Columbia Economic Team

09/11/2025

Please take 2 minutes to vote for 13 Nights on the River! (And share this post with others!)

From St. Helens Main Street Alliance: "13 Nights on the River is in the running for a $120,000 multi-year grant from the Levitt Foundation to help make the concert series bigger and better than ever, and we need EVERYONE’S help! 13 Nights has advanced past the first qualification round and is now in a public voting phase to advance as a finalist." From September 5-15, you can cast your vote to support this beloved community event. The Levitt Foundation uses the public votes to measure community support for the concert series in order to pick the final grant winners. Please help this event end up in the top 50 to continue advancing to the next grand round!

TWO WAYS TO VOTE FOR 13 NIGHTS:
1. Text STHELENS to 877-409-5525
Enter the keyword exactly as it appears: all one word, no spaces, no punctuation. Double-check the keyword before sending your text. You will receive a confirmation text if you have voted successfully. No text=no vote.

2. Online at https://vote.levitt.org/.../st-helens-main-street-alliance/
Visit the above link and vote for St. Helens. A confirmation will appear on the screen when you have successfully voted. You will need to verify your email address in order to successfully vote.
Only one vote is allowed per person/phone number. This is not a daily vote competition.

Let’s make 13 Nights on the River a winner! More Funds means MORE FUN for this annual concert series.

07/01/2025

Hello Columbia County!

You may have heard, the Oregon SBDC Network is making some changes, and with that, the Columbia Economic Team (CET) will no longer host an “SBDC.” But here’s the part that truly matters to you:

We’re not going anywhere. In fact, we’re leaning in.

The small business support model we created and launched in 2022 is alive and well, and now operating proudly under a new name: the Columbia County Small Business Resource Center or SBRC. Same mission, same trusted people, same community-driven passion, same … and even stronger … local focus. Just a new acronym and even more opportunity.

Our decision to continue independently reflects something that’s always been at the core of CET’s and our community partners’ vision: local matters. We were founded on the belief that Columbia County deserves direct, personal support, not a distant satellite office or a virtual drop-in. That’s why our cities, County, Port, and other partners helped fund and build this center from the ground up. And it’s why more than 350 local entrepreneurs and small business owners have walked through our doors, received 1:1 advising, attended our classes and workshops – and grown their business!

What’s changing? Just the name.

What’s not?
➤ Confidential, free, one-on-one business advising
➤ Munch-N-Learn workshops
➤ Small business classes and trainings
➤ Capital readiness and funding connections
➤ Rural, responsive, relationship-driven support
➤ Partnership and collaboration with our local stakeholders

In anticipation, we’ve also been actively pursuing new funding and partnerships to expand our services and offerings, with more flexibility, speed, and creativity than ever before. We expect to have some announcements soon.

So if you’re a past or current small business center client, someone who’s just getting started, or someone who’s been there for a while and wants some fresh perspective and resources … we’re still here, we’re still local, and we’re still all-in for your success.

Stay tuned in July as we roll out our new look and materials. And as always, feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions or ideas.

We’re proud to keep growing with you,

Jason Moon
Director, Columbia County SBRC

06/20/2025

Let's help make a local dream come true! Karisa, a mom of two in St. Helens, has launched her business Mini Munchkins, LLC, a mobile children’s boutique built out of a renovated horse trailer — combining her love of western style with her passion for family and community. Her goal? To grow her business while staying close to home and raising her little ones.

"My idea began as a children’s online boutique, which soon turned into a mobile boutique. I knew being a mobile boutique would allow me the opportunity to attend local events as well as travel to get my name out, while also achieving quick and efficient setup and take down. I have a love for all things western, so I decided creating my mobile boutique in a renovated horse trailer fit my vibe so well. Coming from a small town in Oregon, I knew the community would love the idea because it stems from our roots."

Now, Karisa is expanding her dream and inventory, and she'd love your support through a community Kiva loan! Kiva lets anyone lend small amounts to support local start-ups and businesses — starting at just $25 — with 0% interest. This amazing program helps entrepreneurs like Karisa grow their businesses and strengthen local communities.

📣 Let’s rally around her and show what local support looks like!
🔗 Get started here: https://www.kiva.org/lend/2998035

Because when one small business grows, so does the heart of our community. 💛

04/30/2025

Here's the list of B2B (Business-to-Business) vendors that will be at THIS SATURDAY's Columbia County Small Business Resource Fair. As you can see, the room will be packed with many local business resources!

