Cowlitz Economic Development Council

09/09/2022

WA State Department of Commerce Submission Manager

WORKING WA ROUND 5 BUSINESS GRANTS CLOSE TODAY! If you are a business or non-profit that is still suffering due to COVID-19-related issues, made more than 10k and less than $5 Million in 2020 or 2021, and were open by Jan. 1, 2021, you are likely eligible to apply! Lindsey has limited availability until 3:00 PM today to help. 360-423-9921 or [email protected].

The Washington State Department of Commerce, working in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) will open applications for Working Washington Grants: Round 5 and Convention Center Grant Programs. Eligible for-profit and non-profit businesses, including tribal member-owned bus...

09/01/2022

32-acre industrial park proposed for development near I-5 in Kelso

Stay tuned...

https://tdn.com/news/local/business/32-acre-industrial-park-proposed-for-development-near-i-5-in-kelso/article_5352c660-2952-11ed-8fad-9b3f68a15741.html -source=mp-homepage

The city has declared the project would have no significant environmental impacts. A comment period is now open.

08/30/2022

2022 America in Bloom YouTube Video People's Choice Award

Please vote!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

08/16/2022

The recent Lower Snake River Dams Benefit Replacement Draft Report is another reminder of the complexity of the federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Taking out the dams would eliminate clean hydropower, efficient river transportation, irrigation, jobs, and much more, without proof that it would save salmon. What is clear are the vast negative economic, social and transportation impacts associated with dam breaching.

Find your elected official and share your support for this critical federal system: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

08/15/2022

2023 Lewis and Clark Bridge Repair Public Survey

LAST CALL: Public survey closes tonight, Aug. 15, at 11:59 p.m.
Please consider sharing this opportunity to participate in the public survey with your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers through social media or other available channels.

People who travel across the Lewis and Clark Bridge are invited to share how and when they use the span to help the Washington State Department of Transportation plan for a six-day closure of the bridge in 2023 for important preservation work.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCBridge

Help WSDOT understand when and how you use the Lewis and Clark Bridge before repair work closes the bridge for six days in 2023.

08/15/2022

Applications open August 17: $75 million for Washington small businesses and nonprofits - Washington State Department of Commerce

OLYMPIA, WA – Applications for the Working Washington Grants: Round 5 and new Convention Center Grants programs open Aug. 17. Together, these programs will distribute $75 million in pandemic relief grants to eligible small businesses and nonprofits across Washington. The Department of Commerce manages the grants with support from the Washington State Arts Commission. Click the link below to learn more!

Another round of state pandemic relief grants on the way, with focus on the arts, heritage and science sectors and businesses relying on in-person conventions hosted in Washington OLYMPIA, WA – Applications for the Working Washington Grants: Round 5 and new Convention Center Grants programs open A...

08/12/2022

City of Longview is reimagining Washington Way and wants to hear from you!

Join us for an in-person Open House on Thursday, August 25 from 4-7p.m. at the Longview Civic Circle Park, where you’ll have a chance to hear about the Washington Way Complete Street Project currently underway and input on the preliminary design options the City is considering. Learn more about the project and ways to share your feedback at https://mylongview.com/673/Washington-Way-Complete-Street-Project

08/09/2022

Our Summer Tour Series returns this August!

Seats fill up fast, so don't delay. We can't wait to show you around!

For dates, times and registration visit https://www.portoflongview.com/216/Summer-Tour-Series

08/07/2022

Planned timber lodges, amphitheater at Coldwater Lake could revive Mount St. Helens tourism, local leaders say

Mount St. Helens is a world destination. An amphitheater and lodging could its tourism bring back to life!

In the decades since the 1980 eruption, tourism in the area has waned. The volcanic monument gets about one-third the visitors of Mount Rainier.

08/02/2022

Please share far and wide with your networks - this may be the final opportunity to participate in this program at NO COST!

ScaleUp Business Training, Your Business is Ready are You?

Starts Wednesday August 24th | Register here> https://scaleupwashington.org/

This advanced business training for companies that have moved BEYOND startup and launch.
ScaleUp is about building capacity, increasing profitability, and automating business systems.
This program will show you how to position your business for investment and ready you for that moment.

