The Business Review Oct 2021

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 CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY THE BUSINESS REVIEW

OCTOBER 2021

HOW NATURAL RESOURCES SHAPE OUR ECONOMY

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 10

LEADERSHIP MATTERS

4 A Letter From The Editor OREGON UPDATES 6 Jackson County Declares State of Emergency in Response to Illegal Marijuana Grows 8 C ity of Medford, Lithia Reach Sports Park Naming- Rights Agreement 9 C ity of Medford Names Justin Ivens as New Police Chief CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY 12 C hamber Honors Community REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES 14 M erkley, Wyden Announce $10M for Oregon State University Hemp Research 16 O regon Delegation Requests Answers on Reported Mistreatment of Oregon National Guard Servicemembers PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY 18 D iscover Award-Winning Food Along the Rogue Valley Food Trail 22 H onoring Our Greeters of the Month 26 O regon Wine Experience 2021 Raises More Than $1.6 Million Pillars and Businesses at 102nd Annual Excellence in Business Awards

14 16

MEMBER NEWS 29 D iscussing Natural

Resources & Forestry Issues at the Virtual Forum with Congressman Cliff Bentz

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

The Business Review | October 2021

Promote. Promoting the community. Create. Creating a strong local economy. Connect. Providing networking opportunities. Represent. Representing business issues. Our Strategic Objectives

Meet the Editorial Staff

Eli Matthews President & CEO eli@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8526

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 Office 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

October 2021 | The Business Review

LEADERSHIP MATTERS A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A s we enter the last quarter of 2021, there are many interesting things coming up. I was excited to be involved in my first Chamber Forum, which was held over Zoom on October 18, 2021 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. The Chamber wanted to start the new Forum season by addressing some of the community’s most concerning issues. We invited Congressman Cliff Bentz, a third generation Oregonian, to be our first keynote speaker for the kick-off. He provided an update on what is happening in Washington, D.C., discussed his work on the Natural Resources Water Subcommittee, and also his efforts to address forestry issues. Congressman Bentz also shared details about his own history and life in Oregon. He discussed why he wanted to run for office, and how his past experiences helped shape that decision. Additionally, the congressman explained how he envisions the future for Medford and the local business community. After an intense couple of years — which have included economic distress from the pandemic, drought, irrigation problems and wildfires — Oregonians are looking to our leaders to step up and act. They want plans to be made, and then properly executed to help build a stronger and more secure Oregon. We thank you all for attending the October Forum, and seize the opportunity to learn more about how what’s happening on the national level is impacting our state. The Chamber Forum series will last ten months, from October 2021 to July 2022. Our season sponsor is the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and the October event was hosted by Rogue Credit Union. I look forward to the next event with our monthly sponsor Avista Utilities. See you all very soon!

Irmes Dagba-Craven Editor in Chief/Vice President of Communications & Programs The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County

The Business Review | October 2021

October 2021 | The Business Review

OREGON UPDATES

Jackson County Declares State of Emergency in Response to Illegal Marijuana Grows Medford, OR. | Oct 13, 2021 Jamie Parfitt T he Jackson County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for the proliferation of unlicensed marijuana operations throughout the county, calling for state and federal help in cracking down on the grows.

The declaration has been weeks in the making, and county officials scheduled a press conference for 11 a.m. Wednesday morning to cover the specifics of “requests for immediate assistance to the Oregon Governor, House of Representatives, and Senate.” Commissioner Dyer, Sheriff Nathan Sickler, and County Watermaster Shavon Haynes were on hand. With the state of emergency, Jackson County is specifically asking the state for funding that can be used to field more personnel: code enforcement officers, hearing officers, water resources staff, detectives, patrol deputies, law enforcement support staff, and the assignment of additional state water officials. Like a number of neighboring counties, Jackson County has seen more and more unlicensed grows connected to a considerable black market for marijuana, with the majority of the product believed to be bound for other states in the US where marijuana has not been recreationally legalized. Jackson County law enforcement raided a pair of large grows at the beginning of September, but the grows dismantled thus far are just the tip of the iceberg. Officials have said that many of the illegal grows attempt to pass themselves off as legal hemp farms, though the numbers are uncertain. Sheriff Sickler estimated that there are roughly 1,000 marijuana and hemp grows in Jackson County, between the legal and illegal operations. In an overview during Wednesday’s press conference, Commissioner Dyer said that Jackson County’s ability to enforce laws covering marijuana have been overwhelmed, with officials noting a 59% increase in calls for service related to marijuana, particularly the black market trade. The County’s code enforcement division in particular has been swamped. In the days before the marijuana boom, the time required to investigate complaints was about three weeks. Now the process takes closer to four months.

In a brief vote Wednesday morning, the commissioners approved Order No. 186-21, “Declaring a Local State of Emergency Within Jackson County Relating to Unlawful Cannabis Activities and Other Matters Related Thereto.”

