MADRAS, OR -- Economic Development for Central Oregon is refocusing attention on Jefferson County. The non-profit wants to help expand current businesses, and attract new ones to the area.

"It was an opportunity to kind of regroup. And now the community has done that and its leadership, both of the city and county, multiple cities. So, Culver and Metolius and Madras are all at the table,” CEO Jon Stark says it’s been five years since EDCO last had someone working in Madras. He hopes to have the position filled by August, “So this person will work within the community to help it get ready to attract new companies, expand existing companies, work with those companies to solve problems and provide additional start up and entrepreneurship opportunities in the area.”

Stark tells KBND News the area is appealing for development, “I think Jefferson County as a whole has a substantial supply of land. They have one of the best if not the best view sheds of our beautiful Central Oregon landscape. Their proximity to Portland. The fact that they've got good highway access and good rail service to the community and a trainable workforce are all some of the amenities. And a high functioning airport, as well.”

He says it would lift all of Central Oregon, “When one community succeeds, the community next to it succeeds. Jefferson County has a tremendous opportunity to be one of the leaders in seeing activity blossom in the area.”