-Imagine your business as passive income through systemization
-Working ON your business, NOT in it
-Doubling or tripling revenues
-Increasing shareholder distributions
-Securing investors and investment
-Having an exit strategy that ensures MAXIMUM value when you sell

Our trainers come with years of experience building and scaling businesses and helping others do the same.

ScaleUp Business Training is NOT JUST a 9 week training program, it’s ongoing support and community.
Graduates of the ScaleUp program maintain access to all ScaleUp resources and ongoing
mentorship through our weekly Study Hall program and Alumni Network.

This program is currently provided at NO COST thanks to Washington State businesses through August 2022
thanks to support from the Washington Department of Commerce and the Cowlitz Economic Development Council.

The path to seven figures starts here! https://scaleupwashington.org/

07/25/2022

Quality Jobs Initiative - Workforce Southwest Washington

COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE WORKFORCE COLLABORATIVE RELEASES QUALITY JOBS FRAMEWORK TO ATTRACT WORKERS, SUPPORT BUSINESS GROWTH, CREATE MORE EQUITABLE ECONOMY.

The Quality Jobs initiative is a commitment to designing and developing a regional approach with workers, employers, job seekers, community-based organizations, economic developers, and local municipalities to define, support and promote quality jobs.

07/22/2022

Timeline photos

Please join us TONIGHT (Friday, July 22 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm) for an Open House! This family friendly event will feature food, prizes, and lots of hands-on activities to help students and prospective students learn about different programs and services at LCC.

Come for the Open House, and stay for the Black Bears vs. Raptors baseball game starting at 6:35 pm. Ask us about free Black Bears tickets! (Provided by the Cowlitz Black Bears). Learn more at lowercolumbia.edu/future.

07/14/2022

Bill Marcum is retiring the end of February 2023 and the Kelso Longview Chamber is in search of a CEO to Manage the daily operations of the chamber.

To Apply
The recruitment process will consist of an evaluation of each applicant’s qualifications as demonstrated in a professional resume and cover letter. Candidates best suited for the position will be invited to complete a qualifying supplemental questionnaire for further evaluation. The most qualified candidates passing the supplemental evaluation will be in- vited to participate in a preliminary interview. Candidates deemed most qualified based on the criteria outlined in this announcement will be invited to Kelso Longview for an oral interview process. Travel, meals and lodging will be provided for out-of-state finalists. As part of the final selection process, a background investigation will be conducted.

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by August 15, 2022. Please send a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

To see a full job description go to:https://kelsolongviewchamber.org/sites/default/files/ceo_recruitment_smaller.pdf

07/14/2022

Are you interested in bringing your new or existing business to the new Mountain Timber Market at the Port of Kalama? Come to their open house this week to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

07/14/2022

More support for struggling small businesses and non-profits! The WA Legislature invested $70M for Working WA Grants: Round 5. 60% will go to the arts/heritage/science sectors, and 40% will go to small businesses & non-profits in most sectors.

The grant application portal OPENS August 17, and will just be open for 15 days. Please spread the word! We strongly encourage small businesses and non-profits to PREPARE NOW and apply.

✔️ Learn more and get ready to apply: commercegrants.com
✉️ Sign up for updates: bit.ly/wwr5updates

07/02/2022

Applications are now being accepted for spaces in the market! Stop by an Open House on Wednesday, July 6th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm or Saturday, July 16th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm to learn more! You can also visit MountainTimber.org to get an application or call Mountain Timber Market Manager, Michelle Nelson at (360) 673-2325 for more information. Applications are due July 31, 2022!

07/01/2022

This is an excellent opportunity for businesses!

Applications are now being accepted for spaces in the market! Stop by an Open House on Wednesday, July 6th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm or Saturday, July 16th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm to learn more! You can also visit MountainTimber.org to get an application or call Mountain Timber Market Manager, Michelle Nelson at (360) 673-2325 for more information. Applications are due July 31, 2022!

06/24/2022

Alert!