The Business Review | October 2021

in June was heralded as a big step in helping local law enforcement crack down. Sheriff Sickler said that HB 3000 did law enforcement a favor by requiring state licensure to grow either marijuana or hemp. Unlicensed “hemp” growers were not previously violating the law, making it incredibly difficult to determine if they were growing hemp or marijuana. Soon after, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission started a campaign to test hemp plants in southern Oregon for THC content, with the intention of sussing out which hemp farms are legitimate. According to the OLCC’s report, more than half of the tested hemp grows visited in September proved to have marijuana on-site, with 5% THC or more. In all, staff from the OLCC and Oregon Department of Agriculture visited 316 registered hemp grow sites in Jackson and Josephine County during the month of September. Of those grows, 114 were positive for high THC content, 98 were negative, and 104 produced no test results because the operators either denied entry, were not at the site, or had previously harvested the plants. Dyer estimated that while there were upwards of 300 licensed grows within the purview of the OLCC investigation, there are just as many “off the grid” with no licensing whatsoever. n

More personnel is needed to cope with the illegal marijauna grows, such as this seizure earlier in the year.

More than half of Jackson County’s citations for code violations are currently marijuana-related. Dyer said that the illegal grows bring a host of problems — environmental damage, fire hazards, “narco-slavery” or forced labor, and water theft. Like code violations, water- related complaints have spiked dramatically in recent years, ballooning 700% during a period of widespread and worsening drought. State aid in combating illegal grows has started to ramp up in recent months. The passage of House Bill 3000

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October 2021 | The Business Review

OREGON UPDATES

City of Medford, Lithia Reach Sports Park Naming-Rights Agreement Medford, OR | September 28, 2021 | Press Release T he City of Medford and Lithia &

Driveway have crafted a five-year partnership

for naming-rights opportunities for the 15-field, 132-acre sports park currently known as U.S. Cellular Community Park. Subject to City Council approval, the $725,000 agreement with the Medford-based automotive retailer would result in the park name changing to “Lithia & Driveway Fields” on January 1, 2022. If approved, the City will receive $95,000 annually to accelerate ongoing turf replacement efforts, and $50,000 of in-kind support each year from Lithia’s advertising and marketing resources to improve signage and to enhance the park’s identity as a regional sports destination. “This is an exciting opportunity to partner with a great community leader in Lithia & Driveway brands,” City Manager Brian Sjothun said. “The partnership will help the City further promote recreational and competitive sports offered for the area and to those who travel to Medford for tournaments and events.” The City and Lithia will develop a new park logo, and Lithia is responsible for updating the existing large park signs along Interstate 5, South Pacific Highway, and Lowry Lane. “We’re thrilled to play a key role in promoting local and regional sports in the Rogue Valley, Bryan DeBoer, Lithia & Driveway’s President and CEO said. “The valley is our home base, and this special sponsorship of the sports fields embodies our Lithia 4Kids efforts to provide opportunities for young people in the communities we serve.” Originally called the Medford Sports and Community Park, U.S. Cellular paid $650,000 in 2007 for park naming rights prior to the construction of 14 synthetic-turf sports fields. The five-field softball/baseball complex opened in 2008, the six-field multi-sport complex opened in 2009, and the final construction phase was completed in 2014. U.S. Cellular held naming rights through May 2021. “It’s been an honor working with the City of Medford on the naming rights sponsorship over the years, and

U.S. Cellular Community Park will soon change its name to Lithia & Driveway Fields.

we wish the City and the Park continued success in the future,” U.S. Cellular northwest region vice president Anthony Carlson said. Since May 2008, over 550 tournaments and 55,000 games have been played at the sports park featuring 18,000 teams, generating in excess of $125 million in estimated economic impact, and establishing Medford as a West Coast hub for soccer, baseball and softball. “In addition to honoring our local roots, this partnership with the city also ensures the park will continue to make a positive economic impact for local businesses by bringing a diverse group of users into the area where they can enjoy sports activities, as well as the educational benefits of the Coyote Trails School of Nature,” DeBoer said. The partnership is the latest collaboration between Lithia and the City. The entities partnered on the development of Pear Blossom and Liberty parks as part of The Commons downtown Medford mixed-use urban renewal project, and Lithia has been the title sponsor of the annual downtown Winter Lights Festival since its inception in 2014. Founded in 1946, Lithia & Driveway is a Fortune 500 company operating 280 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. In 2020, the nation’s second-largest auto retailer launched Driveway.com, an e-commerce platform for buying, selling, trading and financing cars. n

The Business Review | October 2021

OREGON UPDATES

City of Medford Names Justin Ivens as New Police Chief Medford, OR | October 13, 2021 | Press Release

After 14 years of service as a Detective, Ivens was promoted to Sergeant then Lieutenant and most recently to Deputy Chief. Throughout his time with MPD, Ivens has played an active role in the training and mentoring of future leaders within the department. “I am honored to have been chosen as the next Chief of Police for the Medford Police Department,” Ivens said. “I am committed to working collaboratively with the City’s management team, fellow members of MPD, and the entire Medford community to build upon established successes and identify innovative strategies to strengthen the department and our officers.” Ivens will be sworn in as Police Chief at the December 2nd City Council meeting. n

New Medford Police Chief Justin Ivens

C ity Manager Brian Sjothun has named Justin Ivens as the next Police Chief of the Medford Police Department (MPD) following the retirement of Chief Scott Clauson. Ivens has served as one of MPD’s Deputy Chiefs since 2019 and has been with the department for over 26 years. Two internal candidates were interviewed by City Department Directors, the City Manager and his two Deputy City Managers. “I am confident that Chief Ivens is the right leader for Medford,” said Sjothun. “Ivens has developed lasting relationships in our community and holds vast institutional knowledge of the department which will be valuable for its continued success.” Ivens has more than 26 years of law enforcement experience with MPD where he rose through the ranks, starting as a community service officer in 1995. He was promoted to Patrol Officer and then advanced to Major Crimes Detective where he was instrumental in helping form the Oregon Homicide Investigators Association (OHIA).

