November 2023 - Southern Oregon Business Journal by Southern Oregon Business Journal

Proudly Serving Benton, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln & Linn Counties Since 2015

SouthernOregonBusiness.com OREGON CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE 2023 RECAP - PAGE 28

The Journal for Business in Southern Oregon ASK LISA: WHAT IS CONSIDERED EMAIL SPAM WHEN SENDING EMAIL? - PAGE 10

November 2023

AT DUNCAN LIVESTOCK AND HAY, ENERGY UPGRADES CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE FARM - PAGE 26

Thankful Oregon Connections 27th Annual Conference October 26 - 27, 2023 Ashland, Oregon The Broadband Edition

The Southern Oregon Business Journal is Sponsored by

A Few Words from Jim

The Southern Oregon Business Journal extends sincere thanks to the following companies for sponsoring the journal. Without their support we could not produce a FREE resource for Southern Oregon businesses.

November 2023

There is so much to be thankful for. I work every day in each of my companies with amazing humans that are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. I have wonderful clients that trust us and work with us to solve problems, create innovative solutions and change the world together. I serve along side hundreds of volunteers in the communities I serve and they remind me everyday how awesome humans are. I put on conferences, speak at conferences, spend a little time each month sharing this business journal with you, y a lot, stay in many hotels and still work hard to be home on weekends to watch football with Dena. I’m proud of my now adult kids and the wonderful humans they picked as partners in life. And Dena and I try to visit the grandkids at least once a month for a day or two. Am I tired? You bet.

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PEOPLE’S BANK - PAGE 5 MANAGED HOME NET - PAGE 31

Do I wish I could slow down and enjoy quiet moments?

SOU - LEADERSHIP BEGINS HERE SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY PAGE 21

Sometimes yes.

PROJECT A - PAGE 11

I dream of peace and quiet and some solitude.

ENERGY TRUST OF OREGON - 15

I dream of not waking up in a panic at 2:30 am because I fear missing my 5:00 am ight.

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It’s good to be tired. There is so much to do.

I dream of cleaning my desk off and throwing a truckload of stuff I will never get to away. I dream of spending Black Friday shopping online for my friends and family and not rushing the week before Christmas like I always do. I dream of sitting side by side, like that couple in Up, holding hands with Dena and reading and drinking tea. I dream about a lot of things. Every night. Every day.

Proudly Serving Benton, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln & Linn Counties Since 2015

SouthernOregonBusiness.com OREGON CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE 2023 RECAP - PAGE 28

I look at the young Duncan Family on the cover and smile. They work hard, running a business the best they can and raising a family too. It’s hard work.

They just do it, because there is so much to do, and I’m thankful for that.

Founder

Thanks for reading…

Greg Henderson ghenderson703@gmail.com Greg started the Southern Oregon Business Journal in 2015 and retired in 2020.

2 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

Jim Jim@SouthernOregonBusiness.com

November 2023

AT DUNCAN LIVESTOCK AND HAY, ENERGY UPGRADES CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE FARM - PAGE 26

Thankful

But like I said there is much work to do.

But at the end of each day, I’m sure they go to bed exhausted and wake up the next ready to go. Ready to work. Ready to roll up their sleeves and pitch in where needed to get the job done. Not realizing how much they inspire others while they do it.

The Journal for Business in Southern Oregon ASK LISA: WHAT IS CONSIDERED EMAIL SPAM WHEN SENDING EMAIL? - PAGE 10

Oregon Connections 27th Annual Conference October 26 - 27, 2023 Ashland, Oregon The Broadband Edition

The Southern Oregon Business Journal is Sponsored by

The Duncan family has been farming and ranching in Sprague River for nearly 20 years. This year they will be upgrading to pivot lines from inef cient wheel lines, shown above, as one way to preserve their land for the next 20 years and beyond. Read the full story “At Duncan Livestock and Hay, energy upgrades create a more sustainable farm” on Page 26

5350 HWY 66, Ashland, Oregon 97520

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NOVEMBER 2023 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

Southern Oregon Business Journal

The Power of Checklists: Insights from “The Checklist Manifesto” 4 RISE Law Group Seeks Coverage for Groundbreaking Legal Initiatives Reshaping the Court System 6 OP-Ed : Overcoming Hurdles: The Journey of Black-Owned Restaurants in Multnomah County, Oregon 8 Ask Lisa: What is considered email SPAM when sending email? 10 Dutch Bros Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Announces Two New Directors 12 A Snapshot of Oregon Firms by Size Class, 2023 14 Oregon's Nonpro ts in 2022 16 PBCO Financial Corporation Reports Q3 2023 Earnings 18 Innovation Jam draws 30-plus students 20 Guarded Optimism 22 Season’s Greetings! 24 At Duncan Livestock and Hay, energy upgrades create a more sustainable farm 26

Oregon Connections Conference 2023 Recap 28

READING LIST

The Power of Checklists: Insights from “The Checklist Manifesto”

A book review

construction. His research and personal experiences reveal that checklists are not merely how-to guides. They are simple tools that help professionals make the most of their skills without spreading themselves too thin. One of the key insights from the book is that checklists help prevent common mistakes with serious consequences. They are designed to be short, clear, and focused on the essentials. As Gawande puts it, "Good checklists are, above all, practical". The Resistance to Checklists In the world of business, where complexity is a given and stakes are high, the need for reliable, ef cient systems is paramount. One tool that has proven its worth across various industries is the humble checklist. In his book, “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right”, Dr. Atul Gawande explores the power and potential of checklists in preventing errors, improving communication, and increasing ef ciency. The Science of Checklists Gawande’s exploration of checklists is not limited to theory. He delves into their practical application in elds as diverse as medicine, aviation, and

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Despite their proven effectiveness, checklists often face resistance. Gawande suggests that this resistance is not just due to laziness or the perceived painstaking nature of checklists. There’s a deeper, more visceral reaction at play. "We don’t like checklists. They can be painstaking. They’re not much fun. But I don’t think the issue here is mere laziness. There’s something deeper, more visceral going on when people walk away not only from saving lives but from making money. It somehow feels beneath us to use a checklist, an embarrassment. It runs counter to deeply held beliefs about how the truly great among us—those we aspire to be— handle situations of high stakes and

complexity. The truly great are daring. They improvise. They do not have protocols and checklists. Maybe our idea of heroism needs updating". The Business Case for Checklists In the business world, where the volume and complexity of knowledge often exceed our individual ability to deliver its bene ts correctly, safely, or reliably, checklists can serve as a powerful tool. They can help teams avoid oversights, maintain standards, and ensure that no critical steps are missed. Moreover, checklists democratize the process of problem-solving and decision-making. They give power to those who usually don’t have it. This can foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, which is crucial for businesses in today’s competitive landscape. Conclusion “The Checklist Manifesto” offers compelling evidence of the power of checklists. It challenges our traditional notions of expertise and control, and presents a simple yet effective tool for managing complexity. As businesses continue to navigate an increasingly complex world, the lessons from Gawande’s book are more relevant than ever. As he aptly puts it, "Man is fallible, but maybe men are less so".

