Winter 2005 phone: 541-386-1645 • fax: 541-386-1395 • www.portofhoodriver.com Odell’s Timber Incubator navigation, fish migration and even other The Why Nots of Dredging shoaling patterns. Applying for those permits would cost continues to assist local economy between $500,000 to $1 million with no guarantee of securing permission to In the summer of 1997, the Port of we’re on for marketing without Norma,” complete the job. celebrated the opening of the Timber Incubator at he relays. The Port recognizes the importance of “We are the only high-end blacksmith waterfront recreation amenities, and John Weber Business Park in Odell. Though all three metal shop in the area with all the tools that’s why good windsurfing launch tenants work with metals, the naming of the available for metalsmithing and unique conditions are maintained at the Port’s building relayed the Port’s intention to assist the finishes,” Hernandez explains. She adds Hood River Event Site and the Hook. Winter 2005 there is a traditional blacksmith in White Other water recreationalists – namely community in developing economic opportunities Salmon. kiteboarders and swimmers – are taking for family wage jobs as a result of changes in the Locally, the company creates custom advantage of the shoaling, too. Pedestrian timber industry. railings, lighting and kitchen fixtures for Kiteboarders access the sandbar via the quality homes in this area. Nationwide, Spit, the long narrow jetty on the west Bridge rant funding from President Marketing has become a key focus of the company focuses on custom lamps side of the Hood River. Swimmers, Walking along the Columbia River on Clinton’s Northwest Economic business manager Norma Hernandez. and lighting fixtures. Its products can be meanwhile, have less competition for Port of Hood River property got a bit easier GAdjustment Initiative ($360,000), She developed a plan based on research viewed online at eternityironworks.com. their swim beach at the Marina Park’s this winter, thanks to a modest upgrade to Rural Economic Community that is helping the company grow. Now, Langdale aspires to break into the eastern shoreline. the Port's pedestrian bridge that joins Port Development ($190,000), and the U.S. rather than spending large amounts of hospitality and commercial industries in The Port opened the swim beach there Marina Park with the waterfront and Forest Service ($170,000) helped the Port money on expensive retail shows, the the future, working with designers 2004 aerial in 1980, and swimming was the main downtown. initiate the building project. company targets market niches, devel- throughout the country. “In the next five view of the waterfront activity for years before that. As In early March, the Port's mainte- Two of the original tenants, Champion oping a formula to Hood River windsurfing emerged during that decade, nance department restored many of the Metalworks and Langdahl Design, continue reach them. Sand Bar however, the Port became the region’s wooden planks, or timbers, that make up to operate in the Timber Incubator “September 11 the Hood River Delta first public agency to develop a site inside the deck of the span, which was built in building. The other original tenant, Schock almost put us out an urban area specifically for windsurfers. 1985. It was the bridge's first major Welding, constructed its own building at of business,” owner ith spring just around the get rid of the material and develop sediment has formed at the mouth of the The Marina eventually became host to restoration project. The improvement adds the John Weber Business Park a few years Brad Langdale corner, the color and excitement structures, like a new jetty or pile dike, Hood River. However, years with heavy major windsurfing championships. to the safety of the pedestrian bridge for ago. Prigel Machine and Fabrication took explains. “We Wof windsurfing sails are about to to prevent it from reoccurring. rains and a steady Columbia River flow Swimmers were displaced to the current the 2005 summer season, but more work over the available space. Though all three planned to attend a make their annual return to the central The growing sandbar does not jut into have washed earlier shoaling away. The beach site located at the shore’s east side. may occur this fall, including possible current tenants work in metals, they are all huge show that Columbia Gorge. However, Hood River’s the Columbia River’s main navigation Gorge has not seen above-normal rainfall As the 1980s progressed, windsurfers replacement of many worn timbers, says distinct from one another, and each October, spent lots first dedicated windsurfing launch will channel, which is maintained by the U.S. since before 2001, but steady precipitation lobbied for a better launch site to the west, Joe Pounders, maintenance foreman. business continues to evolve. of money, and got not be available to greet them. Army Corps of Engineers. The cost of may resolve the problem as well as where winds were more predictable. In The bridge is a central link for a only a few orders The news may perk the ears of taking out the materials would fall to the expensive dredging. 