Tim T.C. Conlon

Redmond, Oregon’s “Hub” reference stems from its early role as a central hub for agriculture, trade, and transportation in Central Oregon, established with the arrival of the railroad in 1911. This identity, promoted by groups like the railroad and irrigation district, solidified as the city grew into a key commercial center with access to highways and its own municipal airport by the 1930s and 1940s.

((L) Joy King seated and talking with one of her staff. (R) Deby Grant | Photos courtesy of Bruce Barrett) It might be surprising to hear that there was not a Federal declaration to end the COVID pandemic response until mid-May, 2023. The pandemic spanned much of the last three years. A recent report from the Oregon Employment Department, Disparate Impacts of the Pandemic Recession in Oregon, lists this event as causing the greatest economic upheaval in Oregon history.

((L-R) Michelle Mitchell and Jamie Danek founders of humm Kombucha | Photo courtesy of humm Kombucha) Locally and nationally, the number of women-owned businesses has grown substantially over the last five years. As a result, women have realized measurable benefits and overcome persistent barriers. A quick glance at the numbers would show that women business owners are doing fine.