Columbia County
BUSINESS GUIDE
2016
Published by The Chronicle & The
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Serving the Lower Columbia Region Since 1891
Pohl guilty on two counts of public indecency
Clatskanie Forestry Skills Day
Forestry teams from around the state traveled to Clatskanie Middle/Senior High School this week to compete at Forestry Skills Day. SEE THE RESULTS ON A2!
BY CODY MANN
cmann@countrymedia.net
Judge Jenefer Grant sentenced Raymond Pohl to three years of probation on April 19 for two counts of public indecency. Originally charged with 30 counts of public indecency, Pohl was accused of exposing his genitals to a person at the drive-thru window of a coffee shop in Clatskanie. The remaining 28 counts were dismissed. Pohl is a former member of the City of Clatskanie Planning Commission and the husband of Clatskanie Mayor Diane Pohl. Sentencing took place at the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens. The conditions of Pohl’s probation included a compensatory fine of $11, 173, meant to cover wages for the person who was hired to replace the victim of the exposures at the coffee shop. Pohl was offered a diversion program for one count of public indecency, able to complete sex offender treatment to have that charge removed from his record. If he violates the diversion and is convicted on the second count of public indecency he will be required to register as a sex offender. Pohl’s probation also requires no contact with the victim. He is subject to polygraph testing at the request of his probation officer, and is prohibited from possessing any sexually explicit materials. The crimes were alleged to have take place between Oct. of 2013 and Sept. 2015. Reading from a statement, Grant said Pohl knowingly exposed himself twice in a public place with the intent of arousing another person. Pohl confirmed that statement. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Oregon State Police Sgt. Luke Schwartz, the conduct occurred during the past year or two, and at least one encounter was photographed. In the document, Schwartz said he was provided with copies of photographs that clearly depicted Pohl exposing his genitals while sitting in a vehicle. Deputy District Attorney Kimberlyn Silverman said Pohl was found to have no prior criminal history. Pohl’s victim did not attend the hearing, but Silverman read from a statement the victim prepared. “She was repeatedly victimized by Mr. Pohl’s compulsive exposure, but she said what upset her the most was his attempt to cover
Clatskanie continues to explore contract with sheriff development among other reasons. Pohl said property tax-driven revenue fell by more than $100,000 between 2013 and 2016, while the cost for the police department increased from $725,405 to $748,078 per year. She said tax compression and a property tax cap are also part of the problem. “Last year we talked about this and knew that this fiscal year we were going to have to make some changes,” Pohl said. “We funded [the department] with a chief, sergeant and three officers for as long as we could.” She added that cuts were made to several areas to maintain the size of the police force. Pohl said the projected cost for a full city police department consisting of a an active, patrolling chief, a sergeant, three patrol officers and an administrative secretary would be $785,625 for the coming year, a sum that she called “unattainable.” During the public hearings, held on April 13 and April 18, Hinkelman presented a series of figures demonstrating a police
budget that was consuming the general fund, increasing from 57 percent to 68 percent of the budget during the past three years, and projected to rise 71 percent if the department was maintained at full staffing level. Hinkelman said the city’s general fund revenue fell from $1,266,295 to $1,104,063 in the past three years. Cuts were made, dropping the city’s $5,000 contribution to public transportation
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via CCRider, $20,000 of police standby pay, and $6,850 from the department’s training funds along with $7,500 from the operating materials budget. According to Hinkelman, the cuts left the contingency fund, what is left over after the budgeting process is complete, with just $4,641. He said typically, ten percent of the general fund is the
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See POHL Page A6
BY CODY MANN
cmann@countrymedia.net
With budget deadlines closing in, Clatskanie continues to discuss police services and the possibility of contracting with the sheriff. City of Clatskanie recently held a pair of public hearings to receive comments from the community regarding policing options. City officials have been considering a contract with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in the wake of rising costs, shrinking revenue and ongoing manpower issues. “There comes a point when you become so small that the police department is no longer viable, no longer effective,” City Manager Greg Hinkelman said. Currently, the department is down to an interim chief who does not patrol, a sergeant, and two officers. Prior to the hearings, Clatskanie Mayor Diane Pohl spoke on the subject at a Kiwanis Club meeting on April 5, saying there has been no growth in city revenue due to a lack of economic
See SHERIFF Page A5
Graphic courtesy of City of Clatskanie
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Five years later, a mother Johnson and Witt host town hall in Clatskanie still waits for justice BY DON PATTERSON
dpatterson@countrymedia.net
It has been a grueling five years for St. Helens resident Kathy Painter. Since her son Ralph was brutally murdered on Jan. 5, 2011, she has held out hope for justice - a hope that has yet to be fulfilled. Ralph Painter was serving as Rainier’s police chief on the morning he died. While responding to a call for help from a local business, Painter was attacked and shot in the face by 21-year-old Washington resident Daniel Butts.
of her son. “When I lost my son, my daughter was battling lung cancer. She tried to hang on for my sake,” she remembered. Because of her daughter’s condition, Painter was unable to travel to Washington D.C. to see her son’s name added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial but said she is hoping to one day make it Washington to see her son’s inscription. The hospital was ordered by the courts to treat Butts. Results of an evaluation completed in January of this year were not released to the public.
