Tri-Cities Strategic Alliance Projects Detailed at Regional Chamber's July Membership Luncheon

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!