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE TO GRANT APPLICANTS - Please spread the word to small businesses & nonprofits that plan to pursue WA Commerce's Working WA 5 grants, which will be open for application soon, and other emergency relief (for more information: https://commercegrants.com/)

The federal government recently changed its requirements for organizations receiving federal funds in the form of grants. It no longer uses the DUNS (Data Universal Number System) and has shifted to a new system known as the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). As of April 2022, recipients of grants using federal funds (which will include WA Commerce's Working WA 5) are required to have a UEI. If you don’t have one yet, you should apply now. You may apply for grants without one, but cannot receive funds until you have an UEI. The UEI application is linked here:
https://commercegrants.com/uei-frequently-asked-questions/

06/23/2022

Congratulations to a great organization! 20 year anniversary of Workforce SW!

https://workforcesw.org/wsw-celebrates-20-years

06/17/2022

Employees having access to safe, affordable childcare is one of the largest barriers to being available to work. This crisis disproportionally affects women in the workforce as well. Many clients have stated that finding employees is one of their most significant challenges, particularly since the pandemic. If you are interested in resources regarding employer-supported childcare and family-friendly policies to help your employees and business, we encourage you to join this webinar by our partners at the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Please join this workshop, hosted by the Administration for Children and Families, Association of Washington Business, and Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, to learn about the tangible ways businesses of all sizes can support the child care needs of their working parents. Information will be provided on the positive impact of employer-supported child care and family-friendly policies, how employers can get started, and technical assistance and supports that state agencies can offer to employers.

https://acf-hhs-gov.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscuqgqDwqH64ROk3u5aZ4_DZoOEsRIiE

06/15/2022

Another Wednesday, another free live music event at the Port's Westin Amphitheater! Sponsored by McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge, Seattle-based duo Steve Aliment & Annie O'Neil bring a great mix of rock and soul to the waterfront. See you there! 😎

Learn more about the band by clicking: https://www.mcmenamins.com/events/233894-steve-aliment-annie-oneil

06/09/2022

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Makers! Supporting the Capacity and Safety of Small Scale Manufacturers in Washington State. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Makers! Supporting the Capacity and Safety of Small Scale Manufacturers in Washington State

Small scale manufacturers bring us beautiful, delicious, creative, sustainable and useful products that we enjoy every day. It takes a tremendous amount of patience, skill and wisdom to bring so many supplies, ingredients and machines together to create these amazing products.

Join us for a focused discussion with specialists about resources, safety regulations, and requirements for makers and small scale manufacturers as they bring locally made products to businesses near you.

Our speakers include Erin Adams of the Seattle Good Business Network who will share about her work with small scale manufacturers and the power of the circular economy to revolutionize not just what manufacturers make but how they make their products every day.

We will also welcome Jim Lawrence, Consultation Manager, L&I Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) who will present practical safety tips, resources and free L&I consulting services available to every manufacturer in Washington state.

This webinar is presented by the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) in partnership with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for Employer Outreach and Education, the Washington State Division of Occupational Safety & Health, and the Seattle Good Business Network.
Time
Jun 28, 2022 02:00 PM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Makers! Supporting the Capacity and Safety of Small Scale Manufacturers in Washington State Small scale manufacturers bring us beautiful, delicious, creative, sustainable and useful products that we enjoy every day. It takes a tremendous amount of patience, skill and wisdom to bring so many supplies...

06/07/2022

Application portal for $3.5 million in grants to Washington community festivals and events open June 8 – July 1!

In-person seminars this week and next provide application assistance.

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA, today announced a $3.5 million grant program to help established, small-community festivals and events..
The application portal for the grants is open at CommerceGrants.com beginning at 8 a.m., June 8. The application window closes July 1 at 5 p.m.
This program supports “legacy” events, festivals, civic and holiday celebrations, cultural and heritage events, music festivals, and street and arts fairs – those that have taken place for five or more years - in communities with populations of 100,000 or less.
Grants are designed to either restart and stabilize these legacy festivals and events that were suspended in 2020 and 2021, recover from disruptions and losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or both. Covered expenses include deposits on infrastructure (security, temporary fencing, staging, lights, sound equipment, etc.) and staff and labor costs. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000. Award amounts are based on need and demonstrated losses.
“Communities across the state have had to postpone or cancel their events and celebrations over the last two years,” said Robb Zerr, Senior Managing Director for the Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness at Commerce. “These activities are a source of tremendous community pride and identity and the revenue generated often support local non-profits, causes and scholarships. We are thankful to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for providing funding to support communities across the state.”
Application seminars to provide additional technical assistance to organizations, WFEA and ArtsWA are conducting a series of informational seminars across the state:
June 8
Noon Meydenbauer Event Center, Bellevue
June 9
Noon Hotel Windrow, Ellensburg
June 13
8 a.m. Farmhouse Restaurant, Mt. Vernon
1 p.m. Tri-Cities Convention Center, Kennewick
June 14
10 a.m. Gonzaga University, Hemmingson Center, Spokane
Applicants do not have to attend a seminar to apply for these grants. For more information, contact the WFEA at [email protected] or call 360-808-3204

