Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties
MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.
August 1, 2013 –
Heidi Hall received a Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) loan to open a coffee drive thru business. Sweet Lila’s Coffee Cup is a coffee drive thru business inspired by Heidi and Blake Hall’s, daughter Lila May. She loved cooking and making “kids’ coffee” and that is what Sweet Lila’s Coffee Cup will be doing for their customers. Heidi is excited to be serving espresso drinks, blended drinks and tea, along with breakfast and lunch grab and go items in the near future.
Heidi states, “When I started this process I found out that banks do not typically finance new start ups because they require a history of the business that can show potential. I then contacted Eric at MCEDD, who helped guide me thru the process. With the support of my MCEDD business loan, we have recently broken ground with the building process and hope to be up and running in late April.”
Sweet Lila’s Coffee Cup will soon be offering high quality products with fast and friendly service at its drive thru located at 1540 Osprey Drive, Hood River, Oregon. You can call Heidi at 541-261-6507 or check this business out on Facebook for more information.
[Continue Reading]
June 23, 2013 – Danny Minor of Minor’s International Wood Design has been an independent business for the last nine years, but Danny has over 40 years of experience with wood working. The company focuses on customized, high quality woodworking and engraving for clients of all types. Minor’s International does custom furniture, cabinetry, wine boxes, and wooden cremation urns.
In 2009, after working with Columbia Gorge Community College’s Small Business Development Center, Danny came to MCEDD for a loan to purchase a laser engraver so that he could expand the business to increase its focus on engraving. With this tool almost any photo, drawing, or custom lettering can be replicated on wood, metal, plastic, stone, or other surfaces. Minor’s client base is varied, including local specialty shops, funeral homes, custom work, and more. Through the MCEDD loan, Minor’s International Design has been able to continue to diversify its business.
[Continue Reading]