1991, the Port constructed the Hood River popular local activity — walking. The because nobody kiteboarders, though. Port, which has no plans to proceed with Port engineers researched two possible Event Site as the region’s premier launch structure allows pedestrians to safely travel Eternity Ironworks came. We are a In recent years, a sandbar has become the project. dredging options, including depositing site. The Port invested $1 million, which from downtown to Port Marina Park away Eternity Ironworks has captured an classic little a dominant fixture at the mouth of the The reason is simple: The bulk of the dredged materials on the nearby Port included $317,000 in state lottery funds. from vehicle traffic. A walkway beneath impressive segment of the local custom company that Hood River, silting in the beach at Port of material came from a 2001 waterfront or barging materials out of the For almost zero investment, Interstate 84 on the Hood River's west iron work market, and has experienced struggled Hood River’s Marina Park. Windsurfers landslide that occurred more than 30 area. Local disposal is estimated at $1.7 kiteboarders have been happy to have bank ties the waterfront area to city desti- success selling to retailers, designers, through that.” nations. Bicyclists should walk their bikes Eternity Ironworks’ Brad Langdale & Norma Hernanadez have asked the Port to explore dredging miles up the East Fork Hood River, and million; barging carries a $3.3 million their own launch sites off the sandbar. In builders and architects farther away. In He credits across the bridge. the accumulating materials. That task more loose material could be washed estimate. The Port also considered fact, kiteboarders have developed business locally as Langdahl Design for Hernandez, a savvy has been done, but it does not bring the downstream with each heavy rain or excavating materials from the river and beginner, intermediate and expert areas Generous 8-foot wide walking paths surround the Marina basin, and provide 10 years now, the company changed its Stanford University graduate who started years, we want to expand up to 15 resolution many may hope for. major snow event. The Port might spend hauling them away, an effort that would on the sandbar, which has grown in an easy stride from the Hood River County name to Eternity Ironworks four years ago with Eternity Ironworks in 2002, with artisans, maybe up to 50, but that is far It is estimated that it will cost between $4 million or more to solve the problem cost approximately $2.5 million. recent years to accommodate their Museum east to Hood River Interstate to market more effectively. turning the tide. Langdale was too busy forward thinking,” Langdale says. “It $1.7 million and $3.3 million to remove today, but that does not guarantee the Even before the work could occur, growing sport. Bridge. All ages of pedestrians, cyclists and Eternity Ironworks specializes in high- running the business and creating would be nice to get to 15 in the next five the shoaling, which includes an work won’t need to be done at a similar however, federal permits are required roller-bladers are welcome to enjoy the end, artisan-quality wrought iron lamps, product to work on a marketing strategy. estimated 300,000 cubic yards of expense in the near future. since dredging could potentially trail system; please yield the right-of-way light fixtures and railings. “We never would have been on the path Please see material, according to engineer’s Longtime Hood River residents have impact ednesday, Feb. 16 to walkers and joggers. Timber Incubator on page 2 estimates. In addition, it will cost up to $1 seen the sandbar ebb and flow over the W million to obtain the needed permits to decades – this is not the first time PORT OF HOOD RIVER PRSRT STD 2005 Chamber Leaders for Tomorrow visit the Port – PO Box 239 U.S. POSTAGE Last month, local Chamber Leaders for Tomorrow learned about the Port of Hood River and visited the Hood River, OR 97031 PAID newly redecked Interstate Bridge. The group is led by the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce. Permit No. 700 Front row: Julie Stanley (HRVHS), Sara Rush (CLHS), Kristin Reese, Youth Services Director (HRCCC) Portland, OR Second row: Vanessa Geddis, Ariel MacMillan, Jennifer Jeffries, Amanda Skelton, Courtney Tennant (all HRVHS) and Brittany Litschewski (CLHS) Third row: Audra Cody, Madison Kyger, Markee Cox (all HRVHS), Nikki Martin (CLHS) and Lionor Najera (HRVHS) Fourth Row: Jared Nagreen (HCS), Tony Guisto, Matt Byrne and Lisa Perry (Tony, Matt and Lisa are HRVHS) HRVHS = Hood River Valley High School • CLHS = Cascade Locks • HCS = Horizon Christian School Winter 2005 Winter 2005

meet new federal and state requirements Timber Incubator continued from page 1 Architectural and ornamental metals have until The market to which the company sells is primarily Odell Sanitary for creek temperatures, toxicity and recently been the breadwinner for the company. Now that businesses, 80-90 percent are fruit packing plants, bottlers, District plans major nutrient levels for its water. years.” According to Langdale, some companies doing is turning around. In 2003, the ratio of construction vs. and small engineering companies, including local A strong effort is underway to address similar types of work have over 100 employees. tool storage units was 90:10. Last year, 60 percent of businesses Hood Technology, Cloud Cap Technology, Real improvements these pertinent environmental obligations Company leaders are also considering tying in with the business was in construction, and 40 percent toolboxes. Carbon, and the Insitu Group. with various funding sources forthcoming. tourism industry by offering factory tours, and possibly This