2011 Awards of Excellence
in Economic & Community Development
Newport, OR - Efforts by organizations and individuals to create more high-quality jobs, develop more vibrant communities, and generally improve the quality of life in their regions were recognized at the Oregon Economic Development Association’s 2011 All Hands on Deck! Conference held September 25th through September 27th at the Hallmark Resort in Newport, OR.
Winners of the awards were selected based on innovative programs or practices in their respective categories. The award categories were:
Marketing and Promotions
The Marketing and Promotions award was presented to SEDCOR for the Made in the Willamette Valley Project. The marketing promotion is a collaborative partnership between SEDCOR, the Statesman Journal in Salem, and the Polk County Itemizer in Dallas. It provides a unique opportunity for SEDCOR members to be showcased in the business section of the Statesman Journal every Sunday, and in the Polk County Itemizer, monthly. The articles include contact information; business description, business history, advantage of doing business in the Willamette Valley, best and toughest business decisions, and current industry trends. It also provides a way for local residents to learn about the difference types of companies and industries in the area and what products they offer making it easier for consumers to “Buy Local”. Fifty-Nine (59) businesses have been featured since the promotion began in June. 2010.
Outstanding Collaborative Partnership Award
The Outstanding Collaborative Partnership Award was presented to OEN/Bridge City Ventures – Portland Seed Fund for the Portland Seed Fund Project. The Partners include: The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, The City of Portland through the Portland Development Commission, the City of Hillsboro, and the State of Oregon through the Oregon Growth Fund. The Portland Seed Fund is designed to stimulate entrepreneurial growth in the Portland metro area and throughout Oregon. More than 95% of Portland’s Businesses have fewer than 50 employees, and the majority of new jobs are created by new or expanding small firms. The supply of capital for early-stage companies has been limited, so by improving the conditions for survival in the concept stage, the Portland Seed Fund is expected to grow the pool of viable start-ups that will win later stage funding and, ultimately be commercial successes.
Business Development Success Story
The Business Development Success Story was presented to the Port of Newport for The NOAA Marine Operations Center Project. Winning this project was not an easy task and the goal of the NOAA recruitment team is to make Newport, Oregon a major business hub for marine science, research, education and observation. The Project required a huge effort from the City of Newport, the Newport Chamber of Commerce, the schools in Newport, Lincoln County, higher education, health care and all of the business interests in the area. The collaboration was so successful that the Governor recently commented “I want to take this team and put them to work on the Columbia River Crossing”. The investment added $40 million to a decrepit piece of waterfront, and intangibly, adds to Newport’s image as a place with a high quality of life that values knowledge.
Economic Development Leader of the Year
Bruce Laird, National Business Recruitment Officer for Business Oregon was selected as Economic Development Leader of the Year. Bruce developed the first clean technology strategy around the solar industry. He has worked with hundreds of solar manufacturers, site selectors and real estate firms to help land key solar manufacturers in Oregon. This has resulted in global firms such as SolarWorld, Sanyo, Peak Sun Silicon, Ferro Tech, and others locating in Oregon which has created millions in investments, thousands of jobs, and helped to revitalize our state’s economy. His work with the Oregon Department of Energy on the Business Energy Tax Credit, a key incentive for advanced energy manufacturing, has helped make Oregon a hotbed for solar energy companies.
About the Oregon Economic Development Association. The Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) is a statewide non-profit organization working to support economic development professionals who are on Oregon’s front line in diversifying and expanding Oregon’s economy.
Questions: Contact Terre Cooper at [email] or (541) 429-7481
