Klamath Falls, OR (April 14^th, 2021) – Today, the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) and the Klamath County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) jointly announced the approval of an additional enterprise zone to be added in sections of Crescent and Gilchrist. Over the past year, KCEDA and the commissioners have worked closely together to position the program within northern county areas, driven by the desire to better position communities for economic development which sit within Klamath County but are outside of Klamath Falls.

KCEDA Project Manager, Julie Matthews, was highly involved in the process of getting the new zone added, working with several stakeholders 

to facilitate the zone’s location and boundaries. Speaking about the enterprise zone program’s value, Matthews stated, “To be competitive with other states when recruiting new industry to the area, it is important we have tools which can compel businesses to choose Klamath County as opposed to other markets. The enterprise zone program has recently proven to be a valuable resource for attracting new development, and we are pleased that we can expand its benefits to northern county communities like Crescent and Gilchrist.”

Oregon’s enterprise zone program offers a unique resource to Oregon communities, and an excellent opportunity for businesses growing or locating within the state. Enterprise zones exempt businesses from local property taxes on new investments for a specified amount of time, which varies among different zone programs. These zones are sponsored by city, port, county, or tribal governments, where local governments and/or selected agencies are responsible for creating, amending, managing, and renewing these areas. an enterprise zone typically serves as a focal point for local development efforts. 

Commissioner Derrick DeGroot spoke on behalf of the BOCC about their approval of the new zone, stating, “We believe there’s significant opportunity for growth in the outer-lying communities of our County, and us Commissioners want to be proactive in helping best position those areas for economic success.”

Adding to Commissioner DeGroot’s comments, KCEDA CEO, Randy Cox, said, “As KCEDA continues to evolve, we seek to do more and more with our services and how far they reach. Currently there are 2 active projects in our portfolio in these parts of the County. The Gilchrist Sawmill being one, and another advanced manufacturing prospect. Both of these developments are very promising, and are additional signs of the County’s economic momentum overall.”

About the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA)

Since 1975, KCEDA has reflected the best of private enterprise, responsibility and dedication. Its mission is to provide tailored recruitment and business retention/expansion programs, new opportunities for jobs, and a diversified, value-added industrial base/expanded economic development climate in southern Oregon. To learn more about KCEDA and how they can help you, please visit their website, www.ChooseKlamath.com, or contact their offices using the information below.