Eastern Oregon: A Treasure Ready To Be Found. Rooted in history; growing from necessity.

Eastern Oregon is home to brands that develop the region and bridge the gap between old and new. These brands fulfill the needs of the people while appealing to the greater community of Oregon as well.

History

Eastern Oregon has a rich history and culture connected closely to the region’s environment. Beginning in 1843, homesteaders began arriving in Eastern Oregon via the Oregon Trail in search of better living and farming conditions [1]. In 1845, the final leg of the Oregon Trail was completed and soon after the Applegate Trail and Santiam Wagon Road were constructed with the goal of connecting eastern and western Oregon to the southern and central regions [2]. Eastern Oregon’s larger history may have been what brought the region to fame, but its local history is the thread that knits the community together so closely. In 1858, railroads brought an increase in population, which also led to Union County splitting from Baker County in 1864 [3]. Mining, which was once the main source of employment in Eastern Oregon, became obsolete after the mines closed in 1901 [4]. When Pendleton Wool Mill reopened in 1909, the area was reinvigorated [5]. The naturally rich land provided economic stability, which also helped flourish the farming and ranching communities. Now, the region’s land is the backbone of the economy. Just like the railroads bridged the gap between Eastern Oregon and other regions, we will continue that legacy by bridging the gap between the brands of the region and those beyond.

Culture

“We tend to be involved with our culture in this homeland where cowboys, Indians, farmers, ranchers and shopkeepers interact everyday. Out here, History is not buried in books… It is living history” – Eastern Oregon Visitors Guide

Eastern Oregon’s isolation from the rest of Oregon plays a key role in defining the culture of this region, which is both private and local. People living in the region pride themselves on the exclusivity that is created from being so far away from the larger metropolitan cities.

Eastern Oregon’s culture also thrives off of locally produced goods. The agricultural community in Eastern Oregon is a growing source of revenue for many families [6]. Residents of the region also fuel the economy by purchasing goods that are locally produced. Due to the prominence of the farming industry in the region, many brands have been established to provide goods and services to people of the region. Such brands include Pendleton clothing, Tractor Tunes, and Hamley & Co.

These key aspects are what define Eastern Oregon and draw people in. Oregon in general is characterized by the variety of landscapes that it has to offer. In Eastern Oregon, the mountains, high deserts, and prairies are part of what attracts both new residents and tourists. The natural beauty and isolation are what make the region one of Oregon’s treasures.

Government & Support Organizations

Eastern Oregon is passionate about their historical terrain and their community of like minded peers. This passion is made clear through the popularity of their environmental organizations such as Hells Canyon Preservation Council, Oregon Natural Desert Association, Oregon Wild and Oregon Rural Action. All of these organizations dedicate their time to encouraging their community to take action, get involved and care about helping their land and its inhabitants thrive. Through these organizations, there are opportunities to donate, contribute to a campaign, clean up local terrain, promote causes and get informed [7]. Their promotional material uses words such as “fight,” “take action,” and “help,” which exemplify their enthusiasm. There is projected economic and employment growth in the environmental job sectors such as fishing, forestry, farming and agriculture that help organizations such as these and those it supports to thrive in Eastern Oregon [8].

While Eastern Oregon has prominent opportunities in service, professional, sales and agriculture, there are organizations founded for the purpose of increasing the health and education of locals. For example, the Eastern Oregon Leadership Council takes initiative in providing resources for support in education, health care, economy and career services for youth [9]. These organizations are efficient in providing resources, services and easy-to-use media outlets. Government and support agencies are important in Eastern Oregon, however they do not appear to expand far beyond the region itself. The pride and passion that is instilled in Eastern Oregon’s inhabitants is what helps the community grow and thrive. Eastern Oregon is currently discussing how to regulate marijuana growth and continues to find new ways to approach environmental issues such as forest fires, the Juniper tree issue, community support groups and beyond.

Brands

Many Eastern Oregon brands are devoted to excellence and care for the customer’s well being. This region is filled with quality consumer goods because of a genuine passion for the industry that the owners and workers are involved in. Some of the unique brands in this region include Tractor Tunes, Pendleton Clothing, Pendleton Round-Up, Carmen Ranch, Hamley & Company, and Anthony lakes. Although these brands cover a wide variety of markets, each one plays a key role in encapsulating eastern Oregon’s values.

These brands utilize the hard-working nature of eastern Oregon residents along with the resources of the area to develop nationally respected products and services. The history of these brands has proven their wealth to the community through providing a tangible reason every company exists still. Whether experiencing the rodeo at the Pendleton Round-Up, wearing an article of Pendleton clothing or listening to a song through Tractor Tunes installed speakers, the wealth of Eastern Oregon’s brands reach far beyond the exchange of money for products and services. These brands are unique in that they encompass history, tradition,  family, and authenticity. These brands have flourished by following values that hold these companies responsible for the lifestyle that they are proud of.

These brands reflect the strengths of this region through the discipline of doing the right thing. There is a wholesome feeling that comes from Eastern Oregon’s brands and it is apparent through the hard-working individuals who combine their knowledge with the quality resources available to create businesses that enhance their customer’s lives. Nothing is done partially in eastern Oregon and the existing brands are all prime examples of what the professional culture stands for.

