MCEDD Recent News Items

“Love at First Stitch” Turns into Business Reality

September 20, 2018 – Terra Cotta, located on 214 Washington Street in downtown The Dalles, is a hidden gem for lovers of fashion. Terra Cotta is a women’s boutique catering a bohemian style and offering a wonderful selection of clothing, accessories and gifts for all ages. It is owned and operated by a native of The Dalles, Kenya Sarabia-Figueroa. Kenya’s vision for the boutique became a reality upon receiving support from Columbia Gorge Community College Small Business Development Center to complete her business plan and financial forecast. She then worked with Mid-Columbia Economic Development District to obtain a small loan through the Columbia River Gorge Oregon Investment Board. Kenya discovered her passion for fashion at an early age while attending a class in elementary school in which she learned to sew garments.The result was simple: she fell in love at first stitch, viewing fashion and design as a means of unique expression. She continued her education and in her senior year at The Dalles High School, she mentored alongside accomplished store owner Louise Langheinrich, owner of Lines of Designs in downtown The Dalles. Kenya’s education continued in fashion as she attended classes at the Columbia Gorge College and completed her degree in fashion design from The Art Institute of Portland. Through further education, Kenya honed her craft. She gained valuable knowledge through her experience in the fashion industry which grew to a position of fashion designer and developer at the company known as the S Group in downtown Portland, Oregon. This new perspective in the fashion industry gave Kenya the confidence she needed to follow the dream that began in her youth. On June 30, 2018 Kenya realized her dream in the opening of Terra Cotta LLC, in her hometown of The Dalles Oregon. Visitors to Tera Cotta receive bright energized and eclectic fashion, while Kenya adds a bit of complimentary country flare and professional garb. In addition, Kenya loves giving fashion advice to her customers and obliges her knowledge for any occasion. Being bilingual, Kenya spreads her love of fashion to all that enter her store. Her parents, Eliazar and Patricia, have been a tremendous help towards their daughter realizing her future and they look on to all that Kenya will accomplish. For Kenya and Terra Cotta the plain and simple phrase of “fashion is art” is reinforced and has helped Kenya become a tremendous artist. Contact Terra Cotta at 541-769-0550 or shop online at https://shopterracotta.com.   [Continue Reading]

Bingen Point Access Design Progresses

September 18, 2018 – A priority project for the region, as identified in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, is continuing forward progression with design plans about 30% complete. Read more from the White Salmon Enterprise here. Credit: WSDOT This is an update to the proposed traffic circle and Bingen Point Access. The large gray portion of the circle will have sloped curbs to allow for trucks with difficult turning radiuses to roll on to the circle and make it through without too much traffic disturbance. (WSDOT Image)   [Continue Reading]

Russell Avenue – Stevenson, WA Project Proceeds

September 4, 2018 – A public information meeting will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, 167 NW Second Avenue in Stevenson, to provide details and take public comment on the design of Russell Avenue. This project has been a priority within the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The project will consist of new sidewalks, new asphalt, waterline replacement, overhead powerline undergrounding, stormwater improvements, decorative light poles and landscaping. On street parking is being evaluated for optimal placement and number of stalls. Projected timeline for construction is June through August of 2019, however, the schedule may be delayed due to any temporary construction easements that may need to be acquired. The Russell Avenue Rebuild Project is funded in part by a grant from the Surface Transportation Program, which is administered by the Federal Highway Administration. The City has secured $900,000 grant funding. The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $1,200,000. The City has also applied for funding to the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board.   [Continue Reading]

Getting Around the Gorge: New Transportation Options

September 1, 2018 – Mount Adams Transportation Launches New Service Mt. Adams Transportation Service will launch a new fixed route service from White Salmon to Hood River the day after Labor Day. The route schedule will run from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and will include stops in Bingen. Fare is $2.00 and children under 6 years are free. A Goldendale to The Dalles route will launch at the end of September. For more information, call MATS at 509-493-4662. Columbia Gorge Commuter Express The long awaited Columbia Gorge Commuter Express Bus will serve regional workforce needs between the Gorge and Portland, Monday through Friday. Portland, Monday through Friday.  The first early morning run from the Columbia Area Transit Center in Hood River will stop at three Portland locations before returning to Hood River by 8:15 am. The evening bus will leave Hood River at 5:15 pm towards Portland and will return to Hood River later that evening. One way tickets cost $10.00. A monthly pass is available for a discounted price. The Gorge Commuter Bus is open to the public. Gorge Commuter Pass The Gorge Commuter Annual Employee Pass Program offers the fixed route services of both CAT and Mt Adams Transportation Service (MATS) at a substantial discount. For more information, call Kathy Fitzpatrick at MCEDD: 541-296-2266.   [Continue Reading]

South Wasco Library Breaks Ground

August 29, 2018 – Celebrate the start of construction of the new South Wasco County Library and Civic Center in Maupin. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on September 8, 2018 at 1 pm at Kaiser Park, Deschutes Avenue, Maupin, Oregon.   [Continue Reading]