October 2021 | The Business Review

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October 2021 | The Business Review

CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY

Chamber Honors Community Pillars and Businesses at 102nd Annual Excellence in Business Awards Medford, OR | October 19, 2021 | Press Release

T he Chamber of Medford & Jackson County is 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Rogue Valley Country Club. The event is recognizing the talents and achievements of prominent companies and outstanding individuals, who have not only progressed in business, but have also succeeded in setting a great example of community involvement and advocacy. hosting its annual Excellence in Business Awards (EIB) dinner on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from “We are expecting to have 350 of the most prominent business professionals and elected officials in Jackson County in attendance,” said Eli Matthews, President & CEO of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Winners of each category, including first citizen award will be announced and a special recognition will be attributed to our first responders and medical providers. A special recognition will be attributed to the outstanding contributions of law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical first responders. To make this year’s event a success, we are, once again, asking for the support of independent, and private sponsors in our community. Sponsoring this event will give your business the opportunity to increase exposure and show your engagement within the community, create customer/ community loyalty and build/strengthen relationships with an unlimited number of new clients and customers. We are committed to making your sponsor investment worth a sponsor’s time and money. Review our sponsorship opportunities here. n

About The Chamber of Medford The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County is the voice of business. The Chamber aggressively represents over 1,300 small and large businesses from every industry in Southern Oregon that collectively work together to achieve a stronger local economy by promoting the community, providing networking opportunities and representing business issues through lobbying and political action. The Medford Chamber works with all branches of government to promote and secure the future of its community.

The Business Review | October 2021

October 2021 | The Business Review

REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES

Merkley, Wyden Announce $10M for Oregon State University Hemp Research The award will fund research on sustainable production of hemp—a cash crop in Oregon WASHINGTON, D.C. | October 8, 2021 | Press Release O regon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and

Ron Wyden today announced that Oregon State University (OSU) will receive a $10 million federal grant for research on sustainable hemp production. The grant is part of more than $146 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in research aimed at addressing agriculture- related issues, including climate change impacts. “Hemp is already becoming a cash crop in Oregon, and

Actor Jim Belushi (right) discusses hemp with U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (left) Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn. (KATU Photo)

growth crop and am committed to continuing the work needed to get federal regulators to treat hemp fairly.” “The Global Hemp Innovation Center with its many partners is fortunate to receive this grant that will allow us to work closely with farmers, businesses, manufacturers, and rural community and American Indian tribal leaders to determine what kinds of hemp

its many different uses—from hemp hearts on a salad to fiber for a T-shirt to therapeutic CBD oil—create a lot of potential for farmers across the state,” said Merkley, who has used his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure millions of dollars for hemp research at OSU’s Global Hemp Innovation Center and other institutions.

“As I continue to push USDA to develop a fair and reasonable regulatory framework for the hemp industry, additional research is vital to inform both growers and regulators. I’m pleased that this award will support OSU’s trailblazing hemp research.”

should be grown and where processing facilities located to help expand opportunities for the hemp industry in Oregon and the rest of the West,” said Jeffrey Steiner, Associate Director Global Hemp Innovation Center at Oregon State University. “This

project builds on research that was begun two years ago with the support of Senators Merkley and Wyden to help establish the center’s efforts. Working together, we will be able to build a sound scientific and business foundation for producing healthful food and personal care products, high- performance textiles, and biobased materials.”

“These federal resources earned by Oregon State are a well- deserved investment in the university’s world-renowned hemp research that also supports farmers in Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “I’m both gratified that USDA has recognized OSU’s groundbreaking research in this

The Business Review | October 2021

Merkley and Wyden helped create a pilot program to legalize U.S. hemp production in the 2014 farm bill. Then, in the 2018 farm bill, they secured bipartisan support to successfully include the Hemp Farming Act of 2018— officially recognizing hemp as an agricultural product in

have faced consecutive years of severe drought, driven by climate change With this grant, researchers will “determine the feasibility of establishing sustainable supply chains for biobased manufacturing to help hemp reach its potential in the

the United States. Since then, hemp has quickly become one of Oregon’s leading cash crops, and many feel it has the potential to bring in more than $1 billion in sales to Oregon in the coming years. Merkley and Wyden have been pushing the USDA to develop a fair and reasonable regulatory framework that would allow hemp farmers in Oregon and across the country to compete in the global hemp industry.

rural western U.S. economic landscape,” their proposal explains. “The outcome from this project will be to provide farmers, financial decision-makers, rural and tribe business developers, policy makers, federal and state service agency providers, and regulators the science-based information they need to make decisions when evaluating the technical, economic, environmental, and social

“I’m both gratified that USDA has recognized OSU’s groundbreaking research in this growth crop and am committed to continuing the work needed to get federal regulators to treat hemp fairly.” – Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator

dynamics of incorporating hemp-based industries into the four-state regional economy across Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California.” The $10 million grant funds this research over five years. n

Hemp is unique in that it can be used as a base material to create many different products, and it is not water- intensive—particularly important for Oregon farmers who

