Connecting Communities Throughout the Columbia River Gorge February 1, 2019 Blue Lion Unlimited, LLC announced today they will begin publishing The Gorge Business News (TGBN) newspaper. It will be distributed throughout the Columbia River Gorge on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the river. “It is our hope that The Gorge Business News will…
Operation Outreach at Insitu in Bingen and Hood River
Operation Outreach in Bingen and Hood River By Lori Roach Insitu hosted Operation Outreach in February at the Waucoma facility in Hood River, OR and at the Eagle Point Building Lobby in Bingen, WA. Attendees were able to visit with and learn about the more than 20 non-profits who were there showcasing their organizations. “February…
Governor Appoints New Members to Oregon Tourism Commission
Governor Kate Brown has appointed two new members to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon), Mia Sheppard with Little Creek Outfitters and Greg Willitts with FivePine Lodge. Made up of nine members, the Commission provides expertise and sets policy direction for Travel Oregon staff. Mia is an accomplished fly-fishing guide, mother and business owner….
Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Hood River Wins Community Service Hotel of the Year
The Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Hood River won Mereté Hotel Management’s (formerly InnSight) “We are Community” Hotel of the Year Award at the company annual conference held in Springfield, OR.
Skunk Brothers Spirits Continues to Expand Their Product Line in Stevenson
From Son (Scott) to Dad (Skunk), to Grandpa (Archie) the moonshiner; Skunk Brothers Spirits is where blood (I mean booze) flows deep in the family veins By Lori Roach Skunk Brothers Spirits is a disabled veteran owned business that sits on the banks of the Columbia River and brings the craft of distilling to the…
Mic-Lock With SOUNDPASS: Hear Music, No Eavesdropping
Microphone Blocker for Cybersecurity CAMAS, Wash., Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Colampra announces the launch of its newest cybersecurity product, the Mic-Lock with SOUNDPASS — a device that prevents hackers, apps and government agencies from listening to private conversations on any internet-connected device. Mic-Locks are the only digital signal-blocking devices for microphones on the market. Colampra is a company…
Dam: That’s A Lot Of Work – Corps Completes Spillway Gate Repair
By Tom Conning, Public Affairs Specialist A Dam Safety Program inspector dangles from the face of a Willamette Valley dam as he assesses the condition of spillway gates, June 6, 2009. The dam safety assessment concluded gates could fail to open or could stick, which could affect how the dams released water. In 2010, the…
Everybody’s Brewing Announces Foggy Goggles Hazy IPA
(White Salmon, WA) – Everybody’s Brewing announced the release of their new seasonal 22 oz bottle, Foggy Goggles Hazy IPA, available in stores Jan. 29th. Coming in at 6.9% ABV, and 35 IBUs, the hops include a blend of Galaxy, Simcoe, Azacca, and Ella. The brewery plans to keep this beer available in bottles and…
Doomsday Brewing Company Announces Expansion To Hazel Dell
Family Friendly Pub Featuring Artisan Pizza Vancouver, WA. January 30, 2019 — Today, Doomsday Brewing Company, a local microbrewery specializing in small batch craft beer and artisan pizza, announced that they have expanded with a third location at Hazel Dell Towne Center in Vancouver, WA after negotiating a lease since September 2018. Following the successful…
Fourth Annual Robin Equity Research Round-up
The premier micro-cap conference in the Pacific Northwest, the Robins Equity Research Round-Up, is just a few days away. The fourth annual conference will be held at the Portland Shilo Inn Airport Hotel on September 25th and 26th. Captain Greg Woodridge, US Navy Retired – three time commander of the Blue Angels will be…
Temira’s Awesome Travel Advisory Service
By Marguerite Cleveland Temira Amelia Lital is the architect behind “Temira’s Awesome Travel Advisory Service”. The service is a public Facebook page with almost 5000 followers that track her daily weather forecasts. They are dished up each day with a dose of humor and a photo which just seems to fit the mood of the…
Relax in an Authentic 1930s Era Bathhouse at Carson Hot Springs
By Marguerite Cleveland Since 1876 when Isadore St. Martin discovered the hot springs and shared them with his wife, Margaret who suffered severe pain from damaged nerves, people have flocked to bathe in the waters. The St. Martins developed the property with a hotel in 1901 followed by cabins and a bathhouse which are still…
Andy Nichols Crafts Artwork out of Hand Blown Glass
By Marguerite Cleveland The glass Salmon and Trout appear ready to leap into the Columbia River with their striking colors and dramatic shapes. The fish are a few of the many items created by artist Andy Nichols at his studio in The Dalles. Founded by Nichols in 1998, Nichols Art Glass had humble…