06/07/2022

The Port of Woodland has an upcoming building site that will be available to lease for manufacturing/distribution/production activities. The building is at our Down River Drive Industrial Park and has 10,200 square feet that includes a small office and restroom. Please contact the Port if interested in the site.

05/20/2022

ARE YOU A BUSINESS THAT HAS NOT BEEN ELIGIBLE FOR SOME OR ALL COVID-19-RELATED GRANTS, BUT YOU NEED HELP? WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU TO HELP ADVOCATE FOR EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR THE LATEST WORKING WASHINGTON GRANTS TODAY!

Washington State is gearing up to open the latest business grants related to the COVID-19 pandemic funded through the legislature. We are assisting them in developing these programs including determining eligibility. If you are a business that opened after March 2020 and you have not been eligible for most pandemic-related grants, especially at the state and federal level, and your business is suffering, we need to share your stories to encourage expanded eligibility. The answers you provide will help us advocate for you and those like you! This is extremely time-sensitive and responses will only be accepted through 5:00 PM Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

https://cope917538.typeform.com/WWR5-Biz-Survey

05/18/2022

www.rd.usda.gov

USDA Rural Development (RD) is offers this multimedia guide to help rural entrepreneurs.

RD offers more than 40 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Many of
these programs can also support community-based entrepreneurial planning
and growth. We partner closely with community leaders and developers, local, state, and Tribal governments, cooperatives, nonprofits, private
USDA Rural Development (RD) offers this multimedia guide to help rural entrepreneurs. l economies.

Let us know if you are interested in any of these programs! [email protected]

05/17/2022

COWLITZ & WAHKIAKUM COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS: Have you been looking to improve your profits? Have you questioned if you are headed in the right direction with your marketing? When is the last time you reviewed your business planning and strategy? Sign up for FREE for 1 year of access to recorded lectures from a top business educator and small business owner, access to materials to improve your business, and miniature personalized consulting sessions. Contact Lindsey Cope at [email protected] or 360-423-9921 to sign up TODAY!

These courses are in partnership with the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (William Fashing), Lower Columbia College, Lower Columbia College Foundation, and are funded through the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) thanks to a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

05/16/2022

Vancouver

Upcoming FREE classes from SCORE!

Business Credit Impact on Finance & Vendor Relations
Whether you are a new or well-established business, a “less than average” credit score will likely impact your company’s ability to grow and prosper. Learn how to get ahead of the game with this informative SCORE webinar.

Webinar Date: Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am.
Register for this free webinar at www.vancouver.score.org

Payments and Fraud Prevention
This presentation aims to help business owners avoid yet another pitfall- becoming unsuspecting victims of payments fraud. Hear from a banker’s perspective, learn how you may be vulnerable, and the steps you can take to fortify your defenses.

Webinar Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Register for this free webinar or go to www.vancouver.score.org

We offer free mentoring services and low cost seminars to entrepreneurs and small business owners like you.  Our mentors will provide you with information designed to enable you to succeed and thrive in today's challenging business climate.

05/15/2022

Port of Woodland

The Port of Woodland is looking for public comment to provide comments, concerns, and suggestions on a range of topics regarding the conceptual options of Austin Point:

1. Public Access and Recreation
2. Wetland and Habitat restoration
3. Railroad and overpass infrastructure
4. Dockside economics, commodities, and infrastructure
5. How Austin Point and City of Woodland Industrial 426 Acre study coordinate for planning

Information gathered from these events will assist the Port of Woodland Commission's decision-making, planning, and alternative options for projects.

This project is of the utmost importance to the continued economic development of the Port of Woodland. This project will bring family-wage jobs, recreation, and improved and new infrastructure to Woodland and the surrounding area. We hope that you will take a few minutes to help them during this process.

