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.
BUSINESS REVIEW THE CHAMBER OF MEDFORD & JACKSON COUNTY JANUARY 2024
CONTENTS January 2024 | VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 1
LEADERSHIP MATTERS 4 A Letter from the President PROVIDING NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES 8 OHBA CEO Discusses Housing Crisis and Potential Local Solutions PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY 12 Winter Hiking in the Heart of the Rogue CHAMBER UPDATES 14 Kira Zavala of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Graduates from Institute for Organization Management CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY 18 Millennials and Gen Z Are Giving up on One of Their Core Values and Investing More Like Boomers 20 Moss Adams Adds 20 New Partners 24 Leading Experts Weigh In On Growing The U.S. Economy In 2024 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT 26 Rogue X’s First Week a Success OREGON UPDATES 30 Governor Kotek Marks One Year in Office, Announces Next Steps on Homelessness, Signs Two Executive Orders REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES 34 Oregon Could See 16% Job Growth Between Now and 2030 36 From Advocacy to Action: The Chamber’s Vital Role in Business and Community Expansion
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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.
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The Business Review | February 2024
Promote. Promoting the community. Create. Creating a strong local economy. Connect. Providing networking opportunities. Represent. Representing business issues. Our Strategic Objectives
Meet the Staff
Eli Matthews President & CEO eli@medfordchamber.com 541-608-8526
Emily Hunter Vice President, Communications & Programs emily@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
Shelly Wager Executive Assistant to the President & CEO shelly@medfordchamber.com (541) 608-8526
The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County 101 E 8th St, Medford, OR 97501 (541) 779-4847 • medfordchamber.com
medfordchamber.com
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February 2024 | The Business Review
LEADERSHIP MATTERS A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Valued Chamber Members, As we embark on 2024, I am thrilled to report that our Chamber is in full swing and ready to make this year one of our most successful yet. We rang in the new year in style with our spectacular Roaring 20’s Casino Night event last week. With over 250 members and guests in attendance along with tremendous support from our sponsors and prize donors, the evening was an incredible success. I want to extend my deepest thanks to all who participated and helped make it such an enjoyable event. In addition to our signature events, our weekly Greeters networking events continue to connect our business community in meaningful ways. Thank you to the businesses who have hosted and to our members who regularly attend - both longtime Chamber supporters and new members alike. Your engagement fosters the positive business climate we have worked hard to cultivate. We also kicked off 2024 with an enlightening January Forum Luncheon featuring Jodi Hack, CEO of the Oregon Home Builders Association. Jodi’s insights into current trends shaping the business landscape set the perfect tone for the year ahead. Sincere thanks to our generous season sponsor, The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and our monthly sponsor, US Bank, for helping organize another impactful forum. With the positive momentum our Chamber has built, I am confident 2024 will be a year of progress and prosperity for our membership. As we move forward with a full calendar of events and programming, I want to thank the visionary businesses and leaders for your support, propelling our signature events and offerings to best suit our members and engage the community in impactful ways. Here’s to a productive year of business growth!
Sincerly,
Eli Matthews, IOM President & CEO The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County
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The Business Review | February 2024
GREETERS HOST LOCATIONS BOOKING NOW FOR 2024! Welcome 50-65 business professionals to your location on a Thursday at 8am! Showcase your business to community leaders, and get a 5-minute speaking opportunity. Space is limited!
