographic region. Applications that are selected from the lottery and meet stated program eligibility and need requirements will be authorized for funding, pending availability of funds. Business Oregon may require additional information and has Ǟnal authority on eligibility determination. Award decisions will be announced in September 2022. Ineligible applicants for the program at this time include, but are not limited to: • Adult entertainment providers
• Municipally or state-owned service providers
• Casino operated live event service providers • Lobbying organizations as deʼnned by the Internal Revenue Service
• Event supply rental companies
• Event catering providers • Event scenic, décor, and Ŋoral vendors
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The Business Review | August 2022
• Political organizations subject to tax under Internal Revenue Code section 527 such as political parties, campaign committees for candidates for federal, state, or local ofʼnce and political action committees • Federal, state, and local government agencies •Non-proʼnt religious corporations and/or houses of worship recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Cannabis-related goods and services
• Public or private universities/educational institutions
• Nationally owned and operated live event support service providers • Employees of live event support business who receive a W2 from the business • Other live event support service providers that do not meet the intent of the program as determined by Business Oregon More information about this program can be found online at oregon.gov/biz. Please call 833-604-0880 or email biz. covid19@biz.oregon.gov with questions or requests for assistance with this program. n
HERE FOR BUSINESS
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August 2022 | The Business Review
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The Business Review | August 2022
August 2022 | The Business Review
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REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
Critical Projects for Oregon Communities Approved in Federal Funding Bills
Washington,D.C.|August2022|PressRelease O regon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Fiscal Year 2023 Senate Appropriations bills. A total of 111 Oregon community-initiated projects were included in the FY23 federal funding bills that will help meet critical needs in every corner of the state, including investing in wildǞre and drought resiliency, affordable housing, health care, education, and much more, while creating essential services and jobs. “No one knows the unique needs of communities across Oregon like the folks living and working in them,” said Merkley, who helped drive inclusion of Oregon projects as the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber to serve on the Appropriations Committee since Senator Mark HatǞeld. “I joined the Committee in 2013 to ensure Oregon has a strong voice in decisions about our nation’s investments. Community-initiated projects are an incredible example of this, because these local and regional projects were generated at the ground level by folks who are working to make their communities better. I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues on the committee and Senator Wyden to secure funding for 111 of these important homegrown projects, and we’ll keep pushing to get them across the Ǟnish line for Oregonians.” Wyden today announced they secured funding for essential community projects across Oregon in the “Oregonians have consistently told me during more than 1,000 town halls in each of our 36 counties how federal investments should reǡect their priorities to generate jobs in their communities, keep everybody safe and build an even stronger quality of life across the state,” Wyden said. “I’m gratiǞed the teamwork with Oregonians who know their local priorities best has produced such promising federal investments to strengthen communities all across Oregon. Bottom line, our state’s communities are focused on coming together to forge Oregon Way solutions that build a better state just like these targeted investments, and I’ll keep battling to make sure these projects advance.” Both Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden hold a town hall in each Oregon county every year and work hard to ensure that local feedback informs every aspect of their work in Washington, D.C. This local feedback is directly reǡected in
the projects that were chosen for potential federal funding in this year’s bills. Because of Senator Merkley’s position on the powerful Appropriations Committee and key role pushing Oregon priorities in the drafting of the bills, and the collaborative way that Senator Merkley and Wyden work together to advocate for projects from Oregon, last year the two senators were able to secure more projects for their home state than any other senators besides Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The 111 Oregon community-initiated projects were spread out among bills produced by the Appropriations subcommittees, including 20 projects in the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies subcommittee, of which Senator Merkley is Chair. The Senate bills next need to be merged with legislation produced by the House of Representatives, a process expected later in the year. The Senators will continue to advocate that the Oregon projects are included in the combined bill. The funds and projects secured by Senators Merkley and Wyden, broken down by region, are as follows: Southern Oregon: ■ $5 million for the Talent Irrigation District for the Billings Siphon and Eastside Canal Project ■ $5 million for the construction of communications facilities at Kingsley Field ■ $3.615 million for Rogue Community College for the Allied Health Facility Renovation ■ $3.557 million for the Klamath County Economic Development Association for the Transformations Wellness Center ■ $3.5 million for Oregon State University for Elliott State Research Forest Monitoring Equipment ■ $2.095 million for Adapt, Inc for SW Oregon Regional Recovery Center ■ $2 million for Southern Oregon University for its Forging Oregon’s Renewable Energy Source Transition Through Reimagining Education + Energy (FOREST TREE) Project
