05/25 RDM Business News by Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB

MAY 2025

NEXT MONTH: MUSIC ON THE GREEN

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

MAY 2025

BY ERIC SANDE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LEADERSHIP REDMOND CLASS OF 2025

We are at the finish line for Leadership Redmond - Class of 2025. It seems like only last month we started the program, but we are indeed in the ninth month. This year we have 13 outstanding individuals who eagerly signed up to learn all they could about our great community and the amazing leaders who keep Redmond functioning every day.

Leadership Redmond participants will be completing their final day of the program on May 15 by presenting their class projects. This year we have two class projects, each of which will help make Redmond a better place. The first project is looking to help raise funds for Hospice of Redmond to repair their Veterans Memorial Wall, with a goal of raising $10,000. With Lowes offering to provide materials and help from local masons the class project’s success will help make the repairs a reality. The second project is working with Brightside Animal Shelter of Redmond to help clean up and repair the outside dog play area as well as raise awareness and funds for various Brightside projects. The class determined needs in the community and strategized how they could help and achieve successful outcomes, while building powerful

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RYAN CHURCHILL INITIATIVE BREWING PRESIDENT

JUDY LAPORA

CROOKED RIVER RANCH AND MAINTENANCE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

BRADY VELIKONIA

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY CENTRAL OREGON 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

lasting connections with classmates. The Leadership Redmond Class of 2025, will graduate on Thursday, May 15th, from 5:30pm to 7pm, location tba.

During the Leadership Redmond program, we introduced the participants to the many active leaders, organizations and various components that make up our community. Through this exposure, participants receive a broad base view of our community, which is intended to spark an area of interest for them to get involved. With this new knowledge and understanding, Leadership Redmond graduates are poised to take important positions throughout the community. It is the hope of the Leadership Redmond Board that the community will look to these leaders to help fill positions on various boards, commissions and committees throughout Central Oregon.

It is my pleasure to introduce the graduating Class of 2025: Tara Alvarez, Donna Andersen, Taylor Campbell, Jennifer Cranford, Kelly Cusumano, Lucas Forte, Marianna Frisinger, Katelyn Gernert, Jackson Harbolt, Kathleen Henshaw, Annika Nelson, Erin Olsen and Travis

DUSTIN HEWITT

BROKER - WINDERMERE REALTY TRUST PAST PRESIDENT

SEAN NEARY FITCH & NEARY PC

LAURA GARCIA MAZATLAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT

DEBBIE BUTLER REDMOND INDUSTRIAL PARK

Van Dyke. Congratulations to these fine individuals for their dedication to the program and for making Redmond the best it can be.

Leadership Redmond is made possible by a collaborative partnership between the Redmond Executive Association (REA) and the Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB. This program, however, would not be possible without the generous support of our Day and Scholarship sponsors: Alliance Professionals, Central Electric Coop, Central Oregon Community College, First Interstate Bank, St. Charles of Redmond, OnPoint, Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, Pacific Power, REA, REDI, SunWest Builders, and Deschutes County. I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about the community and leadership in Redmond to call the Chamber for more information or ask a former participant. Enrollment for Leadership Redmond Class of 2026, will open in June; please call the Chamber for more information.

Have a great May!

SUSAN SIMONSEN AMERITITLE

MAARTY LEUNEN

SUMMIT BANK

RANDY GRAVES REDMOND SENIOR CENTER

SUSAN BAKER

DESCHUTES COUNTY SOLID WASTE

BRANDI EBNER

DESCHUTES COUNTY FAIR & EXPO

JUSTY HANEY

Eric Sande Executive Director

Joe Luelling Events Director

Amanda

Connor Cubic Marketing Director Evelina Davidson Membership/Finance Director

MEMBER BYTES

Redmond Community Choir

The Redmond Community Choir presents their spring concert on Sunday, May 18th at 4 PM. The 75 member choir will be "Celebrating the Great American Songbook", singing timeless classics from George Gershwin, Cole Porter and others. They will also be performing Bob Chilcott's "A Little Jazz Mass", accompanied by a stellar rhythm section featuring Central Oregon musicians and guest artist Richard Tuttobene on piano.

The concert will be held at Redmond High School, and is free to the public (donations are appreciated). The Redmond Community Choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is a COCC Community Education program.