October 2021 | The Business Review

REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES

Oregon Delegation Requests Answers on Reported Mistreatment of Oregon National Guard Servicemembers

Washington, D.C. | October 13, 2021 | Press Release U .S. Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04), along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) today requested answers on alleged mistreatment of Oregon National Guard (ORNG) servicemembers deployed to assist with the state’s COVID response. In a letter to Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Major General Michael E. Stencel, the lawmakers called attention to reports they’ve received from ORNG members regarding mismanagement, lack of organization, delay of benefits and pay, and failure to pay ORNG members what they are owed. These reports

indicate a potentially disturbing pattern of mistreatment during this recent ORNG deployment. “ORNG Members are fellow Oregonians who give their time and sacrifice to serve our communities in times of need. Many ORNG Members have full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities that they willingly pause in order to serve their fellow Oregonians,” the lawmakers wrote. “ORNG Members’ heroic efforts are bolstering hospitals and helping our communities and loved ones during a deadly pandemic. ORNG members deserve effective and efficient leadership, support, and management, and they deserve to receive the full pay and benefits they have earned.” They requested a detailed response from the state on how it will address the issues and called on leaders to immediately rectify the reported accounts. You can read the full letter here. n

The Business Review | October 2021

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October 2021 | The Business Review

PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY

Discover Award-Winning Food Along the Rogue Valley Food Trail

Healthy Living from Jacksonville to the Applegate Valley Begin your journey on the first food trail: Jacksonville to Applegate Valley. Start the day off right with a crafted cup of locally roasted coffee from Goodbean Coffee. Then, a fresh, nutritious, farm-to-table prepared meal awaits at Jefferson Farm Kitchen. Simply place your order and pick up a ready-to-eat meal featuring the best of Southern Oregon’s bounty to take with you. After delicious your breakfast, pick up some organic goods at Rogue Artisan Foods self-serve farm stand, and learn from farmers how small farms operate. From there, Whistling Duck Farm offers fresh produce and fermented veggies for you to enjoy. Then, head to Oshala Farm for a tour of more than 75 varieties of certified organic medical and culinary herbs.

You want holistic, delicious food, and you want to support local businesses, but you don’t know where to start? Look no further than the Rogue Valley Food Trail. Farmers are imperative to the agricultural legacy of Southern Oregon. National Farmer’s Day was on October 12th, providing much-deserved praise to the hard- working farmers across the nation. What better way to celebrate and support local farmers than to discover and indulge in the wonders of their work? Established in 2019, the Rogue Valley Food Trail was created for you to discover the diverse farms, artisans, and restaurants in Southern Oregon. This self-guided tour features growers and crafters committed to sustainable practices and supporting the agricultural legacy of the region. With several options and themed routes, you are bound to discover your new favorite place or places around the valley.

The Business Review | October 2021

The owners, Jeff and Elise, love to personally take small groups on free guided tours through the farm to talk about the ins and outs of herb farming. Depending on what time of year you visit, you’ll see the nursery, fields in flower, and / or harvesting. Pair the goodies you’ve picked up along the trail with house- made charcuterie and cheese at Wooldridge Creek Vineyard and Creamery. Plan for a beautiful lunch with a picnic on the grass, sipping the newest vintage, and taking in stunning views of the verdant valley. After lunch, take a breather by exploring the many shops, or nearby hiking trails along the Jacksonville Woodlands. Parched? Head across the street to the beautiful Troon Vineyard to enjoy a sampling of biodynamic wines, crafted just for you. Dedicated to regenerative agriculture, this winery hosts some of the oldest vines in the Rogue Valley and is sure to please your palate. What a day! As you make your way toward Grants Pass, pop into Pennington Farms to sample hand- crafted jams and pick up some of their fresh, artisan baked goods. End your day with an award-winning selection of deserts at Super Natural Chocolate Co. Choose from a variety of raw confections or hot (and cold) chocolate drinks, and feel your taste buds thanking you for a wonderful day supporting local farmers, and trying delectable foods. Family Farms – Medford To Grants Pass Is there a better way to start the day than with a fresh biscuit the size of your face? Buttercloud Bakery & Café is a local Medford favorite where the scratch baked goods are seemingly endless. Then it’s off to Fry Family Farm. At the farm store, you can find a wide variety of organic produce, potted plants, fresh cut flowers and gifts for the folks back home.

