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SpanishBusiness Adaptation Training May 14
May 13, 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economic hardship across the nation, though this isn’t the first economic crisis the Gorge has had to deal with in recent years. In the last five years, the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington has experienced multiple disasters, leading to a variety of economic shocks for local communities as a result of wildfires, snow and ice storms, as well as major accidents such as a train derailment. The local group tasked with leading COVID-related economic recovery and response is now drawing upon its experience and lessons learned in a previous economic crisis to help lead the region out of the current one. The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is co-convening the local Economic Resiliency Team, along with regional staff from the office of Governor Kate Brown. The governor’s Regional Solutions Team helped stand-up the bi-state recovery team, drawing members from local, state and federal agencies to address workforce and economic development issues related to COVID-19. The group was first tasked with leading local economic response and that work is transitioning to economic recovery as businesses plan their reopening. To do this, the team has representation from commerce, healthcare, economic development, tourism, chambers of commerce, port districts and workforce and employment agencies. Staff from federal legislators also support the work. Many of those same groups and people also helped address economic fallout from the prior disasters MCEDD convenes regular meetings to help the region respond to the sudden economic challenges posed by the pandemic. The team helps to secure resources across multiple jurisdictions, identify sector-specific challenges and coordinate on how best to provide assistance to businesses and employees. The team’s efforts have already helped preserve jobs in several counties by connecting employers with emergency assistance programs, despite widespread business closures prompted by stay-at-home directives from the governors of Oregon and Washington. “This unprecedented moment—and all of the social and economic challenges that come with it—demands unity and teamwork,” said Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley. “Partnerships like those within the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District have been critical to protecting our families and our neighbors, and keeping businesses afloat. I will continue to do everything I can on the federal level to support MCEDD, and will be fighting for every resource available to keep the Gorge safe and well.” While the reopening guidance is provided by the state, local implementation plays a big part in being able to reopen, and the team is focused on ensuring that the region reopens safely and successfully. The recovery team is hosting a free and virtual Business Adaptation Training from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. The online sessions will explain the Oregon reopening framework and provide sector expertise for restaurants, retail stores, child care providers, personal services businesses, outdoor recreation outfits and providers of non-critical medical care. Find a registration link at https://www.mcedd.org/covid-19-resources/, the resource clearinghouse site MCEDD has organized with a large amount of information, including local, state and federal relief programs for businesses and employees. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) was established in 1969 by Klickitat, Skamania, Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties to benefit from better access to economic development loans and grants, pooled technical assistance, marketing, and administrative resources, and a regional approach to economic development efforts. Over the years MCEDD’s membership has grown to include counties, cities, ports and chambers of commerce within the five county region. It is governed by a twenty-one member Board representing its members and the key economic interests in the region. MCEDD promotes the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry. ? [Continue Reading]
Maupin Market Supports Local Economy
April 30, 2020 – Maupin Market is open daily from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm during the winter and 7:30 am – 8:00 pm during the summer. Maupin Market is conveniently located on Deschutes Avenue in the heart of downtown Maupin, Oregon. Whether you are visiting the area for outdoor recreation like whitewater rafting, hiking or steelhead fishing or are a local resident in need some household staples, Maupin Market has everything you need. Sara Morelli purchased the Maupin Market at the end of 2019 with financing help from MCEDD’s Loan Program and with an award from Business Oregon’s Small Business Sustainability Fund. The project was made possible through an important partnership with Business Oregon and the work of Regional Development Officer Michael Held. The store serves travelers, seasonal tourists, and local and regional residents. The market is a reliable local source for fresh produce, dairy, bread, meat, and household items. They offer seasonal produce when available, such as Columbia Gorge berries and peaches, pumpkins, local potatoes and tomatoes and they have a well curated local and regional beer and wine selection. The market also features a full service deli with hot and cold meal specials, grab-and-go options and a large selection of specialty items including meats, cheeses and dips. Additionally, customers can enjoy hand –crafted espresso beverages at the coffee bar and relax in the café with a great view of downtown Maupin. “Maupin Market serves a core function for Maupin’s residents and surrounding communities. We are here to help support the vibrant tourist industry, but also to provide our residents with a local option for groceries, catering and household needs,” said Sara Morelli. Sara and her husband Tim have been long time farmers in the area, and Tim serves as the community youth counselor and is a pastor. Sara and her twin sister Emily have worked at the Maupin Market for over 3 years, and Sara has served in the role of manager, overseeing employees and all daily record keeping. During her time as an employee of the market, Sara mastered a variety of positions, giving her insight into ways to improve the customer experience and build efficiencies as the owner. The MCEDD Loan Program is available to entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and existing businesses doing business in the five county (Sherman, Hood River, Wasco, Klickitat and Skamania) Mid-Columbia Area. This loan program is part of MCEDD’s efforts to strengthen and support the region’s economy. For more information on MCEDD’s Loan Program, visit www.mcedd.org. [Continue Reading]Job Opening: Finance and Operations Manager (Apply by May 11)
April 27, 2020 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District is seeking a Finance and Operations Manager. This individual will manage MCEDD’s finance and accounting activities and administer the benefit and employee compensation program. The successful candidate will possess: Broad knowledge of government and non-profit accounting procedures, budget, and audit preparation, benefits administration experience, excellent business writing and oral communication skills and an ability to communicate and interact effectively with multiple constituencies, high proficiency in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, ability to work both independently and in a team environment; consistent reliability; and positive “can do” attitude, especially to provide superb customer service. Additional desired requirements include strong fund-based accounting experience and governmental accounting experience, plus working knowledge of rules and regulations governing local government, state and federal economic development programs. Full details here. [Continue Reading]RFP For Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installers
