MCEDD Recent News Items

COVID-19 Business Grants Still Available

August 7, 2020 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) was granted $250,000 from Business Oregon to distribute COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Grants in Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties.  Grants will be disbursed on a first come, first-served basis with $100,000 each earmarked for Hood River and Wasco Counties and $50,000 for Sherman County. Small businesses and non-profits with 25 or fewer employees that have been adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received federal emergency assistance under the federal CARES Act, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance Program or other federal emergency pandemic assistance funding may be eligible to apply.  Additionally, 50% of all funds must be given to sole proprietors. “The purpose of these funds is to fill the gaps not reached by other programs,” said Jessica Metta, MCEDD Executive Director. For eligibility requirements and application visit: mcedd.org/bizgrants/   [Continue Reading]

Washington State Launches Access and Speed Test Survey

July 30, 2020 – A recent news release from the Washington State Department of Commerce reports the Washington State Broadband Office and state Public Works Board have launched a mapping initiative to identify gaps in high-speed internet service and areas of broadband infrastructure needs in order to advance the state’s goal to have universal broadband access in Washington by 2024. The first step is for Washington residents to perform a one-minute access and speed survey found at broadband.wa.gov. Using the easy-to-follow instructions and a simple link, anyone can complete the speed test at home using any computer or mobile device. Those with no internet access at their homes are encouraged to visit a local library or drive-in hotspot in their community, or use their mobile device to take the survey and check the “no available service” button to record their physical address. This simple access and speed survey will result in statistically valid data and mapping for decision makers to plot a course for Washington’s ambitious broadband expansion plans. Washington businesses and institutions such as schools, libraries, hospitals and public safety facilities are also participating in the mapping project. Key partners with the State Broadband Office include mapping technology partner GEO Partners, LLC, Washington State Department of Commerce Information Services, Washington State University Extension, Washington State Library division of the Office of the Secretary of State, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The map data gathered through the survey will provide validated information for use by any community for broadband expansion projects and support pursuit of grant funding available from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state programs such as Public Works Board and Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) broadband financing. Full news release available here.     [Continue Reading]

MCERT Presents Free Virtual Training

July 24, 2020 – The Mid Columbia Economic Resiliency Team and Regional Solutions will offer a free virtual training on August 4 from 9:00 to 11:00 am. The training, Preventing the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Manufacturing, Food Processing and Other High Intensity Workplaces, will focus on preventing workplace outbreaks.  The training will show you how to: Identify high risk areas and provide tools and strategies to mitigate that risk. Local and state occupational health and safety experts will present best practices to prevent COVID-19. Real examples from local businesses on steps they have taken to make their work environments safer for employees. Learn exactly what to do if a case is identified in your business.   Register here.   [Continue Reading]

Save Money, Increase Comfort, Prepare for Power Outages with Limited Time Energy Incentives

June 30, 2020 – Act now to access limited time, money saving opportunities to lower your energy bills, improve air quality and comfort, and keep yourself and your family safe during a power outage. View time limited energy incentives and opportunities here and stay up to date on these and other opportunities by joining the Hood River County Energy Council update list. Email energycoordinator@mcedd.org to join. Why should I consider power outages when I consider energy equipment? The Columbia River Gorge is susceptible to an array of events ranging from ice storms and wildfires to a 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake that threaten power outages and fuel shortages lasting from hours to weeks. In 2019, utility shutoffs were added to the list, as Pacific Power announced wildfire mitigation plans that could result in multi-day power shutoff  to portions of Hood River and Wasco counties when certain weather conditions are met. Meanwhile, energy technologies and habits offer unprecedented opportunities to mitigate power outages, reduce long term energy costs, keep dollars local and create a healthier environment. Weatherization measures and efficient technologies reduce energy burden and help maintain livable temperatures for longer in outages and severe weather. Solar paired with battery storage can reduce impacts of power outages by maintaining power for critical activities. They don’t require refueling or create toxic air pollutants that are dangerous to your health and can reduce energy costs in normal conditions. To find our more about resilient power resources and incentives available to improve your home. To find out more about solar plus storage you can watch an informational webinar from Solar Oregon,. review a FAQ from Energy Trust of Oregon, Or contact a solar contractor to find out what incentives you are eligible for and if solar plus battery storage is a good fit for your home or business.   [Continue Reading]