“This is about as close to democracy as it often times gets,” Rep. Brad Witt said. BY CODY MANN
cmann@countrymedia.net
Concerns about law enforcement, PERS and economic development opportunities dominated the discussion at a recent town hall meeting hosted by Sen. Betsy Johnson and Rep. Brad Witt. Johnson began the meeting with a legislative recap, explaining the
constraints of a short session such as the recent one. Johnson said the short sessions are not practical for discussing complex issues in-depth, and have become somewhat unwieldy. Witt expressed concern that in recent years the state legislature and the ballot initiative process have imposed significant costs on business in Oregon, potentially limiting competiSee TOWN HALL Page A8
May 25, 2016
May 25, 2016
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A3
Table of Contents
Get to Know Columbia County ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••7 Envisioning a New Waterfront ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••9
Port Awards 150k to Local Agencies ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••11 Survey Shows Residents Want Restaurants, Specialty Stores ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••13 Survey Shows Residents Want Restaurants, Specialty Stores ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••13 CCET’s Businesses of 2015 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••14 Trapp Named ‘Manager of the Year’ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••17 An Investment in Innovation ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••19 Community Profiles: Clatskanie ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••24 Chamber Recognizes Top Individuals in Business ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••25 Friends Start Museum to Preserve Rainier History ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••27 Community Profiles: St. Helens ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••28 Community Profiles: Scappoose ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••29 Columbia County at a Glance ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••30 A4 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
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May 25, 2016
May 25, 2016
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A5
Managing Senior’s health care needs so they can stay at home
Call today for a FREE In Home assessment 503-366-1806 www.adeohomecare.com ALL Caregivers must pass a criminal background check and a drug screen
Locations: Tigard - St Helens - Newport
A6 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
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May 25, 2016
•GET TO KNOW•
COLUMBIA COUNTY N estled along the crook of the mighty river sharing the same namesake, Columbia County offers
some of the best examples of why the Northwest is such a unique destination. With 60 miles of riverfront and several marinas and boat launches, Columbia County is an ideal location for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, mooring the boat at one of our charming towns or camping on Sand Island. For those who prefer dry land, Columbia County hosts numerous opportunities for sightseeing, watching birds, or just getting the heart pumping in the fresh air. In St. Helens, check out the disc golf course at McCormick Park or explore the area’s flora and fauna at the Columbia Botanical Gardens. Each
year, the Crown Zellerbach (CZ) Trail and BanksVernonia Trail gain in popularity among the bicycling community, but both are also great for walking and running. For those who prefer four wheels, Heritage Park in Scappoose features a popular skate park. Columbia County also has a few golf courses, many beautiful city parks, and Camp Wilkerson, a 280-acre park that is great for picnicking, camping, horseback riding and large gatherings. Don’t forget to treat Fido to an outing the Columbia City dog park. When it comes to sightseeing, make a stop in St. Helens to find some of the filming locations used in the “Halloweentown” and “Twilight” movies. While there, check out the town’s nationally
A former mill town, Vernonia has transformed and revitalized its Main Street.
May 25, 2016
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A7
registered Historic District, the 1906 Historic Courthouse Museum, and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, located along the railroad tracks inside a renovated train depot. For more historic jewels, visit the Pioneer Museum in Vernonia, the Clatskanie Historical Museum, the Watts House in Scappoose, or the Caples House Museum in Columbia City. When you need a moment to reflect, stop by one of our veterans parks in Scappoose or Columbia City. Fairs and festivals around the county include, but are not limited to: the annual Columbia County Fair and Rodeo; St. Helens’ 13 Nights on the River summer concert series; Clatskanie Heritage Days in June; Rainier Days each July; auto racing at River City Speedway; Fourth of July celebrations in St. Helens and Clatskanie; farmers markets in Clatskanie and Scappoose; and Spirit of Halloweentown. Pull up a seat of one of our restaurants for local flavors, peruse the unique offerings at one of our many second hand and antique stores, or pick up a cup of joe and enjoy a book written by one of our local authors. If the kids get restless, take a dip at the Eisenschmidt Pool or let them burn some energy at the park and splash pad at St. Helens’ Columbia View Park. When the adults get restless, scope out some of Columbia County’s best kept secrets in a local brewery and a couple distilleries. No matter where your time here takes you, the business community in Columbia County strives to meet your every need. C •Amanda Renner
A8 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
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May 25, 2016
Columbia City resident Joyce Pereira and Scappoose resident Mary Ericksen look at a map of St. Helens and the proposed plans for redeveloping the city’s riverfront. Ericksen said that while she doesn’t reside in St. Helens, she is interested in the project. “Whatever floats one community floats the other,” she explained. “With all this new development, we are on the cusp of great things for this community.”
Photo by Amanda Renner
ENVISIONING A NEW RIVERFRONT A project led by the City of St. Helens is expected to breathe new life back into the area by transforming a former industrial site into a space with opportunities for retail, tourism, recreation and more. In 2015, the City of St. Helens acquired the 17-acre Boise White Paper and Veneer sites near St. Helens’ historic downtown and along the Columbia River. During a waterfront redevelopment open house last year, public feedback indicated that the community hopes to see the following amenities near the town’s Riverfront District: public open space; a waterfront boardwalk; water-related recreation; food and beverage; trails connecting the waterfront to downtown and neighborhoods; waterfront beach and commercial retail; and a non-motorized boat/ kayak launch. May 25, 2016
In April, the City of St. Helens and its waterfront redevelopment consultant team — including staff from Maul Foster Alongi and Walker Macy — held an open house to present new and refined redevelopment scenarios for the old Boise properties. The consultant team said planning for the waterfront redevelopment project has followed three core principals — public access, natural and cultural heritage, and sustainable economic development. More specifically, the primary guiding principles for the project are to: return the highest public benefit to the greatest number of citizens over multiple generations; drive jobs back to St. Helens; connect various St. Helens neighborhoods together; bring people back to waterfront; and create a connection to the greater local
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A9
