Congratulations to our Ambassador of the Quarter, Lisa Jackson!

Lisa's dedication shines through in everything she does! Between July and September, Lisa attended 10 Ribbon Cutting/Groundbreaking ceremonies, all three Business After Hours events, and made it to every monthly luncheon. On top of all that, she generously volunteered hours to support our chamber events.

Thank you, Lisa, for your incredible commitment and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team!

​Lamb Weston has announced the permanent closure of its potato processing plant in Connell, Washington, affecting around 375 workers. The Connell plant was known for producing a variety of fries and other frozen potato products.

The community and other local businesses are rallying together to assist to support and encourage the affected employees. Job fairs in the Tri-Cities like the one at Columbia Basin College on October 21, 2024, are being organized to help employees find new positions. Employees are encouraged to apply for positions at other Lamb Weston facilities in the Tri-Cities area. Other businesses in the Tri-Cities area that are currently hiring are encouraged to reach out to Ozzy Del Toro at 509-426-4807 and participate in upcoming job fairs. The closure was the result of a combination of factors:

• Supply and Demand Imbalance: There has been a mismatch between the supply of frozen potato products and the demand in North America.
  
• Inflationary Environment: Ongoing inflation has increased operational costs, making it difficult to maintain profitability.
• Operational Efficiency: The Connell plant was an older, higher-cost facility, and its closure is part of a broader restructuring plan to improve operational and cost efficiencies.

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Despite the current downturn, the overall potato processing industry continues to grow, with expectations for sales growth to eventually increase, aided by restaurant chain promotions.

A huge thanks to all of the elected officials and business leaders who attended the Elected Leaders Reception on Thursday, October 3 at the REACH Museum. The Elected Leaders Reception is a chance to provide elected officials a ground-level perspective about the current business environment, make connections with community leaders, and enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

Both the Tri-City Regional Chamber and co-host the Home Builders Association of the Tri-Cities are strong supporters of business advocacy and are proud to provide a forum where regional business and community leaders can come together with local and state representatives to discuss issues which matter most.

Thanks to all of the event sponsors: Battelle, Hayden Homes, the Tri-City Association of Realtors, Bechtel, Breshears Professional Photography, CG Public House & Catering, and Moon Security.

Congratulations to Washington State University Tri-Cities on their ribbon cutting celebration to officially open their Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) building.  The building is located at 2892 Pauling Ave. in Richland. To learn more about INEF, visit ​wsuwp.tricities.wsu.edu/inef/.

Congratulations to Tri-Cities Kumon Math & Reading Center on their ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday, October 4! Their office is located at 731 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Ste. 126 in Kennewick.

Congratulations to Craftsman Cabinets & Flooring on their ribbon cutting ceremony on September 25! Visit the Design Center at 122 Wellsian Way in Richland.

The Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) has a new recommendation for approval of the Horse Heaven Hills Solar and Wind Project with some modifications. The project, proposed by Scout Clean Energy, includes up to 222 wind turbines about 500 feet tall or 141 turbines about 670 feet tall, along with solar arrays and battery storage. On Friday September 13th the EFSEC voted 4-3 to approve the newest project approval. 

The council’s recommendation will now go to Governor Jay Inslee for a final decision. The project has faced opposition from some local residents and groups concerned about its impact on the landscape and wildlife, including endangered ferruginous hawks and traditional cultural properties important to the Yakama Nation.

The new recommendation reduces many of the restrictions EFSEC placed on the project in its last recommendation.

Key Differences in the New Recommendation:

• Turbine Restrictions: The new recommendation imposes fewer limitations on the placement of turbines compared to the previous one. The earlier recommendation required eliminating about half of the proposed turbines unless they could be relocated within the project boundaries. The new recommendation impacts fewer turbines, specifically those near endangered ferruginous hawk nests, traditional cultural properties important to the Yakama Nation, and aerial firefighting zones.

• Environmental and Cultural Protections: While still maintaining protections for wildlife, habitat, and cultural properties, the new recommendation is more tailored to balance these concerns with the state’s clean energy goals.

• Governor’s Input: Governor Inslee had previously sent the recommendation back to EFSEC, asking for changes that better prioritize the state’s clean energy needs. The new recommendation reflects this directive by reducing the number of turbines affected by restrictions.
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While this may be the latest recommendation to the Governor's office, it may not be the end of the story. You can read more about the latest recommendation here. 

Congratulations to Guild Mortgage on their ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, September 17! The new office is located at 8656 W. Gage Blvd., Ste. A103 in Kennewick.

Congratulations to the City of Richland on the grand opening of the new Badger Mountain South Fire Station! ​The 10,850-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is located at 4307 Trowbridge Boulevard, just off Dallas Road and Interstate 82 in South Richland.