Oregon’s Evolution: From Timber to Tech
Here in Oregon, we have a long, time-honored history of adapting to change. Tucked into our verdant West Coast landscape, nestled between the peaks of Mt. Hood and the echoing grandeur of Crater Lake, our economy has proven to be as tenacious and resilient as Douglas fir trees.
As Oregonians, we’ve watched our local landscape transition – not unlike how the colors of our beloved deciduous trees shift with the seasons. Our communities thrived on timber for many a decade, but today the narrative is evolving. The sound of rustling leaves has been accompanied by the humming servers of tech startups, the clattering keyboards, and our state is transforming in exciting new ways as it pivots from being timber-centric to a budding tech hub.
Timber History and the Rise of Tech
The mighty logging industry has deep roots in the Beaver State, harking back to days when fortunes were made on the back of the lumber boom. There’s a long-standing joke that Oregonians have sap running through their veins instead of blood. Much of our infrastructure grew around the timber industry, with cities like Bend and Albany becoming key players in the lumber market.
But, as Bauccio Commons on the University of Portland campus serves locally-sourced organic food, other “organic” changes are also starting to take root in Oregon. Census data shows our state’s tech sector is growing at an eye-popping rate, with Portland, aka “Silicon Forest,” leading the way. We’re talking about tech names like Puppet, Ruby Receptionists, and Vacasa.
The Lumberjacks Meet The Keyboard Jacks
Oregon’s tech sector now employs more than the wood products industry, thanks to homegrown companies and an influx of tech giants seeking to take advantage of our abundant natural beauty and reasonable real estate prices. Intel’s Ronler Acres campus in Hillsboro, for example, is becoming a beacon of Oregon’s economic metamorphosis.
The transition reveals fascinating parallels—the steadfast hardiness of an old-growth forest being mirrored in the determination and innovation of Oregon’s enterprising tech scene. It’s truly been a change as dramatic as a Deschutes River flood in spring (If you know, you know!).
Embracing The Change
Now, this isn’t to say we’re forgetting our roots. Far from it! There’s not a chance we’ll forget the fragrant scent of wet pine needles on the forest floor or the camaraderie at local lumberjack competitions like the Vernonia Friendship Jamboree. It’s just that our economic profile is diversifying a bit. It’s akin to adding another craft beer to our prevalent Oregon microbrewery scene—there’s always room for one more!
In the midst of change, the iconic Oregon way remains constant. Ever been to Powell’s Books or caught a flick at the Bagdad Theater? Then you’ll know how fiercely we hold onto our local essence while embracing the new. The same is true for our economy. Tech industry or timber trade, it’s our Oregon spirit that drives us forward.
The Last Word
Like an Oregon sunrise revealing the picturesque silhouette of Mt. Hood, the future is emerging bright and clear for the Beaver State. As we move from timber to tech, we’ve shown that we can evolve without losing sight of the values that define us.
In this ever-changing world, one thing remains certain—Oregon’s adaptability. So, whether you’re a seasoned Oregon local or a newly relocated tech professional, rest assured that our beautiful state is a place where old traditions and new opportunities co-exist harmoniously.
Feel that? That’s the wind of change sneaking through our towering Douglas firs, brushing past Intel’s bustling Hillsboro site, and whipping into a new era. It’s an exciting time to be in Oregon—be it holding an ax or a keyboard. Let’s keep enjoying the journey, enjoying the transformation, and above all, enjoying being Oregonians. After all, as we locals say, “We aren’t just living, we’re Oregon living!” Just make sure to pack your raincoat!