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Governor Kulongoski announces 2009 Oregon Sustainability Award Winners

April 19, 2010

Read the Governor's Office press release.

Oregon business leaders testify before U.S. International Trade Commission in Portland

March 12, 2010

Portland—State officials today testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission in Portland today on the challenges facing small- and medium-sized Oregon businesses that export goods and services.

Business Oregon Director Tim McCabe was joined by Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Gregg Borossay, a Senior Manager in Trade & Carrier Development with the Port of Portland.

McCabe told the commissioners that Oregon's exports are a critical part of the state's economy and praised the current administration's efforts to double the nation's exports.

"I want to emphasize the critical importance of international trade and exports to Oregon's economy," said McCabe. "I applaud President Barack Obama's National Export Initiative and his desire to have the Export-Import Bank increase export financing for small- and mid-sized businesses and his proposal that the amount of credit available be increased to $6 billion in the next year."

McCabe said federal officials needed to look for opportunities to help small- and medium-sized businesses through more grants to allow them to market their manufactured goods at trade shows; improved federal-state collaboration in trade promotion programs; priority funding for the Foreign Commercial Service so it may reopen previously closed international offices; and by reducing "visa challenges" around the United States for foreign visitors.

The information gathered at the hearing will be used by the USITC to prepare two reports for the U.S. Trade Representative, the President's cabinet-level trade advisor. The reports will look at the characteristics of small- and medium-sized businesses that export goods and services, the impediments they face and strategies to overcome these constraints, and benefits of increased export opportunities.

The U.S. ITC held two public hearings nationwide, one in St. Louis and today's hearing in Portland.

Business Oregon unveils new Web site

October 7, 2009

SALEM—Business Oregon has launched an updated Web site at www.oregon4biz.com. The site profiles Oregon's business environment, its competitive advantages, key industries, as well as services and programs available through Business Oregon, the state's business development agency.

The site also is connected to its "sister" site, at www.orinfrastructure.org, which covers the community development programs and services of the state's new Infrastructure Finance Authority.

"The new site can tell our story in a much more compelling way, and use some of the projects we've worked on to highlight our success, and the success companies can find here in Oregon," said Business Oregon Director Tim McCabe. "We looked at other economic and business development websites from other states as well as countries, and believe the new site challenges them all as a compelling and concise communications tool for doing business in Oregon."

The new Web site's features include:

A modern graphic design, intended to integrate high-tech/innovative feel, with a natural, active, outdoor image to better fit the brand image of Oregon;
A balance of information on Oregon as a globally competitive business location, the services Business Oregon can offer, and the services the Infrastructure Finance Authority can offer;
More dynamic content, such as an interactive map with examples of Business Oregon projects around the state;
Specific program information presented in a more user-friendly and intuitive way than ever before;
A mobile-friendly version of the site; and
An exciting new Desktop application that users can keep running in the background on their computers, with contact info, news feeds, events and a calendar.

Infrastructure Finance Authority Board named; will hold inaugural meeting October 23

October 6, 2009

SALEM—Governor Ted Kulongoski has completed the appointment of an independent, nine-member Infrastructure Finance Authority Board to oversee financing of community development and infrastructure projects across Oregon.

The IFA Board will hold its inaugural meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23 at the Oregon Business Development Department offices in Salem.

The new board, established by the Oregon Legislature's passage of HB 2152 earlier this year, will help oversee the work of the Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA), the new community development arm of Business Oregon—the Oregon Business Development Department. The Governor recommended creation of the IFA in 2008 as a way to better administer the infrastructure programs serving Oregon communities.

"We needed a better way to identify and prioritize the infrastructure needs of our communities across the state," Kulongoski said. "The Authority and its board—with expertise on what communities need to thrive, as well as in public finance, will ensure that limited state resources are invested wisely and leverage the most federal and private funds as possible."

Under the legislation, Governor Kulongsoki appointed six members of the Infrastructure Finance Authority Board. An additional three members were appointed by State Treasurer Ben Westlund, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Dave Hunt. Lynn Schoessler will serve as executive director of the IFA. Schoessler previously headed Business Oregon's Community Development Division.

"For the first time, a specific entity has been named to address the infrastructure finance needs of the state," said Schoessler. "This is new for Oregon and follows the approach of many western states. The board also makes program policy, so state programs can be reviewed and improved if necessary.

Schoessler said since the legislature has representation on the board, the hope is their more direct involvement will result in an even greater understanding of the infrastructure needs of Oregon communities.