Energy Trust of Oregon Requests Proposals for Residential Program Management and Delivery Services
Energy Trust of Oregon is now seeking proposals from qualified organizations interested in and capable of providing residential program management services and/or program delivery for specific residential market-focused program offerings. It is Energy Trust board policy and national best practice to periodically put contracts out to bid with the objective of delivering effective services and…
Excursion Train Launches 2017 Train Season on Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day, and the traditional opening day for the Eagle Cap Excursion Train’s 2017 season. The Mother’s Day Brunch is always a popular trip, as passengers find it a good way to celebrate the holiday while enjoying the beautiful spring scenery along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers. The Mother’s…
Gary Allan Set to Take the Happy Canyon Stage Sept. 9
Country music superstar Gary Allan will kick off the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon week when he takes the stage in the Happy Canyon Arena on Sept. 9. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 1. Allan is known for hit No. 1 singles “Man to Man,” “Nothing On But the Radio,” “Watching…
Oregon House Approves Rep. Barreto’s ATV Highway Access Bill
The Oregon House of Representatives approved HB 2910 A, legislation that seeks to make it easier for Oregonians in rural communities to access rural roadways with all-terrain vehicles in authorized areas. Under current law ATVs are not permitted on state highways, which can prevent Oregonians from accessing their own property if it is separated by…
30 Years of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Columbia River Gorge, Ore. Today marks 30 years of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act protecting the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia River Gorge. The Act created a unique governance framework when it was signed into law on November 17, 1986. The Forest Service works with the Columbia…
Board Acts to Reimburse Timber Counties
Board acts to reimburse timber counties for timberland set aside for habitat PACIFIC, SKAMANIA AND WAHKIAKUM COUNTIES TO RECEIVE $3.2 MILLION The state Board of Natural Resources today took action to reimburse three western Washington counties a total of $3.2 million for the transfer of 442 acres of state-owned forestland to conservation status. …
Energy Trust of Oregon Approves New Tools to Make Solar More Affordable
Solar prices have dropped dramatically in recent years, and now Energy Trust of Oregon is helping to lower them further. In the past, Energy Trust required that the solar resource be measured at the installation site— usually a rooftop. Energy Trust now allows contractors to use approved remote shading analysis tools. The first three…
Let Oregon’s Weather Compass Take You Away to Play
Travel Oregon recognizes that our region’s legendary rain may be its most famous winter weather pattern, but it’s hardly our only one. Remarkably, sunnier (or snowier) skies are rarely more than a couple hours away. Travel Oregon’s new Oregon Weather Compass is the first-ever mobile site designed to point local and visiting explorers to the…
Oregon Represented on National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure
The United States Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, appointed Travel Oregon CEO, Todd Davidson to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure (NACTTI). “I am honored to be appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of the Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel…
State Board Gives Go-Ahead to New Klickitat Canyon Community Forest
More than 2,400 acres of scenic forestland north of Glenwood in Klickitat County will become a community-managed forest under a resolution approved today by the state Board of Natural Resources. The board authorized the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to complete the purchase of the tract from Hancock Timber Resource Group, which…
1889 Washington’s Magazine Launches in February 2017
The Evergreen State will finally have its own statewide magazine with the launch of 1889 Washington’s Magazine in February 2017. Statehood Media today announced its continued expansion in the Pacific Northwest with a bi-monthly lifestyle magazine aimed at inspiring Washingtonians and its visitors to live, think and explore the peaks and bays, the recreation and…
Community Bank’s Charity Drive Produces Over $24,000
The annual Charity Drive was conducted in Community Bank’s full-service branch locations during November, through December 20th. The program is an effort to collect donations in branches to benefit charities in that same area. The bank matches donations at $0.50 on each dollar, with a max match amount of $500 per branch location. This season…
