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Editorial: Cow Creek Seven Feathers Resort cited as a significant source of new employment opportunities in Douglas County which otherwise has seen unemployment at 11%, the worst since 1994.
With unemployment at 5-year high, it’s time to reassess development efforts, ask state for help
A marked contrast was shown in employment news reported last week. It was announced that the number of new jobs in Oregon is expected to grow by 29,200 in 1999, thanks to a strong U.S. economy, consumer confidence and low interest rates.
Meanwhile, the jobless rate in Douglas County continues to climb, reaching 11 percent in January. While unemployment neared 11 percent twice in 1997, this is the worst it has been in five years.
The question of the day, and perhaps of the last decade, is how can Douglas County share in some of the state's economic good times?
Economic development efforts that resulted in strong success stories in the county some years back haven't scored lately. It has been years since a new business of any size opened its doors and announced it was hiring.
At the same time, the county has been losing jobs as companies such as Glenbrook Nickel and International Paper curtailed operations here. Fortunately, the growth of the Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville has provided some new service job opportunities.
It's frustrating for this area, which has done a remarkable job of maintaining a relatively level economy despite staggering losses in the dominant timber industry. Rural counties such as this one watch from a distance as the Portland area continues to land new employers.
There is no miracle cure, or it would have been discovered by now. Economic development groups have worked hard to lure new employers here.
However, this 11 percent unemployment rate may bring some new discussion and introspection of just what is being done to get some of the county's lost jobs back.
It's time to take a critical look at what is actually being accomplished by the various government and economic development groups. How are the thousands and thousands of dollars in grants and seed money being spent and for what return? Is it time for some new approaches?
Pressure needs to be brought to bear on the state government to ensure that rural counties are receiving the help they need. The larger cities are awash in growth. Is there an honest attempt to redirect some of that expansion outward?
There can be a bright future for Douglas County residents in search of a good job. However, it may take a change in direction to get there.
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