Economic Development
The Economic Development Program is an integral part of the agency. The CWCOG provides a forum for agencies, both public and private, to discuss regional issues across numerous jurisdictional boundaries and to have meaningful conversations regarding the growth and economic health of the region. From these discussions, comes collaboration and action that help to improve the livability of our communities.
EVENTS
Vendor Business Workshop – Wahkiakum County – May 12, 2026 – 4pm to 6pm
River Street Room – 25 River Street, Suite D, Cathlamet
Vender Business Workshop – Cowlitz County – May 14, 2026 – 4pm to 6pm
Catlin Hall Senior Center – 106 8th Avenue, Kelso
Register for either location HERE
If you have dreamed about being a vendor for events or markets, this is your opportunity to learn the trade from a professional vendor organizer, Jasmine Riley from Your Era Coaching. There are two opportunities to try your new business at the Merk market on May 30th and the Puget Island market on June 6th.
Mompreneur Class – The Nook – May 20, 2026 – 9 am to 11 am
16 Huntington Avenue N #E, Castle Rock
Register for the workshop HERE
Learn from experienced “mompreneurs” about creating your own business and get ready to show your creations at the vendor market in real life. Hosted by entrepreurs Jakki Millo of The Nook and Melissa Vandervalk of Red Leaf Coffee. Try out your new skills at a Mom and Kid market on June 13th at The Nook.
Vendor Markets
May 30th at The Merk, 1339 Commerce Ave, Longview. 10 am to 4 pm.
June 6th at Little Island Creamery, 448 Little Island Rd, Cathlamet. 11 am to 4 pm
June 13th at The Nook, Castle Rock. 10 am to 4 pm.
Kids and Mom Vendors welcome! Here is more information about the event.
Economic Development District (EDD)
Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are the conduits through which the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) identifies local and regional priorities and applies funding. Established EDDs made up of private, public, and non-profit sector members create the forum for establishing a strategic blueprint of a regionally driven, economic development planning process; one that supports the attraction of new businesses, helps existing businesses thrive, promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, and provides infrastructure improvements.
In November of 2018, the EDA approved the CWCOG’s request for a two-county EDD designation comprised of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, named the CWCOG as the District Organization, and the CWCOG Board of Directors as the administrative board for the EDD.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee is a subcommittee of the Economic Development District Board. The CEDS Committee is charged with assisting CWCOG staff with the creation, updates, revisions, and replacement of the five-year CEDS document. The Committee represents the main economic interests of the region and includes both private and public-sector representatives.