Rugged Beauty Surrounds Opportunity in Union County

Union County, Oregon is defined by the forest, valleys, mountain peaks and overall rugged natural beauty it encompasses. People are drawn to the area because of this beauty, but they quickly learn it has much more to offer. From exceptional business sites to excellent personal living amenities, this video from the Oregon Trail Electric Co-op provides a glimpse at the grandeur and opportunity that is Union County!

Make the Most of the Rugged Natural Beauty

Union County is a beautiful place to live with mountains and streams providing hunting, fishing, skiing, and camping opportunities. Winter brings a wonderful playground to the mountains, starting with the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort offering the highest base elevation in Oregon for skiing and snowboarding on more than 1,000 acres of terrain accessible by ski lifts. Those who enjoy cross country skiing will revel in the offerings of the Nordic Ski Area, home  to one of the top Nordic Ski Systems in North America.

Not to be outdone, the Mount Emily Recreation Area, known affectionately by locals as MERA, offers year-round recreation just two miles from LaGrande. Biking, hiking and off-roading enthusiasts have access to 45 miles of non-motorized and 40 miles of motorized trails within MERA’s 3,670 forested acres.

Business Opportunities

Historically, the Union County economy has migrated from mining to agriculture to a recent diversification into light manufacturing, technology businesses and regional headquarters for Federal and State government. Today, the economy and population in Union County are growing steadily and so are the opportunities. La Grande is the largest city in Union County and its Economic Development Division’s Urban Renewal Plan focuses on downtown revitalization and a Main Street program. 

Those looking to build new or relocate a business will find opportunity at the La Grande Business and Technology Park. At over 62 acres of flat, buildable land, many lots are currently available and shovel ready lots ranging from one to eight acres. The park resides within the city of La Grande, with all the necessary infrastructure in place as a result. Businesses in need of both a storefront and warehouse space will especially benefit from the space available. And the La Grande community wants to help make it easier for businesses to come to the area. For example, the La Grande Urban Renewal Agency’s Traded Sector Business Attraction Incentive provides up to $200,000 to qualifying businesses to relocate or expand to the Park.

Another highlight of Union County is the Baum Industrial Park, a 50-acre property within an Enterprise Zone. Various lot sizes are available and have access to the Idaho Northern and Pacici freight route along Oregon Highway 82. 

Quality of Life

The beautiful outdoors and inherent business opportunities supplement Union County’s amenities perfectly, resulting in an excellent overall quality of life. Looking to change careers or add to your skill set? Union County’s Eastern Oregon University offers certificate and degree programs accessible through the most affordable four-year educational opportunity in Oregon. Seeking the peace of mind of world-class healthcare for everything from preventive medicine to specialty services? Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics offers a Level IV Trauma Emergency Department, outpatient services and ten primary and specialty clinics throughout the area.

Recreation and entertainment opportunities abound as well. The La Grande Farmers Market offers healthy produce in a setting benefitting local producers through agrotourism. And many of the locally grown products are featured at the Side A Brewing in the historic La Grande Firehouse or at the Landing Hotel and Dining.

Whether you want to get away to the beautiful mountains and forests or you want to center your business in the state-of-the-art industrial parks, Union County offers an opportunity to meet a wide range of needs. Contact Erica Jaensch at ejaench@otec.coop if you have further questions or visit the Oregon Trail Electric Co-op website today to see how relocating your business or moving to Union County can bring the growth and quality of life you are looking for!