May 2026 • Volume 42

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

What We’ve Been Working On

Over the past several weeks, the Economic Alliance team has been actively engaged in professional development, community outreach, and preparations for the busy summer season. Mason and Leonel recently completed their Associate Business Advisor certification through the SBDC, an accomplishment that strengthens the advising services available to entrepreneurs throughout Okanogan County. Their commitment to expanding their expertise reflects the organization’s ongoing focus on providing high‑quality, accessible support to local businesses.

The team also participated in the Okanogan Conservation District’s annual event, where staff connected with partners, learned about current conservation initiatives, and explored opportunities for future collaboration. This event offered valuable insight into the projects shaping the region and reinforced the importance of cross‑sector partnerships in supporting community and economic resilience.

As summer approaches, preparations are underway for farmers markets, community gatherings, and seasonal outreach efforts. Staff have been organizing materials, updating resources, and planning engagement activities to ensure a strong presence at events across the county. Alongside these efforts, the team continues to meet with business owners, respond to inquiries, and assist entrepreneurs navigating new opportunities and challenges

Leonel with his SBDC Certificate

Mason with his SBDC Certificate

Mason & Breanna at the Conservation Dist. Event

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.

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

Or call us at 509.826.5107

Upcoming Workshops

May 12 - Financial Literacy, A practical session to help you understand your financial statements and use them to make stronger business decisions.
June 9 - Access to Capital, An overview of funding options and what lenders look for, with guidance to help you prepare for loan applications

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

Board Member Spotlight: Laleña “Lanie” Johns

This month, we’re pleased to highlight Laleña “Lanie” Johns, a long‑serving member of the Economic Alliance board whose dedication to public service has shaped Okanogan County for more than two decades.

Lanie has worked in the Okanogan County Commissioners’ office since 2005, bringing deep experience in public administration, strategic budgeting, board management, and complex project oversight.

Her work includes supporting the Board of County Commissioners, managing staff, overseeing capital facility projects, administering multi‑source grants, and ensuring compliance across state, federal, and local programs.

With approximately 15 years of service on the Economic Alliance board, Lanie values the opportunity to collaborate with regional partners who are committed to strengthening economic resilience in Okanogan County. She is passionate about supporting thoughtful, community‑driven initiatives that improve quality of life and long‑term stability for the region.

Lanie’s favorite thing about Okanogan County is its unique blend of natural beauty, close‑knit communities, and strong local pride. She is also deeply committed to advancing projects that enhance accessibility, protect historic assets, and promote economic diversity across the county.

We’re grateful for Lanie’s leadership, expertise, and long‑standing commitment to the people and places of Okanogan County.

The Okanogan County Tourism Council (OCTC) recently convened its annual meeting with local Visitor Information Centers, Chambers of Commerce, and Museums to help kick off the upcoming tourist season in Okanogan Country. The gathering highlighted the essential role these organizations play as front‑line ambassadors, offering visitors a welcoming first impression and sharing the stories, resources, and local knowledge that make each community unique. Representatives from across the county shared updates on what’s new in their areas and what visitors can look forward to in the months ahead.

County Commissioners have tasked OCTC with coordinating promotional and marketing efforts across the region to ensure visitors have a clear picture of everything Okanogan Country has to offer. To support this work, OCTC provided attendees with updated guides and maps, including the Travel Planner, Hiking Guide, Fishing Guide, Legends & Lore Guide, Arts Map, and regional maps, all available for distribution at local centers.

The meeting also included updates on several upcoming OCTC projects, such as the development of an Okanogan Country Food Trail, the In Matsura Footprints project, new regional kiosks, and the ongoing Trails Inventory. A county representative was present to answer questions about the Lodging Tax application process for 2027, including what types of advertising and projects are eligible for funding.

For more information about OCTC or to learn how to get involved, community members can contact Carolyn at 509‑826‑5107 or email info@okanogancountry.com.

Omak Community Garden Grand Opening – May 15

OCCAC’s Omak Community Garden is celebrating its official Grand Opening on Friday, May 15 at 3pm. Everyone is invited to stop by, explore the space, and help spread the word.

Click here to learn more

Ancestral Land Virtual Presentation – May 19

Join the LIGHT Foundation’s Executive Director, Amelia Marchand, for a powerful Ancestral Land virtual presentation focused on North Central Washington. This is the same meaningful presentation shared at the recent NCW Food Council gathering.

