Success Stories
Building Broadband Together
A Collaborative Story of Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation (GEODC) and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)
In a powerful example of regional collaboration, GEODC and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) partnered to address a shared challenge: limited access to reliable broadband across Umatilla County, including CTUIR’s tribal lands.
Grant County Heart
The Heart of Grant County non-profit, in collaboration with Grant County, secured $1,500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to construct a new domestic violence shelter. GEODC provided expert federal wage compliance support, ensuring the project met all regulatory requirements. This partnership has paved the way for a vital community resource to support survivors of domestic violence.
Lone Elk Marketplace Renovation – Spray, Oregon
In 2024, the Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation (GEODC) utilized $4,500 from the Business Oregon Rural Capacity Fund to secure a $200,000 grant for the Lone Elk Marketplace in Spray, Oregon. GEODC managed the grant process, supporting a complete renovation and rebranding of the facility. The project restored the kitchen, replaced the roof, and added laundry units and showers—enhancing access to essential goods and services for approximately 10,000 residents and visitors each year.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Test Range
Pendleton UAS Test Range. In 2019, the Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation (GEODC) obtained a $3,000,000 EDA Public Works & Economic Development Facilities Grant for the City of Pendleton’s Pendleton UAS Test Range located at the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport. GEODC managed the grant process, enabling the construction of new hangars, utility infrastructure, and access roads. The project also developed approximately 110 acres of land into a shovel-ready state with installed utilities and roads.
Stanfield Water Reservoir-Stanfield Oregon
In 2012, The City of Stanfield received a $2,000,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to construct a new water reservoir along I-84 and to repair their existing reservoir. GEODC provided grant administration and labor standards for this project. This project benefited the entire City of Stanfield and also positioned the city for economic growth in the future.
Umatilla-Morrow Head Start Building-Milton-Freewater Oregon
In 2009 Umatilla County received a $1,000,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the new Umatilla-Morrow Head Start building. GEODC provided the grant administration, the environmental review and the labor standards for this project. This project created 7 new jobs during the construction process. The new facility has the capabilities of serving an additional 80 children in the community.
Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort-Frenchglen Oregon
Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort was purchased in 2010 by Mark and Debbie Webb with funding by GEODC’s USDA-ARRA loan fund and Bank of Eastern Oregon. The resort borders on the south end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and is open year round offering cabins, full service RV sites and full service tent sites. This project retained 2 jobs and created 2 new jobs.
Summit Springs Village-Condon Oregon
Summit Springs Village is a newly constructed Alzheimer’s care facility, funded in part by GEODC’s EDA loan fund and in part by Bank of Eastern Oregon. This 8-unit, 3800 square foot facility provides a much needed service within the area. This project created 12 new jobs.
Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distillery-Pendleton Oregon
Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distillery is a new start -up business venture, distilling Vodka, Gin, Bourbon, and Whiskey using all local ingredients. This project was funded in 2016 by GEODC’s EDA loan fund in conjunction with Banner Bank. This project created 4 new jobs, with plans to add 3 more new jobs in the future.
Oregon Trail Library-Irrigon Oregon
The Oregon Trail Library is a project funded by the Morrow County Equity Fund loan program. This program offers opportunity for Morrow County businesses to gain permanent financing for real estate or equipment purchases. This project was funded in 2016 and retained 1 job and created 1 new job.
Mountain View Market, LLC
Joshua and Elisha Nightingale purchased the Mountain View Mini Mart in Spring of 2023 . This mini mart is the only convenience store that is operating in Prairie City OR. The mini mart currently employs 4 part time and 1 full time staff. Mountain View Mini Mart has been in continual operation for the past 20+ years and serves not only the community of Prairie City but the surrounding farms, ranches, and travelers from Highway 26. Funding was provided by GEODC as well as Bank of Eastern Oregon.