Contact Us shelly@medfordchamber.com More Information www.medfordchamber.com
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February 2024 | The Business Review
FROM OUR EARLIEST DAYS as your trash hauler in 1938, we’ve been proud to be part of the community — a commitment that has grown with us. We’re an entry in the Pear Blossom Parade each spring. We host field trips for area students that bring recycling and other waste-related topics to life. We provide shred trucks and personnel for the annual Medford Police drug take-back and document shredding event. And we’re a proud sponsor of the arts, including the Craterian Theater. Love for community has been a cornerstone of Rogue Disposal & Recycling since the beginning. Now, after 85 years, it’s stronger than ever. COMMUNITY IS PART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
PROVIDING NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
OHBA CEO Discusses Housing Crisis and Potential Local Solutions Sponsored By: Cow Creek Tribe of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Written by Emily Hunter T he Chamber hosted a well-attended January luncheon featuring Jodi Hack, CEO of the Oregon Home Builders Association, generously sponsored Beyond examining factors that brought supply and affordability issues to this critical point, Ms. Hack
outlined constructive ways Oregon companies can assist. Suggestions included reforming zoning rules to enable diverse housing types, partnering with nonprofits on projects for vulnerable residents, converting unused office space into apartments, and advocating for state subsidies and tax credits. The positive audience reception and active Q&A showed local stakeholders welcome to more discussion about collaborating across sectors to alleviate statewide housing pressures. As Ms. Hack observed, we all have a role to play in practical solutions. The Chamber looks forward to being part of such efforts. n
by the season sponsor, the Cow Creek Tribe of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and monthly sponsor, U.S. Bank. Over 200 members gathered to hear Ms. Hack’s presentation: “The Housing Crisis & You - How Oregon Businesses Can Help.” Ms. Hack provided an insightful overview of the ongoing housing affordability crisis across Oregon, which worsened during the pandemic as labor and material expenses rose sharply. “There are over 48,000 households in Oregon spending 30% of their income on rent,” Ms. Hack told the audience. “Our state needs thousands more affordable rental units and entry-level homes to meet current demands.”
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
Working Together in the Rogue Valley for a Stronger Community
10 The Business Review | February 2024 541.622.8577 • 40 S Central • Medford, Oregon 97501 • cowcreek.com
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February 2024 | The Business Review
PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY
Winter Hiking in the Heart of the Rogue M any of us think of summer as the prime time for hiking adventures, but don’t be fooled! Southern Oregon is filled with winter hiking destinations that are sure to give you a seasonal experience to remember. Here are 4 winter hikes to experience in the Rogue Valley!
Lake is closed during the winter months due to the snow and unsafe driving conditions, you can still get a gorgeous view of the lake from Rim Village, and start your winter adventure from there. Mazama Loop: Located in the Mazama Campground, just past the park’s entrance off Highway 62 is a 1.7 mile loop trail that is highly recommended for beginner cross country skiers. This trail is relatively flat and offers a view of Annie Creek Canyon .
CRATER LAKE It’s no secret that Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s most beloved tourist destinations. This incredible National Park is only 50 miles away from Medford, and it gets a lot of visitors in the summer months. But did you know that Crater Lake gets about 42 feet of snow per year? That means there is plenty of fun to be had in the winter season! Even though the road around the rim of Crater
West Rim Drive: The most popular trail for skiing and snowshoeing is along West Rim Drive. This easy to find trail offers plenty of opportunities to reach multiple overlooks of Crater Lake and Wizard Island. This route is generally suitable for all levels of skiers when the snow conditions are favorable. You can take this route for about 1.2 miles to get to Discovery Point, which will give you a spectacular view. Discovery Point also marks the spot
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The Business Review | February 2024
where gold prospector John Wesley Hillman first viewed Crater Lake in 1853. When you are finished trekking, be sure to stop at the Rim Village where you can grab a bite to eat and pick up a souvenir at the gift shop to top off the great day in the snow! View the latest Crater Lake Visitor Guide for more outdoor activities and to plan your next snowy adventure!
