Trade Mark
The modest cost of living and unmatched quality of life attracts a variety of businesses to make the Colville area their headquarters. The lumber industry is a natural partner, which is why Vaagen Bros. Lumber, Inc., celebrates 50 years of providing employment opportunities in their mill and in private contract timber harvesting. The 128-foot-high log crane that unloads a full logging truck in one grasp is a big area visitor attraction, too. Stimson Lumber Co. is a natural resource and forest product company. The Arden facility provides jobs for approximately 200 people in the surrounding Colville area in a safe, environmentally friendly atmosphere. This modern facility produces quality pine and cedar boards for customers throughout the United States. Boise's dedicated workforce over the years make it a mighty voice in today's business and environmental circles - its Washington region holdings employ 800 workers in two plywood plants, two small log mills, two large log mills and a cadre of forestry, logging and administrative personnel. Annual sales for this region reach $225 million.
Colville's recreational nature makes it a good fit for companies associated with the outdoors. That's why Hewes Marine Company, a family-owned manufacturer of Hewescraft aluminum boats, has operated here for 54 years.
Other industries also are eager to participate in our growth. Hearth and Home Technologies (a division of Hon Industries) recently expanded its presence here to occupy a 125,000-square-foot facility on 17 acres. Colmac Coil Manufacturing continues to increase business in the heat transfer product market from this base. Colmac Industries is a worldwide supplier of commercial laundry equipment.
"Colville was the right choice for Washington Dental Service to open its second customer service call center," says Craig Gowdy, Vice President of Information Technology and Facilities for Washington Dental Service. It's the largest dental benefits company in the state, serving more than 1.5 million people. "Colville business development officials anticipated the issues a business would be concerned about and addressed them before we asked. Colville has the workforce and telecommunications infrastructure to support our business. We were impressed with Colville's revitalization of its downtown, the excellent facilities at the Community Colleges of Spokane and Washington State University's Learning Center. It is a perfect fit."
Colville leans heavily on the state's work training programs to give both its employees and employers a leg up on the competition. We offer a local SCORE chapter (that's the nationally recognized Service Corps of Retired Executives, a 12,400-member volunteer association sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration) to counsel entrepreneurs on their range of business options and decision making. We also tap into Washington's Work Source, a one-stop source that matches skilled workers to companies needing those qualifications.
Tri-county Economic Development District strives to develop a stable and diverse economy; to build partnerships between businesses, government and communities; and to assist businesses to grow, invest, create and retain jobs.