Columbia Bank Launches the 2016 Warm Hearts Winter Drive
Wintertime Campaign Benefits Homeless Shelters Across The Northwest Tacoma, Wash. – Nov. 21, 2016 – Today Columbia Bank launches the annual Warm Hearts Winter Drive to benefit homeless shelters in communities across the Northwest. Now through December 31, 2016, Columbia Bank will be accepting cash donations and new winter wear attire as it aims…
Fishing: a new family tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday
Fishing, clamming and crabbing will be free in Oregon Nov. 25-26 Nov. 15, 2016 Lower Deschutes Steelhead Whether you’re after trout, salmon, steelhead (like this one from the lower Deschutes) or crab, you can fish for them for free on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26. SALEM — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife…
Governor Brown Appoints Eloisa Miller as Economic and Business Equity Manager
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today named Eloisa Miller as her Economic and Business Equity Manager. Miller will focus on addressing issues of equity and advancing priorities for Minority-owned, Woman-owned, Emerging Small Businesses, and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (Certified Firms). “Eloisa has a strong commitment to equity and ensuring that businesses have a…
Washington secures federal support to transform health system, improve behavioral health care and control costs
Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) announced today a new state-federal partnership that will bolster state efforts to improve the physical and mental health of Washington families and transform the state’s Apple Health (Medicaid) program to control costs. After months of detailed negotiations, the HCA—in partnership with the Department of…
Washington receives $4.3 million in federal specialty crop grant funds
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced this year’s recipients of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds, including $4.3 million for Washington state. The 2016 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant will fund 21 projects managed by WSDA in partnership with other organizations. Washington ranks second in…
Energy Trust of Oregon Founding Executive Director Honored with National Award
Margie Harris receives the 2016 Champion of Energy Efficiency in Buildings Award from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy PORTLAND, Ore. — August 24, 2016 — Margie Harris, founding executive director of Energy Trust of Oregon, received an award yesterday from the American Council for an EnergyEfficient Economy (ACEEE). She has been…
Travel Oregon Awards More Than $500,000 for Local Tourism Projects
An artisan food trail, wayfinding signage and non-stop air service will now be available for visitors and locals, thanks in part to $560,000 of matching grant funding awarded by the Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon. Travel Oregon administers a competitive program that makes grant awards to eligible applicants for projects that contribute to the…
Washington leaders announce $2.7 million federal grant to increase apprenticeship opportunities
Hundreds of Washington workers will have opportunities for job-based apprenticeships, thanks to a new $2.7 million federal grant the state will receive over the next 18 months. Washington state and federal leaders announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor has chosen Washington as one of 37 grantees to help grow and diversify apprenticeships around…
Travel Oregon Wins National Tourism Industry Award
Recognized for Best Broadcast Advertising for 7 Wonders of Oregon Television Spots Winners of the National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) 2016 Mercury awards were announced this week during U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference held this year in Boca Raton, Fla. The NCSTD honored Travel Oregon with…
Oregon Office of Emergency Management and Dark Horse Comics Team Up to Teach Tsunami Preparedness
Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management and Dark Horse Comics released their newest collaboration just in time to prepare for the Great ShakeOut. This 16-page colorful story sequence teaches tsunami preparedness. SALEM, Ore. — Oct. 12, 2016 — Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management and Dark Horse Comics team up to prepare for the Great Oregon ShakeOut…
Youngsters bring smiles to “Grandpas and Grandmas” Columbia Basin Care partners with Head Start
A sudden burst of giggles and chatter fills the halls. At Columbia Basin Care, the elderly residents perk up with anticipation as youngsters rush in to greet the “grandpas and grandmas.” Columbia Basin Care, a long-term care facility, has partnered with the Head Start preschool program to encourage socialization across generations. Each week the…