REDMOND OREGON

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NEWS FROM

Crooked River Ranch 2025 RV Park Season

- by Brenda Cooper

Here we are headed into the summer season at Crooked River Ranch and one of the premier spots is the CRR RV Park. A perfect location to have your out of the area company stay and enjoy all that Central Oregon has to offer. There have been many updates during this past year that make visiting with us even more accommodating. What about our furry friends you say? Well, there is a nice new off leash fenced dog area for them to roam and make new playmates. How about a fun playground for the kiddos and a lovely Gazebo available to rent for your ‘get together’. The Gazebo has power, a BBQ, and tables. This is open for rent to anyone.

The Crooked River Ranch RV Park will be high on your list of destination goals whether you are going to be in the area for one night or longer. Providing a safe environment, the park has 106 sites, including 86 RV sites and 20 tent spaces. Good Sam has rated our park at 8.5. Some of the features are Wi-Fi, bathhouse with showers, laundry facility, picnic area with group fire pit area. Some of the activities available in the area include a hike to beautiful Steel Head Falls, a swimming pool, golf course, disc golf, pickleball, tennis, bocce

ball, restaurants, bars, churches, many trails for amateur to experienced hikers all located right here in Crooked River Ranch. Then there is also the world-famous Smith Rock State Park located in Terrebonne, fly fishing on the Crooked River or boating on Lake Billy Chinook, right up the road in Culver. This is a photographers dream out here in the high desert with all kinds of local wildlife to capture just at the right moment. Endless activities to keep you, your family, and friends busy. Then come back home for the evening in our little piece of paradise here at CRR RV Park meeting new friends and relaxing around the group fire pit. Go to our website to make reservations, (www.crookedriverranch.com) then settle in, and keep in mind summer reservations go fast. Call the CRR RV Park Oﬃce for more information.

You can find us at 14875 Hays Rd, Crooked River Ranch, 541/923- 1441, crookedriverranch.com, rvpark@crookedriverranch.com.

BUSINESS WITH THE LIBRARY

by Liisa Sjoblom, Redmond Community Librarian

Liisa Sjoblom is a Community Librarian with the Deschutes Public Library. If you have a business research need or help finding grants for your nonprofit, contact her at liisas@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-617-7093.

Nonprofit Resources and Support at Your Library

Do you work for a nonprofit? Are you interested in starting a nonprofit? If so, then the library can help. The Deschutes Public Library is a Candid Community Partner, a nationwide network of libraries and other organizations that support nonprofits in their local regions. Th rough this partnership, the library provides training and access to their premier resources Foundation Directory Online and Guidestar.

The Foundation Directory helps nonprofits find funding faster with the ability to build robust prospect lists from 242,000+ grantmakers, determine which funders are more likely to provide support, and connect with key decision makers through the LinkedIn integration.

GuideStar is the most comprehensive source of nonprofit information listing information for more than 2 million organizations where community members and grantmakers can easily find local nonprofits where they can donate, work, or volunteer.

Access these resources from the library’s Nonprofit Resources page. While they can only be accessed at the library, you can use your own laptop to search and save profi les of potential funders. If you would like to learn more about one or more of the resources, please fi ll out a Book-A-Librarian request.

DemographicsNow Database Ceases Publication

Regretfully, the publisher of the DemographicsNow decided to cease its publication at the end of March. Th is resource offered access to demographic and consumer expenditure information for any geography in the United States down to the Census block level.

All is not lost! The library has secured access to another resource called Simply Analytics that provides the same data and more, especially in the area of consumer expenditures. The resource will not be available publicly, but you can contact us through the Book-a-Librarian service for data reports. Just let us know what data you are seeking along with the geography and we’ll get the report to you within about 48 hours.

Drive-Th ru Service at Redmond Library

The Redmond Library’s drive-thru service makes returning materials and picking up holds quick and easy. The returns chute is open 24/7 for books, DVDs, and magazines. Holds can be picked up at the drive-thru window Monday–Saturday from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00–5:00 p.m. Be sure to select "Redmond DRIVE-THRU" as your pick-up location when reserving materials

online. When your hold is ready, simply drive up, ring the bell, and have your library card handy.

Reserve a Meeting Room

Need a space to collaborate, study, or host a meeting? Your library offers more than 20 reservable rooms— all free of charge. For larger groups, community and meeting rooms can be reserved up to 90 days in advance. Each reservation must include at least three people. For individuals or small groups, study rooms are available by reservation up to seven days in advance or on a first-come, first-served basis. To book a room or learn more about this service, visit our website.

NEW

books

Managing Up by Melody Wilding

Offers a tactical guide to building influence, earning respect, and navigating oﬃce politics—even without a leadership title. With real-life stories, research, and practical scripts, this book helps professionals manage relationships with higher-ups and gain confidence, authority, and freedom at work.

