By the time you read this, Round-Up will be behind us. The new memories and experiences will be with us for another year and longer. Along with the Umatilla County Fair, Farm-City Pro Rodeo and the many events, celebrations and heritage gatherings from this summer, it is a great time for reflection.

When we attend all of these great assemblies in Umatilla County we have an opportunity to view sponsor banners, programs, T-shirts and other marketing materials from businesses large and small that are the backbone of these community and regional events. Let’s not be hesitant to recognize and support them when and however we can.

From Lamb-Weston to Hill Meat Co., Rogers Toyota to Los Rocosos Winery, Wildhorse Resort & Casio to Hawman Farms and the hundreds of farmers, ranchers, businesses, industries and individuals that I didn’t mention — thank you.

This year, I would specifically want to highlight Amazon Web Services. AWS has played an active role in sponsoring the Pendleton Round-Up as it showcases the Western culture, heritage and community. AWS also plays an active role in sponsoring the Umatilla County Fair and Youth Livestock Sale ($1.5-plus million raised) and many other events throughout Umatilla County and the region. AWS became the newest corporate sponsor of the Farm-City Pro Rodeo. It is awe inspiring to see AWS give back in many meaningful ways to our community.

Umatilla County has worked collaboratively with our city partners to recruit businesses that provide great job opportunities. AWS continues to invest in Eastern Oregon residents by supporting education, training and thousands of jobs annually. You will often find AWS employees giving back to their communities through volunteer work and see the AWS logo while attending your favorite summer events.

As I look back at the 2024 Pendleton Round-Up and the legacy traditions such as the Westward Ho! Parade, Happy Canyon, Indian Village, many visitors and the rodeo itself, I am mindful of the fact that sponsorship support by AWS helps make it possible. It is just one of the many ways they are a good neighbor and have become an integral part of the Eastern Oregon community.

Dan Dorran

Umatilla County Commissioner

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