The Port of Camas-Washougal celebrates its 75th birthday with big plans for the future
Few can accurately say they've been creating jobs for three-quarters of a century – the Port of Camas-Washougal is one that can.
The port will hold a commemoration ceremony and open house Friday, November 5th, and business owners, elected officials and the public are invited to attend.
"We're re-introducing a long-standing port theme 'The World at Our Door,' as we celebrate 75 years of operations in our community," said Port Executive Director David Ripp. "We're enthusiastic to share our vision for the future and we look at the anniversary as a perfect kick-off event."
Organizers hope the ceremony allows everyone in attendance to reminisce about past experiences and celebrate together the future of the Camas-Washougal community.
One person sure to be doing a bit of reminiscing is Mary Murphy, executive assistant at the port. She's worked there for the past 16 years.
"The first thing that always comes to mind when I look back is the flood of 1996," Murphy said. "Camas, Washougal, the Port, local businesses and citizen volunteers… everyone came together and responded during that time of need – it was wonderful."
In the end, Murphy said the port suffered very minimal damage from the flood, largely because of the outpouring of support the port received from the community.
"The whole thing certainly made the port and the community stronger," she said.
Another highlight, Murphy recalled, was the dedication of Captain William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach.
"Again, everyone came together. The port, Vancouver Parks and Recreation, Camas and Washougal… dedicating that park was a true community effort and asset," Murphy said.
Executive Director David Ripp knows a thing or two about port history as well. Ripp came to the Camas-Washougal Port two years ago, after spending more than 13 years at the Port of Woodland.
"This port has been around since 1935. To look at pictures and see what it has built itself into is pretty unreal," he said.
Ripp admitted the port's growth hasn't come without careful planning – especially in tough economic times.
"Sure, we've had a few tenants close their doors," he said. "But not long after they moved out we had someone new move in. We just had to adjust our marketing."
The port's marketing has been vital to its health in recent years, as prospective tenants look for space to best fit their needs.
"We had a 5,500-square-foot office building that sat empty for three years," Ripp said. "We didn't have any takers so we looked creatively at converting it to flex space for light manufacturing. The minute we started marketing it that way we had a company interested and now it's being leased."
Looking ahead, Ripp said the port plans to continue that same spirited approach. That includes the eventual expansion of the port marina, the acquisition of light industrial property within Camas city limits and a 130-acre piece of heavy industrial property east of the port's current industrial park.
"We've already begun some permitting phases out there with the Corp of Engineers, knowing we probably won't stick a shovel in the ground for the next 18 months," Ripp said. "But if we get those things done now, when the market is growing again we won't be sitting around twittering our thumbs."
When it comes to the market, Ripp said there's really only one way to be.
"You have to be optimistic," he said. "You can't be sitting back and waiting for the market to change. Now is the time to get all your ducks in a row and be proactive."
And that's exactly what the port is doing.