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The Business Review | August 2022
■ $2 million for the City of Grants Pass for its Water Treatment Plant Relocation Project ■ $2.2 million for facilities improvements at Cole Rivers Hatchery ■ $1.444 million for City of Medford for its Radio System Upgrade ■ $1.2 million for the Bureau of Land Management for the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument ■ $1.120 million for Medford Irrigation District for its Floating Community Solar Project ■ $1 million for CASA of Oregon for the Redevelopment of Talent Mobile Estates ■ $1 million for Kid Time Discovery Experience for Southern Oregon Childcare Capacity Expansion ■ $430,00 for Bandon Community Health Center for the Expansion of Health Center Project ■ $355,000 for Douglas County for its Radio System Upgrade ■ $300,000 for Oasis Center of the Rogue Valley for its Family-Focused Recovery Center with Emergency Housing ■ $241,000 for Douglas County for an Emergency Mobile Command Center Oregon Coast: ■ $10.528 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Port of Coos Bay Dredging ■ $4 million for the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for Shutter Creek Rehabilitation and Renovations ■ $4 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Columbia River Channel Improvements ■ $3 million for Nehalem Bay Health District for its Health Center and Pharmacy ■ $2 million for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Ofʼnce for a Lincoln County Radio System Upgrade ■ $1.2 million for the Oregon Department of Transportation for its US101: Harbor Pedestrian Improvement Project ■ $800,000 for Oregon State University for the Blue- Tech Professional Training Program ■ $750,000 for Columbia Lutheran Charities for Emergency Operations and Logistics Renovations at Columbia Memorial Hospital ■ $750,000 for the Coquille Indian Tribe for Coquille River Salmon Conservation ■ $702,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Umpqua River Project
COMMUNITY is our Middle Name
RCC supports our community by: • Helping students access education for getting to work or to transfer to a University with over 80 degrees or certiƓcates available. • Providing lifelong learning with continuing education and workforce development. • Supporting economic development through our Small Business Development Center (SBDC). • Promote adult basic skills with GED® preparation and skills upgrades.
541-956-7500 www.roguecc.edu
August 2022 | The Business Review
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■ $1 million for Proud Ground for its Expanding Permanently Affordable Homeownership Opportunities Project ■ $1 million for the Latino Network for La Plaza Esperanza ■ $962,000 for Washington County for Aloha Livable Community and Safe Access to Transit ■ $850,000 for Williams & Russel CDC for its Williams & Russell Project ■ $814,000 for Columbia Economic Team for the Columbia County Advanced and Additive Manufacturing Small Business Incubator ■ $785,000 for Portland State University for the Oregon Microplastics Research Center ■ $750,000 for NAMC-Oregon for Black-Owned Small Businesses and Economic Prosperity Project ■ $540,000 for Lines for Life for its YouthLine National Expansion Project ■ $500,000 for Riverside Training Centers, Inc. for its Empowerment Center for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ■ $374,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its Willamette River, OR Environmental Dredging Project
■ $625,000 for the Tillamook Estuary Partnership for Climate Change Monitoring Instruments ■ $330,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Tillamook Bay and Bar Project ■ $320,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Coquille River ■ $50,000 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Skipanon Channel Project $5 million for the Oregon Food Bank for Facilities and Equipment in Multnomah, Wasco, and Malheur Counties ■ $3 million for Home Forward for the Troutdale Affordable Housing Project ■ $3 million for the City of Beaverton for the Beaverton Homelessness Shelter ■ $3 million for the City of Sherwood for the Tonquin Employment Area Access Project ■ $2 million for The Oregon Zoo for the Condor Restoration Project ■ Metro: ■ $2 million for Central City Concern for the Portland River Haven & Recuperative Care Program Expansion Project
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The Business Review | August 2022
