Timber to Tech: Witnessing the Economic Evolution of Oregon
Growing up in Oregon, built on strong timber roots, you might remember the smell of freshly cut Douglas firs filling the air. They were the heartbeat of our state’s economy, from the high desert of Bend to the misty shores of Coos Bay. Thousands of Oregonians once made their living donning plaid flannel and hard hats, heading into our lush forests to haul back logs that would build the nation.
As we roll down the winery-dotted highways of Oregon today, say, Route 99W, the scenery tells a different tale – one of transformation from traditional timber to cutting-edge tech.
From Log Splitting to Coding: The Emergence of Silicon Forest
While Portland is dreamy with its craft breweries and Powell’s City of Books (the largest independent bookstore in the world), it’s also the proving grounds for a new breed of economic driver. Step away from the iconic St Johns Bridge, and wander into the emergent Silicon Forest in the Pearl District and you’ll see what’s buzzing.
What’s Silicon Forest, you ask? No, it’s not a sci-fi themed park during Oregon Country Fair. It’s the playful local term for Oregon’s tech scene, punning off California’s Silicon Valley. The thickets of tech companies and startups sprouting here give a whole new meaning to the phrase “Oregon trail.”
The Trailblazers of Oregon’s Tech Economy
Some trailblazing companies have taken root in our state, each with a deep connection to Oregon’s unique culture. Intel, Oregon’s largest private employer, has its principal site in Hillsboro, only a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Tillamook Cheese Factory. It’s fascinating to think that those circuit boards are being crafted in the same rich, earthy landscape that produces award-winning cheddar.
Meanwhile, in the heart of downtown Portland, you’ll find Tektronix, a leader in electronics manufacturing. From there, it’s but a short jaunt to the Rose City’s Laurelhurst Park to marvel at the autumn hues or catch an indie film at the historic Laurelhurst Theater.
Venturing further south, nestled in Eugene, home to the Ducks and our much-loved Voodoo Doughnuts, is Palo Alto Software. They’ve been helping folks start their own businesses since the days most Oregonians were still refuting the idea of bagged tea.
The Co-Existence: Timber and Tech
Despite the leap to semiconductor chips, Oregon’s timber industry has, like a stubborn Stumptown coffee stain, not totally faded. Check out Freres Lumber Co. in Lyons, continuing their lumber operations in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Or, Collins Pine Company in Lakeview, ensuring sustainable forestry for seven generations.
Oregon may have swapped the majority of its sawmills for servers, but many Oregonians, myself included, are charmed by the subtle continuity. We appreciate how Oregon’s economy has evolved without completely ditching its roots.
Tech Shifts, Oregon Resilience
Weathering the storms of our economy’s transition – much like our legendary Oregon rains – hasn’t always been smooth. But we Oregonians are a resilient breed. Whether navigating the mushrooming bike lanes of Ashland or surviving never-ending lines at Salt & Straw, we’ve embraced the shift with our unique blend of hardiness and humor.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s still a pang of nostalgia when you catch a glimpse of the skeleton of an old sawmill, now overrun by blackberries, on a drive along the Columbia River Gorge. But every time I zoom across the tech-infused cityscape of Portland on the MAX light rail, or admire the brilliance of an Oregon software firm, I feel a swell of pride.
The transformation from timber to tech within our lush landscapes and spirited cities is more than just economic evolution; it’s a testament to our shared spirit of innovation, adaptation, and eternal Oregonian passion for progress.
So, even as Powell’s City of Books houses the latest coding manuals instead of the timber trade chronicles it used to, let’s remember — it’s really about continuing to flourish, grow, and carve out our own path. Whether in the thicket of a fir-studded national park, or amidst the buzz of the Silicon Forest — that’s Oregon, ever-evolving, yet deeply rooted in its rich heritage.