You’re the Boss by Sabina Nawaz

Provides managers with evidence-based strategies for navigating leadership challenges, balancing pressure and power, enhancing communication, and building effective relationships, drawing on psychological research and real-world examples from top organizations to help leaders reach their full potential while reducing stress.

ECONOMICupdate

INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE FROM GROUND TO GRID

Submitted by REDI Staff

Investing in Infrastructure from Ground to Grid

The REDI 2025 Annual Luncheon brought together key stakeholders from across Central Oregon to discuss the region’s business climate, and future infrastructure needs. With a diverse panel featuring leaders from local government, utilities, private industry, and economic development organizations, the event provided key takeaways on how strategic investment in infrastructure, business climate, and community partnerships is fueling Redmond’s growth.

Introduction: A Community on the Rise Redmond, Oregon, is fast becoming a powerhouse of economic development in Central Oregon, and this year’s REDI (Redmond Economic Development, Inc.) Annual Luncheon showcased why. With business leaders, city oﬃcials, and infrastructure experts gathered under one roof, the dialogue was centered on one clear message: Redmond’s growth is the result of deliberate investment, proactive planning, and a uniquely collaborative spirit. Here’s an in-depth look at the strategies, challenges, and innovative solutions discussed, which together are shaping the city’s vibrant future.

Redmond’s Economic Pulse

Economic insights presented by Steve Curley (REDI) and Michael Held (Business Oregon) provided a nuanced look at Redmond’s

economic climate. While statewide figures show sluggish job and population growth, Redmond stands out. Since 2020, its population has grown by approximately 16%, considerably outpacing state averages. Job growth remains robust, earning Redmond the rank of the fourth best performing small city in America, according to the Milken Institute. However, challenges remain—particularly in retaining local businesses. A recent Business Oregon study revealed that 25% of Oregon manufacturing executives reported being approached by out-of-state entities seeking to lure them away. The solution? Cultivating strong relationships with local companies and offering incentives while addressing regulatory and cost pressures. It also means doubling down on what makes Redmond attractive: business-friendly governance, a supportive city leadership, and a distinctive quality of life.

Laying the Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s Economy

A recurring theme was the need for continual investment in infrastructure to maintain and accelerate growth. Leaders from Compass Commercial Real Estate Services, Pacific Power, Central Electric Cooperative, Cascade Natural Gas, TDS Telecom, and the City of Redmond outlined current upgrades and plans to meet rising demand:

• Land Availability: Local demand for industrial land remains robust in the

region. Rising land, construction, and fee costs are pushing development to the brink, making shovel-ready land essential to reduce extra expenses and ensure viable projects that sustain Redmond’s growth.

• Energy: Both Pacific Power and Central Electric are investing in expanding grid capacity, modernizing substations, and integrating renewables—while also grappling with long-term supply questions due to rising demand from tech, population, and new industries.

• Natural Gas: Projects are focused on extending high-pressure lines to support residential and newly-zoned industrial areas, ensuring ample energy for future expansion.

• Telecommunications: TDS Telecom is rolling out fiber and high-speed broadband, critical for supporting a remote work revolution and high-tech businesses.

• Municipal Infrastructure: City investments include the $83M Redmond Wetlands wastewater treatment plant, new wells for water security, arterial roadway projects, and parks—all strategically targeted to both maintain quality of life and fuel economic activity.

Panelists acknowledged that growth requires harmony between regulation and enablement.

Utilities face complex permitting and

regulatory challenges, while businesses need certainty and a clear path to expansion. The consensus: Early and active coordination between developers and local agencies is critical to avoiding bottlenecks and unlocking “shovelready” land. REDI’s role as a connector— helping businesses navigate incentives, facilitating city partnerships, and sharing market knowledge—was underscored as a key ingredient in Redmond’s resiliency. Redmond’s success is borne of collaboration, adaptability, and shared investment. As new projects come online and the city continues to attract talent and jobs, it’s clear that REDI, its partners, and the wider community are committed to designing a future by intention, not default. Whether it’s modern infrastructure, workforce training, or business retention, Redmond is proving that the right mix of strategy and community spirit can create a lasting local legacy.

As the luncheon concluded, one message resonated: In Redmond, prosperity is not a byproduct of chance, but the outcome of leaders, educators, businesses, and citizens working together to build a vibrant and resilient community, ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

For further reading and information about REDI and the work we do, visit: rediinfo.com.