"I believe that with these experienced stakeholders as members of the IFA Board, there will be more collaboration concerning what projects are funded and a greater sense of accountability in funding community development projects," said Business Oregon Director Tim McCabe. "I am excited about this new collaboration and confident in the skills of IFA Executive Director Schoessler to deliver a new standard of service and results statewide."

The New IFA Board members are:

Erik J. Andersson of Portland. Erik is an economic development manager at Pacific Power. Previously, he worked for five years for Governor Ted Kulongoski and in economic development posts for the state and Jefferson County.
Daniel T. Bradley of Silverton. Daniel has served as the general manager of the Oak Lodge Water District since 2003. Prior to that, he was the general manager of the South Fork Water Board for seven years. He also served on the Oregon Health Division's Drinking Water Advisory Committee for nearly a decade.
Gary D. Neal of Boardman. Gary has served as the general manager of the Port of Morrow for the last 20 years. He also is a board member of the Bank of Eastern Oregon and the Oregon Ports Association. Gary will bring valuable and direct experience with infrastructure financing to the board.
Jon. S. Nelson of Corvallis. Jon has served as Corvallis city manager since 1993. Prior to that post, he served as city manager of Pendleton for eight years. His background brings valuable local government perspective to the IFA Board.
Carol E. Samuels of Portland. Carol is Senior Vice-President for Public Finance at Seattle-NW Securities Corporation. Carol also served in a similar position at U.S. Bank of Oregon. She is an expert on financing the needs of public and local government districts and brings a strong understanding of investors' needs to the board.
Don A. Lindly of Newport. Don has served as a Lincoln County Commissioner since 1991. Don also was a past president of the Association of Oregon Counties and headed the AOC's Economic Development Committee.
Laura Lockwood-McCall Director of the Oregon Debt Management Division. Lockwood-McCall is a respected industry veteran with more than 20 years of municipal financing experience in four states. She has been director of the Treasury's debt management office since 2004. She was appointed by State Treasurer Ben Westlund.
State Representative Terry Beyer of Springfield. In 2007, Rep. Beyer was re-elected to serve a fourth full term in House District 12 (Springfield). In the Seventy fifth Legislative Assembly, Rep. Beyer served as Chair of the House Transportation Committee and as a member of the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities Committee and the Ways and Means Sub-Committee on Transportation and Economic Development.
State Senator Frank Morse of Albany. Senator Morse was born and raised in Lebanon. He entered the Morse Bros. family business in 1972. He has been the Albany Division Manager, Vice President of Operations, Executive Vice President, President and then Chairman. When Morse Bros. merged with MDU Resources Group, he continued as President until he retired in 2000.

Business Oregon awards $3.5 million in Federal Recovery Grants for community development projects

August 25, 2009

SALEM—Business Oregon announced it has awarded $3.56 million in federal recovery dollars to three Oregon communities under the Community Development Block Grant program.

The federal grants, funded from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will help construct a senior citizens center in Silverton, improve the wastewater system in the city of Haines and provide a new drinking water reservoir for the Hebo Water Authority in Tillamook County.

"These stimulus dollars will help create dozens of family wage jobs in Oregon communities when they need them most," said Governor Kulongoski. "Community development block grant funds will help these communities have safe and clean drinking water and community facilities for their citizens."

"These projects are planned, designed and ready to go," said Lynn Schoessler, Executive Director of the Business Oregon's Infrastructure Finance Authority.

The Recovery Act grant of $1.2 million will allow the city of Silverton to construct a 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot senior center with modern and efficient commercial kitchen, larger dining area and offices for center staff. The city, in partnership with Silverton Area Seniors, currently serves the city's senior population in a leased 800-square-foot space located downtown. The existing facility is too small and not conducive for redevelopment.

The city of Haines in northeastern Oregon will use $1.25 million in recovery funds to make mandated improvements to its wastewater system in accordance with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality standards. The improvements include: wastewater treatment and storage improvements, effluent disposal system replacement and irrigation pumping, improved piping and valve repairs, dike repairs, new chlorination system and primary lift station upgrades.

The Hebo Joint Water and Sanitary Improvement Authority, located in Tillamook County, currently has inadequate and unsafe drinking water storage and treatment. Currently, the authority utilizes three, welded steel tanks salvaged from the Mt. Hebo Air Force Base which together provide 133,333 gallons of storage, but are estimated to be over 40 years old. The $1.216 million in recovery grant dollars will fund construction of a new 310,000-gallon reservoir, chemical feed building and replace equipment, a transmission line, pressure reducing valves, as well as water meters.