region. Three preliminary framework plans were recently unveiled for redevelopment of the waterfront. One plan proposes extending Columbia View Park along the riverfront southward, becoming a 4to 6-acre park, while a trail along the top of the riverbank would connect to streets and other development. South First Street would be extended through the property and connect to Plymouth Street near the south end of Nob Hill Nature Park. Strand Street would be extended a bit southward, as well. While development along the street could be for a variety of uses, the consultant team suggested civic or institutional uses, such as a museum or marine educational facility. On the southern end, the team suggested a mixed use approach to allow offices, housing,
light industrial, and live/work opportunities. At the very southern end of the site, the map included a marina with 25 to 40 slips, as well as a launching point for light watercraft. Another plan includes extending South First Street to Plymouth Street and connecting the existing end of Strand Street over to South First Street. Along the South First Street extension, development blocks would face the river and feature pedestrian connections. The consultant team suggested developing a central plaza that could extend onto a pier over the river, as well as adding a hotel and restaurant nearby. At the southern end of the site, the team envisioned a brewery overlooking the river and a location for marine commercial uses. The third plan consists of ex-
tending Strand Street to connect with Plymouth Street, creating deeper development blocks on west side of Strand that could be for mixed uses. Along the water, the team proposed an overlook and beach access. The city expects to start land use and site preparation for the redevelopment project sometime in 2017. More information on the St. Helens Waterfront Redevelopment Project can be found at www.ci.sthelens.or.us/waterfront-redevelopment-project. C •Amanda Renner
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VISIT US ONLINE AT: www.rainierfarm.com 503.410.0421 A10 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
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May 25, 2016
PORT AWARDS 150K TO LOCAL AGENCIES In early 2016, the Port of St. Helens awarded received $30,000 for engineering services for FEMA $156,500 to several local agencies for proposed up- levee certification. coming projects. The funds were distributed as part of the port’s Intergovernmental Partnership Program (IPP), which is designed to leverage limited funds by working with other agencies to enhance economic development, improve safety and infrastructure within the port district. According to David Peterson, the port’s finance manager, the port sent out 29 applications and received 10 applications from eight area agencies. The total amount of the funds requested was $231,653. Columbia County was one of the entities to receive funds, with $1,500 allocated for an emergency response event tent. The City of St. Helens received $10,500 to purchase emergency responder radios for the police department, and the City of Scappoose received $18,000 for consulting services for creation of a website. Scappoose Drainage Improvement Company
Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District received funding for two projects — $10,000 to purchase emergency responder radios and $8,000 for consulting services to create an emergency response plan. Also receiving funding for two projects, the City of Columbia City plans to use $25,000 for pump station improvements and $15,000 for Community Hall improvements. The City of Rainier received $10,000 for speed indicators and improvements on Highway 30, and the City of Clatskanie received $28,500 to maintain city storage. A five-person committee — composed of two port commissioners, executive director Pat Trapp and two community partners — met four times to review and discuss the applications before making recommendations for the port commission’s approval. “It was a really well done, collaborative process,” Peterson said. C •Amanda Renner
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A11
SUNSHINE PIZZA ~ 503-397-3211
Few businesses, especially restaurants, make it to the 30-year mark. Sunshine Pizza, in St. Helens,
is one of those rare exceptions. Sunshine Pizza opened its doors in August of 1981.
WE WILL CELEBRATE OUR 35TH YEAR IN BUSINESS THIS AUGUST!
Sunshine’s main product may be pizza but there is a whole lot more on the menu. “We offer
breakfast, lunch and dinner. We’re open from 7 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. every night. We have a full line of pizza and made-to-order pasta,” said owner Todd Stansbury.
“We do catering from breakfast to basic appetizers to full service,
including prime rib and salmon dinners. Our soups are all made in-house and there’s 17 feet of salad bar on top of that.”
SUNSHINE PIZZA is located at 2124 Columbia Blvd., in St. Helens. For to-go orders, catering services, deliveries & reservations, call: 503-397-3211.
A12 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
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May 25, 2016
Survey shows residents want restaurants, specialty stores A
consortium of business people, government leaders, economic development agencies and the Chamber of Commerce have started a campaign to encourage residents to shop locally. Local organizers of Keep It Local Columbia County want to put more money into independent businesses, thus decreasing leakage of money outside of Columbia County and strengthening our local economy. The group received grant funds from The Ford Family Foundation to partner with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), a non-profit specializing in establishing successful buy local campaigns in communities. Results of an online survey and feedback from workshops held last summer, in partnership with AMIBA, demonstrate how consumers and business owners shop local, their needs, and their perspectives on how to increase local dollars spent in our community. The survey asked residents what kind of local businesses they would most likely patronize. 153 residents participated in the online survey along with 51 business owners. Healthy and affordable restaurants topped the list of the businesses residents wanted to see most in Columbia County. Shoe and specialty retail stores came in second followed by fresh produce, specialty food or grocery stores. Results of the survey also showed that residents May 25, 2016
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want more options and extended hours to shop at local businesses. Results also highlighted a need for communication about the variety and selection of products and services already available locally. To assist consumers and businesses, a comprehensive countywide local business directory is available at www.keepitlocalcc.com. It is being populated now and will soon put all businesses on one page so consumers can look up hours and available products in one place. The business directory will help to increase business to business referrals, as well as the number of customers buying local, by making information about local products and services more easily available. Natasha Parvey, director of Keep It Local, stated, “Having a county wide directory will put all of Columbia County on one page to increase local spending and engage the community in keeping dollars local. This will ensure that we have more services and choices, more jobs, a healthier environment, and a stronger economy.” Learn more about the top reasons to buy local at www.amiba.net/resources/localhero. Local businesses and organizations in Columbia County can now add their business, and upcoming events, to the directory at www.keepitlocalcc.com. AMIBA suggests that in addition to participating in the business directory, businesses survey their customers. C •Natasha Parvey COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A13
PHOTO BY CODY MANN
Robert Blumberg of Wauna Credit Union, Natasha Parvey from the South Columbia County Chamber, and Al Petersen of SHEDCO were recognized at the Columbia County Economic Team Annual Breakfast in November.