year, Buckles projects 20 percent of business will be in Machining precision parts is the company’s specialty, n rural areas, infrastructure is a chief A boost was given locally when voters teaching metalsmithing classes at the local community construction, and 80 percent tool boxes. although it also offers some welding and light fabrication. consideration for economic devel- passed, with 64 percent approval, a $3.5 college. “The combination of old time blacksmithing and The Columbia Gorge location is highly suitable for tool “I have to say so far the Gorge location suits the Iopment. Hood River County’s potential million bond issue for OSD to improve the contemporary metalsmithing is a unique art, and creates storage unit manufacturing. “We rarely have to leave the company well,” proclaims owner Brian Prigel. “It’s for economic growth is compromised by wastewater facility and system. This project some beautiful results,” Langdale says. He sees potential shop, and do most sales over the internet and phone,” Buckles surprising how many small manufacturing businesses are availability of land and services essential to will address ammonia, temperature and for the company to join with claims. “We can manufacture in this area that need this type of service. The location business expansion. Good economic news chlorine impacts that discharges from the local glass art craftspeople. here, and then deliver.” may end up limiting growth for this type of service- is coming to the Odell area via the Odell district are having on Odell Creek. Handmade ironwork from the Champion makes personal oriented business, but like so many people, I’m here Sanitary District’s wastewater facility and The bond measure, restricted to property Northwest adds to the value. deliveries on large orders. because I want to live here.” system improvements, which will allow for owners in the Odell Sanitary District, is “We are not out to compete “The customers go crazy for Prigel has lived in the area for 18 years, arriving with both residential and industrial growth. dedicated to infrastructure. Beam says OSD with China or Mexico,” that,” Buckles adds. On the an early influx of other windsurfing enthusiasts. He’s been OSD was formed in 1965, largely by is working very hard to contain costs, and Langdale expresses. “We will other hand, most construction in the same trade for a number of years, and has been self efforts of former Port Commissioner John is hopeful tax levies will be under $2 per Mark Beam, with OSD since 1976, stands in front of the chlorine stay high-quality, high-end, projects require commuting to employed in the past, “I like the freedom and the possibil- Weber, and has been on the leading edge of $1,000 assessed valuation. contact chamber, which will be obsolete after a high-tech ultra and handmade.” Portland to meet with clients ities of being self-employed,” he adds. “There aren’t too rural wastewater treatment since 1983. In Operational costs are offset by the violet system is installed. and install. many choices when it comes to finding good jobs. I felt 1990, the district was recognized with a additional $19 per month OSD customers Champion Manufacturing’s there was a demand and an opportunity.” national award by the Environmental will pay in user fees over the next 25 years. as a $250,000 grant. Another $250,000 grant Upon completion of the project, the Odell Champion employment ranges from six To get the company started, Prigel initially sent a Protection Agency (EPA), and current Currently, the wastewater facility plan was received from the federal Environmental wastewater facility will have capacity just Manufacturing employees up to 15, mailing to businesses and knocked on doors. Since then improvements will once again bring state- and pre-design report have been Protection Agency (EPA), made possible under a million gallons per day, nearly Since 1993, Champion depending on work load. But yellow pages and word-of-mouth have brought the of-the-art technology to the area's waste- completed, with final design expected to through Congressman Walden and doubling its capacity. “This should suffice Manufacturing has created with Portland-based projects, business in, mostly, he claims, word-of-mouth. water treatment. start in the next couple of months. Senators Smith and Wyden. OSD continues the area’s needs based on population projec- architectural metal for the company often hires from Prigel does not have any immediate future plans. “I "The improvements we're making will Construction of the new facility is to seek additional grant funding. tions for next 20-25 years,” Beam predicts. commercial and residential its network of Portland talent. am currently exploring needs for services that aren’t add capacity and the area will be in a scheduled to begin in April, 2006, substan- One important facet of the project is the The last OSD expansion was in 1983. “We construction projects locally. For now, the company is available locally,” he says. “Like pattern cutting with better position to handle growth, both from tially completed and ready for plant start installation of a compact microbiological are in bad need of an upgrade,” he adds. Bronze, brass, aluminum, focusing on its tool storage plasma or water jet, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) the Port and residential," relays Mark up in March, 2007. reactor, or MBR system, to improve waste- Not only will pressing environmental and steel metal designs