Symposium

Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium

2018 Economic Symposium Summary

Take the 2018 survey here.

On November 2, 2018 the region joined together for networking, a detailed understanding of what industries are driving economic vitality in the region (Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties in Oregon and Klickitat and Skamania counties in Washington) and discussion on the importance of the tech sector. Thank you to event sponsors NW Natural, US EDA and Columbia Gorge Community College. Presentations and materials are posted below. We will post information on the 2019 Symposium soon. In the meantime, take the survey to help us plan for next year’s event!

Audience with the tech panel at the Gorge Symposium

2018 Tech Panel

Agenda – November 2, 2018

Speaker Bios

Industry Employment and Payroll in the Columbia Gorge (Scott Bailey/Dallas Fridley)

Economic Development Strategy Overview (Amanda Hoey)

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2017 Economic Symposium Summary

2017 Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium panelists photo

2017 Symposium Panel

The 2017 Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium took place in November 2017. Thank you to event sponsors NW Natural, US EDA and Skamania Economic Development Council. Over 100 attendees were able to network and learn more about the region’s economy. The event included a keynote from Jason Spadaro, SDS Lumber, and featured a panel discussion on the current and future reality for the Gorge’s forest and wood products sector. See the Agenda and Speaker Bios for more information. Copies of the presentations are available below.

Keynote Presentation– Jason Spadaro, SDS Lumber

Gorge Industry Employment and Payroll– Dallas Fridley, State of Oregon Regional Economist

Klickitat and Skamania Data– Dallas Fridley

Gorge Economy– Dallas Fridley

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2016 Presentations

Gorge Economy– Dallas Fridley, State of Oregon Regional Economist and Scott Bailey, State of Washington Regional Economist

Columbia Gorge – Oregon – Dallas Fridley, State of Oregon Regional Economist

Columbia Gorge Labor Market – Scott Bailey, State of Washington Regional Economist

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2015 Presentations

The Gorge Economy – Dallas Fridley, State of Oregon Regional Economist and Scott Bailey, State of Washington Regional Economist

Columbia Gorge – Oregon – Dallas Fridley, State of Oregon Regional Economist

Columbia Gorge Labor Market – Scott Bailey, State of Washington Regional Economist

State of the States: Oregon Labor Market and Economic Forecast – Nick Beleiciks, State of Oregon Employment Economist

State of the States: Washington Labor Market – Paul Turek, Washington State Economist

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.