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By Press Release riselawgroup.org

These accolades underscore our commitment to reshaping the way the court system operates, ensuring equitable due process, and advocating for justice.

RISE Law Group, a leading legal practice headed and owned by accomplished women professionals, is inviting the media to cover its groundbreaking initiatives that have signi cantly impacted the court system. With a consistent track record of awardwinning success and innovation, the rm is eager to share its transformative journey with the public. Our dedication to legal excellence and tireless advocacy for our clients has earned us signi cant recognition from Southern Oregon's Best of the Best 2022, and Best in Southern 2023.

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RISE Law Group Seeks Coverage for Groundbreaking Legal Initiatives Reshaping the Court System

MARKETING

RISE Law Group has been at the forefront of legal innovation, challenging traditional norms and paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible legal system by “Rasing the bar.” Rise Law Group believes that by actively participating in pro bono appeals, we contribute to a more equitable and just society, ensuring that the bar for legal representation is raised for all, regardless of their nancial circumstances. Rise Law Group's commitment to equity extends to our dedicated team of employees. We believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, and a signi cant part of this commitment involves covering comprehensive bene ts for our staff. Our approach embodies the belief that a fair, equitable, and supportive workplace bene ts our team and results in better service to our clients and the community.

Jamie Hazlett and Maryanne Pitcher emphasized the importance of media coverage in sharing their transformative story, stating, "We believe that our story is one that needs to be heard. Our initiatives and their impact on the court system can inspire positive change and motivate others in the legal community to strive for a fair and accessible justice system." RISE Law Group encourages members of the media to explore its journey, understand its initiatives, and highlight the positive in uence it has had on the legal landscape, as well as its community. Our commitment to excellence and drive for positive change have not only earned us awards but have also contributed to a growing list of satis ed clients. We continue to advocate passionately for our clients, empowering them to navigate the legal landscape with con dence. About RISE Law Group: Backed by over 30 years’ experience, the team at RISE Law Group provides an innovative approach to get you the results you are looking for. Our attorneys recognize the stress, emotion, and importance of what is involved in a full-service rm. We provide passionate and responsive representation to our clients.

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Give your people peace of mind. Providence Health Plan no longer requires referrals for in-network specialist visits. Learn more at ProvidenceHealthPlan.com/NoReferrals Available for all plans beginning 1/1/2024. Southern Oregon Business Journal October 2023 | 7

OP-ED

Overcoming Hurdles: The Journey of Black-Owned Restaurants

By E.D. Mondainé

in Multnomah County, Oregon

Introduction: A Rising Tide for Black Entrepreneurs in Oregon In recent years, the entrepreneurial spirit within Black communities across the state of Oregon has witnessed remarkable growth. A 2022 study conducted by Washington University and the University of Arkansas revealed a promising trend of increasing Black entrepreneurs throughout the region. This surge not only signi es a higher number of Black-owned businesses sprouting in Oregon but also reveals that these enterprises are generating more substantial annual revenues than ever before. Even more heartening is the revelation that this growth encompasses both larger rms and small- scale “mom-and-pop” operations. Black-owned businesses in Oregon are progressively evolving into sustainable enterprises with the potential for further development over time. Multnomah County: A Complex Landscape While the state of Oregon is on the upward trajectory of Black

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entrepreneurship, Multnomah County, home to Portland, presents a unique and complex landscape. The recent times have posed formidable challenges for restaurant operators within this county. Operating a restaurant in Multnomah County entails a myriad of hurdles, including lower foot traf c, vandalism, higher wages compared to other areas of the state, and increased expenses for security to ensure employees’ safety. A Call for Equity: The Multnomah County Commissioners’ Meeting During a Multnomah County Commissioners’ meeting, several restaurant operators shared their concerns and challenges as commissioners debated increasing health inspection fees by 30% over the next four years. Restaurant operators emphasized the dif culties of operating a restaurant in Portland, underlining issues such as lower foot traf c, security concerns, and economic disparities when compared to other regions in the state.

A Voice Unheard: BlackOwned Restaurants at the Margins Unfortunately, during this pivotal meeting, Black-owned restaurants were notably absent from the table, and no opportunity was granted to these businesses to address this issue or cast a vote. In a county known for its diversity, the absence of representation is glaring. Challenges in a PostPandemic Landscape The challenges faced by Blackowned restaurants in Multnomah County are further exacerbated by the postpandemic era. The pandemic hit Black-owned restaurants disproportionately hard, compounding their struggles in an already challenging landscape. Disparities in Funding and Financing One of the most signi cant obstacles faced by Blackowned restaurants in Multnomah County and beyond is the glaring disparity in funding and nancing. While Black entrepreneurs are making remarkable strides,

Non-Pro ts Aimed at Support: The MESO Dilemma To address these disparities, agencies such as Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) have been established as non-pro t organizations designed to support Blackowned businesses in Portland. These organizations play a vital role in bridging the nancial gaps. However, many of these agencies face challenges, including understaf ng, which hinders their effectiveness in providing comprehensive support. The complexities of navigating these non-pro t agencies have sometimes left Black business owners frustrated, as the support they need remains elusive. Conclusion: Paving the Path for Equity in Multnomah County The journey of Black-owned restaurants in Multnomah County, Oregon, mirrors the broader story of Black entrepreneurship in the

state. It re ects resilience, determination, and untapped potential. However, the path to equitable success is still laden with obstacles, from underfunding to discrimination. The recent challenges faced during the Multnomah County Commissioners’ meeting underscore the importance of representation and inclusivity in policymaking. To ensure the success and growth of Black-owned restaurants in Multnomah County and throughout Oregon, it is imperative that organizations and institutions actively examine and address the barriers that limit growth and investment within minority-owned businesses, particularly in the context of funding and nancing. Diversity and inclusion should not be mere buzzwords but actionable strategies. Inclusivity-focused policies can drive social change and provide the much-needed support for economic development within minority communities. The journey is ongoing, and the call to action is clear:

society must recognize these disparities and actively work toward leveling the playing eld for Black-owned businesses. Together, we can provide Black entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to a vibrant, diverse, and equitable Multnomah County and Oregon. It is a journey that demands solidarity, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to the principle that every business should have an equal shot at success. *********** E. D. Mondainé is the Economic Chair for The NAACP (AOWSAC) Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference. He is also an activist, entrepreneur, and recording artist. Founder of the Black American Chamber Of Commerce, he is also Sr. pastor of Celebration Tabernacle Church in Portland, OR and Grace Center, St. Louis, MO —I decided to run this OpEd sent to me because if you replace Multnomah County with Southern Oregon, it’s very relevant and sometimes we miss out on learning opportunities because we lter it . JET

Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 9 fi

they often lack access to the nancial resources necessary to grow and sustain their businesses.

