Rural Southwest Washington families get more support in difficult economic times

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington announced today a $75,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase local assistance for families facing economic challenges and other setbacks as a result of the recession.

Through the Gates Foundation grant, the Community Foundation will provide funding to purchase food for nutritionally-balanced meals, while also supporting one-time purchases to help food banks function more effectively.  Funds will provide a replacement refrigeration unit in Stevenson, equipment and food for a mobile food bank to serve La Center, and support for seven food banks serving Cowlitz County.

“The needs of rural southwest Washington residents are growing at a staggering rate,” remarked Richard Melching, president of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. “The Community Foundation’s partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will bring significant relief to communities who are increasingly in need of food.”

Thousands of families in Southwest Washington are struggling with job losses, dwindling savings, and foreclosures or evictions. At the same time, many local nonprofit organizations are experiencing a growing demand for their services. In the past year, demand for services in response to the economic downturn has increased 15 percent in Clark County, 8 percent in Cowlitz County and 9 percent in Skamania County.

Up to $150,000 will be directed toward this urgent issue, with $75,000 funded by the Gates Foundation and the remainder matched by Community Foundation grants programs, fund holders and additional local supporters. Interest in supporting this initiative should be directed to Anne Digenis, the Community Foundation’s program officer, at 694-2550 or at anne@cfsww.org.

For more information on the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, visit www.cfsww.org. To learn more about the Gates Foundation’s work in Washington state, visit www.gatesfoundation.org/washington.

Licensing expands online business licensing

The Washington State Department of Licensing has increased its offering of online business licenses from five to more than 90 in a recent expansion of the Internet Master Business Application.

The online master business application allows businesses to apply online for many of the popular state licenses needed for selling products like cigarettes, wine, beer, and lottery tickets, and allows online filing for other licenses such as weighing and measuring devices, shopkeeper, nursery, and x-ray, as well as business licenses for 25 cities.

“We are providing one-stop licensing services for business owners that will save time and money,” licensing director Liz Luce said. “It’s easier, faster, and more complete to do it online.”

The online master business application guides business owners through the different licenses they might need for a particular business, totals the licensing fees, and allows online credit or debit card payment.

For more information, visit www.dol.wa.gov.

iQ Credit Union partners with SCORE to host small business success seminar

Small business owners and entrepreneurs interested in starting a business are invited to attend “The Right Way to Business Success,” a two-day seminar scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Tuesday, Nov. 10. Seminar I, scheduled for Nov. 3, will focus on the business basics of planning, recordkeeping and finance. Seminar II, scheduled for Nov. 10, will focus on the success tools of marketing, sales and cash flow.

Both sessions will be held at iQ Credit Union’s Hazel Dell office located at 305 NE 81st Street. The two-day seminar is $189; interested participants can register for and attend just one of the two events for $109. Seating is limited.

For more information, visit the “Business What’s New” section on the iQ Credit Union website at www.iQcu.com or, to register, visit the SCORE website at www.scorevancouver.org. For questions, contact SCORE at 699-1079 or by email at scorevan@iinet.com.

News Briefs

Firstenburg Community Center will be holding a holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 700 NE 136th Avenue. This event will be featuring over 60 booths with a selection of unique gift items. Admission is a can of food. For more information, contact Patty Krebs at 487-7015. <> The 27th CREDC Annual Meeting is being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Hilton Convention Center. Early registration pricing is $35 for individuals and $300 per table of ten, and ends on Monday, Nov. 16. Late registration pricing is $45 for individuals and $400 per table of ten, and ends on Tuesday, Nov.18. To register for this event, click here.

Calendar

Clark County Family YMCA is having its annual harvest party from 5 to 7:30 p.m. tonight, Oct. 29, Clark County Family YMCA, 11324 NE 51st Circle, located off of SR-500 and 112th and Gher Road. There is a $1 suggested donation. Call 885-9622 for more information. <> The City of Vancouver is having a Community Open House and Information Fair from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 29, at the Westfield Vancouver Mall (lower level between Nordstrom and Macy’s). Attendees will be able to meet representatives from all city departments and ask questions about city programs and services, and learn about what's going on in the community. Kids of all ages are welcome and will be treated to face painting by the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation department, among other activities. Call 487-7060 or email events@ci.vancouver.wa.us for more information.

Thursday on the air

 

Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners (10-27)—4:31 p.m. CVTV

Vancouver Children’s Opera: Amahl and the Night Visitors (10-24)—5:56 p.m. CVTV

Clark County Close Up (10-4)—6:55 p.m. CVTV

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (10-25)—7:31 p.m. CVTV

Health Care Reform: A Moral and Fiscal Imperative (9-25)—9:29 p.m. CVTV

Council for the Homeless 10th Annual Recognition Awards Luncheon (9-25)—10:59 p.m. CVTV

 

 

Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar

 

Thursday, October 29, 2009 Headlines

 

Links to news of local & national significance

Neighbors abuzz over power lines--Columbian, Erik Robinson

Vancouver soldier killed in Afghanistan--Columbian, John Branton and Dave Kern

Hayes students closer to permanent home--Columbian, Marissa Harshman

Taking a 'Leap of Faith'--Columbian, Laura McVicker

House Dems unveil health care bill--USA Today, by USA Today's Congress Team