About Us

The Skamania  Economic Development Council (SEDC) was formed in 1985 and is established as a private non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. EDC’s mission is to define, support, and promote policies and activities that contribute to the economic stability and growth of the tax base of Skamania County. The EDC accomplishes this by supporting the retention of existing business, business expansion, and new business development. EDC coordinates the use of public and private resources to achieve a diversified, balanced, and healthy economic environment.

The EDC is an Associate Development Organization under contract with the State of Washington’s Department of Commerce and also contracts with the City of Stevenson, Port of Skamania County, and Skamania PUD to complete economic development services within Skamania County. In addition to these contracts, the EDC also contracts with the Washington State Department of Commerce to administer the Washington Investment Fund loan program and also administers loan programs with two micro-loan programs, one with private funds and the other through the USDA Rural Development department.

Our Work

The EDC is tasked with essential economic development services.  It functions as a liaison between the local, county, state, and federal agencies, as well as local businesses, providing business support.  Support includes business loans, information on potential funding resources, and access to business counseling services. In addition, the EDC works closely with its local partners on priority projects within Skamania County. The EDC also promotes and advocates for public policies that encourage and give orderly direction to economic development while supporting local businesses.

EDC researches the availability of public and private funding and assists with securing these resources for economic development projects. EDC acts as a clearinghouse for marketing research, data, and survey information actively engages in new business development opportunities, and supports the retention and growth of existing businesses. EDC provides an online Business Resource Center, access to a SCORE counselor, and organizes a local PubTalk and EDC Luncheon annually.

SEDC participates on boards and committees that support economic stability and local capacity building. Boards and committees the EDC facilitates, and/or participates in include:

  • Skamania County Community Action Team
  • Washington Investment Board
  • Columbia Gorge Bi-State Advisory Council
  • Washington State Economic Development Association (WEDA)
  • Greater Portland, Inc.
  • South Central Workforce Development Council
  • South Gifford Pinchot Collaborative
  • Stevenson Business Association
  • Skamania County Chamber of Commerce
  • Stevenson Downtown Association
  • Wind River Business Association
  • One Gorge
  • Community Enrichment for Klickitat and Skamania Counties (CEKC)
  • Columbia Gorge Technology Alliance
  • Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone

While this list is extensive, the EDC participates in and supports many additional programs and activities that impact the economy in Skamania County. If you have questions or would like additional information regarding the above boards and committees you may contact us here.