Entrepreneurship Pubtalks 2024
April 16, 2024 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is pleased to again be hosting several Pub Talk-style events throughout the Gorge in 2024. These events will bring together entrepreneurs and business owners to network, share and learn from each other. Besides great networking and delicious appetizers, the events will highlight a small panel of businesses of different types and in different stages of development to share their experiences. Our May 22, 2024 event is brought to you with the support of a Washington State Microenterprise Grant, and presented in partnership with the Goldendale Chamber and the Washington SBDC. Presenters are TBD. [Continue Reading]Key Projects Updated for 2024 in Regional Economic Development Strategy
April 9, 2024 – The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) announces the completion of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy update for 2024. The report, which MCEDD updates annually, provides a framework to support economic vitality for the Mid-Columbia region, which includes Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington and Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties in Oregon. The strategy includes analysis of regional economic data, establishes regional goals and strategies, develops an implementation plan, and identifies investment priorities and funding sources. Among the major updates for the 2024 CEDS was development of an updated regional project priority list. Project priority rankings for 2024 include the following: WASHINGTON Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park Development Goldendale Energy Storage Project City of Stevenson’s Cascade Ave Improvement Port of Klickitat’s Business Park Development at Dallesport Industrial Park and Bingen Point Business Park Skamania PUD’s Water System Upgrades for Carson’s Water Treatment and the Underwood Reservoir Columbia Gorge Regional Airport Aviation Maintenance Training Facility Skamania County’s Wind River Road Stabilization Klickitat Valley Health Hospital District’s Building Addition City of White Salmon’s Youth/ Early Childcare Center City of North Bonneville’s Lift Station Replacement OREGON Bi-State Bridge Authority’s Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge Replacement and the Port of Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods Strengthening and Safety Improvements Housing in all three Oregon Counties: Hood River County – Development of the 780 Rand Road Housing Development project in Hood River; Sherman County – quantity and quality of the housing stock; Wasco County – understanding affordable housing needs and support for opportunities with community partners Wasco County and Mid-Columbia Center for Living’s Resolution Center Columbia Gorge ESD – Columbia Gorge Early Learning Center City of Hood River’s Elevated Sewer Line Replacement City of Grass Valley’s Wastewater Project Port of Hood River’s Lot 1 Infrastructure Development City of Maupin Water System Improvements Port of Cascade Locks Marine Park Cruise Line Dock Shore Power Infrastructure City of Moro New Primary Municipal Well The annual comprehensive economic development strategy update process draws on the cooperation between community partners and MCEDD staff to develop a cohesive regional document that supports the regional economy. It provides a mechanism for coordinating the economic development efforts of individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry. Ultimately, the strategy process helps create jobs, fosters a more stable and diversified regional economy, and improves living conditions. The CEDS process is required for every region to qualify for federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance under the EDA’s public works, economic adjustment, and most planning programs. It is also a prerequisite for EDA designation as an economic development district. For more information about the CEDS update process, or to view the 2024 MCEDD Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, visit https://www.mcedd.org/strategy/. [Continue Reading]East Cascades Region 2023 Jobs Vacancies Survey Report Released by Oregon Employment Department
April 4, 2024 – The Oregon Employment Department recently released its 2023 annual job vacancy survey data for the state and regions. The number of Oregon job vacancies declined from 2022 to 2023 as the recovery from the 2020 pandemic recession slowed. Employers reported about six out of 10 openings were difficult to fill in 2023. The report details total number of job vacancies, what typical job vacancies looked like, typical length of job vacancies, details on vacancies for various sectors of the economy, and more. Data highlights include education requirement metrics- such as the number of vacancies and average wage by required educational attainment; the number of job vacancies and average wage of these vacancies per industry and occupation group; and a brief overview of other regions in Oregon for a quick comparative analysis. Access the 2023 Jobs Vacancies in East Cascades Report here! For those interested in following these metrics in the Columbia Gorge Region’s (Oregon) economy, MCEDD publishes the Employment Department’s monthly regional graphs in our monthly newsletter in the “By the Numbers” section found at the bottom under the Oregon Only link. The Gorge Labor Market data link has information for all 5 counties in the Mid Columbia District and is updated quarterly. [Continue Reading]Oregon and Washington Aviation Directors & Staff Visit Columbia River Gorge to Explore Region’s Aviation Assets
