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A Celebration of Agriculture in Eastern Oregon
Mar 18 2024Eastern Oregon Eastern Oregon celebrates National Agriculture Day (March 19) this spring - a commemoration of the crucial role that agriculture plays in the United States, not only for its necessary food supply production but also for its significant contribution to sustaining local communities and driving economic growth. In Eastern...
Continuous Member Engagement is the Plan at OTEC
Dec 22 2023Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) prioritizes economic development and Concern for Community through many methods. We help businesses operate and families live more efficiently through affordable electricity. To that end, OTEC had invested over $153 million to improve the reliability, safety and efficiency of our system. Additionally, numerous programs focus...
Support Local in Eastern Oregon
Dec 14 2023The people of eastern Oregon may not be as numerous as those on the state’s western side, but their commitment to fellow residents, businesses and overall quality of life in their communities is unmatched. The Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) proudly serves these members, businesses and residents in their economic...
The past few years have brought a wave of adversity to communities nationwide, from the COVID-19 pandemic to current economic hardships. But amidst the turmoil, one truth has emerged: small communities are filled with enterprising individuals with fantastic ideas to make their communities a better place to live. Entrepreneurship has...
Safety protocols for electrical power usage are equally important regardless of the scenario, from a home rewiring project to major manufacturing operations. The same applies to economic development issues. Workforce shortages, infrastructure status and strategic planning are just as critical to rural communities as metropolitan centers.
Eastern Oregon leaders...
Eastern Oregon is synonymous with excellent outdoor adventure. From casting for trout in world-class river systems, backpacking in pristine mountain wilderness or skiing fine powder runs, phenomenal experiences await here.
But within each county of Eastern Oregon, there is an equally important resource within the boundaries of the local...
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) is one of Oregon's largest distribution cooperatives, serving approximately 31,000 meters in Baker, Grant, Harney and Union counties with a distribution system valued at more than $153 million.
Yet, OTEC’s impact goes beyond electricity distribution as an economic pillar for eastern Oregon. It is...
Support Small Businesses in Eastern Oregon
Nov 22 2022Entrepreneurs and small businesses create the newest products and innovations that strengthen the U.S. economy. As the holiday season approaches, Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) wishes to celebrate the importance of these local business leaders throughout Eastern Oregon.
Entrepreneurs turn their bright business ideas into small businesses, which made...
Farmers markets are an opportunity for residents of Eastern Oregon to access locally-grown produce and support often organic and sustainable farming practices. But they are often much more than that. Farmer markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and similar entities are significant parts of thriving communities through job creation and small...
Eastern Oregon is Outdoor Recreation
Aug 3 2022Oregon is a state defined by its natural beauty. The state’s eastern portion often gets overlooked by the thickly forested mountain ranges and oceanfront that draws visitors to the western side. But Baker, Grant, Harney and Union Counties all contain marvelous natural beauty, filled with seemingly endless options for outdoor...
3D Printing Plans Set to Help Housing Markets
Jun 24 2022Metal, wood and glass are the most common raw materials used in home construction throughout the country. Their use is part of a time-trusted and proven process of creating structures. But what if concrete could be added to that list while reducing the overall construction time and offering greater fire...
Entrepreneurs seek to make a living with their ideas, but the extreme satisfaction gained from the validation of their effort by satisfied customers can be unmatched. Opportunities for both exist in northeastern Oregon, a region where residents possessing a diverse range of talents have been increasingly successful in making their...
Small businesses are the driving force for the economic progress of communities throughout the country. Northeastern Oregon is composed of many individuals and organizations that are part of that continuous effort. The Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) prioritizes economic and community development as a one-stop resource for relocation information, business...
The national supply chain issues of the past year have been felt by businesses and consumers in Eastern Oregon right along with the rest of the country. The large agriculture and natural resources industry that support the local communities have struggled to just simply get their products to markets due...
Eastern Oregon has Sites Ready for Business!
Jan 5 2022Opportunity for business owners to relocate or expand their companies exists throughout Eastern Oregon. The Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) serves several counties with industrial parks and other properties with world-class infrastructure and amenities that fit the needs of a broad range of industries. OTEC’s economic development team is ready...
Eastern Oregon has a vibrant collection of talented professionals in a wide range of industries, from skilled trades personnel to research scientists. The educational opportunities that exist in the region match that diversity. Employers and individuals in the workforce have a range of options to either expand their skill base,...
Show Your Local Community Support and Shop Eastern Oregon’s Small Businesses This Holiday Season
Nov 22 2021There is a trend growing across the country that everyone can get behind: Shop Local! Saturday, November 27 is Small Business Saturday, organized more than a decade ago to highlight the importance of small businesses to local economies. It continues to be the perfect opportunity for holiday shoppers to help...
Entrepreneurs inject excitement and diversity into their communities, from the largest metropolis to sparsely-populated towns. The local communities of Eastern Oregon have taken a keen interest in supporting these business leaders, knowing they are critical to advancing their economies. As the power provider to these communities, Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative...
People are drawn to Harney County, Oregon for the beauty of high desert sagebrush range, majestic mountains and green forests. Beyond this natural grandeur, however, is an area defined by economic opportunity and small town values centered in the main cities of Burns and Hines, far from the stress of...
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...
Grant County is the Land of Opportunity
May 3 2021Grant County, Oregon is an area roughly the size of Connecticut. The 4,500 square mile area in the northeastern portion of the state sparkles with the natural beauty and spectacular views of the native forests, lakes, streams and mountains within. But its most precious commodity is opportunity! From the outdoor...
Small businesses are the lifeblood of economic development in many communities. They add character to communities, create jobs, strengthen the economy and offer unique experiences and memories for families. Economic Development Corporations play a critical role in assisting those businesses achieve success. This spring is an excellent time to recognize...
Find Your Perfect Fit in Baker County
Mar 29 2021Baker County offers the promise of the perfect life for individuals and businesses alike. Straddling I-84 in northeastern Oregon, Baker County provides the networking and resources businesses require. In addition, the area has the rich, sought-after amenities at an affordable cost of living that ensures a high quality of life...
The 2020 holiday season, and the winter months that come right after it, are the perfect time to visit Eastern Oregon to enjoy wide open spaces and exciting winter sports and activities. This has been a strange year with many people spending a lot of time indoors under quarantine. If...