LOWER TABLE ROCK If an incredible view is what you’re looking for, Lower Table Rock is the trail for you. This hike offers something fun each season, winter is a particularly interesting time to visit. In the winter, there are pools that form and invite the sounds of hundreds of croaking frogs! If you’re there in the very early morning, or early evening, you might catch their symphony! The Siskiyou and Cascade Mountain Ranges frame the beautiful valley view you get when you reach the top of Lower Table Rock. Distance: 6.2 miles Elevation gain: 850 ft. HYATT LAKE CAMPGROUND Further away from town, you can find Hyatt Lake Campground. About 35 miles from Medford, this gem is accessible
ROXY ANN PEAK TRAIL If you’re looking for a quick and easy destination for a winter outdoor hike, Roxy Ann Peak Trail should be at the top of your list. The peak can be seen from the heart of Medford, and the view from the top is breathtaking, especially when it’s covered in snow! Open year-round, this trail is dog friendly, and a suitable hike for all levels. If the weather isn’t too blustery, pack a lunch and enjoy the views from one of the three picnic areas located along the trail: Prescott Park Picnic Area , Roxy Ann Picnic Area , and Madrone Ledge Picnic Area. When you reach the top, your hard work is rewarded. On a clear day you can catch a glimpse of several other Southern Oregon summits including Mt. Shasta, Pilot Rock, Mt. Ashland, Wagner Butte, Mt. McLoughlin, and Soda Mountain. Distance: 4.9 loop trail Elevation Gain: 1,036 feet
less than an hour from town, but once you’re there you’ll feel like you’re on a winter wonderland vacation! The campground turns into 1 mile of great show-shoeing terrain. And if that’s not enough, the road around the east side of the lake shuts down in the winter making this area prime terrain for sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and some snowmobiles! This spot allows you to choose your own winter adventure. The best part is you can be there in less than an hour! n
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February 2024 | The Business Review
CHAMBER UPDATES
Kira Zavala of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Graduates from Institute for Organization Management A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Washington, D.C. | January 30, 2024 | Press Release I nstitute for Organization Management, the professional development
program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Kira Zavala, IOM, Director of Business Development & Partnerships of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In
addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. “Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association,
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The Business Review | February 2024
chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all
sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. n
institute.uschamber.com | @IOMeducate
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February 2024 | The Business Review
WINTER EDITION
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY
Millennials and Gen Z Are Giving up on One of Their Core Values and Investing More Like Boomers Jan 11, 2024 | Cork Gaines , Business Insider T he turbulence of the economy over the last two years has many people rethinking how they invest their money and now environmental and social issues are In the survey, preference for ESG investing among millennials and Gen Z — aged between 18 and 41 — plummeted significantly compared to the year before. People who responded that they were “very concerned about environmental issues” dropped from 70% in 2022 to 49% in 2023.
paying the price. Millennials and Gen Zers have traditionally been more supportive of socially responsible investing, but many are now echoing the cautious approach traditionally associated with baby boomers . With inflation still high and ESG investing becoming a political target, fewer young investors are expressing strong concern about things like the environment and social issues, and they are also less willing to sacrifice investment gains in support of these initiatives. These findings are the result of a survey by Stanford University, the Hoover Institution, and the Rock Center for Corporate Governance, which polled 993 investors across the United States during the fall of 2023, and published results in December. The survey examined the support for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and investing across different age groups. Investments receive an ESG rating, and ESG investors pick assets that align with their views on these subjects.
Similar drops were also seen for social and governance issues. Younger investors who were “very concerned about social issues” dropped from 65% in 2022 to 53% in 2023. Governance issues fell from 64% to 47%. Millennial and Gen Z investors’ preferences in 2023 were much closer to those of baby boomers compared to 2022. While a gap still exists between the younger and older investing groups, many more millennial and Gen Z investors now align with the more common responses among boomers of being “somewhat concerned” or “not concerned” about these issues. These findings come against a backdrop of a political backlash against ESG investing that could be influencing
investors of all ages. Read more here. n
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The Business Review | February 2024
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CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY
Moss Adams Adds 20 New Partners Seattle, WA | January 2, 2024 | Press Release M oss Adams, one of the largest accounting, consulting and wealth management firms in the nation, announced the addition of
20 new partners, five managing directors and an executive director across its Tax, Assurance and Advisory practices and National Office. The new class of partners and directors comes after another year of growth as Moss Adams expanded and augmented its services. “For over 100 years, we’ve supported organizations as businesses advisors and accountants,” said Eric Miles, chairman and CEO of Moss Adams. “The accounting profession continues to evolve as business needs change. The skillset and breadth of experience within this group of new partners and directors represents the evolution of the profession. The future is bright for Moss Adams.” THE NEW PARTNERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Irina Antonache (Portland, Ore., Tax Credits & Incentive Services) . Antonache manages federal and state tax consulting and compliance matters related to incentives for renewable energy development. Sam Battle (San Francisco, Calif., Real Estate Practice) . Battle provides assurance services to clients in the real estate industry, including real estate funds, public non-traded real estate investment trusts, investment companies, and property management companies. Lisa Dion (Seattle, Wash., Technology Practice) . Dion provides audit, review and attest services to public and private companies in a variety of industries including technology and life sciences, government, not-for-profit, hospitality and corporate social responsibility. Jeff Driesen (San Francisco, Calif., International Tax Services) . Driesen consults with clients on various aspects of international tax, providing both technical and practical advice as companies look to expand and operate globally.