April 3, 2024 – The Dalles, OR – The Columbia River Gorge recently welcomed representatives from the Oregon Department of Aviation and the Washington Department of Transportation, Aviation Division, on a comprehensive tour organized by the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD). On March 27 and 28, the group visited key aviation-related businesses and institutions in the region to learn about the area’s aerospace industry, educational resources, and infrastructure development. This tour was the next step in the implementation of Washington Department of Commerce’s Innovative Cluster Accelerator Project (ICAP) Launch grant which MCEDD received last year. The initial step was the creation of a forum for collaboration among the area’s high tech industry companies as an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and remote sensing innovation cluster in the Columbia Gorge region. MCEDD held a series of meetings with the Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) companies, local government and higher education representatives to explore the challenges and opportunities for future growth. With the goals and needs of the cluster set, the next step was to develop a presence and create strong partnerships with both states’ aviation industry representatives. Both aviation directors were impressed by the interstate cooperation and shared effort. Oregon Department of Aviation’s Kenji Sugahara said, “The collaboration between Oregon and Washington’s Departments of Aviation, alongside the innovation-driven efforts of drone companies in the Columbia River Gorge, exemplifies a catalyst for economic development and technological progress. The Gorge Technology Alliance and the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District have been pivotal in fostering this environment of cross-border cooperation and growth. Together, these partnerships underscore the region’s commitment to advancing technology while promoting economic prosperity.” Washington’s Aviation Director Ann Richart noted that, “Aviation, by its very nature, doesn’t recognize state borders so a collaboration between Washington and Oregon to create the future of the aviation industry in the Columbia River Gorge makes perfect sense!” States Aviation Depts. tour group at Insitu The tour included visits to industry leaders in the aerospace sector, including Insitu and Sagetech, as well as the Sierra Nevada Corporation. Participants explored manufacturing spaces, spoke with company representatives, and learned about ongoing projects and challenges faced by these innovative businesses. Discussions included advancements in aviation technology, workforce development initiatives, and strategies for industry growth in the Columbia River Gorge. On the second day, participants visited the Columbia Gorge Community College, where they toured the Skills Center, the Electro-mechanical Technologies lab, and the Aircraft Maintenance Technology facility. The visit showcased the college’s commitment to providing students with hands-on training and education relevant to the aerospace industry. Participants learned about the college’s role in nurturing talent and supporting workforce development in the region. The tour ended with a visit to the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport where participants learned about the airport’s expansion plans and its significance as a transportation hub for the region and its role in major emergency relief operations. Discussions included infrastructure upgrades, airspace management, and opportunities to better connect outside the region and grow businesses through aviation. “We were delighted to host representatives from the Oregon Department of Aviation and the Washington Department of Transportation, Aviation Division, in the Columbia River Gorge,” said Jason Hartmann, Project Manager at both MCEDD and GTA. “This visit provided a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, highlighting the region’s strengths in aerospace and fostering connections between industry, government, and educational institutions.” This visit by the Oregon Department of Aviation and the Washington Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division brings recognition and confirmation of the Columbia River Gorge region as an aerospace sector hub for innovation, education and economic growth. The cluster’s collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions is now ready to continue improvements and seek opportunities in the region’s aviation community that will create more opportunity and recognition worldwide. For more information about the Columbia River Gorge’s aviation assets and economic development initiatives, please contact Jason Hartmann at the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District at jason@mcedd.org. [Continue Reading]Mt. Hood Economic Alliance Supports Woman-Owned Business in Downtown The Dalles
March 8, 2024 – Vibe Consignment is a consignment and resale shop located in downtown The Dalles at 416 East 2nd Street. Inspired by other buy/sell/trade companies such as Crossroads Trading Co., Buffalo Exchange, and Plato’s Closet, Vibe Consignment offers a curated selection of clothing that encourages shoppers to choose secondhand quality clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Vibe Consignment is 100% owned and operated by Kaahreena Ochoco, a 10-year veteran in the re-sale clothing industry. In addition to her brick-and-mortar establishment, Kahreena also sells online through her website Per Diem Thrifts. She opened the website and started selling gently used clothes online while still in high school and living in San Diego. Her side hobby turned into a full-time job in 2019 when she moved to The Dalles. Kaahreena is a reseller on Poshmark and eBay and has over 5,000 followers on YouTube and a reach of 2.5k on Instagram. In April of 2022, Per Diem Thrift Shop opened in the basement of the Studio Fit yoga studio in downtown The Dalles. While this was originally planned to be an office space to grow her online business, Kahreena quickly learned that there was interest in a retail location that offered both consignment and curated secondhand clothing. The business’ needs quickly outgrew the basement location, but to lease a street-level shop location with display windows to attract foot traffic and enough square footage to display the merchandise for shoppers, Kahreena needed financial assistance. As a first-time business owner, Kahreena qualified for funding through the Mount Hood Economic Alliance’s lending program to make the leasehold improvements needed, purchase the new POS (point of sale) system, monitor, scanner and label printer needed for retail operations, plus an amount of working capital to sustain the business through the transition. Vibe Consignment | The Dalles Shopping & retail Previously Per Diem Thrifts Shop Men’s and Women’s consignment clothing Located at: 416 E 2nd St. Instagram:@vibeconsignmentshop/ Website: perdiemthrifts.com/ [Continue Reading]Artisan Entrepreneur Opens Cocktail Bar with MCEDD’s Support