If you're looking to start a business, grow the one you have, or you have been rolling around a business idea for years, this event is a great opportunity to attend.

📅 Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 John Gumm Building & Civic Center, 251 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, OR
---
What to expect:
✔️ FREE BUSINESS CLASSES
- 9:30–10:30 AM: Protecting Your Business Against Fraud (Nathan Cox, InRoads Credit Union)
- 10:45–11:45 AM: How Strategic Lending Can Help Your Business Soar (Willow Oelke, Wauna Credit Union)
- 12:00–1:00 PM: How to Use Canva & Its AI Tools (Chrissy Marquardt, Columbia Economic Team)
✔️ Connect with 25+ local business resource vendors
✔️ Enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments
✔️ Visit the GRO Greater Headshot Lounge for a free professional headshot

We'll see you soon!

04/24/2025

👋 Hey Columbia County businesses and entreprenuers! We’ve got three FREE business classes coming your way on Saturday, May 3rd at the Small Business Resource Fair in St. Helens. Whether you're launching a business or looking to grow, these expert-led sessions will give you tools to succeed:

Here's the class lineup:
🕤 9:30–10:30am: Protecting Your Business Against Fraud (Nathan Cox, InRoads Credit Union)
🕥 10:45–11:45am: How Strategic Lending Can Help Your Business Soar (Willow Oelke, Wauna Credit Union)
🕛 12:00–1:00pm: How to Use Canva & Its AI Tools (Chrissy Marquardt, CET)

In addition to the free classes, this event will have 25+ local B2B (business-to-business) resources to connect with, opportunities to connect with fellow business owners, there will be FREE professional headshots available, and free food!

We hope to see you there. Happy Small Business Month!

Saturday May 3rd
📍 John Gumm Building, 251 St. Helens Street | 🕘 9am–1pm

04/22/2025

Now Hiring at Arcadia Paper Mills in St. Helens!

Our community partner, Arcadia Paper Mills, is reopening their facility and looking for skilled professionals to join their team! They're currently hiring for two excellent, high-paying roles:

LME Electrician ($45 - $48/hour)
- Maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment
- Requires LME license, experience with motor controls, schematics, and PLCs

Millwright ($45 - $48/hour)
- Install, troubleshoot, and repair machinery and mechanical systems
- Ideal for candidates with experience in manufacturing, welding, rigging, and machinery alignment

Both roles offer full-time hours, excellent benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with company match, and PTO), and a chance to contribute to the region’s economic growth!

📨 Apply by emailing your resume to: [email protected]

04/19/2025

We’re two weeks away from the first-ever The Columbia County Small Business Resource Fair, in celebration of Small Business Month! If you are a local business owner, entrepreneur, or are looking to start or grow a business, we encourage you to attend this event to discover local business services and resources. Plus, there will be FREE business classes, FREE professional headshots, and FREE food!

Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 John Gumm Building & Civic Center, 251 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, OR

What to Expect:
➤ Connect with local business services like marketers, lenders, chambers, and more
➤ Attend free classes on the topics of lending, Canva, and more!
➤ Network with other Columbia County business owners and entrepreneurs
➤ Discover resources available to support your business growth
➤ Need a new professional headshot? Reserve your spot here (it's free!): https://calendly.com/gro-sthelens-info/10min?month=2025-05. Walk-ins are also allowed secondary to reservations.

(If you plan to take a headshot, be sure to come "camera-ready" and avoid busy fabric patterns. You will receive 1 B&W, 1 color photo, and you can review the photo on the spot before it's emailed after the event).

We look forward to seeing you there!

This event is hosted by Columbia Economic Team, Columbia County SBDC, Keep It Local Columbia County, and GRO Greater. Our event sponsors are Wauna Credit Union, CalPortland, InRoads Credit Union, NW Natural, and the Clatskanie PUD.

04/02/2025

Attention local B2B business service providers!

In celebration of Small Business Month, we are proud to share that we are hosting the Columbia County Small Business Resource Fair on Saturday May 3rd, 9am-1pm, at the John Gumm Building & Civic Center in St. Helens. The event seeks to connect local businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups to local B2B business service providers -- like accountants, marketers, lenders, and many more kinds of services. If you offer any B2B business services, this event is the PERFECT opportunity for you to connect with local businesses, generate leads, and build awareness of your services.

