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.
June 2, 2013 – Draper Girls Country Farm has been in the family since 1962. Theresa Draper bought it from her father in 1981 and has been running it ever since. She expanded from running the orchard to also include attending farmers’ markets in the Portland area, building a farm stand, and increasing her u-pick presence. Value added agriculture products are another focus for the Draper Girls Country Farm . They include jams, dried fruit, and many varieties of cider available fresh pressed or frozen. In addition, Theresa is raising grass fed lambs and goats and has eggs available. They also have a vacation rental that supports the growing agri-tourism market.
Draper Girl’s received a loan from MCEDD to support these changes to her business. This year, Draper Girl’s is looking forward to a strong harvest, so stop in and try the cider made fresh every week throughout the year or to pick up some apples!
http://drapergirlscountryfarm.com [Continue Reading]
May 30, 2013 –
May 2013 Loan Client Profile: Alexis and Juliet Pouillon opened Domaine Pouillon Winery in 2005 near Lyle, Washington. Their enterprise started small with just a few barrels of wine, and now has grown to about 3,850 cases of wine produced a year with 200 members in their wine club. Domaine Pouillon is currently building a new tasting room will have permanent restrooms, food service and comfortable seating areas. It is scheduled to open this summer! In anticipation of growth in business and an increasing number of weekend visitors resulting from their new tasting room, the owners of Domaine Pouillon decided to seek additional funding through MCEDD’s loan program. MCEDD approved the additional loan in March of 2013. The project will provide 2-3 new tasting room staff. For more information about Domaine Pouillon visit their website at www.domainepouillon.com [Continue Reading]