Breanne Eagles (Medford, Ore., Automotive & Dealer Services Practice) . Eagles supports a diverse range of businesses, delivering tax and consulting services that include tax compliance and planning, transaction structuring, buy-sell assistance and family ownership transitions. Nick Fusca (Orange County, Calif., Financial Services Practice) . Fusca performs first-year audits, multiyear audits and multiyear restatements for companies in the specialty finance, retail, real estate, manufacturing and distribution, construction, consumer products and professional services industries. Nicholas Hansen (Santa Rosa, Calif., Manufacturing & Consumer Products Practice) . Hansen provides assurance services to clients in the manufacturing and consumer products, food and beverage, and agribusiness industries, and is also well-versed in performing employee benefit plan audits. Pat Hoppa (Kansas City, Communications & Media Practice) . Hoppa provides tax compliance and planning services to clients in a variety of industries, including private equity, construction, communications and media, real estate and manufacturing and consumer products. Mo Huda (Dallas, Texas, State & Local Tax Services) . Huda assists clients in various industries with a focus on sales and use tax compliance, tax technology-related initiatives, sales tax implications on mergers and acquisitions, voluntary disclosure programs, nexus and taxability studies.
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The Business Review | February 2024
Chris Hughes (San Francisco, Calif., Financial Services Practice) . Hughes provides financial statement audit services for various financial institutions, primary mortgage companies, public and privately held community banks, credit unions and other specialty lenders. Kyle Krzyznieski (Spokane, Wash., Financial Services Practice) . Krzyznieski manages financial statement audits and consulting engagements for publicly traded and privately held companies in the financial services industry. Jeff Norman (Dallas, Texas, Health Care Consulting Services) . Norman is responsible for managing relationships with hospitals and health system organizations nationally and primarily focuses on provider reimbursement enterprise solutions within the firm’s full suite of health care services. Kyle Pennington (Dallas, Texas, Health Care Consulting Services) . Pennington manages crucial relationships with client hospitals and major corporate hospital systems, offering client- focused guidance around growth and provider reimbursement enterprise solutions. Ryan Petrucelli (San Francisco, Calif., Due Diligence Services) . Petrucelli advises private equity and corporate clients on mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. He performs buy-side and sell- side financial due diligence, including quality of earnings and quality of revenue analysis, net working capital analysis and financial modeling. Jesse Proctor (Tacoma, Wash., Transportation & Logistics Practice) . Proctor provides corporate audit, review, transaction, and consulting services for public, private equity-backed and private entities with a focus on the transportation and logistics industries. Ayman Soliman (Orange County, Calif., Construction Practice) . Soliman delivers assurance and consulting services to middle-market clients in the construction, professional services, and manufacturing and consumer products industries. Kyle Sund (Portland, Ore., Tax Credits & Incentive Services) . Sund assists clients with asset-related tax planning and helps them assess the impact of tangible property regulations on their business.
