View the Ashland 2013 Living and Doing Business Guide

92 Pages·2013·18.03 MB·English

shland
Living and
Doing Business
Guide 2013
Welcome
Ashland is nestled at the base of the convergence
of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges
at an elevation of 2,000 feet. It’s residents have
a deep respect for nature and share a common
dependence on our natural environment for
clean water, air and wise land use. Ashland is
dependent solely on its watershed for its water.
Southern Oregon is one of the 13 most bio-diverse
regions in the world with a climate that supports
sustainable and organic agriculture boasting a
rich environment for farms and vineyards with a
growing interest in urban farming in Ashland.
Ashland is known as a place for innovation
and creativity and enjoys an historic legacy
of education and culture that is authentically
deserved. For over 140 years, Southern Oregon
University has supported a residential population
that has a proportionately high level of educa-
tional attainment. As home of the Oregon
Shakespeare Festival since its founding in 1935,
Ashland’s educated citizenry is complimented
by an exceptionally highly educated visitor
population. These visitors and residents support
businesses that provide rich oferings in the
performing and visual arts, outstanding cuisine
in over 80 restaurants, artisan foods, compelling
independent shops and stunning galleries. In
Ashland, many businesses apply sustainable
practices with a number of leading-edge green
businesses as well as technology innovators and
high performing companies.
Residents of Ashland have intense civic pride and
are involved in volunteer activities that range from
City commissions to non-proft organizations,
spiritual organizations and civic groups. We
welcome diversity of race, thought and lifestyle.
1. & 3. Photos by Graham Lewis
2. Photo by Sean Bagshaw Outdoor Exposure
4. Photo by Christopher Briscoe
2 www.ashlandchamber.com
LIVING AND CONTENTS:
DOING BUSINESS GUIDE Chamber Leadership ................................... 2
Chamber History ........................................... 4
Chamber Programs ....................................... 5
Ashland’s History ......................................... 8
shland Climate & Geology ....................................... 9
Water - Past & Present ................................ 13
Outdoors .................................................... 15
Outdoor Recreation .................................... 18
Cultural ....................................................... 21
Culinary ....................................................... 28
Community Events ..................................... 30
Green / Best Practices Committee ............. 31
Community ................................................ 32
Community Resources ............................... 33
Guanajuato, our Sister City ....................... 34
Education ................................................... 35
Higher Education ........................................ 36
Health Care ................................................. 40
Ashland Street Map .................................... 46
Retirement & Senior Services ................... 48
Housing & Real Estate ................................ 50
The Economy .............................................. 56
Demographics ............................................. 57
Educational Attainment ............................ 58
Labor Market............................................... 59
Economic Development ............................. 62
The Role of Tourism ................................... 63
Retail Trade ................................................ 67
Technology .................................................. 68
Financial ...................................................... 69
Transportation ............................................ 71
World’s Only Wildlife Forensics Lab .......... 72
Ashland Marketplace ................................. 73
110 East Main Street • PO Box 1360 • Ashland, OR 97520 Member Directory (by category)............... 74
[phone] • [phone] Fax Member Directory (alphabetical) .............. 84
Contacts ....................................................... 87
CREDITS: Service Clubs & Organizations .................. 88
Religious & Spiritual Organizations .......... 88
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LIVING AND DOING BUSINESS GUIDE
Project Manager: ..................................................... Sandra Slattery
Copywriting: .................... Katharine Flanagan, Sandra Slattery Cover photo by
and Rebecca Reid
Sean Bagshaw
Data Collection: ................................................. Kelsey Holderness
OutdoorExposurePhoto.com
Copy editing, Advertising & Sales: ................ Dana Fortmiller,
and Katharine Flanagan
Graphic Design and Production: ............................ Dana Welsh
Photo Coordinator..................................................... Graham Lewis
Living & Doing Business 1
CHAMBER LEADERSH,P
President’s Message – Lisa Beam
As a native to the Rogue Valley, I was well aware of what a spectacular
place Ashland is to live. Having spent some years outside of Oregon, it
only reinforced my positive perspective of Ashland and Southern Oregon.
Ashland is a quaint town with it all; creative and entrepreneurial people, a
strong arts community, year-round outdoor recreation and residents who
truly invest and take pride in where they live.