Port of Woodland Open House Information

05/03/2022

Check out the new Creatives Academy and other exciting news from our partners at the Washington State Department of Commerce.

⚡️April Director's Update: The Creatives Academy; ; Liz Rocca & Stephanie Bowman join the leadership team; Bridging the & more. Work from anywhere in WA at Commerce. 📰Read more in 's Update: https://bit.ly/DirBrownNewsApril22

05/02/2022

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Taking Your Business International . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

What: Taking Your Business International
When: May 11 from 10am-noon PDT
Where: RSVP for free here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdOGgpjMsHNGrXzL1IxM7bQVdxkBuWgvZ

Join us for a lively discussion with nationally recognized speaker and author Jim Foley to learn what your business must do to leverage export opportunities and adapt your strategies internationally.

This will help you:
• Learn details of export procedures
• Understand when your company should expand internationally
• Formulate an export strategy
• Overcome common mistakes made by beginning exporters
• Identify and target high-potential markets with proven market research methods
• Adapt your marketing strategies for international success

About the Instructor:
Mr. Foley is a nationally recognized and frequent speaker on international trade issues and is the author of the book The Global Entrepreneur. Jim’s awards include the ASBDC State Star, the NASBITE Lifetime Achievement Award, & the IATTO Lifetime Achievement Award.

This webinar is presented to you by the Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington and is funded in part through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For questions, contact Zara Castillo at [email protected]

Join us for a lively discussion with nationally recognized speaker and author, Jim Foley, to learn what your business must do now to leverage export opportunities and adapt your strategies internationally. This will help you: - Learn details of export procedures - Understand when your company should...

04/22/2022

Port of Kalama commissioners approve $19 million bid for marketplace, despite sticker shock

Port of Kalama commissioners approve $19 million bid for marketplace, despite sticker shock

KALAMA — The Port of Kalama commissioners Wednesday approved a $19 million bid to construct the Mountain Timber Market, despite the higher than expected price tag.

04/09/2022

Grants available for employee training leading to quality jobs and workforce equity - Workforce Southwest Washington

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEE TRAINING LEADING TO QUALITY JOBS AND WORKFORCE EQUITY

People are your organization's greatest asset and investing in their training is a powerful demonstration of how much you value them. Today’s employees want to work for an organization that will provide opportunities for them to learn, grow and advance.

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) has grant funds to reimburse companies for training their existing employees. We are looking for companies that share our dedication to equity.

Check to see if your business is eligible today!

People are your organizations greatest asset and investing in their training is a powerful demonstration of how much you value them. Today’s employees want to work for an organization that will provide opportunities for them to learn, grow and advance. Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) has gran...

04/06/2022

Stepankowsky column: Riverkeeper is, once again, off the mark

https://tdn.com/opinion/columnists/stepankowsky-column-riverkeeper-is-once-again-off-the-mark/article_175bb623-98ba-5472-8c4a-b620e8e9be30.html

Columbia Riverkeeper is at it again — trying to thwart this region’s latest attempt to address decades-long economic stagnation.

04/05/2022

Today we joined the Woodland WA Chamber at Antidote Tap House for their monthly meeting about . Are you accounting for tourism activities for your business?

03/28/2022

Vancouver

This is the complete list of webinar events for April sponsored by the local Vancouver SCORE chapter.

Business Financial Statement Basics
This free webinar will cover the three key business financial statements: Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flow. We will also go over why you should look at your statements and how they can help your business.

Webinar Date: Saturday April 16, 2022, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Register at www.vancouver.score.org

Foreign Vendor Vetting & International Payment Methods
“Going international” can be complex and present special risks of their own. This webinar will acquaint you with proven ways to mitigate those risks by knowing how to vett your intended international business partners. We’ll also provide an overview on the variety of international payment options available.

Webinar Date: Friday April 15, 2022, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Register at www.vancouver.score.org

Independent Contractor or Employee?
Hire employees or subcontract needed work to others? Which option is best? Well, like we often say at SCORE, “It depends….”. Join this webinar to learn about the options.

Webinar Date: Tuesday April 26, 2022, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Register at www.vancouver.score.org

We offer free mentoring services and low cost seminars to entrepreneurs and small business owners like you.  Our mentors will provide you with information designed to enable you to succeed and thrive in today's challenging business climate.