New Headquarters, New Projects and Successful Partnerships for Port of Chelan County

Remodeling of the Port’s new headquarters at 328 Old Station Road, Suite A is on schedule for the targeted July 7 move. “We’ll be open in our current location through Friday, June 6,” explained Mark Urdahl, executive director of the Port, “the movers will come on the 7th, and staff will spend Monday, July 9 getting settled in the new offices.  While moving will cause some disruption, we’re going to maintain normal operating hours .” 

Laura Jaecks, Confluence Technology Center building manager, reported that the WSU Rural Bridges Project awaits confirmation of a CTED matching grant before implementation can begin this fall. The project’s goal is build the capacity of rural communities and increase information based jobs. The City of Chelan has been selected as a participating community under this program along with seven other rural Washington communities.  The project models best practices used in a similar program in Oregon. Community members will participate in developing program goals and implementing the plan over a two year period.  Jaecks is teaming with Michael Steele, executive director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, to implement this pilot project; with the Port acting as the lead agency.

Steve Robinson, president of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber board of directors, reported on the Chamber’s activities in relation to the Economic Development Agreement between the Port and the Chamber. The Chamber is one of several economic development partners that receive supplementary funding from the Port. Some of the activities highlighted by Robinson include: assisting the Port in recruiting new businesses to the area; actively participating with the NCW Chamber Alliance; working closely with the Convention and Visitors Bureau; supporting cluster strategies such as winery association events and the Greater Wenatchee Area Technology Alliance; supporting tourism legislation beneficial to Chelan County; and providing links to the Port’s website from multiple locations on the Chamber’s website.

Pangborn Airport manager Pat Moore shared a request by the Douglas County Fire District to house a firefighter in a modular home on Union Street that is owned by the Port. As part of the existing inter-local agreement between Pangborn and Douglas County Fire District, the firefighter will respond to overnight emergencies at Pangborn. In addition to being ideal for the airport, the Union Street location also fits perfectly with Douglas County Fire District’s plan to locate personnel in closer proximity to residential developments in the vicinity of the airport. Commissioners Mackey and Larsen approved the proposal.

Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Port’s website for a full report of the June 6 meeting. Go to www.ccpd.com and select the Port Information tab.