February 15, 2024 – Built as the culmination of a lifetime’s experience working in bars and a love of foraging and wildcrafting, Sam Schauer’s dream business became real with the help of MCEDD’s Loan Program. The Gander and Goose cocktail bar in White Salmon, WA, offers a unique food and beverage menu that is all about eclectic and umami, with amazing combinations of flavors to delight the palate. Sam’s passion for foraging in the forests and hills of the Columbia River Gorge to make locally wildcrafted cocktails with new and exciting tastes is at the foundation of his business plan. Featuring amaros that contain wild local flavorings like Devil’s Club, Yarrow, Arrow Leaf Balsam Root and Angelica, and a food menu with savory crispy rice waffles, the bar has a unique niche in the Gorge that is not to be missed! Read more here. Gander and Goose 218 East Jewett Blvd. White Salmon, WA Open Wednesdays – Sundays | 4:00-10:00 pm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ganderandgoose_ [Continue Reading]The Link Announces Upcoming Service Changes
January 26, 2024 – Effective February 19, 2024: The Dalles to Hood River route will increase from four (4) to five (5) times per day on weekdays. Stop times will be modified for connectivity improvement with regional transit providers. Frequent riders are encouraged to purchase a Gorge Transit Pass, which offers unlimited travel on fixed route service offered by The Link, Columbia Area Transit (CAT), Mt. Adams Transportation Services (MATS), and Skamania County Transit. To purchase a pass, visit our office at 802 Chenowith Loop Rd. The Dalles, OR 97058 or visit gorgepass.com. Effective March 4, 2024: The Link will slightly reduce the frequency of the Blue Route in The Dalles to operate on a one-hour basis from 7:00am to 7:00pm on weekdays. This service reduction will allow the Link to increase its Dial-a-Ride service. The decision to increase Dial-a-Ride service was based on ridership data from the past year as well as current and future funding guidelines that direct our service to focus on the specific needs in Wasco County for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and transportation for Students, the Elderly and Disabled, and Low-Income individuals who require door-to-door service. Updated printed brochures and an online version will be available a week prior to the effective date at www.mcedd.org/link. As operator of The Link Public Transit service in The Dalles, Oregon, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its programs and services on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin, as protected by Title VI in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1.B. Questions? Contact the Link’s Transportation Operations Manager, Jesus Mendoza, at (541) 296-7595 or by email at Jesus@mcedd.org. # # # [Continue Reading]Honey Buns Coffee House and Bakery Provides Welcoming Cafe for the Maupin Community
January 19, 2024 – Owner Madeline Rhoades opened her shop to fulfill the Maupin community’s need for a year-round coffee and breakfast spot for locals and tourists alike. Madeline and her partner Mike Johnston have created a warm and welcoming community space that is inclusive to all. The cafe provides the town with more than just a go-to breakfast spot, also hosting community meetings and events including yoga and community celebrations. Honey Buns’ menu features both hot and cold espresso drinks, smoothies & teas, plus a fabulous selection of homemade pastries to enjoy either in the café or to go. Homemade biscuits and gravy, egg sandwiches and keto-friendly egg & veggie cups round out the menu. As a first-time business owner, Madeline became eligible for financial assistance from the Mt. Hood Economic Alliance when she was denied a loan at a commercial bank. The MHEA loan helped to pay for plumbing upgrades and significant leasehold improvements as well as the equipment and operating expenses needed to get the business up and running. About Madeline Rhoades: Madeline started cooking at a young age! She has always been happiest in the kitchen and her training and experience includes an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality in Arizona, numerous restaurant and coffeehouse jobs to gain experience and ideas for opening her own café someday. That Day has come! Maupin has been Madeline’s home for the last 7 years, and she is so thankful for the opportunity to give back the love and support of her neighbors by offering a cozy and welcoming coffeehouse where friends and neighbors (and visitors too, of course!) can drop by and grab a morning beverage and a pastry…or just sit in a comfy chair by the window and relax with friends or a crossword puzzle. Honey Buns Coffee House & Bakery 509 1/2 Deschutes Avenue, Maupin, OR 97037 Website: https://www.honeybunscoffee.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeybunscoffeehouse [Continue Reading]Gorge Entrepreneurial Group Combines Innovation with Technology to Expand Winter Recreation Options
December 12, 2023 – Based in Hood River, a group of five individuals have banded together to turn a survival-inspired idea into an accessible and functional winter-season shelter by using the silver mylar that is commonly seen in space and emergency blankets. Ankhiale Outdoors’ Zeta 1 Hot Tent is a two-person winter tent composed of mylar with a stove jack added for heating and an oversized vestibule that can be used for cooking, lounging or storing gear. The tent has both front and rear entryways, plus a convenient pouch and strap system to help pack it up when it’s time to roll up camp. The tent’s clever color-coded outer multi-pole design guides the set-up process so that the large fly is erected first, and then the inner canopy and footprint can be assembled out of the elements. Whether using a stove or facing a campfire, the space-age material of the fly and canopy reflects and traps low radiation heat waves to keep the tent space toasty when the temperatures drop. Watch the winter camping video with Zeta 1 here! Last summer, the Ankhiale Outdoors, LLC group came to the Oregon Investment Board for funding assistance when their loan application was denied at the bank. Their marketing plan had a manufacturing deadline in the late fall so that the Zeta 1 tent would be available to sell this winter season. The OIB was pleased to approve this loan request that supports both small business and innovation in our region, and we are excited to announce that the Zeta 1 is now available! #TECH & INNOVATION #TRAVEL & OUTDOORS #CAMPING #ADVENTURE #HIKING #BACKPACKS [Continue Reading]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]- 1
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