SOREDI Attends GreenBuild International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles

Medford OR –  SOREDI’s Executive Director, Colleen Padilla and Community Development Manager, Rob Merriman are attending the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, October 5-7, 2016.

SOREDI has a long history of attending tradeshows to learn industry trends and serve as Southern Oregon’s ambassador. “We literally walk every aisle making outreach to companies from all over the nation. We are proactively inviting them to
visit our respective communities and learn why Oregon
may make sense for their expansion plans… it is simply one-on-one relationship building,” states Colleen Padilla.

Greenbuild is the world’s largest event dedicated to sustainable building, featuring products, materials, and services that use cutting edge technology to deliver energy efficiency, sustainability, health, and wellness. This makes it an ideal choice for SOREDI outreach. Padilla continues, “Eco-friendly products resonate with Oregon’s state branding so that companies can identify with us. Further, we have an available workforce in the light manufacturing and building trades. I feel confident sharing that with companies that might be considering an expansion or relocation to our region.”

Tradeshows also provide an opportunity for SOREDI to hear first-hand about the business environment in other states, as it relates to particular industries. SOREDI representatives engage in conversation with exhibitors about any plans they may have to expand or relocate, and this often leads to talk about challenges or opportunities in the business climate where they are currently located. Manufacturers located east of the Rocky Mountains or east of the Mississippi often find it desirable to have a hub for West Coast distribution, which piques interest in Southern Oregon. In addition, companies located in states with a less friendly business climate are always pleased to learn more about Oregon. In conjunction with this trip, Padilla has scheduled outreach calls to companies in the region. One such company has already visited Southern Oregon recently and has actively expressed interest in expanding or relocating.

About SOREDI: SOREDI is a private, membership-based, non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors. Its six-person staff is charged with local business expansion and new business recruitment efforts, financial assistance to start-up companies through its business loan fund, and management of Enterprise Zones in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The agency was formed as a regional economic development agency in 1987. Learn more at https://soredi.org.