Based out of Bend and exporting to the world, EarthCruiser was originally designed to meet our specific needs for an overland expedition vehicle that could go anywhere and was comfortable enough for two people to live for extended periods of time. After extensive research and development EarthCruiser design was born.

Ron Nelson joined the Deschutes River Conservancy in 2019 as Executive Director. Ron was a founding DRC board member, as well as a founding member of the Oregon Water Trust, now The Freshwater Trust. A longtime progressive leader and innovator in the water conservation and irrigation sector, Ron returned to Central Oregon from California where he managed an irrigation district system that included hydroelectric projects, parks, as well as domestic water distribution systems. He also served on the Oregon Water Resources Commission helping guide statewide water policy and management.

Ron brings nearly 40 years of experience in water management, leadership, public relations, development of water law and policy to the DRC, as well as a passion for the outdoors.

The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact is a $1 billion initiative to fast-track scientific discoveries into innovations that improve the quality of life for people in Oregon, the nation, and the world. The campus creates the intellectual infrastructure to establish Oregon as a center for both research and development, making Oregon a place where companies can start-up, grow, and stay. Jim Hutchison oversees all research and academic matters at the Knight Campus and will give our club a closer look at this exciting new venture in Oregon.

Damon is a state economist with the Oregon Employment Department covering Central Oregon and the Klamath Basin. He calculates the monthly employment and unemployment estimates for the area’s counties; additionally Damon tracks various economic indicators critical to the region’s economy. He writes prolifically and regularly gives presentations on the state of the local economy.

Damon, a native Oregonian who has lived in Bend for the past six years, received his Master of Public Policy from Oregon State University (Corvallis) where he specialized in econometric analysis and natural resource economics. Before that he received his undergraduate from Gonzaga University.

When not in the office, Damon can most likely be found fly-fishing on the Deschutes, mountain biking, or competitive bicycle racing with the 10 Barrel Cycling Team.

Dr. Laurie Chesley is the sixth president in Central Oregon Community College’s 70-year history. Her tenure began in July of 2019.

Prior to joining COCC, Chesley was provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan. Her administrative and leadership experience spans 18 years and includes both two- and four-year colleges. Chesley served as interim dean of learning at Northwestern Michigan, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Ferris State (Michigan) University, dean of humanities at Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) Community College, and associate dean and dean of arts and sciences at Grand Rapids Community College.

You’re invited to offer up a toast of your own, as well.

Elected three times to the Bend-La Pine School Board, she has a proven record of pragmatic leadership and delivering results – with rising graduation rates, more technology in classrooms, performance based compensation for teachers, new schools to relieve overcrowding and more environmentally-friendly schools and buses.