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Welcome to Harney County, Oregon
Harney County, Oregon is strategically located between the large population's centers of the western states, an ideal location for both warehousing and distribution based businesses. Both local state and federal highways provide companies easy access to regional, national, and global markets. In addition, to business-friendly communities and access to abundant renewable energy including geothermal, biomass, solar, and wind, Harney County is ready for your business development.
Harney County also has a quality of life that provides something for everyone. Located in the Oregon "high-desert" setting, it offers nearby world-class recreation including downhill skiing, fishing and hunting, hiking, and scenic beauty of the Malheur and Ochoco National Forests, as well as the breathtaking views and wide-open landscape of the Steens Mountain.
Harney County Economic Development stands ready to assist you with your business development needs.
"We are more excited than ever to have our business climate heading in the right direction. There are so many opportunities in Harney County!"
Jen & Forrest Keady, Owners, Family Eye Care & Central Hotel
Harney County Court
Patty Dorroh Bill Hart Kristen Shelman
County Commissioner County Judge County Commissioner
Harney County Investment Prospectus ~ Developing our Future, the Harney County Way, November 2021
Harney County Coalition Brownfield Assessment Program
The Harney County Coalition Brownfield Assessment Program is pleased to publish the Development Opportunity Inventory provided by Cardno. Sites noted were visually identified as potential areas for redevelopment. Maps and GIS locations are included in the link above. In addition to the Opportunity Inventory, information about the specific sites assessed in the Brownfield program is available by contacting the Harney County Economic Development office. If you believe you own commercial or business property that could benefit from a Brownfield assessment in order to be redeveloped, please contact our office.
Meet the Team-
Greg Smith
Greg Smith is a graduate of Eastern Oregon University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Business Administration.
Prior to starting, Gregory Smith & Company, LLC, Greg worked for the Port of Morrow as their Director of Finance. He not only assisted many businesses, but served as the Project Manager for the development and construction of Morrow Cold Storage. During his years with the Port, he traveled to 39 countries and five continents recruiting national and international companies to Oregon’s second largest port. This work included active participation in national and international trade shows, market analysis, targeted research and corporate site visits.
Sherri Smith
Sherri's professional background is impressive. Starting first with the Port of Morrow and then working for Representative Smith she brings 15 years of administrative, accounting, and public outreach experience to Harney County.
Her technical expertise resides in QuickBooks, EDA, USDA, & SBA loan packaging, graphic design, and professional project development.
Whether working with local banks, SBA, or USDA Rural Development, Sherri knows the players and knows how to connect entrepreneurs to the resources they need.
Emily Collins
Emily holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and Management and a minor in Communications studies from Eastern Oregon University. With her background in marketing, Emily has become our “go-to” person for graphic design and marketing plan development, as well as coalition building. Her strengths include website development, brand management, client communications, organization, grant reporting, loan summary development, and project management.
Emily’s background in studying business administration, her extensive knowledge of the PPP and EIDL programs, her marketing skills, and her knowledge of the UEC service area, makes her an excellent business advisor. Since being hired at the UEC BRC, Emily has assisted hundreds of business owners in accessing funding opportunities, developing strategic marketing plans, and building websites.
Ryan Bailey
Ryan is a skilled economic development professional with a passion for web design and development. He has honed his skills over years of working with clients to create dynamic, responsive, and visual ly stunning websites. From e-commerce sites to informational pages, his experience spans a wide range of industries and applications.
Ryan's educational and work history revolve around technology, financing, and marketing. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Eastern Oregon University, with a minor in Economics. His work in economic development has allowed him to not only support small businesses establishing and expanding their operations, but he has also had the opportunity to develop larger industrial projects that will go on to shape communities.
