The SEPA checklist for the craft malt buildings has been submitted to the Columbia County Planning Department. As soon as the public notice period is over, we will be ready to submit our final pre-contract documents to CERB and start the design process.

A draft long-term lease has been submitted to Mainstem Malt for review.

Port staff is continuing to meet with a pasta company who is interested in expanding their operations to locate at Blue Mountain Station.

As we continue our outreach please share the survey with local growers and food businesses! You can find more information about the grain cluster here.

The Port as the lead economic development agency offers annual training and workshops to support the operations of our local businesses. Last year we covered many topics including social media marketing, AI, business finances and start up workshops.

This year we will offer workshops again! This is where we need your input.

We need to know what topics, speakers, programs, etc. would be most helpful for your business. We also would like to know what days and times work best if you were interested in attending a workshop/training. 

Please contact Jill Essency with any suggestions you have! We want to offer speakers and bring in experts on topics that would be most helpful to you all!

SAVE THE DATE! Our annual CEDS meeting will be December 3rd, 2024 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Participants will get to hear an economic overview, reports on last year's priority projects, and review the comprehensive project list. RSVP is required as the meeting will have a catered lunch. This gathering is for representatives of local businesses, governments, and non-profit organization. Look for an invitation from us soon!

Applications are now open for CIE’s Matched Savings Program. The program will help up to 50 low-income emerging entrepreneurs save money, complete business training, develop a business plan and receive a 9:1 match on the money they save to invest in their small business.The application deadline is December 18, 2024. For program requirements and eligibility click here.

Join us in celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week from November 18th to the 24th!

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a movement to celebrate and empower entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world.

The Port of Columbia is proud to support Columbia County's thriving entrepreneurship community!

You can continue to recycle your glass throughout the winter! BIG Recyclers is moving to its winter schedule with drop-offs from 10 am - noon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month starting in November at the Walla Walla Airport Complex location at 240 C Street. This schedule will continue through March 2025. The November drop-off events will be held on November 12 and 24. As a reminder, they accept all glass food, beverage and cosmetic containers that have been rinsed and have the lids removed.

Make the Most of Your Holiday Sales

November 7th

11 am - 12:30 pm

ONLINE

In this webinar, learn how to structure your offers, headlines, ads, and landing pages for the holiday season, so as to garner more prospects and convert more of those prospects into buyers. 

2024 Operation Entrepreneur

November 12th - 14th

ONLINE

Military-connected entrepreneurs, don’t miss this opportunity! This event is your gateway to expert insights, strategic business tools, and a strong community dedicated to your growth and success. Connect, learn, and take your business to the next level.

Expert Strategies for Securing a Business Loan

November 15th

10 am - 11 pm

ONLINE

Need a Business Loan? Get Expert Tips from a Business Banker. This free event by SCORE will include an SBA Lending Manager with Gesa Credit Union showing you tips from an SBA Lender on how to get through the SBA loan process and what banks and credit unions look for to approve you.

Tax Essentials for New and Existing Businesses

November 19th

9 am - 10 am

ONLINE

This workshop will help teach you federal taxes, WA state and local taxes that are required for your business.

Export Readiness for Small Businesses

November 20th

1 pm - 2 pm

ONLINE

Join nationally recognized speaker and author Jim Foley to learn how to take your business global, leverage export opportunities, and adapt your strategies internationally.  WA state small business attendees will also have the opportunity to schedule a 1:1 session with Jim for in-depth discussions and learn strategies specifically for their needs. 

On Thursday November 7th there is a blood drive from 11 am to 4 pm at the Columbia County Hospital. You can sign up for a time to donate by following this link.

Dumas Station is hosting a Floral Design Workshop with Paige’s Floral at their tasting room on November 17th from 2 to 4 pm. Learn how to design a centerpiece arrangement that’s sure to adorn whatever room you feature it in! Workshop tickets are $45 and can be purchased in the Tasting Room at Dumas Station Winery.

Second Harvest is hosting a Mobile Market on Wednesday November 20th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Bank of Idaho parking lot. Free food items will be distributed including an assortment of nonperishable and fresh items. 

The Holiday Market at the Depot will feature a variety of local vendors offering handcrafted gifts! In addition to the market, families can enjoy a special holiday experience with Children’s Story Time at the Depot. This is all taking place during Christmas Kickoff weekend.

Dayton's Annual Christmas Kickoff celebration is taking place on Thanksgiving weekend- November 29th and 30th!

As of September 2024, the unemployment rate for Columbia County was 4.1%. Over the past several months, there has been very little change to our unemployment rate.