Welcome to the Skamania Economic Development Council (SEDC)!
Founded in 1985, SEDC is a dedicated private non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a clear mission: to foster economic stability and growth within Skamania County. Our goal is to support existing businesses, encourage business expansion, and attract new enterprises to create a thriving and diverse local economy.
What We Do:
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Business Retention & Expansion: We work closely with local businesses to ensure they have the support and resources needed to succeed and grow.
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New Business Development: We attract and nurture new businesses to enhance the county’s economic landscape.
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Resource Coordination: By leveraging both public and private resources, we strive to create a balanced and healthy economic environment.
Our Partnerships:
SEDC is proud to be an Associate Development Organization under contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce. We also collaborate with the City of Stevenson, Port of Skamania County, and Skamania PUD to deliver comprehensive economic development services throughout the county.
Loan Programs:
We administer several loan programs to support local businesses, including the Washington Investment Fund loan program in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, and two micro-loan programs funded by private sources and the USDA Rural Development department.
At SEDC, we are committed to driving economic progress and creating a vibrant future for Skamania County.
Our Work
At the Skamania Economic Development Council (SEDC), we are dedicated to driving economic growth and stability within our community. Our role is multi-faceted and essential, serving as the bridge between local businesses and various government agencies.
What We Do
Business Support:
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We provide comprehensive support to local businesses, including business loans, information on potential funding resources, and access to business counseling services.
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Our online Business Resource Center offers valuable tools and resources, while our partnership with SCORE ensures expert counseling for entrepreneurs.
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Each year, we organize events like PubTalk and the EDC Luncheon to foster networking and growth.
Collaboration & Advocacy:
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We work closely with local partners on priority projects and advocate for public policies that promote orderly and sustainable economic development.
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By researching and securing public and private funding, we drive economic development projects forward.
Resource Hub:
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Acting as a clearinghouse, we provide marketing research, data, and survey information to support new business development and the growth of existing businesses.
Community Engagement:
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Our participation in various boards and committees helps us support economic stability and capacity building within Skamania County. Some of these include:
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Skamania County Community Action Team
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Greater Portland, Inc.
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South Central Workforce Development Council
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South Gifford Pinchot Collaborative
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Stevenson Business Association
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Skamania County Chamber of Commerce
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Stevenson Downtown Association
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Wind River Business Association
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One Gorge
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Community Enrichment for Klickitat and Skamania Counties (CEKC)
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Columbia Gorge Technology Alliance
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Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone
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Washington Investment Board
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Washington State Economic Development Association (WEDA)
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Columbia Gorge Bi-State Advisory Council
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Always Here to Help:
While our list of involvements is extensive, we continually participate in and support numerous other programs and activities that positively impact the economy of Skamania County. If you have any questions or would like more information about our work or any of the boards and committees we are involved in, please feel free to contact us.