Photo Credit: Bend Research

1. Diverse and dynamic business community

We have dynamic industry clusters across the tri-county area, including: brew (Bend has more microbreweries per capita than any other town in America); bio (on the forefront of medical device technology); tech (a booming technology industry, from startups to fortune 500 datacenters); and rec (outdoor gear for people and dogs). A healthy mix of established companies and up and coming entrepreneurs have created a connected, energized business community that is ambitious and producing results. With an influx of capital and new ideas, solid infrastructure, the expansion of higher education, and a coordinated effort by EDCO and Central Oregon cities and counties to support economic development, the region is making yet another leap forward.

Photo Credit: Tim Park

2. Talent

Our workforce is skilled, educated, and growing, from web developers to brewers, engineers to precision manufacturers. And the migration of corporate transplants from the nation’s biggest cities is bolstering our already impressive bench strength in a diverse array of professional disciplines. People are hungry to move here and even more determined to stay. As an employer, this means easier recruitment and better retention. With the region’s first four year university, Oregon State University-Cascades, Central Oregon Community College‘s robust programs, internship development through Youth CareerConnect, and numerous other workforce training initiatives, employees have a myriad of avenues for ongoing professional development.

Photo Credit: Facebook data center by Alan Brandt

3. The Northwest’s Lowest Operating Costs

Central Oregon has some of the lowest operating costs in the Pacific Northwest, including very affordable industrial land costs, available build-to-suit commercial real estate, tax abatement, enterprise zones, and fast track permitting. And the region’s cities are eager to work with businesses considering the region, with creative solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs. Go to our Info Hub for more detailed information or contact us to learn more.

Photo Credit: BendBroadband Vault

4. Critical Infrastructure

Redmond regional airport offers easy access to Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, and our highways directly connect to the I-5 corridor. We also have some of the lowest power, gas, and telecommunications costs in the country. With the increasing number of virtual companies and expanding brick and mortar businesses in the region, we continue to keep pace with demand for high-end data services – our telecommunications infrastructure is one of the Northwest’s most technologically advanced, meeting business and telecommuting requirements for capacity, redundancy, and reliability.

Photo Credit: Arthur Tripp

5. REAL Work-Life Balance

We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods. Though best known for our outdoor recreation, we also host some of the Northwest’s best festivals and events, including TEDxBend, the Sisters Folk Festival, BendFilm, Brewfest, Bend Venture Conference and more. The restaurant scene is dynamic and diverse enough to satisfy any epicurean palate. All of this means you can get your big city fix without having to travel. Your friends and family will agree. When you move here, you better prepare for an onslaught of visitors who will fill up that guest bedroom all year long – and may end up staying permanently!

5½. Support

Seated squarely at the epicenter of the business community, EDCO has the services, the connections, and the expertise to help you and your business thrive in Central Oregon. As your advocate, let us guide you through the process of evaluation, selection, and relocation with our experienced team of economic development pros.

Contact us for the most current market data, questions regarding incentives, real estate, transportation, and more. If you’re planning a visit related to relocation, be sure to contact us so we can make your visit as informative as possible.