Valley Vision highlights new investments and workforce recommendations in Lewiston update

Valley Vision President and CEO Jerry Chavez presented the organization—s quarterly report to the Lewiston City Council, summarizing regional industry earnings, employment figures and proposed economic development actions. Chavez said the regional data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show manufacturing, government and health care as leading sectors and described Valley Vision—s prospecting activities, industry interviews (the "BEAR" program) and developer satisfaction surveys.

Chavez drew attention to specific projects, saying, "Cascade Plastic just announced last, July $10,000,000 CapEx building at about 36,000 square feet" in north Lewiston, projecting roughly 30 full-time equivalent jobs and a payroll effect of around $2.8 million. He described Valley Vision—s practice of hiring prospecting consultants (a matchmaking model) and noted a $40,000 typical consultant contract that yields several dozen meetings and a small percentage of site tours.

Councilors asked detailed questions about why specific companies selected other communities, how Valley Vision measures success and what the agency—s short-term priorities are. Chavez said the organization will stand up a 501(c)(3) development arm to facilitate building projects and will continue to press for infrastructure investments such as water and sewer extensions and broadband expansion to support attraction efforts.

The presentation concluded with an offer to provide more detailed materials to council members and to follow up on any specific project inquiries.