CCET’s Businesses of 2015
E conomic development is a topic of importance in Columbia
County, and at the most recent Columbia County Economic Team (CCET) Annual Breakfast representatives from many economic driving forces gathered at the Clatskanie Cultural Center to network and discuss strategies that might further develop the county. The event featured keynote speaker and former Portland Trailblazer Larry Steele and awards to a few area businesses who made a positive impact in 2015. Also during the event, CCET Executive Director Chuck Daughtry presented an award to the St. Helens Economic Development Corporation (SHEDCO) for its Business Plan Competition. “We had upstart businesses work out business plans and A14 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
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submit them for review,” Daughtry said. “It’s truly economic gardening at the basic level.” Daughtry said three St. Helens businesses were finalists, all implementing their plans and opening new operations. Daughtry also presented the ‘Business of the Year’ award to Dyno Nobel. “Dyno Nobel recently entered into a massive $50 million facility renovation,” Daughtry said. “Dyno Nobel continues to expand their employment base and commitment to Columbia County.” The ‘Tourism Business of the Year’ award was presented to Scappoose Bay Kayaking. Daughtry said Scappoose Bay Kayaking is a very tenacious business and is a major contributor to attracting tourism to the county. “I strongly believe tourism is important,” Daughtry said. “We are one of the lowest per capita in sales of tourism dollars in the state.” ‘Business Expansion of the Year’ recognized Rightline Equipment. Daughtry said their market share is consistently expanding, with a new building under construction and newly acquired land for future expansions, putting it on track to become one of the largest employers in the county. “Rightline is one of the hidden gems in Columbia County,” Daughtry said. “This machine shop manufactures high-end modification parts for forklifts.” Global Partners received the ‘Port of St. Helens Tenant of the Year’ award. “Global continues to make huge contributions in Columbia County,” Daughtry said, noting the company had invested in roads, docks and railroads in Columbia County.
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A15
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ort of St. Helens Executive Director Pat Trapp was recently awarded the 2016 Outstanding Special District Service “Manager of the Year” award during a banquet at the Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) Conference. Each year, the SDAO Awards Program honors its member districts for their accomplishments in providing better service to the public, and gives recognition to individuals who played a key role in that success. SDAO asks its membership to nominate individuals and districts for the Outstanding Special District Service Award and Outstanding Special District Program Award. All nominees are reviewed by the SDAO Awards Committee and
scored using a rating scale. The committee uses evaluation features such as: impact for other districts, positive results, special purpose, increased safety, cost savings, improved quality of service, innovation, and community need. The winners of the categories are those with the highest scores. This year, SDAO recognized three Oregon special districts, five individuals, and an emergency response crew. Trapp was one of six nominees in the Outstanding Special District Service Award category, which recognizes “an individual board member, manager, staff member, or volunteer who has contributed substantially to the improvement and successful operation of his or her district.” Trapp received the highest score of all the individuals in that category.
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A17
THE COLUMBIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT OUR MISSION: Offering people of our community assistance to sustain local natural resources.
The Columbia SWCD was created in 1946 and has been serving the citizens of Columbia County ever since! We have 7 board members, elected during the general election, and come from all corners of the county. From St Helens, to Birkenfeld, to Clatskanie‌the whole county is represented. The Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District is here to provide technical assistance, educational outreach, and other conservation services to landowners, managers, and citizens of Columbia County. The District provides local level leadership in delivery of state water quality programs, watershed enhancement programs, and other local conservation efforts both urban and rural. The District coordinates and partners with state and federal natural resource agencies, private organizations, and local governments to insure Columbia County remains a wonderful place to live, work and play. MEET THE STAFF All of our services are free to the public. Some of the services we provide: Conservation Planning Pasture management Invasive Weeds Native Plants Education and Outreach Stream Bank Restoration Water Quality We are also available to do workshops or presentations to local groups or schools on various conservation topics Come visit us at our new offices 35285 Millard Road St Helens, OR 97051 (503) 397-4555
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone 1, Randy Bergman - Director; Zone 2, Jason Busch - Vice Chair; Zone 3, Kay C. VanNatta - Treasurer; Zone 4, Dave Freytag - Director; Zone 5, Craig Ellis - Director; At-Large #1 Bill Eagle - Chair; At-Large #2, Lona Pierce - Secretary
Visit our website WWW.COLUMBIASWCD.COM
And like us on FACEBOOK Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District
A18 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
Kari Olsen-Hollander, District Manager, has been with the district since 2006 bringing new ideas and growth to the district while connecting landowners and partners from all over Columbia County and the State or Oregon to make conservation and restoration possible. Helping people sustain our natural resources in practical ways makes everyday a good day at the office. Malyssa Legg, Assistant District Manager, has been with the District since April 2009. Malyssa handles the day to day operations in the office as well as fiscal and grant management. Nathan Herr, Riparian Specialist, has been with the District since January of 2012. He has a BS in Environmental Science and a minor in Fisheries from Oregon State University. He has been hired by the District to provide assistance with landowners to develop and establish riparian buffers throughout the county using the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Jennifer Steinke, Office Assistant has been with the District since March 2016. She keeps the office looking good and keeps us all on task. She has grown up and lived in Columbia County her whole life. Please contact Jennifer if you would like to use our meeting room facilities. Crystalyn Bush, Field Technician/Outreach Coordinator has been with the District since March 2016. She has been volunteering with the District for several years and is excited to officially become part of the team. She has a B.S. in environmental science as well as a B.A. in English Literature. She works on educating the people about things we can all do to protect our natural resources. Contact Crystalyn about our newsletter and other outreach events.
