BUSINESS A8 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021 Heppner banker enshrined at recent symposium By ERICK PETERSON Hermiston Herald Jeff Bailey, of Heppner, is now a hall of famer, having been recently inducted to the Oregon Bank- ers Association Hall of Fame at December’s Oregon Bank Leader- ship Symposium. The symposium was Dec. 6-7. For Bailey, this is a great honor, he said. In a phone interview with EO Media Group on Friday, Dec. 17, Bailey, the president and CEO of the Bank of Eastern Oregon in Heppner, said his induction puts his name on a list of other excel- lent bankers. Three other bankers in his bank’s history have achieved this recognition, he said, and he reported feeling good about the association. That said, he added the honor is also humbling. Fellow honorees include people who have devoted themselves to their communities and have done well by their cus- tomers, he said. He stated that he also strives for the same excellence achieved by those other bankers. A press release, dated Thurs- day, Dec. 16, includes quotes from people who attest to Bailey’s merit; he deserves this honor, they state. According to the press release, these comments were read aloud by OBA President and CEO Linda Navarro at Bailey’s induction. Comments about Bailey included a quote from Gabrielle Homer, a member of the bank’s board of directors, who said, “I have always appreciated Jeff ’s open door — both as a customer of many years and when joining the board last year. He has always been responsive and helpful. He is a friendly, patient voice of reason. He is incredibly knowledgeable and he is dedicated and loyal.” Other comments, from other peers, credited Bailey’s “strong moral compass. Another banker referred to him as a “great leader” who “truly cares about employees and customers.” And a third banker praised Bailey for having “a holis- tic view of situations and is com- mitted to making the greater good succeed.” Oregon Bankers Association/ Contributed Photo Jeff Bailey holds his award for being inducted into the Oregon Bankers Hall of Fame, Dec. 6, 2021. Bailey history Looking back, Bailey said his history in banking goes back to his early childhood. Born in Enter- prise, he had family members who were bankers. Also, he started his fi rst bank account when he was very young. That account, he said, was a savings account, which was built on money earned from sell- ing night crawlers and mowing lawns. He was a good saver, even his youth, he said. “It was instilled in us at an early age that you have to save for a rainy day to provide for yourself and your family,” he said. He added that he carried that ethic into his adulthood. Bailey earned a degree in agri- culture business from Eastern Oregon University and began his career as a grain buyer in Portland, according to the press release that announced his hall of fame induction. Also, it stated that he was a commercial loan offi cer in Gilliam County with the Bank of Eastern Oregon, which was “the beginning of what has been 25 years of service to the bank.” At the Bank of Eastern Oregon, from 2003 to 2009, he served as chief credit offi cer, then president and CEO. His service is not just inside the bank, though, as Bailey has worked as a past chair of the OBA and has “recently started a two- year term as the chair of the Com- munity Banks of Oregon, a sis- ter entity of the OBA that serves as a unique voice dedicated to banks headquartered in Oregon,” according to the press release. It also states he is active in the Willow Creek Valley Economic Development Group, the Hep- pner Chamber of Commerce and “many other civic and nonprofi t groups.” The Hall of Fame The OBA promotes the Ore- gon Bankers Hall of Fame as “the highest honor bestowed peer-to- peer within the Oregon banking industry.” It was founded in 1987 and includes 81 individuals. “It recognizes the outstanding contributions inductees have made to the Oregon banking industry, to the OBA and to the communi- ties in which they live and work,” according to the press release. $40M approved for forgivable disaster loans for Oregon farmers Oregon Farm Bureau vice president thinks a profi table 2021 is still ‘out of reach’ for farmers By MATEUSZ PERKOWSKI EO Media Group Oregon farmers who’ve suff ered from drought and other disasters will gain access to $40 million in forgivable loans under a legislative pack- age approved Dec. 13. The money will serve as a “bridge” to keep farmers afl oat while they wait for USDA assistance, but the loans will be forgiven if growers don’t qualify for federal disaster relief. “We’re telling farmers and ag workers across the state that we acknowledge how hard it’s been to survive this year,” said Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, before the House fl oor vote. Throughout 2021, farmers have been plagued by winter storms, drought, heat waves, insect infestations, wildfi res and fl ood damage, all during a global pandemic. “It’s been the hardest year for natural disasters in many Oregon producers’ memories,” said Mary Anne Cooper, Ore- gon Farm Bureau’s vice presi- dent of public policy, during a legislative hearing on the bill. The forgivable loans are intended to allow farmers to stay in business, but won’t actually result in a profi table year, she said. “I just think that’s out of reach for the 2021 year.” The Oregon Farm Bureau estimates about $75 million was made available to disas- ter-affl icted growers in the leg- islative package, which was passed during a Dec. 13 spe- cial session. The idea for forgivable loans sprang from concerns that niche Oregon farmers face “gaps” in USDA disaster programs, which are primarily designed for major commod- ity crops. For example, damage from the ice storm and heat wave this year may not directly kill hazelnut trees or nursery stock. However, yields and market- ability are adversely aff ected. “Assistance is needed to help producers with losses not covered by federal pro- grams,” said Megan Kemple, director of policy advocacy for the Oregon Climate and Agri- culture Network nonprofi t. Farmers with adjusted gross incomes of less than $500,000 will qualify for loans of up to $125,000 under the bill. The loan money cannot increase their total income beyond 90% of the three-year average of what they earned in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Due to volatility associated with the coronavirus outbreak, 2020 was excluded from the calculation. Rep. Jami Cate, R-Leba- non, objected to the limits of $500,000 on adjusted gross income and $125,000 in loan amounts, arguing that larger farms are still family-owned “mom and pop businesses,” she said. When their expenses are in the millions of dollars, farm- ers must also have revenues in the millions, Cate said before the House fl oor vote. “Having bigger farms or higher-value crops just means you’re play- ing with higher stakes.” The rules will be diff er- ent for “historically disad- vantaged” farmers identifi ed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, which