January 2026 • Volume 38

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating 2025 and Welcoming 2026

We wrapped up 2025 with our Annual Meeting in December, where we were thrilled to welcome Jenn Tate as our guest speaker. Jenn introduced us to Datify, a program used by the Okanogan County Tourism Council (OCTC) to track and better understand tourism activity across the region. Her presentation sparked valuable conversations and gave us new tools to support thoughtful planning and economic growth throughout Okanogan County.

The meeting also gave us a meaningful moment to honor two incredible board members. We celebrated Lael Duncan, who officially “retired” from the board after serving in nearly every capacity over the years. Her entrepreneurial spirit, mentorship, and friendship have shaped our work in countless ways. While we’re deeply appreciative—and a little sad to see her step away—we’re excited for all that retirement holds for her. We also recognized Anna Marie Dalbey, who served as our Chair throughout 2025 and now transitions into the role of Past Chair. Her steady leadership and dedication have guided us through a pivotal year.

As part of our annual business, we also confirmed several board position renewals and approved updates to our Executive Committee slate for 2026. We’re grateful for the continued leadership of so many caring and influential individuals who help shape the future of Okanogan County. Their commitment strengthens our work and keeps our region moving forward.

With this strong foundation in place, we’re energized for the year ahead and excited for all that 2026 will bring.

Lael Duncan

Honoring Years of Service with Gratitude

In Appreciation of your vision, leadership, and years of dedicated service. Your legacy of commitment, excellence, and positive impact to Okanogan County Econimic Development will be remembered.

-Economic Alliance 12/3/25

Anna Marie Dalbey

With Heartfelt Appreciation

For outstanding leadership and dedicated service. Your vision and commitment have left a lasting mark on our community's economic growth. Thank you for guiding us forward.

Economic Allicance Board Chair 2025

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:

Jan 22 - Create Your 3 Month Content Calendar, With Caroline Sancken, Plan ahead with purpose — join our January content calendar workshop
Feb 10 - Finding Your Audience Online, With Caroline Sancken, Define your ideal customers, find them, and craft content that resonates

More learning opportunities are in the works—

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

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

Our Teams Favorite 2025 Moments

One of the most inspiring moments of my year is our annual Prioritization process! Each year, we’re thrilled to receive applications from communities across Okanogan County, all focused on public infrastructure and community and economic development projects. What truly makes this experience special is seeing passionate community members present their projects in person—their stories and dedication bring each proposal to life. It’s energizing to witness the unique visions and priorities every community brings forward, and every project is a step toward making our region an even better place to live!

I really enjoyed the Harvest Fest in Okanogan. It was great to walk around and see all the creativity on display from our local entrepreneurs. Other highlights were the pet parade and pumpkin patch – careful though, you’ll need a wagon for the really big ones. Can’t wait for next year!

The Economic Alliance participated in local farmers’ markets; our markets are a living community experience where people greet each other with smiles. Families stroll together, and conversations flow as naturally as the arts and fresh produce on display. It’s a space where people connect not only with food but with each other.

A highlight of my year has been continuing to work with both the Economic Alliance and the Okanogan County Tourism Council. It’s been so fun collaborating on ways to bring people to our county and support the communities that make it special. Seeing each town’s events and how they reflect its unique personality is always fun. As the year winds down, I’m grateful for the chance to slow down and spend time with loved ones.

Joining the Economic Alliance opened my eyes to the incredible people behind our communities. From farmers markets to town celebrations, and even learning about our very own tourism council, I’ve met small business owners, nonprofits, and neighbors all working together with big visions to keep the spirit of Okanogan County thriving.

Excited for what’s to come in 2026!

We’re grateful for every chance to support the dreamers, doers, and neighbors who make Okanogan County shine!

Prioritization Process Snapshot: Omak Airport Hanger Area Expansion

Omak Airport Hanger Area Expansion

Planning and design for the Omak Airport Hangar Area Expansion were completed in July 2025 with support from County .09 funding. This work helped elevate the project during the County’s prioritization process, identifying it as regionally significant and positioning it for construction funding through Federal FAA dollars— an opportunity that may not have been available to pursue otherwise.

The project team is now assembling the FAA funding package and preparing construction bid documents, with the goal of putting the project out to bid and beginning construction in 2026. While the project does not leverage additional matching funds, it will be supported by an estimated $700,000 in FAA entitlement funding that would have otherwise been directed toward other airport maintenance or improvement needs. The City anticipates applying through the County’s prioritization process again as the project continues to move forward.

Click here to learn more about Omak Airport

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 January Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

With the new year comes tax season, and it’s a great time to make sure you’re working with the most accurate and up‑to‑date information. The IRS regularly updates forms, guidance, and filing resources as January begins, so we encourage businesses and individuals to check IRS.gov for the latest details and reminders. Staying informed now can help make tax season smoother and far less stressful.

Visit IRS.gov to stay up to date on the latest tax information.

2026 Paid Family & Medical Leave Premium Update

Beginning January 1, 2026, Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave premium rate will increase to 1.13%. Employers will cover 28.57% of the premium, while employees will pay 71.43%. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from the employer portion but must still collect or cover the employee share. Employers should notify staff, begin collecting premiums each pay period, and note the new Social Security cap of $184,500. First‑quarter premiums at the new rate are due by the end of April 2026. Updated posters, paystub inserts, and resources will be available in December.

Learn More Here