MCEDD Recent News Items

Handmade Soap and Candle Company Moves to Hood River

November 8, 2023 – Primitive Pansies two product lines were originally established by the owner under two different business names, Primitive Lights Candles and Antique Pansies Soap Company.  The home-based sole proprietorship started up in 1999 in Cascade Locks and later moved to Rainer, Oregon with a business plan to create and sell handmade scented candles and soaps using traditional and old-fashioned methods with the highest quality ingredients.   Over the past twenty-four years, the demand for Primitive Lights Candles and Antique Pansies Soaps has grown to supply regional retailers such as Made in Oregon and has seen such success with event sales at the Pendleton Round-up that a private label was specially created.  With the creation of a website and a Facebook page for online sales, the two lines have come together under the business name Primitive Pansies.     The current candle line consists of 16 scents available in the beeswax that come as a single votive, a set of three votives, small pillars, large pillars, and beeswax melts.  There are also 16 scents available as soy jar candles.   The soap line offers 15 scents that are different from the candle line.  The products in this line include handmade soap, body and room spray, bathing sea salts, foamy soaps, bath, body, and massage oil, and tub-side delight candles that match the bodyline scents.     With the original owner’s retirement, the business was sold to the company’s long-time assistant who resides in Hood River County.  Because production has relocated to Hood River County with a first-time owner, MCEDD’s assistance was sought to finance the purchase of the business (including the name), products with recipes, client lists, plus all of the equipment and supplies on hand.  Shopping online at primitive pansies.com offers folks who want to support local small business a terrific option for the holidays!   [Continue Reading]

MCEDD’s Regional Innovation Hub Report Released

October 25, 2023 – To propel entrepreneurship, innovation and ongoing prosperity, the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) recently completed a Regional Innovation Hub plan to assess how the region can better serve innovators and especially traded-sector businesses. Funded by a grant from Business Oregon, MCEDD contracted with ECONorthwest over the past year to work with a team of regional partners in developing the plan. The final report was released in October. In this report, the forces generating rapid economic development in the Mid-Columbia Region across diverse sectors were analyzed. The region’s advantageous geographic location and climate support both traditional and innovative agricultural activities. Key sectors such as unmanned aerial systems, healthcare, fermentation, value-added agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism have all grown. Some of the challenges to nurturing this ongoing growth have been identified as a lack of local investment capital, a shifting climate, and limited industrial and commercial land. The Hub will directly tackle the identified challenges by cultivating a collaborative culture amongst entrepreneurs, showcasing the region’s assets to potential investors, strengthening connections to statewide resources, and linking to venture capital providers. It will also reinforce partners that are best positioned to broaden the resources and support for local businesses. The next step will be to seek implementation funding from Business Oregon and others to address the gaps, primarily through new positions at MCEDD, that will be focused on this work. The outcome would not be a physical space but rather individuals who can better connect innovators with resources. Read the full report here!     [Continue Reading]

Brightwave Therapeutics: Discover a Brighter Path to Wellness!

October 24, 2023 – Nestled in Hood River, Brightwave Therapeutics introduces the transformative potential of photo-biomodulation therapy (PBMT).  PBMT essentially uses light to stimulate and fuel the body’s cells to reduce pain and inflammation and promote overall wellness. Hood River resident Deya Shapiro witnessed the life-changing effects of PBMT firsthand when she saw a close friend avoid surgery after a car accident and then experienced the benefits herself with personal relief from nerve pain. Deya realized the Columbia Gorge community could benefit immensely from this therapy, and so the idea for her business, Brightwave Therapeutics, was born. Photo-biomodulation therapy isn’t just a one-trick wonder; its versatility is truly remarkable. It’s been shown to significantly reduce inflammation (a root cause of many ailments) and accelerate the body’s repair processes. Whether you’re grappling with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or seeking a natural approach to healthy aging, PBMT offers a holistic approach, catering to a myriad of health concerns and promoting overall vitality. For anyone dealing with pain, PBMT is a potential lifeline to a more comfortable, active life. For the elderly, it’s a beacon of hope in combating age-related degeneration, and with thousands of clinical studies backing its efficacy, athletes in the leading sports teams in the NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC and Olympics have turned to this technology for faster recovery and enhanced performance.  For the Gorge’s vibrant community of athletes and adventurers, this therapy offers a rapid recovery solution – which means spending less time on the sidelines and more time embracing the great outdoors! Thanks to a loan from MCEDD, Brightwave is equipped with a state-of-the-art LightMD Mark II Med Pro device. This isn’t just any light therapy device; it’s a game-changer. Unlike many red light panels that offer limited wavelengths, the LightMD device delivers pulsating red and infrared light that can penetrate into the deepest tissues within the body.  With customizable programs, all tissue types can be targeted including skin, muscles, nerves, joints, bones, and organs.  The infrared light is even able to penetrate through the skull to reach the brain, making this treatment promising for conditions like Alzheimer’s, depression, and various autoimmune disorders. Brightwave invites you to experience the future of natural healing!  Clients have the options of receiving treatment at the business’ downtown Hood River location or in the comfort of their own home by booking a mobile treatment. If you have a chronic pain condition, consider giving this treatment a try with Brightwave’s First Time Special!   Brightwave Therapeutics 23 E State St. Hood River, OR 97031 Phone: 424-653-8362 Email: brightwavehr@gmail.com Website: http://brightwave.health/     [Continue Reading]

