Financing Helps Renewal Workshop Expand Operations
December 12, 2017 – Nicole Bassett and Jeff Denby, co-founders of The Renewal Workshop, received a $200,000 MCEDD loan in October 2017 to expand their operations in Cascade Locks, OR. The Renewal Workshop is a new kind of apparel company that makes discarded clothing and textiles into something new. They partner with apparel brands and retailers to recover value from their unsellable returns and excess inventory. Their Renewal System takes discarded apparel and textiles and turns them into Renewed Apparel, upcycling materials or feedstock for recycling. Data is collected on everything that flows through the system and is shared with their brand partners to help them improve the production and design of future products. Renewed apparel is available for sale at the company’s website www.renewalworkshop.com. They are the certified renewal partner of their brand partners. The Renewal Workshop operates a zero waste circular system that recovers the full value out of what has already been created as a way of serving customers, partners and planet. 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. Contact MCEDD’s Loan Fund Manager at 541-296-2266 or loanmanager@mcedd.org for more information on MCEDD’s Loan Program. [Continue Reading]Gorge Night Sky
November 27, 2017 – Promotion of energy efficiency and preservation of rural dark sky in the Gorge With the increase of highly efficient LED lighting options, many homeowners, businesses and cities are looking at upgrading their outdoor lights. This opportunity poses a risk to the nature of our rural dark sky. Gorge Night Sky project, with funding support from a Google grant, is focused on educating the community about Dark-Sky standards and energy efficient LED options, developing educational units for schools, promoting preservation of the Gorge’s rural dark sky by helping consumers choose products that maintain or increase energy efficiency and meet Dark-Sky standards, and working with local vendors to gather commitments to stock Dark-Sky compliant, energy efficient LED options. 2016 Symposium Overview As part of the Gorge Night Sky project, MCEDD, the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce, and the Friends of the Goldendale Observatory hosted a two-day educational symposium on August 18-19, 2016, at the Goldendale Observatory and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. The symposium bought together the Dark-Sky community, lighting professionals, and regional utilities and PUDs, local lighting vendors and installers, high profile end users, and city and county governments. Goals of the symposium included: Vendor/designer commitment to stocking and specifying dark-sky compliant fixtures. Utility commitment to highlight dark-sky compliant fixtures as part of their efficiency programs. Commitment to maximize existing efficiency rebate programs through point of sale rebates and a streamlined rebate process for dark-sky compliant LED lighting upgrades. Develop a strategy to effectively reach businesses and homeowners with the message about quality lighting design. A commitment from local governments to pursue and enforce modern lighting ordinances. Presentations included: AUGUST 18 Welcome from Washington State Parks – Lem Pratt, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, Goldendale Area Manager The importance of the observatory to our community – Washington State Representative Gina McCabe Brief History of Observatory, current designs for upgrades, and Night Sky stewardship – Ryan Karlson, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, Interpretive Program Manager A typical day at the observatory & optical upgrades – Troy Carpenter, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, Interpretive Specialist, Goldendale Observatory State Park Keynote Presentation – The End of Night? – Paul Bogard, James Madison University Some Scenes from the Evening Observatory Program AUGUST 19 Finding solutions to light pollution – Paul Bogard, James Madison University International Dark-Sky Association and Dark Sky Communities – David Ingram, Dark Skies Northwest The effects of light pollution on river and riparian ecosystems – Dr. Elizabeth Perkin, Willamette University Human Centric Lighting – Gary Chittim, PLANLED Raptor Program – Bambi Foy, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Towards scalable and automated urban street lighting monitoring: a mobile sensing perspective – Sumeet Kumar, MIT Am I BUG’ing you? – Jorge Craveiro, Cyclone Lighting LED Magic – Adaptive Lighting Controls – Rob Leonard, Echelon Corporation Commercial and Industrial Opportunities and Incentives – Nick Jones, Northwest Trade Ally Network Overview of NW SEED Program – Jill Eikenhorst, NW SEED Overview of USDA REAP (Rural Development for America Program) – John Holman, USDA There were also two discussion panels: Panel #1: Rebate programs & stocking compliant lighting products: A discussion of setting up rebate programs between local vendors and utilities, in addition to finding and stocking Dark-Sky compliant lighting products. Panel #2: Developing effective lighting ordinances for communities: A discussion of writing effective language into city and county ordinances to encourage communities to comply with Dark-Sky standards. Educational Units Image from NASA’s Earth Observatory The Gorge Night Sky project has developed an educational booklet focused on light pollution issues and technology innovation in LED lighting. The booklet is geared for various age groups, mainly focused on grades 4th through 8th. It contains common terminology and concepts related to light pollution, as well as information about advances and considerations for LED lighting. Exercises are included in the booklet, including information similar to a lighting specification sheet and questions about calculation of energy usage so students can use what they learn to evaluate lights in various settings, such as at home, school, or other buildings of interest around the community. The Gorge Night Sky project coordinated with the North Wasco County School District to bring the developed materials to the classroom and offer a field trip to the Goldendale Observatory. The goal is to inspire students to discover a passion in STEM based fields and educate them on the basics of astronomy, LED light technology, and energy efficiency. In addition to use in the classroom, the booklet will also be printed and distributed at various locations in the region so students in surrounding areas can take advantage of the lessons as well. Sponsors Galaxy Sponsor Supernova Sponsor Constellation Sponsors Starlight Sponsors [Continue Reading]MCEDD Staff Recognized for Leadership