Investing More Than $50 Million through Apprenticeship USA to Expand Proven Pathways into the Middle Class
Since the beginning of his Administration, President Obama has focused on creating an economy that works for every American. Under his leadership, our businesses have added 15.3 million jobs since early 2010, and the economy has seen the longest streak of job creation on record. However, more work needs to be done to make sure…
Washington State Health Care Authority to Improve Physical and Mental Health of Washington Families
Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) announced today a new state-federal partnership that will bolster state efforts to improve the physical and mental health of Washington families and transform the state’s Apple Health (Medicaid) program to control costs. After months of detailed negotiations, the HCA—in partnership with the Department…
Oregon to Convert Messages into Video Instructions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Residents
Oregon state government is launching a new effort to support deaf and hard of hearing Oregonians. Held quarterly, New American Sign Language (ASL) video workshops tap native-speaking ASL interpreters to convert agency messages into video instructions that improve access to online services for these traditionally underserved residents. In recent years Oregon has increased accessibility…
OEN and the Tom Holce 2016 Entrepreneurship Awards
By Lori Kimbel It’s no secret that I come from a small town in Northeast Oregon, Elgin, Oregon to be exact. Elgin is like many of the small towns in America, more often than not it is peaceful, safe and friendly, so when this small town lady decided to spend a night on the…
Life Flight Network Named the #1 Large Nonprofit to Work for in Oregon
Life Flight Network was recognized last week by Oregon Business as the best large nonprofit to work for in Oregon. For the seventh year in a row, Life Flight Network has been ranked in the top 15 best large nonprofit employers to work for in Oregon. This is the second time Life Flight Network has…
Passing Down The Farm Receives New Emphasis
It’s becoming increasingly difficult for older farmers to hand over their operations or keep them in the family. It’s as challenging as ever for younger would-be farm operators to gain access to the land. The graying of Oregon’s farmers and ranchers is an issue receiving a closer look this fall following a new report examining…
Things Are Hopping for Oregon Dept of Ag. Inspectors
While you quietly sip a beer this month, it’s more than likely that Judy Parent and Erin Harding are painstakingly picking out leaves and stems from the Oregon hops that might be an ingredient of that brew. The two women aren’t necessarily cleaning up the hops but, in fact, inspecting samples of this year’s harvest…
Skamania County Economic Development Council Hires Kari Fagerness as ED
The Skamania County EDC Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Kari Fagerness as Executive Director filling the position recently vacated by Pat Albaugh when he was hired to manage the Port of Skamania. Kari officially started her new duties on November 1, 2016. Kari has been at the EDC as Office Administrator since…
Second Annual Robins Equity Research Roundup
By Lori Kimbel The second annual Robins Equity Research Roundup, presented by Catalyst Research Management Group, was held in Hood River and brought small and microcap equities together with portfolio managers, hedge fund managers, retail brokers, mutual fund managers, and individual investors. According to Marc Robins, creator of the Robins Equity Group Roundup,…
Tree Houses Now Available at Skamania Lodge
By Lori Kimbel The Columbia River Gorge never lacks for things to see and do and a favorite to locals and visitors alike is Skamania Lodge, which has recently gone through a bit of a renaissance. Luckily for those who like things a little on the wild side, this renaissance includes luxury tree houses…
Oregon Office of Emergency Management Targets Hospitality Industry for “Tsunami Safe” Training
With winter holidays fast approaching and a time when many people are visiting the Oregon coast, it’s important to know tsunami safety. To that end, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) offers “Tsunami Safe: Hospitality Begins with Safety,” a free program aimed at the hospitality industry along the Oregon coast. Hotel and motel staff,…
Oregon receives $1.7 million in specialty crop funds
The Oregon Department of Agriculture and US Department of Agriculture have announced this year’s recipients of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds. In Oregon, nearly $1.7 million will fund 15 projects to help boost the competitiveness of the state’s fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, and other specialty crops. “These funds go a long…
Hood River Hops Fest – September 24, 2016
