Volume 22 | July 2024

Your monthly news & updates
Upcoming Events, Industry News, and more!
SAVE THE DATE!

July Events:


Quick Byte: Crisis Planning

July 13th, 2024

10:00 AM


Tune in to our Facebook or YouTube pages to watch this short video and learn more about types of crises, business challenges, steps to take, objectives and components for your small business.

Past Trainings Available on Demand

In case you missed our previous training on Smart Phone Photography, you can catch up here!

The Economic Alliance is seeking proposals from qualified professionals who are knowledgeable in research and development, planning and data analysis for the creation of a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Okanogan County. Must have the ability to work quickly under pressure, build consensus, with a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of this County, the significant economic impact on our community, and our desire to create positive perception. Please call the Economic Alliance for the full RFP. 509 826-5107 or email cdavis@economic-alliance.com Proposals must be received no later 5 p.m. July 12, 2024.


Social Media Marketing Tools




The number of social media marketing platforms is larger than ever before. But it’s not necessary to use every single one for your business, nor are all of them appropriate for every brand. Depending on your product or service, choose the social media channels that will reach your target audience:


Facebook (Meta):

Despite newer social media trends, Facebook still holds its own in the marketing game, particularly when it comes to paid ads. Many people still turn to this platform when it comes to learning more about a business and checking for updates or promotions, making it a solid place for boosting brand awareness and generating new leads.


Instagram:

What first started as a casual platform for photo sharing, Instagram is now arguably the reigning social media platform leader. Because it’s easy to access and use, businesses can use Instagram to share stories, reels, live streams and, most importantly, engage with their audience in real time. Because they are owned by the same company, it’s easy to link your Facebook and Instagram accounts and post to both platforms simultaneously.


TikTok:

TikTok is a video-sharing app where users are able to create and share short-form videos on any topic. The platform keeps growing its reach and is no longer aimed only at a younger audience. Like Instagram, businesses can use hashtags strategically to share their posts, promote relevant content and gain more followers.


Twitter (X):

Using short phrases called “tweets,” Twitter is the platform to use if you want to share quick, beneficial content. Tweets can include not only text but also images, videos and links, allowing businesses to get their message across without being too wordy. Because of its quick pace and brief posts, Twitter is another platform that is excellent for engaging with customers and building brand awareness.

LinkedIn:

Networking, particularly in the business-to-business (B2B) space, is a powerful marketing tool and LinkedIn offers a platform to share all about your business. Geared toward professionals, the LinkedIn audience may be smaller than other social media outlets, but it also offers a curated location to connect with current and potential employees, post industry updates, generate new leads and connect with other businesses.


Pinterest:

Pinterest is an image-based social media platform where small businesses can promote and explore their interests by pinning images and videos on virtual bulletin boards. Seeking to be known as the “app for inspiration,” Pinterest helps reach an audience that is looking for ideas and solutions, which is where your shared business content comes in.


YouTube:

After Google, YouTube is the next stop for people to gather information and answers. The streaming social media platform allows businesses to create and share content via videos, which for some businesses is an important marketing tool. Whether you are demonstrating how to put together a newly purchased product or simply giving a tour of your warehouse and construction methods, YouTube has the ability to reach a nearly unlimited audience.


Information courtesy of forbes.com

Small Manufacturers Opportunity


The Investing in America ICA up to $300,000 grant for assisting small manufacturers convert to an energy efficient building is available.  Here is a link to the information: 

Click Here For free green assessments in conjunction with the IAC up to $300,000 matching grant for small manufacturers who are looking to make their facility more energy efficient, they may contact Professor Alex Mamishev, mamishev@uw.edu, at the University of Washington to set up an appointment for the assessment. A SBA 7(a) loan guarantee product may be utilized to meet the match funding need.

Funding Opportunity


Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Flex Fund helps small businesses and nonprofits access affordable loans they need to thrive. Click Here to get registered!

Grant Opportunity


US Department of Energy (DOE) Grant Opportunity: The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) $400 million Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grants program, which provides grants of up to $300,000 per manufacturer per application round, with 50% cost share, to implement project recommendations made by DOE and other qualified energy assessments. These projects are meant to improve energy and material efficiency, enhance cybersecurity, increase productivity, deploy smart and advanced manufacturing technologies, and reduce waste and pollution at industrial facilities.

Grant Program


Grant application is now open and is open until July 15, 2024 for projects that build capacity and resilience across Middle-of-the-Supply-Chain. Grants will range from $100K to $3M. Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has received funding from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to support the one-time-only Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Click Here to create a portal and submit an application.