Advantages

Our research shows that Eastern Oregon’s rich community makes it the optimal place for people to develop brands. The region’s market is uncrowded, which allows small businesses to flourish in a number of innovative ways. The naturally fertile land and surrounding environment offers prime conditions for farmers, ranchers, fishers, and foresters to thrive while exclusivity provides an attraction that other areas lack. Brands are the key to bridging the gap between Eastern Oregon and the outside regions. Uniting the economies of metropolitan areas and smaller towns of Oregon through brands will bridge the gap formed from Eastern Oregon’s distinct community. The economy provides a platform for smaller business owners to grow and establish their brands before expanding to other regions of Oregon as well. The self-sustaining communities build and thrive together from necessity in the marketplace. These small businesses develop brands that are personal and helpful in the community. When the values of the producers are incorporated into the brand, it helps convey a credible and trustworthy impression that helps establish these brands in a larger market. This is Eastern Oregon’s greatest feat. The continuing growth of businesses is respected far beyond the borders of this region. The brands in Eastern Oregon are a prime example of when passion meets innovation; creating a lasting impression for customers by providing quality goods and services.

Summary

Eastern Oregon has a versatile landscape with vast potential for brand development and expansion. The brands we have focused on touch the needs of many consumers who feel connected to the local community due to the nature of the business. The region’s roots are inevitably tied to the success of many local businesses. This is a driving factor in the success of new brands to come as well. Eastern Oregon’s treasure is found in brands such as Pendleton clothes, Tractor Tunes, Hamley & Co, etc. These brands have found a lifelong home in Eastern Oregon.

Our Story: Andy is Eastern Oregon

Andy is Eastern Oregon.

Andy is a thirty-five year old farmer living in La Grande, OR with his wife and daughter. He is a hard working fifth generation farmer following in the footsteps of his relatives before him; growing both onions and potatoes. Andy works from dusk till dawn, but on his days off he relaxes by fishing in Morgan Lake, kayaking, horseback riding, and the occasional dinners in town with his family.

In 1843 Andy’s ancestors traveled from Ohio to eastern Oregon on the Oregon Trail in search of better living and farming conditions. Originally settled in lower eastern Oregon, his family decided to move to La Grande because of overpopulation. After the mines were closed off in 1901, they began working in timber and later looked to the land for work. After sustaining their farm for generations Andy saw it fit for him to stick with his roots and preserve his ancestors legacy.

Andy enjoys keeping to himself and talking in the natural beauty of his homeland. Around his neck of the woods things tend to be a little quieter and move a little slower. Secret fishing holes and hikes through secluded trails when he isn’t busy working on his farm really get Andy jazzed up. After his peaceful walks through the countryside he likes to take his wife and daughter out to a nice dinner at a local restaurant, where all the food is prepared fresh to order with the finest locally grown ingredients.

Andy spends most of his time on his farm working hands on with the land, but he gives back to the community by supporting local businesses. Growing up on a farm, Andy developed an everlasting love for the environment. There are many organizations in Eastern Oregon that help to protect and promote the historic terrain such as the Hells Canyon Preservation Council and Andy’s local group called Oregon Rural Action. Andy’s wife is on a the board of directors for the Eastern Oregon Leadership Council. Her work helps provide the community with resources for economic, health and career services that encourage locals to get involved and take action. One of the projects she is working on now is coordinating volunteers to help chop down the rapidly growing Juniper Trees that are disrupting the fertile soils. With their combined efforts, Andy and his wife are active members of their community and exemplify the passion that thrives in and unites the people of Eastern Oregon.

Although Andy is a rough and tough cowboy, he still keeps himself well dressed in Pendleton clothing to impress the Mrs. and not embarrass his daughter. His weekly trip to Carmen Ranch keeps his family full and healthy with some of the highest quality beef in the area.  If it wasn’t for his custom saddle from Hamley & Co., he would be a whole lot more sore from all of the traveling and work he does on his horse. We wish we could share more with you, but all of a sudden Andy jumped into his tractor, turned up the volume on his Tractor Tunes speakers, and said if I wanted to learn more we would have to meet him at the Pendleton Round-Up. Looks like we will be chasing Andy into the sunset until we hear the sound of bucking bulls and hooting cowboys.

[1] “A Thousand Pioneers Head West on the Oregon Trail.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2015. <http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/a-thousand-pioneers-head-west-on-the-oregon-trail>.
[2] “Eastern Oregon.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Oregon>.
[3] Oregon State Archives. “Eastern Oregon History.” Eastern Oregon History. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://www.guidetooregon.com/regions/eastern/history.html>.
[4] Oregon State Archives. “Eastern Oregon History.” Eastern Oregon History. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://www.guidetooregon.com/regions/eastern/history.html>.
[5] “Company History.” Company History. Pendleton Woolen Mills, n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://www.pendleton-usa.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=CompanyHistory&parentName=Heritage>.
[6] Yohannan, Jason. “Agricultural Employment in Eastern Oregon Up Again.” Quality Info. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <https://www.qualityinfo.org/article-display/-/asset_publisher/ob5AVoEZjWoy/content/agricultural-employment-in-eastern-oregon-up-again/pop_up?_101_INSTANCE_ob5AVoEZjWoy_viewMode=print>.
[7] “Hells Canyon Preservation Council.” Hells Canyon Preservation Council. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://hellscanyon.org/>.”Oregon Natural Desert Association.” Oregon Natural Desert Association. Plone, n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://onda.org/>.,”Beer-Cause-We-Care.” Oregon Wild. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://www.oregonwild.org/>. “About Us.” Oregon Rural Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015.
[8] <http://oregonrural.org/about/>.Yohannan, Jason. “Eastern Oregon Occupational Outlook Covers Many Fields.” State of Oregon Employment Department (2014): n. pag. Web. <https://www.qualityinfo.org/-/eastern-oregon-occupational-outlook-covers-many-fields>.
[9] “OCF Is Your Community Foundation.” Oregon Community Foundation: Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015. <http://www.oregoncf.org/>.