Wasco County Innovators Share Notes on Building Community
By Robin Denning
Some of the Dalles' most exciting innovators met this week to collaborate and share ideas about starting and doing business in Wasco County. 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.
Kerri Weed, owner of Gorge Academy of Cosmetology, talked about difficulties with staffing and finding qualified collaborators as much of the crowd nodded in agreement with their own staffing struggles.
Matt, owner of Wines on 2nd, brought up difficult issues he faces with rising costs and taxes associated with importing food and wine goods from Europe.
The founders of Gorge Farmers Collective talked about their challenges of bringing independent gorge farmers together to deliver fresh, local produce to families in our communities, and wow, what a challenge.
In the words of Michal Cain, "Driven by the unshakeable faith, the Earth is ours." These business owners continue to show up and push the boundaries of how small businesses can build our communities up in ways government never could. Their untenable perseverance to bring light to our world can only be matched by the love of their patrons, and that's where you come in.
If you're looking for delightfully fresh produce, consider taking $50 from your Freddies budget and spending it with Gorge Farmers Collective.
If you're looking for a wine or special delight for the smorgasbord look no further than Wines on 2nd, you'll find yourself deep in a world of culinary curiosity.
And finally, if you need a haircut for that dinner you're about to put on with all this wonderful food because it's too good to keep to yourself, then consider getting a trim with one of the students at Gorge Academy of Cosmetology.
And think about the daily dedication involved in running a small business as they innovate space for all of us to enjoy this incredible community we call home.
