The Bottom Line
Small business is important to Central Oregon, and to Mid Oregon. Find tips and resources for business, and information about Mid Oregon’s commercial services and business members.
Mid Oregon Madras Branch Turns 10!
In June of 2009, during the depths of the recession, Mid Oregon Credit Union opened our fifth branch in Madras. This month, we are celebrating ten years of partnership and growth with the people and organizations in Jefferson County. Our Mid Oregon Madras Branch turns 10!
Hosting Chamber “Coffee Cuppers” Event
On Friday, 6/21, we are hosting the Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce “Coffee Cuppers” event in celebration. Beginning at 8 am, the local business community will be joining us for coffee, refreshments, prizes, networking and sharing.
Located on SE 5th Street in Madras, our facility represented an investment in our then-current membership in Jefferson County. But it also signified our commitment to the future of Madras and our belief in how well we could support its people and businesses. It has turned out to be a very successful endeavor.
The Key: People and Community
When we opened with three employees in 2009, one was the branch Team Lead Tammy Gregory. Besides being a long-time resident of Madras (and graduating from Madras High School), Tammy had the people and community focus we value. In 2015, Tammy was promoted to branch manager. At that time, CEO Bill Anderson had these things to say:
“She has been a shining star in the organization for years and has been successfully leading her team in Madras. Her expanded role will further emphasize her leadership in the community as well as in the branch.”
Tammy, Loan Officer Teri Drew, and the rest of their team are key leaders in several community efforts, including Rotary, MacDash, Relay For Life, the Chamber, local theater, and much, much more. We appreciate how they support and impact key areas of Jefferson County.
Then: Back in 2009
When our branch opened in 2009, Mid Oregon membership stood at a little more than 1,200 members in the area surrounding Madras. Here are some details from a press release announcing the upcoming branch from 2008:
“Mid Oregon to Build First Ever Credit Union in Jefferson County”
“Mid Oregon plans to build the first credit union office in Jefferson County, a 2,700 square foot office at the Fifth and F Street location. The office will offer many conveniences including a full service drive-up ATM, a 24 hour access walk-up ATM and a community meeting room.”
“‘For over 50 years, the Credit union has grown member relationships in Jefferson County. I am proud to say that we have nearly 1,000 members and aggregate deposits and loans of over $15 million in this area,’ says Bill Anderson, President and CEO. ‘The new branch will increase service quality for our current members and provide convenient access to credit union services for the entire community’.”
And Now: In 2019
Today, our Madras branch is one of seven Mid Oregon locations, and serves more than 4,600 members, including almost 200 businesses. Our aggregate loans and deposits total over $47 million. We now have six employees working in the branch.
We want to express our appreciation to the community as our Mid Oregon Madras branch celebrates this key milestone. Thank you to our members, our business & employer partners and, special thanks to our very involved Madras team. Happy 10th Birthday, Madras Branch!
Music In The Pines 2019
Mid Oregon Credit Union is proud to be the Title Sponsor for this year’s Music in the Pines 2019 Summer Concert Series! This year, seven concerts at Frontier Heritage Park in La Pine will happen every other Thursday evening starting at 5 pm.
Follow Up on Last Year’s Success
Presented by the La Pine Park and Recreation District, along with support from La Pine Park and Recreation Foundation, La Pine Lions and others, last year’s inaugural series drew an average of 500 attendees each week. With the 2019 lineup, there is reason to believe more will enjoy the great music and other amenities each free concert.
Beverage and food vendors are onsite to make round out the evening. Bring your blankets or chairs and make this complete evening! Bring the whole family, and enjoy hanging out with your friends.
A Community Event
Last year Music in the Pines was a rousing success. We appreciate how the La Pine community stepped up to make a new musical opportunity one of the most successful where have even been involved. We appreciate the 2019 presenting sponsors the La Pine Community Health Center and the City of La Pine, joining us.
We hope to see you at Music in the Pines 2019!
This year’s musical offerings are packed with a great variety of local and regional artists:
2019 Lineup
| Date | Artist | Event Page |
| 6/13 | Kelly Thibodeaux and Etouffee | https://www.facebook.com/events/407008390028872/ |
| 6/27 | The Parnells | https://www.facebook.com/events/593276494502322/ |
| 7/11 | Scott Brockett | https://www.facebook.com/events/332880977413371/ |
| 7/25 | Dodgy Mountain Men | https://www.facebook.com/events/995692220637909/ |
| 8/8 | Juju Eyeball | https://www.facebook.com/events/640101456418100/ |
| 8/22 | High Street Band | https://www.facebook.com/events/310025869888905/ |
| 9/5 | Mango Stew | https://www.facebook.com/events/1801136803364899/ |
5 Tips for Getting the Best Deal on a New Car
So you’ve found the perfect car. You’ve shopped around, and this car has your name on it. Well, not quite yet. Not if you want the best deal anyway.
Here are five simple things that can help you afford the car of your dreams:
Get Preapproved
1. Go to your credit union and get preapproved for an auto loan. Because credit unions are not-for-profit, and owned by their members, you can get better borrowing rates. Plus, knowing exactly how much you can spend, your interest rate, and what your monthly payment will be really gives you confidence when sitting across the desk from the salesperson. Contact Mid Oregon first, at (541) 382-1795, email to info@midoregon.com or visit one of our seven convenient Central Oregon branches.
2. Shop on a week day, at the end of the month, and even better at the end of the year. Yes, if you can slip out of work on a weekday when there aren’t a lot of potential buyers in the place; the dealership will be eager to make a deal. At the end of the month, dealerships will be trying to hit their monthly sales goals, and you can take advantage of that situation. And, if you can hold off ‘til the end of the year, most dealerships are trying to unload inventory, that’s a great time to buy!
Know Your Price
3. Price check. You’re on-line anyway, so check out Edmunds, CUDL Autosmart or Kelley Blue Book. These sites have amazing stats that can help you figure out the dealer’s wholesale cost—that’s the price the dealership would pay the car manufacturer. Also, shop around to find out how other dealers are pricing your make and model.
4. Stick to the price of the car. Don’t get pulled in another direction with options for add-ons, trade-in value or a lower monthly payment. You can negotiate those things after you’ve confirmed the price of the car—that’s the number you should be negotiating. Everything else is a distraction.
Self Control
5. And if the price is still too high, don’t be afraid to walk away. Even if you believe this car is perfect, be prepared to let it go, and don’t look back. If you’ve followed these tips, you’ll know if it just wasn’t meant to be anyway. And when it is meant to be, Mid Oregon Credit Union will still be there to give you a loan you know you’ll be able to afford.