MCEDD Recent News Items

CEDS May 26th Meeting – Industry Clusters

May 27, 2021 – The third installment of the comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) update process was held on Wednesday, May 26th. This meeting focused on industry clusters in the region’s five counties: Sherman, Hood River, and Wasco Counties in Oregon, and Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington. The meeting began with a presentation by Skamania Commission Chair, Tom Lannen, to give an overview of Skamania County, with a focus on economic trends, opportunities, and challenges. This was followed by a presentation from University of Oregon researchers, Bob Parker and Corum Ketchum, from the Institute for Policy, Research, and Engagement. They gave an overview of industry trends and an in-depth report of the top sectors in the Gorge. Following these presentations, attendees gathered in breakout groups to discuss their reactions to the presentation and share ideas to help the region grow and become more resilient in the future. Similar to previous meetings, participants expressed concern about the housing market and workforce development. A summary of these conversations, along with the guest presentations, can be found below. The data and thoughts shared by stakeholders across the five counties during this session will help to guide the priorities for the economic strategy update, which will support a prosperous economy and a more resilient region. We appreciate your participation in this process and look forward to seeing you at the June 30th CEDS meeting where we will assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the region. If you would like to register for the upcoming sessions, please click here: https://forms.gle/GkYVrz8JQHb6Xf4U7 May 26th Presentations: Skamania Co_Commissioner Chair Tom Lannen Mid-Columbia Industry Analysis_IPRE   [Continue Reading]

Mid-Columbia COVID-19 Economic Needs Assessment Project

May 27, 2021 – In early 2021, MCEDD conducted a COVID-19 economic needs assessment to determine local needs and priorities for recovery, understand the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify opportunities for future collaboration around these issues. The assessment was developed in partnership with six economic development districts across the state of Oregon with support from University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy, Research, and Engagement. MCEDD conducted 17 interviews with 25 stakeholders across the region. Interviewees were chosen to reflect key industries and community organizations that support economic and workforce development. During the pandemic, MCEDD and Governor Brown’s Regional Solutions Coordinator convened the Mid-Columbia Economic Resiliency Team (MCERT), a group of local, regional, and state partners from Oregon and Washington, to share information, identify resources and coordinate efforts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic economic response. The findings in this report build not only on the interviews noted above, but also the conversations had during these meetings. The goal of this assessment was to apply a “listen to learn” framework to discover what community leaders feel are priority concerns and what actions will be needed to support an equitable recovery. This report summarizes those findings and makes recommendations for future action through existing and new partnerships. To read the full report, please click here: MCEDD COVID-19 Economic Needs Assessment   [Continue Reading]

Uncle Tony’s Pizza in Goldendale Purchases the Hudson Building to Expand

May 27, 2021 – Anthony Wang launched Uncle Tony’s Pizza as a take-and-bake pizza shop in 2013. Located at 111 N Columbus Avenue in Goldendale, Uncle Tony’s Pizza expanded service to include delivery the following year and the business has continued to grow steadily since. In 2020, Wang was presented with the opportunity to purchase the Hudson Building, where the business had been leasing space. With the help of a loan from Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Wang established Wangco, LLC and purchased the Hudson Building in 2021.  Pictured below is Israel Ayala with Anthony at the loan’s closing.    Initially, Wang hoped to establish a sit-down dining area but decided against that plan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he focused on limiting restaurant hours so he could spend extra time sanitizing and staying in compliance with stricter regulations. It wasn’t long before he needed to hire more help. “Sales went up a little bit, but deliveries doubled,” Wang stated in an interview with the Goldendale Sentinel. Wang also attributes recent growth to his online presence. He posts daily specials on their Facebook page which links to their website and full menu for easy online ordering. Wang also credits word-of-mouth with expanding his customer base. “It has steered people my way that never would have come in – and they come back!”   [Continue Reading]

Wasco County Business Grants are available now! Apply by May 31, 2021

May 11, 2021 – Governor Kate Brown has allocated some of the state’s CARES Act funds for the purpose of providing financial assistance to small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofits adversely affected in counties that moved to Extreme Risk on April 30, 2021, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds have been distributed to Wasco County to support businesses. Businesses may use the proceeds for any business-related operating expenses.  For eligibility requirements and to apply,  click here.     [Continue Reading]

