ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL OREGON

It’s widely known that Bend, a sun-drenched destination at the foot of the picturesque Cascade Mountain Range, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Now it is earning recognition as a thriving home to business. Bend recently topped The Milken Institute’s “U.S. Best-Performing Small Cities” index for 2016 and boasts one of the highest job growth rates in the country. Much of this success has been attributed to the outdoor industry. Some of the most successful and innovative outdoor recreation companies on the planet are proudly based right here in Bend. Established brands such as Hydro Flask and Ruffwear have had deep roots here, and DVA was challenged to develop a plan that would attract their younger brethren. To us, it’s pretty obvious: The pursuit of a high quality of life and passion for the outdoors that first motivated entrepreneurs to go into business are the very same reasons Bend exists in the first place. Simply put, the only thing standing between you and the outdoors is your office door.