Lisa Swartos (Seattle, Wash., Real Estate Practice) . Swartos advises real estate clients in all phases of audits, reviews and other attestation engagements, as well as in employee benefit plans. Angie Vannatta (San Diego, Calif., Real Estate Practice) . Vannatta provides tax compliance and planning services to closely held businesses and individuals, strongly focusing on family-owned real estate. Lu Zhang (Silicon Valley, Calif., International Tax Services) . Zhang provides international inbound and outbound tax planning and consulting for multinational companies, with a focus on cross- border investment, mergers and acquisitions, supply chain design, tax treaty analysis and transfer pricing planning. THE NEW MANAGING AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Sharon Glenn (Seattle, Wash., General Counsel) . Glenn provides strategic input to executive leadership, manages the firm’s legal department, and oversees a wide variety of legal matters. Shane Griffiths (Seattle, Wash., State & Local Tax Services) . Griffiths primarily assists public and privately held clients with state and local tax matters—audits, refund requests, tax planning and structuring, and letter rulings—and provides insight on multistate income and franchise tax. Michael Chmelik (Denver, Colo., M&A Tax Services) . Chmelik focuses on the planning, structuring and modeling related to partnership formations, restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions of interests, and allocations. Stephanie Melton (Albuquerque, N.M., Private Clients Practice) . Melton works in all areas of tax preparation and primarily focuses on individual, estate and trust preparation and planning. Gus Mesmer (Seattle, Wash., Tax Services) . Mesmer oversees the firm’s selection and implementation of tax technologies, design of tax processes, and their impacts on risk management. Jose Romero (Seattle, Wash., M&A Tax Services) . Romero advises and represents corporate and private equity clients in a variety of tax matters related to corporate transactions. n
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February 2024 | The Business Review
SAMS VALLEY
63
To Portland 220 miles
Diamond Lake
105
86
106
80
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PROSPECT
64
234
67
Upper Table Rock
60
Crater Lake
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101
N
Lost Creek Lake
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Lower Table Rock
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SHADY COVE
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GRANTS PASS
Big Butte Creek
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GOLD HILL
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43
14
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EAGLE
Rogue River
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BUTTE FALLS
POINT
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69
62
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85
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Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest
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Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest
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99 70
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Mt. McLoughlin
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93
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62
5
97
20
52
43
58
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CENTRAL POINT
140
46
54
Agate Lake
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11
1
29
94
108
Roxy Ann Peak
140
79
8
34
37
238
68
51
70
99
MEDFORD
6
74
28
4
Fish Lake
73
38
Lake of the Woods
48
90
21
5
APPLEGATE VALLEY
11
78
23
81
72
68
5
Main St.
50
Grizzly Peak
47
238
33
49
Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest
JACKSONVILLE
43
88
12
8
45
17
41
Applegate River
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104
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Howard Prairie Lake
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35
27
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Hyatt Lake
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a
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PHOENIX
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72
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TALENT
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Mt. Ashland
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ASHLAND
61
26
Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest
Emigrant Lake
71
98
88
95
Soda Mountain
16
77
3
Applegate Lake
Pilot Rock
COPYRIGHT ©2022 BY TRAVEL GRAPHICS INTERNATIONAL® 1199 JOSEPHINE RD., ST. PAUL, MN 55116. (651) 486-7448
OREGON CALIFORNIA
1.
