Columbia economic team: Project Spice nearing site decision; small-business supports and holiday events announced

The Columbia County Economic Development Committee heard an update from the Columbia economic team on local business supports and a recruitment lead that could bring hundreds of jobs.

A Columbia economic team representative said Project Spice — an aviation manufacturer currently in late-stage site review — is in the county’s finalist pool and that "They expect an announcement in first quarter of 20 25." The presenter added, "It'd be about 250 jobs, a very reasonable ramp for development, about a 10 to 15 year, ramp for development," and said local partners such as PCC and Olmec were important to the site’s competitiveness.

The team also reported program-level wins for small businesses: three Grow loans approved for expansions and startups in the past 45 days, two technical assistance grants, and more than 100 new Small Business Development Center clients this year. The presenter encouraged businesses to take part in the 'Keep It Local' holiday campaign and noted a holiday bazaar will be held Nov. 30 at the John Goms Civic Center. An ecommerce training series is slated to begin in December and run through April as one-hour online classes aimed at helping businesses sell online.

Committee member Paul Fitteridge asked whether upcoming recreation grants administered through Travel Oregon (described in the meeting as Bridal Oregon) would be county-, city- or destination-focused; the economic team said proposals may be county, city, destination or facility focused and encouraged interested parties to email staff to express interest.

Next steps: staff said they will continue outreach to businesses and partners, and committee members asked staff to circulate program dates and loan/grant details to EDC members.