Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

“Southern Oregon has so much to offer and we need to make concerted efforts to determine our best path forward. Livability, business development, talent attraction, attention to established and emerging industries, balanced with efforts in tourism – this is the work we collectively established SOREDI to do on behalf of our region. Your voice is critically important in this process to update our regional strategy."

“SOREDI has been a vital asset to the Rogue Valley for decades, helping businesses prosper and advance economic opportunities in the area. As the organization works to update its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), it is important for the community to have a voice in shaping the future economic vitality of the region. I encourage everyone to share their opinion in this survey and let their voice be heard as we continue to work toward making Southern Oregon one the most business-friendly regions on the west coast.”

"Southern Oregon is a diverse, vibrant community with a world-class health care system as one of its many attributes. However, sustaining the community of employees that support that system, along with the community at large, is increasingly challenging. It is critically important that we undertake a strategic look and develop a plan for what we envision our community to be in the coming decades. This process, including input from the community, is a vital part of developing an economic growth strategy and plan for the future."

"Southern Oregon University carried out a strategic planning process two and a half years ago. We learned a great deal about what our institution is and what it can be, and the resulting plan is guiding us into what we believe will be a successful future for the university, our students and our region. Local economic development leaders are now embarking on a similar process for southern Oregon as a whole, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic in my support. The process will be revealing and the outcome will enable the region to move confidently forward."

"SOREDI's comprehensive strategic plan is important for their long-term success, including their many Southern Oregon partners. In our rapidly changing business and community environments, this updated plan will be the foundation for all of us to work together to maximize our many opportunities. Gathering diverse community input is vital for a well-developed strategic plan that can be communicated to each stakeholder. This plan will be important for all industry and community sectors in the years ahead to fully utilize our talented workforce."

"In 1906 the Rogue River Valley Gas Company was formed to provide gas heat predominately to the ag sector as well commercial building heat in downtown Medford. Fast forward 100 years later where today we enjoy a broad diversity of industry and sectors with stable payrolls and economic opportunities. How much of today’s economic vitality was planned or happen stance? This long-term regional strategic plan facilitated by SOREDI involving so many vital stakeholders establishes a collaborative and purposeful direction that will result in generational economic well-being."

"Rogue Community College works closely with local employers to align its programs to the employment needs of the region. Demographics and technology are rapidly impacting the workplace, making it challenging to prepare the workforce of the future. Broad engagement from across the region coupled with strong data analytics will help us develop a sound plan. This regional strategy is necessary to ensure the economic growth and quality of life we want to continue enjoying in Southern Oregon. "

“The strategic plan is imperative to ensure the long term success and vitality of Southern Oregon. As our Region looks out over the next 25 years this plan will help establish the groundwork for how we leverage the strengths and overcome our weaknesses in order achieve the goals of our collaborative region.”

“SOREDI continues to be the regional champion for our economy and we are serious about business development. We are taking concrete steps to be informed learners and leaders, redefine our region as it continually diversifies, and focus on unifying best practices and tactics that lead us to becoming the most business-friendly region on the west coast; we are confident we are on the right track in this robust effort with TIP Strategies.”