In addition to the Recovery Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards, the Infrastructure Finance Authority also announced regular quarterly CDBG awards totaling $2.39 million to six Oregon communities. Business Oregon will hold full and half day CDBG training workshops in Salem on September 15-16 and in Pendleton on September 17-18 for city and county officials and grant administrators as well as CDBG-funded construction contractors.

Since the early 1980's, the Infrastructure Finance Authority, formerly the state's Community Development Division, has administered the state of Oregon's CDBG program with funding from HUD. The program serves non-metropolitan cities and counties of Oregon. The IFA reviews applications for funding under the CDBG program on a quarterly basis or until all funds available for the year have been obligated.

Community Development Block Grants 2nd Quarter 2009 Project Summaries

City of Klamath Falls—$800,000:
The city of Klamath Falls is proposing to assist Klamath Family Head Start acquire the building they currently lease in order to make improvements. Acquisition of the building will lower their monthly operating expenses and allow for further improvements. The city will combine the $800,000 grant with $1,419,500,000 of matching funds to acquire the property.

City of Amity—$1.0 Million:
The city of Amity owns and operates a municipal wastewater treatment which has exceeded the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The DEQ approved wastewater facilities plan identifies several improvements needed to comply with the NPDES permit. The city will combine the $1,000,000 grant with $406,160 in matching funds to design and construct these necessary improvements.

City of Glendale—$54,000:
The city of Glendale operates a municipal wastewater treatment and collection, which receives an excess amount of infiltration and inflow which has caused numerous National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit violations. The city of Glendale previously applied for and received a $96,000 CDBG grant for the completion of a wastewater facilities plan needed to fulfill a requirement mandated by Oregon DEQ. The city will combine this $54,000 grant increase with $1,000 of locally committed funds to complete the environmental report and geotechnical analysis on the wastewater treatment plant site.

City of Richland—$101,200:
The city owns and operates a municipal non-discharging lagoon and collection system operated under a Water Pollution Control Facilities (WPCF) permit. The original wastewater system was constructed in the 1970's. The pumps are old requiring continual maintenance and the lagoons are near capacity. The city needs a wastewater facilities plan to develop recommendations of upgrading and improving the system. The city will use this award to procure the services of a professional engineering firm to prepare a DEQ approved wastewater facilities plan.

City of Port Orford—$134,309:
The city of Port Orford has a small water impoundment area on the North Fork of Hubbard Creek. This water source is inadequate in meeting the needs of the city residents, especially during the summer months when the creek runs dry and the water level with the impoundment decreases. This project is part of the city's approved water master plan. The city needs to complete the preliminary engineering for a larger impoundment area in the same location. The city will combine the award with $62,591 in matching funds to complete the necessary engineering work.

City of Rogue River—$300,000:
The city has requested the award to fund improvements to their downtown plaza including streets, lighting, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and tree wells. The proposed project will complete improvements identified in the Downtown Conceptual Design in the city's Revitalization Plan prepared by Oregon Downtown Development Association.

Four New Members Appointed to State Small Business Advisory Council

June 30, 2009

The Oregon Small Business Advisory Council (OSBAC) recently elected small business owner Stephanie Bailey to serve as its chairperson through July 2012. Bailey, who has served as interim chairperson since March, owns Innovative Market Strategies, a marketing and public relations firm in Klamath Falls.

"I am extremely honored to have been chosen to lead this group of dedicated small business owners," stated Bailey. "We are enthusiastic and committed to raising awareness of issues impacting small businesses across Oregon."

Bailey is one of the inaugural members of the OSBAC and prior to her appointment served as a member of the Governor's Small Business Council for three and a half years. Bailey's company provides marketing services to small businesses and communities in southern Oregon and northern California.

In addition to Bailey's selection as chairperson, Governor Ted Kulongoski recently appointed four new members to serve on the SBAC. Citing the importance of small business to Oregon, the Governor said "SBAC members bring a critical perspective to the table. They are my eyes and ears out in the small business community."

The four new members are: Richard R. Batzer, President and owner of Batzer Inc., a construction services firm in Medford; Kathleen S. Jaworski, owner of Write to Know in Eugene and the former director of the Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) for the last decade; Dwayne E. Johnson of Synconix LLC, a Portland management consulting firm; and Travis L. Stovall of The Stovall Group, a Gresham business consulting firm.

