March 2026 • Volume 40

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

Chair Maria Lassila Visits Olympia for the First Time!

Pictured Above: Executive Director Roni Holder‑Diefenbach, Board Chair Maria Lassila, and State Representative Engell.

What We’ve Been Working On

February brought meaningful progress on several projects across Okanogan County. One of the most significant moments this month was movement on the Loomis Fire District’s long‑awaited facility project. At the recent public hearing, local firemen and fire commissioners shared that this effort has been over 30 years in the making, and they continue to express their gratitude for everyone who has played a part in helping bring this project closer to reality.

Our Executive Director also had the opportunity to sit down with Mayor Hans Smith in Twisp to discuss the upcoming construction on Glover Street. With a six‑month project ahead, we’re working alongside community partners to help local businesses stay informed, supported, and connected. Our team will attend the upcoming Chat and Sip to hear concerns directly from business owners, and we plan to be a steady source of support while this exciting transformation takes place for the businesses and community members who rely on Glover Street every day.

Another area of momentum this month involved new land and housing opportunities. The Executive Director joined an exciting conversation about future development possibilities and the role housing could play in supporting long‑term community needs. Reviewing early planning proposals is an important first step, and this collaboration aligns with broader goals to expand housing and economic opportunity in the county.

As all of this work continues, our team is also out in the community offering hands‑on support and learning opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Mason and Leonel also spent time connecting with our local agriculture community at the Okanogan Horticultural Society Annual Meeting at the fairgrounds (photo below). They hosted a booth, shared resources, and had the chance to talk with growers, producers, and horticulture folks from across the county—an important opportunity to listen, learn, and strengthen relationships with the people who keep our agricultural economy thriving.

Leonel and Mason are out in the community this month, offering workshops that help people build confidence, learn new skills, and take the next step in their business journey. Their sessions support entrepreneurs at every stage, from getting comfortable with digital tools to exploring business basics and strengthening pricing strategies for food businesses. From long‑term projects to hands‑on workshops, our team remains committed to showing up where we’re needed and supporting the people and communities that make Okanogan County strong every day, through every season.

You’ll find the full workshop schedule in the section below

Upcoming Workshops

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.

Upcoming Schedule

Mar 10 -Using AI to speed up your marketing, With Caroline Sancken, Discover how AI can help you plan smarter, improve your website, and create stronger marketing content.

March 25- Pricing for Food Businesses- (Twispworks),Understand of prices vs. profits, and how to manage your costs in a way that keeps your food business sustainable over time.

March 17, 24, 31- Start Simple I, II, III with Community Action,Hands‑on support to help you build a strong business roadmap, understand your options, and move forward with clarity.

April 16, 23, 30 - Start Simple I, II, III with Worksource, Hands‑on support to help you build a strong business roadmap, understand your options, and move forward with clarity.

To learn more or to register: Visit the Events tab at- Economic-Alliance.com

Or call us at 509.826.5107

Missed a class? Watch past workshops on Youtube at @OKEconomicAlliance/videos

Board Member Spotlight: Nick Timm

From Air Force service to community‑driven entrepreneurship, Nick Timm brings a unique blend of discipline, vision, and hometown pride to the Economic Alliance board. After traveling the world, Nick chose Okanogan County as the place he wanted to build a life—drawn to its sweeping landscapes, one‑of‑a‑kind people, and the sense that this is a place where meaningful work still matters for our communities.

Nick’s dedication to Okanogan County runs deep, and he has focused his energy on revitalizing local spaces, supporting business growth, and now serving as Okanogan County Commissioner for District 1. His passion for strengthening rural economies is rooted in a belief that small towns deserve big opportunities, and that the right support can make all the difference.

When asked why he serves on the Economic Alliance board, Nick shared that he values the way EA champions small businesses and helps lighten the load for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of rural economic development. He sees this work as essential to making Okanogan County an even better place to live, work, and build a future.

Outside of his professional roles, Nick is a writer with a goal of returning to his creative practice this year and finishing one of his in‑progress novels.

We’re honored to serve alongside leaders like Nick, whose dedication, vision, and love for Okanogan County help shape a stronger future for the place we all call home.

Prioritization Project: Oroville North End Transmission Main Repair

The City of Oroville is moving forward with the first phase of the North End Transmission Main Repair, a multi‑year effort to replace aging and undersized water mains that serve the northern end of the community. Design work for Phase 1 is now underway, supported by a $100,000 Okanogan County .09 grant. This early investment helped the City secure $1.3 million in newly awarded federal appropriations, which will fund construction of the first phase once the dollars become available next year. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring or summer of 2027.

The need for this project has been well documented over time. Both the 2010 and 2018 Water System Plans, along with a 2011 North End Water System Evaluation prepared in response to the new Border Patrol Station, identified significant deficiencies in the area’s water infrastructure. The existing mains—installed roughly 50 years ago—are undersized, fall below regulatory standards for fire flow and system pressure during peak use, and have experienced leaks and failures that increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

Because of the scale and cost of the improvements—an estimated $20 million to replace approximately 20,000 linear feet of water main—the project will be completed in four phases. The current phase includes about 3,500 linear feet of replacement. The City plans to continue seeking funding for the remaining phases to ensure long‑term reliability and safety for residents and businesses in the North End.

Given the multi‑phase nature of the work, the City anticipates returning to the County’s Prioritization Process in future years as it continues to advance this critical infrastructure project.

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 March Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

Okanogan County Career & Resource Fair

WorkSource is hosting a countywide Career & Resource Fair on March 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Okanogan Fairgrounds. Job seekers can meet local employers who are actively hiring and connect with helpful community resources that support employment, training, and career growth.

For details, visit WorkSourceWA.com or call 509‑826‑7310.

Washington Saves (Launching 2027)

Washington Saves is a new state‑sponsored retirement savings program that will require employers without a retirement plan to offer an automatic‑IRA option to their employees.

Key points for employers:

• No fees

• No employer contributions

• No fiduciary liability

• Employees manage their own accounts and can opt out anytime

The program was created to help more than 1.2 million Washington workers who currently lack access to retirement savings at work. More details and updates are available through Washington State L&I.

Learn More

March Washington Agriculture Month

Governor Bob Ferguson has proclaimed March 2026 as Washington Agriculture Month, recognizing agriculture as a cornerstone of our state’s economy, culture, and communities. The month also includes National Agriculture Week (March 15–21) and National Agriculture Day (March 24), offering a statewide moment to celebrate the people, traditions, and industries that keep Washington’s food system thriving.

Agriculture plays a defining role in Washington’s identity. With more than 32,000 farms producing over 300 commodities, our state leads the nation in crops like apples, blueberries, hops, pears, and sweet cherries. Washington-grown products reach markets around the world, while supporting local jobs, rural communities, and family farms here at home. The proclamation also recognizes the many hands behind the scenes—farmworkers, processors, distributors, researchers, educators, tribes, and local agencies—whose work keeps the system strong.

For statewide updates and agriculture resources,

visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

Financial Literacy

Practical tools for budgeting, saving, credit, and day-to-day financial decision-making. it will help you feel more confident and in control of your money.

April 12, 2026

9:00AM - 12:00PM

Reach out to NNDF for more info

509-633-9940