■ $1 million for the State of Oregon for the Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area Act Implementation Project ■ $1 million for Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital for the Sweet Home Clinic and Urgent Care ■ $850,00 for Corvallis Neighborhood Housing Services Inc., DevNW for Community Land Trust Development ■ $804,000 for the Capaces Leadership Institute for Anahuac Farms Facilities and Equipment ■ $500,000 for Lane Community College for its LCC Simulation Laboratory ■ $412,000 for the Capaces Leadership Institute for its Anahuac Farm & Cultural Center Infrastructure Build Project ■ $500,000 for the Sheridan School District for the Barbara Roberts Career Technical School ■ $275,000 for White Bird Clinic for its White Bird Clinic Mental Health Center Renovation Project ■ $195,000 for Looking Glass Community Services for At-Risk Youth Rural Program Building Renovation & Program Expansion ■ $83,000 for the City of Dallas for its Emergency Operations Center
■ $352,000 for the City of Portland for its Legacy Business Preservation Project ■ $340,000 for the City of St. Helens, Oregon for St. Helens Law Enforcement Technology ■ $252,000 for the Children’s Center of Clackamas County for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention ■ $198,000 for Scappoose Rural Fire District for its Fire and Aviation Workforce Training and Education Program for High School Students ■ $163,000 for SPOON for Online Training to Support Children at Risk for Malnutrition ■ $108,000 for Disability Rights Oregon to Enhance Services for People with Disabilities Willamette Valley: ■ $2.2 million for the City of Carlton for the Sewer Collection Pipe Replacement Project ■ $1.6 million for the City of Falls City for the Water System Project ■ $1.5 million for the City of Carlton for the West Main Street Revitalization Project ■ $1 million for the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency for the Santiam Lodge: A Transitional Home for Wildʼnre Survivors Project
COMMITMENT BEYOND THE CURB
ROGUE DISPOSAL & RECYCLING has been an integral part of the community since 1938. And while you may know us best as the big red trash and recycling trucks at your curb each week, that’s only part of our story. We’re also committed to the environment, with multiple initiatives designed to protect this beautiful area we call home. From converting our ¾eet to run on cleaner-burning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and using solar panels to power the Transfer Station to turning the yard debris we collect into Rogue Compost, community stewardship is central to everything we do.
roguedisposal.com
August 2022 | The Business Review
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■ $975,000 for the City of Mosier for the Mosier Community Center and Fire Station ■ $960,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the John Day Lock & Dam ■ $800,000 for the Bend-Deschutes County Habitat for Humanity for Affordable Housing Development in Central Oregon ■ $700,000 for the U.S. Forest Service for Deschutes National Forest for Recreational Access ■ $441,000 for the Columbia Gorge Community College for Advanced Manufacturing Skills and Equipment ■ $400,000 for the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council for The Dalles Navigation Center Micro- Shelters ■ $153,000 for the Central Oregon Community College for Madras Campus Health Careers Expansion ■ $115,000 for Hood River Crag Rats for Historic Cloud Cap Inn Rerooʼnng Eastern Oregon: ■ $6 million to Camp Umatilla for Housing Facilities Construction ■ $3.5 million for the City of Burns for Water System Improvements
Mid-Columbia/Central Oregon: ■ $5 million for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs for Drinking Water Infrastructure ■ $3.445 million for the North Unit Irrigation District for the Crooked River Water Quality and Supply Reliability Pumping Plant Feasibility Study ■ $3.088 million for the La Pine Community Health Center for Health Center Expansion ■ $3 million for the Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation for Hood River Affordable Housing ■ $2.548 million for the Lone Pine Irrigation District for its Authorized Watershed Plan ■ $2.5 million for East Fork Irrigation District for its Authorized Watershed Plan ■ $2.5 million for the Ochoco Irrigation District for McKay Creek Infrastructure ■ $2 million for the City of Redmond for Water System Construction ■ $1.380 million for Oregon State University-Cascades for Little Kits Childcare Centers ■ $1.019 million for the Wheeler County Ofʼnce of Emergency Management for its Radio System Upgrade
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The Business Review | August 2022
■ $602,000 for the City of Prairie City for Water Distribution System Improvements ■ $515,000 for the La Grande School District for its Students Addressing Housing Shortage Through Home Construction Trade Skills Project ■ $500,000 for Harney County Senior and Community Services for its High Desert Veterans Village ■ $408,000 for facilities improvements at the Burns Agricultural Research Service Station ■ $386,000 for the Winding Waters Medical Clinic for its Wallowa County Oregon Primary Care Clinic Construction Project ■ $299,000 for the Grant County Sheriff’s Ofʼnce for Emergency Management Operations Center Modernization ■ $250,000 for the Harney Watershed Council for Harney Basin Water Resource Planning Support ■ $221,000 for Harney County for its Generator for Continuity of Operations Project ■ $177,000 to Morrow County for the Primary EOC Generator Project
