Klamath Basin Business - Oct. 2015

October 2015

Basin Business

KLAMATH BASIN

Business

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

Ready for this?

— Page 7

What’s the big IDEA? Sparking growth through innovation

Party shop opens near Big Lots — Page 6

Chamber membership roster for October — Page 6

County jobless rate dips slightly; labor force lacking

— Page 5

A publication of the Herald & News Chamber: www.klamath.org

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Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

Basin Business

Basin Business

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

FROM Concept to Cash

Who is Rob Jellesed?

What’s the Big IDEA?

Rob Jellesed is the Program Coordinator for Klamath IDEA, a non-profit business incubator / accelerator starting up in Klamath Falls. He retired from JeldWen Inc. several years ago, first working as a visual basic programmer and then as director of e-commerce for Jeld-Wen worldwide.

He is in the master’s program in industrial engineering at Oregon State University, an occasional adjunct engineering and management instructor at Oregon Tech, and provides business, technology and management consulting through Rob Jellesed and Associates.

He lives in Klamath Falls with his spouse of 34 years, Laura.

“My wife was born and raised here,

New program aims to put meat on the bones of new projects — and keep them in Klamath Falls

By GERRY O’BRIEN H&N Editor

Most talented engineers, are, well, engineers first and public relations people second. They can develop concepts, design an innovative product, but have little idea how to get it to market.

Klamath IDEA was created to help those with high-end concepts take a step-by-step approach to monetize the product.

IDEA has recruited Rob Jellesed to seek out those innovators and help them find a niche for their products while remaining in Klamath Falls; growing the local economy.

IDEA: “Innovation is marvelous, but you have to scale it down to be feasible, come up with a project plan, a business model, know where you want to be in a year, etc.,” said Jellesed.

Klamath IDEA (Inspire Development and Energize Acceleration) is a non-profit run by a nine-member board. Offices are in the Gaucho Collective building downtown.

“We are unique in that we take a conceptual process for someone just starting out who may have a great idea and we help them put it together,” Jellesed said.

At first IDEA was hosting monthly talks, bringing entrepreneurs and interested parties together to exchange ideas. While that still continues, the group’s mantra is to help innovators build a viable business in the Basin.

Some examples IDEA has been working with include Gro-Volution (retooling old shipping cargo containers to grow farm products anywhere in the world) and Critter, a GPS system for managing farm equipment

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she’s a physician at Basin Immediate Care.

We decided when we had kids we’d move to Klamath Falls because it’s a great place to raise children and her parents are second-generation farmers in the Merrill and Malin area.

“My job is to help Klamath attract and retain very smart people who have a

Jellesed

product that is exportable.

“We are not another economic development agency.”

IDEA board members H&N file photo

Last year, a panel of judges reviewed OIT student projects in the inaugural Catalyze challenge. Students competed for $9,000 in prizes.

How to Catalyze...

“Catalyze: The Klamath Falls Challenge” is sort of like the TV show “The Apprentice” or “Shark Tank” on steroids.

Last year was the inaugural event. Students presented their business plans to a panel of judges who rate them. They compete for a $9,000 purse provided by Gail and Doug Whitsett, state representatives.

IDEA is also involved in Catalyze. This year it launches on Oct. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Sunset Room and Shasta Lounge on the OIT campus. It will include students from the Wilsonville campus as well.

Also, it will have a social media component so followers can There are already many resources to draw from when trying to get a brand new project off the ground. track students’ progress.

Here’s the agenda: of Technology, Klamath Community available in the valley. out in the field.

Oct. 27, 5 - 7 p.m.

College, Sky Lakes Medical Center, “It’s like what the Elks Club was “We want to produce an innovaOregon Tech College Union: Oregon State University Extension H&N file photo 40 years ago; a social gathering tive, entrepreneurial idea that is Sunset Room and Shasta Service, the Klamath Tribes and where business people meet and find exportable, but help them stay in Last year’s Catalyze winners.

Klamath County Economic Develop- Lounge areas of interest and commonality.”

Klamath Falls,” Jellesed said. “Our ment Association.

5 p.m.

— Introductions and Discussion of the Changing Entrepreneurial goal is to help an innovator become IDEA will offer flexible, monthLandscape in Klamath Basin Kat Rutledge, Klamath IDEA “One plan is to start early with the sustainable; a value that is invoiceto-month workspace options, weekly OIT engineering students.

Students able to an entrepreneur, but does not 5:30 p.m.

