EDCO - Economic Development for Central Oregon

10/16/2026

Member Spotlight: Torus is working on some of the biggest challenges facing the energy grid as demand continues to grow. The company develops energy storage and management systems that help businesses and utilities improve resilience, manage power demand and make better use of existing infrastructure. Its technology combines battery storage with high power flywheel systems that can respond to grid events in milliseconds.

As an EDCO member, Torus brings innovative energy technology and a forward looking perspective to our regional business community. Companies working on the future of energy help expand what is possible for businesses and communities, while creating new opportunities for innovation and economic growth. We’re glad to have Torus as part of the EDCO network.

10/16/2026

10/09/2026

Member Spotlight: EC Electric has been powering communities since 1946, building the electrical infrastructure behind many of the places we rely on every day. With a Redmond location, EC is part of Central Oregon’s growing business community and works on projects ranging from schools and hospitals to commercial facilities and data centers.

Their involvement goes beyond the work itself. EC supports organizations and initiatives throughout Oregon and is committed to investing in the communities where its employees live and work. As an EDCO member, EC Electric brings valuable expertise and a strong connection to the people and infrastructure that keep our region moving forward.

EC designs and constructs commercial electrical systems that power schools, hospitals, airports, factories, office buildings, power plants, and data centers. We build the infrastructure that carries electrons from the grid to you so you may plug in at any time.

10/06/2026

Lonza Group Lonza has broken ground on a new commercial spray-drying pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Bend, a major investment that is expected to create more than 80 jobs and further expand the company’s global manufacturing capabilities.

The new facility will establish Bend as a global hub for commercial spray-drying, building on more than 50 years of pharmaceutical expertise at the local site. The operation traces its roots to Bend Research and has helped evaluate or develop more than 2,000 compounds.

EDCO is supporting Lonza through the process of securing a 10-year Enterprise Zone agreement, including incentive strategy and long-term planning.

We’re proud to support Lonza as it continues to invest in Bend and strengthen Central Oregon’s growing bioscience and advanced manufacturing sector.

10/05/2026

The 2026 Bend Venture Conference Growth Stage finalists are set.

Eight companies across Growth Industries and Growth Tech will take the Tower Theatre stage on October 15 and 16, bringing proven traction, innovative solutions and ambitious plans for growth to this year’s competition.

Growth Industries finalists:
• Aquagga, Tacoma, WA
• LOOPTWORKS, Gresham, OR
• Osheru - Ziplyft, Bend, OR
• Penderia Technologies, Eugene, OR

Growth Tech finalists:
• Caravel Bio, Portland, OR
• CleanHaus, Portland, OR
• Permeta, Lake Oswego, OR
• Zing Drone Solutions, Pendleton, OR

These companies have moved beyond proving the concept and are poised to scale. Historically, companies competing in the Growth Stage have received investments ranging from $100,000 to $2.5 million from BVC LLC and partner venture capital funds.

Now in its 23rd year, BVC has helped channel more than $14 million into 67 companies, connecting founders with investors, expertise and opportunities to grow.

Join us October 15 and 16 in downtown Bend to see these companies take the stage.

Tickets are available at bendvc.com.

10/02/2026

Member Spotlight: Engel Völkers Bend Bend brings a global real estate brand together with deep knowledge of the Central Oregon market. Located in downtown Bend, the team works with buyers and sellers throughout the region, with a focus on personalized service and a strong understanding of the local market.

As an EDCO member, Engel & Völkers Bend adds to the network of businesses helping Central Oregon grow and evolve. Real estate is an important part of our regional economy, and the connections these professionals build with clients, businesses, and the broader community contribute to the vitality of the place we all call home.

10/01/2026

High Desert Innovation Week returns to Bend October 13–16, bringing together three organizations and a full lineup of events highlighting the people, ideas and businesses driving innovation across Central Oregon.

Cultivate Bend kicks off the week with its CPG Celebration on October 13, bringing together founders, makers, investors, retailers and industry leaders from Central Oregon’s natural consumer products community.

Bend Outdoor Worx will present the tenth edition of BOW’s BreakOut pitch event featuring five companies from BOW’s recent cohort. They’ll take the stage to pitch their businesses and compete for $10,000 in no-strings-attached cash awards.

EDCO - Economic Development for Central Oregon will present the Bend Venture Conference October 15–16, connecting investors and industry leaders with startups competing across Early Stage and Growth tracks.

Four days. Three organizations. A wide range of innovation happening across Central Oregon.

See the full High Desert Innovation Week lineup: hdinnovationweek.com

09/29/2026

Tomorrow’s the day.

Early bird pricing for the 23rd annual Bend Venture Conference ends Sept. 30. After that, ticket prices go up.

If you’ve been meaning to grab your ticket, this is your sign. Two days of startup pitches, investors, entrepreneurs, big conversations and the people who make Central Oregon’s startup community what it is.

Oct. 15–16. Downtown Bend. bendvc.com

09/28/2026

Five Oregon startups are headed to the 2026 Bend Venture Conference.

After an electric Central Oregon PubTalk at Worthy Brewing, these five Early Stage finalists were selected to compete on the BVC main stage:

Closeoutdoor — Bend, OR
Ebb Health, Inc. — Portland, OR
EYEONIZE — Bend, OR
Lateral Systems — Lake Oswego, OR
VeriBuy — Bend, OR

And a special congratulations to EYEONIZE, the PubTalk audience favorite, who took home a $5,000 award from Washington Trust Bank.

Now they’re headed to BVC, where Central Oregon Early Stage finalists will compete for an award of at least $40,000.

The 23rd annual Bend Venture Conference takes place Oct. 15–16 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. If you want to see these founders pitch, connect with investors and be part of the energy around Oregon’s startup community, this is the time to get your ticket.

Early bird pricing ends Sept. 30. Don’t miss it.

09/25/2026

Member Spotlight: Growth can put a lot of pressure on a business, and Canter HR helps organizations navigate that growth without losing sight of their people. Founded by Shelley Oberhofer, Canter provides fractional HR leadership, consulting and customized training designed to help growing companies build healthy teams and stronger cultures.

Shelley brings experience from organizations including GE, PepsiCo, Google, and Mt. Bachelor, giving Canter a unique perspective on what it takes to build effective people strategies as companies evolve. As an EDCO member, Canter adds valuable HR expertise to our business community and helps local organizations create workplaces where both people and performance can thrive.