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May 25, 2016
Photo by Sylvia Kelley
An investment in
INNOVATION Economic development and higher education op-
portunities will soon grace Columbia County in the form of a state-of-the-art research and development center to be called the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation District (OMID). Inspired by the Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC) in Sheffield, England, the project’s founding partners include University of Sheffield AMRC, Boeing, regional manufacturers, Portland Community College, and local government leaders. Built on the synergy of regional industry, academia and government stakeholders, the project is based in part on an AMRC apprenticeship model developed by Boeing and the University of Sheffield to address critical manufacturing challenges through applied research and May 25, 2016
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advanced technical training. In 2001, the Sheffield project transformed a 400-acre empty lot in a depressed region of the country into a renowned manufacturing center that now employs 2,000 engineers and apprentices, assists 500 manufacturing companies with training and innovation, and has had a $1 billion impact on the economy. Since then, numerous centers worldwide have been successfully replicated from this model, but OMID is the first in the United States. The goal is to produce a similar outcome in Oregon supported by a variety of partners. A $7.4 million appropriation from Oregon Legislature combined with $9.4 million in bonding authority from Portland Community College (PCC) to support educational opportunities in Columbia County, for a total investment of nearly $17 million. Other COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A19
potential sources of financial support include private and public investors and federal grants. “I think what’s being planned and proposed will be transformational for South Columbia County and the region because there’s no other facility like this in North America,” says Scappoose Mayor Scott Burge. “This is the dream alignment that we could have ever hoped for. “It’s an overwhelming opportunity, and for a company like Boeing to want this in the area and the team from PCC coming together to make this happen, it’s an incredible opportunity for our area,” he adds. Scappoose City Manager Michael Sykes states, “This advanced manufacturing research facility is perfect for that kind of opportunity, and we’re pretty thrilled about those opportunities, not just for Scappoose but for the whole county and region.” According to Columbia County Economic Team Executive Director Chuck Daughtry, the facility will offer apprenticeships to about 250 students a year. The three-year program will train students on the latest equipment before they are hired for positions in their chosen industry. The research center will work on projects specific to industries, such as research and development for Boeing. Initial efforts will focus on training for students through industrysponsored skilled apprenticeships that lead to postsecondary credentials and family-wage jobs. Those efforts will be led by PCC as the educational accrediting partner. Advanced manufacturing research activities will be led by local university and research partners such as Oregon State University, Portland State University and the Oregon Institute of Technology.
“As the state’s largest higher education and workforce training institution serving a five-county region, Portland Community College is thrilled to collaborate with a consortium of local partners to support this transformational opportunity,” said Sylvia Kelley, interim president of PCC.
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“The project’s potential is tremendous, and we are very grateful for the support of it by the governor and state legislators,” she said. Additional stakeholders and potential partners include Boeing and other regional metals manufacturers, the Oregon Employment Department, the Bureau of
Discounts and Deals is a locally owned discount variety store located in the Clatskanie Town Center, Clatskanie Oregon. It is right across the parking lot from Clatskanie River Inn. When Clatskanie Development built the Clatskanie Town Center in 2008, the partners saw a need to offer a discount type store in Clatskanie. Discounts and A SUPPLEMENT OF The
Deals has evolved from that model into a store that offers a wide variety of items including cards, gifts, seasonal decor, balloons, arts and crafts, candles, personal and household needs, school and office supplies, and toys. With a few exceptions, we do not carry brand-named items as these usually cost more, but instead concentrate on offering quality, low cost alternatives. Discounts and Deals opened it’s doors in March 2009. We have two part time employees that work alongside the owner. We are a member of the Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce and work with other businesses to offer a large enough selection of goods and services so that our residents can find what they want or need within the community. Our goal is to keep dollars in Clatskanie and to help all of our local businesses thrive.
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May 25, 2016
Labor and Industries, the AFL-CIO, Greater Portland Inc., the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and IBEW 48. Partners say the creation of OMID will allow stakeholders to share costs, pool resources and attract potential new partners. Long term, project partners anticipate this leading to high-value manufacturing companies and their supply chains co-locating, resulting in significant impact to and vitality for Oregon’s economy. Such collaboration among stakeholders also meets industry needs. Data indicates that the skilled metals workforce throughout the United States is aging into retirement at a time when manufacturers are forecasting significant growth in demand. Employers are already experiencing labor shortages, and they anticipate an even greater void as employees retire, so the need to create a pipeline of trained workers is critical. “This project presents an exciting opportunity for Boeing and other industry partners,” says Mike Starr, general manager of Boeing Oregon, which employs more than 1,650 staff to oversee complex machining and building of gear systems and flight controls. “The potential coalition could create the means to provide highly trained workers for the region’s metals industry, a field whose workforce is shrinking due to retirement.” Starr adds, “Several partners are coming together to problem-solve at the same time they’re creating opportunity for students and industry through training, research and development. It’s a fantastic approach, and we’re very supportive of it.” State Senator Betsy May 25, 2016
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A21
Johnson toured the Sheffield facility and says it was “better in reality than it was in my imagination.” She explains, “What they did in Sheffield is they took a brownfield site and turned it into most valuable property in the UK. What started out as 10 people turned into 10,000 people in the space of a decade, and doing the most cutting edge research in metal manufacturing there. “Launching a successful AMRC in Columbia County will be the catalyst for advances in manufacturing technology that will significantly benefit manufacturers throughout our region,” she says. “It also becomes a magnet to attract other manufacturing entities to our state. That’s an incredible value proposition.” Johnson adds, “PCC has owed us a brick and mortar facility for a long time, so not only will there be the traditional offerings, but a catalytic institution for apprenticeship training. … This will be an opportunity for young people to make professional career choices early in their academic career. “We will have the physical presence of PCC, plus the opportunity to have applied research in aerospace and metallurgy.” Johnson says the AMRC facilities are also utilized by the medical, automotive, and many other industries. “We are changing the whole notion of what metals manufacturing looks like,” she explains. Burge says, “I think the way it’s going to impact the region is it is going to create family wage jobs and give local kids to opportunity to learn and work in metal trades, whether as machinists, in composites, or welding. For us, we’re going to be a place where businesses will want to be, so that they can be close to this research facility and benefit from this facility.” Daughtry confirms, “The level of em-