MARKETING By Lisa Manyon WriteOnCreative.com https://writeoncreative.com/ask-lisa-considered-email-spamsending-email/

Q: What exactly is considered email SPAM when sending email? A: Excellent question. In short form, any unsolicited commercial email is considered SPAM. So, if you are sending an email for your business without permission and adding people to your email list for promotional purposes, you are basically breaking the law. What many people don't realize is that email is regulated by Federal law. It's highly advised that you read through the of cial CAN-SPAM Act on the Federal Trade Commission website. Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer but here are some ways you can ensure you're NOT breaking the law when it comes to email marketing. In order to be CAN-SPAM compliant here are some things you can do. Invest in a platform that provides professional email service. You can explore companies like AWeber, MailChimp or Constant Contact (there are many others and you'll want to research based on your business strategy and technical capabilities/needs) Only send commercial and promotional email to people who have requested the email by opting in. Opting in means they signed up on your website by using a contact form and requested that you send them information. Do not add anyone to your list without permission even if their email address is publicly displayed. For example, Some people

10 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

Ask Lisa: What is considered email SPAM when sending email?

"scrape" email addresses from Linkedin as a way to try to prospect new business. This is SPAM and truly poor form.

annoying and rude. In many cases, you can damage your reputation by tossing people into groups without asking rst.

Don't buy or sell email addresses. You're never 100% sure where a purchased list came from and if you sell your contact information that's a direct violation of trust. Always include your physical mailing address on all email messages and on your website. This is also required by law. Plus, it adds another element of trust when people know where your of ce is located (note: if you work from a home of ce, it's advised to use a P.O. box or UPS Store address so you don't attract unwanted visitors) Always include an unsubscribe button or a way to easily unsubscribe. Sending email messages with no way to opt-out is very bad form. Once someone unsubscribes from your list NEVER email them again. It's required that you comply within 10 days and most professional email services will give unsubscribers a way to tell you why they are opting out. If you are SPAMMING, they can also report you for that. Permission-based email and internet marketing is the best way to protect your professional reputation. Bonus tip: When in doubt ask if someone is interested in what you want to share. Don't add people to your Facebook groups without permission either. While adding people to your FB groups without permission isn't a direct violation of CAN-SPAM it's

Lisa Manyon is known as The Business Marketing Architect. She's the President and Founder of Write On Creative, host of the podcast Your Message Matters and a bestselling author. She teaches, trains, and transforms on two core topics 1) Marketing With Integrity (it’s time to take the pain out of planning and the pain points out of your marketing message). Her strategies are known to create million-dollar results, and 2) Healing With Love (based on her bestselling book Spiritual Sugar: The Divine Ingredients to Heal Yourself With Love with a foreword by Dr. Joe Vitale and an afterword by Neale Donald Walsch. Lisa lives in Magical Ashland, Oregon. Visit WriteOnCreative.com to learn more. Feel free to ask questions via https://writeoncreative.com/ about/ask-lisa/ and be sure to let her know SOBJ sent you.

Southern Oregon Business Journal October 2023 | 11

DUTCH BROS By Press Release https://investors.dutchbros.com/news/news-details/ 2023/Dutch-Bros-Inc.-Reports-Third-Quarter-2023Financial-Results-and-Announces-Two-New-Directors/

RANTS PASS, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE: BROS; “Dutch Bros” or the “Company”), one of the fastestgrowing brands in the food service and restaurant industry in the United States by location count, today reported nancial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Dutch Bros Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Announces Two New Directors David Cone and Sean Sullivan, who were recently added to ll vacancies on the Board resulting from the resignations of Shelley Broader and Charles Esserman. Mr. Cone will serve on the Audit and Risk Committee.

Mr. Cone served as Chief Financial Of cer and Executive Joth Ricci, Chief Executive Of cer of Vice President at Taylor Morrison Dutch Bros, stated, “By all accounts, Home Corporation (NYSE: • Opened 39 New Systemwide Shops Q3 was a fantastic quarter, and we TMHC), a residential in Q3 2023 are extremely pleased with our unit homebuilding business and Record Revenue of $265 million, a • openings, same shop sales, land developer, from October 33% Increase Year-over-Year revenue, and pro tability results. I 2012 to December 2021. Prior am very proud of the team for their to that, he held various roles at • Updates 2023 Guidance, Increases accomplishments, and I am PetSmart, Inc. from 2003 to Range for Adjusted EBITDA encouraged by the strength of the 2012, while the company was underlying business as we execute publicly-listed, most recently as on our plan. In Q3, we opened 39 Vice President, Finance Planning strong while preserving and amplifying shops systemwide and entered two new and Analysis. Mr. Cone previously served our culture.” states: Alabama and Kentucky. Despite a on the board of directors for Urbi He concluded, “During Q3 in a span of dif cult consumer backdrop, we drove a Desarrollos Urbanos SAB DE CV. He less than 45 days, we executed two 4.0% increase in systemwide same shop received a B.A. in Business Economics transactions, an upgrade of our credit sales and delivered 33% growth in our with an emphasis in Accounting from the facility and a follow-on equity offering, top-line revenue.” University of California at Santa Barbara. that unlocked a total of almost $500 Ricci continued, “Even as we Mr. Sullivan has served as Executive Vice million in incremental liquidity and demonstrate our commitment to President, Chief Strategy and Legal positioned our balance sheet to support pro table growth, it is vital that we Of cer of The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. a long runway of growth. We intend to continue investing in the business. Our (NYSE: NAPA), a producer of luxury wines continue con dently pursuing highfocus will therefore remain on recruiting in North America, since February 2019. quality investments in new shops on our and retaining top talent and keeping our Prior to that, he served as an attorney at path to 4,000.” operations ef cient and competitive Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, a Director Appointments long-term. This way, we can ensure that multinational law rm, from 2012 to our people pipeline and systems stay 2019. Mr. Sullivan previously worked as The Company welcomed two new an investment banker at Credit Suisse members of the Board of Directors, C.

12 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

Third Quarter 2023 Highlights Completed follow-on offering of approximately 13.3 million new shares at $26.00 per share, raising approximately $330.1 million net of offering costs and underwriting discounts and commissions. Opened 39 new shops, bringing total shop count to 794 as of September 30, 2023, a 23.9% increase from September 30, 2022. Of these 39 new shops opened across 11 states, 37 were company-operated. All of these new shops continue to be led by existing or newly-promoted regional operators. Total revenues grew 33.2% to $264.5 million as compared to $198.6 million in the same period of 2022. System same shop sales increased 4.0%, inclusive of the impact of our fortressing strategy, which results in sales being transferred from existing shops to new ones, as compared to the same period in 2022. Company-operated same shop sales increased 2.8%, as compared to the same period of 2022. Company-operated shop revenues increased 36.3% to $236.5 million, as compared to $173.5 million in the same period of 2022. Company-operated shop gross pro t was $57.0 million as compared to $34.7 million in the same period of 2022. In the third quarter of 2023, companyoperated shop gross margin, which includes 180bps of pre-opening expenses improved to 24.1%, a yearover-year increase of 410bps.