■ $3 million for Owyhee Irrigation District for its Kingman Lateral Pipeline Project ■ $3 million for Treasure Valley Community College for its Nursing & Allied Health Professions Center ■ $2.82 million for City of Paisley for Water System Improvements ■ $2 million for Union County Emergency Services for its Union County Radio System Upgrade Project ■ $1.855 million for the Burns Paiute Tribe for its Burns Paiute Tribal Community Wellness Center Retroʼnt ■ $1.7 million for Morrow County to address Drinking Water Contamination in Northeast Oregon ■ $1.5 million for the City of Pendleton for its Highway 11/30 Housing Expansion project ■ $1.25 million for Community Counseling Solutions for its Grant County Health Center ■ $1 million for City of Irrigon for its Business Opportunity Incubator ■ $940,00 for the Burns Paiute Tribe for the US Highway 20 Wildlife Connectivity Project ■ $700,000 for facility improvements at the Pendleton Agricultural Research Service Station
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August 2022 | The Business Review
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REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
Over a Million Dollars Headed to Oregon for Fireʼnghting Pre-Planning and Response Funding intended to offer signiʼncant broader impact to the public safety community, commercial building owners and operators, and the public. Washington,D.C.|Wednesday,August3,2022 O regon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced a total of $1,031,417 in federal funding heading to the Western Fire Chiefs
and effectively,” Wyden said. “These funds will equip these courageous ǞreǞghters with fresh strategies and regular training to prepare them to Ǟght blazes that pop up anywhere in our state. That’s good news for Oregon in our ǞreǞghting prevention work, and I’ll keep battling to build on today’s announcement so our state has a robust response when disaster strikes.” This project is intended to test and validate the use of cameras and specialized software to automate Ǟre pre- plan maps that will help Ǟre departments know in advance building layouts, the location of critical objects supporting their effective response, and potential hazards. This system will provide geo-located imagery outdoors and indoors, supporting remote and frequent virtual training for department members on critical structures within a city. Once complete, it will also enable the department to obtain new information on structural changes on a regular basis to help improve on-demand pre-planning. n
Association Inc. to support a project to use technology to enable ǞreǞghters to respond more quickly and safely when responding to Ǟres. “Oregon’s ǞreǞghters answer the call when disaster strikes, and the federal government must do everything it can to support their efforts,” said Merkley. “This funding will help Ǟll a critical gap in Ǟre response by establishing a system that will help our brave ǞreǞghting men and women plan and prepare their response to structural Ǟres, keeping our communities and themselves safe. But this is only part of the solution. I’ll continue working to secure all the resources necessary to boost Oregon’s disaster prevention and recovery efforts in every corner of the state.” “FireǞghters risking their lives to protect Oregon families, homes and small businesses deserve federal investment in tools like these that help them perform their jobs safely
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The Business Review | August 2022
August 2022 | The Business Review
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REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
More Than $1.5 Million from the FAA to Medford Airport for Crucial Updates Washington,D.C.|August2022|PressRelease U .S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley on August 4 announced that Rogue Valley International- Medford Airport will receive more than $1.5 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for crucial security and health updates. “The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport provides essential air service for Southern Oregonians and is a allow the airport to continue supporting the economy and businesses of Southern Oregon and connect the region with other major airports in the western United States.” These grant funds of $1.55 million from the FAA’s Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program will go toward replacement of aged critical operational equipment
including the Airline Control System (ALCS), the addition of closed-circuit security cameras, and a new computer. The upgrades to the building include replacing the elevator and adding an air puriǞcation system. “We are very excited to learn that Medford Airport is a recipient of this highly competitive grant. The funds will go a long way for much needed improvements to our Airport owned Air TrafǞc Control Tower. The improvements include replacing aging equipment, enhancing facility efǞciency and improving the health and safety of the occupants,” said Jerry Brienza, Airport Director of the Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport. n
crucial part of our entire state’s economy,” Wyden said. “As a frequent passenger in and out of the Medford Airport, I hear Ǟrsthand from Oregonians how they count on this airport and I’m gratiǞed to see federal dollars go toward critical health and safety improvements, so the airport can continue supporting economic growth and tourism for years to come.” “Safe and reliable travel is important for many Oregonians who ǡy for business or recreation,” said Senator Merkley. “I am happy to see this funding going to the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport for improvements to help boost their facilities and operations. This funding will
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The Business Review | August 2022
Air Freight Growth at MFR the Highest in Over a Decade!
