MCEDD Recent News Items

Microloan Lending Supports Sole Proprietor Landscape Construction Company

May 16, 2023 – Sergio Almader is a one-man equipment owner/operator doing various construction projects with his Toro Dingo and its various attachments, trencher, rototiller, bucket, augur, mini backhoe, grader and forks.  The Toro Dingo is a smaller version of a Bobcat, only 42 inches wide, which opens up many opportunities for equipment use in constricted areas in a project that would otherwise require hand digging. Sergio has over 30 years of experience in landscape construction, with many years spent running his own Landscaping business.  Sergio later became a salesman for with the Toro Company and sold Dingos to contractors. After moving to the Hood River area and working with a local home builder, he realized there was a huge lack of available labor in the local construction industry. Homeowners were having difficulty finding contractors for projects because the contractors were either too busy with larger projects or didn’t have the labor to take on additional projects. He decided to start his own trenching business in 2021 and purchased a used Toro Dingo with its 10 attachments with a used truck and a custom trailer to haul everything and started doing side jobs. Sergio Almader works with both homeowners and contractors digging trenches for gas or water lines, holes for fence posts and pole barns, tree removals, digging out leech fields and moving large quantities of soil or sand. DBA the Dingo Dude, Sergio’s business has been successful with only word-of-mouth and  social media advertising. MCEDD’s microlending program has given Sergio the ability to refinance and consolidate the credit card debt incurred from the purchase of the business’ equipment, allowing him to save on interest and pay off the debt more quickly. Website: www.dingo-dude.com Facebook page: @DingoDude Phone: 541-340-4884     [Continue Reading]

Gorge Pitch Fest

April 28, 2023 – Wasco County Innovation Initiative partners were pleased to announce the launch of a small business pitch competition on June 14, 5:30 p.m. at the Granada Theater in The Dalles. The competition invited entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and compete for a chance to win funding and exposure. Twenty-eight small businesses from Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties submitted responses to the call for businesses interested in pitching. The group included businesses with different focuses from light manufacturing to  food production to software.  The six businesses that were selected as finalists include: Ada Analytics –provides an artificial intelligence powered platform for the cryptocurrency market that delivers real time insights to help investors make informed decisions.  The founders are working together to develop a user friendly platform that will support actionable insights for crypto investors.   Ankhiale Outdoors –helps people find themselves outside. Their team has developed a prototype cold weather tent and apparel that will help customers stay comfortable for winter season camping and is working to scale up their product. Bad Nutrition –makes chia seed pudding for the rule breakers of the world. Their product is focused on delicious flavor and inherent nutrition, making healthy food that appeals to the average consumer. Monkey Brittle – is an organic snack made from dried bananas, nuts and raisins.  It tastes just like banana bread but is light and airy with a crunch! Propel Flow – Consulting for businesses who want to utilize AI to “Propel the Flow” of business. Woodsy Craft Co –  is focused on creating DIY craft kits for friends and family to enjoy together.  These kits started out as retail at the Workshop and they are looking to scale to wholesale production more efficiently On June 14th at 5:30pm, these six finalists had the opportunity to pitch their business idea to our panel of four judges; James Martin of Sunshine Mill Winery, Lee Weinstein of Weinstein PR, Gregory Price of the Columbia Gorge Community College Small Business Development Center, and Jessica Metta of Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. Woodsy Craft Co was announced as the grand prize winner for $7,000 and also won the crowd favorite for an additional $500! The second place prize went to Bad Nutrition, and third place was awarded to Monkey Brittle. Over 100 people came out to learn about these innovative business ideas and to vote for their favorite! Wasco Innovation Initiative partners involved in this event include Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Columbia Gorge Small Business Development Center, Port of The Dalles, Columbia Gorge Community College, Business Oregon, the Wasco County Economic Development Commission, and The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. This event is hosted partially thanks to a grant received from Business Oregon’s Rural Opportunities Initiative program and is supported by the sponsors noted below. Email planning committee chair: Carrie Pipinich at carrie@mcedd.org. Información del evento Pitch Fest en español aquí. Event Photos! Ryan Huggins presents Monkey Brittle. Katie Potter presents Propel Flow. Sophia Malek presents Bad Nutrition. Ray Hsu presents ADA Analytics. Ron Entriken presents Ankhiale Outdoors. Alyssa Schroppel and Lindsey Brady present Woodsy Craft Co. Judges from left to right: James Martin, Lee Weinstein, Jessica Metta, and Gregory Price. Woodsy Craft Co Wins the Grand Prize! Final Prize award winner with the judges!   [Continue Reading]

Proposed Changes to the Link’s Fares Are Now Open for Public Comment!

