Thank you to everyone who attended the Congressional Update Membership Luncheon with Rep. Dan Newhouse on August 28.

Rep. Newhouse spoke to the audience about numerous issues affecting the Tri-Cities region, including inflation, fentanyl addiction, and the lower Snake River dams. Additionally, Rep. Newhouse was presented with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Advocate for American Business Award by U.S. Chamber Vice President Chris Eyler.

The Tri-Cities Strategic Alliance partner organizations - the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG), the Regional Chamber (TCRCC), Tri-Cities Development Council (TRIDEC), and Visit Tri-Cities - shared details on four regional-scale initiatives during the TCRCC membership luncheon on Wednesday, July 24. A leader from each organization presented their initial project, showcasing the powerful synergy of the alliance. 

The projects (in order as they were presented):
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IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities - Presented by Kevin Lewis, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities
An IRONMAN event is more than just a race. It’s a way to showcase the strength and vitality of our community in an uplifting and meaningful way. The event involves support from dozens of agencies and thousands of volunteers who step up to showcase the good in our community - and it will bring millions of dollars in economic impact to our businesses. Kevin's presentation celebrated what it means to host an IRONMAN event in the Tri-Cities and inspired attendees to play a part in fueling the transformational growth it can bring to our communities. IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities will take place on September 22, 2024. The race is already sold out, but they are still looking for volunteers to help make the event a success. Click here for more information.

Tri-Cities Shoreline Re-Conveyance - Presented by Karl Dye, President & CEO of TRIDEC
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) owns the shoreline of the Columbia River that runs through the Tri-Cities. In 1995, Congressman Doc Hastings passed federal legislation authorizing USACOE to transfer this property to all of the adjacent local jurisdictions, but burdensome permitting processes has prevented this from happening. Now, TRIDEC is working with Benton and Franklin Counties, the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland, the Port of Pasco, the 1855 Treaty Tribes of the Yakama Nation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to introduce new legislation.  This will transfer specific land and allow our community to improve riverfront access and enhance public use of the shoreline.

Internet for All - Presented by Michelle Holt, Executive Director of BFCOG
Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband and the digital knowledge and skills to use it is essential to full participation in today’s world. Access is vital to information, education, healthcare, job seeking, communication, social connection, and small business, but digital inclusion has many barriers. The Internet for All project focuses on strategies to ensure digital equity for all citizens of Benton and Franklin counties. 

Ag Innovation Center - Presented by Randy Hayden, Executive Director of Port of Pasco and Chair of TCRCC's myTRI 2030 Ag Council & Lon Hatamiya, President of the VINE Institute
The Port of Pasco, in association with TCRCC, is leading the development of an agricultural innovation center in the Tri-Cities - an original project from the myTRI 2030 Regional Vision Project. The center is envisioned as a specialized facility and/or campus network to capture opportunities for ag innovations, form a hub of connections across the ag economy, and develop technology that uplifts the workforce and producers in the ag industry. Development of the center and its programs will add significant value to the region's ag economy and position the Tri-Cities and Washington as a global leader in ag innovation.

More information on all four projects will be shared in the coming months. Thanks to Columbia Ability Alliance for sponsoring the luncheon!

The Legislative Session Wrap-Up Membership Luncheon on May 29, 2024 was a huge success! 8th District Rep. Stephanie Barnard, 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler, 15th District Sen. Nikki Torres, and 16th District Sen. Perry Dozier shared updates on the latest laws and pivotal changes from the recent legislative session. Nearly 300 attendees were informed on legislative issues important to the business community. Thanks to Energy Northwest for sponsoring the impactful luncheon.

Thanks to everyone who attended the State of the Counties Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Benton County Commissioner Michael Alvarez and Franklin County Commissioner Stephen Bauman gave insightful presentations on their prospective counties, touching on economic development, partnerships, public safety, and more.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Business After Hours at Columbia Ability Alliance on Thursday, April 11. We hope you had a wonderful time and made some fruitful new business connections.

Thanks to everyone who participated in or attended the State of Higher Education Membership Luncheon on November 29! WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Dr. Sandra Haynes, CBC President Dr. Rebekah Woods, and Heritage University President Dr. Andrew Sund discussed trends that are changing the landscape of higher education, the effects of technology and artificial intelligence, how their institutions are closing the skills gap, and more. 

Thanks to everyone who participated in or attended the 2023 State of the Cities Luncheon on Wednesday, October 25, 2023! Kennewick Mayor Bill McKay, Pasco Mayor Blanche Barajas, Richland Mayor Terry Christensen, and West Richland Mayor Brent Gerry shared updates from their cities that were relevant and applicable to business and community leaders. Their presentations shed light on the innovative strategies and key initiatives that will shape the Tri-Cities in the years to come.

Thank you to everyone who attended the June Monthly Membership Luncheon featuring the police chiefs of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and West Richland.

The four chiefs participated in a moderated discussion regarding homelessness, gang activity, violent crime, officer recruitment, and more. At the end of the program, attendees were given the opportunity to ask their questions to the chiefs. Thanks to Basin Pacific Insurance and Benefits for sponsoring this impactful luncheon.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Hanford Update Membership Luncheon on May 4.