"We are excited with the addition of new energy and perspectives at the council," said OECDD Director Tim McCabe. "We look forward to working closely with the SBAC to assist Oregon small businesses during this difficult time as well as during the upcoming economic recovery."

The Oregon Small Business Advisory Council is made up of eleven members who are appointed by the Governor and each serve three-year terms. The council works in conjunction with the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department (OECDD) to develop recommendations on how best to promote the growth and economic vitality of Oregon's small business sector.

The Small Business Advisory Council meets monthly and all meetings are open to the public. For more information about the OSBAC please contact OECDD's Small Business Services Officer at 503-986-0161.

State to Highlight Export Growth Opportunities for Oregon Companies at Showcases Across the State

May 13, 2009

The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) will host four International Road Show workshops next week for Oregon businesses seeking assistance and information on how to expand their export sales.

State officials, along with local partners, will host the lunch hour presentations as part of World Trade Week in Portland�May 18, 19 and 22, in Eugene on May 20 and in Bend on May 21.

The events are designed to help small- and medium-sized business owners expand their knowledge about potential export markets in such places as Mexico, Canada, Japan and the Middle East. Officials from those international partners will be hand to answer questions and provide information on how Oregon businesses can expand and diversify their export markets.

"Export markets are a critical component to growing existing Oregon businesses," said OECDD Director Tim McCabe. "The state has the technical expertise and the international relationships to help Oregon businesses find export opportunities for their products."

On May 18 at the Nines Hotel in downtown Portland, the Portland Development Commission will co-host OECDD Japan Representative Office Director Jun Mokudai and U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council President Edward Burton who will make a presentation about doing business with their respective nations. On May 19 in Portland, ProMexico Investment and Trade Commissioner Ricardo Vargas and Canadian Trade Commissioner Doug McCracken will make similar presentations on export opportunities to their nations.

In addition, the Mayor's International Business Awards dinner will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 18 in the Portland City Hall rotunda.

On May 20, the Eugene Chamber of Commerce will co-host OECDD's Mokudai and Burton will again present. On May 21 in Bend, Economic Development for Central Oregon will co-host Mokudai and Burton.

Finally, on May 22 in Portland, the Japan-American Society of Oregon will co-host an Oregon agricultural export panel featuring private-sector and government experts.

In addition, at each of the events one-on-one meetings are available for with the trade officials and OECDD International Trade Officers. Companies must request (see below) a meeting with a specific country representative.

For additional information go to: http://www.oregon4biz.com/tradeweek.htm or request a one-on-one meeting by contacting

Portland May 18-19: Gina Wiedrick at 503-823-5770, wiedrickg@pdc.us or
Susan Moon at 503-229-5634, susan.moon@state.or.us

Eugene May 20: Dave Hauser at 541-484-1314, daveh@eugenechamber.com or
Susan Moon at 503-229-5634, susan.moon@state.or.us

Bend May 21: Dayna Dudkowski at 541-388-3236, dayna@edcoinfo.com or
Susan Moon at 503-229-5634, susan.moon@state.or.us

Oregon Community Development Block Grants Awarded to Grants Pass, Newport and Lane County

March 6, 2009

The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) recently awarded more than $1.9 million dollars in federal Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG) to the cities of Newport and Grants Pass as well as to Lane County.

"We are very pleased to partner with communities across the state and help them successfully improve their infrastructure and create jobs," said Tim McCabe, the director of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. "OECDD also plans to work closely with local communities across Oregon in the future to help distribute the recently approved federal stimulus dollars through the community development program."

The recently funded projects include $800,000 for senior center improvements in Newport; $1 million for drinking water system improvements in Lane County and $100,000 to help the city of Grants Pass form a microenterprise assistance network.

The federally funded CDBG grants help support Oregon communities in completing important community infrastructure projects aimed at improving community livability for citizens of low to moderate incomes.

The city of Newport will combine the $800,000 CDBG grant with $114,500 of local funds to remodel their existing senior center facility including construction of a full entry and restrooms as well as creating an activity room for seniors. The new facility will provide five meal services per week and benefit 182 seniors the first year after construction.

"It is going to mean some really nice additions to our senior center and the folks who use that facility are really going to enjoy them," said Newport Mayor Bill Bain. "We certainly appreciate all the assistance we received in getting this grant for our community."