April 27, 2023 – Fare Changes Proposed for The Link The LINK Public Transit invites public feedback on proposed rate changes for one-way fares.   The proposed changes are: 1) to decrease Fixed Routes fares within The Dalles city limits from $1.50 to $1.00 per one-way ride, and 2) to increase Dial-a-Ride service fares within The Dalles city limits from $1.50 to $2.00 per one-way ride. These changes are scheduled to go into effect on May 29, 2023,  but could occur later if extra time is needed to address any concerns brought out by this process. These changes will make the Link’s prices equal to the fares that have been established by our partner transportation agencies within the Gorge Translink Alliance.  The Link, CAT, Mt. Adams Transportation and Skamania County Transit Service are working together to establish a Regional Transit system with consistent fare prices. Read more about the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy here! The GOrge Pass will continue to provide unlimited fixed route service for riders with all four agencies through December 31st, at an annual price of $40 for adults and $20 for kids under 17.  Learn more about the GOrge Pass at gorgepass.com. The LINK also continues to offer discounted or free passes (both GOrge Passes and/or Dial-a-Ride rickets) to low-income riders through the Gorge Transit Connect program. For more information about Gorge Transit Connect, contact Sara Crook at sara@mcedd.org or by phone at 541-296-2266 ext. 1007. Your Feedback is requested! Submit your comments through any of the options listed below: 1. Online via our Feedback Form.  PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK HERE or use the QR Code!           2. In person by attending one of our Open House Sessions on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at The Dalles Transit Center, 802 Chenowith Loop Road, The Dalles. Morning: 10:00am to Noon Afternoon: 4:00 to 6:00p.m. 3. Via direct email to Jesus Mendoza at jesus@mcedd.org or by phone at (541) 296-7595. **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.** If you require accommodations, contact the Link’s Transportation Operations Manager, Jesus Mendoza, at (541) 296-7595 or by email at Jesus@mcedd.org.   [Continue Reading]

Edeske Patisserie’s Grand Opening Scheduled for Mother’s Day!

April 13, 2023 – Édeske Patisserie, LLC is pronounced ‘Eh-desh-keh’ and translated from Hungarian meaning ‘Sweet little thing.’ Édeske Patisserie is a high-end, European-style bakery serving patisserie and chocolates made with local ingredients sourced in The Columbia River Gorge.   Owner/Chef Tamara Bartucz Biscardi is a Hungarian native with over 10 years of experience in Dutch and French pastry as well as the science of Belgian chocolate.  She and her spouse James Biscardi have been producing small batch chocolates and patisserie for the farmers market and local festivals out of the commercial incubator kitchen at Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles since April 2022.   The business received funding under MCEDD’s new microloan program this past September, to purchase equipment and complete the leasehold improvements that will support the transition from the College’s facility to Édeske’s own new brick-and-mortar location in Hood River.   In this new space, Tamara and James will be able to carry more inventory to meet the demands of the growing business, as well as add to their menu with new desserts that were impossible to produce in the incubator kitchen. Customers will be able to come into a retail space and make selections from the fresh desserts made daily, as well as making their own custom chocolate and macaron boxes. Édeske’s shop, located at 512 Cascade Avenue in Hood River, had a soft open for Easter weekend, and regular hours will begin with their grand opening for Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 13th.   Meanwhile, you can order their divine creations on their website at: https://www.edeskepatisserie.com, or follow on Instagram@edeske_patisserie.   [Continue Reading]

Services Upgrades for Public Transit in The Dalles

April 11, 2023 – Beginning April 17, The LINK Public Transportation will be adding new stops to the Red and Blue Deviated Fixed Routes that circle through The Dalles.  All deviated fixed-route rides will be free for the first week, from Monday, April 17th through Saturday, April 22, 2023! Q: What is a Deviated Fixed Route? A: The bus operates along a route with a regular schedule but is called a “deviated” fixed route because it can also leave the route to accommodate requests for “off-route” drop-offs or pickups. Deviations within 1/4 mile of the route are allowed. Time is built into the route’s schedule to allow for these deviations, and folks can ride the bus home with carry-on bags – without having to call and wait for Dial-a-Ride service.   The extra time allowed for deviations means that the bus may get to its next stop earlier than the scheduled time.  However, the bus will not leave its next scheduled stop until the time that is posted in the schedule. Q: What are the changes? A:  The number of scheduled stops on the Red Route has grown from 8 to 21!  Both the Red and Blue routes each complete their circuit in one hour.  Riders can get on stops at The Dalles Transit Center, Foley Lakes, One Community Health, The Dalles City Park, The Dalles High School, DMV, Water’s Edge, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Next Door, and the Veterans’ Service Office downtown, to name a few. Check our route map on our webpage for the full list of stops. Fixed routes hours of operation are extending to on weekdays (M-F) from 7:00am to 6:00pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Q: How much does it cost? A: Rides are $1.50 each way.  If you are a regular rider, the most cost effective way to ride is by purchasing the GOrge Pass.  The GOrge Pass is good for the entire calendar year through December 31st, and can also be used on all fixed routes for the Link, CAT, Mt. Adams Transportation Service and Skamania County Transportation.  GOrge Pass can take you from The Dalles up to Mount Hood and all the way into Portland with connections through CAT.   A pass costs only $40 per adult and $20 per kid under 17. GOrge Pass is available for purchase at The Dalles Transit Center, located at 802 Chenowith Loop Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058. For more information on the Link’s services and stops, or to buy your GOrge pass online, please visit our webpage at https://mcedd.org/link or call The LINK at 541-296-7595.   ***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.***     [Continue Reading]