This guide along with the information presented on the Chamber website
will give you a wonderful overview of what Ashland has to ofer. Whether
you are considering a life-changing transition or are just seeking a
wonderful vacation getaway, I have no doubt that you will be encouraged
and motivated to see Ashland for yourself frst-hand.
Lisa Beam
Chamber President
Co-Owner, Pasta Piatti
Co-Owner, Sesame Asian Kitchen
Chamber Board 2012-13
Left to Right: Meiwen Richards, US Bank; Alex Amarotico, Standing Stone Brewing Co.; Annie Hoy, Ashland Food Cooperative;
Mark Marchetti, Ashland Community Hospital; Marie Donovan, Ashland Homes Real Estate; Livia Genise, Camelot Theatre Co.;
Lisa Beam, Pasta Piatti/Sesame Asian Kitchen; Jim Teece, Project A/Ashland Home Net; Cindy Bernard, Rogue Valley Roasting Co.;
Mary Gardiner, SOU International Programs; Drew Gibbs, Alchemy Restaurant & Nancy Morgan, Yala.
1., 2. & 4. Photos by Judith Pavlik 3. Photo by Christopher Briscoe
2 www.ashlandchamber.com
Executive Director’s Message - Sandra Slattery
Improving the economic health, vitality and livability of Ashland is at the
cornerstone of the Chamber’s programs. Our core values stem from an
appreciation and support for what small business contributes to society
through jobs, financial donations and volunteerism. We value cultural
diversity, quality education, a clean environment, healthy business sector,
and a family-friendly small town. The services we offer our visitors, residents
and businesses underscore these values and work to strengthen our
collaborative partnerships creating a sustainable community. Dedicated,
caring and creative individuals working tirelessly year-round is what has
made the Chamber the positive force it is for over one hundred years. I am
grateful to be a part of it and humbled by those who give of their time and
resources for the betterment of society enhancing our quality of life.
Sandra Slattery
Executive Director,
Ashland Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Board 2012-13 Chamber Staff 2012-13
(Left to Right, Back to Front):
Graham Lewis
Volunteer Coordinator/
Staf Photographer
Katharine Flanagan
VCB, Sales & Marketing
Director
Kelsey Holderness
Projects & Special Events
Coordinator
Dana Fortmiller
Membership Development Manager
Sandra Slattery
Executive Director
Dana Welsh
Operations Manager/
Graphic Design/
Website Administration
Living & Doing Business 3
The
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Historically grounded since 1889, the Chamber, formerly the Ashland Board of Trade and
Ashland Commercial Club, promotes businesses and the community by providing business
resources, creating events, maintaining strong community partnerships, promoting tourism,
conducting community issues discussions and collaborative problem solving while providing
community leadership.
C.B. Watson
Business people working through the Chamber in large and He helped the Club see the benefts of “boosting” tourism by
small ways have provided the leadership in the Chamber to converting industrial mill lands into a park. This efort exemplifed
help guide major eforts whose legacy’s we beneft from today. the City Beautiful movement, converting blunt frontier utility to
Many of these former Ashland “heros” are unknown to many now, more aesthetically pleasing and cultured presentation, an ethic
but without their eforts we would not enjoy the life we have especially appealing to the women of town. Alongside his wife,
today. The following are just a few of their accomplishments: Ella J. Chitwood Watson, he assisted at the organizational meeting
of the Ashland Woman’s Civic Improvement Club, where he
The Early Years: shared his vision for a grand park, extending along Ashland Creek
from the town’s Plaza eighteen miles up to the summit of Ashland
The Ashland Watershed – Butte (present day Mt. Ashland – a name change promoted
The Ashland Board of Trade met with the newly elected city council by the Ashland Commercial Club to add ‘grandeur’). At the
and mayor in December 1891 and agreed to petition to reserve the Commercial Club, Watson gave his “well-known and pronounced
Ashland watershed. The petition delivered to President Cleveland views favoring every movement that will enhance the beauty of
requested that a forest reserve be set aside on Ashland Creek Ashland’s natural surroundings”, and the Club passed a resolution
from the public land to protect the water supply from “timber to establish the Ashland Canyon Park. The City Council rejected
land speculators and other types of vandals”. The proclamation the Club proposal, opting instead to sell the industrial land
for the Ashland Forest Reserve came in September 1893 with keeping a postage stamp-sized park. Leaders of the Commercial
the express purpose of protecting the municipal watershed. Club gathered signatures from amongst themselves and neigh-
bors to successfully place the initiative on the December 1908
ballot. Between the combined eforts of the Commercial Club
Ashland Canyon Park – and the Woman’s Civic Improvement Club, voter support was
present day Lithia Park – assured, and the initiative passed by a famously wide margin.
