CEDR 2024 Year In Review

In 2024, CEDR took an active role in advocating for the business community and fostering important collaborations on key legislative and regulatory matters, including:

• Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): CEDR represented the business community by providing testimony at both local “listening sessions” and legislative hearings, emphasizing the potentially devastating economic consequences of enacting the HCP.
• FEMA BiOp: Supported regional efforts at the federal and state levels to delay or reconsider the December 1, 2024, deadline for implementing FEMA Pre-Compliance Implementation Measures (PICM).
• DEQ 900-J Permit: Partnered with the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners, the Port of Astoria, and other stakeholders to engage with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on proposed wastewater discharge permits that could threaten the sustainability of our seafood industry. These efforts were discussed at CEDR and Col-Pac Board meetings to build support for opposing the new regulations.
• Measure 118: At the direction of the CEDR Board, CEDR joined a coalition to oppose Measure 118, which proposed a costly sales tax. This measure was defeated by a resounding 79% vote against its enactment.

Workforce Development:

CEDR continues to lead and support workforce development initiatives throughout Clatsop County, including:

• Clatsop County Job & Career Fair: CEDR has successfully partnered with WorkSource Oregon to host the annual Clatsop County Job & Career Fair since its inception.
• CEDR Director/AVP Leadership: The CEDR Director and AVP serve as direct reports to the President of Clatsop Community College (CCC), representing the business community on the college’s leadership council and providing monthly updates to the CCC Board of Education.
• Clatsop Center for Business, Community & Professional Development: The AVP and Director oversee CCC’s non-credit programs, fostering greater opportunities for skill development and training.
• Regional Workforce Advisory Boards: The CEDR Director also serves as an advisory member of Col-Pac (Columbia Pacific Economic Development District) and NOW (Northwest Oregon WORKS), providing insight into regional workforce investment strategies.
• School District Collaboration: In 2024, the Superintendent of the Astoria School District joined the CEDR Board as an advisory member, with Superintendents from Seaside and Warrenton-Hammond School Districts set to join in 2025. This collaboration ensures representation from all Clatsop County school districts.
• Clatsop WORKS & CWE Programs: Led by Misty Bateman, these programs continue to provide valuable work experience opportunities for students and job seekers.
• Clatsop SBDC Programs: Under the leadership of Jessica Newhall, the Clatsop Small Business Development Center (SBDC) continues to support the growth and success of local businesses.

Community Engagement:

• 2024 Clatsop County Job & Career Fair: In 2024, CEDR proudly led the Clatsop County Job & Career Fair, connecting over 600 students with 70 employers, providing invaluable networking and career opportunities.
• March 11th, 2025 ~ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Volunteers Needed!

CEDR 2024 Awards:

• CEDR proudly hosted the 2024 CEDR Awards, honoring 17 exceptional business leaders and community champions for their contributions.
• Bill & Robin Montero were recipients of the prestigious “Skip Hauke Service Award” for their outstanding dedication to the community.
• Save the Date! The 2025 CEDR Awards will be held on May 22nd. Stay tuned for more details and nomination information.

Clatsop County Childcare Advisory Committee:

• As a member of the Clatsop County Childcare Advisory Committee, CEDR helped secure $312,250 in grants, supporting 16 local childcare programs.

CEDR Community Connections:

• Throughout 2024, CEDR’s team attended over 100 meetings with local organizations, including the Astoria-Warrenton Area & Seaside Chambers of Commerce, ADHDA (Astoria Downtown Historic District Association), and SDDA (Seaside Downtown Development Association), providing updates and fostering community engagement at each meeting.
• CEDR presented strategic updates at numerous key meetings, including the Clatsop County Commission, Astoria City Council, Seaside City Council, CCC Board of Education, AWACC, Col-Pac Board, NOW Board, and the Astoria & Seaside Rotary Clubs.
• CEDR’s Director serves as an advisory member on the AWACC Board of Directors, incoming chair for the ADHDA Business Development Committee (2025), and is collaborating with the Seaside Chamber Board to strengthen ties with CEDR, CCC, SBDC, and Clatsop WORKS.
• Additionally, CEDR attended various award and recognition events hosted by AWACC, Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Seaside Chamber of Commerce.

Strengthening Partnership with Clatsop Community College:

• CEDR’s Executive Director played a key role in the application, interview, and finalist recommendation committee for the selection of the new President of Clatsop Community College (CCC).
• CEDR leadership has been pivotal in bridging connections between CCC’s new President, Jarrod Hogue, and key business leaders, ensuring a strong alignment between workforce development initiatives and local industry needs.
• Efforts are underway to bring additional CCC programs to South County in 2025 and beyond, a critical area with tremendous potential for both the college and the community.

CEDR 2025 Priorities:

• Continue to serve as Clatsop County’s connector, fostering collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, economic development partners, and business owners.
• Lead the development of a strategic economic plan for Clatsop County that strengthens and diversifies the local economy while continuing to support vital natural resource industries. This will be a collaborative effort with public and private members of the CEDR Board.
• Continue prioritizing workforce development to meet the growing needs of our local economy.
• Align Clatsop Community College’s Strategic Plan with CEDR’s work plan, strengthening partnerships with the business community and enhancing CCC’s role in regional economic development.
• Maintain a strong emphasis on childcare solutions and secure ongoing funding.
• Renew the Clatsop Enterprise Zone, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025.