Company-operated shop contribution2, a non-GAAP nancial measure, grew 65.4% to $73.3 million as compared to $44.3 million in the same period of 2022. In the third quarter of 2023, company-operated shop contribution margin, which includes 180bps of preopening expense, improved to 31.0%, a year-over-year increase of 540 bps.

Outlook

Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $50.5 million (19.1% of revenue) as compared to $45.4 million (22.9% of revenue) in the same period of 2022.

Our expectation for capital expenditures remains unchanged, which we expect to be in the range of $225 million to $250 million. This includes approximately $15 million to $20 million in spending in 2023 for a new roasting facility, which is projected to open in 2024.

Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses2, a non-GAAP nancial measure, were $40.6 million (15.3% of revenue) as compared to $34.7 million (17.5% of revenue) in the same period of 2022. Net income was $13.4 million as compared to $1.6 million in the same period of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA2, a non-GAAP nancial measure, grew 90.5% to $53.0 million as compared to $27.8 million in the same period of 2022. Adjusted net income2, a non-GAAP nancial measure, was $22.4 million as compared to $14.3 million in the same period of 2022. Net income per share of Class A and Class D common stock - diluted was $0.07 as compared to $0.03 per share in the same period of 2022.

Dutch Bros is providing the following guidance for the year 2023: Our expectation for total system shop openings in 2023 remains unchanged. We expect to open at least 150 new shops, of which at least 130 will be company-operated.

Our estimate of system same shop sales growth in the low single digits remains unchanged. Our expectation that revenue would be at the lower end of the range of $950 million to $1 billion remains unchanged. Given the strength of company-operated shops and continued SG&A leverage, we now estimate Adjusted EBITDA3 will be between $150 million to $155 million, up $15 million from last quarter. This re ects stronger than expected year-todate pro tability in Q3, partially offset by the increased shop labor investments in the range of $1.5 million to $2.0 million as well as certain investments we intend to make in business building activities throughout the fourth quarter.

Adjusted net income per fully exchanged share of diluted common stock2, a nonGAAP nancial measure, was $0.14 as compared to $0.09 in the same period of 2022.

Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 13 fl

Group AG. He received a J.D. from Columbia Law School, and a B.A. in Economics and Politics from St. Mary’s College of California.

By Gail Krumenauer State Employment Economist Oregon Employment Department https://www.qualityinfo.org/-/a-snapshot-of-oregon- rms-by-size-class-2023

n the rst quarter of 2023, Oregon had nearly 165,000 private rms that were subject to paying unemployment insurance taxes. About 114,500 of these rms had at least one payroll employee in March. More than 19 out of 20 rms (or 96%) with workers on their payrolls had less than 50 employees. While that left only 4,700 rms (or 4%) with 50+ employees, they employed the majority (61%) of all workers and accounted for two-thirds

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EMPLOYMENT

A Snapshot of Oregon Firms by Size Class, 2023

(or 67%) of all wages paid in Oregon.

Firms with Fewer than 50 Employees There were 109,800 rms with fewer than 50 employees in Oregon in March 2023. They accounted for 96% of all rms statewide. Most of them had between one and four employees. The smallest payroll employers in Oregon were mighty in number, totaling 70,400, or 61% of all

rms in the state. Despite their quantity, smaller rms collectively account for a much smaller share of overall employment than their larger counterparts. For example, the 61% of rms with one to four employees represented almost 8% of covered employment in March 2023 and 7% of total wages paid in the rst quarter of 2023. On the other hand, the 319 largest rms in Oregon had at least 500 employees. The largest employers accounted for less than 1% of

These distributions tend to remain stable from one year to the next, even as the overall number of rms, employees, and wages expands or contracts. This doesn’t mean that smaller rms are underperforming when it comes to job creation, or that larger rms are experiencing a bonanza. Rather than providing us with information about the dynamics of job growth, size of rm data offers a snapshot of small and large rms in Oregon’s economy at a speci c point in time.

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Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 15 fi

all private rms in the state, yet they employed 28% of privatesector employees, and paid 34% of the state’s total wages.

EMPLOYMENT By Dallas Fridley Regional Economist Oregon Employment Department https://www.qualityinfo.org/-/oregon-s-nonpro ts-in-2022

not-for-pro t corporation, commonly referred to as a "nonpro t," is organized to achieve a purpose other than to generate a pro t. These entities qualify for federal tax exempt status and must reinvest any surplus revenues into efforts that further the mission of the organization. They are prohibited from passing pro ts on to those who control the organization. These organizations range from trade unions and religious groups to food banks and private schools. Many hospitals are also organized as nonpro t corporations. For the purposes of this article, the impact of nonpro ts presented is limited to employment and wages. Oregon's 2022 nonpro t stats: 10,000 nonpro t establishments with employment and payroll

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Oregon's Nonpro ts in 2022

189,300 nonpro t jobs 42% of all nonpro ts were in the other services industry 61% of nonpro t employment was in health care and social assistance $66,037 in annual average pay $28.01 median hourly wage (third quarter 2021) 10% of nonpro t jobs paid under $15.00 per hour (third quarter 2021) Most nonpro t jobs – 73% – paid $20.00 or more per hour (third quarter 2021) Keep in mind that not all nonpro t organizations are employers, and thus are not included in the employment and wage data presented here. Nonpro ts in Oregon must le articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State’s of ce, while the Department of Justice

regulates charitable activities. The Secretary of State’s of ce provides a searchable database of active nonpro t corporations, available at this URL: https://data.oregon.gov/Business/ActiveNonpro t-Corporations/8kyv-b2kw Likewise, the Department of Justice has a searchable database for Oregon charities, here: https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/ How Many Nonpro t Employers Are There in Oregon? Nonpro t organizations played an integral role in Oregon's economy. They made up 6% of all private businesses in the state and had 189,300 jobs, accounting for 11% of Oregon's private-sector employment. As a share of

