Lower Columbia Economic Development Council
P. O. Box 243, Cathlamet, WA 98612
Phone: 360.795.3996 
Fax: 360.795.3944
lcedc@cni.net
Majestic ships travel the Lower Columbia, passing by Skamokawa Vista Park. Photo by Erick Erickson, Cathlamet, WA Sunsets on the Columbia River are part of the wonder of the place. Photo by LCEDC Webmaster.
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LowerColumbiaEDC.org    

Welcome to the Lower Columbia River in scenic Southwest Washington
...where we are ready to do business with you.

 
Neighbors and Partners


Economic development in the Lower Columbia region is a cooperative effort involving the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce, the Wahkiakum Community Foundation, the Town of Cathlamet, the Wahkiakum County government, Port Districts 1 and 2, and the Lower Columbia EDC. In addition, the communities in the Lower Columbia region enjoy strong working relationships with their neighbors in Cowlitz, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pacific counties.

The LCEDC Board meetings are held at the LCEDC office on the the second Tuesday each month at 4:00 pm, except for the months of February and July. February is the Lattie Metcalf Banquet and there is no EDC meeting in July.



The LCEDC (Wahkiakum EDC) offices are located in the Scarborough Building in downtown Cathlamet, overlooking Puget Island and the Columbia River. Photo by LCEDC Webmaster.
The LCEDC is ready to assist you.

The Lower Columbia Economic Development Council is prepared to help you start a business, or locate or expand your business, in our community. For more information, call us at 360.795.3996, or send us an email at lcedc@cni.net

When you are in Cathlamet, drop in for a visit at the Scarborough Building at the corner of Main Street and Broadway.





Overview of Business Resources
The following is some basic information of interest to businesses who may be considering locating or expanding in this area. If you don't find the information you are looking for, please call 360.795.3996, or email lcedc@cni.net


Downloadable Reports and Surveys


Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the Columbia-Pacific Region
This report is published annually by the Columbia-Pacific Resource Conservation & Economic Development District, most recently in June 2008. It serves as a comprehensive statement of plans for district-wide economic growth and development in Wahkiakum, Pacific, Grays Harbor, and Mason Counties over the next 20 years.



Workforce


Median Household Income (Source: Office of Financial Management)
Annual Income (Median   Household)
   * Estimated
2009* $43,860
 
1999
$39,444
 
 
 
 

Population  Source: US Census

   Wahkiakum County
   Cathlamet, WA
   Naselle, WA
   * Estimated
2010*
4,172
565
n/a
 
2000 
3,824
565
377
 
1990
3,354
545
n/a
 

Labor Statistics (Source: Employment Security Dept - LMEA)
 

   Resident Labor Force
   Resident Employment
   Unemployed Workers
   Unemployment Rate

 April  2010
1,580
1,390
   200
12.3%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Non-Agricultural Employment  Source: Workforce Explorer

   

   Logging
   Trade,Transportation      
& Utilities
   Manufacturing
   Construction & Mining
   Other Services
   Government:
      Local Government
      School District
      Federal Government
      State Government

April 2010

100

  60
  50
 140 
  30

  240 
  90
  20
  20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Top Ten Employers
  Company Product / Service Number of Employees
1 Wahkiakum County Government 97
2 Jerry Debriae Logging Co. Logging 85
3 Wahkiakum School District Public Educational Facilities 64
4 Sunbridge Care & Rehab Center Elderly & Rehab. Care Center 40
5 St. James Family Center Day Care & Family Services 28
6 Wahkiakum West Telephone & Television Communications 21
7 Dandy Digger & Supply Light Manufacturer 14
      8
 
Wahkiakum P.U.D. #1 Public Utilities Provided      12
 
9 Earl & Shirley's Riverview
Restaurant & Lounge
Restaurant
 
11
10 Elochoman Millwork Custom Doors 7

Recent Business Openings or Expansions
  Company Product / Service  
1
2
3
4

Howies Corner & Coffee House
PJ's Pizza, Burgers & More
The Gym
Shane's Tractor Service
Beverages, Pastries, Gifts
Restaurant 
Physical Fitness Center
Tractor Service

 
 
 
 
 
 

Construction Investments: Number of Building Permits Issued
      Type
      New Residential Homes
      Manufactured / Mobile Homes
      Non-Residential Buildings
      Remodels, Additions, or Alterations
      Total Permits Issued
2008
7
11
2
30
50
2009
1
5
3
19
28
     


A Sample of Commercial Properties Currently Available

        The Bradley House Inn, MLS #26006382 A dream come true. Now being run as an inn, restaurant and gift shop. Built in 1907 as a gracious home of a lumber baron, this elegant house sits on a knoll overlooking the historic town of Cathlamet, Puget Island and the mighty Columbia River. Designed in post-Victorian Eastlake Craftsman style, the house contains numerous examples of Old World craftsmanship. Being offered as a partially furnished residence. Offering inn and restaurant equipment at an additional price.
        BradleyHouseInn    


Transportation

HIGHWAYS: State Route 4 traverses the LCEDC area from east to west, frequently right along the Columbia River.
     TRUCK: The Lower Columbia Trucking Company has a fleet of 2 trucks that carry general freight within Wahkiakum County. There are also several trucking lines that have interstate authority through Wahkiakum County.
     VAN SERVICE: The Lower Columbia Community Action Council (CAP) operates a van for seniors/medicaid and the Wahkiakum On The Move Van serves the entire county, with stops in Longview, Cathlamet, Skamokawa, Grays River, Rosburg, and Naselle.
     TAXI: Owl Taxi and Bridgeview Taxi both operate out of Longview and are available 24/7 and also offer airport service.

