April 3, 2024
Business and Community Updates
Broadband Updates
We are happy to report that 60% of the community has signed up with one of the Port's partner ISP's. We are hearing very positive reports from their customers. The Touchet Valley project is very close to completion. Testing and splicing is happening this week. We hope by next week, 60 residents will be able to connect to service! Charter communications has subcontractors in town installing a new system where the old TVTV cable is located. They are not part of the Port's project.
Craft Malt & Grain Cluster
The Port's vision is to develop areas of the Blue Mountain Station site into an artisan grain business cluster. The first step in that project is constructing a craft malting facility. At the March 2024 Port Commission meeting, the Port of Columbia Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing Port staff to apply for funding from the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). This funding will connect to existing infrastructure and construct a craft malt processing building at the Blue Mountain Station Food Park. The Port has applied to CERB for a $5 million grant/loan package for this project. The private sector partner, Mainstem Malt, is investing an amount equal to or greater than $5 million for the project. This project met the CERB threshold, so on May 16th the Port and Mainstem Malt will present to the CERB board.

The Port is now conducting outreach to regional growers and valued-added food business entrepreneurs to see what needs and interests exist for this initiative. To share the survey with others or to learn about the artisan grain cluster go to the Blue Mountain Station website or click the link here!
OMWBE Business Certification Workshop
On April 8th at the Port office from 9 to 11 am the SBDC in partnership with the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE and Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is hosting at in-person workshop to talk about certification and how it can benefit your small business. This certification is normally $400 but participants will get the fee for this certification waived!
National Small Business Week
This year's National Small Business week takes place April 28 - May 4, 2024. In celebration, the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE are cohosting a virtual summit on April 30th and May 1st. It will include webinars, free business resources, networking, and expert business advice. It is completely free to attend! For registration, click here.
Incentives for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
With electricity usage increasing, many utilities are offering incentives for energy upgrades. Pacific Power, Columbia REA and the USDA are all offering programs that can help your business with energy efficiency!
Incentives for Common Upgrades

Pacific Power is offering some amazing incentives for energy efficiency. The Port is currently exploring improving lighting at the Industrial Park buildings and they will pay a high percentage of the costs. This may work for your business!

Read more
www.pacificpower.net
Rebate Offers

Columbia Rural Electric Association (REA) is committed to helping its members conserve energy. A number of programs are in place for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural members. This rebate program may work great for your business!

Read more
www.columbiarea.coop
Rural Energy for America Program

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

Read more
www.rd.usda.gov
Elevate & Horizons Grant
Elevate/United Way of the Blue Mountains is a successful awardee of the Horizons Regional Grant! The Port is one of many local partners with Elevate on this initiative. The goals for this partnership under the Horizon grant are to improve postsecondary pathways, enhance supports for students and parents, and establish a network of internships and workforce mentors to empower students with real-world experience and skills. For more information on the Horizons grant you can check out this article from the Gates Foundation. To learn about the four regional partnerships, read this article!
Dayton Kid's Fishing Event
The City of Dayton is sponsoring a kid's fishing event! It will be held at the Dayton fishing pond on April 17th from 3 to 5 pm. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be providing poles, bait and lot's of assistance for the kids. Don't miss out on this fun event!
Community Pool Forum
The newly formed Parks and Recreation Pool District will be hosting a community forum on Thursday April 18th at 6 pm at the Dayton school multipurpose room. Community members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and vision for the new community swimming pool.
Spring Clean Up
The Chamber is hosting a community clean up day on Saturday April 20th from 9 am to 12 pm. Volunteers will meet at Caboose Park for donuts. Then teams will go to designated areas for clean up, and to wrap it all up, the Kiwanis Club is providing hot dogs for lunch.

Come and be a part of a great event that benefits the whole community!
Community Resource Fair
Dayton's Coalition for Youth and Families is hosting a Spring 2024 Community Resource Fair, spotlighting Mental Health and Wellness on Saturday April 27th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Bank of Idaho parking lot. They have joined forces with Blue Mountain Counseling and Columbia County Health System. Together, in the heart of Dayton, they want to showcase the wealth of services available to our community members. Local organizations will be there to share resources, insights, and interactive experiences that address mental health and substance misuse.
Flea Market
The Port of Columbia is hosting a Spring Flea Market! This event will be taking place on May 4th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Dayton Fairgrounds. We have lots of returning vendors from our previous flea market. It will be a fun event so be sure to check it out!
Other Events of Interest
Unemployment Rate sees an Increase
Columbia County's unemployment rate has been slightly increasing over the last few months. In February 2024, the unemployment rate was 7.3%. While this is a pretty significant increase from January 2024 at 6.3 %, all the counties around has have experienced the same increase so this is likely due to seasonal fluctuations in employment.