Oregon's total (private and public) employment, nonpro ts made up 10% in 2022, about the same amount as the state’s manufacturing industry. Nonpro ts by Industry Health care and social assistance dominated Oregon’s nonpro t employment in 2022, representing 116,300 jobs or 61%. Other services included 22,900 nonpro t jobs and educational services employed 20,200. Together, the top three industries represented 84% of Oregon’s total nonpro t employment. Nonpro t Hospitals: Health Care and Social Assistance Health care and social assistance led nonpro ts with 116,300 jobs or 61% of Oregon's nonpro t employment. Like other services, there is diversity in the industry from assisted living facilities to mental health services. However, hospitals completely overshadow the sector’s employment. Oregon’s nonpro t hospitals (general medical and surgical; psychiatric and substance abuse; and specialty) included 80 reporting units in 2022 and employed 55,300, or 48% of the nonpro t health care and social assistance industry's total employment. Hospitals in Oregon (government and private) included 126 reporting units and provided 66,200 jobs in 2022, with nonpro t hospitals representing 84% of the employment. Service Organizations Other services represented about 12% of the state's nonpro t employment (22,900 jobs). The correlation between other services and nonpro ts makes sense. It is the industry that includes religious, grant making, civic, professional, and similar organizations. Places of worship, the Boys & Girls Club, The United Way, and local chambers of commerce are some of the most widely recognized nonpro ts in Oregon, and there are a lot of these organizations across the state. Other services accounted for 41% of Oregon's nonpro t organizations (4,200). Educational and Employment Training Providers Educational services accounted for 11% of Oregon's nonpro t employment in 2022 with 20,200 jobs. The organizations in this industry range from preschools and tutoring services to

colleges and employment training places. Nonpro t elementary and secondary schools represented the biggest slice with 10,200 jobs (51%) and 337 reporting units (37%). Nonpro t colleges, universities, and professional schools accounted for 8,000 jobs (40%) while representing 23% of the nonpro t educational services provider reporting units. Other schools and instruction, including sports training, provided 1,200 jobs (6%), and 19% of nonpro t educational services reporting units.

Rural Versus Urban Oregon's 23 nonmetro counties provided a home base for 1,700 nonpro t employer units in 2022 or 7% of all nonmetro private industry employer reporting units. Nonpro t organizations provided about 22,900 rural Oregon jobs, or 11% of all nonmetro private employment. Rural nonpro t pay averaged $57,234 in 2022, which exceeded the average for all private industries by 22%, around $10,100.

Pay at Nonpro ts Follows Industry Standards Oregon's private for-pro t industries paid an average annual wage of $65,307 in 2022, compared with $66,037 for nonpro ts. Although the average wage gap between for-pro t and nonpro t employers was just $700 (1.1%) in 2022, their industry pro les were quite different.

In Oregon’s metropolitan areas, nonpro ts provided close to 166,400 jobs in 2022, or 11% of all metro private employment. With about 8,300 employer units, metros provided a home base for 83% of Oregon nonpro ts, and nonpro ts represented 5% of all metro private employer units. In 2022, nonpro t pay averaged $67,250 in metro Oregon, falling 1% (about $700) below the all private industries average.

In 2022, six industry sectors reported higher annual average wages for nonpro ts compared with for-pro t businesses. Nonpro ts in nancial activities paid an average $91,126 in 2022, which exceeded for-pro t pay by about $5,400 or 6%. Leisure and hospitality also favored nonpro ts by $6,139 (+21%), despite having a relatively low annual average pay at $34,811. Health care and social assistance, Oregon’s largest nonpro t industry, enjoyed a pay advantage of nearly $20,100 or 37% over forpro t employers, paying an average $73,731 in 2022. Other services paid $38,990 in 2022, falling about $12,800 or 25% below for-pro t employers. Educational services paid an average $47,211 in 2022, exceeding for-pro t pay by about $4,600 or 11%.

Only four rural counties provided more than 1% of Oregon’s nonpro t jobs in 2022. Douglas County led rural Oregon with 3,600 nonpro t jobs, or 1.9% of Oregon’s total, followed by Klamath County (1.6%), Umatilla County (1.3%), and Wasco County (1.0%). Metropolitan areas commanded 88% of Oregon’s nonpro t employment led by Multnomah County’s 33% (about 61,700 jobs). Together with Washington County (10.7%) and Lane County (8.2%), Oregon’s top three metro counties represented 51% of all nonpro t jobs in 2022. The Future of Nonpro t Employment The future of nonpro t employment in Oregon is directly linked to growth in health care and social assistance. The industry provided 268,100 jobs in 2022, an increase of about 32% or 65,000 since 2012, including the reclassi cation of home care workers from state government in 2018. With 61% of Oregon’s nonpro t employment in 2022, health care and social assistance will continue to lead its job growth. Health care and social assistance represented an even larger share of rural Oregon’s nonpro t employment and payroll. The industry provided 72% of rural Oregon’s 22,900 nonpro t jobs along with 84% of its $1.3 billion payroll.

Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 17

COMMUNITY BANKING By Press Release https://www.peoplesbank.bank/about/press-release--october-25-2023

PBCO Financial Corporation Reports Q3 2023 Earnings •Credit quality remains strong with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.09% •Total non-interest expense declined 9.0% during the quarter from expense containment efforts

BCO Financial Corporation (OTCPK: “PBCO”), the holding company (Company) of People’s Bank of Commerce (Bank), today reported earnings of $1.56 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.29 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1.66 million and

18 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

$0.31 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Highlights •

Portfolio loans increased 7.7% year-to-date

“Third quarter loan growth outpaced the prior two quarters, with a concerted effort toward high quality loan growth within the bank’s markets, especially the new Eugene branch that opened in March 2023,” reported Julia Beattie, President and Chief Executive Of cer. Loans increased $21.0 million in the quarter, or 4.28%, compared to the second quarter of 2023. “In spite of higher borrowing costs, we continued to experience strong demand for loans through the end of the quarter,” added Beattie. Non-performing assets continued to improve in the third quarter to 0.09%, as a percentage of total assets, versus 0.12% in the second quarter 2023. During the third quarter, the Allowance for Credit Losses

increased by $252 thousand, primarily the result of strong loan growth over the prior quarter. Deposits decreased $8.6 million during the quarter, a 1.3% decline from the second quarter of 2023. “Deposits continued to contract during the quarter, given continued pressure on interest rates, although at a slower pace than experienced over the prior three quarters,” commented Beattie. “The bank has focused on retaining core deposits while acknowledging that the pressure on rates has added to margin compression within the Bank,” continued Beattie. Funding costs increased over the prior quarter as a result of rising deposit rates and borrowing expenses related to the advance from the Bank Term Funding Program taken at the end of second quarter, which resulted in the incremental borrowed funds interest expense of $477 thousand in the third quarter.

The investment portfolio decreased 8.8% to $200.9 million in third quarter of 2023 from $220.4 million at the end of the second quarter 2023. This decrease is the result of maturing investments being reinvested in loan growth. The average life of the portfolio was 4.5 years at the end of the third quarter. Securities income was $0.88 million during the quarter, a yield of 1.66%, versus $0.97 million, and a yield of 1.76% for the second quarter of 2023. As of September 30, 2023, the net after tax unrealized loss on the

investment portfolio was $24.1 million versus $21.3 million as of June 30, 2023, due to increased market rates. Highly rated government agency and government sponsored agency investments comprise 94.5% of the investment portfolio with the balance of approximately 4.6% held in municipal investments and 0.9% held in corporate subdebt issued by community banks. As of third quarter 2023, liquid assets to total assets were 14.8%, including the market value of the investment portfolio less pledged investments.