November 7, 2017 – Kathy Fitzpatrick Receives Award for Distinguished Leadership Congratulations to MCEDD Mobility Manager on receiving the 2017 Award for Distinguished Leadership by an Elected or Appointed Official from the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association! Each year, the Association honors outstanding efforts and leadership in planning. We are so pleased with Kathy’s selection as she is deeply committed to serving the diverse rural area of the Columbia River Gorge. More here or connect with Kathy at kathy@mcedd.org. Amanda Hoey Elected to National Association Board of Directors MCEDD’s Executive Director was recently elected to fill a vacancy on the National Association of Development Organizations Board of Directors. She will represent the West Region. NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s regional development organizations. [Continue Reading]MCEDD Loans Benefit Urban Renewal Vision
November 7, 2017 – Tom and Holly Wood envisioned creating a community gathering place in The Dalles, Oregon where people could enjoy local foods, beverages and music from local artists while connecting with each other in a comfortable atmosphere. They sought a loan from MCEDD to start-up the Rivertap Restaurant and Pub in 2009 and fulfill their vision. Since that time, Rivertap has become a focal point of activity for the Historic Downtown The Dalles East Gateway, an area that has been struggling with urban renewal for over two decades. Tom Woods stated that “Rivertap really created momentum in the community to use the historic downtown the way it was designed. A business designed to fill this need came true with the help of MCEDD.” This MCEDD loan also helped with the construction of the 4,391 square foot commercial building located at 703 E. 2nd Street in The Dalles where the Rivertap Restaurant and Pub is located. Rivertap Restaurant and Pub is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, plus Friday and Saturday from 11 am to Midnight for American grill fare, regional beers and live music at this warm, upbeat sports pub. You can find out more information by calling 541-296-7870 and at their website at www.rivertap.com. 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. Contact the MCEDD Loan Fund Manager at 541-296-2266 or loanmanager@mcedd.org for more information on MCEDD’s Loan Program. [Continue Reading]Transportation Resources Released: Plain Language Guides and Novellas
October 24, 2017 – In partnership with MCEDD, The Next Door Inc. recently completed a project funded by the Association of Oregon Counties that will increase the use of transportation services by Limited English Proficiency individuals. The Next Door’s project staff gave very popular cultural awareness training sessions to Hood River and Wasco County transportation services providers. They also: Created two engaging novellas that aired on Radio Tierra. Radio Tierra receives phone calls from listeners wanting more information about their public transportation options after a novella had been played. Click here to hear the Next Door Inc’s own Joel Pelayo and Andrea Flores give a lively performance. Designed and distributed “plain language” guides to share public transportation information. Click to view the “plain language guides” for Columbia Area Transit and The LINK services. This project’s successful outreach to Hood River and Wasco County’s LEP population is especially relevant now as Columbia Area Transit, Mt. Adams Transportation Services , and the Columbia Gorge Express begin to implement planned public transportation service expansions within the next six months. [Continue Reading]Gorge Economic Symposium
October 17, 2017 – Thank you to the 100+ individuals who were able to join us for the 2017 Economic Symposium. Presentations are now posted and available at: https://www.mcedd.org/strategy/get-involved/economic-symposium/ Read an event summary from The Dalles Chronicle here: http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2017/nov/07/forum-examines-wood-products-sector/ The event featured: Welcoming Remarks: Ken Bailey, MCEDD Chair and Orchard View Farms Keynote Speaker: Jason Spadaro, SDS Lumber, Discussing Trends in the Regional Economy Regional Economist Dallas Fridley presenting the most recent data on employment, wages and growing and declining industries. Panel Session: Relevance of the forest and wood products sector. Moderated by Lisa Naas-Cook. Includes Jon Paul Anderson (High Cascade/WKO Inc), Jay McLaughlin (Mount Adams Resource Stewards), Jeff Nelson (Nelson Brothers Engineering), Trevor McConchie (Washington DNR), Emily Platt (US Forest Service), Bob Sourek (Bear Mountain Forest Products) and Wayne Vineyard (Port of Klickitat, retired Hancock Timber Resource Group). Summary and Connection to the regional strategy: Amanda Hoey, MCEDD Executive Director. Thank you to our event sponsors: US EDA, NW Natural and Skamania Economic Development Council! [Continue Reading]Business Financing Supports New Brewery: Dwinell Country Ales
September 29, 2017 – Dwinell Country Ales, the newest member of the Columbia River Gorge’s vibrant beer making community, recently opened the doors to their seven barrel brewhouse and family-friendly tasting room in downtown Goldendale. Founded by husband and wife team Justin and Jocelyn Leigh with longtime friend Graham Hogan, Dwinell Country Ales focuses on making Belgian-inspired beers and experimenting with local ingredients. Dwinell Country Ales received a modest loan from MCEDD that allowed them to procure much needed equipment and, in the end, open ahead of schedule. “Without MCEDD, we wouldn’t have been able to be where we are,” said Jocelyn. “Financing from MCEDD has enabled us to create a unique space in Goldendale where people can gather, converse, share a beer, and enjoy each other’s company.” Even as Dwinell Country Ales focus on making their Goldendale tasting room into a regional beer destination, beer hunters and craft enthusiast alike can find their beers on draft in Washington along the Columbia River Gorge and at select bars in Vancouver. For more information, check out www.CountryAles.com or call (509) 773-3138. 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. Contact MCEDD Loan Fund Manager at 541-296-2266 or loanmanager@mcedd.org for more information on MCEDD’s Loan Program. [Continue Reading]Eagle Creek Fire Response: Business Assistance
