June 2026 • Volume 43

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

What We’ve Been Working On

May brought a mix of progress, collaboration, and community outreach across Okanogan County as our team continued supporting local businesses, partners, and regional projects.

One of our key focuses this month has been the ongoing challenges in the Methow Valley. With construction on Glover Street and the extended Highway 20 closure, many businesses are experiencing reduced traffic during what is normally their busiest season. To help elevate these concerns, Roni reached out to state legislators to share how significant the economic impacts have already been. At the same time, Mason is gathering baseline tourism data to better understand how much visitor activity the area typically relies on — and how much is being lost this year. We’re also identifying additional grant opportunities to help small businesses stay sustainable through the disruption.

Our team has been active in other areas as well. We’ve been working with Partners for Rural Washington to identify local projects that may be a good fit for the Evergreen Manufacturing and Opportunity Zones programs. We also met with the NC Washington Drug Task Force, which recently lost a major funding source, and are helping them explore grant options to maintain operations. A follow‑up meeting with the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for early June to discuss funding for this year's prioritization projects.

Our contract with PRWA continues to move forward as they connect with prioritized infrastructure projects to assess needs. We’ve also shared information about the newly released USDA RBDG program, which may be a strong fit for several local initiatives. In July, Roni will meet with the County Commissioners to discuss funding for this year’s prioritization cycle.

On the business support side, Leonel has been doing extensive outreach with local food entrepreneurs, helping them navigate rising costs and inflation. And for those looking to build digital confidence, our next Digital Discovery class is scheduled for June 23rd at our office. This evening session will cover cybersecurity basics and offer hands‑on help with personal devices. Community members are welcome to call our office for more information.

Upcoming Workshops

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

The Guild Art Center and Gallery: A New Creative Hub for Oroville

A long‑vacant storefront in downtown Oroville is getting a second life. The Highlands Community Support Coalition (HCSC) has signed a lease to transform the space — along with its neglected garden — into The Guild Art Center and Gallery, a welcoming arts and cultural hub designed to bring creativity, learning, and connection to the Upper Okanogan Valley.

The Center will be fully ADA‑accessible and will serve a wide range of community members, including older adults, veterans, marginalized populations, children, and local creatives. HCSC plans to establish an artists’ collective within the space, offering studio access, gallery opportunities, and digital‑enabled classes supported by high‑speed fiber internet. With partners such as ArtsWA and Thriving Together NCW, the project aims to strengthen Oroville’s Main Street corridor and create a place where people can gather, learn, and express themselves.

Although the full remodel is planned for completion in fall 2026, the Center is already active. Art shows, classes, and community events are taking place regularly, giving residents a preview of what the space will become. Once exterior signage and a community mural are finished, HCSC will host a formal grand opening to celebrate the project’s first major milestone.

The organization is also working toward purchasing the building, exercising an option in its lease and seeking funding to secure the property long‑term. Funding for the project comes from a mix of gallery revenue, grants, in‑kind contributions, and private donations — a reflection of the broad support behind this effort.

Beyond the physical renovation, the project addresses several deeper community needs. Oroville faces ongoing challenges related to economic decline, social isolation, and limited access to education. The Guild Art Center and Gallery is designed to respond to these issues by creating a space where people can connect, learn new skills, and participate in meaningful work. Local artists will have access to tools, retail space, and business training, helping them build sustainable micro‑enterprises. Two community members have already been hired through the AARP workforce program, gaining hands‑on experience in a supportive environment.

The project also includes improvements to the surrounding outdoor space. A previously unused setback will become a small greenspace with native plants, seating, and educational signage. A community mural — funded by ArtsWA and expected to be completed by the end of June — will celebrate the region’s natural beauty and help create a more inviting downtown environment.

As the project continues to grow, The Guild Art Center and Gallery is poised to become a cornerstone of Oroville’s revitalization — a place where creativity, culture, and community come together to strengthen the Upper Okanogan Valley.

To learn more or follow updates on this project, visit: https://hc-support.org/the-guild/

Project information was provided by the Highlands Community Support Coalition.

 Farmers Market Season Returns to Okanogan County

Summer in Okanogan County means one thing: farmers market season is officially here. Across the region, local growers, makers, and small businesses are setting up their booths and bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and community spirit back to our weekly markets.

Farmers markets play a bigger role in our rural communities than many people realize. They support local agriculture, strengthen small businesses, and create welcoming spaces where neighbors can connect. For many families, they’re also a chance to access fresh, seasonal food grown right here in the valley.

This year’s markets feature a mix of longtime vendors and new faces — from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods, honey, crafts, and locally made products. Many markets also offer live music, kids’ activities, and community resource booths, making them a gathering place as much as a shopping destination.

For growers and artisans, farmers markets provide an essential platform to reach customers directly. Every purchase helps keep local farms thriving, supports home‑based businesses, and keeps dollars circulating within our communities. For visitors, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the best of what our region produces while spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Whether you’re stocking up on weekly produce, grabbing a treat, or simply enjoying a stroll through the booths, farmers markets are a reminder of what makes Okanogan County special — resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community.

As the season continues, we encourage everyone to stop by their local market, meet the vendors, and enjoy the abundance our region has to offer.

Financial Literacy Workshop: Access to Capital

Understanding how to secure funding is one of the biggest hurdles for new and growing businesses. To support local entrepreneurs, the Economic Alliance is hosting a Financial Literacy Workshop: Access to Capital on June 9 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

This session will be led by Gwen Kohl, a business advisor with Business Impact NW, who specializes in helping small businesses navigate the lending landscape. Participants will learn how to identify their funding needs, explore different types of capital, and prepare for a successful loan application. Gwen will also break down what lenders look for and how to strengthen your financial readiness.

Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, this workshop offers practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence.



Click here to register

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.

Summer Library Celebration – August 8

Join the Okanogan and Omak Libraries for an end‑of‑summer celebration at Civic League Park on Saturday, August 8, from 11 AM–2 PM. Enjoy a live performance by Native Hip‑Hop Northwest, activity booths, and a library scavenger hunt where participants can earn final tickets for summer prizes.

Organizations interested in hosting a booth or being included on the event BINGO sheet can sign up using the participation form. Booth hosts are welcome to bring lawn games.

Food will be provided by the Friends of the Okanogan and Omak Library (FOOLs), along with a book sale to support library programs.



For more information, please reach out to the Omak or Okanogan Libraries.

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 June Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

Farmers Market Days & Times in Okanogan County

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.

Thinking about starting a business?

This free, one‑hour webinar covers the basics of starting a business in Washington, including planning, registration, licensing, and key regulatory requirements. You’ll also hear directly from state agency liaisons about free and low‑cost programs that can help new entrepreneurs

Learn more

Funding Options For Small Business Owners

Regional Revolving Loan Fund:

Tri County Economic Development

Learn more about the process here

Washington Small Business Flex Fund 2: Micro Loan Program

Learn more at:

Small Business Flex Fund

Free Trainings

SBA Webinar's

June 12th

Time: 2:30-3:00PM (EDT)

Virtual Open House: New Grocery Guarantee Loan

Register

June 23rd

Time: 11:00 - 1:00PM (CDT)

Lender Readiness: Get Funding to Start or Grow Your Business

Register

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