Third quarter 2023 non-interest income totaled $2.2 million, a decrease of $118 thousand from the second quarter of 2023. The slight decrease was primarily driven by a reduction in factoring revenue from Steelhead Finance, which declined by 5.2%, or $67 thousand, from the prior quarter. “Our factoring division has experienced the effects of the current economic conditions on the transportation industry. Factoring volumes for the industry nationwide are down approximately 33% from last year’s average,” reported Bill Stewart, President of Steelhead Finance. Mortgage revenue was down $23 thousand in the quarter, demonstrating continued reduction in mortgage demand attributed to elevated rates.

decrease in personnel expense of $658 thousand versus second quarter due to expense containment efforts, a 16.5% decrease. As of September 30, 2023, the Tier 1 Capital Ratio for PBCO Financial Corporation was 11.36% with total shareholder equity of $71.4 million. During the quarter, the Company continued to augment capital through earnings. The Tier 1 Capital Ratio for the Bank was 13.01% at quarter-end, up from 12.78% as of June 30, 2023. Tangible Capital was $67.6 million, or 8.34% as of September 30, 2023, versus second quarter of 2023 at $68.8 million or 8.47%. About PBCO Financial Corporation PBCO Financial Corporation’s stock trades on the over-thecounter market under the symbol PBCO. Additional information about the Company is available in the investor section of the Company’s website at: www.peoplesbank.bank. Founded in 1998, People’s Bank of Commerce is a full-service, commercial bank headquartered in Medford, Oregon with branches in Albany, Ashland, Central Point, Eugene, Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Klamath Falls, Lebanon, Medford, and Salem.

Non-interest expenses totaled $5.6 million in the third quarter, down $548 thousand from the previous quarter. The reduction in expenses was the result of a Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 19

INNOVATION By SOU News https://news.sou.edu/2023/11/innovation-jam-draws-30-plusstudents/

ore than 30 Southern Oregon University and Rogue Community College students gathered at CraterWorks Makerspace on Saturday, Nov. 4, for the second annual Southern Oregon Innovation Jam. Students participated in design thinking exercises, created big ideas to solve local problems and pitched solutions, while local business professionals and entrepreneurs were on hand to guide students in their processes, give feedback and mentor student teams. Some of the big ideas discussed at this year’s Innovation Jam included a new take on local community housing and food resources, and a large community event in Ashland. The winner of the competition was Boom TV – a pre-loaded, iPad-like device

20 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

Innovation Jam draws 30-plus students

designed to help the elderly with technology. Students wrapped up the event by presenting their ideas for change, on the topic of “reinventing community.” They were commended by RCC President Randy Weber, SOU President Rick Bailey and Oregon State Representative Christine Goodwin.

The jam was intended to showcase the strengths of RCC and SOU, and the capabilities of students from both

institutions. Their collaborative work was guided by the prototyping methodologies of Design Thinking. Students in any major at RCC or SOU were invited to join the Central Point event, working as groups on prototypes through the day until an “educators’ huddle” at 3 p.m. Cultural economist, consultant, journalist and U.S. Navy veteran Mike Green inspired young entrepreneurs as the keynote speaker, sharing his experiences in business start-ups, design thinking strategies and inclusive economic ecosystems. He is co-founder of three companies: ScaleUp Partners, LLC; Common Ground Conversations on Race in America; and the National Institute for Inclusive Competitiveness.

Leadership Begins Here Empowering future leaders, shaping a sustainable world. Join the University that sets the standard.

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Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 22

by Greg Henderson

f history is a teacher, what have we learned?

When the world around us seems to be coming completely unraveled is it courageous or unwise to hold tightly to beliefs that somehow the chaos will be corralled and tamed to a level we always hope it will be? I’m inclined to recall a comment made in a business planning class several years ago that, “Hope is a poor business plan”. Is that the case today? Or, do we possess more than hope? Repetition can be a poor teacher. Especially if the lesson is wrong – or at least misguided. A lie told a thousand times will often be accepted before a truth told once. When the ctional messages are inciting outrage and building peer pressure support, they will also increase the broadcast of the message to larger and larger audiences. The excitement of the crowd easily becomes the acceptance of the message as true, even though it is profoundly wrong. The wisdom of the crowd devolves to the error of the crowd. Reversing that notion is no small feat. That brings us to the state of our world today. Chaos seems to be everywhere. The constant news reports make it seem that it is. Where is room for optimism

there? Look beyond the popular reports. Lift the curtain to reveal the backstage and see what else is going on. Start with what we see every day, the wars, the protests, the bombings and the killings, the blaming and the seeking of responsibility for horrid events. The responders to these things, those who are working to keep the affected people safe and alive, are courageous, intelligent, good people. They alone should provide a glimmer of optimism. And they do, though they often work out of the public eye. In the shadows of war. There is room for optimism if we trust experiences of the past. In the past century we can identify many occurrences that left us with very doubtful feelings about how, or if, things would improve. The stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression, World War II, Polio, The Korean War, Aggressive Communism, Viet Nam, In ation, 1980’s Recession, 9/11, tornados, hurricanes, heat waves and icy winters, oods, forest res and earth quakes ... and the list goes on, and yet we always seem to make it through. The fact that eventually things get better helps to make us eternally optimistic. Whether that is wise or not is up for debate, but it does

give us a place to begin our recoveries, a starting point to move ahead. We are a nation of survivors. We’ve found ways to keep our con dence up long enough to recover from devastating losses and events that we can forge on ahead no matter the obstacles in front of us. Somewhere down deep we simply believe in us. As the nation’s population continues to grow so does the belief in our tomorrows. Immigrants and refugees are a part of that courageous optimism adding to what we have accumulated through our national history. Believing things will be better if we keep moving forward is imbedded in us. It builds our optimism and with that our talents and knowledge also grow. We get better, and better, and better as the challenges we willingly face also grow. A solo hike to the South Pole? Land on the moon? Of course we can; it must be in our DNA. Greg Henderson is the retired founder of the Southern Oregon Business Journal. A University of Oregon graduate and a six- year U.S. Air Force veteran.

Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 23 fl

Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash

Guarded Optimism

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

ne might think this is a reference to upcoming festivities, a view appropriate for this time of year. However, this article is using the reference a little differently. Tis the season to review 2023 business performance and prepare for the upcoming year with the changes that are in store for you and your business! Let’s start with changes that are upcoming for the New Year……….

24 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

Season’s Greetings!