April 13, 2020 – Forth is a nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate the growth and use of electric and smart transportation. Forth brings companies and communities together to test smart transportation technologies and business models. Their demonstration programs explore the benefits, practicality, and viability of introducing these technologies to stakeholders, with an emphasis on increasing access to underserved communities. Forth is requesting proposals from qualified electrical contractors to design and install five (5) Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at five (5) distinct locations in Hood River, Oregon. CRuSE_RFP_EVSEInstaller [Continue Reading]Job Opening: MCEDD Deputy Director (Apply by May 4)
April 13, 2020 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District is hiring for the Deputy Director position. This position acts as a thought partner to the Executive Director to pace and drive organizational development and meet core strategic purposes, and manages MCEDD’s transportation division to further opportunities for regional and local public transportation and planning. The Deputy Director also takes the lead on other key projects to ensure the economic success of the region. The Deputy Director also takes the lead on other key projects to ensure the economic success of the region. The successful candidate will have up to four years of project management experience, and experience in public transportation is welcome but not required. Full details here. [Continue Reading]Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy update for 2020 Completed
March 31, 2020 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) announces the completion of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy update for 2020. The report, updated annually, provides a framework to support economic vitality for the Mid-Columbia region, which includes Klickitat and Skamania counties in Washington and Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties in Oregon. The strategy includes analysis of regional economic data, establishes regional goals and strategies, develops an implementation plan, and identifies investment priorities and funding sources. The annual comprehensive economic development strategy update process draws on the cooperation between the MCEDD Strategy Committee, community partners, and MCEDD staff to develop a cohesive regional document that supports the regional economy. It provides a mechanism for coordinating the economic development efforts of individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry. Ultimately, the strategy process helps create jobs, fosters a more stable and diversified regional economy, and improves living conditions. The CEDS process is required for every region to qualify for federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance under the EDA’s public works, economic adjustment, and most planning programs. It is also a prerequisite for EDA designation as an economic development district. Among the major updates for the 2020 CEDS was the development of an updated regional project priority list. View the project list here. [Continue Reading]
Willow + Bark Boutique – Clothing and Accessories for Everyday Living
March 30, 2020 – Traci Griffiths opened Willow + Bark Boutique with the goal of providing excellent customer service to everyone who comes through the door. Located in the historic Legion Building on 2nd street downtown The Dalles, the boutique offers a variety of clothing styles and sizes for women from all of walks of life. Griffiths hopes the boutique will appeal to customers shopping for everyday looks as well as those who are shopping for special events. Willow + Bark Boutique sells jewelry, accessories, shoes and gifts in addition to women’s clothing. “I want my customers to leave feeling confident and pretty,” says Griffiths. She sees her customer as a woman who is brand conscious and wants quality clothing that is seasonally appropriate without having to travel to Portland. “My mission is to provide excellent customer service and a beautiful place for women to shop for high quality clothing and accessories for everyday living,” she added. Griffiths grew up in the retail industry. Her parents owned and operated a large department store in downtown The Dalles where she started working after school. She learned all aspects of the retail store from the sales floor to buying and business operations. Eventually, she opened her own store in Gresham where she sold gifts and home accessories as well as jewelry and cards. Willow + Bark, located at 203 E 2nd St, The Dalles. With financing help from Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Griffiths was able to purchase additional signage, inventory and fixtures for the boutique and expand its footprint. Willow + Bark Boutique operates an online shop at willowandbarkboutique.com and can also be found on Instagram with the handle willowandbarkb. Currently, Griffiths is offering free shipping and local delivery. The MCEDD Loan Program is available to entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and existing businesses doing business in the five county (Sherman, Hood River, Wasco, Klickitat and Skamania) Mid-Columbia Area. This loan program is part of MCEDD’s efforts to strengthen and support the region’s economy. For more information on MCEDD’s Loan Program, visit www.mcedd.org. [Continue Reading]
Temporary Changes to Office Access
March 18, 2020 – To protect the public and our staff by slowing the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), our office and lobby are closed to in-person services at this time. Please contact us at 541-296-2266 for remote options. Information about temporary changes impacting the LINK Public Transit is available here. [Continue Reading]
Message from MCEDD on COVID-19
March 13, 2020 – Over the coming weeks as the COVID-19 pandemic moves through our communities and deeply affects our economy, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District will be working with other regional economic development and workforce entities to mobilize a bi-state team and resources to assess and respond. MCEDD has been building economic resiliency tools over the last few years, with specific resources for businesses and individuals on our website here. During the Eagle Creek Fire recovery, our business loan program provided important relief for our region and we will be considering how we can make these resources more available. As the operator of The Link Public Transit in Wasco County, we have increased the cleaning of our buses throughout the day and are working with our team to keep our riders and drivers safe. We are also encouraging telework where possible for our employees and limiting in-person meetings. We are deeply dedicated to ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being while serving our community without interruption. We are closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), along with guidance from state and local government health and emergency management authorities in our bi-state region. Resources that we find helpful are available below and will be updated as new resources are identified or become available. Washington state recommendations for workplaces and employers can be found here and resource lists for businesses and workers are located here. Oregon employer information and resources can be found here. The CDC’s complete list of preventative actions for homes, businesses and communities is available here. The World Health Organization’s direction for preparing your workplace for COVID-19 is available here. [Continue Reading]
