The Dalles -- August 23, 2004

Partial List of Issues Raised by Panelists & Audience Members

- Labor is a problem -- seasonal jobs in farming are difficult to fill -- worker training is critical -- ESL classes are critical -- need a new policy for allowing immigrants to work legally

- Certification and country of origin labeling & advertising would benefit Oregon farmers

- Workers compensation insurance -- keep SAIF -- state control is good

- Collective bargaining can be difficult with farming

- Intersection of land use & water -- industrial land can disrupt agricultural clusters

- Brand Oregon is a useful tool for agriculture

- Hi-tech is very much part of agriculture (e.g. GPS on tractors) -- fully develop these technologies

- Oregon as a place is "world-class" -- we need to market this fact, both for tourism and for business -- especially in the sports world

- People are important -- the workforce at DAKINE is dedicated

- Clustering is good -- we welcome more companies to Hood River -- approach North Face, Rossingol, etc. and recruit these outdoor companies

- Have trouble finding new workers -- need to keep youth in the areas -- community college is a good first step

- Need very skilled workforce for manufacturing -- finding trained people is difficult -- "Gorge Technology Alliance" is focusing on making this area a good business environment -- we need computer programmers

- Financing is a problem -- getting funds to expand successful businesses

- Transportation can be a problem -- U.S. Watermaker's product got held up at the airport

- Developing in The Dalles is difficult -- Gorge Commission ties up a lot of land

- Get Columbia Gorge on National maps

- Continue funds for Workforce Investment Act

- Encourage regeneration of nuclear plants for energy

- Chemicals for farming -- "we have to pay five times as much as other countries"

- Port system -- it is very expensive and wait period is much too long

- Renewable energy -- develop wind technology (need a common policy), agricultural fuels  (such as mustard seed)

- Tax structure -- improvements to businesses end up increasing the property taxes -- incentivize improvements

- Energy is important -- reduce the cost of power -- deregulation was bad

- Streamline regulations

- "Q-Life" wants to expand and get good electric rates

View the Initiative Survey Results from The Dalles & See How They Compare to the Issues Raised Above.

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