Hood River Hops Fest Date: September 24, 2016 Time: Noon – 8pm Location: Columbia Lot, 5th and Columbia, downtown, Hood River, OR 97031 Contact: (541) 386-2000 Presented by CH2M and awarded silver medal for best beer festival from the Willamette Week, Oregon Beer Awards, the Hood River Hops Fest is an annual celebration of beer’s…
Brown Names Kay Erickson as Director of the Oregon Employment Department
Governor Kate Brown today announced the appointment of Kay Erickson as the Director of the Oregon Employment Department, effective August 16, 2016, pending confirmation by the Oregon Senate. She served as the agency’s acting director since January. “Kay’s considerable management experience helped her transition quickly and maintain stability at the Employment Department, and I…
Oregon Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.2 Percent in July
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in July, an increase from June’s rate of 4.8 percent. The rate has risen from a record low of 4.5 percent in the three months of March, April and May. Oregon’s labor force, which reached a record high of 2,058,000 in July, has grown rapidly in recent months as…
10,000 Homes and Counting: Energy Trust of Oregon Achieves Energy Savings with Home Efficiency Rating
More than one-third of all newly built homes in Oregon have an EPS As of this month, more than 10,000 homes have now been rated with EPSTM, an energy performance rating tool developed by Energy Trust of Oregon. The rating is only given to homes built at least 10 percent better than Oregon’s energy code…
Grape Vines Exposed to Smoke to Test Taint From Wildfires
By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities Smoke taint study equipment runs the length of a hoop house of wine grapes at the WSU Prosser research center near WSU Tri-Cities. Wine grapes may appear fine after a harsh wildfire season. But if grapes have smoke taint, the finished wine may taste and smell awful –…
Cocktails for Two Many
by Marc Robins CFA Nearly two decades ago, I was the CEO of Moonstruck Chocolate for about a year. The Robins Group had been associated with the upstart Chocolatier helping to raise money, give guidance and on a more personal note sponsor and co-finance the “new” Chocolate Café that opened on 23rd Avenue in…
Rob Chimelak
By Lori Kimbel Rob Chimelak, board member of Athletes4Cancer and active volunteer at the Hood River Kiteboarding 4 Cancer event, was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer in October of 2012, at the age of 29. It was then and there that he decided he was going to take on cancer and keep ‘kicking…
Kiteboarding for Cancer Raises $194,000
By Lori Kimbel The 10th Annual Kiteboarding 4 Cancer event in Hood River was pure success. Raising over $194,000 in a single weekend, the event continues to grow in popularity for kiteboarders as well as spectators. The event had 230 kiteboarders participate and approximately 3,000 spectators. On hand were 80 volunteers to help make the…
Inslee Announced $12.6 Million in Clean Energy Fund Grants
Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced $12.6 million in Clean Energy Fund grants to five utilities in Washington. The governor made the announcement in Seattle at the Northwest Regional Clean Energy Innovation Partnership Workshop hosted by the University of Washington and the Pacific Northwest National Lab. At the event, the governor joined U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest…
Nature is a Great Healer
As part of an improvement project emphasizing good health, Columbia Basin Care is creating a park for residents, families, and staff. Beep! beep! beep! That’s the music of construction as Columbia Basin Care dramatically improves its outdoor space with the creation of a park featuring a picnic pavilion and wheelchair-friendly pathways. The park…
Oregon’s Top Ag Commodities Enjoy a Strong Decade
While Oregon agriculture’s overall growth curve has slowed down in recent years, certain crops and livestock commodities have enjoyed a very healthy increase in production value over the past decade. In fact, only one commodity in the top 20 has recorded a decrease over the 10 year period and that drop is very small. Newly…
My View – September/October 2016
Wow! What a summer! I hope your summer has been every bit as fun as mine has. This past Saturday I attended the annual Timber Tiger Lodge party, which takes place on the side of the Elkhorn Mountains, overlooking the entire Baker Valley. The food was fabulous, the band was amazing, the dancing, of course,…
Go! Local Gets Smart
Gorge-wide buy local campaign partners with Chinook Book to make it easier for residents and visitors to locate and support local businesses. In anticipation of the holiday shopping and giving season, Gorge Owned is partnering with local businesses and Portland-based Chinook Book (www.chinookbook.com) to increase the economic impact of its GO! Local program….
