We’ve been honored with the 2015 Pathways 2020 Community Champions Award for Economic Vitality! Pathways 2020, a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life in Cowlitz County through collaborative partnerships, resource mobilization, strategic planning and development, recognizes organizations in this category for excellence in:
- creating jobs,
- employee wellness,
- training,
- employable skills,
- new or expanding business, transportation,
- financial security,
- reducing poverty, and
- higher wages.
A booming business landscape at Port of Kalama earns the honor
Last year the Port of Kalama saw Temco’s completion of a $200 million renovation of their grain elevator while the Port managed the construction of new Administrative Offices and Interpretive Center. The Port also began construction of Haydu Park, baseball, soccer, tennis courts, basketball courts and expo area—the first phase of development at the recently annexed East Port. East Port will also include the multi-use Spencer Creek Business Center for a mix of light industrial, office, commercial and retail uses. And the Port has completed an agreement with Northwest Innovation Works to build a $1.8 billion natural gas to methanol conversion facility that is expected to create approximately 200 new jobs when completed.
In addition, the Port of Kalama has welcomed new and expanding business to the region. Christiansen Enterprises, which has experienced 300% growth since moving its headquarters to the Port in 2013, just signed a lease to grow into a 20,000 square foot facility. Other new tenants in 2015 include NW Innovation Works headquarter offices, Rainier Truck Trailer Tank Repair LLC and Depin Inc.
The Port’s mission is to ‘induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs and enhance public recreational opportunities’ so these projects collectively further every aspect of a calling to contribute to an economically thriving, successful and livable region. We are so honored to live and work in this vital and thriving community.