In 2024, a new requirement will be in effect for America’s business community. The U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has been tasked by Congress to record ‘Bene cial Business Ownership’ for affected business entities in the United States. This is an important matter to respond to after the start of the 2024 calendar year for most of the businesses in the Country. Failure to do so in 2024 could

result in a substantial ne for your business. The link to the FinCEN website with a detailed explanation for what is involved is found at the foot of this article. ……… and move on to looking at business performance. By now, you should have a good idea of your business’s performance for 2023. You should be able to forecast the end-of-year gross revenues expected, along with the percentages for major expenditure areas and know if

you are doing well or having a reduction in margins for the year. You should have a great idea of your cash ow, receivables, nancial obligations and what your medium-term prospects are for business success. Culturally, you should know what the top three pain points are for your operation, whether it be HR issues, operations, logistics, supply chain woes, or whatever else is top of mind for you. You should know, not just feel, whether you are spending too much time working inside your business rather than leading it with a visionary approach to positioning your business for future success. This is the time of year to perform an annual check-up of your business, set goals for 2024, and for taking the time to understand your weaknesses and plan programs to strengthen those areas that need improvement. I highly recommend you look at the SOU SBDC Small Business Management Program for 2024 – 2025 as a way to build competencies in your company’s ownership team. Now, a few questions for you to see if you are doing what you should regarding building your company’s value and resiliency. 1. Are your company’s employee manuals up-todate and have all your employees signed a statement that they have

3. 4.

received the document and will follow the established processes and procedures? Is your company compliant with regulations and the recent legislation regarding the Corporate Activity Tax, Oregon Saves, BOLI regulations, PERS, I-9’s, Statewide Transit Tax, FUTA, SUTA, Workers’ Comp, Oregon Child Support Program, posting of notices, ADA, OSHA rules and regs, UI, and the Of ce of Small Business Assistance? Are your licenses and registration current? Have you implemented the systems you need to obtain consistent quality and quantity of results at a reasonable cost for your workforce? Have you started a planning effort to identify areas for improving your performance to receive maximum value for your business when it is time to sell? Are you, as a single owner/ operator, looking at your business as if you have departments that are growing, and looking at whom might be a good t to add to your team to extend your business’s capabilities? Have you invested in your workforce to maintain a culture of success and continuity and management to continue operations when you sell?

8. Do you know what your inventory turns are and what the range is for your industry? 9. Have you talked with your mentor lately? 10. What internal documents do you use to make strategic decisions with? 11. Are you benchmarking your cash reserves so that they grow alongside your business growth? Now, Season’s Greetings! …. (In the best of Holiday meanings!) To access information from FinCEN: https://www. ncen.gov/sites/ default/ les/shared/ BOI_Small_Compliance_Guide_ FINAL_Sept_508C.pdf —Marshall Doak is the Director of the Southern Oregon University Small Business Development Center and a huge supporter of innovation and the community that forms around innovation in the economy. In private practice, he works with businesses that plan to transition to new ownership within the next ve years, assisting them to build value that can be converted to retirement income when the business sells. He can be reached through: mdoak06@gmail.com or 541-646-4126. Photo by Vlad Deep on Unsplash

Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 25

ENERGY

At Duncan Livestock and Hay, energy upgrades create a more sustainable farm

By Ashley Bartels

ater is a precious commodity in drought-stricken southern Oregon. In Klamath County, a rural area known for its natural beauty, farming culture and outdoor recreation, local producers are having to make tough choices as they navigate dwindling resources. For ranchers Cameron and Garrett Duncan, the solution is personal. They are part of a new generation of farmers concerned about how a changing climate will impact what they will leave behind for their children.

“I’ve seen a shift, especially in my age group,” re ected Cameron. “We want a productive ranch for future generations and that starts with incorporating drought-resilient upgrades before it's too late.”

“Since the beginning, we have been looking for ways to nd a path towards sustainable farming,” said Cameron. “The old model of farming is simply not going to keep working with limited resources.”

The Duncans arrived in the community of Sprague River in 2005. They moved onto the same 230acres as Cameron’s parents and built their own house from the ground up. Garrett spent his rst eight years under the mentorship of a local rancher, whose land they would ultimately buy and start Duncan Livestock and Hay. From the start, ef cient energy and water use were central to their farming practices.

Now, ve years after buying their land, the Duncans are planning major upgrades with the help of local organizations including Energy Trust of Oregon , Sustainable Northwest and Wy'East Resource Conservation and Development.

26 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

Taking advantage of Energy Trust irrigation incentives and strategic support, this year the

Every month, Sustainable Northwest hosts a listening session with local farmers. The Duncans attend nearly every one, and encourage their fellow farmers to come as well.

Duncans are embarking on a multi-phase project to dramatically lower their energy and water use. The Duncans rst heard of Energy Trust at a monthly workshop hosted by Sustainable Northwest, which connects local producers and vendors to information and funding opportunities to improve their businesses. “The folks here are all too aware of our resource limitations and want to do what they can to be good stewards of the land they love,” said Kelley Delpit, Klamath Basin manager for Sustainable Northwest and fellow rancher. “However, there is a lot to navigate—upgrades are expensive and grant applications burdensome. That’s why these workshops have been so pivotal in helping producers in the most tangible, realistic way.” As a result of these workshops, the Duncans were able to receive an energy assessment – partially funded by Energy Trust – for their existing system which outlined recommendations for improvement. It also opened the door to a $250,000 grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. With the grant and Energy Trust incentives, the Duncans have hired local irrigation company

and Energy Trust trade ally, J.W. Kerns, to transition their existing wheel lines to pivot systems. Pivots require much less labor, are more ef cient and will result in up to 40% water savings according to Sustainable Northwest's predictions. Other projects to come include a new pump station, variable frequency drive and two more pivots. The Duncans also hope to install solar panels and are exploring the best ways to enhance soil health without fertilizers.

offerings and any resources they may need. “It’s inspiring to see how Cameron and Garrett have rallied their community and have become ambassadors for sustainable agriculture.”

The Duncans have been working with Energy Trust and program engineer Brad Moore on various upgrade projects for years.

Brad Moore, agriculture program engineer with Energy Trust, attends the workshops hosted by Sustainable Northwest to connect directly with local producers about their upgrade options.

“It has been a pleasure working with the Duncans as they navigate this process, these types of upgrades can be an undertaking,” said Brad Moore, agriculture program engineer with Energy Trust. Moore works to connect agricultural customers with Energy Trust

Once complete, the Duncan’s hope the upgrades they’re doing can serve as a model for other farmers and ranchers in the area. “On the ranch, everything comes back to water – every drop counts,” said Cameron. “Water and energy upgrades are hugely important to make our land more resilient and manage existing resources. I encourage everyone to explore their options.” Learn more at: https://www.energytrust.org/ solutions/agriculture-irrigation-improvements/

Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 27

BROADBAND

Oregon Connections Conference 2023 Recap

By Jim Teece

Oregon is set to receive at least $689 million in federal funding for broadband infrastructure, and more access to high-speed internet.

affordability to telecommunications services for communities or promotes and accelerates adoption and utilization.

