Regional economic development groups take major step toward merger
Regional economic development organizations Greenlight Greater Portland and Portland Vancouver Regional Partners recently endorsed a letter of intent to merge the two organizations. The endorsement is a significant step toward the creation of a public-private Portland-Vancouver regional economic development entity.
Since Greenlight’s creation three years ago, the two agencies have had parallel economic development missions and agendas, but the diffusion of resources has precluded the organizations’ ability to capitalize on one another’s efforts.
The new economic development corporation will drive a strategy around traded-sector industry growth and high-skill, high-wage job creation and retention.
“Our community deserves the best we can put forward,” said Greenlight Greater Portland Board Chair Mark Ganz. “This merger aims to deliver excellence in economic research and strategy, business development, marketing, and networking and best practices.”
A launch team of public and private-sector leaders is working to develop organizational bylaws with the expectation that the two organizations’ boards will make a final vote on the merged entity this spring.
Columbia Credit Union “Making Life Better” with free events and donation drive
Columbia Credit Union is “Making Life Better” this holiday season with free events open to the public and a donation drive to benefit local charities.
“We’re holding some fun events and collecting items for a couple of great organizations helping those with significant needs,” said Columbia Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Laurie Kusch. “We’ll make life a bit better for children and families in our community.”
The public is invited to join Columbia in supporting Share and The Children’s Center by donating items including gift cards to popular retailers, personal hygiene items, shoes, clothing or large stuffed animals at any of the credit union’s 12 branch locations.
Columbia is also inviting the public to free “Making Life Better” moments throughout December. For more information about upcoming events, visit www.thebettermove.com.
Gifts For Our Community announces grant recipients
Gifts For Our Community (GFOC) has awarded six $2,500 grants to local charities that serve the local community in the areas of art, education and human services.
Bridge the Gap, Discovery Family Community Resource Center, Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, Innovative Services, Vancouver School District Foundation, and Silver Buckle Ranch received grants.
“We have such a difficult time choosing just a few from all the worthy applicants. We’ll just have to work harder to raise more money to fund more of these great projects.” said Lee Rafferty, GFOC Board Chair.
GFOC has donated more than $37,000 to community charities this year. Grants are funded from the proceeds of the GFOC programs: Divine Consign, Divine Bites, Divine Again and the Divine Home and Garden Tours.
Audiology Clinic opens second location
Audiology Clinic Inc., a local provider of hearing healthcare services and auditory evaluation, recently opened a second location in Clark County.
The new location is in the Eastridge Business Park, in Orchards, at 11711 NE 99th Street.
Audiology’s main office is located near Southwest Washington Medical Center. It was founded in 1982.
