Mid-Columbia Economic Development District

09/04/2026

This Labor Day weekend, we’re honoring every corner of our Mid-Columbia workforce- our farmers and workers in the fields and orchards, our main street business owners and workers, our tradespeople, healthcare workers, our frontline hospitality teams who serve us and all of our visitors, and the amazing firefighters still working to see us through this fire season. 🌾🚜 🍐👷👩‍⚕️🧑‍🍳🌲👩‍🚒

Thank you for your grit, dedication, and service to our communities. Wishing everyone across our district a safe and restful long weekend!

Please note: The MCEDD office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the holiday.

09/04/2026

The Link Public Transit here in The City of The Dalles operates on its weekend schedule this weekend and on Monday, September 7th in recognition of Labor Day. Enjoy your weekend!

Sign Up For Transit SMS Alerts Resources for Beginners Travel Training and Support Policies: Kids, Pets, Bikes, and More! Holiday Closures

09/02/2026

We're looking forward to meeting folks and spending more time in Gilliam County!

Join us for the next Grow Local Series event! 🌱

Local businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and community partners are invited to join us for a relaxed evening of networking, conversation, and connection.

Come learn about resources available in our region, meet others doing business and serving our communities, share ideas and challenges, and make connections that could lead to new opportunities.

Wednesday, September 9 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Elks Lodge | Condon, Oregon

No pressure. Just good food, useful conversations, and an opportunity to Meet. Connect. Grow.

09/02/2026

AI Tools Exploration for Small Business
Gorge Women in Business is hosting an evening event in Hood River for hands-on exploration of practical AI tools for small businesses.

Monday, September 14th - 5pm doors, 5:30 pm start
Hood River County Library at 502 State Street
$25 entry includes drinks + burritos from T-Quito El Hambre
➡Space is limited - get your ticket to reserve your space: https://givebutter.com/gwib-ai-tools-explore

This event is supported by a grant from Oregon Community Foundation through Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and sponsored by Xcelerate Women https://www.xceleratewomen.org/

08/26/2026

The Washington State Broadband Office has $300,000 available to support applications for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 3.

Tribes in Washington can use the funds to assist with application preparation, submission, and activities including budget creation, network sustainability plans, and more.

Applications are due Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Learn more: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/tribal-application-assistance-grants-available-for-tribal-broadband-connectivity-program/

08/21/2026

🫵Sherman County, Oregon NEEDS YOU!🫵

There’s still time to throw your hat in the ring to be a part of the future of Sherman County through the Bigelow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee!

See below for the simple steps needed for you to be considered.

Help Shape Investments in Sherman County’s Agricultural Future! 🌾

Sherman County and the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) are seeking volunteers to serve on the Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee.

The Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund was established to invest in projects that strengthen Sherman County’s agricultural economy and help offset potential impacts associated with the Biglow Solar project. The Selection Committee will review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Sherman County Court.

We are looking to fill three volunteer positions:
🌾 One dryland farm producer in Sherman County
🏘️ One community member
🔥 One individual with expertise in wildfire as it relates to agricultural lands

This is an opportunity to bring your experience and perspective to decisions that will support Sherman County’s agricultural community.

Applications are open through August 24 and are available here: https://mcedd.org/committee-members-needed-to-help-shape-the-future-of-sherman-county-agriculture/

Questions? Contact Jill Catherine with MCEDD at [email protected] or 541-296-2266 ext. 1006.

08/21/2026

⏳Extended!⏳ You have until August 24th to apply. We are keeping the application window open through the weekend for our Loan Servicing Specialist role.

Check out the full description below and apply by Monday, August 24th!

Job openings with MCEDD and The Link Public Transit in The Dalles, Oregon. Volunteer opportunities with regional boards.

08/19/2026

🎉MCEDD is thrilled to celebrate the Grand Opening of microloan client Bearfoot Botanicals Herb Shop & Plant Nursery!🎉

Join the celebration this Saturday, August 22nd from Noon - 7 PM at 1216 13th St in the Hood River Heights! https://www.bearfoot-botanicals.com/ 🌱🪴

If you or a business owner or entrepreneur you know is interested in MCEDD's lending programs, please visit mcedd.org/financing/business-loans/

08/19/2026

Help Shape Investments in Sherman County’s Agricultural Future! 🌾

Sherman County and the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) are seeking volunteers to serve on the Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee.

The Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund was established to invest in projects that strengthen Sherman County’s agricultural economy and help offset potential impacts associated with the Biglow Solar project. The Selection Committee will review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Sherman County Court.

We are looking to fill three volunteer positions:
🌾 One dryland farm producer in Sherman County
🏘️ One community member
🔥 One individual with expertise in wildfire as it relates to agricultural lands

This is an opportunity to bring your experience and perspective to decisions that will support Sherman County’s agricultural community.

Applications are open through August 24 and are available here: https://mcedd.org/committee-members-needed-to-help-shape-the-future-of-sherman-county-agriculture/

Questions? Contact Jill Catherine with MCEDD at [email protected] or 541-296-2266 ext. 1006.

08/17/2026

Has your business experienced damage or economic losses due to wildfire and smoke conditions? Oregon Office of Emergency Management needs your input to document impacts to Oregon businesses and help determine whether affected areas may qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The survey is available in both English and Spanish (see comments.) Photo credit: Gritchelle Fallesgon, Aug 13, 2026, Travel Oregon
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Take%20the%20survey%20in%20English&utm_campaign=Aug13IndustryNewsletter