Page 8 - BeavCoverSpreads_Outside.indd

Basic HTML Version

6
Community Guide
|
City of Beaverton 2012-2013
|
www.BeavertonOregon.gov
Business Friendly
Beaverton’s Business Beginnings
Beaverton’s fertile land made it an
ideal place for agriculture. The first major
crop planted by a pioneer was onions.
Beaverton’s first commercial building
was constructed by George Betts at the
corner of Farmington and Angel. The
railroad influenced the early development
of Beaverton. The Oregon Electric Railway
Company operated a line from Salem,
through the West Hills, to Garden Home and
with a branch line extending to Beaverton
and Forest Grove.
In addition to agriculture and the railroad,
another early industry of popular interest
was the movie studio operated by The
Premium Company. They owned a 33-acre
studio at SW Erickson in Beaverton. Fifteen
silent films were produced by the company
in the early 1920s.
Today’s Workforce
If you need highly qualified, skilled
labor, then Beaverton is the place to be.
Forty percent of city residents possess a
bachelor’s degree or higher. Ninety percent
are high school graduates. Our workforce is
skilled in technology, manufacturing, and
of course, the outdoor and apparel industry,
with some of the largest names such as
Nike and Columbia Sportswear, right in our
backyard.
Beaverton’s Economic
Development Program
The city of Beaverton has a team of
economic development professionals that
work with local businesses, community
partners, and businesses interested in
relocating to Beaverton. The team offers
expertise and assistance in many areas.
Enterprise Zone
The city of Beaverton Enterprise Zone
offers eligible businesses cost-effective
investment opportunities aimed at
improving employment, spurring economic
growth and diversifying business activity.
A condition of eligibility is based on a
minimum $1 million investment either
through expansion, new development, and/
or approved equipment. Eligible businesses
locating or expanding into the Enterprise
Zone receive exemption from property
taxes for three years and, in some cases, five
years.
Oregon and Federal
New Market Tax Credits
The city helps developers, financiers,
Community Development Financial
Institutions (CDFIs), other non-profits,
angel investors and venture capitalists
understand and utilize New Market Tax
Credits: business income tax credits which
can generate as much as 20 percent of
total project equity for qualified projects
and qualified areas of Beaverton. Financial
experts are made available to assist in
qualifying the project, securing tax credits
and structuring overall financing with
participating banks, investors and other.
Workforce Assistance
Businesses may be eligible to apply for
up to 50 percent of new employee training
costs through the city of Beaverton and
Work Systems Inc. (WSI), our regional
Beaverton Business
By the Numbers:
Number of Firms:
4,103
Average Wage:
$46,445
Number of Employees:
61,111
Average Employees per Business:
15
Business Sectors:
Retail:
25%
Educational Services
and Health Care:
16%
Professional Service
and Management:
11%
Manufacturing:
10%
Finance, Insurance
and Real estate:
7%
Admin & Waste Management:
7%
Information:
7%
SUSAN GOULD