continued on page 20

October 2021 | The Business Review

continued from page 19

Next, get on the highway and enjoy the scenic drive to Grants Pass. First stop, Wild River & Brewing Company. Complete with a collection of famous pizzas and handcrafted brews, you are sure to enjoy a delectable lunch. On Saturdays, the Grants Pass Growers Market is a hub for the region’s fruit, vegetables, pastries and farm products. Take your time strolling through the aisles, chatting with the local producers, and pick up a goody or two. Next, you’re in for a real treat at Fort Vannoy Farms, a 500- acre, third generation working farm. Though this family favorite is known for its fall harvest festival, corn maze and pumpkin patch, it truly is a year-round hit. End your day at Daily Blessings Farm. Specializing in produce, poultry and fresh flowers, you are sure to find something you fancy at this lovely farm. Not only will you leave with your grocery baskets full, but you will also find that their educational programming is what makes a trip to this farm special for the whole family. From composting with worms to learning about essential oils for kids, this will be an evening well spent. Harry & David, vendor for heart of the rogue, HOTR, vendors, participating vendors Famous Food – Central Point To Ashland This trip starts at Oregon’s best little rest stop – the Central Point Artisan Corridor. First stop: Rogue Creamery where Rogue River Blue holds the title of “World’s Best Cheese”. Next door, Lillie Belle’s array of chocolatey treats are guaranteed to satisfy any taste buds. Taste for yourself why they’ve been chosen as one of “America’s Top 10 Chocolatiers” by Dessert Professional magazine for 2009. Also, next door lies Ledger David Cellars, where you can pair your chocolate and cheese with some fine wine. The seasonal Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market in Medford offers local organic produce, unique crafts and artisan foods. From there, stop in for lunch and a tasting at Immortal Spirits and Distilling Company. This local distillery has been making handcrafted spirits from scratch for more than 10 years. Down the street is Harry & David, one of Southern Oregon’s most popular purveyors of gourmet foods. Grab a treat, a local favorite is Moose Munch, and then check out Dunbar Farms, a 110-year-old family owned farm specializing in organic produce and stone-milled flours. There you’ll also find the farm and farm stand, vineyard and tasting room. Make your way south toward Ashland with a stop at EdenVale Winery, situated on one of the oldest orchards in the Rogue Valley. The Oregon Cheese Cave is just down the road, carrying a selection from all over the world, with an Oregon focus.

Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden offers lodging, complete with in-room soaking tubs that run water from natural hot springs. If you’re just passing through, the Wine Garden offers an intimate and fun wine tasting experience. For dinner, Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, located in the landmark Ashland Springs Hotel, serves up seasonal fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. A quick jaunt east takes you to Willow-Witt Ranch. This 445-acre working ranch makes for the perfect end to a day of exploration with accommodations nestled in a valley within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. For a true farm stay, overnight guests have the option to participate in daily farm activities from egg-gathering, milking and goat herding to working in the vegetable garden. Agriculture is a true staple of importance on the Rogue Valley. Visit and celebrate the growers and crafters during the harvest season, and discover the two other Rogue Valley Food Trails on our blog! You can also find a physical copy of the Rogue Valley Food Trail at Travel Medford’s Visitor Information Center, or download a brochure here. n

The Business Review | October 2021

October 2021 | The Business Review

PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY

Honoring Our Greeters of the Month

September 2020 Catherine Greenspan New York Life “I moved to The Rogue Valley in 2019 and my membership with The Chamber jump-started my deep connections with local businesses and the community at large.”

October 2020 Tom Parker LifeVantage

August 2020 Tom Ewing US Cellular

February 2020 Genie Gilliam Siskiyou Vital

March 2020 Paul Ferris Blue Phoenix Branding

“The Chamber has provided us with connections and exposure to people, and businesses, with a desire to take charge of their future.”

“The Chamber has been invaluable in providing us visibility and resources to run our business.”

“I have made many connections with people and businesses in our community. We have been able to meet needs and solve problems for them, and they for us!”

“The Chamber has provided us with amazing network opportunities.”

The Business Review | October 2021

October 2021 | The Business Review

The Business Review | October 2021

October 2021 | The Business Review

PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY

Oregon Wine Experience 2021 Raises More Than $1.6 Million All proceeds benefit the new Asante Children’s Hospital Medford, OR | October 14, 2021 | Press Release T he 2021 Oregon Wine Experience ® hosted its virtual

event series and it was a resounding success. The virtual Founders’ Barrel Auction, Miracle Auction and Silent Auction generated more than $1.6 million. All proceeds will benefit children’s health care, including a new children’s hospital-within- a-hospital, as well as other programs at Asante. The virtual auctions took place September 27, 2021, through October 3, 2021.

Floyd Harmon, Executive Director of Asante Foundation

The Oregon Wine Experience® is a multi-day wine and culinary event, where 100% of money raised stays local and benefits Children’s Miracle Network and other healthcare programs supported by the Asante Foundation. This year’s Miracle Kid, Elio, is twelve years old and battling a second round of Ewing’s sarcoma at Asante. Elio and his family

“The support of Oregon Wine Experience is particularly important as we raise the funds to build a new children’s hospital and other initiatives in the AsanteForward campaign,” said Floyd Harmon, Executive Director of Asante Foundation. “The substantial participation by our sponsors and donors not only gives hope, but it also makes life saving health care a reality

are grateful he can receive care just 15 minutes from home, so he can return home and spend time with his little brother Enzo. Contributions from the Oregon Wine Experience® help fund the new women’s and children’s hospital within the new Pavilion

and we’re thrilled with the support and outcome of the 2021 Oregon Wine Experience.” Proceeds were raised from our generous sponsors and partners, the virtual Miracle/ Silent Auction and the virtual Founders’ Barrel Auction.

at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. The Pavilion will feature a state-of-the-art Pediatric Infusion Center for kids like Elio, facing cancer and other serious illnesses. “I’m so grateful that we live in southern Oregon and have a community that sees children are important and deserve to have a facility that caters to them and their families.” Vanessa, Elio’s mother. For more details, please visit theoregonwineexperience. com or call (541) 789-5025. n

“We are so thankful for the continued generosity and support of our sponsors and donors” said Andrea Reeder, Asante Foundation Director of Campaign and Operations. “Despite moving this year’s events to the digital sphere again, our friends and partners rallied and helped us raise over $1.6 million towards the new children’s hospital. It’s wonderful to be a part of such a strong and supportive community.”