! L A C Oyou. L Y U B Better for ommunity. ur c
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Portion of Revenue Chain Retailers Spent Locally 13.6%
Independents
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Data source: civiceconomics.com
Graphic:
ployment could be staggering, there could be thousands and thousands of jobs coming out of this airport site.” Many are hopeful that OMID will be sited in Scappoose, specifically in the city’s recently expanded Urban Growth Boundary near the airport. Kelley says, “PCC is engaging in initial negotiations regarding the location of the training center with property owners near the Scappoose Airport. We are working together with all of the OMID partners to coordinate our R&D and training facility efforts in a manner that is most productive for all.” With Boeing as the anchor tenant, OMID is expected to attract a range of manufacturing companies. Sykes says, “This is just kind of an engine for all kinds of new economic development and for other companies to locate. And that’s the nice thing about this property is we have plenty of room for other companies that could benefit from the facility PCC is going to construct.” Governor Kate Brown praises, “This is an investment not just in high tech manufacturing, but in our workforce, in
regional job growth, and our state’s economic future. … We are taking an important step forward, developing a worldclass community where instruction, research, design, and manufacturing intersect for the benefit of all.” The next steps for PCC and collaborating partners include nurturing workforce development relationships with local metals manufacturers and developing curricula for industry-supported apprenticeships. “A center like this enables us to bring together experienced teams who lend capital investment, equipment and expertise, and funnel that support to benefit students we’re educating and training for jobs in an industry that offers growth and opportunity,” says Kelley. “The Advanced Manufacturing Research Center model has a proven track record, and it’s exciting to think of how much Oregon stands to benefit by creating one here,” she says. While a timeline for the project has not been released, statements from PCC have said the college is “committed to opening an educational center in Columbia County by fall 2017.” C •Amanda Renner
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COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A23
Community Profiles
CLATSKANIE Columbia County’s northwest-
ern-most city, Clatskanie is nestled in the valley where the Clatskanie River pours out of the Coast Mountain Range onto the floodplain of the Columbia River. The first pioneers of European descent arrived during the winter of 1852-53. After almost four decades of gradual growth as the market center for the surrounding rural area, the City of Clatskanie was incorporated in 1891. Logging, fishing and farming, boosted by the diking of approximately 12,000 acres along the Columbia, continued to be the major industries throughout the In the mid-1960s, Crown Zellerbach Corporation purchased a former lumber mill site on the south bank of the Columbia River at Wauna in eastern Clatsop County, about 12 miles west of Clatskanie. The construction of the Wauna Paper Mill and the start of its operations in 1965 created the biggest population growth in Clatskanie’s history, as the city doubled its population of 700 to 800 in just a few years. Since that time, however, population growth in Clatskanie has been slow to stagnant with the latest census at about 1,750. Another 4800 people live in the rural area included within Clatskanie’s zip code, extending about 15 miles to the south and west, about eight miles east, and to the banks of the Columbia River on the north. The Wauna Mill, now owned by Georgia-Pacific, remains the larg-
est employer in the area with 850 employees. The Clatskanie School District is the second largest employer, followed by Portland General Electric’s three generating plants at the Port Westward industrial park with a total of about 70 employees, the Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery at Port Westward, Stimson Lumber Mill, and the Clatskanie PUD. The brightest boost to Clatskanie in the past year is the Clatskanie Foundation’s completion of the decade-long, donation-funded, $3 million restoration of the historic
A24 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
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I.O.O.F. building into the Clatskanie Cultural Center, featuring the 160-seat Birkenfeld Theatre, a 2,400 square foot ballroom, a retail space, and a suite of offices for the City of Clatskanie. Available for a variety of events, the Cultural Center is also the home of the Clatskanie Arts Commission which brings professional musicians and entertainers to the state-ofthe-art performance space. For more information about scheduled events or the rental of the theatre and ballroom facilities, visit https://www.facebook. com/clatskaniefoundationculturalcenter. C •Deborah Hazen
Chronicle
May 25, 2016
Chamber Recognizes Top Individuals in Business I
Business of the Year winners Bob and Joyce Barnard, who operate Grocery Outlet in Scappoose, with South Columbia County Chamber President Tiffany Smith.
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n February, the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce presented Grocery Outlet in Scappoose with the ‘Business of the Year’ award. Grocery Outlet topped two other nominees, Bank of the West and Burgerville in St. Helens, to take home top honors. The award is presented each year to a member company who has exhibited exemplary leadership, business growth and service to the community. Brenda Stoddard, owner and operator of Houlton Bakery, was named ‘Business Person of the Year’ for her role in the success of the St. Helens based business. Other nominees for Business Person of the Year were Casey Wheeler, executive director of Columbia Pacific Food Bank, and insurance agent Michael Ismert of Michael Ismert Farmers Agency. Business Person of the Year is awarded to a Chamber
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member, or member’s employee, staff or volunteer who distinguish themselves in business and benefitting the business community of South Columbia County. Senator Betsy Johnson was awarded ‘Citizen of the Year’ by the Chamber for her tireless work promoting business in the South County area. Alta Lynch received the ‘Community Impact Award’ for her volunteer efforts on behalf of the Bunker Project, a community project to transform a house in St. Helens into a veterans resource center. The award is presented to a business, non-profit or service organization that is deemed to have the
greatest impact on South Columbia County. Scappoose Mayor Scott Burge was named ‘Commerce Advocate of the Year’ for his efforts promoting commerce in Scappoose and the South County area. John Chabala of St. Helens received the ‘Rising Star Award’ for his work on the St. Helens Youth Council and the Ford Foundation. The Rising Star Award goes to a candidate under the age of 21 for outstanding efforts in business, community development, ingenuity, volunteerism or achievement in the South County area. C • Don Patterson
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May 25, 2016
Friends start museum to preserve Rainier history The Rainier, Oregon Historical Museum’s online image collection includes photo postcard from about 1920 showing downtown Rainier looking west on “Main Street,” which is now “A” Street. Photos courtesy of ROHM
A group of friends exchanging historic photos online has