AGATE LAKE
29. FRY FAMILY FARM 30. GOLD HILL 31.
56. LOST CREEK LAKE 57. MCKEE BRIDGE 58. MEDFORD DRAGSTRIP
84. ROGUE RAFTING 85. ROGUE RIVER 86. ROGUE RIVER GORGE
622
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
ALPACAS AT LONE RANCH
APPLEGATE LAKE APPLEGATE RIVER APPLEGATE VALLEY
GOLD HILL WHITEWATER CENTER
87. ROGUE RIVER NATURAL BRIDGE 88. ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST 89. ROGUE ROCK GYM 90. BMX BIKE TRACK 91. ROGUE VALLEY FAMILY FUN CENTER 92. ROGUE VALLEY INTERNATIONAL- MEDFORD AIRPORT 93. ROGUE VALLEY ZIPLINE ADVENTURES 94. ROGUE CREDIT UNION COMMUNITY COMPLEX 95. SCIENCEWORKS HANDS-ON MUSEUM 96. SHADY COVE 97. SOUTHERN OREGON SPEEDWAY 98. SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY 99. STEWART MEADOWS GOLF COURSE 100. STONE RIDGE GOLF CLUB 101. TABLE ROCKS 102. TALENT 103. TOUVELLE STATE RECREATION SITE 104. RAILROAD TRACKS 105. UNION CREEK 106. UPPER ROGUE WINE TRAIL 107. VALLEY OF THE ROGUE
59. MEDFORD RAILROAD PARK 60. MILL CREEK AND BARR CREEK FALLS 61. MT. ASHLAND SKI AREA 62. MT. MCLOUGHLIN 63. NATIONAL CREEK FALLS 64. NATURAL BRIDGE 65. OAK KNOLL GOLF COURSE 66. OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 72. PACIFIC CREST TRAIL 73. CITY CENTER WINE DISTRICT 74. PEAR BLOSSOM PARK 75. PHEASANT FIELDS FARM 76. PHOENIX 77. PILOT ROCK 78. PINT RIDER 79. PRESCOTT PARK/ ROXY ANN PEAK 80. PROSPECT PARK 81. QUAIL POINT GOLF COURSE 82. ROGUE CREAMERY 83. ROGUE JET BOAT ADVENTURES & DISCOVERY PARK 67. OREGON HWY 234 68. OREGON HWY 238 69. OREGON HWY 62 70. OREGON HWY 99 71.
32. GRANTS PASS 33. GRIZZLY PEAK 34. HANLEY FARM 35. HARRY & DAVID COUNTRY VILLAGE 36. HARRY & DAVID FIELD 37. HAWTHORNE PARK & ROGUE VALLEY GROWERS & CRAFTERS MARKET 38. HOLLY THEATRE 39. HOUSE OF MYSTERY OREGON VORTEX 40. HOWARD PRAIRIE LAKE 41. HOWARD PARK LAKE RESORT 42. HYATT LAKE RESERVOIR 43. INTERSTATE 5 44. JACKSON COUNTY EXPO 45. JACKSON COUNTY LIBRARY 46. JACKSON COUNTY SPORTS PARK 47. HISTORIC JACKSONVILLE 48. JACKSONVILLE WINE TRAIL 49. JACKSONVILLE WOODLANDS 50. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN OREGON 51. LAKE OF THE WOODS RESORT 52. LAUREL HILL GOLF COURSE 53. LAVENDER FIELDS FOREVER 54. LILLIE BELLE FARMS 55. LITHIA & DRIVEWAY FIELDS
APPLEGATE VALLEY WINE TRAIL
ASHLAND
BEAR CREEK
BEAR CREEK WINE TRAIL
10. BEAR CREEK GOLF 11.
BEAR CREEK GREENWAY
12. 13.
BRITT FESTIVAL AMPHITHEATER
BUNCOM GHOST TOWN
14. BUTTE CREEK MILL 15. BUTTE FALLS 16. CASCADE SISKIYOU NATIONAL MONUMENT 17. CENTENNIAL GOLF CLUB 18. CENTRAL POINT 19. CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK 20. CRATER ROCK MUSEUM 21. CRATERIAN THEATER AT THE COLLIER CENTER 22. CROWFOOT FALLS 23. DOWNTOWN VISITOR CENTER 24. EAGLE POINT 25. THE GOLF RESORT AT EAGLE POINT 26. EMIGRANT LAKE 27. FICHTNER-MAINWARING PARK 28. FISH LAKE
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY
Leading Experts Weigh In On Growing The U.S. Economy In 2024 December 18, 2023 | Ankit Mishra, Forbes
T he United States economy has rebounded strongly from the Covid-19 recession, aided by a heavy- handed and enduring government policy response. Since the pandemic hit, the U.S. economy has grown by 5.4%, while those of the remaining G7 have only increased by an average of 1.4%. However, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s latest figures , the U.S. economy grew only by 1.9% in 2022, below the G20 and OECD averages of 3.1% and 2.9%, respectively. In response to the ongoing inflationary pressures, the Federal Open Market Committee has continued tightening monetary policy, thereby impacting private consumption and investment. Russia’s war against Ukraine and international supply chain constraints have negatively impacted trade,
with U.S. exports and imports projected to decline from 8.1% and 7.1% in 2022 to 4.1% and -0.2%, respectively, in 2023. As a result, U.S. economic growth is projected to be 2.4% in 2023 and 1.5% in 2024. To help advance more robust long-term economic growth, improving the U.S. economy’s competitiveness, particularly in the manufacturing sector, and unlocking productivity gains from new technologies will be essential. Across three interviews, leading economic experts provide in- depth insights into these emerging topics and how well- designed measures can help the United States leverage its competitive assets to lay the foundation for fiscal stability and growth in 2024. Read the interviews here. n
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Rogue X’s First Week a Success January 15, 2024 | Medford, OR | Press Release
J anuary 13th marked a week since Rogue X opened its doors to the public. In that time, the building has been jam packed with fun activities and with people. Southern Oregon has been needing a facility like this for a long time. So much so, that Rogue X has people waiting to get into the water. “We had no idea how many people were going to be coming through this place,” Medford Parks and Recreation Director Rich Rosenthal told NBC5, “We knew it would be busy, but there are thousands of people, every day”.