@Andrew__Muse & His Tiny Home Adventures
By Lori Kimbel Twenty seven year old Andrew Muse is living a life full of adventure and excitement. A life many would love to have just a taste of. Traveling the country with his Golden Retriever, canine companion, Kicker, Muse is seen with a genuine smile with each new-found, adrenaline-charged quest, and Kicker is right…
The Man in the Union Suit
by Norbert Fensterwald Growing up in the 50s and 60s in NE Portland, there weren’t a whole lot of organized things to do or manufactured toys with which to play. We amused ourselves with ball in vacant lots, “Red-light, Green-Light” in the street at night, Army throughout most of the neighborhood’s back yards and got…
Oregon Maverick – Lars Larson on the Air Across the PNW
By Lori Kimbel Lars Larson is well known around the Pacific Northwest; some people hang on his every word, others are known to disagree with him adamantly, this is what makes his local talk show the most listened to radio talk show in the northwest. He does not hide from controversy and seems to thrive…
Author Publishes “Venture Finance” for Business Owners, Funders, Advisors
Author, Art Hill has published the 2016 Edition of Venture Finance and it is now available at bookstores, and Amazon. Venture Finance is a book designed for entrepreneurs and business owners to guide them as they manage their business finances regardless of business type, size, or stage of growth, “Venture Finance covers all…
Still Strong
At 95, this war veteran plays golf, cracks jokes, and rebounds from a setback. At 95, Alex Currie has no regrets. “I had my day in the sun,” says the bright-eyed, chatty man who has lived in The Dalles since 1953 and made his mark as a businessman willing to take chances. …
Oregon Maverick Mattie John Bamman
By Lori Kimbel I met Mattie John Bamman at a travel writer’s conference we were both attending. He was the young man with a witty sense of humor; I was the almost middle-aged woman that laughed at all of his quirky jokes. His easy jovial manner was familiar to me and I felt an instant…
Merkley Announces $52 Million in Energy Loans for Rural Communities
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make $52 million in loans available to rural electric co-ops through the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP). RESP is a program designed by Senator Merkley to allow rural electric co-ops to offer their customers low-interest loans from USDA to provide affordable…
New Owners at Timberlake Campground and RV Park
By Lori Kimbel Kyle and Marissa Vaner Borght knew they wanted something more than the life they were living in Burbank, California. Their day to day lives lead them down the black pavement to work then home again. Their kids played on pavement at the school they attended and played basketball on pavement in…
The Renewal Workshop
The Renewal Workshop Launches at Sustainable Brands Conference to Redefine Waste in the Apparel Industry New Factory in America Refurbishes Unsold Inventory Creating a Circular Economy for Apparel The Renewal Workshop partners with the world’s best-loved apparel brands and retailers to refurbish their “unsellable” returns and excess inventory. In its own factory, The Renewal…
My View from the July/August 2016 Issue
Here we go, summer is in full swing. It’s time for camping, fishing, bike riding, kayaking, hiking and all other types of outdoor activities. I was lucky enough to start my summer off at Barton Park in Boring, Oregon where a portion of my family got together to camp, tell tall tales around the…
Michelle McGrath Takes the Lead at Cider Association
USACM Hires Executive Director Michelle McGrath takes the lead at Cider Association The United States Association of Cider Makers announces Michelle McGrath as Executive Director. “This is an exciting time to be a member of the cider community. The industry as a whole is growing and diversifying rapidly. Cider is available in more and…
