Notes from Colleen’s Desk – Roundtables, Walkabouts and Selah

You might have noticed that I have not written for a bit. Okay, it’s been nearly a year. Please forgive my absence but please also know that I have missed this connection with you. Hopefully, you missed my musings, too.

Had I written much sooner, I might have waxed on about the continued disruption of world events like a pandemic, disruption in the workforce, and inflation that has extraordinarily impacted the cost of everything from hummus to Hummers to homes. It’s been a real humdinger. My mood, too, has been a bit snarky at times, for which I immediately beg forgiveness.

On the upside, I have developed a good 3-prong strategy for smacking my shakiness on the side of its head and moving on with a more positive vibe: talking it out, walking it out, and taking time to pause.

Most notably on the talking it out front, SOREDI attended an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Regional Roundtable in Seattle just a few weeks ago.  This event was held in partnership with the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and provided two half-day sessions at round tables of course, with many of our district counterparts from 8 states.

Oregon was well-represented (pictured) and it’s always good to remember that you are not alone in this thing we call economic development, or life for that matter.  The Oregon Economic Development Districts Association meets monthly, as well, mostly in virtual meetings to discuss legislation (good and bad), various collective projects we have underway, and best practices in our respective agencies. While on the same page in spirit, we are not all the same in function with varying degrees of responsibilities – from grant writing and grant administration to enterprise zone management to business and community development to gap financing, and more. Yet we are a dynamic meaningful association.

Two things are the same: we all receive annual grant support from the EDA and are responsible for creating and implementing our respective region’s comprehensive economic development strategy.  We also wholeheartedly agree that we’d really like to see the amount of that grant support increase and align with the costs of doing business. Unfortunately, that amount has not changed since 2004, the last time that EDA was officially reauthorized. Imagine not getting a raise for an increasing workload for nearly 20 years!

Nonetheless, we know that NADO is advocating on our behalf for EDA reauthorization and for increased funding to all 400+ districts nationwide, so that we can continue to passionately serve our regions. Oregon districts continue to do good work with EDA and private sector funding support, having created and saved over 4300 jobs in fiscal year 2022.  Showing up for the EDA Roundtable and talking it out with colleagues was refreshing and positive, a much-needed connection.

The second step of my strategy to deter shakiness – walk it out!

Literally, step away. I am pleased to report my walkabouts are steadily increasing, but no longer limited to evenings after work or weekends. These days I am blessed to have my best friend Rosie at my side in the office, which requires 2-3 daily jaunts down the stairs, across the parking lot, and down to the creek to chase a few ducks, sniff a lot, and take care of business.

Come for a visit to SOREDI headquarters, and Rosie is sure to greet you before escorting you to my office. She is a herding dog and that is what she does… she herds. So, if you need a walkabout, she’s ready. Recommendation: come equipped with treats!

Lastly, but perhaps more importantly, a highly effective tactic towards reducing my occasional snark attack, is practicing a good moment of selah. Selah is a term used in the Bible in just two books, including the Psalms, and means to pause or to reflect. It may also indicate a musical interlude. Either way, take a break and rest a moment or two. For goodness’ sake, take fifteen! At the February Medford Chamber Forum, Dr. Jim Polo, Executive Medical Director with Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield, noted several tips for mental resilience, which he described as the ability to handle what is thrown at you and bounce back. Paraphrased here from my sketchy (but not snarky) notes:

• Take care of your body.
• Put your phone down except when taking a call.
• Do things that bring meaning.
• Find ways to help others.

I frequently consult a tiny sticky note taped to my desk with four powerful words – feedback is a gift! Whether it’s feedback to yourself during many selah moments, connecting and listening intently to a colleague’s constructive input, or walking with a good friend, take all feedback in stride and smile. Consider what you can impact and the things you simply cannot control. Then choose to do the right thing with excellence.

Let’s chat or take a walk soon! Selah.

Colleen Padilla, Executive Director