— Catalyze Kick-Off and Review Contest Rules and Key Dates coaching events and programs and have to design and complete a project Hallie Neupert, Oregon Tech need government handouts. We don’t a network of mentors who could lend in the junior and senior years. As want to be dependent on the governimportant advice to the start-up.

5:45 p.m. — 2015 Student Team Presentations - Michael Peterson, Eric they get through their classes, we ment, because it’s not a good busiThis is a step further than the Wilson give them tips on commercialization ness model.” usual business incubator, Jellesed 6:15 p.m. — Q&A of their product, business manage“What we want to provide is a said. It is focused on high-end engi6:30 p.m. — Networking, Team Forming ment, and real-world experience.” complete circle of life, from concept to neering, manufacturing that could Light refreshments will be served.

Hallie Neupert, the interim dean cash,” he said. provide large returns in the way of For more information, go to www.oit.edu/catalyze or contact Lita Colligan, of OIT’s engineering school, is on jobs for the Basin.

To that end, IDEA is creating an board with helping break down the Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, at lita.coHigan@oit.edu “Entrepreneurial Town Square” that Resources that innovators can or Interim Dean Hallie Neupert, at hallie.neupert@oit.edu. pulls from all the resources already draw from include Oregon Institute See IDEA, Page 3

Kat Rutledge: Director of Small Business Development Center, Klamath Community College; and chairperson Hallie Neupert: Interim Dean, College of Engineering, Technology & Manag ment, Oregon Institute of Technology Marcus Henderson: Partner, Aspell, Henderson & Associates Steve Smith: Relationship Manager, Oregon Business Banking, Washington Federal Doug Kirby: Program Lead — Digital Media & Design, Klamath Community College Matt Wendt: Vice President, Spruce Street Ventures Betty Riley: Executive Director, South Central Oregon EDD Chip Massie: Executive Director, Klamath County Chamber of Commerce

IDEA From page 2 silos between disciplines. Neupert’s also on the IDEA board.

A second goal is to create a socalled “maker space” where innovators can test their products.

For example, employing a 3-D printer is less costly then actually manufacturing the final product; especially if something isn’t working right. IDEA hopes to provide that space for trouble-shooting products and building prototypes.

A third project is the Catalyze competition at OIT.

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Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

Basin Business

Basin Business

Group marks success in finding jobs for those with mental illness

Monthly in The Herald and News

Lutheran Community Services has, for the past two years, been serving the Klamath County community with a Supported Employment Program, according to a press release from the group.

LCS Supported Employment Program is based on a nationally recognized model of supported employment known as Individual Placement and Support (ISP).

ISP programs around the country are highly successful in helping people recovering from mental illness find and keep jobs.

Once a job is found, both the employer and employee will have access to a team of professionals (including; counselors, licensed medical providers, case managers and employment specialists) who provide ongoing support on and off-site as long as necessary.

Some of the services that Supported Employment Program can offer: Assessment: An ongoing process to determine skills, interests, and work goals. Clients are continually assessed throughout their job search.

Job Match: A comprehensive approach that matches the individual to the most appropriate job at a competitive wage in a communitybased setting.

Continued Support: Support is available to employers as well as employees. This may include things such as help with training or communication.

Principles of Supported Employment : Competitive Employment

n Integrated with Behavioral Health Treatment n Client Preference n Rapid Job Search n Systematic Job Development n Continued Job Support for as long as needed Recently LCS in Klamath Falls was recognized at the Oregon Supported Employment Center for Excellence yearly convention for “Outstanding Outcomes”.

In July of 2015, LCS had 35 people in the program, 18 people employed (a 51 percent success rate); all while Klamath County’s unemployment rate was 7.6 percent.

In the end, getting job is what the efforts are all about. Clients report better control of their symptoms, higher self esteem, and more satisfaction with finances and leisure time when they work.

LCS’s program is not only just above the state average for employment, they bring up the state average as well.

Cheryl Reinhard is the Supported Employment specialist who is available at this time along with the Program Coordinator; Nora Foster.

Their office is inside the Hope Community Center at 2408 Homedale Road in Klamath Falls.

The phone number is 541-2053112.

Please call for more information.

KLAMATH BASIN

Business

Drop-in enrollment centers for 2016 health plan coming

Land trust holds annual auction The Klamath Lake Land Trust’s 5th Annual Dinner and Auction will be at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at Reames Golf and Country Club.

This year’s event features a few changes the Land Trust is proud to announce, most notably the addition of a live auction with local auctioneer Dakota Hudgens.