RAILROADS: Rail service for all commodities is available in Longview, WA, from Burlington Northern and Union Pacific railroads. Burlington Northern operates 17 active spurs that are also used by Union Pacific.

AIRPORTS:
     PDX - Portland International Airport: 75 miles southeast of Cathlamet. Longest runway is 11,000 ft/concrete.
     Kelso-Longview Regional Airport: 30 miles east of Cathlamet. Longest runway is 4,300 ft/asphalt.
     Astoria, Oregon, Regional Airport: 50 miles southwest of Cathlamet. Longest runway is 5,800 ft/asphalt.

BY WATER - SHIP / BARGE / FERRY:
The Elochoman Slough Marina is an active place throughout the boating and fishing seasons. Photo by Erick Erickson, Cathlamet, WA ELOCHOMAN SLOUGH MARINA (360.795.3501): A full-service haven serving the needs of the many commercial and pleasure craft plying the mighty Columbia River. The facilities include moorage, ramp, fuel, new restrooms and showers, RV hook-ups, and a covered area with a barbeque. With spaces for more than 300 vessels, river travelers, boating and yachting clubs, commercial fishermen, and recreational boaters are all welcome. The marina is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown Cathlamet stores and restaurants.

FERRY: The Wahkiakum County Ferry offers service from Puget Island on the Washington side to Westport on the Oregon side.

Container and bulk materials shipping are an important element of the region's economy. Photo by LCEDC Webmaster

PORT OF LONGVIEW, WA - 30 miles east of Cathlamet, WA.
PORT OF KALAMA, WA - 40 miles southeast of Cathlamet, WA;
   has Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) status.
PORT OF ASTORIA, OR - at the mouth of the Columbia River, 50 miles
   southwest of Cathlamet; full-service port, including cruise ships.
BARGES: Barges are handled at each of these 3 ports.
BOAT REPAIR SERVICES are available in Skamokawa at
   Jacob Northwest, 360-795-8222.


Utilities
Communications 800.465.1465

360.414.5990
800.201.4102
Wahkiakum West Telephone, Direct TV,
    and High Speed Internet Access
Cascade Networks High Speed Internet Access
CenturyTel Telephone and DSL Internet Access
Electric 360.795.3266
877.602.6465
Wahkiakum County Public Utility District No. 1
Pacific County Public Utility District No. 2
Water 360.795.3266
360.795.3203
360.484.3815
  
Wahkiakum County Public Utility District No. 1
Town of Cathlamet
Naselle Water Company
Individual wells in more remote areas.
Natural Gas
Propane Service
Not currently available in Wahkiakum County. 
Several suppliers based in Cowlitz or Pacific County offer service to this area.
Sewer 360.795.3203
360.795.0028
  
Town of Cathlamet
Skamokawa Sewer & Water District
Individual septic systems in all other areas.
Storm Sewer Storm sewers are only in place within the Town of Cathlamet.
Garbage Service 360.795.3369
360.642.2232
Stanley's Sanitary Service
Peninsula Sanitation Service


Financial Institutions
Banks 360.795.3281
360.795.3228
360.484.3226
Bank of America, Cathlamet
The Bank of the Pacific, Cathlamet
The Bank of the Pacific, Naselle


Real Estate Services
Realty Offices 800.303.8218
360.795.8299
360.484.3388
360.430.9264
Cathlamet Realty West, Cathlamet
Lower Columbia Realty, Cathlamet
Mike Swanson Realty, Naselle
Windermere Real Estate, Cathlamet


Tax Rates
  • No Washington State corporate income tax.
  • No Washington State personal income tax.
  • Business and Occupational (B&O) tax is levied by the State of Washington.
  • 7.5% State and Local Retail Sales Tax with Additional 2% for Transient Lodging Businesses
  • $9.36 Property Tax Rate in 2007 per $1,000 Assessed Value (Source: Wahkiakum County Assessor, 360.795.3791)
  • Local insurance firms, accountants and CPA's, tax services, and real estate brokers are available to assist you and can be found in the Membership List of the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce.


Selected Links for Other Business Resources
Wahkiakum County Government Town of Cathlamet
Wahkiakum County Building & Planning Dept Columbia-Pacific Region Comprehensive Plan
Access: Washington State Government SCORE: Resources for Business
ChooseWashington.com for Businesses Small Business Administration (SBA)
WA Office of Regulatory Assistance Washington Manufacturers Association
WA Department of Revenue Lower Columbia College: Workforce Job Skills Program
Dept of Licensing: Business Licenses SBDC: Small Business Development Center


Need More Information or General Business Assistance? We're ready to help you!
The LCEDC offers a variety of services to businesses, including assistance with site location, information on permitting and licensing issues, as well as resources for business plan development and financing.

If you didn't find the information you are looking for, please call 360.795.3996 or email us at lcedc@cni.net

 
 
Lower Columbia Economic Development Council, P. O. Box 243, Cathlamet, WA 98612
Phone: 360.795.3996 | Fax: 360.795.3944 | e-mail: lcedc@cni.net
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