Symposium

Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium

Tickets are now available for the 2019 Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium! Join us at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 9am-1pm as we celebrate 50 years of economic development in the Gorge. Last year’s event sold out, so register now to secure your spot. Purchase tickets for the Symposium here.

As this year marks the 50^th anniversary of MCEDD, this year’s annual symposium will focus on a robust discussion around 50 years of the Gorge economy. Join us for in-depth look at MCEDD’s past and future serving the region and a detailed understanding of what industries are driving economic vitality for the future of the Columbia Gorge. David Anderson, NW Natural CEO, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Aggregated regional and county data exploring past and present economic and employment trends will be provided by regional economists Scott Bailey and Dallas Fridley, covering Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania counties. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for networking and refreshments and the event begins at 9 a.m. More details coming soon! Symposium Flyer

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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

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