MCEDD Provides Assistance to Fund Remodel at The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon

September 27, 2023 – The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon is a full-service restaurant and bar located in Wasco, Oregon, that provides lunch and dinner options to locals and travelers. The business originally began its operation in Goldendale, WA, first as a food cart and then a full-service restaurant during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Dirty Cowgirl moved to Sherman County with a business plan to provide an inviting and comfortable place with great food and drinks, where locals and travelers could meet and connect.  The building purchase, initial remodel and restaurant opening were all done without outside funding or hiring contractors, and in November the Dirty Cowgirl opened its doors for business as a classic saloon, rough and ready, in true Sherman County style. Business owners Celeste Jackson and Kory Geddes have continued to work towards their long-term business plan’s two main goals: to provide high-quality food in an inviting and comfortable dining experience.  In pursuit of their goal to provide the restaurant experience that locals want, they have modified their menu to include offering breakfast, soft serve ice cream and espresso beverages, all based on customer feedback.  After the first winter’s operation, they were ready to address the building improvements needed to create the comfortable and inviting dining experience that will ensure their restaurant’s long-term success. The renovations needed to improve the building’s energy efficiency and accessibility for customers required major remodeling, including removal of the diesel heat and installation of a new heat pump, adding a door to the outdoor seating area, making the front entry ADA compliant, repairing and upgrading equipment, and replacing a broken skylight and some windows.  Because their restaurant is located in Sherman County, Celeste and Kory were able to access the capital they needed through MCEDD’s business lending program after they were denied a loan at the bank to fund their remodel.                               The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon 1214 Clark Street Wasco, OR 97065 Website: www.thedirtycowgirl.com Facebook: facebook.com/thedirtycowgirlsaloon/   [Continue Reading]

Outfishing Adventures Now Offers Guided Fishing Trips on the Deschutes

August 30, 2023 – Ben Stephenson and Evan Unti established their business, Outfishing Adventures, LLC, in 2022. They provide single- and multi-day guided fly-fishing trips on the Lower Deschutes River.  Both partners have over seven years of working experience in local recreational fishing, including both retail sales experience specializing in fishing gear and as fishing guides/camp managers running multi-day trips down the river. The two guides met as coworkers at the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupin and decided to create their own company that would emphasize education while still enjoying the river.  Outfishing Adventures clients will learn various fly-fishing techniques, how to target specific species, hatch identification and presentation, proper catch and release procedures, and how to reduce environmental impact.  The partners also offer technical clinics focused on casting and presentation techniques. Still in the startup phase, Ben and Evan sought MCEDD’s lending assistance to finance the purchase of their company’s equipment and to refinance their drift boat. Their future plans for the company include utilizing their guiding skills and experience to provide guided fly-fishing trips for at-risk youth and people with disabilities. Learn more about the company’s services and reserve your trip on their website: outfishingadventures.com   [Continue Reading]

Community Revitalization Town Hall Meeting on September 12th

August 23, 2023 – The City of The Dalles, the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and the Port of The Dalles extend a special invitation to all community partners to attend a Community Revitalization Town Hall Meeting where we will be celebrating successful local projects that were funded through the Brownfields grant that was awarded to the City two years ago. We will also be providing information on the next steps for properties needing renovation:  what are the eligibility requirements and how can you get your project or property into the program. The meeting will be held at the City of The Dalles Council Chambers (313 Court Street) from 4 – 5 PM on September 12th. A walking tour through downtown that will visit a number of properties where revitalization is in progress will follow the town hall. To date, the City’s program has supported the revitalization of fourteen properties in The Dalles and three properties in greater Wasco County. The meeting will include several successful case studies including the following: Recreation Building and Last Stop Saloon – Property owner Todd Carpenter (invited) Tonys Building – Josh Chandler, Columbia Gorge Urban Renewal Agency Director (invited) Former Model Laundry Building at 205 Washington – Property owner Tony Zilka (invited)             Sigman’s Flowers Building at 200 E. 2nd – Property owner Michael Leash (invited)                             We hope you are able to come celebrate with us! Please feel free to forward this invitation to others you believe to be interested in the revitalization of our community.   [Continue Reading]

MCEDD Receives NADO’s 2023 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award

