Annual Regional Economic Symposium Returns on Nov. 1
From Mid-Columbia Economic Development District:
By Jill Brandt
The Dalles, Ore. Oct. 17, 2024 — Main Street businesses handling labor shortages, wildfire smoke impacts on local agriculture, and a review of how the regional economy is faring are just some of the topics covered this year at the annual Columbia Gorge Annual Economic Symposium.
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) has been hosting this annual event for the last eight years to bring together leaders across the region in the areas of government, economic development, workforce development, and business to learn together and network.
The community is invited to attend the 2024 event on Friday, November 1st at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center in The Dalles from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This year’s event features Keynote Speaker Helen Price Johnson, the Washington State Director for US Dept. of Agriculture- Rural Development speaking about federal support for rural
communities. The Symposium will also include a review of changes in the regional economy over the last year, and two panel discussions: one to check in on our main street businesses and one to hear how local agriculture is impacted by and responding to climate change.
“People always tell us they love the networking part of the event the best, so we’ve included a full hour at the start,” said Jessica Metta, MCEDD Executive Director.
A full breakfast is included in the $20 ticket.
This event is sponsored by Columbia River Insurance, Business Oregon, NW Natural, Umpqua Bank, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and The Dalles Area Chamber of
Commerce. Register for the event or find more information at www.mcedd.org/symposium.