By: Alex Campbell
Executive Director of The Partnership for Economic Development in Douglas County
Roseburg, Oregon- The drumbeat of negative economic news can be deafening. However, as the Cycle Oregon riders tour southwest Oregon, it may be a good time to reflect on where we are—and how we preserve and build upon the many assets that we do have. The Cycle Oregon route will take cyclists through much of Douglas County and Coos County, and dip into Curry County. Along the way the riders will pass within a few miles of both world-class existing businesses and large, “shovel-ready” industrial sites with enormous potential for new job creation.
The route starts a few miles north of the Sutherlin Industrial Park (SIP) and the Del Rio Road/Back Nine site. SIP is home to ORENCO, which is a world-leader in alternative on-site wastewater treatment systems and alternative collection systems. The company has literally “written the book” on several technologies and devices, including the development of effluent sewer collection systems and engineered textile treatment systems (an advanced alternative to sand filters).
A few more miles to the south, the Del Rio Road/Back Nine site that lies to the west of the new I-5 overpass offers well over 100 acres of prime industrial land, with excellent highway access. This site will very shortly be state-certified as “shovel ready.” On day two, the Cycle Oregon riders will pass through Reedsport, just missing the IP site in Gardiner. With virtually unlimited electrical capacity, a dedicated water reservoir and a deep-water outfall, this 150+ acre site is awesome in its potential.
The decline in the forest products industry has dealt the area some serious setbacks in recent years. However, southwest Oregon is now blessed with these and other former mill sites that have outstanding transportation access, mega electrical-capacity, and a hungry, skilled nearby workforce. Key steps have been taken in recent years that have addressed limiting factors: for instance, the Port of Coos Bay’s efforts to re-establish freight rail service to the IP site and the construction of the new I-5 overpass that will maximize the Back Nine site’s highway access.
On day six of Cycle Oregon, as the riders return to Douglas County, they will pass Roseburg Forest Products’ Engineered Wood Products plant in Riddle, which is a model for a 21st century mill. The efficiency of the plant is staggering and RFP has invested tens of millions of dollars in state-of-the-art equipment. The shop floor work teams are taking on the responsibility for seeking continuous process improvements (known as LEAN manufacturing). The result is a facility that the entire County can be rightly proud of—and one that can continue to evolve and compete in a global marketplace.
Just as the impressive industrial sites, the world-class companies, and the dedicated workforce are critical to the economic future of Douglas County, so too is the beauty of the place. Cycle Oregon is here because of the access to the coast, the valleys, the hills, the wineries, and the scenery. The very large investments, both public and private, in the wine industry in Douglas County in recent years is profound, possibly a game-changer. These wineries are already drawing visitors from across the country, and with them, additional opportunities (dollars in wallets).
As Douglas County becomes a more and more attractive place to visit, it also becomes a more and more attractive place to live. The greatest economic development challenge rural areas face today is attracting (and retaining) bright, highly-skilled people with the talents and resources that are critical to business success. Many of the local businesses that are the key engines of the County economy are here because of the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The participants in Cycle Oregon are discovering that beauty and those opportunities. Now, if we can just connect the dots…
Alex Campbell is the Executive Director of The Partnership for Economic Development in Douglas County.