Chandler Bruer (C.B.) Watson, President of the Ashland Commer- Darren Borgias, The Nature Conservancy,
cial Club, orchestrated the protection of “Ashland Canyon See http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/entry/view/watson_c_b_1849_1930_/
Park” by enlisting the political support of the Commercial Club.
1. & 3. Photos courtesy Terry Skibby 2. Photo courtesy Klamath County Museum 4. & 5. Photo by Graham Lewis 6. Photo courtesy Southern Oregon Historical Society
4 www.ashlandchamber.com
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campaigns to beautify the town. Included in this efort were the
Promoting Ashland frst street trees in the downtown core started by former Chamber
The Chamber began creating promotional literature in the President, Dave Fortmiller, who owned and operated Fortmiller’s
early 1900’s encouraging visitors and new residents to come Department Store. The banners for the Oregon Shakespeare
to Ashland through a variety of campaigns that continue Festival were repaired and new Christmas decorations were
today to showcase our beautiful town. “Where the Palm and purchased and installed. Community enhancement continues
the Pine Meet” promoted the mild climate in the early 1900’s to be at the forefront of Chamber eforts with annual campaigns
and “Ashland Grows while Lithia Flows” encouraged people to raise money for decorations and close work with the City of
to come to Ashland for the health of its waters. In the 1980’s, Ashland to beautify the town instilling civic pride and visitor
it was “Ashland Loves Company”. Ashland’s agriculture and, in amenities.
particular, the fruit grown here was really promoted to encourage
people to move here and grow the peaches, pears and apples. Community Events
Campaigns and themes continue today that focus on Ashland as As early as the late 1800’s, event coordination and promotion
a destination for health and wellness, mild climate, exceptional has existed with the Ashland Chamber. The longest standing
produce, culinary oferings, beautiful surroundings, outdoor events being the 4th of July and celebrations during the
adventures and warm hospitality. Christmas holidays –now called the Festival of Light. Mention
While always working to promote tourism, it wasn’t until 1982 is made in newspaper stories and minutes as far back as the late
that the Chamber was able to formalize a Visitor and Convention 1880’s of community celebrations coordinated by the Chamber
Bureau with an annual grant from the City of Ashland which then referred to as the Board of Trade and later the Ashland
they continue to have today to promote the community. Those Commercial Club and fnally the Ashland Chamber of Commerce.
early “pioneers” of promoting Ashland recognized the economic As businesses have funded and supported these community
importance of showcasing our community to potential visitors, events, it has allowed them to grow and develop over the years.
thereby, not only promoting business, but increasing tax Ashland has always liked a parade. Even when the streets were
revenues and expanding the amenities that residents enjoy as dirt in the downtown, they raced horses to celebrate the 4th
well. The programs and events have grown substantially over of July and had a parade. Today, the celebration begins with a
the years resulting in strong industry relationships, business run organized by the Ashland Parks & Recreation Department,
growth through the seasons and a respect of the tourism followed by an annually themed, community parade enjoyed by
industry and its impact on the city. Tourism is promoted year- an estimated 20,000 spectators. After the parade is concluded,
round with a primary emphasis on the fall, winter and spring over one hundred booths in Lithia Park feature food, crafts and
seasons through marketing campaigns, special events and games while bands, including the Ashland City Band and great
festivals. Hundreds of community members volunteer their time local artists, perform all day at the Butler Band shell. The town
to provide information services and to assist in coordinating comes alive with spirit and festivities. Spectacular freworks
marketing programs and events. conclude the day and are visible all over town.
During the holidays, there was always a decorated tree on the
Beautifcation Plaza and the community gathered with food and song.