Commute Options’ May is National Bike Month Challenge

April 29, 2021 – May is National Bike Month! Join MCEDD and Commute Options for a special challenge, celebrating the start of spring. Whether you’re continuing or returning to your active commute – this challenge is for you! To enter the challenge, simply log your walk or roll trips to work (walking or rolling to the bus counts, too!) during the month of May if you live or work in Hood River, Wasco, or Sherman counties.  The more trips you log, the better your chances of winning. To enter, create your Get There Oregon account where you will log your trips. Once you have recorded your first walk or roll in May, you are in the Challenge. You can check the leaderboard to see your ranking, along with your name in lights! Log at least 5 trips by May 31st  to be in the prize drawings, which will take the first week of June. Prizes include Deschutes Brewery gear, gift cards to Footzone, Birkenstock, and MasterCard, Wallowa Lake Lodge, Mt. Bachelor, Sunshine Mill Winery and Flow Yoga. Oregon E-Bikes,  and Commute Options are offering gear such as blinking lights, reflective straps, baseball caps, beanies, and more. There will also be a Grand Prize to be announced and awarded at the prize drawings. Special thanks to Oregon E-bikes for sponsoring and promoting our Challenge in Hood River County!   [Continue Reading]

Participate in Updating the Region’s Economic Development Strategy!

March 25, 2021 – You’re invited to participate in updating the region’s economic development strategy! Click here to register for the full series. The community is invited to participate as partners begin the regular updating of the Regional Economic Development Strategy for the Columbia River Gorge. Led by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), the strategy will outline a five-year plan for the regional economic development covering Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties in Oregon and Skamania and Klickitat counties in Washington. This strategy is updated every five years and serves as a guide to understand the local economy, strengthen partnerships, and improve overall quality of life. Monthly meetings will be held starting in March to bring together participants from around the region to identify economic development strategies based on current trends and areas best suited for growth to sustain and diversify the region’s economy, reduce unemployment and create family wage jobs. Information gathered at the monthly events will be pulled together with data and research to develop the final plan, the Mid-Columbia Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 2022-2027. MCEDD coordinates implementation of the regional strategy in partnership with local stakeholders. The first of the monthly events will be Wednesday, March 31st, 8:30am to 10:30am using Zoom. This session will be focused on COVID-19 impacts and what resilience looks like for the region going forward. In total, there will be seven sessions to develop a draft plan, with a specific focus on equitable economic outcomes and resilience. These sessions will be public, and attendance is encouraged across the five-county region. The schedule is as follows, with sessions beginning promptly at 8:30 AM: March 31, 2021: Economic Impacts of COVID-19, Resiliency: Present assessment of economic impacts of COVID-19 and set resiliency tone. April 28, 2021: Demographics and Data: More overarching economic data looking at longer-term trends to help us plan for the future. May 26, 2021: Sector Focus Areas, including more in-depth industry cluster analysis and discussion of sector resilience. June 30, 2021: Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats July 28, 2021: Vision and Goals September 1, 2021: Strategies October 6, 2021: Measuring Success, and Implementation November 5, 2021: Annual Gorge Economic Symposium, with draft presented.   Everyone is invited to participate in one or all of the sessions. To register for the sessions, please click here: https://forms.gle/wVNQGsheMurgV4xc7 MCEDD has been developing and implementing a regional economic development strategy since its formation in 1969 in order to meet its mission to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry within the five-county district. To learn more about MCEDD or this planning process, visit https://www.mcedd.org/strategy/our-region/ or contact Jane Allen at jane@mcedd.org.   [Continue Reading]

