Bishop to leave woolen mill role

The executive vice president of manufacturing at Pendleton Woolen Mills is preparing to leave the company.

Charlie Bishop has confirmed Friday, March 31, will be his last day of working at Pendleton.

“I have worked here for 35 years and about a dozen summers before that,” he said Tuesday, by phone. “I am leaving to explore more opportunities.

“I am looking forward to a change,” Bishop added.

He said he is not of retirement age.

Emily Jackson, human resources manager at Pendleton, said the company is recruiting for Bishop’s successor.

The mill, at Two Pendleton Way, Washougal, since 1912, has 200 employees. They manufacture wool textiles, for use in blankets, men’s and women’s clothing and upholstery. The family-owned company was founded in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1909.

In May 2012, Pendleton was selected as the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year.”

In August 2012, Bishop welcomed more than 125 people to a 100-year birthday party, in recognition of the company’s presence in Washougal. His brother, John, and father, Broughton “Brot,” as well as other family members, attended the ceremony.

Pendleton’s history includes the making of blankets for the American military during World War I and II.

During the centennial ceremony, Washougal Mayor Sean Guard credited the company for donating land for Steamboat Landing Park and an easement to connect Steamboat Landing to Capt. William Clark Park. An easement for the pedestrian tunnel was also granted.

Guard said Tuesday, Bishop has always been a supporter of the city and the entire community.

“As mayor, I have always considered Charlie to have wise counsel — not just to me — but to many mayors through the years,” he said. “I don’t know that there has ever been an instance when we have asked Charlie for a favor — including sitting in on numerous committees and interviews — and he has not granted the favor.

“He is a very generous person, and will be sorely missed in our community,” Guard added.