Locals talk about the good things happening in Harney County

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Approximately 30 people were in attendance for the Harney County Chamber of Commerce forum, “Stand tall — The future is bright for Harney County,” on Wednesday, May 6.

Harney County Judge Steve Grasty opened the forum by saying at one of the more recent county court meetings, a group of people commented that the court and others weren’t being positive enough about what’s happening in the county. “So we’re here today to talk about the things that are good,” Grasty said.

Grasty reported the county government is in strong financial shape with good or great beginning fund balances in every department, the tax rate is the same as it was 15 years ago, and there are no plans for layoffs at the county level.

He added that while state funding may decrease, the county will maintain current services, and they do anticipate receiving funding from the federal stimulus package.

Grasty then talked about the current projects in the works that could impact the county’s economy, such as wind energy, geothermal companies, biomass and forest resources.

“We invite you, the public, to come help us. Tell us what direction you want us to go,” Grasty said.

Others to speak at the forum included Lyle Stratton, owner of Creating Ways, Inc; Mark Maliwauki, Harney County Economic Development Director; Jessica Boone, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Shane Otley, Harney County Farm Bureau President; Dennis Myrum of the Oregon Farm Bureau; Debbie White, Training and Employment Consortium (TEC); and Jim Bishop, Chief Executive Officer at Harney District Hospital.

Stratton said the real estate and construction markets continue to be strong in the county, with new building permits remaining consistent and 14 custom homes either under construction or will be within 30 days.

Stratton also highlighted the ongoing improvements in the community such as the new hospital, the new community center building, Burns Garage expansion, Beauty on Broadway restoration of their building, the Burns Paiute Tribe’s restoration of the building on North Broadway, the incoming Veterans Administration clinic and the wind energy projects. “We have the opportunity to continue expanding,” Stratton said. “We have to keep a positive attitude, realize what we have and encourage people to not only visit, but to move here.”

Maliwauki stated there are two businesses looking at the Louisiana Pacific facility, a food processing firm from Arizona is exploring the possibility of expanding into the county and work is continuing with biomass companies, wind energy projects and the possible expansion of the zeolyte plant.

Maliwauki said there are a number of incentives and a bounty program available to use as recruitment tools.

Boone said the chamber has launched a “shop local” radio campaign, and will soon be posting signs to encourage people to shop locally.

The chamber will continue offering workforce development training, such as creating a resume and improving interview skills.
Boone reported that from January of this year to the present time, Burns has approved 12 new business licenses and Hines has approved seven. “People still want to work for themselves,” Boone said. She also pointed out a quote from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which said, “Small businesses will be the ones to lead us out of this economic recession.”

Otley and Myrum both stressed the importance of agriculture in the local, and state economy. Myrum said that agriculture contributes over $5 billion to the state’s economy every year, and that figure is pretty consistent. “It’s a sustainable industry that helps support the community,” Otley said.

A couple of key issues being addressed by the Farm Bureau are bringing broadband access to rural areas and rural health care.
White reported her office would be receiving funds from the federal stimulus package, which would enable them to hire 15 to 17 youths for the summer, plus crew leaders. She also explained how they assist displaced workers, provide training skills and help people to further their careers.

Bishop told the crowd the hospital has been an innovative company, citing the installation of a wood pellet boiler and electronic patient records as examples.

He stated the hospital has the equivalent of 100 full-time employees with an annual payroll of $6 million.

Bishop said when the hospital has a job vacancy, they do conduct a nationwide search to fill the position, and are always looking to increase local services.

In closing, Grasty praised the agricultural community for being a strong, stable  portion of the county’s economy and said the common theme that seemed to run through everyone’s talk was, “We need each other. We all have a single goal, and that is to continue to make Harney County the best place to live.”