turned into a resource for the community and history lovers to learn about Rainier’s fascinating past — the Rainier, Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM). Mike Clark says the idea for ROHM started with his interest in history and a Facebook page. A 1969 Rainier High School graduate, Clark says he was bit by the collecting bug 35 years ago. “I just like finding old images of Rainier,” he says. “If I’d see one in an antique shop, I’d buy it.” Though he has stopped counting, Clark says he has nearly 1,000 historic images of Rainier, St. Helens and Clatskanie, as well as Longview and Kelso, Wash. When he began posting some of the photos online, some of his friends provided the photos they had as well. Eventually, they decided that their collections should be shared with the community at large, and that’s when the idea for the museum was born. Founded in 2015, the May 25, 2016
museum is led by six-member board: President Kay Heflin, Vice President Martha Van Natta, Secretary Judy Doving, directors Rick Burnham and Carl Pellham, and Clark as treasurer. The ROHM website (http:// tinyurl.com/jz4495q) features: historical Rainier photos and stories; information about Rainier cemeteries and Grange halls; and a permanent online exhibit with collections of event buttons, merchant tokens, and plates, bowls and cups. Clark says the museum’s photo collection includes images of the mills along the waterfront, ferries, street scenes, a cannery in the 1920s and ‘30s, and old postcards from the 1940s and ‘50s. He also has bars of soap — in the original boxes — that were made at Rainier Soap Factory, which was in operation from around 1910 to 1930. While the museum doesn’t have a brick and mortar location yet, there are plans to exhibit some of the items in display cases around town. “We’re taking baby steps, but
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we hope to have a real museum one day,” Clark says. A non-profit organization, the museum receives support from the City of Rainier, local businesses and membership dues. “We get a lot of support from the city and community,” says Clark. “Everybody thinks it’s a great idea.” ROHM is also working with Arcadia Publishing to create a book about Rainier’s history. Anyone with an interest in preserving Rainier’s history is encouraged to become a member of ROHM. Membership dues are $20 and help to support the museum by purchase archival materials and display cases. Members may also join a committee to help with a variety of tasks. To share photos or items with the museum, contact Judy Doving at 503-369-1971, Kay Heflin at kay-lynn2@hotmail.com, or Martha Van Natta at martha113@hotmail.com. C •Amanda Renner
COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A27
Community Profiles
S
ST. HELENS
t. Helens is the county seat of Columbia County and its largest incorporated city. The city lies along the Columbia River at the confluence of Multnomah Channel, about 30 miles north of Portland. U.S. Highway 30 bisects the community and is its primary link to metropolitan Portland and the Pacific coast. The city has a rich history. Bartholomew White came to Oregon in 1844 and laid claim to a parcel of land on the south bank of the Columbia River. In 1847 he sold the claim to a New Englander, Captain H.M. Knighton, who laid out the present site in 1850. Knighton advertised his new community as the “head of navigation” in the Oregon Spectator, Oregon’s first newspaper. And indeed it was. For the following two years the Pacific
Mail Steamship Company docked at the foot of St. Helens Street. Freight and passengers embarked from St. Helens on river steamers, which came from Portland. Knighton named his new town Plymouth, but the name was soon changed to St. Helens for the beautiful snowy peak that dominated the view east. Manufacturing, papermaking, shipbuilding, rock quarrying and timber have played a major role in the growth and expansion of St. Helens. An advertisement for the St. Helens Wood Products Co. in 1939 claimed it was the “largest producers of fir broom and mop handles in the world.” Paper production began in St. Helens in 1927 with the opening of the new St. Helens Pulp and Paper mill and has continued to this present
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day. Currently, Canadian company, Cascade, operates two papermaking machines, continuing a 90-year tradition in the community. Since the mid-1970s, St. Helens has become increasingly a residential community. Commuters make up a growing percentage of the population. The availability and affordability of land and housing, when compared to metropolitan Portland, is causing slow, but steady growth. The waterfront in St. Helens is undergoing a transformation. The City of St. Helens recently purchased a 23-acre site on the waterfront and is working on redevelopment plans. The former mill site offers sweeping views of the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens and Sauvie Island refuge. The City’s plans for the site include a balance of commercial development, residential housing and public access. C •Don Patterson
Chronicle
May 25, 2016
Community Profiles
SCAPPOOSE C
Poised for Growth
olumbia County’s second largest city is poised for substantial and rapid growth. Scappoose lies on the county line between Columbia and Multnomah counties and is already feeling the effects of the rapidly growing urban area to the south. After a five-year court battle, a 378-acre expansion of Scappoose’s urban growth boundary has opened up opportunities for growth in both commercial and residential development. In recent decades, Scappoose has been a bedroom community for workers in Portland and Washington County. The U.S. census estimates over 70 percent of the working population of Scappoose commutes to work. Scappoose is located within a half-hour drive of major employers and situated on U.S. Highway 30, a major high-speed thoroughfare that leads straight to downtown Portland. Housing prices in Scappoose are markedly lower than its Portland neighbor. However, an influx of renters and homebuyers is pushing prices up, especially in the red-hot luxury home market. All that could change over the next two years. In March, officials announced a $17 million research and development center to be built in Scappoose. May 25, 2016
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The announcement came after the Oregon Legislature announced a $7.5 million appropriation for the creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC). The project, built on the synergy of regional industry, academia and government stakeholders, is based in part on an AMRC apprenticeship model developed by Boeing and the University of Sheffield in England to address critical manufacturing challenges through applied research and advanced technical training. The state’s investment will be added to $9.4 million in bonding authority from Portland Community College (PCC) to support educational opportunities in Columbia County, for a total investment of nearly $17 million. Additional sources of financial support potentially include private and public investors and federal grants. Scott Burge, mayor of Scappoose, called the project a “dream opportunity.” “I think what’s being planned and proposed will be transformational for South Columbia County and the region because there’s no other facility like this in North America,” said Burge. “This is the dream alignment that we could have ever hoped for. C •Don Patterson
COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016 | A29
Columbia County at a glance Population (2015) 49,600 Housing units 20,664 Owner occupancy 73.2% Median mortgage payment $1,482
MY NEXT STEP
JOB READINESS TRAINING
Average commute time 32.2 minutes D o y o u ha ve Median household income $54,605 A journey of a thousand unwa nted good Land area 657.36 sq. miles miles must begin with a EDUCATION q ua lity furniture? single step High school graduates over age 25 89.6% Population per square mile 75.1 Chinese proverb Bachelor’s degree or higher 17.1% th
114 S 17 Street, Saint Helens, OR (503) 410-5660
Brackin C.P.A PC
W e ’ll p ic k it up and you’ll be
•Business and Personal Tax preparation • Current and Prior years tax preparation • IRS Representation • Business Consultation • Payroll Services • Registered Agent • Convenient Appointments • Competitive Prices
helping low inc ome families by supporting Job Readiness Training
Serving you since 1998
Brackin C.P.A. PC
Visit us at: 114 S. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. 97051.
