November 3, 2023
Business and Community Updates
Dayton Broadband Project
The Internet Service Providers are hard at work connecting customers. If you still need service, contact one of the three ISPs. Their contact information can be found on this flyer.
Touchet Valley Broadband Project & Beyond
The next project in our broadband deployment effort is called the Touchet Valley Broadband Project. This is an extension of the first project that will provide access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service available to 50 premises - farms, homes, businesses, a cell tower and the state park along the Highway 12 corridor 6 miles west of Dayton.

Bids were received in August, and Blue Mountain Telecommunications Services was awarded the contract. Boring and plowing has begun this week.
WSDA Local Food System Infrastructure Grants
The WSDA is looking to provide assistance to local food supply chains and market access for farms, ranches, food processors and distributors. This grant will fund projects that expand collaboration across linkages in the regional food supply chain. Eligible costs must directly support that intent. This grant is reimbursement style.

Applications are open from now until November 15, 2023 for this grant. For more information and the link to apply visit the WSDA website.
Chamber Awards Banquet
The 76th annual Chamber Awards Banquet will be taking place November 9th at 6pm at the Columbia County Fairgrounds pavilion.
There will be a social hour, followed by a delicious dinner.
Awards will be given for the following categories- citizen and youth citizen of the year, employee of the year, business and startup of the year, and nonprofit of the year.
Tickets can be purchased the the Chamber office. Come celebrate 76 years of community achievements.
Port Business Survey
At the Port of Columbia, we're committed to supporting our local business community. To ensure that we can provide the right resources and assistance, we need your valuable insights. If you are a Columbia County business owner please take a few moments to fill out our brief survey.


Let's work together to strengthen our local economy and ensure that Columbia County continues to thrive!
Parent Information Night
Students and their families are invited to learn more about the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) and where to start.
Come to this informative event on November 7, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the high school media center.
Events Happening in Town
The Dayton Kiwanis club is hosting their annual Turkey Bingo. Come for fun and prizes on November 18th from 3 pm to 8 pm at Dayton Elementary School. You don't want to miss this awesome event!
The Chamber is putting on the annual Christmas Kickoff event on Friday and Saturday, November 24th and November 25th. Part of the celebration is the Holiday Market taking place on the 24th from 10 am to 5 pm, and the 25th from 9 am to 3 pm in the multipurpose room at Dayton Elementary School. Join in on this event and all of the holiday fun!
Unemployment Rate Remains Low
Columbia County's unemployment rate dropped from 4% in August to 3.2% in September. This is less than WA state's overall unemployment rate at 3.6%. Employers continue to list lack of housing as one of the major reasons they struggle with workforce. The Port will be exploring ideas to help address this issue in 2024.