About Us
The Skamania County Economic Development Council was created in 1985 as a private non-profit corporation. It was designed to define, support and promote policies and activities that contribute to the economic stability and growth of the businesses and citizens of Skamania County. It coordinates the use of public and private resources to achieve a diversified, balanced and healthy economic environment.
The SCEDC's Board of Directors consists of no less than seven and no more than 13 members from varied backgrounds within the community. They represent public and private sectors- local governments, as well as private, industrial, commercial, recreational, and retail businesses. When a Board position becomes available, nominations are made for a new member, and the Board members vote. The Board meets on a monthly basis to advise EDC staff on issues affecting the economy of Skamania County.
The Scope of Work for the SCEDC is far-reaching and diverse. It coordinates acquisition and use of public and private funding for economic development projects; acts as a clearing house for marketing research, and data and survey information; searches for new business opportunities and assists existing businesses; and promotes public policies that encourage and give orderly direction to economic development. SCEDC provides business counseling through its Business Resource Center and a SCORE counselor, and sponsors at least two workshops per year for local businesses.
SCEDC has ongoing contracts with Skamania County, the Cities of Stevenson and North Bonneville, the Port of Skamania County, the Skamania County PUD, as well as with the State of Washington- via the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED). SCEDC also provides fiscal and administrative management for the Wind River Business Park through a contract with Skamania County.
In the Spring of 2006, CTED transferred administration of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area Economic Development Program, thereby the Washington Investment Fund, to the SCEDC. Projects completed with help from the Washington Investment Funds include the Stevenson Downtown Revitalization Project, the North Bonneville Water Storage System, the Port of Skamania County's industrial expansion, and Home Valley's Water system improvements. Descriptions of these and other projects can be seen in our Annual Report. SCEDC also operates the Private Business Loan Development Program through the Washington Investment Fund. This fund helps finance both new and expanding businesses with resources for equipment or inventory purchases, as well as working capital.
Previously, SCEDC contracted with the Wind River Public Development Authority (PDA) to provide fiscal and administrative services for the Wind River site. SCEDC worked with the PDA on business retention, recruitment and expansion, and assisted it in receiving a federal appropriation grant through HUD for $150,000, to cover maintenance costs at the site. This enabled the PDA to renovate buildings and structures, increasing space available for lease. In July, the entity known as the Wind River Public Development Authority was dissolved. The County took over ownership once again so it could provide the fiscal resources needed to develop the site even further.
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