Since the Land Here, Live Here ad campaign was launched we’ve had a great time documenting the stories of local leaders who’ve chosen to do business here. A few examples are Doctors Jay, Bob and Jennifer who practice at Cascade Dental, Port of Woodland Executive Director Nelson Holmberg and John Rudie at Thompson Metal. Others have participated and more are in the works, but rather than telling their stories I want to offer another perspective on the rewards of choosing to live here.
This past week there have been four specific incidents that collectively help to define why this place – Southwest Washington – is the place to land and live.
It’s been quite a week for RSV Building Solutions owner Ron Frederiksen as well as Design Showroom owner Terry Murphy. First, last Saturday morning the RSV Building Solutions crew was at Esther Short Park, working on their day off. It wasn’t a lowest bid for contract item and it wasn’t sole source provider work. What it was, pure and simple, was volunteer labor and donation of time and effort to take care of a community asset.
Having noticed that the Band Stand at Esther Short Park had begun to look a bit dingy and knowing the Vancouver/Clark Parks was suffering the budget resizing currently overwhelming local governments, Ron decided to take action. He talked with his staff and then contacted the city manager. After some angst at the city about how to receive this in kind gift, they set the date and got it done. In the end, it was a few hours of time and the park once again has a centerpiece that looks cared for. Clearly, Ron and the staff at RSV care.
Then on Wednesday evening, Frederiksen and Murphy responded to another need at the Share Fromhold Service Center Open House, held in the renovated Timber lanes. Share was putting on display the nearly completed renovation (a project led by RSV) and used the occasion to launch phase three of their capital campaign. Needing to replace nearly a million dollars of funding from the federal government, Share is working diligently to raise the $1.2 million needed to complete the project. Steve Hansen, local businessman and developer, announced at the event a $100,000 challenge grant he and his wife Jo Marie were offering in hopes of matching it during the event. In less than 15 minutes the $100,000 was not only matched, but exceeded. More than $202,000 was raised. Included in that sum were donations from Frederiksen and Murphy, Northwest Natural Products CEO Marty Rifkin and the Firstenburg Family Foundation, represented that evening by Mark Grignon.
Earlier in the week, Columbia Credit Union donated $60,000 toward the necessary equipment to finish out two of the labs critical to the new Engineering and Computer Science Building at WSUV. Recognizing the value this new degree program has on the region, Columbia Credit Union made it possible to open the building with these labs ready to go.
Finally, at yesterday’s quarterly luncheon for the Columbia River Economic Development Center, we heard from nLight CEO Scott Keeny. Scott did talk about nLight and what they make and to whom they sell it, but that was just a couple of minutes worth of his overall presentation. Rather, Scott talked about two of his passions: quality math and science education for our children, and the uniqueness of this place we all call home.
Unlike other communities he has lived in, Scott commented that folks here are willing to come together to make things happen. To highlight what he meant, he introduced four individuals who are making a clear difference in the community by impacting the lives of local students in a positive way. Scott, too, is making a difference with his education-focused nonprofit nConnect, which matches science and engineering professionals with AP science and math classes at area high schools.
Friday Football Extra
This weekend is huge in high school football arenas around the state and especially for Clark County. Three of our area teams – Camas, Union and Skyview are all playing in the state playoffs. Camas is a favorite to be in the title game for the 3A division, with Union and Skyview in the quarterfinals for the 4A state title.
Now from the Uncle in me: You’ll find me Saturday afternoon at Kiggins Bowl rooting on Skyview as they take on the #1 ranked team in the state – Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma. I really like Skyview’s chances with the likes of their running back Parker Henry and the quarterback Kieran McDonagh. Go Storm!
