October 2025 • Volume 35

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

Staff Spotlight: Leonel & Mason Pursue SBDC Certification

We’re proud to share that Leonel and Mason are currently participating in the SBDC Assistant Advisory Certificate Training—a professional development program offered through America’s Small Business Development Centers. The training is primarily online, with modules designed to build foundational knowledge in small business support. As part of the experience, they’ll also have opportunities to shadow certified business advisors across Washington State, gaining insight into real-world client interactions and diverse business needs. This training equips them to navigate conversations with clarity, empathy, and confidence—strengthening our team’s ability to serve the community with excellence.

Mason Duke

Leonel Marcial

Upcoming Workshops

To learn more or register:

Visit the Events tab at-

Economic-Alliance.com

Or call us at 509.826.5107

We’re building out a fresh calendar of workshops aimed at helping small businesses grow with confidence. Topics may include, but aren’t limited to, business planning across a range of needs, creative tools like Canva and Reels, and digital basics to help entrepreneurs feel more comfortable online.

Here’s what’s scheduled so far:

Oct 14 - Grow Your Business Online with Caroline Sancken, marketing that works smarter

Oct 18 - Como fijar el de precios de su productos, Economic Alliance

Oct 29th - Developing Your Business Plan, with Lew Blakeney, SBDC Advisor

More learning opportunities are in the works—

we’ll keep you posted with new sessions, dates, and how to sign up!

Board Member Spotlight: Maria Lassila

Growing up in the movie theater business, I’ve always felt connected to storytelling and community. My parents purchased the Omak Theater on April Fool’s Day in 1976, and that moment shaped the path I’ve followed ever since.

After graduating from Omak High School, I earned my degree from the University of Washington and spent time in Southern California before moving to Milan, Italy. There, I spent 15 years in the apparel industry as a production manager for golf clothing and women’s designer shoes — a fast-paced and creative chapter that taught me the value of precision and collaboration.

In 2015, I returned to Omak to take over the Omak & Mirage Theaters. I quickly found that engaging with community groups was a natural complement to my work. Today, I serve as President of the Omak Chamber, 1st Vice Chair of Economic Alliance, and as an Omak City Councilmember. I’m also proud to be a member of Okanogan-Omak Rotary, Omak Kiwanis, and Omak Elks — organizations that reflect my commitment to service and connection.

This year, I’m honored to support the 2026 Omak Senior Parents group, chairing the Community Events Calendar fundraiser as the proud aunt of Carly. I look forward to doing the same for the 2030 group when Bishop reaches that milestone.

With her steady presence and deep commitment to community, Maria brings invaluable insight to our board. We’re thankful for her continued service.

Community News

Fall into Community: OCTC’s Guide to Autumn Fun Across the County

Fall is in full swing across Okanogan County, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From harvest festivals and farmers markets to art showcases and family-friendly fairs, October brings a rich mix of community events that welcome all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're looking to connect with neighbors, support local makers, or simply soak in the season, there's no shortage of opportunities. Be sure to visit OkanoganCountry.com for the latest event listings and details—many are free, outdoors, and designed with accessibility in mind.

Stay connected: Follow OCTC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X for real-time updates, scenic inspiration, and seasonal highlights.

Hosting an event? Reach out to OCTC to help spread the word—they’re here to support local gatherings big and small.

Call 888-431-3080 or email info@okanogancountry.com

Prioritization Process Snapshot: The Kay Wagner Historical Riverwalk

The Kay Wagner Historical Riverwalk is coming to life along the riverbank in downtown Winthrop, connecting the Susie Stephens Trail to the south and the SaTeekhWa Trail to the north. Once complete, it will offer a scenic, walkable route through town—celebrating local history while improving pedestrian safety and access.

The current phase includes two key segments. The upstream segment, known as the Chewuch Underpass, will pass beneath the Highway 20 bridge near the confluence of the Methow and Chewuch Rivers. Design and permitting for this segment are complete, and right-of-way acquisition is expected this fall. Construction is anticipated in 2026. The downstream segment will extend 950 feet from the Susie Stephens Trail to Confluence Park on Riverside Avenue. Conceptual plans are in place, and most easements have been donated—one remains to be finalized. One landowner plans to build the adjacent trail segment in 2026 as part of a private building project. The remaining portions could be completed by mid-2028, pending funding and review outcomes.

Environmental, geotechnical, and engineering assessments for the upstream segment are complete, including ESA, NEPA, Shoreline, HPA, and Critical Areas reviews. For the downstream segment, a Cultural Resource Report has been ordered, and the conceptual design was completed in 2023. Preliminary survey and alignment work is underway, with geotechnical and hydraulic analysis scheduled for this fall. On-site agency consultations are also planned to address shoreline and bank stabilization needs.

Key findings include the need to align construction timing with endangered species protections and restore one section of riverbank to prevent further erosion. Habitat mitigation may also be required. The downstream segment will continue to evolve from the 2023 conceptual design as further assessments and permitting move forward.

Next steps include finalizing the remaining easement, expanding project branding and outreach, securing additional funding, and continuing to build partnerships. Design, permitting, and environmental review for the downstream segment will also progress in the coming months.

Thanks to the Economic Alliance’s prioritization and Okanogan County’s investment of $100,000 in rural infrastructure funds, the project gained visibility and secured a $2M grant from the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). We plan to apply again through the prioritization process this year to help close a funding gap of up to $1M.

*This article was informed by responses submitted by Rocklynn Culp, whose insights helped clarify the city project’s goals and progress.*

Explore City Updates, Events, and Projects at Town of Winthrop

Prime Spots

Are you looking for the perfect space to expand, or start your small business? Check out these prime property options available in the area! The Economic Alliance is here to connect you with resources to help your business thrive. Have a Prime Spot ready to be utilized contact Mason!

Properties Search

Contact Mason

Your August Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

Tax Update: New Services Subject to Sales Tax Starting Oct. 1, 2025

The Washington State Legislature recently passed ESSB 5814, expanding the definition of retail sales to include several business services. Starting October 1, 2025, businesses will be required to collect sales tax on services such as advertising, live presentations, IT support, custom website development, security services, temporary staffing, and custom software sales.

The bill also updates the definition of digital automated services (DAS), removing previous exclusions for human effort, advertising, live presentations, and data processing. A new exemption has been added for telehealth and telemedicine services.

To help businesses prepare, the Department of Revenue is publishing interim guidance statements and FAQs, with formal rule updates to follow. Topics include advertising, IT services, staffing, and software customization. Businesses can expect direct outreach, special notices, and webinars in the lead-up to the October deadline.

For full details and guidance, visit dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates