Working Together for Kennewick Businesses! | | | |
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Information in this Edition
- Why Buying Local is Worth Every Cent
- Downtown Kennewick Hometown Holiday Parade
- Columbia Gardens-Photos with Santa
- KID Holiday Safety Event
- WSU Tri-Cities, Cougar Tracks
- Increase Your Holiday Sales with Google Tools
- B&O Tax Credit Program
- Visit Tri-Cities Luncheon
- Vista Field Properties Available for Purchase
- Washington APEX Business Accelerator Program and Events
- SBDC and SCORE Business Services
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With the holiday season fast approaching, big-box retailers and online giants are rolling out flashy ads and blockbuster deals, all leading up to much-anticipated Christmas Day. Kennewick encourages locals to consider a refreshing alternative: shopping at locally owned businesses.
Why should small businesses
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be on your radar this holiday season, especially when large retail ads are everywhere? The answer lies in the powerful impact of buying local.
Research, such as the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, shows that local businesses generate 70% more economic activity per square foot for their communities than big-box stores—a significant boost to the local economy.
Beyond economics, the environment benefits when you shop locally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), industrial pollution accounts for nearly half of all pollution in the U.S. Choosing local businesses helps reduce the need for excessive packaging, processing, and transportation, all of which contribute to pollution.
Shopping local is more than a transaction—it’s an opportunity to discover unique, handcrafted gifts, connect with passionate artisans, and support the small businesses that give our community its character. As you plan your holiday shopping, remember the meaningful impact of choosing local. It’s a win for the economy, the environment, and our community—now that’s a gift worth giving.
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Downtown Kennewick Hometown Holiday Parade
Join us this Saturday, December 7th, in Downtown Kennewick from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!
Experience the joy of the season at the Downtown Kennewick Hometown Holiday Parade, where Santa will arrive alongside holiday-themed floats, police and fire vehicles, and fun characters. The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m., followed by a visit to Santa Square for holiday activities, sweet treats, and photo opportunities with Santa.
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You're Invited: Holiday Market at Columbia Gardens!
Celebrate the holiday season at Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village on December 7th! Enjoy the festive fun, with local shopping, and delightful entertainment for the whole family.
Event Highlights:
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Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus: Join us for pictures (by donation, benefiting the Kennewick Police Foundation) from 12 PM - 5 PM.
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Cookie Decorating for Santa: Get creative with Nana's Kitchen!
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Live Holiday Performances: Enjoy music from the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers from 3 PM - 5 PM.
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Local Vendors: Explore pop-up wineries, food trucks, and more!
This event is FREE and family-friendly.
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6th Annual Holiday Safety Event
When: December 11–12, 2024, 1:30–4:30 PM
Where: Kennewick Irrigation District, 2015 S. Ely Street
Celebrate the season with free photos with Santa, holiday giveaways, and fun for all ages. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots drive and learn safety tips from local agencies including City of Kennewick. Admission is free—don’t miss this festive, family-friendly event!
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The City of Kennewick is thrilled to partner with WSU Tri-Cities, Cougar Tracks in promoting an exciting noncredit, professional development course starting soon, Financial Wellbeing of the Organization. We believe “together is better” and encourage you to share this opportunity with your HR department, manager, and colleagues.
Key course benefits:
- Online convenience: Perfect for working professionals.
- Team collaboration: Group projects can help your team solve real business problems together.
- Live sessions: Interactive discussions with a professor to apply concepts to your organization.
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Scholarships may be available, please email m.hrycauknassif@wsu.edu to inquire. | | |
Increase Your Holiday Sales with Google Tools In This Free Small Business Workshop- In this webinar, learn tools to increase your holiday sales for FREE, even if you don’t have an e‑commerce website or a website at all. | |
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Legislative Send-Off Luncheon: Unveiling the 2025 Tri-Cities Priorities
Join Visit Tri-Cities for an impactful event as the Tri-Cities Legislative Council (TCLC) unveils its top legislative priorities for the 2025 session. This luncheon will feature local businesses, organizations, and community leaders who will highlight key policies and initiatives driving our region's agenda.
Wednesday, December 11th
11:30 a.m.
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Don't miss the next FREE Business After Hours event on Thursday, December 12 at The Lodge at Columbia Point in Richland. Connect with local business professionals while enjoying refreshments and beverages. Bring your business card to enter to win a door prize. It's free to attend - bring a friend! | |
Build at Vista Field
Vista Field is designed to be a unique space, blending mixed-use neighborhoods and urban lifestyle amenities.
The shovel-ready development site is 103-acres and will be developed in phases.
Vista Field is a Port of Kennewick project. Contact Amber Hanchette with questions or for a site tour at 509.586.1186.
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Washington APEX is an accelerator program designed to assist businesses in Washington with securing government contracts. It offers free, confidential, one-on-one technical support, including bid reviews, marketing, and certification assistance. The program's goal is to help local companies successfully compete in federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities. Visit Washington Apex to find out how their services can help your business. | |
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On-Demand Webinar
Laying the Groundwork: An Introduction to Government Contracting For anyone interested in selling to government agencies, this is the place to start.
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Meet the Buyer
Doing Business with CPCCo
Monday, December 16
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center
Bechtel Board Room
7130 W. Grandridge Blvd.
Kennewick, WA 99336
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SBDC Washington Offers Free Small Business Training
SBDC webinars and workshops provide practical, real-life solutions for some of the most common challenges faced by small business owners.
They are often a valuable complement to confidential, one-to-one business advising, but you do not need to be an SBDC client to attend. Live webinars and on-demand options are available. View and sign-up for training.
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Free Counseling and Training for Entrepreneurs
Small business experts volunteer their time to support your entrepreneurial success through free personal counseling and training opportunities. Visit SCORE and find a mentor or become a SCORE VOLUNTEER.
Upcoming No-Cost Workshops-
Expert Tips for Starting and Growing a Successful Business- Dec. 5, 2024
Creating a Business Plan That Works - Key Elements Every Entrepreneur Needs-Dec. 10, 2024
How To Create A Marketing Plan For Your Small Business-Dec. 11, 2024
Loans, Grants and Other Funding Options for Small Businesses-Dec. 17, 2024
Strategies and Tips for Finding a Retail Space for Your Business Dec. 19, 2024
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Kennewick City Council Updates!
Watch our live Council Broadcast on Tuesdays starting at 6:30 pm to learn more.
Agendas are posted to the Council Calendar for review.
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Welcome New Kennewick Businesses |
We have over 100 new business licenses issued each month on average and we are thankful for each new business that chooses Kennewick for its location. A list of these new businesses gets posted to our website monthly.
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We are Here to Help!
Do you need guidance on where to look for resources to support your business? Are you looking to relocate or expand your current business?
Our Economic Development office is here to assist you in your business needs. Please contact us!
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