Lucy’s Informal Flowers Brings Color and Beauty to Gorge Clients

June 29, 2020 – Lucy’s Informal Flowers is a full service floral shop located at 311 Oak Street in Hood River.  Lucy’s offers flowers arranged or by the stem, plants, cards and gifts.  At Lucy’s they gather flowers, plants, containers, glass and gifts from the finest sources, artisans, and designers. In addition to these more tangible offerings, if you have visited Lucy’s or worked with the shop over the phone, you know Lucy’s also offers an experience. Lucy Gorman is an accommodating listener who takes pride in forming partnerships with clients to bring the best finished product possible. At Lucy’s, you can expect a designer who understands flowers are more than an accessory to your color palette, they are experiential art that brings life and beauty to your event. With a working capital loan from the Columbia River Gorge Oregon Investment Board, staffed by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Lucy’s Informal Flowers was able to complete maintenance on their delivery vehicle and flower cooler so they can continue to provide beautiful flowers for a wide variety of clients in the Columbia River Gorge. Lucy’s prides itself on being a local leader in the wedding and events industry.  From flower farmers and markets, Gorman believes in locally sourced products and works hard to support a variety of vendors that bring a floral vision to life with the natural splendor of this wild and beautiful region. “While we have a special affection for local, each item is hand-picked for its unique qualities and attention to design trends – whether from the Pacific Northwest or ethically sourced from around the world,” said Gorman. Gorman has a background in sportswear pattern design and color consultation in the fashion industry. By chance, she was asked to place a flower on a cake, and with that began her passion for understanding the elements of floral arrangements, from color and texture to size and scale. An opportunity came about to design at the Columbia Gorge Hotel, and in the time since she has been the exclusive floral designer for Cherry Hills Farms, designed flowers for every scale of wedding and event – from celebrities to local businesses and individuals. “We offer a wide range of design styles to accommodate your specific tastes and special occasions. Each arrangement is intentional, handmade and is as individual as the person who receives it,” said Gorman. “Anything we don’t have in stock can be specially ordered and available as quickly as the next day,” she added. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District operates a number of business loan programs, including funds through the Columbia River Gorge Oregon Investment Board. The MCEDD Loan Programs are 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]

MCEDD Announces COVID-19 Business Grants

June 29, 2020 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) was granted $250,000 from Business Oregon to distribute COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Grants in Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties.  Grants will be disbursed on a first come, first-served basis with $100,000 each earmarked for Hood River and Wasco Counties and $50,000 for Sherman County. Small businesses and non-profits with 25 or fewer employees that have been adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received federal emergency assistance under the federal CARES Act, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance Program or other federal emergency pandemic assistance funding may be eligible to apply.  Additionally, 50% of all funds must be given to sole proprietors. “The purpose of these funds is to fill the gaps not reached by other programs,” said Jessica Metta, MCEDD Executive Director. Background The Oregon Legislature, in partnership with Governor Kate Brown, allocated $5 Million from the State General Fund which will be combined with $5 Million redirected from existing programs at the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon), for the purpose of providing financial assistance to small businesses and non-profits adversely affected by economic conditions associated with COVID-19. Businesses may use the proceeds for any business-related operating expenses. For eligibility requirements and application visit: mcedd.org/bizgrants/   [Continue Reading]

NWCPUD COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program Announced

June 10, 2020 – Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (NWCPUD) has developed a COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program to support businesses they serve in Wasco County that have faced adverse business impacts as a result of COVID-19. The program will offer a temporary discount to NWCPUD business customers based on their business type and financial need. The program assistance is limited to $600 per business and will run for 3 consecutive months after reopening between June 2020 and December 2020. NWCPUD is partnering with the Wasco County Economic Development Commission to support program implementation. Eligibility criteria for businesses: 1) In business January 1, 2020 within Wasco County 2) Active NWCPUD account 3) Between 1-10 employees. Employees can be the owners. 4) Impacted by COVID-19, with an emphasis on mandated closures or significant shifts in operations (ex. restaurants that could not operate a dining room). 5) Must be a business or non-profit entity registered in Oregon. For non-profits, must be recognized by the IRS and have no religious affiliation. 6) Agricultural producers are excluded. To apply, please fill out the Wasco County EDC’s Wasco County COVID-19 Business Impact Survey here.   [Continue Reading]

