News and Updates | Issued on December 15, 2020
This monthly publication is intended for those interested in news from the Port of Benton.
To learn more about the Port of Benton please visit our website.
Port Press Releases
Ron Branine Promoted To Director Of Facilities And Operations For The Port Of Benton
Ron Branine has been promoted to the Director of Facilities and Operations for the Port of Benton.  

With nearly thirty years of facilities management experience Branine brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. He is skilled in maintaining large commercial buildings, budgeting, contracting, managing the bidding process in compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations as well as working with heavy and light equipment. His diverse background includes working with a range of stakeholders from CEOs to local, state, and federal inspectors. In addition, Branine’s experience chairing multiple safety committees, volunteering in the fields of emergency management, search & rescue, reserve law enforcement, and serving with several fire departments are  many of the extraordinary assets he brings to the Port. Read more and download a copy of this press release...

Business News
SMALL BUSINESS CHALLENGING TIMES
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC),
a resource for those who care about small business, outlines reasons for gratitude, despite these challenging times in a special edition of the SBDC Bizz, Buzz Quarterly newsletter. 

Love Your Data HIMS Newsletter 
The Washington State Department of Commerce Love Your Data HIMS Newsletter highlights among other things, a new dashboard for communities to identify disparities with their homeless services system to help close the gaps that exist among demographic groups. Also, the newsletter features data driven tips and tools that can impact decision making and improve processes. 

New Statewide Restrictions
Gov. Jay Inslee announced additional economic supports
for workers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Inslee also announced a three-week extension of the state’s current restrictions which will now be in place until January 4, 2021. For more information visit the Washington State
Governor’s Office.
2021 State Energy Strategy Opportunity
for Public Comment
The Washington Department of Commerce is seeking feedback on the second draft of the 2021 State Energy Strategy that lays out the short- and long-term actions needed to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions in Washington to reach state energy goals. The final strategy will be submitted to the Legislature and the Governor Dec.31. Interested members of the public are invited to weigh in on the second draft version of the proposed state energy strategy beginning Mon, Dec 7, 2:00-6:00 pm, followed by public hearings.
To learn more visit the Washington State Department of Commerce.