The Business Review | October 2021

ROGUE VALLEY WINE COUNTRY BUCKET LIST

O Upper Rogue Wine Trail O Southern Rogue Wineries O Bear Creek Wine Trail O Applegate Valley Wine Trail O Jacksonville Wineries O Rogue Grape Wine Bar O Britt Festival O Vineyard Picnics O Lavender Fields O Flower U-Picks O Harvest Festivals O Oregon Wine Experience O Live Music at Wineries O Cellar Tours O Winemaker Dinners

“Wine Country the way it should be” - Sunset Magazine

TRAVELMEDFORD.ORG

ROGUEVALLEYWINECOUNTRY.COM

October 2021 | The Business Review

The Business Review | October 2021

MEMBER NEWS

Discussing Natural Resources & Forestry Issues at the Virtual Forum with Congressman Cliff Bentz Sponsored by: Rogue Credit Union, October Forum A third generation Oregonian raised with five brothers and sisters on his family’s cattle ranches in Harney County, Congressman Cliff Bentz is no stranger to hard work. At the October Forum, he updated attendees on what is happening in Washington, D.C., and the focus of his

‘cancel culture’. I serve on the one about competition, and we’re putting together proposals on what to do about the overreach of big tech companies,” Bentz explained.

work on the Natural Resources Water Subcommittee. Aside from his time in Congress, Bentz has served in the political spaces in Eastern Oregon for quite a while; however, his yen for this type of work started at a young age. “When I was 14 or 15, I decided to be a lawyer and learn water law, and then return and protect water rights. And that’s exactly what I did,” he said. After high school, he attended and graduated cum laude from Eastern Oregon State College. He then attended and graduated with a juris doctorate from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland. Bentz joined the Yturri, O’Kief, Rose and Burnham law firm in Ontario in 1977, and he became a partner four years later. As an attorney, he specialized in ranch reorganizations and water law. A commitment to public service and community runs deep in Bentz’s family, who have been involved in politics in different ways for generations. “We grew up knowing we needed to be involved in our community,” he added. In January 2021, Bentz was appointed to the Natural Resources and Judiciary committees, in addition to a few others. “We still have a lot of work to do to make our country better, but it’s a great foundation to build upon,” Bentz said. He explained there are many complex issues happening in Washington D.C. right now, including what to do about widespread drought problems. According to Bentz, they are looking at legislation, different forms of conservation, and ways to make more water available. Another issue which has been of interest in Washington D.C. is big tech. “After initial hearings regarding big tech, I was asked to participate in a group of 15 Republicans to put together proposals surrounding these issues. One is about privacy, the second is regarding competition, and the last focuses on

Congressman Cliff Bentz addresses the virtual Forum on October 18.

The Forum then opened up to a Q&A session from the attendees. The first question was about how people in Southern Oregon could help the congressman. He noted one concern he hears again and again is that people feel like they’re not being heard. He encouraged that if anyone has an issue on their mind, to call his office. “I am fighting for each of you. If you have an issue, call our office and let us know. It’s essential people believe in their government. Call us and we’ll listen,” he said. Next, someone asked what steps Congress should take to prevent the spread of wildfires in the west. “When you go into the forest now, you go into court. When new labels are put on a forestry issue, it delays cleaning up and reducing the brush that’s accumulated, and puts communities at risk,” said Bentz. “The best thing Congress can do is find some way to reduce the amount of litigation so we can get in and do what we need to do.” The following question focused on marijuana, asking if he knew what percentage of cannabis farms were illegal. The congressman said nobody knew for certain how many were illegal, but after his discussions with law enforcement, the belief is that it’s a high percentage. As the Forum drew to a close, Bentz emphasized how he and other members of Congress have the people’s best interests at heart. “We are all doing our best to help and serve our communities,” he said. n

October 2021 | The Business Review

sales@infoStructure.biz www.infoStructure.biz 541-773-5000

The Business Review | October 2021

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

RENEWING MEMBERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Addictions Recovery Center Member since 1987 541-779-1282 Advanced Air & Metal, Inc. Member since 2013 541-772-6866 Airport Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Member since 1990 541-770-1300 Apex Business Forms, Inc. Member since 1983 541-830-5128 Boise Cascade Member since 1965 541-776-6666 Dogs for Better Lives Member since 1989 541-826-9220 Southern Oregon Goodwill Industries Member since 1975 541-772-3300 Rogue Workforce Partnership Member since 1985 541-842-2500 Personnel Source, Inc. Member since 1992 541-776-7466 Project A Member since 2020 541-488-1702 Providence Medford Medical Center Member since 1997 541-732-5000 Red Robin Restaurant Member since 1999 541-772-7777 Rogue Valley Transportation District Member since 1981 541-779-5821 S & S Sheetmetal, Inc. Member since 1991

