CenterFuse

09/26/2024

Did you know that the wood products sector in Kittitas County is considered a growth industry and that over 14% of the county's manufacturing jobs are in this cluster? 🌲 CenterFuse was awarded a Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) grant to evaluate the potential for expanding this sector with our consultant, Maul Foster & Alongi, through a Wood Products Study, and several findings have been uncovered! 🔍

The local wood products cluster includes 12 businesses employing 89 people and is showing strong growth. It contributes 15.2% of the state's manufacturing taxable sales and meets housing demand, with 5,405 new homes needed by 2045. However, workforce challenges exist due to a limited labor force and lack of training.

The report recommends building a facility for training, business incubation, and shared industrial space, along with developing a local workforce pipeline through partnerships. A unified marketing strategy and recruiting new businesses to fill supply chain gaps can help drive growth in our region!

This study marks an essential first step in exploring future possibilities for this essential business sector in Ellensburg. A USDA Rural Business Development Grant was awarded to continue this work. 😊

09/11/2024

Save the date! We're excited about the potential to expand the value-added wood products (VAWP) sector in Ellensburg! Last year, we teamed up with Maul Foster & Alongi (MFA) to explore how this industry can grow in our region. From workforce development to marketing support and even a specialized facility, we've identified key ways to make this happen.

Curious to know more? Join us at our board meeting on September 25th from 4PM - 5:30PM at the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce board room at 609 N Main, or via zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81800519705 to hear the results from the MFA consultant!

09/10/2024

Business leaders, this is for you and your team! Join us on September 24th starting at 8am, downtown Ellensburg, to join an interactive Business Simulation Game by us and Impact Washington. This workshop includes breakfast, networking with other similar-sized businesses, and the game experience!

We will be learning how to strengthen your adaptability by
🔍 Boosting Business IQ: Gain hands-on experience and perspective.
🧠 Cultivating Strategy: Understand key factors for profitability and change.
🤝 Enhancing Teamwork: Foster collaboration and communication.
Empower your team to adapt and thrive. Use code RON50OFF during checkout to receive $100 off!

Get your tickets at ​​https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ready-or-not-business-simulation-game-tickets-1004990332137?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

08/20/2024

Get ready for Bite of the Burg next month! 🍔 This exciting street festival takes over 4th Avenue between Pearl and Ruby Street, welcoming new and returning Central Washington University students to Ellensburg. On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy delicious food, awesome swag, and loads of fun as local vendors showcase what Ellensburg has to offer.

CenterFuse is proud to support local businesses by connecting them to the resources they need to succeed. Events like Bite of the 'Burg by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce provide a unique opportunity for businesses to introduce themselves to a new wave of customers and highlight the vibrant community spirit of Ellensburg.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and experience the best of Ellensburg!

08/08/2024

The Kittitas County Fair is almost here!

Come to Ellensburg from August 29th to September 2nd for an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend. The fair is a fantastic opportunity to connect with our community, support local businesses and food vendors, and enjoy everything that makes life in Ellensburg so special.

From games and entertainment to contests and judged exhibits, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to see our talented youth in 4-H, FFA, and Grange showcasing their skills and passion for agriculture. Plus, explore the historical Frontier Village and get a taste of old-fashioned fair fun.

Events like the Kittitas County Fair highlight the vibrant community spirit and quality of life that make Ellensburg an ideal place for businesses to thrive. Mark your calendars and grab your tickets now!

07/30/2024

Elevate your business with the best and brightest from Ellensburg! One of the many reasons to start your business in Ellensburg is our young, educated workforce. With nearly 10,000 students enrolled at Central Washington University many are eager for employment opportunities during and after college. CWU also partners with local businesses to create education pathways that prepare students for the workforce, ensuring you have access to talented and ready-to-work individuals.

On top of that, CWU is hosting numerous career events in October, providing fantastic opportunities for businesses to network with and recruit students. Don't miss the Engineering Technologies, Safety, & Construction Fair on October 3, the Accounting Career Event on October 4, and the Fall Career, Internship, & Grad School Fair on October 24. These events are perfect for connecting with potential employees and interns.

CenterFuse is dedicated to fostering a thriving business environment by connecting local businesses with talented students from CWU. Find more information about these events at the link below. Start your business in Ellensburg and tap into this dynamic pool of potential!

https://www.cwu.edu/academics/academic-resources/career-services/career-services-events.php

07/23/2024

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore! 🌳

With CenterFuse's interactive map feature, you can easily find all the bike paths and parks in your area. Whether you're planning a leisurely ride or a fun day at the park, our map is a great resource to help you make the most of the sunny days. 🚴‍♂️

Check it out at the link below and start your adventure today!

https://startinellensburg.com/interactive-map/

07/18/2024

07/11/2024

Our Executive Director, Kristine recently attended back-to-back conferences in the economic development community, the International Economic Development Council’s 2024 Economic Future Forum, and the Washington Economic Development Association’s 2024 Summer Conference.

Both conferences were filled with insights, connections, and memorable moments! Some of CenterFuse’s favorite experiences from IEDC included the Community Placemaking Roundtable on place-based economic development and AI’s Influence on the Modern Workforce. We also enjoyed the Downtown Spokane Tour and Strategies for a More Equitable Future for Small Business at WEDA.

These events help us identify ways to spark connections, drive change, and connect businesses with resources to start, grow, and prosper. Stay tuned for more updates on what we are doing!

International Economic Development Council
Washington Economic Development Association

07/09/2024

Did you know our Executive Director, Kristine, is a sommelier? Other residents in our community share the same appreciation for a good glass of wine. Craft beverages are a top industry in our county, and we're proud to showcase incredible local gems like Gård Vintners, Fortuity, Valo, and Ellensburg Canyon Winery! 🍷

At CenterFuse EBDA, we exist to help businesses start, grow, and prosper, creating a thriving economy and bringing quality wage jobs to our community. Manufacturing and logistics are two of our key industries, and the wine-making and distribution sectors are perfect examples of this. 🏭🚚🍇

Cheers to supporting local craft beverages and businesses! 🥂

07/06/2024

CenterFuse’s Executive Director, Kristine, had an unforgettable time last month at Celebrating Dreams 2024 in Seattle!

Impact NW hosted the event and showcased an array of women-owned businesses from numerous industries. There were innovative non-alcoholic beverages, artisanal teas, mouth-watering sweets, a travel company, consultants, and so much more. The creativity and passion of the women were truly inspiring!

Impact NW supports underserved entrepreneurs through programs and resources to help them thrive. CenterFuse connects businesses with needed resources to start, grow, and prosper. Attending events like this helps us support local entrepreneurs, stay engaged, and identify new opportunities for our clients.

Follow along for more updates and resources to help your business thrive!