March 2024 Tourism Edition

CET is thrilled to unveil the first-ever tourism brand for Columbia County. A beacon to guide our shared journey into the heart of discovery and connection. This brand is more than a symbol. It is a promise and an invitation to showcase the unmatched beauty, spirit, and adventure nestled within our County.

We will be using this monthly newsletter to cast a spotlight on the hidden gems and untold stories that make Columbia County a treasure trove of experiences. As we step into this new chapter, your stories, your passion, and your support will be the cornerstones of this exciting journey. Together, let's embrace this brand as our compass, guiding visitors to our doorstep, eager for the adventures that await.

Cheers to the first of many milestones we’ll celebrate together, charting a course to new horizons, shared successes, and the endless discovery of what makes Columbia County not just a destination, but a feeling, a memory, and a home away from home.

Wela Negelspach

For those who may or may not know, there was a pivotal moment in 2018 when Travel Portland and Travel Oregon entrusted CET with the honor of becoming Columbia County's Destination Management Organization (DMO) placing us at the forefront of regional and state conversations. A journey began, not just in positioning but in purpose.

A Steering Committee of 22 members was created representing the county regionally with a balance of public and private sector organizations. Our first steps were guided by the voices of a community survey which served as the compass that drew the map of our shared treasures. This collective wisdom birthed the Strategic Destination Development Plan in 2019, which became the guiding map of CET's efforts. With the map in hand and our course charted, CET has since worked tirelessly and collaboratively to build and improve assets throughout the County. A few of our milestones included.....

Collaboration with the the County utilizing tourism funding to build informational kiosks on the Crown Z Trail.

Bike Hub Stations and family-friendly bike routes in Clatskanie, Rainier, Vernonia and Scappoose

Coordinated funding from Travel Oregon for the Vernonia Beautification Project

Because of these projects, we were recognized in 2022 as the Portland Region’s Rising Star at Governor's Tourism Conference

With each accomplished project, it became clear that it was time to have the tools to showcase and promote the unique attractions, assets, cultural heritage, and opportunities that define our beloved County.

In 2023, Travel Oregon awarded CET with a $38,000 capacity grant which was used to hire a branding agency to create the first-ever tourism brand for Columbia County.

The branding project started with the question...."How to promote a County as a tourism spot (which is rarely done) with 6 distinct cities with distinct personalities?" It became apparent and made logical sense to create defined environmental segments that honor the County's unique settings, atmospheres, and habitats.

With the help of a group of volunteers from all areas of the county, and over 14 hours in workshops as well as an extensively robust community survey what was created is.....

The shape of the county is simplified, repeated, and made into the shape of the C to create the larger picture. There is a sense of topography through lines here, to infer that this is a place of exploration. That this is your place of wander.

The Tidelands are represented by abstracted farmland or a leaf depending on how you look at it. It speaks to the growth and abundance of the region.

The Riverside is represented by a strong current of swirling water. Evoking the powerful flow of the Columbia River.

Calm waves represent the Waterways. Serene calm streams, rippling creeks and relaxing floats.

The Timberlands are represented by tree rings, bringing to mind the vast forests and rich logging history in this region.

We invite you to



Wander Columbia County

River's Edge RV Resort & Camping

Did you know that Columbia County has one of the largest EV RV charging resorts in Oregon?

A hidden gem nestled in the picturesque town of Clatskanie. River's Edge RV Resort and Camping offers a tranquil retreat with 100 sites to choose from. A vision brought to life by owners Phil and Jonna, everything has been built for the future by offering over 50 sites that can power up the biggest of RVs and at the same time also charge your EVs with 50/50/30/20 amp power service.

WiFi was also a priority. There are several strategically located access points throughout the park that will allow for uninterrupted live-streaming capabilities for multiple devices at each site. They thought of something for everyone in the family.

It's not just about the spots to park. It's about the moments to cherish. Dive into a game on the pickleball court, watch joy unfold in the playground, or enjoy a stroll with your furry friend in the dog area. River's Edge is more than a resort; it's a community woven with the threads of outdoor passion, family fun, and sustainable luxury.

River's Edge RV Resort and Camping is not just a stopover; it's a destination where the echo of nature meets the pulse of eco-friendly innovation. Here, amidst the lunch landscapes of Clatskanie, find your spot to unwind, recharge, and reconnect.

Regional Food System Symposium

and Social Hour

Symposium: Finding Cross-Sector Alignment

1:00-3:30pm

Social Hour: Celebrating Regional Food Systems

4:00-6:30pm

The Columbia County Fair & Rodeo stands as a cherished tradition and a vibrant celebration of community spirit in Columbia County. From the heart-pounding action of barrel racing and bull riding to the joyous laughter of children enjoying the attractions, the fair and rodeo offer something for everyone to enjoy.

CET's mission is to promote the creation, retention, growth, and attraction of business and industry throughout Columbia County.

Our work includes partnering with local stakeholders on economic development initiatives, business recruitment & expansion, tourism, and we host 3 small business programs: Columbia County SBDC, Keep it Local Columbia County, and GRO Greater St. Helens.

Thank You CET Members

Who Make Our Work Possible

• 3J Consulting
• BRR Properties, LLC
• Cal Portland
• City of Clatskanie
• City of Rainier
• City of Scappoose
• City of St. Helens
• City of Vernonia
• Clatskanie Cultural Center
• Clatskanie PUD
• Columbia County
• Columbia River PUD
• Dillard's Moorage & Max's Marina

• Doug Bean & Associates, Inc.
• Dyno Nobel
• Global Partners
• InRoads Credit Union
• Knife River
• MMC Consulting & Government Relations
• MMS Consulting
• Next Renewable Fuels, Inc
• NW Natural
• OMIC R&D
• Pacific Stainless
• PGE
• Port of Columbia County
• Portland & Western Railroad

• Portland Community College
• Scappoose Economic Development Committee
• Scott Parker/CT Parker
• Sierra Pacific Airpark Development
• Scanlan Kemper Bard
• Sporadicate
• Teevin Bros.
• Todd Baker/BRR
•  The Klondike Tavern
• Trans Western Aviation
• Wauna Credit Union
• West Oregon Electric Co-Op

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