Plus, it's FREE to table! To request a space, please complete this form by Friday April 18th: https://forms.gle/kwc53vg8yuC1u4BcA

01/17/2025

🚧 Exciting Changes Ahead for St. Helens Riverfront! 🚧
We know construction can be a little tricky to navigate, but trust us—this transformation is going to be worth it. While crews work on the South 1st and St. Helens Street intersection, your favorite Riverfront District businesses are still open and ready to welcome you!
Starting Tuesday, January 21, 2025, here’s how to easily get around:
• Temporary Detour Routes:
o A two-way route will run through the City’s free parking lot, accessible from South 2nd Street via St. Helens Street.
o Traffic headed to River Street will use a new two-way route in front of the Columbia County Courthouse, accessible from Plaza Square.
We know navigating detours can be a challenge but this construction is paving the way (literally!) for a vibrant, welcoming Riverfront District.
For more details and a detour map, check out the latest St. Helens Waterfront newsletter: https://us2.campaign-archive.com/...

UPDATE (Jan. 17, 2025): The planned South 1st and St. Helens Street intersection closure, initially scheduled to begin January 21, 2025, has been temporarily delayed until further notice due to a discrepancy regarding property ownership of Strand Street between the Plaza and St. Helens Street. This area is part of a necessary detour route to allow the full closure of the South 1st and St. Helens Street intersection. The discrepancy was brought to the City’s attention by Columbia County late Thursday afternoon. In light of this new information, we are working closely with Columbia County to resolve the matter before moving forward with the closure. Our priority is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the project, and we will continue to keep you updated on the revised timeline.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we address this issue. Please stay tuned for further updates, and thank you for your cooperation.

# # # #

St. Helens Riverfront District businesses are open during construction!

While construction takes place at the South 1st and St. Helens Street intersection, the following detour routes will begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, so that you can continue to enjoy the restaurants, retail businesses, salons, boutiques, theater, gym, and other services in the Riverfront District area.

A temporary two-way vehicle route will be created through the City’s free parking lot for vehicles and delivery truck traffic to access South 1st Street using the parking lot’s South 2nd Street entrance from St. Helens Street.

For traffic accessing River Street, the one-way road in front of the Columbia County Courthouse will be converted to two-way traffic flow. Vehicles will access this route from the Plaza Square to travel to River Street.

The South 1st and St. Helens Street intersection will be closed while beginning Tuesday, January 21 to excavate and construct the concrete intersection, pave asphalt transition panels, install conduit for light pole power, and install irrigation crossing for the planters.

For more information about this work and a more detailed detour map, read the latest St. Helens Waterfront newsletter: https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=1a55ce70303bdae486b954e38&id=cea7ea976c

Columbia Economic Team Keep It Local Columbia County

12/03/2024

Big News: End of an Era as a New Chapter Begins.

Friday, we bid farewell to the office that has been our home for many years at the Columbia Learning Center. It's been a space of collaboration, growth, and countless memories.

Now, we’re thrilled to announce that we are all moved into our new office in the newly renovated John Gumm Building! 🎉 This historic space blends the charm of the past with modern upgrades—a perfect setting to drive Columbia County's future.

This move symbolizes more than just a change of address. It’s a commitment to growth, innovation, and our shared vision for a thriving, vibrant Columbia County. 🌟

Come visit us soon and see the new space! Here’s to new beginnings and even greater achievements. 🥂

10/26/2024

Do you want to learn how to sell online? GRO Greater St. Helens is hosting a FREE class next Tuesday with eCommerce expert Tanya Rasley. The class is open to all of Columbia County's aspiring and current businesses, Tuesday Oct. 29th 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom.

You can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecommerce-all-star-founder-talk-with-tanya-rasley-tickets-1048226773497

Tanya's story is incredible. She started out with a small handcrafted soaps, candles, and skincare products business, and expanded to selling 800 stores worldwide. In this class, she will share real-world insights on brand building, scaling, and successful exits. Don’t miss her tips for eCommerce and wholesale success—sign up for this free class today!

09/19/2024

Your vote matters. This November, the Columbia Economic Team is urging voters to make a key decision for our economy. After careful deliberation, the Board has unanimously voted to support the Columbia County Jail Levy and oppose state Measure 118.

🗳 Yes on the Jail Levy: A safe community = a thriving economy. Funding our jail ensures public safety, protects local businesses, and keeps Columbia County a place where both families and jobs can flourish.

🛑No on Measure 118: This sales tax proposal hurts Oregonians. Measure 118 would drive up costs for everyone—bad for business, bad for consumers, and bad for job creation. Let’s keep Oregon competitive.