Southern Oregon Audio Visual Member since 1995 541-479-8020 WaFd Bank Member since 2019 541-858-2989 Staples Member since 2018 541-774-9919 CSA Planning, Ltd. Member since 1985 541-779-0569 Grieve’s Guide Service, Inc. Member since 2000 541-878-2004 Sacred Heart Catholic School Member since 2013 541-772-4105 Grange Co-op Member since 2001 541-664-1261 Rory Wold - State Farm Insurance Member since 2011 541-773-1404 First Community Credit Union Member since 2001 541-282-7700 ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum Member since 2002 541-482-6767 Kids Unlimited Member since 2002 541-774-3900 Shannon Harris - State Farm Insurance Member since 2004 541-779-3545 Callahan’s Mountain Lodge Member since 2004 541-482-1299 Wild River Medford, LLC Member since 2006 541-773-7487 Clearwater Oasis, LLC/ Cabana Boys Member since 2006 541-772-2436 Rogue Shred Member since 2006 541-779-4161

Van Row Mechanical, Inc. Member since 2013 541-890-2362 Crater Rock Museum Member since 2008 541-664-6081 Friends of the Medford Library, Inc. Member since 2008 541-779-3246 Retail Profit Systems Member since 2010 541-665-4855 Ashley Homestore Member since 2008 541-858-5501 Hearts With A Mission Member since 2008 541-646-7385 Dash Delivery, Inc. Member since 2009 541-665-3274 D.A. Davidson & Co. Member since 2009 541-608-4360 Finish Line Real Estate LLC - Vicki Macormic Member since 2009 541-773-3113 Maslow Project Member since 2010 541-608-6868 Quantum Innovations, Inc. Member since 2010 541-608-7772 Rubenstein’s Contract Carpet, LLC Member since 2010 541-550-6522 Global Pacific Environmental, Inc. Member since 2013 541-292-3796 Vista Building Services, Inc. Member since 2010 541-773-8228 loanDepot Member since 2011 541-941-0101 Coquille Indian Tribe Member since 2012 541-756-0662 Belle Fiore Winery Member since 2013 541-552-4900

Oregon Pacific Bank Trust Services Member since 2013 541-770-7455 Cottage Quilts Member since 2013 541-500-8071 Delta Waters Mini Storage Member since 2013 541-772-1100 Viking Concrete Cutting, Inc. Member since 2013 541-773-2420 Quail Ridge Retirement Community Member since 2013 541-857-7887 Gazelle Investments Member since 2013 541-601-5437 Royal Loto Apartments Member since 2013 541-826-6930 Donald E. Lewis Retirement Center Member since 2013 541-488-6412 Central Point Retirement Community Member since 2013 541-664-0345 Tribal One Member since 2013 541-756-0662 Glenridge Terrace Apartments Member since 2013 541-779-8393 Ellie George - Home Quest Realty Member since 2019 541-601-9582 Crater Lake Charter Academy, Inc. Member since 2014 541-879-3620 The Urban Cork Member since 2016 541-779-1788 Retirement Community Management, LLC Member since 2016 541-842-2409 SOVB/Vietnam Wall Member since 2016 541-500-1274

541-826-6661 SOS Alarm Member since 1985 541-773-3900 Mt. Ashland Member since 1992 541-482-2897 David C. Smith, CFP Member since 1991 541-779-5633

October 2021 | The Business Review

SportClips - Rogue Palm LLC Member since 2016 541-245-2981 Bonaventure of Medford Member since 2017 541-237-7501 Upper Rogue Wine Trail Member since 2017 Barclay Square Condominiums LLC Member since 2017 541-482-0326 Linde Electronic Gases and Specialty Products Member since 2017 541-830-5300 Wager’s Guide Service Member since 2018 541-941-8098 Holiday Inn Express & Suites- Medford Member since 2019 541-494-1818 The Caputo Group Member since 2019 503-493-3647 Central Pipeline, Inc. Member since 2020 541-210-2354 Sanctuary One Member since 2020 541-821-5331

NEW MEMBERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

In & Out Gardens, Inc. 541-973-2244 npk-industries.com/ Lakeland Senior Living 541-830-0355 compass-living.com/ Quick Fix Jewelry Repair 541-690-1388 Affordable Dentures and Implants (541) 622-0584 affordabledentures.com/

Nick Alexander Films 541-621-2326 nickalexanderfilms.com/ Catalyst Seafood 541-661-3709 catalystseafood.com/ A Q Custom Cabinetry and Woodwork 541-218-4307 aqcustomcabinetry.com/

The Business Review | October 2021

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Alphabetical Listing

Wenspok Resources LLC 1010 Biddle Road Medford, OR 97504

A-1 Appliance Repair Medford, OR 97504 541-770-2504 medfordappliance.com APPLIANCE, ELECTRONICS & FURNITURE ACCESS 3630 Aviation Wy. Medford, OR 97504 541-779-6691 accesshelps.org NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Access Information Management

Adroit Construction Company, Inc. 185 Mistletoe Ashland, OR 97520 541-482-4098 adroitbuilt.com CONTRACTORS - GENERAL Advanced Air & Metal, Inc. 695 E Vilas Rd. Ste.# 101 Central Point, OR 97502 541-772-6866 advancedairandmetal.com Advantage Plumbing LLC 4780 Fern Valley Road Medford, OR 97504 541-621-9232 PLUMBING & DRAIN SERVICES Aeropostale 1600 N. Riverside #1037 Medford, OR 97501 541-776-9829 aeropostale.com RETAIL Affordable Dentures and Implants 920 Biddle Rd Medford, OR 97504 541-622-0403 affordabledentures.com DENTAL Airport Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac 3001 Biddle Rd. Medford, OR 97504 541-770-1300 airportchevy.com AUTO -TRUCK DEALERS Airport Mini Storage 3030 Bullock Rd. Medford, OR 97504 541-773-3030 southernoregonstorage.com STORAGE Alan Galedrige Electric 4333 Grant Road Central Point, OR 97502 541-292-3499 ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS Alaska Airlines 1000 Terminal Loop Pkwy STE 102 Medford, OR 97504 800-547-9308 horizonair.com AIRLINES - COMMERCIAL All American Ice Cream 1600 N. Riverside #2076 Medford, OR 97501 541-779-1238 allamericanrestaurants.com ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT All Phase Weatherization & Construction, LLC PO Box 966 Eagle Point, OR 97524 541-826-9600

