Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

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.

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    • Business Loans
      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
    • Housing Loans
      MCEDD offers a fund specifically to encourage the development of attainable housing in our three Oregon counties.
    • Oregon Investment Board
      The Investment Board provides financing in the National Scenic Area for small and growing businesses, nonprofits and economic development activities.
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      A source of gap financing loans for businesses in Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco Counties.
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      Resources to help your business prosper. From training to relocation incentives, explore how your business may qualify.
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      Businesses are growing and expanding in the Gorge with support from our financing programs. See how we measure up in supporting local businesses!
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    • 2022-27 CEDS
      Every five years the region develops the comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) as a guide to understanding the regional economy and crafting goals, strategies and actions to create jobs, raise income levels, diversify the economy, and improve the quality of life.
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      Facts and figures on the regional economy. Data on where we are thriving and where we still have work to do.
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      In addition to initiatives and action plans, we also prioritize regionally significant infrastructure projects. See regional priorities and the status of development.
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      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
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      To support businesses create and retain jobs, MCEDD provides loans for the financing needs of businesses with favorable rates, terms and requirements.
    • Industry Sectors
      MCEDD has been a leader in the development of industry clusters including arts, wine, high tech, renewable energy, healthcare, & more.
    • Infrastructure
      MCEDD prioritizes regional infrastructure project and supports development of strong communities to support growing businesses. From broadband to transportation to water/ wastewater projects, learn more about regional activities.
      • Cover of the Hood River Energy Plan
      • Special Projects
        MCEDD supports a variety of special projects that align with the regional economic development strategy. Learn more about one of those projects: The Hood River Energy Plan.
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      • The LINK Public Transit
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    Home   ::   Financing   ::   Oregon Investment Board   ::   OIB Board of Directors

    OIB Board of Directors

    The Oregon Investment Board is a seven member volunteer board appointed by the Governor of Oregon. The board is charged with policy direction, funding criteria and funding decisions. There are two members each appointed from Multnomah, Hood River and Wasco counties and one at-large member. The Board also works with their partners in Washington—Washington Investment Board—through the Bi-State Advisory Council.

    2021 OIB Interest Form  
    Gil Kelley, Chair
    Hood River County
    1st Term ends: June 30, 2024
    Gil, a fourth-generation Oregonian, has been involved in community and economic development as a professional for over 40 years and enjoys giving back to the greater Gorge community where he lives. He has led planning and development functions for several west coast cities, from California to British Columbia, and now resides in Hood River County where he continues an active consulting practice. He and his wife enjoy hiking, gardening and tending to their 40 acres near Mt. Hood-Parkdale.
     
    photo of Kirk Wright

    Kirk Wright, Vice Chair
    Multnomah County
    1st Term ends March 2024
    Kirk Wright is an accomplished manager, organizational leader and entrepreneur experienced in private, public, non-profit, and cooperatively-owned businesses.  Kirk has advised entrepreneurs, investors and managers facing challenges of growth, change of control and other significant business events for two decades. Prior to his consulting work, Kirk worked with software and technology companies and before that he worked in consumer banking.   When not busy with board and non-profit volunteer work, Kirk enjoys travel and growing, preparing and eating good food.   Kirk lives with his wife Allison in an old house in northeast Portland.

     

    Profile picture of Jorge Barragan
    Jorge Barragan, Secretary/Treasurer
    Wasco County
    2nd Term ends: December 31, 2024
    Jorge Barragan is the owner of Casa El Mirador, located in The Dalles. In the past, Jorge has served as President of The Dalles Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Jorge currently is a member of his church’s finance committee.

    Rod Cole

    Wasco County

    1st Term ends: November , 2025

    Rod Cole has 28 years in the financial services industry, holding many roles including Personal Banker, Sales manager, business and consumer lending officer, VP Senior Financial advisor, and Branch Manager. Rod currently holds the position of Branch Manager at Columbia Bank in The Dalles, Oregon. Raised in a small farming community in Eastern Oregon, Mr. Cole learned the value of hard work and the importance of personal relationships within a community. Having been married for 28 years with 4 daughters, Mr. Cole loves spending free time with his family and has a passion for scuba diving, archery hunting, fishing and mountain biking. Over the years, Rod has volunteered time to his community as a School board member for the Gladstone School District for 12 years, board member with the Gladstone Education Foundation 18 years and held previous leadership positions with community service organizations including, Chambers of Commerce, Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary.

    Sam Bauer

    Hood River County

    1st Term ends: November 16, 2025

    Sam has lived in Hood River for the past 25 years. His 23 years of local banking experience inclide 20 years at US Bank in both Hood River and The Dalles, and 3 years at First Interstate Bank. Sam began as Branch Manager at US Bank in 1999 and was later promoted to District Manager/Market President. In 2008, he established the Commercial Banking office for US Bank in Hood River and was the area Commercial Relationship Manager for the next 12 years. In 2020, Sam moved to First Interstate Bank in the role of Bank President until 2023. He recently made a career change to become the General Manager for the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. Sam is passionate about family and the prosperity of the Columbia Gorge region, the area he calls home.

    Craig Bowder 
    At Large Member
    2nd Term ends: September 6, 2025
    Craig has been a Commercial Lender in The Gorge for over 11 years. His expertise is in Business and Commercial Real Estate lending. Prior to banking, Craig was a Commercial Real Estate Appraiser in the Mid-West. His previous community involvement includes: Board Chair for Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, Hood River School District Budget Committee, Emergency Foster Care for The Next Door, and many volunteer hours to organizations and events that strengthen the community. Craig lives in Hood River with his wife Randee and daughter Raleigh.
     

     

     

     

     

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    MCEDD

    802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
    The Dalles, OR 97058
    Phone: (541) 296-2266

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