Southern Oregon is not only a beautiful place to live, but also an amazing place for businesses to grow. The Rogue Valley’s thriving cities are full of big corporations, small startups, and everything in between. Below, let’s explore some successful companies from Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, and more — as well as what has made them so great.
1. Asante – Ashland, OR
Asante is a local, community-owned, nonprofit healthcare organization that specializes in updated technology and clinical expertise. It has a multitude of key programs, from heart and cancer treatment to neonatal intensive care. The Asante network includes three hospitals, three urgent care clinics, and dozens of medical group clinics and diagnostic locations — all providing comprehensive healthcare to 600,000 patients in Southern Oregon and Northern California,.
Asante is an award-winning healthcare company, being named one of Watson Health’s 15 Top Health Systems in the Nation for eight consecutive years. The only other health system with that status is The Mayo Clinic. In addition to that, all three Asante hospitals have been given five-star ratings by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Additionally, Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center’s cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer — an accreditation that only 25% of cancer centers nationwide receive. Expected to open in January 2022, the 80,000 square-foot Heimann Cancer Center will provide the most advanced healthcare center for cancer treatment in the region.
2. Dutch Bros Coffee – Grants Pass, OR
In 1992, Dutch Bros Coffee started as a small pushcart business, owned and operated by two brothers. Since then, it’s expanded as far out as Texas and Oklahoma to include around 420 locations across the southern and western regions of the United States. This year, the company has goals to raise $100 million in initial public offerings (IPO), which would be the largest IPO of any Oregon company.
Dutch Bros can credit a lot of its success to its extremely loyal fans and employees. The company has organized an almost coffee cult-like following, known as the “Dutch Mafia”. They’ve turned many of their baristas, known as “Bro-istas”, into wealthy franchisees, which has made a great impact on the success of their business.
The company also has a strong focus on philanthropic causes. In 2009, when one of the brothers was diagnosed with ALS, they created an annual “Drink One for Dane” day, where a portion of their proceeds are donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Since it’s started, they’ve been able to raise over $10.3 million, with $1.9 million of that coming this year in just one day. The company also hosts incredibly successful fundraisers for other causes, including food insecurity and local youth programs.
3. Harry & David – Medford, OR
Harry & David is a nationally recognized gourmet fruit and gift company with headquarters in our very own Medford, OR. The company dates back to the early 1930s, when founders Harry and David Rosenburg inherited beautiful orchards filled with delicious pears in the Rogue Valley. They then went on to create handcrafted gourmet gifts featuring their prized pears, including packaged fruit baskets and delicious desserts.
Today, Harry & David enjoys great business success, shipping their packaged gifts to homes, offices, hospitals, and other facilities nationwide — meaning a piece of Oregon can be enjoyed anywhere in the country.
4. Lithia Motors, Inc. – Medford, OR
Founded back in 1946, Lithia Motors, Inc. is a family owned and operated automotive retailer. Headquartered in Downtown Medford, the company has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. By adding 83 stores this year alone, they’ve now established more than 263 dealership locations across the country, and made their first international expansion into Canada earlier this year.
If you’re an expert in all things automotive, you’ve probably already heard about Lithia Motors’ great growth. And as a company that’s ranked top 5 of Oregon’s companies in size and revenue, and #203 on the Fortune 500 list, it’s sure to keep growing.
5. Pacific Retirement Services – Medford, OR
Pacific Retirement Services is another large company from Medford. With roots tying back to the 1950s, it was founded with a mission of providing outstanding care for seniors in Southern Oregon. Over the years, the company has grown to host over 3,000 employees that provide housing and services to more than 5,000 seniors in six different states — making it a nationally recognized leader in the senior service industry.
6. Pavati – White City, OR
Founded just over 10 years ago, Pavati has quickly made a name for itself in the boating industry. The company can credit its success to a team of talented engineers who have created a number of industry-first innovations.
With those innovations, Pavati has built elite wake surfing boats that have grown popular among boat and watersports enthusiasts all over the country. Pavati’s biggest claim to fame is manufacturing the first ever aluminum wake surf boat, which has proven to be unmatched in durability and performance.
7. Rogue Creamery – Central Point, OR
In 1933, Rogue Creamery opened as Southern Oregon’s first artisan creamery cooperative. Since then, the business has grown internationally and risen in fame to claim the award for World Champion Cheese at the 2019 World Cheese Awards in Italy. The company was most recently awarded the 2021 US Dairy Sustainability Award in Dairy Manufacturing and Processing.
Not only are their cheeses delicious, but they’re organic, sustainable, and award winning — making it one of Southern Oregon’s best. In 2014, Rogue Creamery earned the title as Oregon’s first Certified B Corporation, and in the years 2017-2021 it’s been named a “Best for the World” B Corporation, ranking in the top 5% of B Corporations worldwide for positive impact on people and the planet.
8. Rogue Credit Union – Medford, OR
Founded in 1956 in Medford, OR, the Rogue Credit Union has grown to host various branches in six Southern Oregon counties. It now also serves over 150,000 members.
Not only do we love their longstanding presence in our community, but also the ways they choose to give back to it. Throughout their years of service, Rogue Credit Union has partnered with nonprofits like Kids Unlimited, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, the YMCA, and more in order to enrich the lives of children in their neighborhoods.
9. Rogue Valley Microdevices – Medford, OR
Rogue Valley Microdevices has proved itself to be one of the most successful tech manufacturing companies in Medford. Since its beginnings in 2003, it has become an industry leader in MEMS foundry and wafer fabrication. The company is full of skilled engineers and scientists that complete intricate, technical projects to propel the business and drive growth.
Discover Southern Oregon’s Diverse Businesses
There are many successful companies established and growing in Medford, Ashland, and the rest of Southern Oregon. When you live in the Vineyards at Stage Pass, you’re located just miles away from them. Schedule a tour of our beautiful Rogue Valley homesites to start your journey towards a new way of life.