RARE Life Amidst COVID-19

May 28, 2020 – AmeriCorps RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) Program member Tatiana Eckhart recently wrote about her experience with MCEDD during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the inspiration she has drawn from seeing her rural community come together. The mission of the program is to increase the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions, through the assistance of trained graduate-level members who live and work in communities. We are pleased to share her perspective here, and encourage you to learn more about RARE and read more stories here. For many of us, COVID-19 has effectively turned life as we knew it upside down, shattering any sense of normalcy we previously had and utterly and completely changing the ways in which we operate in the world and interact with each other on a daily basis. For many of us, the story of COVID-19 has been one of hardship, loss, sacrifice, and quite frankly devastation, both in a financial and social sense, as millions of people lose their jobs and are unable to rely on traditional forms of comfort that were previously taken for granted, like the simple act of being able to get a hug. There is no doubt that the current situation is dire. But I think the story of COVID-19 is also one of resilience, of communities coming together to develop solutions to support its citizens and get businesses back up and running. From my own standpoint, I have been lucky enough to be part of the response effort in the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon, and I have honestly been blown away by the level of coordination and collaboration that has taken place across industry sectors in the region to develop a holistic approach to combating the virus and getting our communities back on their feet. I am currently serving my second term with Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), an economic developmentally-focused organization that has played an instrumental role in the Columbia Gorge’s regional response. I feel extremely grateful to have been able to see firsthand how well things can go when people work together to find common solutions for the benefit of all members of the community. In March, MCEDD developed the Economic Resiliency Team, a group of more than 50 local stakeholders from Oregon and Washington convened by MCEDD and Oregon’s Regional Solutions program to help the Gorge respond and recover economically from the impacts of COVID-19. This group, which meets weekly, includes leaders and representatives from a variety of different sectors including public health, child care, economic development, Ports, business centers, Tribal representatives, and more. Each week this group gets together (virtually, of course) to discuss updates around state guidelines for reopening Oregon and highlight the immediate and longer term needs for industries in the region such as agriculture, tourism, healthcare, child care, etc. In this way we are able to directly learn about economic impacts and priority needs in the region from those on the ground facing these issues every day and provide immediate feedback to the state for support. The collective effort by the group to develop a coordinated response in reopening has, in my opinion, been one of the primary reasons I feel confident that our region will be able to balance the need to reopen communities while protecting public health and not overwhelming our rural healthcare systems. In fact I think we’re in a much better position to begin reopening our communities than other areas in the state, and I attribute that belief to the specific approach the Mid-Columbia region has taken in joining forces across sectors to ensure that reopening our communities does not come at the cost of the safety and well-being for people living in the region. Although I am a tiny fish here in the Columbia, I am immensely proud to be a part of these efforts and be able to actively learn from experts about what organizations are doing to support their communities. Although we can’t forget that this is a time of peril for many, many people, in terms of my RARE experience I feel like I’ve learned as much in the past two months about organizational coordination and rural resilience as I did during my entire first year serving in RARE. I mean, talk about real-world experience! The level of resilience and determination to reopen things the right way that I have witnessed during these meetings has given me a renewed sense of confidence that the path of community development is the path for me. At the end of the day, the thoughtfully coordinated and open approach in creating partnerships across industry sectors has instilled in me new feelings of hope, inspiration, and the unwavering belief that if we put our differences aside and come to the table to work together, we absolutely have the power to affect change in our communities for the betterment of the collective whole.   [Continue Reading]

Grass Valley Country Market Strives to be Steward of Local Community

May 27, 2020 – #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Grass Valley Country Market Roger and Bonne Whitley Photos courtesy of Eric Whitley The Grass Valley Country Market (104 Mill Street, Grass Valley, Oregon) offers groceries, household sundries and commercial kitchen services to the local Grass Valley community and surrounding area, plus highway through traffic. The market is a critical source for food service and supplies in the community.  Most residents in Sherman County are accustomed to driving an hour or more for most of their major grocery, hardware, and other needs. The market is an important local resource for such items as a gallon of milk, bag of flour, or a loaf of bread – but it also serves a larger purpose, and that is providing a place for locals to get a hot meal and gather. With financing support from the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) loan program, Bonne and Roger Whitley purchased the Grass Valley Country Market in 2020. “The market is often referenced as a pillar of the community, and the city’s viability is dependent upon the success of its local store.  The Grass Valley Country Market is strongly supported by residents within the city of Grass Valley and the county at large. The community understands that without a successful pillar, such as the market, the community itself would falter,” said Roger Whitley. Built in 1903, the building that is currently home to Grass Valley Country Market originally housed a number of community businesses including a dental office, doctor’s office, meat market, apartments, and even a brothel. The building was turned into a combination grocery store and butcher shop in the 1960’s and was then renovated as a stand-alone grocery store in the late 1980’s. With the exception of a brief 6 year hiatus, the store has been in continual operation ever since. The Whitley’s have secured a grant and matching funds for the purposes of restoring the building façade and bringing back its historic charm.  The Whitley’s also plan to rent out unused spaces in the building for community use in the future. The Grass Valley Country Market is committed to satisfying customers by providing a broad selection of high quality and competitively priced products combined with exceptional customer service. The focus of the Market is to create an environment that is warm, friendly and community oriented. “We are committed to our employees and suppliers by treating them with respect, fairness and integrity and exposing them to an atmosphere that fosters teamwork and professional development. We view employees, suppliers and customers as part of the family. The store strives to be a steward in the local community and promote local involvement,” said Whitley. In addition to the broad range of local and national grocery items, the store also offers gourmet and natural/organic products and produce.  There is a deli and commercial kitchen that provides fresh hot meals including specials such as house made clam chowder, hand dipped cod fish n’ chips, fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy.  Supporting “local” is important to the store and there are plans to partner with local farmers for natural/grass fed beef and dry-aged beef. The Grass Valley Country Market is open year-round for the customer’s convenience and located next to the city post office. Bonne Whitley has many years of experience in the food service industry.  She has worked and volunteered as a cook in a variety of local settings and owned and operated a small café for several years.  Prior to the purchase of the Grass Valley Country Market, Bonne was already serving as a short order cook and kitchen manager there. “My goal is to keep the market open for the community as a place to gather, have good food to eat, and catering for the special events in their lives,” said Bonne Whitley. Roger Whitley served in the Navy Air Force as an aviation electrician and spent 20 years as a high voltage electrician for Bonneville Power Administration. He spent 10 years with Voice Of America before returning home.  He retired from the United States government with 30 years of service and has been invested in restoring the Grass Valley Country Market as a hub of the community. 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.   [Continue Reading]

Business 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]