Oregon Water Resources Grants Public Comment Period Open

August 29, 2018 – Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) published its Technical Review Team’s recommendations for funding and is inviting public comment on the funding recommendations. View the Recommendations. Projects in the MCEDD region which received a technical review team recommendation for funding include: $1.6M for Dee Flat Water Conservation Project $1M The Dalles Municipal Watershed Dog River Pipeline Replacement Project   In the MCEDD region, one project was just below the recommended funding line by the review team: Mosier Deep Water Supply Well (request of $671,724)   OWRD invites written public comment on the Technical Review Team (TRT) application ranking and funding recommendation for the 2018 cycle of Water Project Grants and Loans.  The deadline for comments is 5:00pm on September 21, 2018.  Click here for more information. Written comments may be submitted to: Grant Program Coordinator 725 Summer Street NE, Suite A Salem, Oregon 97301 WRD_DL_waterprojects@oregon.gov After reviewing public comments, the Department will present a funding recommendation for consideration and approval by the Water Resources Commission. The tentative date for the Commission to make its funding decision is November 16-17, 2018.   [Continue Reading]

Annual Report Highlights A Year at MCEDD

August 27, 2018 – For 49 years MCEDD has supported economic vitality in the five county bi-state region, focusing on opportunities to build our economy and support business and entrepreneurs. This year, MCEDD continued to deliver high quality technical assistance, business assistance and industry support through its core programs, while also expanding service offerings.  Read the annual report to learn about significant milestones and accomplishments in fiscal year 2018. MCEDD Annual Report   [Continue Reading]

Power Station Hood River Upgrades with MCEDD Funds

August 26, 2018 – Diesel Athletics, LLC dba Power Station – Hood River obtained a loan from Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) in December of 2017.  This loan provided the funds needed to complete the gym remodel and upgrade project, including finishing the childcare area and smoothie bar and replacing worn out or broken equipment and adding new equipment. Jeri McMaster, owner of Power Station – Hood River started CrossFit Hood River in June 2009.   In February 2013, she acquired the Big Gym business and leased its location at 1813 Cascade Avenue in Hood River.  This move allowed CrossFit Hood River to access larger space at this location and added the Big Gym business to Diesel Athletics, LLC.  The combined businesses are called The Power Station.  Jeri is focused on providing the best gym experience in Hood River by creating a supportive, positive and energetic atmosphere that provides great equipment and training programs and classes with knowledgeable and motivating trainers.  Power Station – Hood River offers the following: Climbing Rope Universal Machine Barbells & Bumper Plates Dual Pulley Free Weights Hammer Strength Back Step Benches Hammer Strength Chest Bench Presses Treadmills & Ellipticals Reverse Hypers & GHDs Turf & Sleds Yoga Mats & Blocks Pit Shark Functional Studio & Rings Squat Racks! Stair mills & Bikes Locker Room Group Training Spaces Classes for Cycling (interval and strength, boxing, CrossFit, Bootcamp, Ripped (core workout), Kinstretch (stretching and flexibility), Run Club and Olympic and power lifting. Jeri is excited about her business and says “The portfolio of people who have gone from unhealthy to athletic is large, and we are very proud of the impact that we have made on our community over the years.” Diesel Athletics, LLC employs a combination of 12 full and part-time employees. Power Station – Hood River is located at 1813 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, Oregon. Learn more at www.powerstationhr.com.   [Continue Reading]

Deschutes River Beef Expands Local Markets

July 30, 2018 – Deschutes River Beef was founded in 2016 to begin direct marketing high quality grain finished beef to customers who want to know all there is to know about their food. Owner, Keith Nantz, has taken the opportunity to get in touch with the consumer side of the beef industry through his many activities with the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. MCEDD provided Diamond Lazy K Inc., DBA Deschutes River Beef, with an operating loan to continue growing sales and further the processing portion of the business. Keith states “We want to build upon transparency and a customer service mentality that strengthens our relationships throughout the process. Starting on the production side, the utilization of Management Intensive Grazing to regenerate the soils and the use of multi-specie cover crops for winter grazing are vital parts of a system that we believe needs continual studying and improving. Along with strong grazing practices comes the need for challenging paradigms surrounding animal handling and husbandry practices. Studying animal behavior gives us insights on how to interact with our cattle in a way that minimizes stress on the cattle, the people, and the equipment, but with new ideas comes fear of change and with fear of change comes fear of loss. We want to be strong advocates for holding onto our culture; and knowing our success comes from many generations before us paving the way gives us passion to ensure we don’t lose our incredible way of life in cattle country. On the other hand, we also want to pave a new path ahead that can have a strong economic impact and create a regenerative influence ecologically.” He notes that Timberline Lodge has been a great partner in Deschutes River Beef’s business and continues to be a strong supporter of their philosophies regarding a holistic approach. Take the time to travel up to the lodge and experience the connection between the grandeur of the mountain and the beef produced in its shadow.   [Continue Reading]

Explore The Dalles Shuttle Launches

July 27, 2018 – The Dalles Chamber of Commerce, The Army Corps of Engineers at The Dalles Dam and Gray Line of Oregon have launched an “Explore The Dalles” shuttle service on Saturdays. This is a pilot program and will continue on Saturdays through September 15, 2018. This service will connect at Hood River in the morning with the Columbia Gorge Express and return in the afternoon to connect with the service back to Portland. The service is provided with 35 seat “Park Coaches” with glass top roofs and large picture windows; they are modeled after 1930’s era “National Park Buses” used in Yellowstone and other park locations. Schedules and route maps are available at www.ExploreTheDalles.com.   [Continue Reading]