Key Regional Projects Updated for 2023 in Regional Economic Development Strategy

April 5, 2023 – The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) announces the completion of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy update for 2023. 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 2023 CEDS was development of an updated regional project priority list. Project priority rankings for 2023 include the following: WASHINGTON Goldendale Energy Storage Project Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park Development 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 City of White Salmon’s Buck Creek Water Distribution Line Replacement Skamania County’s Wind River Road Stabilization Klickitat Valley Health Hospital District’s Building Addition City of Goldendale’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements City of North Bonneville’s Lift Station Replacement   OREGON Port of Hood River Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge Replacement and the Port of Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods Strengthening and Safety Improvements Housing: Development of the 780 Rand Road Housing Development project in Hood River, quantity and quality of the housing stock in Sherman County, understanding the affordable housing need and supporting community partners in opportunities to address it in Wasco County Columbia Gorge Childcare Center, led by Columbia Gorge Educational Service District Broadband: additional solar-powered trailers to extend wireless signals in Sherman County and Q-Life’s colocation facility in Wasco County City of Hood River’s Elevated Sewer Line Replacement Aviation Maintenance Training Hangar and Industrial Park Development at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport City of Grass Valley’s Wastewater Project Port of Cascade Locks’ Business Park Infrastructure Development Port of Hood River’s Lot 1 Infrastructure Development City of Rufus’ Well #3 Feasibility Study and Upgrades   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 2023 MCEDD Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, visit https://www.mcedd.org/strategy/.   [Continue Reading]

MCEDD & Regional Partners Offer Grant Writing Workshop!

March 29, 2023 – Intended for local government or non-profit staff or volunteers  working in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties, who have questions about grant writing, planning, or management. This course is returning in 2023 by popular demand. Register here or contact Carrie Pipinich with questions!  REGISTER HERE   [Continue Reading]

Broadband Action Planning in Klickitat & Skamania Counties

March 29, 2023 –   The Washington State Broadband Office and WSU Extension are leading a statewide effort to develop broadband action and digital equity plans at the County level  that will include local concerns, challenges, and opportunities into the statewide planning process.  This is a requirement that the state of Washington must meet in order to access federal funds that are designated for broadband deployment as well as meeting digital equity and inclusion requirements. This effort by the state of Washington will provide access to approximately $900 million in infrastructure funding that will be disbursed from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration over the next five years. These funds were provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. MCEDD is working in partnership with Klickitat and Skamania Counties to support their participation in this statewide broadband planning effort!  MCEDD will be coordinating county-level Broadband Action Teams and conducting outreach to partners around broadband infrastructure availability and needs.  This outreach and planning will support the utilization and adoption of broadband technology for the whole community and will provide tremendous economic benefits at all levels: personal, business and community services including health, fire, emergency and education. Broadband planning sessions with the Community Councils in Klickitat and Skamania Counties are scheduled through April and May.  If you are a Washington Gorge resident interested in participating in this process, feel free to reach out to Carrie at Carrie@mcedd.org for further details.   [Continue Reading]

Free Legal Support for WA MicroEnterprise Businesses!

March 6, 2023 – Are you a microenterprise (5 employees or less) business in Skamania or Klickitat County who needs some legal advice? MCEDD has received funding through a Washington State Microenterprise Association Grant that can cover your needs! If you are interested and meet the criteria, reach out to Lorena Lowell at the Small Business Development Center to apply. Grant funding must be used by June 15th, so don’t put this off if you need legal help!   [Continue Reading]

World-Class Restaurant Opens in Hood River

February 13, 2023 – Votum Restaurant is Hood River’s newest fine dining experience! Owners Chef Sarah Doyle and Nathan Ricks both have an impressive and extensive background in fine dining, originally meeting at Manresa Restaurant, a three Michelin Star establishment. Chef Doyle directs the kitchen and Mr. Ricks the front of house. Votum Restaurant offers a seafood forward cuisine, featuring the best of local and international fish and shellfish, accompanied by the bounteous produce of the surrounding small farms. The wine selections draw from a cellar of vintage Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the wines of Germany.  Special attention is also made to select the best and most interesting Columbia Gorge wines. The new location at 210 2nd Street in Hood River is a street level unit in the Historic Masonic Lodge building, built in an intentionally minimalistic style, with spotlights on the tables drawing the diners’ attention to the seven different courses of the chef’s tasting menu. The partners came to the OIB last summer for assistance with funding their restaurant concept because their new location required extensive kitchen and storefront build-out.  Electrical and plumbing upgrades, equipment purchase such as a new kitchen hood, dining room furniture and refrigerators, as well as working capital while the business becomes established were all completed over the summer, fall and early winter.   Check out Votum’s website to learn more about the restaurant’s concept, view the full menu, and make reservations.   [Continue Reading]