The City Beautiful Movement was embraced by the Chamber as Today, the event begins the day after Thanksgiving to kick of
was the founding of Lithia Park at the beginning of the 1900’s. the holiday season. There is Plaza Entertainment throughout the
As time went on, every efort to beautify Ashland was either led afternoon, followed by Santa’s parade at 5:00 pm and a Grand
by or supported by the Chamber such as when the Chamber Illumination with a countdown led by Santa who ofcially turns
worked to get rid of the dirt streets in the downtown by on over one million lights all over downtown. The town is lit until
encouraging the paving of Main Street. Eforts were instituted just after New Year’s and will be celebrating its 21st anniversary
to revitalize the downtown through economic downturns when in 2013. The Festival of Light celebration has grown to include
passenger rail service ended and in the post depression years. weekends throughout December celebrating the magic of the
In the 1950’s, the Chamber began clean-up, fx-up, paint-up season including numerous seasonal events showcasing the
Living & Doing Business 5
Visitor & Convention Bureau Committee 2012-13
Left to Right: Rick Saul, Mt. Ashland Ski Area; Drew Gibbs, Alchemy Restaurant; Vicki Capp, The Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast; Julie Gurwell, Oregon Cabaret Theatre;
Graham Sheldon, Ashland Creek Inn; Katharine Flanagan, Staf, Director of VCB & Marketing; Dustin Way, Rogue Valley Roasting Co.; Brad Niva, Rogue
Wilderness and Wine Hopper Tours; Deb Cleland, Waterstone Spa & Salon; Lisa Beam, Pasta Piatti/Sesame Asian Kitchen & Don Anway, Ashland Springs Hotel.
Not pictured: Kevin Bendaw, Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
charm and delight of shopping, dining and staying in a small Ashland Chamber of Commerce, “travel editors” from large
picturesque town for the holidays. Hundreds of volunteers plan California publications came to write about the event. – taken
both events. Their dedication to the Chamber and community from the History of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Today,
of Ashland is apparent whether they are coordinating the long we have a strong and collaborative partnership in tourism
line of 4th of July parade entries, the craft and food booths or promotion and community engagement. From the original
bands in Lithia Park, or attaching garland to holiday decorations, three performances and two plays, the Festival has grown into a
these hardworking volunteers are truly committed to the spirit nine month series encompassing over 780 performances and 11
that is Ashland. This small town enjoyment by the community is plays in repertory. Ashland’s long cultural history leads directly
treasured still by those who live here today. into the spirit of the town today — cultured yet down to earth,
progressive yet traditional. That spirit is one of Ashland’s fnest
Oregon Shakespeare Festival qualities. See page 22 for more details
In 1935, the frst Annual Shakespearean Festival began during
the Ashland 4th of July Celebration with a boxing match.
Higher Education and support
Angus L. Bowmer, an enthusiastic young teacher from Southern
for Southern Oregon University
Oregon Normal School (now Southern Oregon University), was
struck by the resemblance between the Chautauqua walls and Ashland enjoys a highly educated citizenry with over 55% of the
some sketches he had seen of Elizabethan theatres. He proposed population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher – over twice
producing a “festival” of two plays within the walls, in conjunction the regional and national average. Originally founded in 1872 as
with Ashland’s Fourth of July celebration. The City cautiously Southern Oregon Normal School, the name has changed over
advanced Bowmer a sum “not to exceed $400” for the project. the years to include Southern Oregon College, then Southern
SERA (State Emergency Relief Administration) funds provided a Oregon State College and, fnally, Southern Oregon University
construction crew to build the stage and improve the grounds. (SOU). Students, faculty and staf have contributed to the
The Oregon Shakespearean Festival was ofcially born on July 2, economy, culture, educational and intellectual development of
1935 with a production of Twelfth Night. The Festival presented Ashland and the region. SOU serves as a major draw for people
The Merchant of Venice on the 3rd and Twelfth Night again on and businesses interested in moving here. The Chamber has had
the 4th. Reserved seats cost $1, with general admission of $.50 a strong, enduring and mutually benefcial partnership with
for adults and $.25 for children. Even at these prices, the Festival the University. When needed to rally for funding support, the
covered its own expenses. The Festival also absorbed the losses Chamber and community have stepped forward. First, in 1905,
of the daytime boxing match that the City — which feared that the Board of Trade (predecessor to the Chamber) agreed to raise
the plays would lose money — held onstage. The early and on- money to keep the college afoat when the state cut all funding.
