About Central Oregon & Bend
Fueled by incredible population expansion, Central Oregon is home to some of the fastest growing communities in the state and nation. Remarkably, in-migration accounts for over 70% of this growth over at least the past ten years - and education, income, and work experience of these new residents far exceeds state and national levels. This decade-and-a-half trend has produced some extremely innovative, industry-pioneering companies that have contributed to the region being Oregon’s fastest growing area. Bend is the region's largest city with a population of 70,328 (2005).
Lower Costs, More Prosperity
Overall business costs here are substantially less than in urban areas of neighboring states or other “resort” communities in the West. For instance, the construction and real estate development industry has kept pace with recent economic expansion, offering a wide range of housing options from starter to stardom.
Oregon’s taxes and worker’s compensation rates take less of a bite from business’ bottom line. Our rates for the latter are among the lowest in the nation. Overall taxation rates for business ranks among the most favorable for businesses. As a result, business owners have more capital to further expand markets, products and profits. Additionally, the reduced challenge of finding and retaining employees is an added financial benefit as well as one less headache of running a successful enterprise.
Booming Retail/Commercial Markets, Diverse Industries
If commercial/retail business investments are one way to measure economic prosperity and stability, Central Oregon again ranks among the top in the nation – DMA (Designated Market Area) growth between 1998-2005 for Bend/Redmond was among the top five in the country.
Retail sales, bolstered by a wealth of dining options, the numerous locally owned specialty shops as well as brand name retailers like Costco, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Target, Home Depot, REI, Lowes, World Market, Best Buy, and a host of outlet stores, continue to climb throughout the region. Consequently, Deschutes County has the second highest per capita retail sales spending in all of Oregon.
With a history as a region dependent on wood products and agriculture, efforts to diversify the economy over the past 20 years have proved fruitful. New industry clusters established in the region include aerospace/aircraft manufacturing, research and development, software, recreational equipment manufacturing, furniture and fixtures, moulding and millwork, steel/equipment fabrication, medical devices, and a variety of technical/professional firms serving customers nationally and internationally.
Livable Communities, Balanced Lifestyles
The primary reason we have such an excellent workforce – people choose to move and live here even without gainful employment - is the Central Oregon lifestyle. What makes an area desirable varies greatly from person to person, but the reasons people are flocking here can be boiled down to a combination of the following attributes:
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Natural scenic beauty, proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities;
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Quality amenities including golf courses, resorts, skiing, shopping, housing, dining;
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Excellent schools and educational opportunities;
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First-class health care and medical facilities/specialists;
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Cultural opportunities including concerts, art galleries & exhibits;
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Warm, dry, sunny climate of the high desert;
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Safe communities where residents don’t fear loss of property or personal injury.
Although the region has grown dramatically in recent years, communities in Central Oregon still have retained small-town charm, friendliness, and sense of place you would expect from much smaller areas.
For more information on doing business and demographics in Central Oregon, please click here.
Central Oregon Business Resources
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)
Phone: 541-388-3236
Website: www.edforco.org
State of Oregon Employment Department
Phone: 541-388-6070
Website: www.olmis.org
The Oregon Innovation Center
Phone: 541-312-5785
Website: www.innovationcenter.org
The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
Phone: 541-548-8163
Website: www.coic.org
Opportunity Knocks
Phone: 541-318-4650
Website: www.opp-knocks.org
The Center for Business and Industry (SBDC)
Phone: 541-383-7290
Website: www.cocc.edu/cbi
Central Oregon Visitor Information
Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau
Phone: 800-949-6086
Website: www.visitbend.com
Bend Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 800-905-2363
Website: www.bendchamber.org
Central Oregon Visitors Association (COVA)
Phone: 800-800-8334
Website: www.visitcentraloregon.com
La Pine Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 541-536-9771
Website: www.lapine.org
Madras Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 800-967-3564
Website: www.madraschamber.com
Redmond Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 541-923-5191
Website: www.redmondcofc.com
Sisters Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 541-549-0251
Website: www.sisterschamber.com
Regional Investor Resources
Pacific Northwest
Portland Area Angel Network (www.oef.org/.docs/pg/210)
Alliance of Angels (www.allianceofangels.com)
Vancouver Enterprise Forum Angel Technology Network (www.vef.org)
California
Fast Angels (www.fastangels.com)
The Angels' Forum (www.angelsforum.com)
Tech Coast Angels (www.techcoastangels.org)
Silicon Valley Band of Angels (www.bandangels.com)
Sierra Angels (www.sierraangels.com)
National Networks
ACE-Net (The Angel Capital Electronic Network) (acenet.csusb.edu)
Investors' Circle (www.investorscircle.net)
The Tribe of Angels (www.tribeofangels.com)
Gathering of Angels (www.gatheringofangels.com)
Irish Angels (www.business.nd.edu/ia/)
West Coast
Bridger Private Capital Network (www.techranch.org)
CTEK Angels (ctekangels.biz/)
Infobase Ventures (www.infobaseventures.com)
InterPeak Partners (www.interpeakpartners.com)
Keiretsu Forum-Hawaii/Pacific (www.k4forum.com/chapters/hawaii/index.html)
Sierra Angels (www.sierraangels.com/)
Top of Utah Angels (www.growutahventures.com/touamain.asp)
Transition Partners Limited (www.transitionpartnersltd.com)
Utah Angels (www.utahangels.com)
Vegas Valley Angels (www.dfventures.com/vva)