are line, continuing to set up machining of mold cavities, and any other areas of Beam, manager of OSD. The total cost for the Odell Wastewater water treatment. A major benefit will be issues be satisfactorily addressed, allowing fabricated for the retail, distributorships and dealer- machining where I might expand my capabilities to meet However, the wastewater project Facilities Planning and Wastewater System improved effluent water quality. The district OSD to meet the Mutual Agreement Order gaming, marine and hospi- ships throughout the U.S. local needs.” initially began as a result of environ- Improvements is estimated at $4 million. A will cease to add chlorine to the effluent stipulations from the state, the district will tality industries. Growth in this area could mental concerns. OSD is currently under low interest $3.5 million loan was received water. Instead, an ultra violet system will be in a better position to handle added Though the focus is mean good news for increased a Mutual Agreement Order from the from Oregon Economic and Community disinfect the water by light as opposed to users as housing and jobs shifting away to additional local employment. Department of Environmental Quality to Development Department (OECDD), as well chlorinating or using any toxin. increase in the Odell area. lines of metal work, owner More information about Garin Buckles says the both Champion company will continue to Champion Manufacturing Owner: Garin Buckles Manufacturing’s product fabricate architectural metal for lines can be found on select customers. The company works with a number of the web. Champion tool storage products are specialty manufacturers that build high-end offices, hotels, featured at www.championbuilt.com, Port Elections Near Port seeks and expo centers. while its architectural metal are described Vacant Champion Manufacturing’s work often consists of a at www.championmanufacturing.com. lots metal and wood mixed media that is currently very he Port of Hood River Commission has three positions up for election this May. committee for sale popular. The company combines millwork, metalwork and Filing began February 7 for Position numbers 1, 2, and 3. These posts are currently $62,000/acre, finishing, from concept to installation, all under one roof. held by Fred Duckwall, Don Hosford and Kathy Watson. Both Hosford and Duckwall members T zoned for Its newer line of products are tool storage systems, are running for re-election. Commissioner manufacturing including work benches, and upper and lower cabinets Prigel Machine and Fabrication PORT DIRECTORY Watson is running for the first time, having he Port of Hood River made of all-steel construction. Champion also fabricates filled by appointment the position vacated by Commission seeks to fill seats Prigel Machine and Fabrication is the newest tenant at Commissioners John race pit carts for track, professional mechanic or home the former Timber Incubator building, having moved in Commissioner Bill Lyons. Ton its Budget Committee and its Weber enthusiasts with a need for rolling tool cabinetry. just over two years ago. Sherry Bohn Hoby Streich Port Commission positions are open to Community Relations Committee that Business Champion Manufacturing’s shift in products and Prigel Machine and Fabrication’s products are typically Fred Duckwall Kathy Watson any elector registered in the Port’s district, were vacated by new Port Park services, according to Buckles, should result in a product metal parts that clients can’t buy off the shelf at hardware Don Hosford which includes all of Hood River County Commissioner Kathy Watson. The Odell, Oregon line with steadier income — more so than the volatile stores. Custom prototype parts or short run production Staff with the exception of Cascade Locks. The Community Relations Committee's construction industry. With a long-time interest in tool parts made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, closing date for filing is March 17, 5 p.m. mission is to identify and execute Lot 3, .97 acres Dave Harlan ...... Executive Director Lot 4, 2.24 acres cabinets and workbenches, Buckles emphasizes brass, or plastic are generally intended to repair or replace Information packets for those interested long-term strategies to convey the Telephone ...... (541) 386-1645 Lot 7, 3.02 acres ergonomics and quality design to find the niche for parts for industrial process equipment. in running for a Port Commission position Port's economic development goals Prigel Machine Owner: Brian Prigel Fax ...... (541) 386-1395 Lot 8, Parcel 2, 45,490 sq. ft. his passion. are available at the Port office. The packets and achievement to the Port District Email [email protected] Lot 8, Parcel 3, 43,785 sq. ft. include the Port’s strategic plan, its gover- constituency. For an application, www.portofhoodriver.com Call the Mike Doke at the Port Office Regular Port Commission meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Expo Center Conference nance, applicable Oregon statutes and the please contact the Port of Hood River Room. The Port welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions. Newsletter Production ....Pageworks for more information on all available PORT MEETINGS Port’s current budget. office at 386-1645, or email properties (541) 386-1645. [email protected]. phone: 541-386-1645 • fax: 541-386-1395 • www.portofhoodriver.com phone: 541-386-1645 • fax: 541-386-1395 • www.portofhoodriver.com