AllCare Health 1701 N.E. 7th St. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-471-4106 allcarehealth.com HEALTH PLANS & INSURANCE Allegiant Air

541-779-3264 wenspok.com RESTAURANTS 101.9 LITE FM

1438 Rossanley Dr. Medford, OR 97501 541-779-1550 litefm1019.com RADIO STATIONS 105.1 The Wolf 1438 Rossanley Dr. Medford, OR 97501 541-779-1550

8360 S. Durango Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89113 702-505-8888 allegiantair.com AIRLINES - COMMERCIAL Allied Health Services Medford 777 Murphy Rd. Medford, OR 97504 541-772-2763 medfordctc.com HEALTH CARE CLINICS Allstate Insurance - James Nolan 1046 Court St Medford, OR 97501 541-773-4530 agents.allstate.com/james-nolan-

1101 Fisher Ave. Unit B Medford, OR 97504 541-776-5353 InformationProtected.com RECORD STORAGE ACME Suites 132 W Main St , Suite 202 Medford, OR 97501 541-776-2263 acmesuites.com CORPORATE & EXTENDED STAY HOUSING Ad Venture Productions, LLC DBA Talk of The Town ADVERTISING - DIRECTORIES/GUIDES Addictions Recovery Center 1003 E. Main St., Suite 104 Medford, OR 97504 541-779-1282 addictionsrecovery.org HEALTH CARE CLINICS AddLife 205 North Phoenix Road, Suite D-1 Phoenix, OR 97535 541-897-4442 addlife.com PLANTS - INTERIOR MAINTENANCE 240 Oakway Center Eugene, OR 97401 541-335-1912 TheTalkOfTheTown.net 541-821-8767 adgorilla.com ADVERTISING - TELEVISION Admire Aesthetics 1910 E. Barnett Rd. Ste. 101 Medford, OR 97504 541-210-8806 admireaesthetics.com COSMETIC SURGERY Adorn Waxing + Skincare Studio 675 Medford Center Medford, OR 97504 541-414-4130 adornwaxandskin.com SKIN CARE Adrien King Photography 735 Alder St. Medford, OR 97501 618-816-2146 kadrien.com PHOTOGRAPHY - COMMERCIAL AdGorilla, LLC 475 Scenic Drive Ashland, OR 97520

thewolf1051.com RADIO STATIONS 2Hawk Vineyard & Winery 2335 N. Phoenix Rd. Medford, OR 97504 541-779-WINE (9463) 2hawk.wine WINERIES 4 Daughters Irish Pub 126 W Main St. Medford, OR 97501 541-779-4455 4daughtersirishpub.com RESTAURANTS 5:00 Marketing 228 E. Main Street, Ste. E Medford, OR 97501 541-816-4605 getfivenow.com ADVERTISING AGENCIES 880 KCMX NEWS RADIO

medford-or.html INSURANCE - ALL All-Ways Trucking, Inc.

3639 Aviation Way Medford, OR 97504

541-608-6514 allways.com TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Allwell Acupressure Massage 1600 N. Riverside Medford, OR 97501 626-757-5294 roguevalleymall.com/stores/all- well-acupressure-massage/?loca-

1438 Rossanley Drive Medford, OR 97501 541-779-1550 kcmxam.com RADIO STATIONS 93.7 NOW FM 1438 Rossanley Dr Medford, OR 97501 937nowfm.com RADIO STATIONS 95.7 KBOY 1438 Rossanley Dr. Medford, OR 97501

tion=s2111 MASSAGE Alpacas at Lone Ranch 13856 Weowna Wy. White City, OR 97503 541-821-8071 alpacasontheweb.com ALPACA RANCH Alpha Heating & Air

907 Lawnsdale Rd. Medford, OR 97504 541-770-2723 alphaheatingandair.com HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING American Eagle Outfitters 1600 N. Riverside #1039 Medford, OR 97501 541-245-3330 ae.com RETAIL - CLOTHES - MENS & WOMENS American Industrial Door 5022 Table Rock Rd. Central Point, OR 97502 541-664-5555 americandoorllc.com GARAGE/OVERHEAD DOORS

541-779-1550 957kboy.com RADIO STATIONS A Q Custom Cabinetry and Woodwork 201 Bateman Unit 19 Central Point, OR 97502 541-218-4307 aqcustomcabinetry.com WOODWORKING - CUSTOM A Taste of Honey Limousine Service

1236 Disk Dr., Ste. H Medford, OR 97501 541-779-5123 tasteofhoneylimo.com LIMOUSINE SERVICE

allphasewx.com WEATHERIZATION

October 2021 | The Business Review

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