The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) does more than fly people from place to place; MFR is a prime location for transporting cargo as well. Airport Director Jerry Brienza stated, “MFR’s location proximate to the interstate and rail lines makes it an ideal hub for our shipping partners. Additionally, Medford is the largest city centrally located between Sacramento, CA and Portland, OR, and MFR’s air freight operations serve all of Southern Oregon, Northern California, and the respective West Coastlines.” In 2021, air cargo at MFR totaled more than 9,303,300 tons. MFR hasn’t seen a number like this since 2000 when the year closed out with 9,492,401 tons.
August 2022 | The Business Review
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PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY
Business Oregon Announces Recipients of Regional Innovation Hub Planning Grant Awards Oregon|August2022|PressRelease B usiness Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) announce the recipients of the Regional Innovation Hub Planning Grants. The planning grant to determine how to advance innovation-based economic development in their region. The intent of the Regional Innovation Hub program is not to create a new entity, but to coordinate existing resources.
awards are the Ǟrst step in a two-part process to award Regional Innovation Hub designations throughout Oregon. Recipients of the planning grants will produce a plan for how they would create a Regional Innovation Hub. These plans will include a vision, proposed activities, and relevant metrics on how they would provide technical assistance, capital, networking, mentorship, and talent development to innovation-based entrepreneurs in their region. In 2021, Business Oregon released Oregon’s 10-Year Innovation Plan, which aims to orient the economy around better paying jobs with higher growth potential, help the state weather future economic challenges, and encourage participation among populations presently underserved in the innovation economy. The Regional Innovation Hub designations are a part of this plan to help advance innovation-based ecosystems at the regional level. Regional Innovation Hubs are industry-agnostic partnerships that provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs with innovation-based business concepts and support a regional innovation ecosystem. The planning grants will fund collaborative partners working together
There are 11 organizations receiving planning grants to develop Regional Innovation Hub concepts across Oregon. The recipients include: ■ Columbia-Paciʼnc Economic Development District ■ Mid-Columbia Economic Development District ■ Onward Eugene ■ Oregon Institute of Technology ■ OSU-Cascades ■ Portland State University ■ South Coast Development Council, Inc. ■ Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Corp., Inc. (SOREDI) ■ Strategic Economic Development Corp. (SEDCOR) ■ Wallowa Resources More information on the Regional Innovation Hub program can be found on Business Oregon’s Regional Innovation Hub webpage. n
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The Business Review | August 2022
August 2022 | The Business Review
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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
UScellular Donates $30,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Rogue Valley Grant Focuses on Providing Access to STEM Learning and Experiences
Medford,OR|August17,2022PressRelease U Scellular has announced a $30,000 investment in the Boys & Girls Club of Rogue Valley to provide educational opportunities and experiences to local youth. The company has invested in the Boys & Girls Club of Rogue Valley to support K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and
academic enrichment programs. The STEM learning and experience
provided is designed to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow, and according to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth Outcomes survey, the youth at Clubs display far greater interest in pursuing STEM careers than their peers nationally (52% vs. 27%). This year the funding will support
This summer the organization serves over 300 kids a day across its Grants Pass, Cave Junction and Talent locations.
the Club with purchasing technology, STEM program bins and additional staff resources. By doing so, this will engage more youth in STEM programming by accessing more technology and staff. “We’ve heard from parents and students that they think
children and encourages our kids to investigate careers in the sciences. For example, this summer, UScellular funds contributed to kids participating in STEM-based programs on animation, drones, rockets and engineering. We are so grateful for UScellular.” Last year, UScellular also donated
STEM is good for their future careers but 48% of students and 41% of parents don’t know enough about the opportunities a STEM education would af- ford,1” said Sarah Pearson, area vice president/general manag- er for the Northwest region at UScellular. “The Boys & Girls Club of Rogue Valley provides this critical access so that we can build a future of bright and enthusiastic tech leaders.” “UScellular’s continued support
2,845 hotspots and services - a value of nearly $2.6 million - to 35 Boys & Girls Clubs as a part of the After School Access Project, a program that provides free mobile hotspots and service to nonproǞts that support youth after the school day has ended. Since 2009, UScellular has donated nearly $22.6 million along with countless experiences
and technology items to nonproǞt organizations across the country. For more information about the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please go to https://newsroom.uscellular.com/community/. n
of our kids and STEM program is life-changing” said Greg Roe, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley. “It opens up a world of possibilities for our
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The Business Review | August 2022
August 2022 | The Business Review
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The Business Review | August 2022
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
June 2022 Employment and Unemployment in Oregon’s Counties Oregon|August2022|PressRelease I n June, unemployment rates declined in 18 of Oregon’s 36 counties.