Rogue X opened its doors on January 6th. According to Rosenthal, Rogue X exceeded expectations by a huge amount. Some guests agree that the recreation spot is better than what they hoped for. “It was super fun. We got to go on the rec side and use the slides and then we came over and did relays and races on the competitive side,” said Lily Williams of South Medford High School’s swim team. “I’ve been a club swimmer since I was 3 years old so having a nice facility and, like, a big pool we can host big meets at is a really awesome opportunity to have down in Southern Oregon,” said Paige Schiffer of SMHS swim team. “I think my expectations were
exceeded because it’s just an amazing facility with the swimming pool side and what’s available with the competitive side,” Shannon Anderson said, “I was here for a competitive swim meet this weekend and… with the high school and now I’m here for recreation time with my kids”. With heated swim recreation areas, it seems to be no wonder that Rogue X is so busy this winter. But with everyone excited to get into the water, the space is getting a little cramped.
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The Business Review | February 2024
“That has posed… some, you know, some challenges in terms of the number of people who are coming,” Rosenthal told NBC5, “we have capacity issues on the aquatic side”. Rosenthal says their swim sessions fill up quickly, and sometimes they have to tell people to come back later or even another day. While Rogue X is getting raving reviews, there’s always room to improve. “There’s some things that we probably would have changed,” One Southern Oregon resident said. “There will be some modifications made, I’m sure as the time goes on, but, right now, we’re having a good time being able to play inside while it’s cold,” another Southern Oregon resident said. Rosenthal says Rogue X is ready to take on any challenges that come their way. “We’re open for the long haul, there are adjustments that, obviously, we’ll make as we learn about the facility and traffic patterns,” Rosenthal said, “We will continuously improve, that’s the bottom line”.
“I think my expectations were exceeded because it’s just an amazing facility with the swimming pool side and what’s available with the competitive side” Rosenthal told NBC5 there are plenty of swim opportunities every day along with other activities like pickleball and basketball. You might just have to wait in line a little bit before you dive in. n
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February 2024 | The Business Review
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
OREGON UPDATES
Governor Kotek Marks One Year in Office, Announces Next Steps on Homelessness, Signs Two Executive Orders Preliminary data shows state exceeded all three goals of initial homelessness state of emergency issued last January Salem, OR | January 09, 2024 | Press Release G overnor Tina Kotek today marked one year in office by reflecting on her first year and signing two new executive orders aimed at continuing to
advance efforts to tackle the state’s homelessness crisis. The orders come after preliminary data shows that the state exceeded all three goals set out in the homelessness state of emergency she issued last year. “One year ago, I told Oregonians that the homelessness emergency order was only the first step and that it would take collaboration to act at the scale and urgency this humanitarian crisis demands,” Governor Kotek said. “Now, we are continuing the fight to bring housing stability to more Oregonians. I want to thank legislators, local governments, shelter providers, and housing providers for stepping up last year and delivering results to address our homelessness crisis. We’ve seen that together we can make an impact, and we will continue to push this work forward until every Oregonian has a safe and stable place to call home.” Preliminary data from Oregon Housing and Community Services shows that in the past year since Governor Kotek declared a homelessness state of emergency, the state has worked with local partners to create 1,032 low-barrier shelter beds, exceeding the original goal by 432 beds; rehouse 1,293 households experiencing unsheltered homelessness, exceeding the original goal by 93 households; and prevent 8,886 households from experiencing homelessness, exceeding the original goal by 136 households. The original goals in the emergency order were to create 600 shelter beds, rehouse 1,200 households in emergency areas, and prevent 8,750 households from becoming homeless statewide. Final data for the first year’s outcomes will be available in late February.