going support of the Festival by the Chamber has been evident In 1928, Fuller Athletic Field was named for the Ashland Chamber
throughout the years. During World War II, the Festival closed manager who was a key fgure in the establishment of the school
but the Chamber “urged” them to reopen in 1947. The Festival and raising funds. Throughout the decades, the Chamber has
accepted the $1,000 ofer from the Chamber to reopen. In 1950, supported initiatives to further the University’s goals and help
due to the eforts of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the raise funds for new buildings and developments, most recently
1. Photo by Judith Pavlik 2., 3. & 4. Photos by Graham Lewis
6 www.ashlandchamber.com
with the support for the new Higher Education Center in others. Surveys of business leaders are conducted to determine
Medford. Chamber leaders and staf serve on the SOU Advisory strengths and weaknesses in the local economy as well as
Board and Foundation. Many faculty and administrators serve providing insight into trends and opportunities for growth and
in leadership roles throughout the City including the Chamber development.
Board and City Council.
Legislative issues are addressed through Community Issues
Forums on current topics such as transportation and water
Ashland Chamber Membership
supply. The Chamber does not support candidates for ofce at
The Ashland Chamber of Commerce has a dynamic, diverse any level, but provides opportunity for informational forums
group of business, non-proft and community members and open dialogue with our elected leaders. Monthly, the
with a passion for enhancing the economy of Southern Chamber coordinates the Ashland Coalition which provides
Oregon and the community they call home. Whether creating community leaders an opportunity to discuss and partner to
new business contacts through one of the Chamber’s solve problems, build community health and economic well
many networking events, showcasing their products and being, and economic sustainability.
brand through their enhanced Chamber member page at
The website www.ashlandchamber.com provides visitors,
www.ashlandchamber.com, or volunteering for one of the
residents and businesses with information on all aspects of
Ashland Chamber’s community-wide events, Chamber members
the community including tourism amenities and attractions,
are utilizing the Chamber to grow their business. Chamber
relocation, community events, education, demographics, health
members chair committees, volunteer as ambassadors and
care, business resources and much more.
get involved! With a broad range of opportunities for Chamber
member participation, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce Networking through Greeters and Ambassadors provides
membership has shown growth and true strength. weekly support, promotion and fun for business members
including ribbon cuttings and grand openings. As a membership
The Ashland Chamber ofers many programs to serve its
organization the Ashland Chamber encourages and provides
members, the business community, as well as the entire
opportunities for member to member business keeping
community of Ashland including:
business local and supporting the Ashland economy. Chamber
Economic development is provided by the Chamber through members fnd business success through the programs and
relocation services, point-of-contact management information support provided by the Ashland Chamber.
services, educational trainings, marketing, Rapid Response
Volunteer Opportunities - Hundreds of Ashland residents
Team to inquiries and coordination with economic development
volunteer their time for programs connected with the Ashland
agencies. The Chamber has created annual conferences on
Chamber. This includes work on community events such as the
how to do business in a global environment with China, Japan
4th of July Celebration and Festival of Light but also in the daily
and Mexico. Last year, a conference on innovations in digital
greeting of visitors through our ofces both at the Chamber
technology highlighted numerous local businesses. Educational
and during the summer months on the Plaza at our Information
workshops are conducted throughout the year on topics such
Booth.
as marketing, retail, visitor demographics, websites, social
media, emergency preparedness and labor force issues among
Living & Doing Business 7
AshlAnd’s
history
It is clear that the land we call home has long, varied and stories and sip the town’s healing elixir, Lithia Water. Prior to
fascinating roots. Much of what we know is not written — it is the immigration of settlers, Native Americans used the mineral
lore passed on by people who have passed on beliefs, traditions waters surrounding Ashland in the care of the sick and the
and a value system, through storytelling and legends. Much aged. At one time, in the 1930’s, there was hope that Ashland
of their message resonates today. Estimates based on carbon would become a renowned and proftable spa similar to those
dating show that various tribes lived in our region as far back found in Europe. When the pipeline maintenance costs became
as 6,000 BC. These various tribes are responsible for many of prohibitive and with the advent of World War II, interest and
our current names (Lithia water, Siskiyou Mountains). The early enthusiasm waned.