will over- see the program. Historically disadvantaged farmers will qualify for loans of up to $150,000 if they had an adjusted gross income less than $350,000 in 2021. The loans can’t raise their total income beyond 95% of their three-year average revenue. They also allocated $6 million to several drought-af- fl icted irrigation districts, $5 million for grasshopper and cricket suppression and $8 million for Klamath Basin drought assistance, among other programs. The loans will be disbursed by banks that are under con- tract with the ODA, which will rely on their experience lend- ing to the farm industry. “This is a new program unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Jonathan Sandau, special assistant to ODA’s director. “This will not be live next week, and it will take time to get right.” Farmers who ultimately receive fi nancial help from USDA must repay enough of the loans to bring them below 90-95% of their aver- age annual income. “Recipients will not be made whole or profi table under this program,” Sandau said during a hearing. The overall $400 million legislative package focused on housing rental assistance, drought relief measures and Afghan refugee resettlement, among other issues. The forgivable disaster loan program was the largest component of the $100 million allocated for drought relief. Lawmakers dedicated more than $11.6 million to Oregon Watershed Enhance- ment Board grants aimed at drought resilience and irriga- tion modernization. 26 th Annual Christmas Spirit Award Presentations Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is pleased to announce the following as the 2021 Christmas Spirit Award Recipients: Tom & Abbie Ditton Tom and Abbie have a long, and mostly quiet, history of helping people in need while also being very active within our community. They serve in a variety of capacities at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Tom, a local attorney for 39 years before retiring in 2013, served on the school board for many years and continues to be an active member of the Kiwanis Club.  Abbie is the current president of our local P.E.O. Chapter CV that provides support, scholarships, loans, and grants to women pursuing educational goals.      They have mentored and supported local high school and college students with encouragement, support, and personal financial assistance.  They are quick to contribute their time and energy without recognition or praise.  Tom is known to occasionally pick up hitchhikers and help them when they are in distress.  Frequently, he takes people to medical appointments in Hermiston and Tri-Cities.  After retirement from his law practice, he volunteered to play his long-forgotten trumpet in a horse mounted band for the Round-up parade. Abbie too has been no less influential in supporting local causes.   Tom and Abbie raised two generous children that have contributed to their communities in their own ways as well.  The Ditton home is always ready to welcome family and friends.  The extent of their generosity is known and appreciated by those who have received their gracious support within the community. It is for these reasons that Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, which strives to make our community a better place to live, has selected Tom & Abbie Ditton as 2021 Christmas Spirit Award recipients. NEW 2021 RAV4, RAV4 HYBRID, HIGHLANDER & HIGHLANDER HYBRID % 1.9 72 APR FINANCING WITH $ 14.71 PER $ 1,000 BORROWED MO. Scott & Melissa Purswell Scott and Melissa are long-time believers in helping other people. They often turn individual contacts with others into personal friendships and relationships. Scott and Melissa’s efforts include providing meals to those in need and those that are celebrating milestones, giving recognition for hard work, and developing special bonds in diverse settings. They spend endless hours serving others in distress with a can-do attitude and mentality. Their advocacy on behalf of others has changed lives. Their warmth and friendliness are a blessing to all. These characteristics have been shared with their two boys that live life full of heart. HIGHLANDER HYBRID HIGHLANDER Scott has spent much time and effort with our local LaCrosse league and Melissa has led the way in creating and implementing kindness campaigns that will impact our community for good for many years to come. They infuse our community with professionalism and can-do attitudes. Our area ball fields, gyms, special projects, and service organization events are replete with the name of Purswell Pump listed as “sponsors” or “supporters.” The family, including their business, is dedicated to the success of Hermiston and its residents. Hermiston is Scott and Melissa’s village. They feel strongly about youth, families, and are instrumental in building strong relationships to foster individual care for all. They are highly sought after for their expertise in a variety of capacities and their willingness to support is infectious. They are true role models and examples to those around them. It is for these reasons that Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, which strives to make our community a better place to live, has selected Scott & Melissa Purswell as 2021 Christmas Spirit Award recipients. RAV4 HYBRID RAV4 TOYOTA.COM See Your Local Toyota Dealer * Prototypes shown with options. Extra-cost colors shown. Offers end 1/3/2022. APR on approved credit from Toyota Financial Services. 1.9% APR financing for 60 months with $14.71 per $1,000 borrowed. Annual Percentage Rate available to buyers with approved Tier 1+ through Tier 1 (excellent) credit. All offers subject to approved credit, see dealer for more information. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer available in AK, ID, MT, OR, WA regardless of buyer's residency; void where prohibited. Does not include College Grad or Military Rebate. Does not include taxes, license, title/registration fees, dealer fees and Oregon tax (.05%). ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichev- er comes first. Certain models require a different maintenance schedule as described in their Maintenance Guide. 24-hour Roadside Assistance is also included for two years, unlimited mileage. Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids, except emergency fuel delivery. See Toyota dealer for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. The Foundation mission is to enhance the quality of life and general health of residents living in West Umatilla and Morrow County communities by raising funds and giving to community projects. Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation reviews funding requests and makes awards for worthwhile projects twice a year. The next deadline for submitting grant applications to the Foundation is January 31, 2022. Groups or individuals interested in making a donation or being considered for funding are encouraged to call the Foundation office at 541-667-3419. Best wishes for a happy holiday season!