Lorrie McKee
Community: Union County
Meet Lorrie McKee (she/her/hers):
Lorrie earned her undergraduate degree in the Spring of 2020, focusing in Conservation and Environmental Planning with an emphasis in planning from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. She is interested in connecting communities with each other and ultimately, with their environment. In the future, she hopes to help build strong communities and help them navigate their natural resources in a way that is respectful and useful. She hopes to build strong relationships with community members wherever her work takes her. In her free time, she loves to explore the outdoors and express her creativity through art. She is excited to learn all that Oregon has to offer.
Community and Organization:
Union County is home to approximately 26,000 residents and is home of the City of La Grande. Starting as a mining destination, this region now houses farming, light manufacturing, and small businesses. Small businesses are in the forefront of the economic base as 70% of businesses in Union County have five for fewer employees. Bordering the Blue Mountains and home to Mount Emily, the county has an abundance of outdoor opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, foraging, Nordic skiing, and so much more.
Project:
While serving with Union County, Lorrie focused her efforts on small business and entrepreneurial development and retention. She was the Ignite Center Assistant working at the Ignite Center housed in La Grande. This space offers classes, consultations, and coworking for any businesses that are looking for resources to better their business. She assisted in developing resources for sustainability for businesses and entrepreneurs all throughout Union County. Through these projects, Lorrie worked to strengthen rural businesses in Union County to build resilience and retention.