Hampton Inn & Suites Opens in Hood River
With much anticipation the Hampton Inns and Suites in Hood River is now open and ready to cater to your traveling needs. With easy access on and off of I-84 Hood River’s Hampton Inns and Suites is perfect for the traveler on the go. With so many activities to do in the area, you…
14th Annual Mt. Adams Country Bicycle Tour – Saturday June 25, 2016
The southern slopes of Mt. Adams in June are a bicyclist’s paradise with good roads, exceptional weather, cool temps, easy to challenging rides and unequalled vistas against the glorious snow clad backdrop of magnificent Mt Adams. The Mt Adams Country Bicycle Tour is the perfect way to enjoy and explore this spectacular sun-drenched area…
State grants $10.6 million for energy efficiency and solar projects
Funds will lower energy costs in public buildings and create an estimated 531 jobs The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced over $10 million in energy efficiency and solar grants to help reduce energy costs at eight higher education institutions, 32 local governments, four state agencies, and eight K-12 public school districts. See…
Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute
In June of 2016, six teachers and 18 to 24 high school students from rural eastern Oregon communities will spend a week at Oregon’s newest and second largest state park, Cottonwood Canyon State Park in eastern Oregon, as part of the second session of the Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute. Here they will perform field studies…
My View – May/June 2016
My life is always in some sort of whirlwind it seems, but that’s okay, it keeps me busy doing so many of the things I love. I hope you find this issue entertaining and informative. I know I have enjoyed putting it all together. Back in April I visited Angela Rogers with Cedar…
Tourism Spending In Oregon Surges For Sixth Consecutive Year
Travel and tourism industry grows to $10.8 billion, fuels economic activity statewide with travel-related spending and employment The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, confirms that 2015 was the travel industry’s sixth consecutive year of accelerated growth and economic impact, reaching new heights in revenues for the state. Independent findings by Dean Runyan Associates…
Cormorant Nesting Colony Suffers Complete Failure
Cormorant Nesting Colony Targeted by Federal Agencies Suffers Complete Failure On May 19, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the East Sand Island Cormorant Nesting Colony had suffered catastrophic failure with upwards of 16,000 Double-crested Cormorants abandoning their nests which were then quickly predated by scavengers such as gulls and crows. The…
Washington Maverick John Kueber Creates Jrrny.com
By Lori Kimbel John Kueber’s first attempt at public office, a bid for president of the junior high he had just started attending where he was known mostly as ‘the new kid’, taught him a lot about failure. Kueber lost the election by a landslide. “I didn’t really let it bug me,” he said….
Out and About Across Oregon with Tour de Mike
By Samara Phelps Bicycle tourism is alive and well throughout Oregon How could it not be with awe inspiring landscapes from corner to corner? Do not be fooled, the success of cycling in Oregon is no accident. Passionate cyclists, dedicated community advocates and visionary agencies work to welcome cyclists from around the world…
Travel Oregon Announces Recipients of 2015 Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards
The Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2015 Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards, presented at the 2016 Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Pendleton, Ore. The annual awards recognize people and organizations across the state that go the extra mile to enhance the travel and tourism…
Dengue, Ebola and Zika…….Oh My!