The night will also feature a buffet-style dinner, live band, drinks, and a silent auction. A few of the auction items will include: n A stay in Roatan, Hounduras; n Behind the scenes airboat tour of the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex; n Canvas canoe; n Pottery; n Artwork; n One or two night stay in a teepee on Crystal Creek with a half-day

SALEM — The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace has awarded mini-grants to 24 Oregon insurance agents to help them create drop-in enrollment centers during the upcoming health insurance open enrollment for plan year 2016.

Open enrollment starts on Nov. 1, and ends on Jan. 31, 2016. Oregonians will be able to enroll at HealthCare.gov or find free in-person help at OregonHealthCare.gov.

“Oregonians have made it clear that they value local in-person help when shopping and enrolling in health insurance,” said department director Patrick Allen. “The open enrollment center program will help licensed insurance agents provide free local help to Oregonians.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of this program,” said Shea Brown a grant awardee at RJS & Associates Insurance Services. “As agents it has been a struggle to handle the influx of enrollment. This is a great opportunity to partner with the state to access more resources to help as many people as possible get covered in Philomath and the surrounding area.

“Being in a rural area, there is not a lot of help locally and we are thrilled to get the resources necessary to help our community get covered.”

Agents will be available at all enrollment centers to help Oregonians shop for and enroll in health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov, or to provide help signing up for the Oregon Health Plan.

Enrollment centers will be required to do all of the following: n Provide private spaces to talk to agents and community partners n Be open throughout the entire open enrollment period during normal business hours n Remain open until 8 p.m. at least one day a week n Provide free parking and handicap accessibility n Be located near public transportation Insurance agent grantees will be awarded $10,000 each and will be expected to conduct outreach within their local communities.

Area enrollment centers will be located at: Bend, La Pine, Medford, Cave Junction and Grants Pass.

OHSU opens satellite campus

guided fishing trip; n Tickets to the Winter Wings (Reprinted from the Herald and Festival banquet and keynote News this week). address; An Oregon university devoted to n University of Oregon basketball bringing high quality medicine to tickets; rural areas recently opened its secn Beaver capture and relocation ond rural campus “hub” site.

The Herald and News reported with the Klamath Watershed Part(http://bit.ly/1KmycJz ) that Oregon nership; Health & Science University offin And much more! cially opened of its Rural Campus Tickets are available at www.

Academic Headquarters in Klamath klamathlakelandtrust.org, at the Falls Monday. land trust office, 212 S. 9th St., or at The first hub is in Coos Bay. the door.

“One of the differences in our The Klamath Lake Land Trust is rural campus is that all of our stua local non-profit dedicated to pre- dents will work together under the serving and enhancing the natural leadership of the community, and legacy of the Upper Klamath Basin. our partnership with our research community,” said Dr. Jeanette MladAll proceeds from the event will be enovic’s, provost and executive vice used for conservation and preserva- president of OHSU. tion efforts.

“Our students will learn how to intervene in communities and learn how to become true advocates for the community in advancing health.”

The campuses are meant to make it easier for rural Oregon communities to recruit physicians, pharmacists, dentists and other health care providers.

Klamath Falls Regional Associate Dean Dr. Joyce Hollander-Rodriguez says students will be more likely to return to rural areas to practice if they have been exposed to the region while learning the profession.

Six students started the Klamath Falls program last month.

University officials say they may consider a third hub in northeast Oregon in the future. For details http://www.heraldandnews.com

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

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Jobless numbers show little improvement The Klamath Basin is struggling to sustain job growth. On a seasonally adjusted basis, employment levels are little changed in Klamath County going back to this past winter. Seasonal hiring in September was weaker than expected. As a result unemployment levels continue to rise.

Klamath County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to rise, up to 8.6 percent in September from 8.3 percent in August. The rate remains down from this time last year when it was 9.6 percent.

Klamath County added 70 jobs in September, which is about half of the typical gain of 130 jobs. Job growth was concentrated in education as we begin a new school year. Local government education added 240 jobs and private educational and health services added 90.

Total nonfarm employment was up by 250 jobs from last September.

Private sector gains were concentrated in retail trade, which will likely change next month after accounting for the Haggen layoffs.

It was an exceptional year for our tourism industry with leisure and hospitality employment up 120 from

last September. Several prominent industries posted job losses from last year, including construction and manufacturing.

Lake County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was little changed in September at 8.0 percent from 7.9 percent in August. The unemployment rate was down from last September when it was 9.5 percent.