Everyone that gathered focused on the best practices behind deployment of funds and projects that need to be funded. Joseph Franell, President of Blue Mountain Networks was the main MC of the conference. Senator Ron Wyden kicked off the conference with a st pounding keynote that showed his passion and dedication to making sure funds get to the people that need it, especially in rural and underserved areas of the state.

The 27th annual Oregon Connections Conference was held in Ashland, Oregon on October 26 and 27, 2023. The Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference non-pro t board and the committee stepped up to ll the huge hole left by retired Chris Tamarin who ran the conference for many years prior. Attendance records were broken and the event sold out to the capacity at the Ashland Hills Inn. Telecommunications Providers, Vendors, State Policy Makers, Local of cials and healthcare workers, ai experts and students all gathered for the day and half conference to learn and network.

28 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

The second keynote was by Tribal Ready President and COO, Adam Geisler, entitled "Money Talks and Implementation Rocks!”. He shared stories from his 7 years as Division Chief Tribal Connectivity and Nation to Nation Coordination at US Department of Commerce, NTIA. And set the tone for all the work ahead for tribal lands and our need to focus on digital equity. Krystal Stone chaired the conference. She is the Broadband Equity, Access and Development (BEAD) Program Coordinator for the State of Oregon. During lunch on the rst day, Joe and Krystal presented the following awards: Category #2: Excellence in Telecom Projects & Regional/Local Strategies Individual, organization or company that has developed innovative projects or strategies to provide better access, reliability and/or

Awardee: Beacon Broadband Coos and Curry Counties truly represent the disparity of the digital divide. Our population is largely pushed against the coastline with small population centers about 30 miles from each other along the scenic Highway 101 corridor. These communities have historically been served by big broadband service providers, having access to cable and DSL service. Fiber service has become available in our towns only within the past two years. However, the reach of incumbent networks is limited. One home may have a choice of providers and service up to 2 Gbps and their next-door neighbor will have nothing – no wired service because the incumbents’ networks do not reach them; no wireless service because there are no xed wireless providers; no cellular or satellite service because hills or trees block the signal path. The area was truly in need of a regional solution that would eliminate the boundaries set by the incumbent providers and close the egregious broadband divide on the south coast. Thankfully, Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative recognized that better access to broadband for all its members would enhance its members’ lives. The cooperative decided to act, and it created Beacon Broadband. The electric cooperative gave its

Category #3: Excellence in Telecommunications Partnerships Individual, organization or company that has developed an innovative telecommunications partnership for the purpose of providing improved access, reliability and/or affordability for communities or promotes and accelerates adoption and utilization.

OHSU. This build helps connect locations together in the South Water Front area of downtown Portland. The geography to construct in the area is complicated and costly, but this partnership allowed them to leverage existing assets and add vaults in strategic locations, positioning both the City of Portland and OHSU for future growth. Category #5: Outstanding Telecommunications Advocate Individual that has made a signi cant contribution or gone beyond the call of duty to advocate for improved access, reliability and affordability, or promotes and accelerates adoption and utilization of telecommunications.

Awardee: Kathryn Greiner, City Administrator, City of Condon

Awardee: City of Portland/Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) The City of Portland and OHSU have partnered on several builds in the last few years, the most recently completed is the Marquam Hill Build. The conversations about available City assets started in 2019, and they just put the nal touches on a signi cant campus build that will prepare OHSU for future growth and expansion that will last generations. The majority of physical assets were available for use, very little materials were needed, and the construction was minimal considering the 2.5 mile length of the project. This allowed the City of Portland to cost effectively and ef ciently provide connectivity for

We are all impressed with Kathy’s tenacity to improve broadband for her city, her county and beyond. She was instrumental in getting a middle mile ber link between Condon and Arlington, which opened up opportunities for competition and carrier neutral access. She advocates for her small city of 700 people because she believes that everyone should have access to affordable, reliable and fast internet service, no matter where they live. She continues to advocate, encouraging providers to up their game and challenging providers who claim to provide service but do not (the FCC mapping challenge process). Not only do I feel that she deserves this award, but I also think that this recognition will help her keep the faith and motivation to continue her great broadband work into the future as there is still much more work to be done. Accepting the award for Kathy was Cindy Gammell from Windwave.

The committee responsible for the successful conference was made up of the following volunteers: Adam Haas Alexis Greenlee Brian McGuirk Cindy Gammell Diane Garcia David Soloos Forest James Glen Scymanski Jim Teece Joseph Franell Keith Grunberg Keith Mobley Kevin Panteleakos Krystal Stone Marta Tarantsey Matthew Hill Nicole Hays Pam Berrian Tammie Davis

One of the many innovations introduced this year was an app that allowed attendees to provide instant feedback on each session and on the conference overall. Random comments that were collected at the conference via the app include: "Joe did a fabulous job engaging with everyone... can’t wait to attend next year!” -- Kayla Stebbins, Beacon Broadband "Thanks again...well worth my time!!" -- Scott Hege,Wasco County "Please keep doing what you’re doing!!! Great work." -- Jessica Moss, City of Portland "Food was great. Awards were beautiful. Great job." -- Anonymous Work has already started on next years conference. Learn more at https://oregonconnections.info/

Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023 | 29 fi

wholly owned broadband subsidiary the challenge of making ber connectivity available to every member address and to about 6,000 nearby unserved and underserved addresses. Beacon Broadband ber will serve all of Curry County and most of unincorporated Coos County and represents a truly regional solution. Beacon Broadband’s mission is to bring the high-speed ber experience where no one else will go – up the wild rivers of the south coast as well as in the towns and cities. The Beacon Broadband project is truly making a difference in the lives of south coast residents

Sponsors The Southern Oregon Business Journal extends sincere thanks to the following companies for their continued presence as important cogs in the wheels of industry in southern Oregon.

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30 | Southern Oregon Business Journal November 2023

SOU - Page 23

Southern Oregon Business Journal March 2023 | 31

Southern Oregon Business Journal 5350 HWY 66, Ashland, OR. 97520 www.southernoregonbusiness.com

OUR LIGHTING UPDATE IS GREAT. WE’RE SAVING MONEY AND WE CAN ACTUALLY SEE WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON. We are a “craftsmanship first” kind of an operation, so it’s important that we build our products in a well-lit environment. When we needed to update our lighting, we turned to Energy Trust of Oregon for an energy efficient LED system, and frankly, we’ve seen a positive difference in our shop. See what a lighting update can do for your business at energytrust.org/for-business.

Serving customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.