2nd Annual Columbia County Business Expo
August 12, 2012
Purpose: To showcase the vitality and diversity of existing businesses in Columbia County. Columbia County is home for some very creative entrepreneurial enterprises. The Expo will provide visitors to Wings & Wheels an opportunity to learn about your business products/services. The Expo will provide you the opportunity to network with other businesses in Columbia County.
Equally important is that you will be part of an economic development strategy to "tell our story" of why a prospective business owner should consider doing business in Columbia County. You can help make a difference in creating new jobs in Columbia County by being a part of the Columbia County Business Expo. If we are going to improve the economy of Columbia County, we all need to participate in the strategies that will (1) attract new businesses and (2) that will help strengthen existing business and help them expand and grow. The Business Expo will help accomplish both.
Rationale: Supporting economic development initiatives is an important objective of the Chamber of Commerce. Manufacturing, the county's highest wage industry, has declined by about 750 jobs in the past 10 years, with the closing of Stimpson Lumber, the Boise Veneer Plant, and the downsizing of Boise Cascade's paper mill in Saint Helens. Over 70% of our population commutes outside the county for work because there aren't enough jobs available locally.
Research has shown that people tend to bank and shop extensively near their place of employment. Economic development of South Columbia County is a priority for all our local businesses. We believe Wings & Wheels / Columbia County Business Expo will be a valuable promotional activity for all Columbia County businesses and we encourage your support and participation.
Goal: In 2012, we want to showcase at the Business Expo 75-100 existing Columbia County businesses. Your participation and support is an important part of altering the course of our economy. Please consider being part of the solution of creating more jobs in Columbia County.
Please join us in helping Columbia County AND YOUR business to grow !
Learn more about the Wings & Wheels festival
Download: Vendor Application, Rules & Regulations (Updated: 4/2/12)
Volunteer Opportunities at Wings & Wheels
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2194 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR 97051 (503) 397-0685 FAX (503) 397-7196 