Throughout the year, we organize seasonal events and campaigns to boost local commerce. For instance, our 2022 Keep it Local for the Holidays campaign captured $559,600 in local spending.
We are proud host Columbia County's largest online directory of local businesses, organizations, and events on this website and the "Find it Local Columbia County App."
The money you spend at the local independent businesses continues to circulate in our community, benefiting you and your neighbors while also supporting a healthy tax base. Studies have also shown that when you use independent, locally owned businesses significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms.
Locally owned independent businesses, on average, provide much larger donations in support of local non-profits and school organizations. They care about the community they live and work in, and want to make a difference by donating to the organizations that improve the quality of life for our community members and our children.
Locally owned independent businesses, on average, provide much larger donations in support of local non-profits and school organizations. They care about the community they live and work in, and want to make a difference by donating to the organizations that improve the quality of life for our community members and our children.
Did you know 73% of Columbia County residents commute out-of-county for work daily? Because of this, Columbia County faces a considerable local commerce leakage challenge. In fact, in a 2015 Ford Family Foundation study, we found the county was losing $200 million in retail sales a year due to out-of-county spending. Additionally, we found shoppers expressed desire to support local businesses but lacked information about where to find them. In response, a grassroots effort led by community volunteers founded our nonprofit in 2015.
Since then, we happy to share we’ve had much success! Our annual holiday campaign alone has captured nearly 1.3 million in local spending over the past 6 years and our social media platforms have reached over 300,000 views. We have also recently upgraded our online directory (which you are looking at now) and launched a localized app, called “Find it Local Columbia County.”
Interested in supporting our important efforts & getting promoted? Check out these opportunities:
We couldn’t do the work we do without the support of the CET, who makes our program possible. CET’s missions is to promote the creation, retention, growth, and attraction of business and industry in Columbia County.
The Columbia County Business Community Connection Project Columbia County, OR, April 8, 2024: The Business Community Connection Project was announced today is a robust, multi-disciplined
Check out the great shows coming to the Clatskanie Cultural Center Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem in Clatskanie, Oregon. Sponsored by D & D Comedy
Congratulations to the Houlton Hollow Project team, Crooked Creek Brewery, and our partners at St. Helens Main Street Alliance for receiving TWO $200,000 GRANTS!
Add your business, non-profit, organization, or event to our directory for free.
