Business Leaders Contribute Over $200,000 to Heart of Oregon's Youth Workforce Campus

Corporate donors 'Make Their Mark' on Central Oregon's first youth workforce development campus

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of construction hard hats, a roll of blueprints, and a hammer arranged on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the investment in workforce development and the future of construction in the region.Local businesses invest in the next generation of Central Oregon's skilled workforce through support for a new youth training campus.Bend Today

Heart of Oregon Corps, in collaboration with the Central Oregon Builders Association, hosted a special 'Make Your Mark' campus breakfast event that raised over $200,000 from the local business community, including a $100,000 gift from BASX. The funds will support the construction of Central Oregon's first youth workforce development campus, which aims to provide training, mentorship, and career opportunities for young people ages 16-24.

Why it matters

The new Heart of Oregon campus represents a major investment in developing the region's future workforce, addressing critical labor shortages in fields like construction, childcare, and conservation. By partnering with local businesses, the nonprofit is ensuring young people gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in Central Oregon's economy.

The details

The 'Make Your Mark' campus breakfast featured celebrity pancake flippers from local organizations, as well as a sneak peek of the campus construction progress. Businesses that donated $25,000 or more were recognized as part of the 'Legacy 25' campaign club, with their logos displayed on an interactive donor wall. The event kicked off a series of sponsorship opportunities for corporate donors, including visibility at upcoming COBA events and the campus grand opening.

  • The 'Make Your Mark' campus breakfast took place on April 1, 2026.
  • The Legacy 25 campaign was launched in February 2025.
  • The new Heart of Oregon campus is slated to open on September 30, 2026.

The players

Heart of Oregon Corps

A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through employment, job training, education, and service to Central Oregon communities.

Central Oregon Builders Association

A professional association representing the construction industry in Central Oregon, which collaborated with Heart of Oregon Corps on the campus project.

BASX

A company that donated $100,000 to the Heart of Oregon campus project, with its parent company AAON represented by Stephanie Regan, the Corporate Citizenship Director.

Aperion Management Group

A member of the Legacy 25 campaign's $25K Club, with Katie Anderson, the Founder & CEO, speaking at the event.

Laura Handy

The Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps.

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What they’re saying

“We are so pleased to be here today to support this high-impact project. Our greatest need is a strong, skilled workforce and Heart of Oregon Corps is one of the region's most powerful partners for ensuring our business is a success.”

— Stephanie Regan, Corporate Citizenship Director, BASX and AAON

“At Aperion Management Group, we believe investments in long-term economic solutions benefit us all. And Heart of Oregon is building just such a resource: a central campus where young people can gain real job experience and credentials that strengthen our region's workforce. We're proud to help bring this campaign across the finish line and encourage other business leaders to step up alongside us.”

— Katie Anderson, Founder & CEO, Aperion Management Group

“Heart of Oregon youth are a powerful force in workplaces across Central Oregon. They receive training in the soft and technical skills needed to thrive in the workplace and set a standard for others. When corporate partners invest in this campus, they are investing in a stronger, more resilient, and well-trained workforce for generations to come.”

— Laura Handy, Executive Director, Heart of Oregon Corps

What’s next

Businesses interested in joining the Legacy 25 campaign and receiving sponsorship benefits must pledge by April 9 to be included in the COBA Home and Garden Show in May.

The takeaway

The Heart of Oregon campus represents a unique public-private partnership that is investing in the next generation of Central Oregon's workforce, providing young people with the skills, training, and support they need to thrive in in-demand careers and strengthen the regional economy.