Tuesday, May 19 | 11am–12pm

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82203831482?pwd=M4rtWYwah4cCNQ19GUPnonT3Vguigv.1

Meeting ID: 822 0383 1482

Passcode: 525019

NCW Food Council Meeting – June 10

The next North Central Washington Food Council meeting will be held virtually on:

Wednesday, June 10 | 10am–12pm

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86723732737?pwd=iaA1wKZGvTRr1P76M5FnpbDMCmuanp.1

Meeting ID: 867 2373 2737

Passcode: 298322

WSDA Agricultural Viability Survey

WSDA is conducting statewide research to better understand challenges in Washington agriculture and identify opportunities to support producers, workers, and communities. Surveys are available for:

Agricultural Producers: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R96KJ78
Farm Workers: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L65CL5T
Community Members: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L6HND3R
More info & additional languages: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/directors-office/washington-state-agricultural-viability

Your input helps shape future policy and support for Washington agriculture.

Legislative Advocacy Fellowship – Applications Open

Thriving Together NCW is offering a Legislative Advocacy Fellowship designed to equip local leaders with the skills and confidence to engage in collaborative, community‑driven public policy work. No prior advocacy experience is required.

Applications are open May 4–29.

Learn more and apply at: thrivingtogether.org/legislative-advocacy-fellowship

Okanogan Middle School will host its annual Career Demo Day on Friday, May 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event, organized by GEAR UP Washington State, invites local professionals to showcase their careers and help inspire the next generation of students. Participants will have the opportunity to share hands‑on demonstrations, talk with students about career pathways, and highlight the skills and training needed in their fields. Light refreshments will be provided, and organizations interested in reserving a spot can register using the QR code on the event flyer. For questions, contact cball@oksd.wednet.edu or call 509‑422‑3770 (ask for GEAR UP).

Cultural Futures Tour Coming to Twisp – June 3

Inspire Washington is bringing its statewide Cultural Futures tour to Twisp on June 3 at 11am at TwispWorks. This free session offers a clear overview of the 2026 Legislative Session, new cultural funding opportunities, federal updates, and resources for local organizations. Attendees will also take part in community conversations that help shape the state’s 2027 Cultural Biennium Agenda.

To register for this free event, visit inspirewashington.org

Summer Library Celebration at Civic League Park

We want to celebrate the winding down of Summer Library Programming with a concert, booths, and scavenger hunt at the Civic League Park. This is to celebrate the closing out of Summer Library Programming and to give participants a chance to win last minute tickets for prizes.

The party will be on Saturday, August 8th, 11am - 2pm. We will have a live performance by Native Hip-Hop Northwest. There will also be a chance for those in attendance to go into the library for a scavenger hunt using reference skills to solve puzzles in order to also get tickets for the prizes!

If you are able to attend to set up a booth, please fill out this FORM. If you would like to be added to the BINGO sheet, this form will also allow me to know who wants to participate. The BINGO will direct people to your booth to have you sign off after giving them information about what your organization provides. This is a great way to spread the word about your organization. If you have lawn games you can bring that would be wonderful!

We will have the Friends of the Okanogan and Omak Library (FOOLs) there to provide food. There will be a book sale in the meeting space to help raise money as well for the libraries.

Thank you for all your support. We want this celebration to be great close out for summer! If you can think of other organizations that would benefit for attending this event, please forward this email to them.

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 May Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

Statewide Funding & Strategy Update

Washington State Department of Commerce has released a new five‑year strategic plan focused on improving access to funding, strengthening partnerships, and supporting community‑led solutions across the state. The updated mission and priorities aim to make Commerce programs easier to navigate — especially for small organizations and rural communities.

Learn more here.

Wildfire Preparedness for Washington Agriculture

WSDA has released updated wildfire preparedness guidance for farms, orchards, nurseries, and small agricultural operations. The resource covers defensible space, go‑kits, animal evacuation, smoke impacts, and planning for fast‑moving fire conditions.

Learn more here.

Community Wildfire Resilience & Preparedness

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources offers resources to help residents and small landowners prepare for wildfire season, including home‑assessment guidance, fire‑resistant landscaping tips, and programs like Wildfire Ready Neighbors. These tools support communities in reducing risk and improving resilience before fire conditions intensify.

Learn more here.

Free BIAW Contracts Package

BIAW’s full Contracts Package—previously a $399 subscription—is now free for all members. Developed by Washington‑based attorneys, the package includes 25+ contract templates and forms builders use every day, from residential construction and remodeling agreements to subcontractor contracts, lien waivers, and employee policy drafts. It’s a practical resource designed to help protect your business and simplify project documentation.

Learn more