Lane County will combine the $1,000,000 CDBG grant with $550,000 from the Row River Water District to design and construct needed improvements to the newly formed district's aging water system. The water treatment system is more than 30 years old and has been cited several times for violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

In Grants Pass, the city will match the $100,000 CDBG grant with $31,000 of local funds to form a regional microenterprise assistance program through a partnership involving the municipalities of Grants Pass, Cave Junction and Josephine County. The program will provide classroom training for microenterprises to develop work plans, identify specific business training needs, assess their business enterprise ideas for feasibility and develop individualized business plans. The city anticipates assisting 40 microenterprises with this project.

"What it means for Grants Pass is we are now able to help increase the entrepreneurial network to help grow Josephine County out of its current (economic) situation," said Steve Dahl, economic development coordinator with the city of Grants Pass. "We are very excited to be able to help low-income residents start their own businesses."

Since the early 1980's, the OECDD has administered the state's CDBG program with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program serves non-metropolitan cities and counties of Oregon. The OECDD reviews applications for funding under the Community Development Block Grant program on a quarterly basis or until all funds available for the year have been obligated.

For further information about the Oregon Community Development Block Grant program, please contact OECDD or visit www.orinfrastructure.org

Oregon Business Development Day at the Capitol highlights state efforts to create and save jobs for Oregonians

February 18, 2009

SALEM—The state's top economic development officials today outlined their plans for helping Oregon businesses create and retain jobs while positioning the state to succeed in the post-recession, 21st century economy.

Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) Director Tim McCabe and Oregon Economic and Community Development Commission Chair Wally Van Valkenburg visited key state legislators during Oregon Business Development Day at the Capitol.

"We want our legislators to know that our emphasis is on creating and saving jobs at existing Oregon businesses as well as our efforts to attract more investment into the state," said OECDD Director McCabe. "Our team is working closely with our economic development partners across the state to help local communities and their residents."

In addition, McCabe and Van Valkenburg echoed the Governor's vision to cement Oregon's position as a recognized leader in innovation and the renewable energy economy of the 21st century.

"Whether it is testing electric cars, building solar panels or encouraging wind energy developments, Oregon has already surged to the front of the pack when it comes to the nation's next wave of economic growth," said Van Valkenburg. "When the current recession recedes—and it will—we want to make sure Oregon is well positioned to grow jobs and wealth from coastal communities to the plains of eastern Oregon."

The state's business development team met with legislative leadership and more than two dozen legislators during the all-day event. The group described the many local successes fueled, in part, by the assistance of the OECDD statewide team of business development officers.

"We have helped create and retain thousands of jobs across the state of Oregon," said McCabe. "But now we must ensure existing Oregon businesses survive this economic storm and the state is well positioned to hit the ground running when it ends. To that end, our efforts will focus on making sure existing Oregon businesses sustain their competitive advantages."

Oregon business development leaders meet with Senate President Courtney, House Speaker Hunt, Majority Leaders Devlin and Nolan and Minority Leader Hanna

February 18, 2009

SALEM—The state's top economic development officials today outlined their plans to help existing Oregon businesses create and retain jobs while positioning the state to succeed in the post-recession, 21st century economy.

Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) Director Tim McCabe, Oregon Economic and Community Development Commission Chair Wally Van Valkenburg and members of the OECD Commission and the Oregon Innovation Council visited legislative leadership including Senate President Peter Courtney, House Speaker Dave Hunt, Senate Majority Leader Senator Richard Devlin, House Majority Leader Rep. Mary Nolan and House Minority Leader Bruce Hanna.

"We want our legislative leaders to know about our emphasis on helping existing Oregon businesses create and retain jobs as well as our efforts to attract more investment into the state," said OECDD Director McCabe.

In addition, McCabe and Van Valkenburg echoed Governor Kulongoski's emphasis on producing a highly educated workforce and utilizing innovation to maintain Oregon's position as a recognized leader in the 21st century economy.

"Whether it is testing electric cars, building solar panels and windmills or encouraging nanotechnology development, Oregon has already surged to the front of the pack when it comes to the nation's next wave of economic growth," said Van Valkenburg.

The economic development officials also discussed OECDD's already successful efforts to create thousands of jobs across the state of Oregon at companies such as Climax Portable Tools, Agri-Plas, SolarWorld and FedEx.

State partners with Port of Coos Bay to purchase rail line

February 5, 2009

The Oregon Economic and Community Development (OECD) Commission Thursday approved $12.6 million in bridge loans that will enable the Port of Coos Bay to purchase the rail line that was shut down by Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad (CORP).

