As Councilor Brian Misner said, "I think the development of the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center is going to reap dividends for the entire region for years to come.  I am excited that the different entities have come together and united in this effort Umatilla County Commissioners, Hermiston School District, Farm City Pro Rodeo, Umatilla County Fair and the City of Hermiston, as we all know that is not always and easy accomplishment to pull off in this or any other community."  Misner continued, "I think it speaks volumes that the local Motel Owners Group came together in support and designated that a portion of the local Motel tax be designated to this effort.  The members of these entities, boards and organizations have recognized that this effort will create significant opportunity for years to come."

Mayor Severson agreed, saying, "EOTEC  has the potential to change the whole livability of the County and region.  This project has been looked at for years, now the leaders and members of the various government, school, service organizations, Fair and Rodeo have come together and are taking us in new directions.  This community is lucky to have such leadership."  Severson also said, "I think that the support shown by Key people such as Dan Dorran and Chet Prior both very instrumental in this effort, County Commissioner Dennis Doherty, Hermiston High School Principal Buzz Brazeau, Kim Puzey, Steve Eldridge, George Anderson and City Manager Ed Brookshier speaks to the importance of this project to may segments of our community." 

The whole council agrees. 

At our Monday night meeting we approved spending $39,281 to fund "Phase One" work and awarded a contract for Project Management and Design Services for the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center to Fishel C.M.  This contract will allow a professional Management firm to look at our funding streams, preliminary designs and management plans to determine the feasibility of completing the project as envisioned.  If it is determined to be a "go" on the project then Fishel C.M. will be awarded a contract as project manager for the project.

As several speakers at the meeting stated, this is a project that has been discussed for many years.  It is not something that just "popped up" recently.  A lot of thought, time, energy and private dollars have been put into this to get it this far.

It was implied by some nay sayers in the audience that this was the first time many were hearing about this project.  That could not be further from the truth.  Meetings and conversations have been ongoing for a long time with local businessmen, service organizations, government leaders and others to bring it to point that it is today.

We the City Council are fully supportive of this effort.  We think that the leadership of Mayor Bob Severson and City Manager Ed Brookshier have been critical to moving it to this point.