Southwestern Oregon Native Americans were highly mobile
hunters and traders. Many of their food resources, such as After the town of Ashland was established with mills, blacksmiths,
salmon, acorns, seeds, and berries were seasonal. Other species, shops and schools, the most striking thread weaving through
such as shellfsh, elk, deer and smaller ground animals, were the town’s past was its long-standing afnity for culture and
available year-round. The original Native American hunting and education. Ashland College and Normal School was founded
trading trails became the fur trading routes of early trappers in 1872, and later became Southern Oregon University. The frst
and explorers, and later the wagon train routes that would lead glimmers of a library began in 1879 with the Ashland Library
eventually to our current system of roads, such as I-5 freeway. As and Reading Room Association. In 1912, the Carnegie Library
time progressed, and villages were more developed, they built was built and is still standing as one of our beautifully renovated
houses by digging shallow pits and roofng them with structures buildings in Ashland today. A major event in Ashland’s cultural
of poles, bark and brush. Two primary tribes in the Ashland area history was the arrival of Chautauqua, a nationwide traveling
were the Athabascan-speaking tribes of the Takelma and Shasta program of lectures, seminars and entertainment that began
Indians. The City of Ashland is built on the ruins of a Shasta in New York and came to Ashland in 1893, drawing people
Indian village. In the pioneer settlement of the area, as in much from all over Southern Oregon. A dome-shaped building, the
of the nation, there were intense conficts and battles with the “Chautauqua Tabernacle,” was constructed to house the events,
Native Americans. Many members of the tribes that existed and is clearly visible in many old photographs of the town. The
in the Rogue Valley were taken to reservations to live. Even Elizabethan Stage of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival now
though many who came to Southern Oregon and specifcally stands on that site. Ashlanders heard such notables as William
Ashland to strike it rich on gold (in the 1850’s) found out that Jennings Bryant, John Phillip Sousa and William Taft, and saw
it wasn’t as easy as it sounded to fnd it here. Two of those men, many plays and other forms of entertainment at the “Tabernacle”
Abel Helman and Eber Emery, both from Ashland County Ohio, during the Ashland Chautauqua’s 10-day seasons. At the time of
had tried their hands unsuccessfully. Helman, having crossed its construction in 1889, the Ganiard Opera House was said to
the Siskiyou Mountains remembered a creek that ran strong, be the fnest opera house between San Francisco and Portland.
sheltered by the mountains, in what looked to be a fertile As was the case with opera houses of that time, Ganiard was
valley. Upon his recommendation the two men decided to stake home to a variety of entertainment, including operas, plays
claims in that place. They decided that supplying miners would and movies. It was also used for certain community events
be far more lucrative than actually mining itself. They built a like graduations. In 1917 a round, dome-covered structure
lumber mill frst. They did so well that they started a four mill was erected in the place of the original Chautauqua building.
in 1854. Thus the town of Ashland Mills was born. The fedgling The structure fell into disuse, however, when the Chautauqua
settlement gained some stability in 1855 when Helman donated movement died out in the early 1920s. The dome was torn down
twelve building sites around the mill to create a central business in 1933, but the cement walls remain standing today; covered
district. Wooden structures sprung up including a blacksmith, with ivy, they surround the Elizabethan Stage.
meat market, cabinet shop and livery. This gathering place soon
became known as the Plaza. It is still called that today. The Plaza If you’re interested in local history, opportunities abound for
has always been an intersection and arena for civic activities you, primarily through the Southern Oregon Historical Society.
and social gatherings. It was also a sought after meeting place The Society currently operates museums, a research library and
for Ashland seniors, who gathered daily to soak the sun, swap public archives. www.sohs.org
1. & 2. Photos courtesy Southern Oregon Historical Society 3. & 4. Photos by Fred Stockwell 5. Photo courtesy Grizzly Peak
8 www.ashlandchamber.com