REDI Celebrates City of Redmond Manufacturing Day and Honors a Thriving Community

Made In Redmond Tour:

In June, Redmond Economic Development Inc, celebrated its 11^th Made in Redmond Tour in recognition of the importance the manufacturing sector has in the community and across the nation. The Made in Redmond Tour brings together business leaders, elected officials, educators, and stakeholders for networking and showcases how community collaboration and investment in businesses brings prosperity to Redmond and Central Oregon overall.

According to Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, there will be 3.8 million manufacturing jobs to fill between now and 2033. In Central Oregon, Redmond serves as the region’s manufacturing hub and accounts for over 1,800 jobs within the city and over 28% of all manufacturing jobs in Deschutes County. Redmond’s employment in the manufacturing sector expanded by 16.7% from 2019-2023, and total wages paid in the sector grew by a remarkable 42.6%.

The companies featured on the tour represent a diverse set of industries exemplifying Redmond’s commitment to industry diversification, which helps hedge against recessions. Tour attendees were excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at each business and learn more about their products, services and why they choose to do business in Redmond.

This year’s tour hosts included Hardenbrook Hardwoods, Avid Cider Co., Poltex Inc., and Senneca/Chase Doors. The stories behind the products these companies create and their distribution across the nation were awe inspiring. REDI is truly grateful to these companies for taking time out of their day to allow attendees the opportunity to peek behind the curtain.

A huge thank you to transportation sponsor, Pacific Crest Bus Lines, who provided nearly one hundred attendees with the opportunity to see the innerworkings of these companies comfortably.  Additional thanks go to valued sponsors Hayden Homes/Simplicity, Title sponsor; BBSI, Presenting sponsor; and Lynden Logistics and Umpqua Bank, Supporting sponsors.

THRIVE Award!

REDI was also excited to hand out not one, but two THRIVE awards, sponsored by Mid Oregon Credit Union, to local programs that are making a difference in Redmond. The two recipients, while quite different in their missions, are complimentary to each other on different sides of the spectrum.

One, The Redmond Safe Parking Program, helps those experiencing houselessness. The THRIVE award spotlights this program which contributes to the local economy through empowering those in need on a transitional basis and building a local workforce. “Our Safe Parking team is honored to receive the THRIVE Award for our work serving our unhoused neighbors,” said Rick Russell, Executive Director of Mountain View Community Development. “It reveals the strength of our community and how we all benefit when partners like business, government and social sectors collaborate.”

The second winner was the Dry Canyon Arts Association. The association, through its educational programs, Lend Me Your Walls and first Friday art walk in downtown Redmond, is testimony that a vibrant visual arts community contributes to a thriving economy by providing quality of life and livability through beautification. "Not only was it so interesting to learn about Redmond Economic Development Inc.'s work to bring and support manufacturing businesses and jobs to Redmond,” said Secretary, Beth Hanson, “it was so gratifying to be recognized as an important part of the economic fabric of our community.”

Congratulations to both winners.

Learn more about REDI and the work the organization does to build prosperity in the community by visiting rediinfo.com.