As a result of the September 2007 short-line closure—traveling 120 miles between Eugene and Coos Bay—approximately 750 direct jobs at rail-served manufacturing sites in the South Coast region are at risk. The potential loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector also could have triggered in the loss of a larger number of indirect and induced jobs in the region, local officials estimated.

"This rail line is critical to the future economic stability for the Southern Oregon Coast," said Tim McCabe, Director of the OECDD. "This bridge loan is important because of the timeline imposed on the purchase of the line and is one way the state can help preserve jobs and economic opportunities for Southern Oregon."

Prior to the Central Oregon & Pacific (CORP) Railroad's closure of the Coos Bay rail line in September 2007, freight rail service was available to many regional firms including Roseburg Forest Products, Georgia-Pacific Inc., Southport Forest Products, Coos Head Forest Products, American Bridge Manufacturing, Westwood Lumber, AmeriGas and Ferrellgas. The rail service closure has significantly increased shipping costs for all commodities and has resulted in layoffs at various mills. Additionally, several firms have stated that lack of rail service will eventually lead to reallocation of long-term plant investments and possible relocation of manufacturing operations to other rail-served locations.

"Railroads are a vital part of Oregon's transportation system and its support to the state's economy," said Kelly Taylor, Administrator of the Oregon Department of Transportation Rail Division. "For 93 years, this rail line has been instrumental to the economic development of the southern Oregon coast and beyond. Today's action ensures that it will continue to support Oregon's prosperity into the future."

On Thursday, The OECD Commission unanimously approved two Special Public Works Fund loans totaling approximately $12.6 million to allow the Port to have sufficient funds to purchase the line later this month. One loan, for $7.2 million, will be paid off within 24 months following the Port's receipt of federal transportation funds. The second loan—$5.4 million—has a 25-year repayment schedule. In addition, to these loans, ODOT provided $4 million in ConnectOregon financing for the project.

"Oregon could not afford to lose the Coos Bay rail line and access to the harbor at Coos Bay," said Sen. Joanne Verger (D-Coos Bay). "All parties—from state and federal government to communities, businesses and employees who depend upon the rail line—have worked tirelessly to preserve hundreds of jobs and ensure the long-term economic viability of the region."

"Today is a great day for Oregon and the South Coast region," said State Rep. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay). "This has been a difficult and uncertain period for the entire region, and we are excited to move forward with a plan to preserve this critical component of our local manufacturing economy."

Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad (CORP), the current owner of the line, filed a rail service embargo notice with the Association of American Railroads for the majority of the Coos Bay rail line from west of Eugene to Coquille and discontinued railroad service in late September 2007. CORP stated that three tunnels on the line were unsafe and did not comply with Federal Railroad Administration standards. They sought funding assistance plus annual subsidies from ODOT's Rail Division to restore service on the line.

On November 10, 2008, the federal Surface Transportation Board awarded the Port the opportunity to purchase the line for $16,605,987 with the purchase to be completed by February 18, 2009.

New state Business Development Officer aims to create and retain local jobs

January 30, 2009

Portland, Oregon—Chad Freeman joined the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) team as the new Business Development Officer representing Clackamas and Washington counties. As the Business Development Officer for these counties Chad will be responsible for recruiting, retention and development efforts within these communities and will be a representative for the state on local economic development efforts.

"I am really excited to work closely with our partners in Clackamas and Washington counties to build on our record of success in the region," said Freeman. "These are tough economic times, and while the state will focus on helping existing businesses create new jobs while holding on to the ones they already have, we also have to prepare to compete in the 21st century economy after this recession ends."

Freeman relocated to Portland from John Day, Oregon, where he had worked for the past four years as the Executive Director of the Training and Employment Consortium (TEC). During this time, Chad was responsible for delivering workforce and economic development programs over a broad six-county area in Eastern Oregon. During his tenure he initiated a strategic planning process for the Consortium as well as leading the successful implementation of this strategic plan.

Prior to his work at TEC, Freeman served as the Grant County Economic Development Coordinator in John Day between 2003 and 2005 where he was responsible for recruitment, development and marketing while working with rural area businesses. In addition, Freeman has more than five years of experience working in commercial real estate with a focus on the retail sector and development.

Freeman earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate and a Masters of Business Administration from Colorado State University.

For additional information please visit our website: http://www.oregon4biz.com or contact your local Business Development Officer, Chad Freeman at 503-229-5117.