Jefferson County’s local economy runs deeper than most people realize — and an event later this month invites residents to see it firsthand. The 2026 Made in Jefferson County Tour, hosted by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), takes place on Thursday, June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at three of the county’s most interesting businesses.
What to Expect
This year’s tour features stops at:
- Central Oregon Seed, Inc. — a major agricultural business operating at the heart of Jefferson County’s farming economy
- Keith Manufacturing — a longtime industrial manufacturer with deep roots in the county
- Poland Organic Dairy — a family-run organic dairy operation representing the region’s agricultural diversity
The tour gives community members, students, job seekers, and business leaders a rare opportunity to walk the floors of local operations they may drive past every day without knowing what happens inside.
Why It Matters
EDCO’s annual Jefferson County tour is part of a broader statewide effort to highlight the economic strength of rural Oregon communities. Jefferson County’s economy includes agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, tribal enterprises, and a growing healthcare and education sector — and EDCO says events like this one help residents understand and take pride in what’s being built here.
Earlier this year, COCC’s economic impact study found that Central Oregon Community College supports 1 in 41 local jobs and generates $349 million in annual economic activity — just one example of how interconnected the county’s institutions and businesses are.
How to Register
Tickets are available online through Eventbrite. Search “2026 Made in Jefferson County Tour” at eventbrite.com or use the direct link listed at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce website, madraschamber.com.
Space is limited. The tour begins at Madras Sanitary Services at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact EDCO at edcoinfo.com.