Washington State Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprise


Did you know that the OMWBE posts all state level contracting opportunities on their website? Along with offering FREE bid posting. Click Here to learn more about what the OMWBE can do to help you and your small business!


Contact OMWBE today at 360-664-9750 or technicalassistance@omwbe.wa.gov to start your certification process today.

Funding Opportunity


The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the first of five planned small business loan and investment programs aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses in Washington state, particularly those that have been historically underserved or underbanked. 


For more information Click Here!

Are you interested in making a difference in Okanogan County??


The Economic Alliance is now recruiting for new Board Members! We recently added new positions to our board, and we would love to have additional small business representatives join us from throughout the county! Please email Roni or call 509-826-5107 to learn more!



We have also facilitated the CCT and Okanogan County Broadband Action Team since 2019! If you are interested in participating in this great group of people who are committed to bringing broadband infrastructure to all the residents in Okanogan County, please email Roni today!


If you are interested in participating or learning more about these committees, give us a call at 509-826-5107

Building Permit Reports
View a report of the most recent applied and granted Building Permits in the region.


Attention Owners

of Commercial Buildings or Lots!


The Economic Alliance is compiling a list of vacant properties that are for sale, lease or rent throughout Okanogan County. We receive several inquires throughout the year from individuals who are looking for a locations to start/move their business to. We would love to add yours to our list!


Please send the following information to Mason Duke.


  • Location-Physical Address
  • Lot/Building size
  • Utility- Information-electrical load capacity, AC/Heat pump etc.
  • Ceiling Height
  • Rooms, Restrooms, amenities etc
  • Asking price

Growth Opportunity


Did you know that one in four neighbors lack access to the technology to engage in essential activities like pursuing education, seeking employment opportunities, or accessing their healthcare online? Click Here to learn more

Small Business Survey 2024

 

Please take the time to fill out this brief survey to help us at the Okanogan County Economic Alliance better understand your Small Business needs.


Follow this link to start the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EASBS2024

Nourishing Dreams; Growing Futures. The SBDC's annual report.


America's SBDC is creating a brighter tomorrow! The nationwide network of SBDCs promotes the growth of rural development. We give people the resources they need to start and grow their own business, create jobs and boost their local economy.


Click Here for more information on the annual report.


The Economic Alliance has a SBDC Certified Business Advisor on staff to meet with you!


To schedule an appointment, give us a call at: (509) 826 5107



Are you a dislocated worker?



Have you lost your job? We can help! SkillSource supports dislocated workers with no-cost services to get you the resources and training for a new career. Services include:


Career Planning Workshops

Career Counseling

College Scholarships

Vocational Training

On the Job Training

Computer Skills

Job Search Assistance




Worksource Okanogan also has other programs and services to help employers meet their workforce needs. Click Here


Contact Worksource today to learn more at 509-826-7310.




L&I Update

Summer 2024


Important information for employers to think about with the hot summer month arriving.


To learn more on "Be Heat Smart! Your Outdoor Heat Safety Program" Follow this link. Click Here


Employers need to prepare their workers for hot temperatures through planning, training, and other measures.


Workers unprepared for outdoor heat have an increased risk for heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Even the healthiest worker can get sick when working outdoors in the heat without proper protections. Also, heat can make workers more susceptible to falls, equipment-related injuries, and other on-the-job safety hazards.


These rules and resources can help employers plan, prepare, and train for heat illness prevention.


Things to know


Current Outdoor Heat Exposure rules include requirements to:

  • Address outdoor heat exposure safety as part of your required Accident Prevention Program.
  • Provide annual training to employees and supervisors on symptoms of outdoor heat exposure and policies in place to prevent heat-related illness.
  • Provide both a sufficient amount of cool drinking water to employees along with opportunities to drink the water.
  • Provide adequate shade (or alternative cooling methods) at all times, to allow for access to prevent or respond to heat illness.
  • Encourage and allow workers to take paid, preventative cool down rest periods so they don’t overheat. When temperatures are 90°F or hotter, require workers to take additional paid, cool down rest periods of at least 10 minutes every 2 hours. Longer and more frequent breaks are indicated when temperatures continue to rise to 100°F.
  • Closely observe employees not acclimatized to the heat, including new employees, those returning from absences, and all workers during a heat wave.
  • Have emergency procedures to respond appropriately to any employee with symptoms of heat-related illness.
  • Make sure supervisors and employees always have a way to communicate with each other so they can promptly report heat illness and get medical assistance



Need help with your Outdoor Heat Exposure Program or Accident Prevention Program? You can request a no-charge consult through L&I for any questions you may have.



For more information

Go online to www.Lni.wa.gov.

Besides the L&I’s website, contact program specialists via email at L&I or by calling 509-209-3448.