Some of the Dalles' most exciting innovators met this week to collaborate and share ideas about starting and doing business in Wasco County. It was hosted by MCEDD at Wines on 2nd Street. A crowd of about 20 business owners huddled around a stage to listen to panelists talk about their successes and struggles in starting businesses here in The Dalles.

Angela and Brian Hanson have poured their heart and souls into Empower Yoga in downtown The Dalles with the idea that the new business can bring strength to the community through wellness and movement.

The Dalles First Friday events will be in full swing on Sept. 2 as local merchants find ways to give back to local schools and stay open until 8 p.m. Kaahreena Ochoco will hit her four-month mark at the event and will be giving to kindergarten teacher Courtney Middleton, while showing off her resale and consignment store, Per Diem Thrifts.

Sarah Cook is melding her career of advocacy and her expertise in literature and writing to offer locals a chance to refine their writing - any writing. All people have an ignition switch - a voice inside that is fascinating and interesting. Why not share it? Sarah aims to put a flame to that pilot light to get your prose burning a hot blue flame. And it doesn’t have to hurt.