Podcast # 145: Economic Development in Southern Oregon with Marta Tarantsey

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Marta Tarantsey, Regional Development Officer for Business Oregon, about her work fostering economic growth in Southern Oregon.

Since 2017, Marta has supported businesses and communities in the region, navigating the challenges and opportunities of a state rich in natural resources and talent but with a smaller population compared to national competitors.

Marta highlights key topics such as Oregon’s urban growth boundary and its influence on development. She shares the success story of Dutch Bros Coffee—an Oregon startup that scaled into a national brand and went public—as a prime example of the region’s potential. The conversation also explores pressing workforce issues, including childcare shortages, drawing on insights from a recent panel hosted by the Grants Pass and Josephine Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the episode, Marta’s passion for community engagement is evident as she reflects on her involvement with local organizations. Her journey from Russia to Oregon over two decades ago adds a unique perspective to her approach to economic development. This conversation offers valuable insights into navigating regional growth challenges and strategies for building resilient communities in a competitive national landscape.

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Actionable Insights for Economic Developers

1. Leverage success stories like Dutch Bros to inspire and encourage other local businesses to aim for similar growth.
2. Address childcare challenges as a critical component of workforce development and economic growth.
3. Collaborate with chambers of commerce to organize peer perspective panels on key economic issues affecting your region.
4. Stay informed about urban growth boundary regulations and potential opportunities for land annexation in your area.
5. Engage with tribal partners and special districts to ensure comprehensive regional development.
6. Utilize LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms to connect with peers and share insights.
7. Pay attention to "benefit cliffs" when working with employers and employees to ensure raises don't inadvertently harm households.
8. Consider the unique challenges of economic development in smaller states or regions when competing with larger areas.
9. Foster partnerships between economic development offices, workforce investment boards, and chambers of commerce.
10. Don't treat success stories as one-off events; instead, focus on replicability and creating an environment for continued success.

Episode Links

• Marta Tarantsey | LinkedIn
• Business Oregon
• Dutch Bros
• Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Alborn — Marta said: "It was one of the first books I was able to read and fully comprehend, internalize, and reflect on once I learned English. Upon reading it I decided to keep in touch with those who've helped me along the way, and I still keep in touch with my college professors and mentors from eras past."