There was essentially no change in Lake County employment levels from August (+10 jobs). The county typically posts small job losses this time of year. Federal government declines were balanced by seasonal hiring in local government.

Total nonfarm employment was up from last year (+40 jobs). Construction and government accounted for the majority of these gains.

Contact the Chamber Klamath County Chamber of Commerce

205 Riverside Drive, Suite A Klamath Falls, OR 97603 Office: 541-884-5193 Fax: 541-884-5195 Charles “Chip” Massie Executive Director cmassie@klamath.org

Heather Tramp: Marketing and Program Coordinator Email: heathert@klamath.org www.klamath.org www.facebook.com/Klamath Chamber twitter.com/AccessKlamath

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Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

Basin Business

Basin Business

Party, gift store opens doors Ribbon-cutting, grand opening for Parties R Me Join the employees in celebrating the grand opening of Parties R Me discount party supply store, Saturday, Oct. 24, starting at 10 a.m.

The shop will have food served by a new caterer, Traveler’s Grill; streamed music; pumpkin decorating and prizes, including a grand prize for a two-hour limo service from Exquisite Limousine.

The shop has a host of Halloween decorations available, too.

The shop is located at 3810 South Sixth St, Suite 270, in the Town and Country shopping center across from Big Lots.

For more information, contact James and Donna Lindsey at 541891-0248.

Submitted photo

Parties R Me is at 3810 S. Sixth St., Klamath Falls.

Chamber membership anniversaries

Absolute Comfort American Legion Post 8 Amerititle Amy Kendall Drouin, D.M.D., P.C. Assistance League Basin Immediate Care Basin Mediactive LLC BBSI - Barrett Business Services Inc. CAL-ORE Communications, Inc. Diversified Contractors Inc. Double C Dog Training & Total Pet Care Eldorado Heights — Emeritus FFA Klamath Basin AlumniHenley FFA Gette A Groom Inc Juniper Paper & Supply Ken’s Body & Paint Inc. Kiwanis Club of Klamath Falls Klamath Metals Klamath/Lake Community Action Services Lutheran Community Services NW Main Street Jewelers Nurse on the Go! REACH, Inc. SMART Reading Program Southwick Specialty Advertising The Book Nymph Tingley Lake Estates Wayne Bercot LLC/Airport Business Ctr Win-R Insulation, Inc.

California home sales improve SAN DIEGO (AP) — California home sales regained footing in September and prices cooled as buyers sought property in more affordable markets away from the coast, a research firm said earlier this week.

The median price for new and existing single-family homes and condominiums was $406,000, down 0.6 percent from $408,500 in August but up 5.5 percent from $385,000 in September 2014, according to CoreLogic Inc. It was the 43rd straight month of annual gains but percentage increases have cooled to single digit since June 2014.

There were 40,990 homes sold last month throughout the state, down 0.8 percent from 41,328 sales in August but up 12.7 percent 36,385 sales in September 2014.

“Summer ended on a

high note,” said CoreLogic analyst Andrew LePage.

The September rebound allowed California to post its strongest summer since 2006.

Sales slowed in August after a robust June and July, which LePage said might have been caused because supplies dried up after the early summer buying spree.

The median price in the San Francisco Bay Area was $650,000 in September, up 1.2 percent from $642,000 in August and up 8.3 percent from $600,000 in September 2014.

The nine-county region had 7,816 sales, up 6.9 percent from a year earlier.

Sales fell in some expensive markets, including the city of San Francisco, where the median price hovered near $1.1 million, but jumped in more affordable suburbs.

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Farmers’ skills can pay off for investors

Fire season ends for Klamath, Lake counties Fire management personnel from the Klamath-Lake District, Oregon Department of Forestry in cooperation with other local fire agencies and departments has declared the end of the 2015 Fire Season as of 12:01 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23, 2015.

Fire season for the area has been in effect since June 5.

This lifts the ban on open debris burning in Klamath and Lake counties. Check with the local rural structural fire department for burning and permit regulations within their districts and the county health department for air quality restrictions.

The Oregon Department of Forestry, Klamath-Lake District does not issue or require burn permits on lands solely protected by them when fire season is not in effect.

Logging operation requirements including watchman services and fire equipment on site, in effect on private, county and state lands have also been lifted.

“The public is asked to use safe debris burning practices”, said Randall Baley, fire planner.

“Even though we have lifted fire season, it does not mean that people should be any less careful, they are still responsible for any fire that gets out of control and spreads. Debris burning should be attended at all times, done only during daylight hours, in cleared areas, in ‘no wind’ conditions, and meeting air quality guidelines.”

