⁄Contents⁄ November/December 2023 FEATURES 26 The New Weave Cover Story This year the Bishop family — which owns Pendleton Woolen Mills — celebrates 160 years of weaving in Oregon. What’s next for the storied manufacturer? 36 The Nearer Shore Powin Energy’s Joseph Lu wants to bring lithium-battery manufacturing — an industry mostly concentrated in China — to Oregon. REGULARS 06 Editor’s Letter 08 Newsfeed 14 Tactics Scott Hamlin, founder and CEO of Looptworks, on the company’s next move 18 Spotlight Contract manufacturing is the best option for many smallscale food manufacturers. But the lack of small- and medium-size co-packing spaces makes it challenging for producers to scale. 42 Powerlist Banks ranked by Oregon deposits 50 Storyteller-in-Chief Ben Quach, founder of QB Fabrication & Welding, reflects on the importance of persistence when building a small business. 52 Downtime Live, work and play with Jaime Eder, director of workforce development and community engagement at Visit Central Oregon. 54 Policy Brief Ruwan Jayaweera, a principal at PAE, and Ed Herrera, senior associate at Bric Architecture, write about the need for diversifying architecture and design. Follow @OregonBusiness for breaking news, blogs and commentary. Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter featuring the best of OregonBusiness.com, plus articles from our print publication. To sign up, go to OregonBusiness.com. 18 BRAND STORIES 10 Comcast Direct Robust internet service helps ensure that Aim High’s behavioral technicians have the tools they need. 34 Western Oregon University Institution tailors its resources and services to the diverse needs of each student. 44 Oregon Cultural Trust Community-based approach has supported decades of positive change. BRINGING IT HOME Building lithium batteries in Oregon UNPACKING CO-PACKING Small food manufacturers look for space to grow November/December 2023 | OregonBusiness.com THE MANUFACTURING ISSUE Unbroken Thread Pendleton Woolen Mills looks to the future COVER PHOTO: Jason E. Kaplan JASON E. KAPLAN CHECK OUT THESE EXCLUSIVES (AND MORE) ON OREGONBUSINESS.COM n Two OSU-Led Industry Clusters Designated ‘Tech Hubs’ by the Department of Commerce — The mass timber and microfluidics industry groups will now compete for $500 million in grants to spur American technological competitiveness. n Horizon Air to Resume Seasonal Service Between Redmond Municipal Airport and Portland International Airport Nov. 29 — The airline will resume seasonal 45-minute flight service between November and April. n Portland Community College Launches Mobile Welding Outreach & Skills Training Center — The collaboration five years in the making began as an idea hatched by a professor to bring welding training to tribal communities. n Portland Office Vacancies Reach Historic Highs — Kidder Mathews senior VP says the commercial real estate market is adapting to reduced demand. 100 BEST NEWS Never Miss a 100 Best Survey! Find out how satisfied your employees are with their jobs through our anonymous and confidential surveys. Visit OregonBusiness.com/100BestNotify and sign up to receive information about how to register for future 100 Best surveys. 4
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