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Click to download page as PDF file.

Click to download page as PDF file.

A Distinctive Place with a Bright and Prosperous Future

This incredibly diverse region along the magnicent Columbia River is home to more than 85,000 people. Located just east of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, it stretches for over 100 miles. Unlike other rural economies within driving distance to major metropolitan areas, the Columbia Gorge is experiencing unprecedented and continued economic growth.

HOOD RIVER COUNTY, OR

Natural Resources | Agriculture/Value-Added Agriculture | Recreation/
Tourism | Sports Gear Manufacturing | Technology | Healthcare

KLICKITAT COUNTY, WA

Technology | Agriculture/Value-Added Agriculture | Light Manufacturing |
Renewable Energy | Wood Products | Tourism/Recreation

SHERMAN COUNTY, OR

Agriculture | Tourism/Recreation | Wind Energy

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WA

Natural Resources | Tourism/Recreation | Technology | Light Manufacturing |
Value-Added Agriculture

WASCO COUNTY, OR

Agriculture/Value-Added Agriculture | Manufacturing | Renewable Energy |
Technology | Tourism | Healthcare

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_alert type=”notice” accent_color=”#009900″ background_color=”#efefef” border_size=”1px” icon=”fa-comment-o” box_shadow=”yes” animation_type=”fade” animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”1″ class=”” id=””]THERE IS MORE POTENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN RURAL AMERICA THAN AT ANY TIME IN DECADES.

— Tom Vilsack Secretary of Agriculture[/fusion_alert]

CONNECTING EDUCATION TO INDUSTRY

Together, community colleges, local K-12 schools, and Oregon and Washington universities are collaborating on ideas and partnerships, such as the Regional Center of Innovation and Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership, to meet workforce demand in the Gorge.

A ROBUST REGION

The Gorge economic region is notably healthy, especially compared to once-major industries, such as aluminum, telecommunications and timber.  Over the last two decades, the regional economy has evolved signicantly with the growth of leading innovation-industries such as aerospace, composites and software.

robust-economy

 

1 U.S Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2002-2012 comparison
2 Washington Employment Security Department, State of Oregon Employment Department

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Gorge’s infrastructure and connectivity
includes:

  • Key highways East/West and North/South:
    I-84 & SR-14 and I-97 and proximity to I-5
  • Rail lines East/West on both sides of the
    Columbia River
  • Three bridges that connect Washington and
    Oregon
  • River transport with ports on both sides
  • The Dalles Airport and close proximity to
    Portland International Airport (PDX)
  • Existing and planned telecommunications
    and fiber optic networks

jobs-by-numbersECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

Although the ve main Washington and Oregon counties that comprise the Columbia River Gorge share some geographic and natural resources, each is unique in its own right. Their similarities deliver on a highly desirable “live-work-play” community promise, while their differences promote sustainable economic diversication.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

  • Rapid-growth industry
  • One of the largest and most advanced methane-to-energy power
    plants in the world
  • Hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and state-of-the-art landll, clean
    power
  • Affordable, business-attracting power options
  • Community college training equips and qualies employees
  • PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL
  • Growing, broad-based category
  • Signicant economic support and impact
  • Opportunity attracts diverse service segments
  • Highly livable region invites professionals and entrepreneurs

TOURISM/RECREATION

  • Designated a National Scenic Area in 1986
  • Favorite year-round tourism and recreational mecca
  • Scenic playground for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Abundance of hospitality and retail support (wineries, farm markets,
    craft breweries)
  • Destination attracts an array of businesses

HEALTHCARE

  • Signicant population increase fuels additional service and support
  • Four major hospitals serve the region (The Dalles, OR; White Salmon,
    WA; Goldendale, WA; Hood River, OR)
  • Thriving healthcare-oriented professions complement the industry
  • Growing opportunities abound across a variety of healthcare segments
  • Nationally ranked, state-of-the-art cancer treatment at Celilo Cancer
    Center

PUBLIC AGENCIES

  • Served by Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Army Corp of
    Engineers, U.S. Forest Service
  • Regional presence of numerous federal, state and local government
    agencies
  • Sizeable sector strengthens regional economy

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