Landowners need to remember that any burning escaping their control is their liability and they could be billed for the fire suppression costs. Be cautious, be fire safe, be careful, Baley said.

The Oregon Department of Forestry recognizes the efforts of their seasonal and permanent staff in working to prevent large fires.

During the 2015 season, the Klamath-Lake district documented 98 fires that burned approximately 28 acres.

Eighteenof those acres burned were from human-caused fires which falls well below the 10 year average.

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

Submitted photo

Scenes such as downed power lines can play havoc with your home.

Here’s some tips to be prepared for winter’s worst.

Prep now for winter Before the storm season hits, Pacific Power prepares equipment and crews so they can get power back on as quickly and safely as possible if there’s an outage. Make sure your business is ready in case of an unexpected power outage.

Tips to help you prepare n Mark the location of electrical supply panels and note how to turn off power. n Label equipment power switches to find them more easily during an outage. n Plug computers into surge protectors and install automatic backup programs. n If you use a cash register, have a calculator or non-electrical option on hand. n Consider buying and installing a backup generator for critical equipment. n Keep emergency lighting in

working order. n Put together an outage kit with flashlights, radios, food and water.

What to do in an outage To report an outage or receive an outage update, call toll free at 1-877-508-5088. Stay away from any downed power lines — call 911 immediately.

You can also report outages and check restoration status on Pacific Power’s website or through the utility’s free mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Download the Pacific Power app on the App Store or Google Play.

Stay connected Social networks are a reliable and quick way to get news and communicate during a power outage or emergency. Follow Pacific Power on Twitter, @PacificPower_OR, and on facebook.com/pacificpower.

In many parts of the country, it’s harvest season. As a consumer, you will certainly be affected by the labors of farmers — and their particular skill set can also teach you a lot in your role as investor.

Here are a few suggestions for putting farmers’ behaviors to work for you: n Keep a cool head. Farmers have to cope with all sorts of challenges – bad weather, changing crop prices, availability and cost of land, global trade policies, etc. But the most successful farmers don’t panic, follow sound agricultural practices and adapt their work habits as necessary.

As an investor, you, too, need to keep a cool head, especially in the face of volatile markets, political turmoil and changes in the economy.

Don’t overreact to today’s headlines; instead, constantly plan for tomorrow, and follow an investment strategy designed to help you achieve your goals. n Keep learning. Farmers are constantly learning new techniques from agricultural extension services and other sources. When you invest, you can also benefit from educating yourself on the various factors - corporate earnings, changing interest rates, and so on — affecting the financial markets. n Control your expenses. Farming isn’t cheap. The cost of farm equipment is daunting, land is expensive, water usage can be enormous — the list goes on and on. The most successful farmers work hard to manage their costs, and it’s an ongoing challenge.

As an investor, you also can incur plenty of costs — especially if you’re constantly buying and selling securities, which can lead to heavy commissions and fees, along with higherthan-necessary capital gains taxes.

Following a long-term, “buy-andhold” investment strategy can help you control your investment costs while also helping you build and preserve your long-term financial security.

n Be flexible. The ups and downs of growing commodity crops have become more frequent, forcing farmers to become more flexible and resourceful in their business.

For example, many farmers have started producing specific products for specific markets, thus giving them an “all-weather” income stream. As an investor, you may also need to look for new opportunities as they arise, provided these moves are still within the overall context of your long-term strategy.

To be able to make such moves, you’ll want to keep a reasonable amount of “cash” in your investment portfolio. n Be patient. Farmers plant crops and nurture them carefully for months before it’s harvest time. In fact, it’s possible that no other occupation requires such a willingness to wait for results — and payouts.

Similarly, when you invest, you simply can’t expect to instantly turn huge profits; no matter what you may hear, investing is not a “get rich quick” type of endeavor.

The best investors work toward growth slowly, over a period of many decades, and only by diligently pursuing a strategy that’s appropriate for their individual needs, goals and risk tolerance. In short, when it comes to investing, patience isn’t just a virtue — it’s a necessity.

Farmers work long hours, but they don’t just work hard — they work smart. Emulating their work habits and patterns can help as you cultivate the investment fields.

Submitted by: Meredith Hoffman Financial Advisor, Edward Jones 1307 S Alameda Avenue, Suite B Klamath Falls, OR 97603-3601 Phone: 541-273-2483 Fax: 877-452-1831

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Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Herald and News

Basin Business