134 S 14th Street St. Helens, OR 97051 ~ Phone - 503-397-1555
You are my most important client! email-judi@brackincpa.com website: www.brackincpa.com
Eaton’s
Tire & Automotive Repair LLC aton’s Come see our selection of
Tire & Automotive Repair LLC
OIL CHANGE ~ $2995 GREAT SPRING call for appointment
TIRE PRICES
ome see our selection of GREATOIL SPRING CHANGE TIRE PRICES $29.95 Serving Columbia County for 39 years! CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 1780 COLUMBIA BLVD AT 18TH, ST. HELENS
3-397-3145 • 8AM-6PM MON-FRI • WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS
1780 COLUMBIA BLVD. AT 18TH, ST. HELENS 503-397-3145 • 8 am-6 pm, Mon-Fri Serving Columbia County for 40 years! We accept credit cards
A30 | COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016
LETICA CORPORATION, a manufacturer of plastic and paper packaging products is seeking individuals to join our team in the Columbia County area. For over 50 years, Letica Corporation has been an industry standard for a broad array of applications including paint, chemicals and food packaging. We have grown into a nationwide manufacturer of paper and plastic packaging. We are a privately held, family owned and run company with 14 locations across the United States. We offer a competitive compensation and benefit program that includes full health insurance, dental and vision, 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan and much more. We are always seeking motivated candidates with strong skills in leadership, commitment to task and team building for Plant Manufacturing opportunities. To apply, please stop at Letica Corporation Oregon Plant at the following address: Letica Corporation, 58231 Old Portland Road, Warren, OR 97053 Applications must be filled out on-site Monday-Friday from 7 AM – 3 PM
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May 25, 2016
DAHLGREN’S BUILDING SUPPLY
YOUR LOCALLY-OWNED BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY AND HARDWARE STORE. HELPING THE COLUMBIA COUNTY AREA GROW FOR OVER 60 YEARS.
58351 S. Columbia RiveR HigHway, St. HelenS Phone: 503-397-0086 • Fax: 503-397-0998 • Like us on Facebook DahLgrensDoitbest.com | shoP our warehouse | Free shiPPing to StoRe
Olympic Industrial Park 58351 Industrial Way St. Helens, Oregon 97051
Adjacent to the Clatskanie River and conveniently located mid-way between Portland and Astoria and the coast, the Clatskanie River Inn offers contemporary Guest Rooms and Suites along with Conference Facilities for 100 people. Independently owned and operated, our mission is to provide all our guests with a first class, comfortable and memorable experience at affordable rates.
600 E Columbia River Highway, Clatskanie, OR
For Reservations Call: 503-728-9000
www.clatskanieriverinn.com | visit us on facebook
May 25, 2016
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O
Olympic IndustrialPark, Park,St. Grants Building Supply) since 2010, lympic Industrial Pass Half Marathon and St. Helens premier industriand is a perfect location Helens premier industrial others; and Control Solutions, a al space, is of one of Columbia for variousand types of busispace, is one Columbia Coun- calibration instrumentation ty’s hiddenhidden gems. Conveniently services County’s gems. ness andcompany. industry. The park land to is several one of the located on the south end of already home Conveniently located onSt. is ndustrial state’ssuccessful most valuable resources Helens, the end industrial park has highly the south of St. Helventures. of netand contributions quick andindustrial easy access U.S. in terms ens, the parktohas Financing flexible to Highway 30. The site offers vari- the state’s economy and tax base. terms are available to assist quick and easy access to ous sizes of space for your new or Industrial sites that are pre-built U.S. Highway 30. The site your growing business, and or shovel-ready are increasingly expanding business. offers various sizes of space buildings can be constructlympic Industrial Park has difficult to find, which makes for been your new or expanding ed toSt.suit yourlocation specifications owned and operated this Helens a perfect bybusiness. Eric Dahlgren (well known as site for needs. your new or expanding and/or business. Olympic Industrial the owner/operator of Dahlgren’s Olympic Industrial Park For more information currently hasIndustrial approximately Do Best Building Supply) since Park hasIt been owned and operabout Olympic feetDahlgren available for 2010, is a perfect location ated and by Eric Dahlgren (wellfor 3,000 Park,square call Eric atocvarious types of business and in- cupancy, with expansions plans knownThe as park the owner/opera503-397-0086 or 503-784add another 25,000 square feet dustry. is already home to tor of Dahlgren’s Do It Best 5172. to several highly successful ven- perfect for warehousing, support offices and production. tures. ne of Olympic Industrial inancing and flexible terms Park’s best known tenants is are available to assist your Ye Ol’ Grog Distillery, which pro- growing business, and buildings COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESS GUIDE 2016your | A31 duces and distributes fine spirits can be constructed to suit like Good Morning Glory Grog specifications and/or needs. and St. Helens Vodka. The site is also home to Les Schwab Tire
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