Unemployment rates in 17 counties did not decline, but held steady over the month. The unemployment rate increased in Umatilla County. Fourteen counties had unem- ployment rates at or below the statewide and nation- wide rate of 3.6% in June. Klamath and Grant counties had Oregon’s highest season- ally adjusted unemployment rate (5.2%) in June. Other counties with relatively high unemployment rates were Curry (4.8%), Crook (4.7%), Josephine (4.7%), and Lincoln (4.7%). Wheeler County registered the lowest unem- ployment rate (2.8%) in June. Other counties with some of the lowest unemployment rates in June included Benton, Hood River, Sherman, and Washington, at 2.9% each. Between June 2021 and June 2022, total nonfarm employ- ment rose in each of the six broad regions across Oregon. The Willamette Valley region experienced the fastest job growth over the year at 3.8%. Employment also grew at a relatively fast pace in the Ǟve Portland-metro counties (3.4%) and Central Oregon region (3.3%). Growth oc- curred at a slower pace along the Coast (1.6%), in Southern Oregon (0.7%), and in East- ern Oregon (0.5%). n
August 2022 | The Business Review
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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
TC Chevy Dealership Goes Solar Five elevated Strackers will provide clean energy for TC Chevy in Ashland, making the successful business the ʼnrst solar-powered auto dealership in Southern Oregon SouthernOregon|August2022|PressRelease
TC Chevy, the leading electric vehicle dealer in Southern Oregon, is going solar. And not just with any solar solution! The management of the iconic auto dealership, which has been serving customers since 1985, chose Stracker Solar to install their most state-of-the-art elevated solar trackers. “We believe in cutting-edge technology,” says Derek DeBoer, 3rd generation Owner/Operator of TC Chevy. “Our cars and trucks feature the latest designs and
manufacturing practices, and we wanted a solar power system that does the same. The fact that the Strackers are the most efǞcient and impressive solar solution currently available has sealed the deal.” Each of the Ǟve dual-axis solar trackers that will tower above the vehicles at the dealership will carry an array of 28 Longi 445W bifacial solar panels atop its 20 ft pole. They will sport high-power LED display lighting for the
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The Business Review | August 2022
TC Chevy’s new solar trackers will produce 140,000 kWh solar power per year and help illuminate the sales lot year round.
illumination of the display lot. The complete Ǟve-Stracker system will produce 140,000 kWh solar power per year, which means an annual 99.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide reduction in the atmosphere. This impressive number is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 117 acres of US forests every year. “We are very aware of the local sentiment towards clean energy and sustainability,” adds DeBoer. “We thought it was time that an auto dealership goes beyond just selling electric vehicles and takes the lead in implementing clean energy measures.”
Jeff Sharpe, Founder and CEO of Stracker Solar is excited about the upcoming installation. “We are delighted to Ǟnally proceed with this project after unprecedented PaciǞc Power and supply chain delays,” says Sharpe. “And how fun to have a new ǡock of Strackers at the dealership that sells the most electric cars in Southern Oregon!” The installation of the Ǟve Strackers is taking place this month, so the public is welcome to drive by or stop by the dealership to take a close look at these giant all-steel sunǡowers that produce maximum solar power with the smallest footprint. n
About Starcker Solar: • Stracker Solar manufactures, sells, and installs state-of-the-art elevated dual-axis solar trackers. • Strackers are the most robust, highest efʼnciency solar power systems available, generating up to 70% more solar energy each year than same-sized ʼnxed rooftop, carport, or ground-mount systems. This efʼnciency translates to a 55%-65% lower carbon footprint as well. • Stracker’s 20’ pole-mounting allows continued use of the grounds below, which makes the system ideally suited for parking lots, agricultural operations, school yards, community solar projects, and more. • Strackers are developed and manufactured in Ashland, Oregon, and are documenting unparalleled performance across a variety of northern California and southern Oregon climates. • Strackers are the only dual-axis trackers that carry the valued UL 3703 certiʼncation and qualify for Energy Trust of Oregon incentives.
August 2022 | The Business Review
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