by Marc Robins CFA Nothing confounds me more than the fact that our collective society (and government) is (are) more worried about “Climate Change”, “global warming”, or “Climate Disruption” that may occur some 25 to 50 years out in the future (and the operative word is “may”), while zoonotic viral diseases are killing mankind right…
Dr. Williams Named State Director of Economic Development for the Information & Communication Technology Sector
Former industry executive and business-government-economics school dean at Seattle Pacific University will serve as principal adviser to Governor Inslee, director of economic development for the information and communication technology industry sector in Washington state. The Washington State Department of Commerce announced today that Dr. Joseph Williams will lead the state’s efforts to develop and…
Inslee Orders Wildfire Training for Washington National Guard
In preparation for the 2016 wildfire season, Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday directed the Washington National Guard to train and certify up to 250 guard personnel. In a letter to Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, Inslee directed the guard to coordinate with the state Department of Natural Resources to ensure enough personnel are properly trained…
Tour the Farm at Cedar Creek Alpacas in June
By Lori Kimbel Alan and Angela Rogers of Cedar Creek Alpacas will be having an open farm weekend June 11 & 12 at their farm, which is located at 182 McNichols in Cook, Washington. Farm tours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. It will be a fun-filled…
Senate Passes Bipartisan Energy Bill with Big Benefits for Fish and Wildlife
Sportsmen have been fighting for years to move these conservation priorities across the finish line The Senate has just passed a comprehensive energy reform bill that includes key conservation provisions to benefit fish, wildlife, and sportsmen’s access. This is a true bipartisan achievement that highlights our uniquely American conservation values. “Sportsmen’s groups, including…
Oregon SBDC Network Awarded National Accreditation
The Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has been awarded national accreditation without conditions by America’s SBDC, its national association. Blue Mountain Community College hosts the local SBDC for northeastern Oregon. Every five years, SBDC networks throughout the country are required to go through an accreditation process with the Accreditation Committee of America’s…
Making Cattle Identifiable Should be a Unique Experience
The question is, “who does this cow belong to?” The answer can be simplified if cattle owners take steps over the next several months to identify their animals. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has advice for ranchers this time of year that can help avoid headaches when cattle are rounded up and readied for market…
Know How to Make 375 Billion Dollars (Yes, Virginia, that’s “B” as in Billion)
By Marc Robins CFA Make investments that pay dividends! Oh, you want more background on this declaration. OK. All you need to know is the name Andrew Carnegie…like in Carnegie Libraries, Carnegie Hall or US Steel (nee Carnegie Steel). Once you set aside all the PC “fog” about man who was and…
Smith Honored by Oregon Fairs Association and Oregon Concrete & Aggregate Producers Association
Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) was honored this week with two prestigious recognitions. The first is from the Oregon Fairs Association (OFA), which supports Oregon’s 36 county fairs. Also honoring Rep. Smith was the Oregon Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association (OCAPA), an organization that is working to build Oregon’s economy and supports economic development. “It…
Spring is Just Around the Corner – Thank Goodness!!
These first couple months of 2016 have proven to be quite eventful to say the least, and we are covering some of those events on the following pages. I hope you enjoy the article on the situation in Harney County, written by University of Oregon professor, Peter Walker, for Northeast Oregon Business News and…
State Representative Greg Smith Appointed to Governor’s Small Business Advisory Cabinet
Governor Kate Brown has announced the appointment of State Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) to the Small Business Advisory Cabinet. The Cabinet is charged with developing recommendations on how state government can support small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs and advance statewide economic growth. Representative Greg Smith is one of nine individuals appointed to the Cabinet…
Chris Harder Named as Business Oregon Director
By Lori Kimbel With phase one of the Mountain Vista’s Subdivision in Hood River now complete, sisters, Sally Moss and Linda Shipley are ready to focus their energy on phase two of the project. Phase one included 25 lots and as of December they have all sold. Phase two will begin in April and…
Phase Two of Mt. Vista’s Subdivision is Slated to Begin in April
By Lori Kimbel With phase one of the Mountain Vista’s Subdivision in Hood River now complete, sisters, Sally Moss and Linda Shipley are ready to focus their energy on phase two of the project. Phase one included 25 lots and as of December they have all sold. Phase two will begin in April and…
The Great Minimum Wage Deception
By Anthony K. Smith Passed by voters nearly 14 years ago, Measure 25 promised to take the minimum-wage issue out of politics for good, by linking it forever to annual increases in the federal Consumer Price Index. “Measure 25 fixes the problem, and takes the issue out of the political arena,” assured the…
Overview from Underwood: Omelet Olympus
By Norbert Fensterwald When the ‘War Department’ and I decided to move-out of the big city and to the Gorge, we knew our period of adjustment to the new environs would take some time and involve an array of activities not previously explored or participated in as “City Mice.” To my surprise, the Mid-Columbia Motoring…
