Jefferson Co. economic development mgr. retiring
After nearly four years of service as Jefferson County Manager for Economic Development for Central Oregon, Wayne Pearson is announcing his retirement effective Sept. 28.
The Jefferson County Economic Development program is a partnership between EDCO, Jefferson County, City of Madras, City of Metolius, Madras Chamber of Commerce, Crooked River Chamber of Commerce, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, as well as businesses in Jefferson County.
Pearson helped fill out EDCO’s vision of locally-based economic development services in Central Oregon, the Jefferson County effort launched in November 2008 following the long established partnership in Redmond with REDI (Redmond Economic Development, Inc.) and the then newly-created program in Crook County, which was initiated in 2007.
During his tenure, Pearson created deep relationships with local traded sector companies, including Bright Wood, Keith Manufacturing, Mid-Columbia Lumber, Earth20, Round Butte Seed Growers, Shielding International, Warm Springs Composites, and Butler Aviation. He was involved in the creation of Central Oregon Basalt Products, a company that is preparing to mine high density basalt rock that can serve as river ballast as well as be spun into fiber for composite material.
“Wayne’s recognition that Jefferson County has a unique set of assets for economic development and his enthusiasm to capitalize on those assets will surely be missed,” said Roger Lee, Executive Director of EDCO.
Recognizing the value a tight knit business community, Pearson strengthened ties with city and county officials and the larger base of Jefferson County business owners. He forged strong connections with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and was selected as a voting member of their Business Investment Revolving Fund (BIRF) team to explore enterprise opportunities for the Tribes for creating revenue and family-wage jobs. He also assisted in linking the Tribes into efforts to position Central Oregon as a viable contender for one of six federally designated areas for unmanned aerial systems.
Pearson worked diligently to improve education at levels in Jefferson County, founding the Jefferson County Education Council which worked closely with Central Oregon Community College (COCC) to establish a campus in Madras.
He was also successful in expanding economic development tools for the area – expanding the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone to include the City of Culver and shepherding the very first participant in the program’s 14-year history in Jefferson County—Butler Aircraft in Madras. In another first, Pearson also successfully secured a Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone for the entire county.
“Wayne has made valuable contributions in creating a more allied and aligned business environment in Jefferson County,” said Britt Spaulding, CEO of Round Butte Seed, and current chair of the Jefferson County EDCO Advisory Board.
A business owner himself, Pearson and his wife, Terry, started a now thriving lavender farm in 2006 following a 30-year career in the publishing and commercial printing industry.
“I’m proud to have launched an effective economic development effort in Jefferson County and now with my wife, want to concentrate more of our time to further develop our Cascade Lavender business and have more time for travel and family.”
Lee and Spaulding say they will evaluate the needs of the position with the Jefferson County EDCO Advisory Board with intent to recruit a replacement over the next few months.
About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)
EDCO is a private non-profit corporation founded over 30 years ago and dedicated to building a vibrant and thriving regional economy by attracting new investment and traded-sector jobs (manufacturing, professional, headquarters and high technology businesses) through marketing, recruitment and substantive assistance to existing companies. Learn more about EDCO at www.edcoinfo.com.