Today, Governor Kotek signed EO 24-02 to maintain the added capacity to the state’s shelter system, rehouse people experiencing homelessness, and prevent homelessness. Measurable outcomes for the new order will be developed in collaboration with local communities based on need and capacity and will be announced by the end of February. Governor Kotek also signed EO 24-03 to refresh the state’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and direct them to develop plans for the Governor’s consideration in response to the analysis done through EO 23-03, an order also signed last January that directed state agencies to prioritize reducing both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness in all areas of the state using their existing statutory authorities. The Council will meet on January 16 to discuss next steps. The new executive orders came as Governor Kotek observed the one-year anniversary of her swearing-in on January 9, 2023. A video stream of her remarks and the signings can be found here. See a comprehensive list of highlights from Governor Kotek’s first year in office here on the Governor’s website. n
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
Oregon Could See 16% Job Growth Between Now and 2030 November 5, 2021 | Chris M Lehman, Press Release O regon is on track for 16% job growth over the next nine years, according to economists with the state’s Employment Department.
restaurants, hotels, and arts, cultural, and recreational establishments are expected to see increased demand as in-person and recreational activities resume,” the agency said in a press release. Projections economist Felicia Bechtold says the growth won’t be spread evenly around the state, however. “The two regions projected to grow the fastest rates are central Oregon with 18%, and the Portland area with 17%,” she said. The parts of the state expected to see the slowest job growth are southwestern Oregon and six rural eastern Oregon counties. Still, growth in those areas is expected to be around 10%. n
The sharp drop in employment at the start of the pandemic last year means Oregon is now poised for record-setting job growth between now and the end of the decade. The Employment Department is expecting more than 317,000 new jobs in the state by 2030, with gains across all sectors. The agency said the leisure and hospitality industry is projected to lead the growth in new jobs, with some 73,000 new jobs over the period. This growth “is mainly driven by the recovery from the pandemic, as
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
From Advocacy to Action: The Chamber’s Vital Role in Business and Community Expansion
Medford, OR | January 30, 2024 | Written by: Kira Zavala, IOM A midst the frenetic pace of today’s business world, it’s easy to underestimate the indispensable role that The Chamber plays in fostering both business and community expansion. Acting as a linchpin, The Chamber significantly influences local housing and employment landscapes through its endeavors in promoting economic growth, championing business- friendly policies, and facilitating collaboration among local enterprises. To complement these efforts, The Chamber has established Action Teams, encompassing committees where dedicated members contribute their insights to aid advocacy initiatives. Through its proactive engagement, The Chamber actively contributes to the generation of job opportunities as businesses flourish and attract external investments. Beyond its economic impact, The Chamber assumes a pivotal position in community development by advocating for enhanced infrastructure that elevates a region’s allure for businesses. Far from being a passive observer, The Chamber stands at the forefront of community development, tirelessly pushing for improved infrastructure to entice businesses. Central to The Chamber’s mission is the commitment to enhance the overall quality of life within the community. It serves as a catalyst for positive change, a convener for leaders and influencers, and a champion for both business
success and community growth. For those seeking more insights into Medford, the recently unveiled Medford Economic and Vitality Profile offers a comprehensive overview. n
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
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The Business Review | February 2024
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February 2024 | The Business Review
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