Custom Frame and Print Shop to Open In Hood River Heights

March 25, 2021 – Terry Henderson and his four-legged friend in front of Picture This Frame & Print, 1106 12th Street, Hood River. Picture This Frame & Print is opening its doors at 1106 12th Street in Hood River with the help of a working capital loan from Mount Hood Economic Alliance (MHEA), a fund staffed by MCEDD.  The gallery will focus on custom picture framing, scanning and large-format fine-art printing. Terry Henderson started working at Boulder Street Gallery in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1980 and bought the business in 2000.  He was in the process of steadfastly growing the business when he met the love of his life, Jennie.  Together, they built the business and grew it from that small gallery to a footprint more than twice the original size, featuring the work of 28 artists and adding high quality, large format printing to their roster of services. In 2019 Jennie developed a lung disease that caused the Henderson’s to sell their property and home to move to sea-level. The Henderson’s chose the Gorge to live and relocate the business because their daughter and her family live in The Dalles. Days before their move to Oregon, Jennie was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and died in the arms of her loving husband.  “I want so much to do what we were going to do, in her honor, and that is to continue hers and our legacy in business helping people,” Terry said. Terry will continue to apply his skill and experience to working with the customer to design the perfect complement of frame and materials for the customer’s artwork, keepsake, or photography. Scanning and printing will be the primary niche for the business. Terry has a scanner from Denmark that is able to scan large original art and reproduce on canvas up to 4 foot by 8-foot giclee prints with his 12-color archival printer. In the past, he has had customers from all over the country request his services. Artists prefer his system because it produces a perfect replica of the original.  Terry also hopes to draw walk-in customers requesting a large canvas of their own file such as a wedding photo. Picture This Frame & Print will offer in person services from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment on Mondays, as well as offering online services. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District operates a number of business loan programs, including funds through the Mount Hood Economic Alliance. The MCEDD Loan Programs are available to entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and existing businesses doing business in the Mid-Columbia area.   [Continue Reading]

Dog River Pet Supplies Expands Retail Space, Offerings

February 24, 2021 – Dog River Pet Supplies opened its doors on Valentine’s Day 2019 with the intention to bring raw and natural pet foods, holistic remedies and expert nutrition advice to Hood River pets and their owners. Molly Lewis and Sean Kelly were able to open the doors with the help of a loan through the Columbia River Gorge Oregon Investment Board (OIB), a fund staffed by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. The couple created a warm and welcoming space through a great deal of hard work, and with an additional infusion of capital from the OIB they are increasing their retail space, expanding their current inventory of supplies for dogs and cats and introducing products for wild bird and small animal enthusiasts. This new line of products will include items like bird feeders, houses and bulk bird seeds, wind chimes and other backyard habitats and accessories. Look for more  small animal feed for rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, too! Customers will also see new lighting, paint, lovingly refinished floors and some new display shelves and fixtures. Dog River Pet Supplies will continue to focus on a “customer first” philosophy that offers quality pet foods and supplies, researched personal advice, loyalty programs, and easy returns. You can find Dog River Pet Supplies on Instagram @dogriverpetsupplies, or on Facebook, but better yet, stop by the store for supplies and conversations. Located at: 1118 12th Street, across the street from Pine Street Bakery, on The Heights in Hood River.  Phone number: (541) 490-0646. 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]

Oregon Investment Board Releases Video Series Featuring Local Businesses

February 10, 2021 – Kenya Kramer welcomes the viewer into her boho boutique, Terra Cotta, in The Dalles. Oregon Investment Board (OIB) contracted with Immense Imagery in The Dalles to produce a video series featuring small businesses from Cascade Locks to The Dalles.  In the series, business owners share their experiences with OIB and seek to educate the viewer about economic development loans for projects benefiting counties lying in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The first two videos in the series are available to watch on OIB’s YouTube channel and the OIB will continue to release videos over the next few months.  You can read press about the project here.   [Continue Reading]

Wasco County Economic Development Commission Openings

January 28, 2021 – The Wasco County Economic Development Commission is accepting applications for two open positions on the commission. Position 1 represents North Wasco County with a focus on the Mosier area. This is a partial term through the end of 2021. Position 3 represents South Wasco County with a focus on the Maupin area historically. This is for a full four-year term. Applicants from anywhere in Wasco County will be accepted. The Commission consists of eleven members representing geographic and economic interests in the County. The Commission provides economic development leadership throughout Wasco County. It keeps the Board of County Commissioners apprised of economic development opportunities and needs throughout the County; collaborates with local entities to accomplish projects focused on job creation, community capacity and bringing further investment into Wasco County; and provides leadership on countywide economic development efforts. Staff support for the Commission is provided by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. In order to apply, candidates are asked to submit an interest form by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021, for first round consideration of appointment. Details available here.   [Continue Reading]