September 28, 2017 – In response to the Eagle Creek fire which adversely impacted businesses throughout the region, a collaborative of federal, state and local partners is working on short and long term resiliency resources. Immediate activities include: Business response team meets in Cascade Locks. Development of Resource Guides. Available here. Distribution of community campaigns. Learn more about “Show the Gorge Some Love” October campaigns here. Meeting with affected businesses. A collective response from business partners was coordinated in Cascade Locks with the North Central Oregon Regional Solutions team. Activity will be ongoing throughout the region. MCEDD business clients are encouraged to contact staff to discuss opportunities for assistance. MCEDD has resources to assist both existing and new clients with financing to address working capital needs arising from the disaster impacts. [Continue Reading]New Pilot Program for Business Financing
September 19, 2017 – The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon Investment Board has made $250,000 available for a pilot program that has a streamlined application process, minimal documentation and insurance requirements, ingrained small business counseling, and performance incentives. Loans up to $40,000 per company are available now. Loan Application is available here. Information on the Pilot program is available here. ****** Press Release: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon Investment Board (OIB) authorized the launch of a new pilot loan program. The program is designed to support the financial needs of small businesses with a streamlined application process, minimal documentation and insurance requirements, ingrained small business counseling, and performance incentives. The OIB offers financing for small businesses in the Oregon boundary of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area in Wasco, Hood River and Multnomah counties. Programs supplement traditional lending resources available through commercial banks and can provide funding when another lender is unable to work with a business client. This new pilot program gives the OIB the opportunity to boost economic development by offering a more consolidated loan application process. The program is specifically targeted to support entrepreneurs, new business start-ups, expanding businesses, and existing businesses for debt refinancing. Oregon Investment Board Chair, Jack Miller, stated “The Board authorized funding for this pilot program as a way to further spur investments into our regional economy. We are willing to take some additional risks to help our local businesses grow. The OIB programs have been tremendously successful in the past in supporting everything from food and beverage manufacturers to retail stores to tech entrepreneurs.” Mid-Columbia Economic Development District staff, which manages the OIB program, commended the board for their forward-thinking approach. “The Board was thoughtful in their deliberations of establishing this pilot program” stated Amanda Hoey, MCEDD Executive Director. “They analyzed business finance needs, the areas being covered by other lenders, and sought to create an accessible program for small loans.” Hoey also noted that the timing of the program release will also allow the Board to be responsive to businesses adversely impacted by the recent Eagle Creek Fire. As the pilot program includes business counseling, the program is geared towards long term success of local businesses as they grow. OIB Board member and CGCC SBDC Director Rick Leibowitz underscored the importance of the small business counseling aspects of the program, stating “Confidential counseling with an advisor helps businesses get an outside perspective on budgeting. We have experience dealing with various cash flow issues and we can assist business owners as they develop personalized and workable plans moving forward.” He noted that businesses with cash challenges often turn to options that come at a very high cost because of the ease of approval. Often in hindsight, businesses recognize that cost of financing and payback terms were too onerous for their budgets. He was an advocate to include the opportunities for businesses to access this fund for debt refinancing as an eligible fund use. Businesses are encouraged to contact the Loan Fund Manager at the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, (541) 296-2266 or loanmanager@mcedd.org, to discuss their needs. More information on the pilot program and the application can be found at https://www.mcedd.org/financing/oregon-investment-board/apply/ In 1986, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act established a bi-state, six-county region shared by the states of Oregon and Washington. In conjunction with this Act, Congress earmarked a small amount of funding for Oregon and Washington for the purpose of making economic development loans and grants. The Oregon Investment Board (OIB) is responsible for the administration of the Oregon Economic Development Plan, within Multnomah, Hood River, and Wasco, the Oregon counties lying in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District provides administration for the program. [Continue Reading]Oregon Drive Less Challenge
September 18, 2017 – “The Oregon Drive Less Challenge pulls up soon. Its finish line: energy efficiency. The fifth annual competition, spearheaded by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) and the Oregon Department of Transportation, runs Sept. 16-30.” Read more: http://www.hoodrivernews.com/news/2017/sep/13/gorge-gets-challenged-drive-less/. Learn more at drivelessconnect.com! [Continue Reading]- « Previous Page
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