Founded in 1981, EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders. Our mission is to create a diversified local economy and a strong base of middle-class jobs in Central Oregon. To do this, we focus on helping companies do the following:
Move. EDCO attracts outside employers interested in relocating or expanding to the region by developing relationships with key company decision makers, site selectors, media professionals, and other influencers. We guide companies through the relocation process as a resource for regional data, incentives, site selection, and other services tailored to their specific needs.
Start. At the center of the region’s growing entrepreneurial network, EDCO mentors and advises promising, scalable young companies with support from concept to exit on issues such as access to capital, critical expertise, and strategy.
Grow. Our local businesses are the job engine of the region’s economy. Because of this, we have dedicated managers in each of the six Central Oregon communities who partner and advocate for existing companies as they grow and expand.
FUNDED BY MEMBER SUPPORT
As a membership organization, we are funded by both the public and private sectors. EDCO members represent the depth and diversity of our Central Oregon communities, as business leaders, supporters and advocates from across the region.
FOCUSED ON RESULTS
We primarily focus our efforts on traded-sector employers, which are companies that sell a majority of their goods or services outside the region. As these businesses export their products and offerings, they simultaneously import wealth into our Central Oregon communities and help to build a recession-proof employment base.
At EDCO, we keep close tabs on economic indicators such as job growth, total payroll and new capital investment made by traded-sector companies. The results of the last six years are as follows:
*payroll is reported by some companies, but others are estimated conservatively at the average wage for manufacturing for the region.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: GOALS & OBJECTIVES
EDCO’s Strategic Plan provides an overview of our vision, mission and objectives. It guides us as we undertake new activities and initiatives, and is a source of information for those who want to better understand our organization. Download the FY 22-23 and 23-24 Strategic Plan.