July 21, 2023 – Washington, DC, [July 20, 2023] – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District in the Mid-Columbia Gorge region (OR and WA) has been awarded a 2023 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy project. NADO is a Washington, DC-based association that promotes programs and policies to strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies. The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards showcase organizations for noteworthy projects and practices in rural and small metropolitan transportation planning, program delivery, and special initiatives. “The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards program showcases effective and creative transportation initiatives. Programs and projects like the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy foster community and economic connections and promote effective transportation networks.” -shared current NADO President Chris Fetzer. “The Gorge Regional Transit Strategy develops a roadmap for a coordinated and integrated public transportation system in our rural, bi-state region,” Kathy Fitzpatrick, Regional Mobility Manager for MCEDD, explained. “Our communities worked together to craft a collective regional vision and then we brought transit experts on board to help us figure out how to achieve that vision.” For more information about this award-winning project, visit the Gorge Translink website.   [Continue Reading]

Frutas Locas Y Mas

July 20, 2023 – Veronica Hernandez opened Frutas Locas Y Más, LLC, as a family-operated food truck featuring authentic Mexican food in May of 2018. As the name states, there are crazy fruit-inspired creations! “And More” includes such wonderful offerings as champurrado, carne asada fries, pozole and of course, tamales! Veronica’s specialty homemade Mexican style treats and snacks can’t be found at any other Mexican food places in The Dalles, and her food has steadily grown in popularity. By 2019, the business was able to open its brick-and-mortar location as a family-style restaurant at 623 E 2nd Street in The Dalles.  Veronica runs the kitchen, her husband Francisco orders products, her daughter takes orders and cleans when she isn’t in school, and Veronica’s son helps manage the restaurant. While the pandemic hit all restaurant businesses hard, Frutas Locas Y Más was able to survive with the addition of some regular local catering contacts. In 2022, the restaurant began offering home delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats, creating enough sales to support hiring an additional employee. In 2023, Veronica obtained business assistance through the Mt. Hood Economic Alliance’s microlending program to secure working capital to finance wages and pay the business’s property taxes, overhead and expenses.  Veronica’s success story is an important milestone for diversity, equity and inclusion in local small business lending.   [Continue Reading]

The State of Oregon Requests Community Input to Develop Statewide Broadband Plans

June 23, 2023 – Oregon will receive millions in federal dollars to expand broadband access, adoption and utilization over the next five years! Input via surveys and meetings is crucial to developing a plan that will meet the needs and funding required to deliver high-speed internet access to all corners of the state. The state’s Broadband Office is seeking community input now!  Please take a few minutes to complete the applicable survey(s) to support improving broadband access and resources for digital equity to the Mid-Columbia region.  Thank you! Oregon Internet Accessibility Needs Assessment[for individuals and families] Oregon Agency Asset Inventory Questionnaire[for state, regional, county, local and tribal governments] Oregon Community Anchor Institution Broadband Access Questionnaire[for public school, public or multi-family housing authority, library, medical or healthcare provider, community college or other institution of higher education, State library agency, and other nonprofit or governmental community support organization] Oregon Covered Populations Broadband Barriers Analysis Questionnaire[for organizations that serve or represent the following individual or members of their households: Aging; Incarcerated; Veterans; With disabilities; With a language barrier, English learners; and low levels of literacy; racial or ethnic minority groups; and reside in a rural area] Oregon Digital Equity Programmatic Inventory[for those that are providing: devices, internet subsidies, computer and security training, and tech support for the public] Oregon Internet Service Provider Engagement Questionnaire[for ISPs] Oregon Workforce Development Opportunity Questionnaire[for those in the workforce development space] Learn more at: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/Oregon_Broadband_Office/Pages/default.aspx   [Continue Reading]

Miss O’s Espresso Loan Program Spotlight

June 12, 2023 – Miss O’s Espresso has been a family-owned and -operated coffee cart in Pine Grove, Oregon, since it’s opening in 2015.  Located at the east end of the Pine Grove Grocery Store parking lot, the cart is open most mornings from 6-11am. Courtney Harvey originally opened the cart to support herself without spending most of her day away from her new daughter.  Courtney worked her way through college by running the business as the coffee sales grew steadily through the years. The stand is now a regular feature of the upper Hood River Valley community, and Miss O’s Facebook page clearly illustrates that family life and community is the heart of this business.  In 2021, Courtney turned over management to Caitlyn Grant, another Mom in the family with a young son to raise.   Pictured above are Courtney with her daughter Oaklee on the right (Oaklee is Miss O!), and Caitlyn with her son Hudson on the left. In order to manage the rising costs of business since the pandemic, Courtney applied to MCEDD for funding to allow Miss O’s to refinance its business credit card debt.  Because MCEDD’s lending programs often require that clients work with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to benefit from business development resources, this upper Valley family’s Mom entrepreneurs will continue to raise their children while actively running their business successfully, and providing fabulous coffee drinks and homemade baked treats to the local community! Miss O’s Espresso 2375 Highway 35 Hood River, OR 97031 541-645-5554     [Continue Reading]