MCEDD Recent News Items

Food and Beverage Analysis: Take the Survey

November 13, 2018 – Columbia Gorge Community College’s Food and Beverage Survey is underway. The college has retained a consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study of the industry to help determine whether the college should establish new workforce training specific to these industries. Employers are encouraged to participate. Take the survey here   [Continue Reading]

Annual Symposium Materials Now Available

October 29, 2018 – The annual Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium hosted by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) took place on November 2, 2018 at the Civic Auditorium located in The Dalles. Presentations from the regional economists and MCEDD’s Executive Director, Amanda Hoey, are available here. This year the symposium included a focus on the high tech industry in the Columbia Gorge. The President and CEO of Insitu, Esina Alic, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Jessica Metta with the Gorge Tech Alliance moderated a panel of private industry leaders from different portions of the tech industry in the Gorge featuring: Tabitha Colie, Seeq Greg Davis, Overwatch Imaging Tom Furey, Sagetech Dave Karlson, Google Andy Mack, Zepher   Details on the 2019 Symposium will be posted in early 2019. This year’s event sold out in advance, so we encourage you to purchase tickets once the event is announced.   [Continue Reading]

Bridging the Digital Divide; MCEDD Recognized

October 29, 2018 – MCEDD Executive Director, Amanda Hoey, and MCEDD Project Manager, Carrie Pipinich, accept the Oregon Connections Award from Joe Franell. Bridging the digital divide in rural Oregon was a primary topic of discussion at the 2018 Oregon Connections Telecommunications conference in October. Nearly 250 attendees discussed building broadband infrastructure as well as supporting use of those investments by residents and businesses. Keynote Speaker Mary Beth Henry highlighted the need to utilize collaborative and inclusive approaches to addressing these needs. Speaker Jonathan Chambers focused partnering with electric cooperatives to develop sustainable infrastructure to rural areas and building networks that will be able to grow with use into the future. There was a strong focus on steps communities, ISPs, and state/local governments could take to support these investments. Conference details are available here. Two local groups were recognized at the conference with the “Excellence in Telecommunications Projects, Regional Strategies and Advocacy Award.” Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) received the award for almost a decade of work in broadband inclusion. A partnership of the Qlife network received the award for efforts to bring an open access fiber backbone into the City of Maupin.   [Continue Reading]

Think You Know Us? We Beg to Dufur!

October 23, 2018 – “Here’s a little secret: Dufur’s quiet exterior conceals an adventurous heart.” Find your adventure and learn more about Dufur, Oregon with the new Dufur map. Available here.   [Continue Reading]

Farmers Conservation Alliance Expands and Preserves

October 22, 2018 – Farmers Conservation Alliance (FCA®) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on water management solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment. FCA obtained a $250,000 loan from the Columbia River Gorge Oregon Investment Board (a fund Photo Credit: FCA Exterior Sheppards Building staffed by MCEDD) in April 2018 for leasehold improvements for the Sheppard’s Building in downtown Hood River. Having experienced a five-fold staff increase in the last two years, efforts had been underway to find a larger office space in downtown Hood River that could accommodate FCA’s growth as well as account for future needs. Being able to secure a lease for the Sheppard’s Building not only accomplishes those goals, but also allows the building’s rich agricultural history to continue under FCA’s tenancy. Founded by brothers and farmers Charles M. and William O. in 1919 to provide orchard and vineyard equipment, Sheppard’s is one of the oldest family owned businesses in the Hood River area. In 2017, the completion of their new 20,000 square-foot headquarters at the Port of Hood River meant that their iconic downtown location was ready for its next chapter. With FCA’s origins rooted in Hood River, it was important to remain a presence in the dowtown district. Photo Credit: Kate Schwager Hood River, OR: Pictured (L to R) are members of the teams that developed the Farmers Screen and continue to grow FCA: Farmers Screen Project Manager Dan Kleinsmith, FCA Executive Director Julie Davies O’Shea, Farmers Irrigation District Manager Les Perkins, FCA Irrigation Advisor Jerry Bryan, and FCA Farmers Screen Outreach/Development Lead Roy Slayton FCA began in 2005 when the Farmers Irrigation District of Hood River licensed the Farmers Screen™ technology to FCA to take the screen to market and invest profits into other technologies that benefit both the environment and agriculture. Unlike conventional fish screens, the Farmers Screen’s patented technology has no moving parts and requires no electricity for operation. Nearly 50 Farmers Screens have been installed throughout 6 states in the western United States. Through that work, FCA’s focus expanded to address the complete modernization of failing irrigation infrastructure throughout Oregon and the western United States. Having established trusted relationships through hands-on, solutions-oriented approaches with farmers and rural communities, FCA’s Irrigation Modernization Program is currently working with 18 districts throughout Oregon to upgrade infrastructure, restore streams, protect fish, and generate green, renewable energy. FCA’s team takes a multifaceted approach to finding solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment, bringing together a diverse group with backgrounds in: engineering, hydrology, renewable energy, project management, operations, community outreach, funding, communications and project implementation. Learn more about FCA’s team and work at fcasolutions.org.   [Continue Reading]

Major Employers List Updated for Hood River County, Oregon

September 26, 2018 – The Hood River County Economic Development Working Group released the 2018 Hood River County major employers list. The document is compiled for the Hood River Economic Development Group with support from the Hood River Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Group staff through MCEDD. Topping the list are employers in healthcare, manufacturing, education, technology, hospitality and agriculture/value added agriculture. View the full list: Hood River County Major Employers (2018).   [Continue Reading]

“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]