Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. (SOREDI)

06/04/2026

Southern Oregon's economic story belongs to us.

Today, we write it: https://soredisurvey.org?src=facebook

The inaugural Southern Oregon Economic Conditions Index is live. The most ambitious regional stakeholder survey SOREDI has produced.

Your voice. Six diffusion indices. State lawmakers will read it before the 2027 Long Session.

10 minutes.

Click here to take the survey: https://soredisurvey.org?src=facebook

04/22/2026

On April 16th, the City of Phoenix hosted their inaugural Heart of Phoenix Community & Economic Development Fair at the Phoenix Civic Center. A first of its kind event bringing together local businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners all under one roof for "networking, growing brands, and exploring new business opportunities in the community."

SOREDI was there, ready to talk Southern Oregon economic development, answer questions, and connect with the people and businesses that make the City of Phoenix a growing, thriving part of our region.

This is exactly the kind of community-first investment we love to be part of. The City of Phoenix is building something, and events like this are how it starts.

👉 Learn more about the fair: https://www.phoenixoregon.gov/heart-of-phoenix-community-economic-development-fair/

04/21/2026

We were honored to be part of something special last week.

Columbia Bank hosted Charting What's Next, a client appreciation event celebrating the businesses and community partners shaping Southern Oregon's future. They didn't just say thank you. They built a conversation that actually mattered.

The evening featured a live panel with Jessica Ayres, Medford City Council President, and Warren Ng, City of Medford Economic Development Director, and was moderated by Bonnie Vieira, VP, Healthcare Business Development Officer of Columbia Bank Healthcare Division. The panel fielded bold questions about regional opportunity, workforce shifts, hidden strengths, and where Southern Oregon is headed over the next 3 to 5 years. Honest answers. Real momentum.

SOREDI was also invited to share about our new Regional Economic Data Explorer Dashboard. Track key indicators, spot trends, and make informed decisions about what's next for our region and your business.
👉 Explore it here: https://soredi.org/autom-insights/

Thank you Columbia Bank for investing not just in businesses, but in the conversations that move our whole community forward. We're proud to be at that table.

04/17/2026

There’s something special about showing up for your community.

SOREDI staff had the opportunity to volunteer at the 73rd Annual Pear Blossom Festival, helping runners get ready for race day by distributing bibs for the 5K run.

Events like Pear Blossom Festival bring people together from across Southern Oregon. They reflect the energy, connection, and pride that make this region such a great place to live and work.

At SOREDI, we believe strong communities and strong economies go hand in hand. Being involved, supporting local traditions, and giving back is part of who we are.

We’re grateful to be part of this Southern Oregon community and proud to support events that bring us all together.

04/17/2026

Since January, Downtown Medford Association Storefront Activation Program has been hosting monthly Reimagine Downtown Medford Tours - guided walking tours throughout town.

At these tours you can connect to property owners, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community partners as you experience available downtown spaces and imagine possibilities for you.

Are you dreaming about opening a business, looking to activate a vacant space or are curious about what’s happening downtown? These tours are for you.

On the tour, get a behind-the-scenes look at 3–5 available properties and meet the people involved in shaping our downtown’s future.

SOREDI recently attended the April 9 tour hosted by Annie Jenkins, Executive Director of DMA, and Marta Tarantsey of Business Oregon.

The focus of this tour was several buildings:
The Grand Hotel building
The Montgomery Wards/RCC building
The corner building on Main & Riverside, currently housing House to Home Gallery.

Connect to Downtown Medford Association for the next tour and future events.

Thank you to Champagne Cafe for starting us off and hosting a reception following the tour.

To learn more about the DMA Storefront Activation Program
https://downtownmedford.org/storefront-activation-program/

04/14/2026

SOIH is excited to partner with the Oregon Innovation Showcase May 11-12 in Portland, OR!

The Oregon Innovation Showcase will develop and strengthen relationships with deep tech investors, including those from out of state, by highlighting Oregon as a premier hub for innovation and startups. The event will feature successful Oregon-grown companies, emerging startups seeking funding, and the supportive state ecosystem that de-risks investments.

Check out the program and registration info at oregoninnovationshowcase.com

03/31/2026

Save the Date! SOIH is excited to partner with the Oregon Innovation Showcase May 11-12 in Portland, OR.

Check out the program and get details at oregoninnovationshowcase.com

03/31/2026

Save the Date!

Local Artisan Market Coming to the Wine District

May 30 & 31 - 11am to 6pm

Vendor interest? Call 541-821-6296

www.the-makers-market.com

03/30/2026

We are reshaping how SOREDI does economic development in Southern Oregon and we need your help. We've built a simple 2-minute survey for any business, economic developer, policymaker, jurisdiction, or member of the public in Jackson or Josephine County. Objective responses only, no flattery.

Please take the survey and share this with your network: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q85YVCC

Comments are turned off so the survey can collect your thoughts.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

03/28/2026

It was a double day at on Wednesday.

Started out the morning with

Jesse Brownlee - Founder of Prospect Provisions
Such an incredible passion for rallying the food growers of Prospect

Rich Martin - Founder of Rogue Media Solutions
Bringing affordable web design and local SEO solutions to Southern Oregon. Local first!

Finished the afternoon with of and of -

Rural Innovator Training Workshop

What are the unique challenges and opportunities for businesses in a rural community?

What are the steps to work through an idea all the way to market?

How do I know who my customers are?

Cara walked us through these questions and so much more, along with a hands-on workbook curriculum each attendee received to work through and collaborate on.

There are some creative and talented people in our region!

Thank you, Cara, for coming to Southern Oregon and guiding our steps and helping with our next move. We can't wait until you come back 💯