Notes from Colleen’s Desk: Thoughts on Proclamations

What is a Proclamation, exactly?

I had not given much weight or credence to the word proclamation before. Webster says it’s “a public or official announcement, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance.” Of great importance.

We may all have something of great importance to announce at some time or another; a promotion, an engagement, a new idea or initiative. When two people come together for the announcement, we raise our eyebrows in curiosity. And when three or more people – okay, let’s say 15 people – are making the same statement we might just stand at attention, ask questions, investigate further, and then tell our neighbor. Hmmm…tell our neighbor.

Now imagine that statement is ink on parchment and signed by a significant influencer. And read before an audience. In a public meeting. Suddenly, it’s doubly or perhaps 15-fold more notable. Worthy of our attention. Something to share. Boldly powerful.

And that is our vision for Southern Oregon, to share boldly that our region has something going on worthy of attention. We have something of great importance to say! We are bent on proclaiming that we are wildly serious about business development and unabashedly on our way to becoming the most business-friendly climate on the west coast. Yeah, that is bold.

Who should care about such a proclamation? Prospective new companies seeking a new business home. Professionals considering a personal relocation – to accept any one of the numerous skilled, yet unfilled, positions currently open in our region. Local creatives making the choice to stay and grow their startup in Southern Oregon. You and me.

Businesses create jobs. Jobs create income. Income creates opportunity and economic vitality so that you and I can enjoy living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Whether the business and the associated jobs it creates is physically located in Ashland, Cave Junction, Eagle Point, Medford or any one of our 15 jurisdictions, we should be ecstatic. We have to proclaim to our businesses – and the ones we’d like to attract here – that we stand behind them and will do our best to make our region an inviting place to launch, relocate, and prosper their venture.

And we can’t just say it. We have to back it up. In writing. In a regionally unified, collaborative, intentional game plan. Let’s call this our first play.

So now, I am rather enamored by this word proclamation. I’m beaming, quite frankly. Give us a few short weeks and we are confident that we’ll have all 15 proclamations signed, sealed, and delivered. Delivered to a business community that is hungry to be embraced and encouraged. And, driven to be efficient in carrying out their mission to create the product you want or need, while operating a profitable business that creates and sustains good jobs. Maybe your job.

Thank you City of Rogue River, City of Medford, City of Cave Junction, and City of Eagle Point– for being the first four up to bat. Your teammates are on deck. We have a bold game plan. Let’s play!

Colleen Padilla, Executive Director
(City of Medford Proclamation Pictured….read the text of Medford’s Proclamation below)
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PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, there are thirteen cities in Jackson and Josephine counties that comprise our region known as Southern Oregon; and

WHEREAS, the vision of Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Incorporated (SOREDI) is to unite our 15 jurisdictions in making Southern Oregon the most “Business Friendly” region on the West Coast; and

WHEREAS, these guiding principles define our commitment to being “Business Friendly”,

* We recognize the value that businesses contribute to our community through their employees and their families, their payroll that stimulates our local economy, and the taxes they pay that help support our cities, schools, and public safety.

* We recognize that businesses have choices when it comes to where they locate, balancing what is desirable with what is affordable. We appreciate the commitment our businesses have made to live and work in our community.

* We understand that “time is money” in today’s business climate and pledge to collaborate with businesses and citizens promptly, with an attitude of customer service and a commitment to listen and help solve problems.

* We adhere to the ideal that private and public interests are shared and that in doing so we build a stronger, more resilient community.

* We agree that Southern Oregon’s economic success is dependent on our shared workforce and resources and we join with the other jurisdictions in supporting a regional perspective toward economic development.

and,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary H. Wheeler, Mayor of Medford, Oregon hereby proclaim that the City of Medford joins with the other cities and counties in sharing SOREDI’s vision for Southern Oregon as the most “Business Friendly” region on the West Coast.